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Ash: Thanks so much! I am feeling so much better. I'm gonna work on the next chapter as soon as I can. I'm hoping to actually work on it tonight, but I have to beta another story. Thanks again!!! Mollie: Please do! I love all your stories but this one cuts the cake. :) I'm glad to hear you're feeling better :D and have fun Beta-ing! :P Mollie: P.S. Can I ask dor a small-ish favour? Could you make Clara say (in that last chapter): "run you clever boy" or something like that? If not I get it :P Ash: I'm not sure if I can in the last chapter, BUT I was thinking about it...I might be able to make another itty bitty cameo with he...and I might be able to have her say it... I gotta think about how to incorporate it! Mollie: There is an option to edit chapters - it's really weird but manageable. Wither way, having Clara back would be exciting :D Ash: Yeah... I know how to do that. I just wasn't sure if it made sense for her to say "clever boy." But I'm gonna try to have her pop back in. Maybe in the last chapter. Want to make such a lovely reviewer happy :) Ash: Maybe this will make up for it until we get there? Ash: <file_other> Mollie: Hey!! I'm so sorry I didn't reply earlier - I had a couple of trips going on and literally no time to check the Internet!!! :( Now my Inbox is stuffed with emails that need replying -_- Mollie: Anyhoo, can I say how honoured I am that I got to see a sneak peek of the chapter (do you do this to all of your reviewers?? ;) ) and how much it made me want to read more! The chapter's lovely; I can't wait to see everyone;s reactions to Ian's presence in New York. :D Mollie: One technical issue though - how on earth are you going to explain Ian's incredible late workload? Sorry, i'm just being picky... :P Ash: I'm glad you like the preview! No I only give certain people previews. If their comments have really touched me then I usually try to show my thanks by sending a preview. Chapter 27 picks up a couple months after Ian and Roses reconciliation. Ian did work in certain parts, like all day in Little Talks and several others. But you are right that he is behind, and I will make a comment to address that! Gotta keep ya all happy!!! ;) Mollie: Out of curiosity though, are you ever going to have Ian tell Rose about switching realities experience?? Mollie: You could always have that as additional chapter, or you could have a chapter showing everyone's reactions to Ian and Rose being toegther (that would always be worth reading! :P) Either way, you have fun writing :D Ash: It's not my plan to have him reveal it. It was about the realization for Ian. About him seeing the truth that's always been there. I never felt that he needed to tell her about it. He just needed her. Mollie: Awww, that last line *Swoon* Mollie: But sure, it is your story :) You can do whatever you want :P Mollie: What I keep wondering is what will happen to Ian once he reached 2025 in his own timeline, how will he react ect. Sorry for bugging you like this, it's all very interesting :P Ash: I hope I didn't come across rude!!! I wasn't at all trying to do that!!! I've had that question before. It's all a bit timey wimey and weird. It's not like Quantum Leap where one replaces the original and the "original" is somewhere. Ash: It's more of he was given this gift of jumping forward, so see what his life is/what it could be. But he had to make the decision if he was going to follow through. Was he going to make it happen, or was he going to give up the one thing in his life that made it precious? Was he going to fight for Rose? Was he going to believe that she loved him and allow himself that love? Paradox-y yes. Does that help? Mollie: No, you didn't come off as rude - if anything, it made me think to myself: well done, you've just offended the author" :P Mollie: As for your explanation... er yeah kinda? I get why you did it for the plot (which also makes the plot more interesting), I'm just imaging Ian's reactions when he finally reaches 2025 and and thinks about how he woul have jumped timelines every day... am I making sense? Think of it as me creating a fanfic in my head of an actual fanfic :P

### Summary: Ash is feeling better and he will work on the next chapter as soon as he can. He has to beta another story tonight. Mollie likes all of his stories.

Victoria: I think it's actually great as a stand alone chapter, but a continuation in a new story would be awesome. XD Like a final show-down between the beardmen or something. :) xx It really made me laugh, it's a great idea. xxx Kitty: You know what? I've just come up with another idea to continue. And I can include yours to it. Brilliant! Thanks a lot!!! :D Victoria: Haha, you're welcome! :D I can't wait to read it. xx Let me know when it's finished? xx Kitty: Shall do! :D It might take me a while to sort out the details though, but all will come in good time :) Kitty: Out of curiosity, did you add my story to the community "The Best, funny and Romantic fanfiction"? Victoria: Haha, no I didn't. :L Congratulations! :) xx Kitty: You didn't?! Then who did? I guess I'll never know. Thanks, by the way. :) Victoria: It's a mystery. o.O And you're welcome. :) Kitty: Oh, I read some of your stories - not bad! I like 'Housemates' and 'The Vagabond Opera' (found them interesting) :) Kitty: Also, because I'm in a promoting mood, I figured you might like my other story: "Don't you dare!" That is, if you want to read it :) Victoria: Oh noees, I hate those fics. D: I'm currently trying to co-author with a friend, but it's her birthday today, so we haven't got much done. :P Still, it's a lot better than the crappy fanfiction I've got up here at the moment. xx Victoria: I'll give it a read right now. :) xx Kitty: Ooo - What are you writing about?? Miraculous ladybug figs or something else?? Good luck with the writing! :) And enjoy! :P Victoria: Haha, it's a Harry Potter fanfiction set in the 1970s. :) xx And thank you. xoxo Kitty: Oh cool!!! Alert me when it's complete?? xxx :D Victoria: Sure. :) We're aiming for 50,000 words, and so far I've got 5,000 words down, so the first chapter should be posted very soon. xx Kitty: Is this with the Marauders?? Or am I wrong?? Well done at getting 5000 - that's quite an achievement!! xx Victoria: Thanks :) The most words I've written for a story is 9000, so I'm pretty concerned. D: No, it's Harry travelling back in time. We wanted to write something with lots of hippies and stuff. XD There's the Marauders in it, though. So far I've just been writing the prologue and stuff. xx Kitty: Ah okay. Does Harry meet his parents or should I just wait and see? ;) 9000 compared to my short capters (them most I've ever written was 859 words) is a lot - at least to me :) xx Victoria: Haha, yes he does. ;) I'm not good with sticking with things, so I just tend ot give up halfway through. :P I love your short stories, they're so good. Victoria: But my co-author is killing me! So far, she has done a spectactular zero words. I'm busting my ** off over here, and I've a ton of History exams and crap to prepare for. She's just had her birthday, so I can't really complain, but I've nearly got 7000 words now and my brain seriously hurts. D: Victoria: Lol sorry, I just needed somewhere to winge. :P xoxo \o/ Kitty: Awww that's okay, feel free to complain about anything here any time. :) I know the temptation of giving up, especially when I want to add another story which is kinda unrelated. :) You don't suppose we could co-write sometime? Maybe after your exams? (Oh, and good luck with them!!! :D) Victoria: Sure. :) I need a break from this storyline, so if you fancy we could start developing a plot right now. xx

### Summary: Kitty and Victoria write fanfiction. Victoria is working with her friend on a Harry Potter story set in 1970s. She'll co-write something with Kitty after her exams.

