What surprise does Angharad have up her and Bonzi's sleeves for issue 1600 of Bike?

Colleen,

your most recent note alarms me. The meaning confounds me. Were you interrupted and sent this fragment off in error? Or are you in danger, some delayed apoplectic fit from that foul magic?
I will make every effort to see you this day if I can but escape confinement.

Everett,

though I admit to using drink as balm to my soul I implore you to abstain. At least moderate your indulgence. I understand the need. I miss my son grievously but we do not have that luxury. Clear heads are needed at this portentous moment. I will bring you some of that excellent vintage you requested but we must indulge sparingly.

Lord Everett Carl Stewart Envoy of his majesty King George.

Dear Evert,

I see know why his majesty placed this great responsibility in your hands, If anyone was born to be a diplomat it was you.

I have acted a fool. That it was in defense of my handsome son, now by stunning daughter is but part of the explanation, not an excuse. That I drank more than was prudent is also to my shame.

Dear Colleen,

First I must express my deep shame at being unable to prevent father from sending off that unseemly note to your mother. I should have been able to intercept that foul missive. Mother had warned the household staff to intercept all correspondence until father's anger had subsided but not all of the family servants are loyal to mother and I. Father is an imposing figure of a man and wields strong influence over many in our house. As Lord he was within his rights. But no man is without faults and we failed him in this time of difficulties.

Dearest Cousin Colleen.

I take no pleasure in your predicament. As a man, and I say this with all honest as you were one, I had every confidence you would become a credit to your family title and an asset to the crown when duty called. I regret the loss of your name but as I have had time to reflect I believe Colleen will suit you well. My maid and the dressmaker both spoke enthusiastically of your beauty and grace. Do not look upon your transformation as a burden but as an opportunity.

The Lady Coleen Stewart formerly known as Lord Carl Steward III.

After much thought and consideration I must respectfully request you not make any further attempts to correspond with or contact your cousin, my son, the former Lord Francis Lane-Steward III.

The aftermath of THAT incident in London of several weeks past brought shame and misfortune upon my family. My son has been greatly inconvenienced by the *incident* as has the family. We have been forced to name our youngest child Robert as the rightful heir to the title as Francis is no longer fit to...

Or six years 18 months.

Scary.

John in Wauwatosa

What looney, weird, crazy things are you doing this weekend? Try and beat this!

Here's an excerpt from a PM I sent Laika a little whie ago. Thought I should share the pain

-- snicker --

My dad gets his other knee replaced today.

The first one was done this January when he was 83. He's 84 plus a few weeks now.

Cross your fingers.

Thanks gang.

John in Wauwatosa

P.S. How are you doing, Karen_J? Back in Texas yet post heart bypasses? Hey, you can always claim the scar line was from a jealous lover's signif other.

Just wondering if anyone had heard yet from Karen or her family about her Friday heart operation?

My dad was rather out of it for a couple days after his heart valve replacement so I understand why she wouldn't have had an opportunity or the energy to post any message after having multiple bypasses.

Here's hoping all went well and for a smooth recovery.

John in Wauwatoa

I was responding to a PM when I got this thought... YES I have them on rare occasions

--GRIN --

>>
Hum, maybe I could do something with the Plaid Lanterns?

You know that idea about aliens only knowing about Earth from our radio and TV signals getting a very twisted view of what we are like? What if a planet only learned of us from ONE broadcast of a Three Stooges film and for some reason they took it to heart as if WE were the superior race. Thus the origin of the Plaid Lanterns and their war cry ...

Why Soitenly, Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk!
>>

Bob Elliot, father of Chris -- Get a a Life, writer for Letterman and others -- and grandfather of Amy(?) or whatever her name is -- shes's on Saturday Night Live -- turned 88 today.

One of the masters of quiet comedy, comedy of the absurd. He and Ray have terrific caemo roles in the Norman Lear film Cold Turkey.

And my dad turns 84, Gets his OTHER knee replaced April 14th.

John in Wauwatosa would would not be here without him. So dad is to blame.

My dad who will be 84 on March 25 underwent surgery Monday to have his right knee replaced. If all goes well he gets the other done this summer.

Between the bridgework -- courtesy of a rollover accident before I was conceived -- two artifical eye lenses and a cow valve in his heart there isn't alot left of the *original equipment*.

-- snicker --

Visited him last night with sis, The Evil BlondeTM, and he's doing well.

Not a real religious type but your prayers are welcome.

John in Wauwatosa

I was informed that someone has been spoofing my IP address(s) here to badmouth other members of BC.

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ! and I do not apologize for shouting,

I may joke, I may kid others here -- ones I know well and who know me -- but I never have and hope I never will attack any one for being themselves or for what they post. I may not like things others might post but it is their post not mine, their opinion/taste not mine and it is not fair for me to criticize others except for when they attack me or someone else unfairly.

Today in 1845 the Republic of Texas was formally admitted to the United States of America as the 28th state.

What the hell were they thinking?

Except for Dr Pepper and that black oily stuff what's Texas good for?

John in Wauwatosa

Actively chatting at Stardust/BC Main chat room now about Day of Remeberance and related stuff and just saying hi as well.

Got to go. See yah maybe?

john in Wauwatosa

Karen_J appears on the mend though the doctors are keeping her for observation.

I quote from a message I received today:

>>
Karen is still in the hospital, the doctor wants to keep her another day ...

She says hi and why the hell did I send the first email out? I passed on everybody's comments and a few select ones from Big Closet, some of which amused her. She will likely be out of touch another day or there abouts.
>>

I hope everyone else here is well.

Come back soon, Karen.

John in Wauwatosa

Our fellow BC commentor, proofer and writer Karen_J collapsed at work and was taken to a hospital.

From what I was told it sounds similar to a problem she had last year. She is stable and appears to be recovering but will be on the mend for a while.

Like many here she has had more than her share of pain and turmoil in her life but has managed to survive and thrive inspite of the odds.

Parts of Australia have had terrible wildfires, over 130 people have died and many folks were burned, some may not make it.

Kristina LS and our other pals from Oz, are you okay, family alright?

One of our BC family, Karen_J has suffered a family health crisis.

Off on vacation today.

No email except via evil blonde's laptop or free computers in motels. Off to the UP of Michigan, Minn, northern WI depending on rain and color. Might go to waterfalls, lots of them.

The train trip continues. A VIP calls Joanie's private cell, providing her with multiple thrills. Joanie glimpses motherhood, in more than one way, her reaction surprises her. Suzy and Joanie have a happy homecoming, Joanie’s tusch stops traffic. Joanie travels to Iowa, gives Eric an ultimatum, “Now get those clothes off, and you’d better be up for it.”

Andy Warhol said, "In the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." What if your 15 minutes came late in life, and fame decided to never let you go? Could you survive the circus your life would become?

P.S. Never trust sneaky authors and their teasers.