Moos

Thanks Loz!

I too hope that electoral reform will return to the political stage, perhaps in a couple of elections' time. There would seem to be enough groundswell that it just doesn't feel likely that it will go away for "a generation", as people have said. Huguenot, when I was at university we elected people using what we called STV, but from wha I remember seemed very much like AV. Could you very kindly explain the difference? I think I'd prefer AV to PR, possibly because I don't understand how with PR you would allocate local MPs.

I agree with Marmora Man, and was shocked to read PeckhamRose's post, given her vocation. If you do know how painful it is - and I too well remember my mother's pain at having to gently remind her father every day that his beloved wife of more than 50 years had died - then I'm surprised you could wish that pain on anyone else. Not much of an advertisement for a compassionate conductor of funeral services.

Can't help you with Sandy Balls itself, but it's very close to where I grew up and it's a lovely part of the Forest. Couple of nice little market towns nearby, and lots of common land to rum around on. And, yes, we used to snigger when we drove past. Every time.. Oh, and if you want to eat out at all you could consider the Three Lions in Fordingbridge or the old tea rooms in Gorley (now a restaurant and B&B ) for nice food.

Are we talking about a wizard's staff?

Sprog 1 is now recovered, albeit still spotty. Sprog 2 is playing his cards close to his chest: apparently the pox can lurk for a couple of weeks before emerging.

If only.

Jehovah!

Am I late?

Gerald Durrell. (pre death)

mockney piers Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Two daisies a chain does make, just not a very > useful one ;-P When was a daisy chain ever useful, and for what? She said, to be even more annoying.

My son is now (I hope!) recovering from what seems to have been a relatively mild bout. Eurax cream (much better than the acqueous cream with calamine we were first sold) and Piriton kept the itching under control. I took Buggie's advice re: doses of Calpol when he had fever (see her recent post on dosage and on when paracetemol, when ibuprofen). Also, if your child has bad spots or itching, it's recommended to wear loose cotton clothing, and change pyjamas and bed linen every day.

I keep my sons' hair super-short so that they can join the Army at a moment's notice.

What about Blue Mountain, Blackbird Bakery or Hope & Greenwood. She said, just to be annoying.

Hey, The Man With 2 Brains was top.

Ladywot, you can borrow our Ergo - we don't sling very often.

But in what order, Townleygreen?

I've voted Yes.

Ha! Neither of my newborns 'slept all the time' or had long deep-sleep naps. If slinging or buggy naps work, relax and go with them. I do think it's a good idea however to continue to encourage at least one daily nap in bed if you can - one less thing to introduce later. But don't worry if you can't. Also, I think 3 weeks is a growth spurt-maybe up the feeds? Best of luck - sounds as though you're doing brilliantly. Try to rest if you can, it's a long road ahead even with a baby who sleeps regularly before you regain a normal sleeping pattern yourself.

I've just had interesting advice from Millpond with regard to getting the crucial and long-lasting lunchtime nap to extend beyond 30-40 minutes, ie one sleep cycle. She suggested trying to put bubs down as near as possible to the same time every day (within half an hour or so), and then if he wakes after one sleep cycle and won't resettle with gentle persuasion, I should get him up but then try to resettle him 40 minutes later for another sleep cycle (or not more than an hour - as if!). She said it could take 2 or 3 weeks of doing it every day, every day, but will eventually help him to get used to sleeping longer at lunchtime. And no leaving to cry - yay. I guess I'll report back in 3 weeks! The other thing I thought I'd try is picking him up just as he wakes and immediately take him for a walk, in the hope that he'll sleep. Sort of an adaptation of Pickle's method.

Snorky, I think I've just rediscovered the love.

Sorry Peter, I've just reread your post and missed your point in my earlier response. But I think you are conflating campaigning (convincing the shopkeeper) with voting (buying the bar). By the time you get to ticking boxes it's too late to change what's in stock. You can only have what's in the shop. You might not like Mars as much as G&B but at least you can stomach them. Better than ending up with a Wagon Wheel which Moore than half of the chocolate eaters hate but a significant minority like best.

Peter, in that case just write "Green & Black" on the card and that makes it clear that no other will do for you.

Cross-posted with Mockers there... clearly we spat our coffee at the same time.

Really, Silverfox, you are quite shameless. Lost the debate? Regardless of which side you're on, it's clear that the debate continues. Now, I'm a Yes-er on the grounds of choice but would still love to understand, as Mr Ben asked, why so few nations use AV for parliamentary elections. Does anyone have any insight?