William: Hello Hobbs! A new update on our whereabouts. Just moved over to Merida after a long drive from Cancun. Empty roads giving you a weird feeling. We had all possible difficulties finding our airbnb accommodation as its address was like Marida, Caucel, Avenida 68, Puerta Sisal, Calle 31, Avenida Caucel 68, Calle 3/2419 B. After much asking around, as we don't have a navigation system here, and consulting our paltry maps, we gave up and phoned our host who navigated us to the house, which turned out to be located in a semi-fenced residential area outside the city. Quite a pretty and comfy place for that and entirely for us alone. William: <file_photo> William: So we finally had a goodnight's sleep, did some sightseeing in the capital of Yucatan today and are looking forward to reconnoiter the area tomorrow. William: <file_photo> Hobbs: Hi there! Many thanks for the details. Caucel rings a bell with me. Is it to the west of the city itself? A fairly new development? William: That's it. Brand new and still being developed. Following a wide and brand new avenida today, we ended up with this. <file_photo> And dense vegetation beyond! Hobbs: Looks like Mexico to me. But they'll pick up the continuation once they needed it. Practically minded as they are. And how did you like the city itself? William: We got stuck on the Plaza Mayor, this being Sunday. It was turned into a market square with stalls offering local food, craftsmanship products and household goods, surprising un-touristy. In front of Palacio del Gobierno, a supreme show of dancing in local costumes. William: <file_photo> Hobbs: Did you manage to get to the balcony of the Palacio on the first floor and get some photos from there? William: But of course! William: <file_photo> William: Theresa tried to prevent me from trespassing but you know me. Even managed to get to the loo there! Hobbs: Good boy! And how about the cathedral? Casa de Montejo? Is it still accessible or is it only a bank? William: Both, and Theresa intends to visit the cathedral again to take some more photos. I didn't find it that impressive, apart from the west facade of course. A small part of Casa de Montejo on the ground floor is a museum now, interiors with period furniture plus a small modern art gallery, quite pleasant though over-airconditioned, but the rest is a bank, I think. Hobbs: If I remember correctly they bought the building some time ago and financed its restoration. To have a good overview of the city, you should try a ride on an open double-decker bus. William: Planned for a day to come. Tomorrow we want to go to Sisal and drive along the coast to Progresso. Hobbs: You'd better stay in Sisal, enjoy the beach and absolutely try one of their fish restaurants. As far as I remember the road leading eastwards peters out after a few kms and you are nowhere. Years back with my team we mapped the ruins of Xcopte temple east of the road but it took us a strenuous march and even worse kayaking. I don't think it's been made open to sightseeing. I'd give it a miss anyway, nothing spectacular. William: Thanks for the tip! We are planning though to drive down and visit Uxmal. Is it worth it? Hobbs: Absolutely! It is a must. Huge, well preserved, with a totally unique - oval - pyramid, el Piramide del Adivino. Plan one whole day for this site. It is exceptional. One of my favourites in this part of Yucatan. William: We will! I'm developing a slight liking for Maya architecture :-) Hobbs: I bet you are! Anyway please keep me posted about your travelling there. William: Sure. Your tips are invaluable to us. You'll hear from us soon!

### Summary: William and Theresa have just moved to Merida. They had problems getting there. They like their accommodation and they enjoy their sightseeing in the capital of Yukatan. They are planning to go to Sisal and Uxmal.

Diana: Hi Chris! Karen told me that you know someone from AIESEC Chris: Hello Diana! Good to hear from you! Chris: Not only I know someone from AIESEC, but I'm working with them myself :) How can I help you? Are interested in one of the projects? Diana: Great! Thanks for replying so quickly :) Diana: I was browsing your website and looking for different opportunities. I am particularly interested in Asia and Northern America, my only problem is that I don't speak other language than English Chris: Ok, it doesn't necessarily mean that you won't be eligible to participate in projects in other countries. Especially in Asia we have a lot of opportunities for people who would like to teach English Diana: That's great news! Won't it be a problem that I'm not a teacher? I don't have any experience Chris: It all depends on what you would like to do, are you interested in being a volunteer or in something paid? Diana: I'm interested in travelling that's for sure, so I really want to go somewhere. If you have something that will allow me to get paid for my work and will be in line with my experience, that'd be absolutely wonderful. Diana: I'm open for being a volunteer as well - the only problem's that I may not be able to afford to pay for the accommodation. Chris: Most of the organisations we're cooperating with cover the cost of the accommodation of our volunteers. You usually pay for a plane ticket and food. Certain organisations offer pocket money Diana: Yes, I saw one really interesting offer from Japan. They're looking for someone who could teach English in high school, although they listed some nationalities - didn't mention British, quite surprising in my opinion. Does it mean that I can't apply? Chris: Could you please send me a link? We have a lot offers and it'd be easier for me to advice you if I know the offer Diana: Sure <file_other> Chris: Thanks! Chris: Okay, so, I think in this case it shouldn’t be a problem. You may not be regarded as a preferred candidate, but I don’t think that you’re not eligible. Also, if you’re really interested, I’ll gladly contact the organisers and ask if they are interested in your profile. Diana: That would be amazing! Thank you Chris! Chris: If this one doesn’t work out, and please, be aware that we’re in touch with people all over the world so it may happen that you won’t get the job you applied for, are you interested in another position? Diana: I think I’ll be happy to participate in any project in Japan (as a volunteer or not), unless it’s related to computers, IT, technology, etc. as I have absolutely no clue about that stuff Chris: And what about North America? You mentioned that you may be interested in this as well Diana: Yes, I think it’s pretty much the same as with Japan. I’m not too keen on being a teacher at a camp, but everything other than that would be great Chris: Got it! I will look for something suitable. May you send me your CV? Diana: <file_other> Chris: Thanks! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask :) Diana: Thank you! I really appreciate your help Chris. The whole idea is brilliant, but I admit it’s a bit overwhelming and confusing especially as you’re new to the whole thing Chris: No worries, I've heard that a lot and we're doing everything we can to facilitate the process and make it more user friendly Chris: We also highly recommend everyone to visit us in one of our offices, so if you live in London, I'll be happy to meet you Diana: Perfect!

