citizenED

Mick, you are a terminally Golf Obsessed headcase. The picnic is on the Saturday. That's like yesterday's news in golfing terms. You can sate yourself on Sunday, mate. I'll make sure my 5 year old brings his plastic driver, niblick and putter to the picnic - you can coach him.

Sure OD, everyone welcome. I'm planning to come with my little ones so you will be able to meet them. it is on Sat 17th July, precise location and time to be announced. As it was Katie's call, those details should be up to her.

The playground and paddling pool are good, i'll say that, and when we were there my two had a brilliant time. That was not my concern, though. It was the line of dope smoking, lager drinking, be-tattooed, parents/carers complete with their snarling, aggressive dogs that sat on the bank of grass overseeing the playground that had me worried. pk and Moos; obviously more "street" that citED

Hope the weather holds for this.

I've done a poo in public. But then I was only two... Ruskin Park. Been once with my little ones. A once only experience.

It so happened I watched the game with a bunch of England-supporting Kiwis in a pub near Guildford. I asked one of them if they would also be supporting our cricket team against the Aussies. "Don't push your luck." was the reply. As for the game, I didn't think England were that bad - and definitely not 4-1 bad. That we creaked so much at the back was strange considering that we'd only let in one flukey goal before today. In the second half, at 2-1 we had that long spell, when Lampard hit the bar, where Germany were just not in it. It was, for the second time in the game, a question of the next goal really counting - and it went to them. Game over. But England had plenty of shots and an awful bit of luck, and in the end we didn't measure up. I'd much rather this loss in an exciting game than a pinched one-nil victory in an awful game.

Nice to hear about another spot within striking distance. Will try it soon.

You must be shaken up after such an incident. You should report it. As james asks, where was this?

Olivia - try wearing dresses instead, Sure they'll suit you better. I hate the person who designed that handrail in the front window of the 176 bus. Precesely in my line of sight. Grrr.....

Caught Ken Loach's "Ae Fond Kiss" last night (at home on Lovefilm hire). Absolutely brilliant. Based in Glasgow it is a completely absorbing exploration of arranged marriage/westernised romantic ideal debate that must cause such heartache in the Pakistani Community in the UK. One to catch.

Bought the latest Tracey Thorn called "Love and it's Opposite". I's a grower. Subtle and pensive. Was listening to her about 25 years ago when she was in The MArine Girls. Completely from left field, got a compilation called "Songs for Dad" from my two little ones on Father's Day. Thought it was a touching gesture that would quickly be gathering dust - but this starts with "Come FLy with Me2 by Sinatra, ends with Johnnie Ray's "Just Walking in the Rain" and in between sweeps through a load of gems from the 50s, including "Good Rocking Daddy" by Etta James. Cool.

England 2 - 0 Australia

Quids said "plus meeting one of my favourite posters" bet it's the one with the tennis player scratching her cheek!

Great - sorry can't be with you people - Have a nice time and report back on the Victoria for us.

I know I haven't posted much on that school places thread but I was aware of your plight and am really relieved for you that you have a place finally. We were in precisely the same position as you last year and although we didn't wait for quite so long it was a tortuous time. A weight off your shoulders. Citizen

It's some of the best advertising the All England Club could have.

Here is the link you want, dancet; Children's playground incident

If your 2 year old starts every sentence with "when you're finished on the forum Mummy..." then you've got a child genius on your hands!

I think emc is a journalist looking for a story. I might be wrong. emc might be a parent worried about getting their child into a knife-crime free school.

....you get your P45.

Does anyone actually want England to go through, and us have to again endure the dispiriting chore that is watching England?

They slipped that one through quietly in the Budget, Keef. Bastards

They are having one (or two) on Friday, Wilhelm, if you care to join them.

Why, do you know how to Kipple?

No quids he didn't, that was Matt 123 - but JTT has already fielded a question about my point. Christ I'm as off the pace as England.