Peckhamgatecrasher

Ooh, this reminds me of my very first Home Economics lesson. Thanks to Mrs. Large I can chop onions like a pro. On a lesson on how not to chop, look at Delia. She makes me wince everytime, I keep expecting finger tips in the mix.

Alan, in strict etiquettal rules (new word - I love it), invitations should only be issued six weeks before the event. I suppose they are giving guests the opportunity to save up for the wedding, but then it's a bit rich to expect a firm RSVP so early on. Frankly since they seem to be breaking the rules, I wouldn't sweat about being correct.

Strictly speaking you should write to the hosts (or whoever issued the invitation), using the same style as them. Eg, if formally worded in the third person, answer formally in third person. You only have to "regret you are unable to attend", you don't need to give a reason. However, since it is a close connection, you could write that you are really sorry to miss it, blah, blah. You can still/should send a gift with your congratulations and best wishes.

It's probably a Waitrose intercept. Enigma has nothing on those guys.

Huggers, that has to be the post of the year!

I appear to have been debited ?46 from TicketLondonLondon. Assuming that's the pukka Olympic site, we have tickets! Fortunately not for the diving. Quite exciting to see whether it will be the dressage or athletics heat.

How vulgar of you, Snorky. I sip my coffee from a bone china cup with matching saucer. Can't be doing with tea - it's disgusting.

Anyone else follow the link from the Guardian OBO to the Abbey Road Crossing Cam? Strangely compulsive viewing.

*swoons*

I was approached by a young Asian girl (not Japanese) last week in a local shop, and asked for sponsorship for Japan. I declined because that is my default position, and because she wasn't very articulate about what it was for. However, I didn't suspect a scam.

No I love him. Bean is my favourite.

What about "The Beauty Room"? Says what it does on the tin, non?

Fortunately we just had a family bet. I lost 20p on Ocean War. Cocky little jockey what? Great finish but if I was his trainer I'd haul him over the coals for standing/pulling before crossing the line.

Miss Anthropes regrets she is unable to lunch today.

I have a large blue wheelie bin for recycling. It is full to bursting each week (there are two flats using it) so a fortnightly collection would be a nightmare. The green wheelie bin can stand fortnightly collection as can the brown gardening/food bin. The brown one is only brimming a couple of times a year after garden tidy ups. Certainly not enough food waste generated to justify weekly collection.

Well done. I'll get me hat.

We could arrange an ersatz Viking funeral at Dulwich park for you - just nick a stray dog to lie at your feet. Gives a whole new meaning to: "Come in number 17, your time is up."

I knew it! She's a mad woman - turn your back for two seconds and you'll be in a brown paper package tied up with string.

A RosieH has thorns. Marry me Ted.

The King is dead. Long live the King!

Cricket anyone?

I must admit to a slight wobble this morning when I walked across Goose Green: there were two pairs of shoes just abandoned.

I'm back from work. I'm ready for my Rapture, Mr de Mille.

I love Hastings. I learned to ride there. It used to be full of wonderful old second hand book shops; the pier had old penny slot machines and I won a towel at the Bingo. Winkles were second to none. Cliffs were great for scrambling over, and until it went nudist, Fairlight Cove was worth the struggle to get there. If it's gone Guardian, I shall mourn it.

I can't join in - I'm currently reading "Little House on the Prarie".