### Summary: Chris is working with the AIESEC. Diana is interested in AIESEC's projects in Asia and Northern America. She sent Chris an offer in which they are looking for an English teacher in high school in Japan. Chris will contact the organisers on behalf of Diana and will let her know what their answer is.

Tessy: Good morning Harry! Just thought I'd drop you a line before disappearing to the other side of the world. At the moment I'm on the train to Frankfurt airport, then off to Cuba for 5 weeks. Can't wait to be there! Harry: A very good morning to you dear Tessy! How nice you are in touch. So travelling again? Gosh, you've got stamina! Tessy: I wonder myself. Truth to tell I'm slightly apprehensive. Never been to Cuba. Have you? Harry: No, I'm not that adventurous but Maya was. Last summer with her boys. And I think she was very enthusiastic.But I remember no details. Why don't you ask her? She may have a tip or two. Tessy: A bit too late now :)) but I will definitely contact her. Still she can give me a few good tips. Do you remember if internet is really such a disaster there? Harry: Oh yes, it is. She was gone for 2 weeks and I heard from her twice: from the Havana airport when she arrived and on leaving. Tessy: I see! My Super Mario boss is expecting me to be online all the time - just in case. LOL Harry: What a charming person. Have you told him to fuck off? Tessy: More or less. And hey how are you? Tied down to the ground? Harry: I hate winter for that reason. But still had a fantastic flying season this year. Can't complain really. We've been thinking about a skiing holiday though at Xmas. Tessy: Smashing! Where to? Harry: Actually that's an adventurous part - to Israel. They seem to have some incredible slopes with topnotch infrastructure. A bloke from Notts Club was there last year and couldn't praise it too much. Tessy: Funny enough I remember seeing their skiing brochures when we were there back in 2000. Sooo long time ago. By now it can be only better. Wouldn't it bit more on a pricey side? Harry: We'll manage 2 weeks. And it can't be more expensive that Austria.Not to mention Switzerland. They're gone mad there, with all those Chinks and Russkis. Nobody else can afford it any more. Tessy: Apart from royals in Kitzbühel :)) Harry: Molly has found out about a package, with the flight, full board, accommodation. You only have to pay your ski passes. Tessy: And that's where they are making their money! And on apres-skis! Harry: I can easily give a miss to a fancy apres-ski! Have you had any bookings? They surely have nice all-inclusive places in Cuba. Tessy: Not at all! Otherwise prices are exorbitant. But those affordable ones always have horrible write-ups. Yes, I've booked all my accommodation. Airbnb, I like to support the locals :) Harry: Very noble of you. But it's a bit of a tossup: you can get a superb flat or land in a rubbish hip. I definitely prefer hotels. Tessy: I AM more adventurous. Anyway it is safe, Cuba is said to be very safe even for woman travelling alone. Harry: And ravishing blonde on top of it! But be careful. Tessy: STB you are. Harry: What the hell is STB? Tessy: Swet Talking Bastard. Anyway it was great to chat with you. I think we're approaching Frankfurt. So see you in January! Tessy: And have a fantastic skiing Xmas! Harry: Happy and safe trails Tessy!

### Summary: Tessy is going to Cuba for 5 weeks. She's staying in airbnb. Tessy is worried about the Internet connection, because her boss might contact her anytime. Harry wants to go to Israel for skiing holiday during Christmas. Tessy and Harry are going to meet in January.

Ida: Hey! I need a little bit of your help. :D I was in Hamburg for almost 5 months and I wanted to post a short text for all my friends and peoplewho made me feel better in a new place. It will be public so I dont want to make grammar or vocabulary mistakes :P I'd be thankful if you saw it and improve it as a native speaker :) Nancy: Hey! Of course - no problem :D Just send me what you wrote and I'll look through it ;) Nancy: How are you btw? Ida: Its time to say good bye! During my Hamburg experience I had fun, I worked hard and I took a lot of walks in the harbour. I also realised that #Fischbrotchen and milkshake are not a perfect match. But most of all - I met incredible, inspiring and freindly people who gave me the best memories. Thanks for everyone, who made me smile! + special thanks for my sister who survived 5 months with me and my Netflix obsession. Ida: Thanks a lot: Here it is (some cheesy jokes included, but I didnt want to sound too pompous XD ) Ida: I'm fine, tomorrow I'm leaving Germany ;) But i miss France actually :D What about you? Still studying in Bordeaux? ;) Nancy: Hey, I couldn't answer you straight away - here are my corrections: Nancy: It's time to say... It's = it is; Its = possessive form of it, meaning "of it". 2 examples - 'The building was missing its windows.' and 'it's a lovely day outside!' Nancy: "Goodbye", not "good bye" ;) Nancy: This is such a petty thing for me to correct, but here goes - "During my Hamburg experience , I had fun..." (what can I say? Commas are important too :P ) Nancy: I took a lot of walks *on* the harbour - just like you would say: "I took a walk on the beach" not "in the beach" Nancy: Milkshakes - plural (especially since you next write: milkshakes *are* not "is") Nancy: Thanks everyone who made me smile - the "for" isn't needed, if anything, "thanks to everyone" is preferred. And *a* special thanks *to* my sister - again, "to" not "for" Nancy: And that's about it :P Hopefully this makes sense ;) But other than some really minor mistakes, I would say that you're in pretty good shape language-wise Ida: I had a great teacher ;) Ida: Thank you very much! <3 Even in French I double-check what I write if it goes public XD Nancy: You're very welcome :) To answer your earlier question, I'm doing okay - it's been a bit bsy at the moment, but nothing I can't handle :P WHat have you been doing in Germany? Ida: I did an internship at About You! Do you know this company? It's pretty new in Europe. So I was taking care of the french market Ida: Do you have exam session? o.O Nancy: That's great Ida! I haven't heard of it, but it sounds like you learned a lot and had fun :) Nancy: Unfortunately, yes :/ First exam's next week! (yikes!) Ida: Good luck! You'll do great! Nancy: Thanks :) So, what's next on the cards for you after you return to Bordeaux? Ida: About you is an online shop,just like Zalando XD So i bought thousends of new clothes Ida: Next semester ill focus on my uni. I have to make 2 semesters i one - so 17 exams in June... :O Nancy: Oh gosh! Good luck with that!! (But think of all the shopping you can do afterwards ;) )

### Summary: Nancy helped Ida with her leaving message to her friends who helped her settle in Hamburg. Ida did an internship at About You and will return to Bordeaux soon.

