I wasn't going to post until tonight as I wanted people to get used to the idea. A day trip to Hever was also on offer. Unfortunately a neighbour was taken ill so we are looking after her instead. So here I am - earlier than anticipated!
Thank you to everyone on this thread who posted messages. I found them very heartening and do appreciate the kindness. A special mention to Hornspieler who has been exceptionally supportive, to johncorrigan, amateur51 and serial_apologist for splendid e-mails; to Rob for "encouraging" comments about York City; and to salymap who sent me a nice greeting on the forum system.
salymap - I have tried to reply to your kind note but can't currently see on the system which ones of those I am sending have been received. Still, it has been quite a while and I will get used to it!
This time around Lateralthinking1 intends to be less political and will focus mainly on music and literature. An exception will be the US Politics thread. Ammy did encourage its continuation and it would be good to do as the big moment gets closer. As far as possible, it will be unbiased commentary from the OP but that isn't to say other contributors should not be biased!
There will also be more reading of other peoples' contributions, contributions in the main will be shorter (not like this one!) and there will be fewer hours glued to one screen. In fact, I am going to plant a few spring bulbs in the sunshine when the GP arrives.
But there is a Youtube clip of Busoni's piano concerto I have been wanting to post; thanks I want to give to Alyn for some excellent podcasts and a particularly good JRR - he really is a very fine broadcaster; some comments on the Hild of Whitby programme; and I must add to others' thoughts about Michael Marra who will be very much missed. That's just for starters!
As this spotlight feels a little uncomfortable, I am now going to take my seat in the stalls. But I am pleased to be back with friends and thanks very much again. (Incidentally, that Night Waves interview with Doddy is repeated tonight - don't miss it!!)
Thank you to everyone on this thread who posted messages. I found them very heartening and do appreciate the kindness. A special mention to Hornspieler who has been exceptionally supportive, to johncorrigan, amateur51 and serial_apologist for splendid e-mails; to Rob for "encouraging" comments about York City; and to salymap who sent me a nice greeting on the forum system.
salymap - I have tried to reply to your kind note but can't currently see on the system which ones of those I am sending have been received. Still, it has been quite a while and I will get used to it!
This time around Lateralthinking1 intends to be less political and will focus mainly on music and literature. An exception will be the US Politics thread. Ammy did encourage its continuation and it would be good to do as the big moment gets closer. As far as possible, it will be unbiased commentary from the OP but that isn't to say other contributors should not be biased!
There will also be more reading of other peoples' contributions, contributions in the main will be shorter (not like this one!) and there will be fewer hours glued to one screen. In fact, I am going to plant a few spring bulbs in the sunshine when the GP arrives.
But there is a Youtube clip of Busoni's piano concerto I have been wanting to post; thanks I want to give to Alyn for some excellent podcasts and a particularly good JRR - he really is a very fine broadcaster; some comments on the Hild of Whitby programme; and I must add to others' thoughts about Michael Marra who will be very much missed. That's just for starters!
As this spotlight feels a little uncomfortable, I am now going to take my seat in the stalls. But I am pleased to be back with friends and thanks very much again. (Incidentally, that Night Waves interview with Doddy is repeated tonight - don't miss it!!)
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