Robin: Appologies, it really irks me Olive: Fair enough :P So what else do people do that "irks" you? Robin: at work? general bitchiness and a lack of common sence, having to clean up after the previous shift because "it's not my job" even though when i do the shift its my job Robin: ironing as well, now i was brought up wash clothes, hang them on the line let the wind air them and gravity dop creases outt, then ron them, i got chewwed out because i told the lass on nights there were shower curtains on the line, she throws a wobbler about hos its always been my job and she does more work than me and stewart, it was 5 curtains and she'd have finished all her jobs thor the shift in an hour and a half easily Olive: You really hate your job, don't you... :( Olive: Do any other employees feel that way though? Robin: the jobs not bad its just some of the people i work with, yes me and stewart are in the same boat Robin: he's former rhodesian counter terrorist police, also did firearms for movies like the expendables with schwartzneiger Olive: And he hates it too? Robin: has the same irks, sometimes the job is ace, the guest can be great and being aknowleged by them either with a card or tripp advisor is ace Robin: i just hate what amounts to sexism Olive: Sorry mate :( Wish i could help Robin: i'm alright - just nice to chat with someone from time to time... Robin: Like apparently the cleaners and female night staff have been placing rubbish on the floor to see if I've hovered up, the woman on nights wasn't impressed when I hadn't ironed wet shower curtains fresh out of the wash. She's the one who apparently "does more than we do on shift" yet she wont do paperwork that she'd throw her dummy out if it hadn't been done for her Robin: And my manager supports her whole heartedly Olive: Fun fact - the cleaning ladies tick was something that mistresses would do in Victorian times to make sure that the servants were doing their job properly. Olive: One such trick involved hiding a coin, under a rug - if the servant gave the money back, she was trustworthy. If the servant took the money, the mistress would know. And if the servant missed the coin completely, she clearly wasn't doing her job. Olive: Now that I've gotten that (interesting, but completely useless) fact out of the way, I think the only thing I can say is: hang in there. Or better yet - don't give them (aka your boss) a reason to fire you. Olive: Right now, you're in a tough situation because you need the job more than they need you - so, even though it's unfair (and I completely agree with you btw), the only way to win the war is to not let them get you down. Olive: Man... I suck at giving advice. Robin: Completely useless information is always useful for pub quizzes, flattered, deffinatly go with flattered Olive: What about the remainder of my answer... ? Robin: the advice is good, and your right I just need to push through it, as for military I've not a clue, run with the pups try and rehabilitate my joints and see if theres any career I can do, although im also looking at museum's as a possible career Olive: That could be fun - it's interesting, right? :D Olive: Have you tried getting a job there? Robin: Looking online atm but I haven't seen much

### Summary: Robin had an argument with a female colleague at work. He works with Stewart, ex-policeman, that has the same problems. Female night staff and cleaners put the rubbish on the floor to check if he hoovers it. She doesn't do any paperwork. The manager supports her. Robin needs this job.

Brenda: Hello bro, you've got an invalid sister. I fell in the bathroom and badly hit my side. Can hardly move now. Andy: Good gracious! How did you manage that? Brenda: The floor was wet after I had a shower and I wanted to shake the rug, moved too fast, slipped, and hit with a thump my left side below the breast against the edge of the bathtub. Took my breath away for a sec. I even yelled or groaned or gasped. Anyway I was on the floor, shocked. Absolutely shocked. I thought, so that's how it happens. But I managed to get up and didn't realise the pain until I stretched to put my nighty on. Oh bro... Horrible.... Andy: You could have killed yourself. Where are you now? Brenda: In bed. But I can hardly move. It's very painful all over the body. SHIIIIT! Andy: Maybe you should call in an ambulance? Are you sure you haven't broken something? A rib? Brenda: No, then I'd be howling with pain. It's just the impact of the fall that has, I don't know, damaged the tissue. Whatever I have here. Fat I suppose. It has to heal by itself. Andy: Can you breath normally? Brenda: Yes. I can't take a deep breath though. Andy: Can you touch your bruised side? Is it swollen? Red? Brenda: I can touch it, not press of course, but stroke. No, it isn't swollen. The skin is as usual, no discolouration. But this will come later, I suppose. Andy: Not necessarily. It might as well remain unaffected. I mean the epidermis, the skin itself. Though I'd expect it to develop a bruise. Andy: Are you coughing? Coughing blood? Brenda: God! No! I'll see how I feel in the morning. I just need a rest. I feel so rotten, bro... Andy: My worry would be that you've damaged something inside you. You know, split spleen, punctured lung.That sort of thing.You just watch your body. Brenda: Yes, I will. I understand what you mean. I thought so as well. Just see how I feel tomorrow morning. Fucking hell! I can hardly pull myself up. Andy: If I were you, I would go and see the doc first thing in the morning. Brenda: And he'll send me to have an x-ray. I can't bear the thought of driving or even walking. Andy: Well, he can come to your place and you'll be driven to hospital in an ambulance. Brenda: You stop scaring the shit out of me! I am not that invalid. It's just bloody painful but I think I'm in one piece. Andy: I don't know Brenda. One shouldn't take it too light those falls. You may still be in a state of shock and are underrating your condition. Will you phone me first thing in the morning please? Still from bed? Luise is gone by 7:30, so you won't be waking anyone up. Brenda: OK brother. I will give you a call. Of course if I'm still alive. Andy: Sister!! Anyway I wish you a good night's sleep. Have a good rest! Brenda: Thanks bro. Sleep tight too. Brenda: And don't worry about me.

### Summary: Brenda fell in the bathroom and badly hit her site. She is now in bed with a lot of pains. She can't take a deep breath. Her brother, Andy, is afraid she damaged something inside her body and tells her to watch it. He wants her to call him in the morning to report how she feels.

Joona: Hey you two wonderful people, like I said to Kamil already let me know if there's something that you really, really want to do once you're in NY Kamil: I am getting panicked before Boston Kamil: so I just want to survive it first Kamil: but then maybe some art Moma, ESB, maybe ellis island? the statue? but maybe you have some suggestions? Kamil: oh, and the famous beach place? Kamil: Anca? any ideas? Kamil: but we don't need to see all at once. We also need hints how to do it all cheaply 😂 Joona: Coney Island? The beach with the amusement park? It's cool, it's just off-season right now, so it's quite empty and eerie 👻 Joona: Ok, I'll think about cheap possibilities and ideas 🙂 Plus you'll nail Boston! (It's also an awesome city!) Kamil: i think so! Kamil: hmm, it's so much to see, but I would also rely on your opinions :) you've been there for a while Anca: Oh god Joona, how nice to care for us lost people, facing the ultimate metropolis for the first time Anca: If Kamil is afraid of Boston, I am afraid of being send back by the homeland security, as it happened to me in the UK before taking the Italian citizenship, so I still can't quite believe that I will get to New York 😅 Anca: But, just in case, I would like to do Moma and the empire state building, I am not sure about a show on Broadway. And I would like to see coney island out of season, as you might have noticed already, we like absurd things 😅 Anca: And the Brooklyn Bridge but I don't know, do these things need to be arranged, or one can just go? Moma for example, or the esb? Joona: Well, maybe planned is a better word for it 😀 Like if you want to see a show on Broadway, queuing for cheap tickets is a special process. And Guggenheim, for example, is pay-what-you-wish on Saturday evenings, Whitney on Friday evenings - MoMA sadly is always the same price but I'll make some kind of list of things 🙂 Anca: So yes, we need some plans! Anca: Oh thank you 😍 How is the weather? Decent? Joona: At the moment it's cold and first snow came last week Anca: In Bucharest as well Joona: But decent, beats rain Anca eui: So nothing shocking I suppose Joona: No, just keep an eye out for the forecast before you leave to Boston as 1) it can change really quickly here 2) Boston can be extremely cold with the wind and all Anca: So probably colder than NY? Ok, we will try to arrive there prepared Joona: 😂 Anca: Ok, for now both cities are warmer than Bucharest. But the cold doesn't scare me too much Kamil: I will buy new shoes😂 but that's great you know when and where are free options!🤩 Kamil: a real NYC-know-how Joona: What can I say, I'm stingy 😏 and want my free culture 😀 Kamil: perfect! so are we!

### Summary: Anca and Kamil are travelling to Boston and New York for holiday and need recommendations. Anca and Kamil are interested in culture and want to see some New York landmarks. Joona recommends some tourist attractions and gives tips on how to get into museums more cheaply.

Angela: Oh sweetie!! Well, I hope you get better soon!! 🙂 Bet you're glad to see your family again, huh? I'm doing okay-ish. Right now, I'm trying to sort things out in my life, so we'll see how that goes :P How about you? I know you're resting from the surgery, but have you had a chance to meet up with old friends? 🙂 Laura: I do! Polly and Ruthie and we’ve just moved house so I get to meet new friends too Angela: Awww say hello to the girls from me. And - you moved house? (Just you, or your family?) Laura: Dad got a new job so it’s the family really - just into Yorkshire🙂 of course I’ll say hi to them! Angela: Oh cool! I mean, assuming you're happy to go... Where in Yorkshire?🙂 Laura: Ripon- it’s very near Harrogate - or about an hour from York Angela: I'm asking because my friend from Italy recently moved to York (Erasmus program) and I know it's a weird request, but I was wondering if eventually you could meet. I know it's kinda a huge favour that I'm asking - I just thought that it might be nice for her to have someone to talk to, even if you're not exactly in the same place...) Laura: I would love to! But I know no Italian ... is she at Uni? Angela: She speaks English (trust me, I know evry little Italian too) Laura: Haha! Angela: She's apparently going to the University of York Laura: Is she there now? Angela: I think so - she wrote about two weeks ago that she was moving. One sec - I'll check Angela: Oh - she's moving tomorrow :P So, what do you say? If I let her know and you just happen to be in York some time doing business, you could meet? Laura: I would adore that! Is she nice? Angela: She's very nice :D (She's my friend! Of course she's nice!) Laura: Hahah! Of course! Silly question really... I’m 100% up to meet her Angela: Okay, I'll let her know :D And thank you - it would mean the world to me to know that she has someone who has her back Laura: Is she nervous? Angela: Yeah - she's worried about her written English. I told her to read as much as she can 🙂 Laura: If she would like to practice with me I’d be happy to help! Angela: Awww Laura - you're amazing! Her name is Caterina and she's pretty cool Laura: Thank you! Angela: We were roommates for a week (a running joke between us was how her half of the room would spill onto my side :P) Laura: You’re wonderfully *Wonderful Angela: I try ;) I also tried to teach her some english phrases like: thing-majig Laura: Beautiful English! Angela: I know! Comes in handy during conversations like: "Where's my thingmajig?" "Oh, it's under the couch next to the thingy" :D I also taught her "weird" and "bizarre" (they're great words :P) Laura: They are fabulous words. I like flannel Angela: Flannel's a good word

### Summary: Laura just moved and Angela wants her to meet with her Italian friend in York.

Sandra: Hello, is that Pat Simms, used to work at Lister's Fine Clothing in the 1970s and 80s? Pat: Yes, it is, which Sandra are you? Sandra: Hi, it's Sandra Donovan, now Taylor here! How are you? Pat: I'm very well! I haven't seen you girls in about 35 years! I left in 84, we went to run a pub, me and Jonathan. Sandra: Well, you'll never believe it, but Brenda Riley tracked me down like this and we met up last weekend! We thought we might get the old Lister's gang together for a reunion, you know, before we're all too old! Pat: You're not too old, you were all young girls out of school then! Sandra: Yes, but that was almost 50 years ago, Pat! We're all grannies now! Pat: Not me, we never had kids, our choice! Sandra: You have no regrets, then? Pat: Bit personal, dear! No, we retired from the pub 10 years ago, mid-60s, me and Jon have had a ball, cruises, safaris and I've seen my sister in Oz and my brother in Thailand several times. Sandra: Oh Pat, that sounds lovely! My husband's still working, but we're planning a special trip to the US in a year or two. Can't wait! He's 66, and has had enough! Pat: So, apart from Bren, you found any others? Sandra: There was Betty Davies, but she was about 60 when the factory closed in 94, long time ago, if she's alive, I don't suppose she's on Facebook at 84 or something! Pat: No, I suppose not, but you never know! I heard Marigold had passed away, you know, the supervisor? Sandra: Yes, very sad, not long after Lister's closed, I think. Pat: Ok, what about that young girl who loved David Bowie, joined us in about 73, only about 16 she was, I think. She always tried to match his current look, you remember when she did Ziggy Stardust with ginger hair and no eyebrows! Sandra: Oh yes, Amanda Johnson, she was even younger than me and Brenda! She's still over 60 now though! She may well be on Facebook, did she get married, do you remember? Pat: Not sure, could be tricky tracking all these down, so many common names! Sandra: Oh yes, Magda Zielinski was in our section too! Maybe an easier name to find. Her mum was Polish, I think. Pat: Oh yes, Magda, what a beauty! She was like one of the girls from Charlie's Angels, the blonde one. Sandra: Yes, Farrah Fawcett, with the lovely hairstyle! I think Magda should have been a model, not a machinist! Pat: Well, Sand, lovely to hear from you, please keep in touch about the reunion, or just for a chat! Bye! Sandra: OK, Pat, hope to see you again, bye!

### Summary: Pat used to work at Lister's Fine Clothing in the 1970s and 80s. Pat hasn't seen Sandra in about 35 years. Pat left in 1984 to run a pub with Jonathan. Sandra met with Brenda Riley last weekend, they plan a reunion. Pat does not have kids and is retired. She travelled with Jon to Oz and Thailand.

Peggie: My dear Hettie, for your 47th birthday tomorrow I wish you all the happiness and joy you deserve! May only good spirits be with you and guide you through this world. Hettie: Dear Peggie, how sweet of you to remember! Thank you very much. Peggie: I thought I'd contact you today rather than on your birthday proper so that I don't interrupt any celebrations. Time difference and so on.How are you doing? Hettie: Certainly you wouldn't interrupt anything. The only celebration planned for tomorrow is an evening meal with my son and his wife. And with Thomas of course. Hettie: Thank you. We are fine. Just the usual routine, nothing special happening. And how are you? Must be ages since we were in touch last! Peggie: Nothing of importance happens in a life of an old woman! Apart from occasional ailments and similar discomforts. Thank goodness I'm fine. Peggie: Laura, my daughter, gave birth to twins in March, two lovely girls, and my son Simon has moved house to Derry. A bit too far for me to drive to see them but I understand it's been necessary for his career. They say I should also move closer to them but I'm not ready to sell my house yet. As long as I feel fit to look after it, I'll stay here. So that's my news. Peggie: Would you remember old Mr Lars, my next door neighbour? Well, he passed away two months ago. A stroke, I heard. Such a nice person! And not that old at all. 86 or something. Hettie: Congratulations and best wishes to Laura! So how many children have they got now? I've somehow lost count. Hettie: Yes, I remember him. So sorry to hear about his death. Peggie: With the twins four. It's Simon whose family keeps on growing. They have got five children and Adela, Simon's wife, says she'd like to have a baby again. Well... They can surely afford it so why not? They are a very harmonious family. Hettie: I can understand that you don't want to leave the house you've spent most of your life in. It's such a beautiful house too. Hettie: By the way, we will probably be moving house soon too. A real estate agent, in fact a good friend of ours, has found an old farmhouse in need of a major overhaul in the area close to the Grampians. I have always wanted to live there! What's more, Thomas will be able to continue his research work in the National Park. We are both quite thrilled and hope it will happen. Peggie: Why shouldn't it, if I may ask? Hettie: Sorry to be so confused about all these kids! Hettie: It's a question of funds, very banal. Peggie: I'm sure you can sort it out. Anyway I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. Hettie: Thanks Peggie. And thank you for the birthday wishes! Always nice to chat with you - across the ocean. Peggie: My pleasure. Aren't these electronic and digital gadgets wonderful? I'm so proud I've mastered the basic use of my smartphone. Very useful! Peggie: So all the best to you and please give my regards to Thomas. Hettie: Thanks a lot. Love!

### Summary: Peggie is sending Hettie birthday wishes. Peggie's daughter gave birth to twins in March and her son moved to Derry. Her neighbour passed away two months ago. Hettie will be probably moving house soon in the area close to the Grampians, which is where she always wanted to live.

Tanya: Dear Linda, what's new? Are you in the warm temps yet? Linda: My dear Tanya, we've been for 4 days now in Mexico. And it is very warm. Peter starts to defrost. Linda: :‑D Tanya: We've been having below zero temps since Friday. Aiden hates it! No snow, everything frozen stiff, grey and uninviting. Show me some nice sunny views! Linda: <file_photo> Tanya: How wonderful! This being... Linda: The area is called Riviera Maya. It has fantastic beaches, as you can see, but no easily accessible coral reefs. We've done some snorkeling though, just in front of our hotel's beach that has an artificial reef. Not bad at all! Tanya: What the hell is an artificial reef?! Linda: Rows of clay half-round structures, open at the top. After some time they become so overgrown that they nearly look natural. Fish don't seem to mind. Linda: <file_photo> Linda: Not very best these photos but you can see what I mean. Water temperatures are 24-26 C, so perfect for us to swim. There are also natural coral reefs along the coast here. We can even see them - Arrecife de Puerto Morelos - but they are either nature reserve or you have to be taken there by boat. I would be tempted but Peter says it's too expensive. I just think he's getting lazy.:( Linda: <file_photo> Mark at his most active! Tanya: Be lenient and have more understanding for his age! Can't you go alone? Linda: Even if I go for a walk alone, he becomes fidgety after 20 mins. Yesterday before sunset I went towards a stretch of wild beaches, no hotels, to pursue my favourite hobby here - collecting seaborne rubbish, and were back to him after half an hour or so, and he was nearly angry with me for leaving him alone. What a bore! Tanya: And your accommodation? It's a fashionable area, isn't it? Linda: The hotel, or rather a resort, Vidanta, is idiotically luxurious. But we are coping! Tanya: Don't make too many sacrifices. Linda: <file_photo> Tanya: A paradise as artificial as those coral reefs. Linda: Spot on! Being here you just switch off any critical thinking about environment, social justice, all that crap. More food wasted here in one day that people eat in some neighbouring village in a week. Kilograms of foodstuffs used solely as decoration. Hectolitres of water pumped through enormous swimming pools... Tanya: Heated, I presume. Linda: Oh no! We are environmentally friendly and let the sun warm the water. Bullshitters! But of course I can't talk about it with Peter. He loves it here. Tanya: And you should too! Look, it already exists and your small protest won't change anything. Just enjoy as long as it lasts. Linda: I guess you are right. It's a very pleasant living here. I admit. And their breakfast are fabulous! Tanya: Make the most of it, Linda dear. Life is short. Linda: Life is ...

### Summary: Linda is spending her holiday in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico with Mark in a luxurious resort. The food and water waste bothers her, but Tanya advises Linda to enjoy her time there.

Carol: Best greetings to you from Mexico! Carol: <file_photo> Mary: Oh my gosh! So you are travelling again. What is it like there? How long are you staying there? Carol: Yes, Will insisted on a couple of months in the tropics before his hip operation, so we decided to go full bore and try again something rougher. So far everything's been going smoothly. Mary: Isn't Mexico a bit dangerous? Have they got good medical care, just in case? Carol: We are in Yucatan only, which is pretty touristy and they put great store on safety as tourism's their major source of income. As for their medical services I do hope we won't have to try them out. Besides we both have our foreign travel insurances with a guarantee of immediate transport to Europe, if need be. Fingers crossed! Mary: Good! And you are extra careful too, I hope. Carol: But of course! We've rented a car to be independent of their erratic public transport and they seem to have a good network of fairly good roads. Mostly empty, sometimes even overgrown by vegetation on the sides.We never travel after dark of course. Carol: <file_photo> Mary: Good Lord! It looks like a narrow tunnel through a dense jungle! Any big animals? Carol: They seem never to clear the sides of the roads, so the verges are kept clear of vegetation only on busy roads with much traffic. But most of their roads are like this, no one in sight for miles. Carol: <file_photo> Mary: Would suit my driving! Carol: It soon becomes deadly boring. We tried to keep ourselves entertained by keeping the radio on and picking up as much Spanish as possible but it turned even a greater bore! 8D Anyway we're not overdoing it with driving. So much to see around! Mary: Mayan monuments? Carol: Caught you here! Had made the same mistake myself. We've been instructed to say "Maya monuments" as the adjective Mayan refers mostly to people and their languages. Mary: Ooops! Once a teacher, always a teacher. Carol: :‑P No pro! Anyway we've been visiting all sorts of Maya monuments, mostly temples, but I still know precious little about them. Our guidebooks are worthless, only this touristy crap. Mary: Oh don't be so critical about them. They are destined for different readership. You'll catch up when back home. Carol: I hope I will! But with Will's operation looming over us, I might find it difficult. The thought about it seems to be bogging us down even here, but we avoid talking about it. Mary: Oh Carol! Stop worrying! It is a standard operational procedure, one of the most common surgeries. William is fit and has no known ailments that usually beset men of his age. It's going to proceed without any complications. Take my word for it! Carol: Thank you, Mary. I surely trust your opinion, after all you are a doctor. But you know what it's like. Mary: Of course I do and I do understand you are upset. But please don't. Just enjoy your holidays! Carol: You are right. We'll make the most of them. Mary: And take care too! Carol: XX

### Summary: Carol and Will are now in Mexico, precisely in Yucatan. It's a pretty safe part of Mexico. Will is going to have his hip operation soon. It's a standard procedure, so it should go without complications.

Carly: so tell me about yr holidays....drunk and debauched or lazy? xx Andy: A bit of both, it was all inclusive so I might have drank a bit too much. I was good though and only ate healthy meals lol x Carly: The food on the cruise was out if this world seriously..Proper fine dining or buffet whatever you wanted xx Andy: Wow sounds great, I do like a good buffet lol xx Carly: And the entertainment was brilliant.. saw Grease the musical..that was fab xx Andy: I'm getting very interested in a cruise now x x Carly: I'll come with you if you want.. you can get the taster ones for 3 or 5 days leave Southampton, the one I went on with Mum had a shopping mall in the centre of the ship.. it was amazing.. x Andy: Looks great we could have a great laugh together😂😂 you will have to come with me to show me the ropes x x Carly: I'd love too.. let me know your holidays and I'll see what's about.. the taster ones can be done on a long weekend mind xx Andy: I've got 15 days left this year I think its pretty free for when I can take them x x Carly: I'm flexible with my work too so we may find a decent cheap on.. we paid 400 each for that one we were on xx Andy: We need a balcony suite for def xx Carly: Defo, no point in going on a cruse if you cant see the sea from your bed :) Andy: Hello you 😊I had a look online last night but it's a bit of a cruise minefield to be honest lol x x Carly: Yes it is a bit.. there's a 3 day taster to Bruges in Sept 300 ish each from Southampton .. no point in booking for longer unless you know you will like it... you could be green hanging over the side all week lol xxx Andy: If it sounds like it's a good deal and it's the right accommodation then I think we should book us a little getaway then x x Carly: Yes definitely be good.. I'll send you details tomorrow xxx Andy: Send me the dates and I will book the holiday with work Carly: Ok will do xxx I'm excited xx Andy: So am I. We are going on a cruise 😊😊x x Carly: There is an 80's special for 5 days but it's about 500 and we would probably end up drunk and disorderly Andy: Well I thought we would end up drunk and disorderly anyway lol. How do you feel about that one or are you wanting just a bit less mayhem 😊x x Carly: No it would be fab I expect I'll find out more and see how much I can afford lol xx How about Southampton to Bruges back to Southampton on 5th Oct for 3 nights.. 366pp.. balcony suite.. Andy: Sounds good, I'll come over this weekend and we can look together xx Carly: Ok Babe see you Friday xx

### Summary: Andy was on holiday. Carly suggests that they should go together for a cruise holiday. They want to take a balcony suite. Andy and Carly arranged a meeting on Friday to discuss their holiday.

Doris: Hello my dear! Greetings from a short outing to the Vosges! <file_photo> Tress: How lovely for you! What's Vosges? Pardon my ZA ignorance! Doris: :)) Most Europeans wouldn't know either. A small mountain range, up to 1500 m, in western France, just across the border from us. Doris: Am with a lady friend of mine, German. A bit of hiking in the area but staying in one place. She's got her big dog with her and the beast is just divine. Tress: Aren't you so lucky to be able to walk as women alone in parts of Europe? This is unheard of here. Doris: This freedom of movement, also as a woman alone, driving or walking, city or countryside, this is a measure of a quality of life I take for granted in Europe. As much as I love being in ZA, I find it so difficult to cope with such restrictions. I love ZA dearly but I couldn't live there. Tress: I assure you I hate it as much as you do but it's part and parcel of my existence, so I take THIS for granted. Doris: Sure enough. When over there, I accept it too and adjust accordingly but in the back of my mind there's this feeling of discomfort. Tress: What's your accommodation like? I've never been to France even. Doris: Oh it's very very untypical. Here the link: Doris: A group of Dutch who bought a huge piece of land and live off it. And of paying guests! Everything fanatically organic, environmentally friendly and sustainable. No mobile phones, no cigarettes, no non-biodegradable products... Tress: Sounds a tough regime! Did they have a look into your travel bag? ;) Doris: That's it! It's all based on trust. They ask you not to and trust you follow suit. You know they have a shop here, as we're miles away in the sticks, open 24 hrs, with food produce, cosmetics, preserves, postcards and that stuff. And it has an open till! You just take what you need and leave the money in the till. Tress: No!!! Can you imagine anything like that in Khayelitsha?! Doris: May be more in Khayelitsha that in a mixed race area? Tress: Nowhere in this wretched country. Never. Tress: Look what's been happening here. It's a clip from our local paper: <file_photo> Doris: Oh no! Horrible HORRIBLE Tress: Our daily news... So enjoy your European paradise Doris! Doris: It rams it home how lucky we are here. Travelling freely from country to country, meeting freely whoever and wherever. No border controls. Tress: But different languages! I found it so confusing when we flew from England to Amsterdam, then on to Frankfurt and to Rome in the end. Doris: But everyone speaks English. More or less. Tress: But we two, speaking only English, felt a bit limited. Or it's just our lack of experience in travelling. So much unlike you! Doris: Oh well... Anyway it's France now in a Dutch colony and there are at least 3 language in the air. It is Europe as well, I guess. Tress: Lucky lucky you...

### Summary: Doris is hiking in France and ejoying the freedoms of travelling in Europe, whereas Tress is home in ZA.

John: Hey, James. found accommodation? James: I am looking for an apartment to rent. what about you? John: Yes me too.. Since my parents’ house is so far away, I need to find an apartment closer to school. I thought you were going to stay at the school dormitory. James: I still have not decided whether to stay at the dormitory or not. I am looking at different options to find the cheapest lodging. John: So, what are you looking for? James: All I need is a place big enough for my bed, my desk and my television. John: Me too. James: How long have you been looking? John: I just started this week. Since school is going to start next month, I figured I better start the process as soon as possible. James: It is not easy to find an apartment to your liking that does not cost a lot. I John: Really? Is it that difficult to find an apartment? James: No, it is just that everything I like so far is too expensive and way beyond my reach. John: Is it because they are very close to school? I heard that the closer they are to school, the higher the rental cost. James: Maybe that is the problem. Since I do not have a car, I need to find something close to school. John: Have you thought about sharing an apartment? If you want, we can find a two bedroom apartment and share it. It may be cheaper that way. James: That could solve our problem. John: Wait! Maybe we should talk this over before we decide.James: Right. For this plan to succeed, we need to come up with some sort of agreement or set of rules. John: Here is my first question: What do you do during the weekdays? James: I have to go to work from 8:00AM to 12:00PM, and then I have school from 1:00PM to 5:00PM. After that I plan to go home, eat dinner, and work on my school assignments. How about you? John: Well, I have class from 8:00AM to 10:00AM, and then I go to the library to work until 2:00PM. After that, it is school again until 4:00PM. I plan to stay on campus until 6:00PM to work on my computer projects, and then go home to work on my other classes’ assignments. James: It is my turn to ask the second question. Do you plan to have your friends over at the apartment very often? John: No, not on weekdays. I want to finish my homework during the weekdays as much as possible. I think half of my weekend will also be reserved for homework. If my friends do stop by, it will probably be during the weekend. James: Good, I plan to do the same things during school time. I also plan to visit my parents during the weekend. My mom is a great cook. John: My parents’ house is too far to visit once a week. I will go home to see them and my little brother during the holidays. I need to be happy with whatever foods I cook. James: It seems that sharing an apartment with you may work. Do you want to try it? John: Yes. Let’s go in and take a look at this one.

### Summary: John and James are looking for accommodation near their school. James is short on money and has no car. John suggests sharing an apartment and they agree on a set of rules on using such a place on weekdays and at the weekend. They are going in to have a look at one place.

Sara: THE ARRIBADA HAS BEGUN! We are going to Ostional tomorrow to watch the [hopefully, masses of] sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. We plan on spending the night and coming back on Thursday since it’s a 4.5 hour drive. We will have 5 additional spots in the car if anyone wants to join. Please let us know ASAP in case we need to figure out shared accommodations! This natural event usually draws crowds so we need to move quickly. Daniel: I could be interested! What's the schedule? At what time will you leave tomorrow? And at what time you'll be back on Thursday? Sara: There’s no concrete plans yet, they just announced it so I just started planning right now. We are pretty flexible on timing but it does take 4.5 hrs to get there so we’d like to leave by late morning tomorrow at the latest. Daniel: ok, well, if it's 100% sure there will be turtles, I'm in ;) Alexander: Interested! Sara: Awesome! They announced about an hour ago that it has begun and that they expect it to be one of the last big ones of the season. They’ll give more details as time goes on so I’ll update here too! Sara: Update: they expect it to last 4 nights with the peak being tomorrow. I’m trying to book a tour for the evening. The tours for tomorrow are at 5 am and after 4 pm depending on the activity of the turtles. Becky: is this for laying eggs or watching the babies hatch and go into the water? I’d feel like I’d be invading their privacy if they’re trying to give birth with tons of people watching lol George: Honestly if I was giving birth I want everyone to watch since it's a natural phenomenon:) Sara: This is for laying eggs. I don’t think there will be any hatchlings until after we leave based on the last arribada and the usual incubation periods. Ken: I'd be very interested if we can make it work with work day etc Alexander: Didn’t Lara see hatchings?.. was that something else? Sara: Yeah she did, but it seems it was the last of them from another “arribada”. Basically roughly once a month during nesting season, hundreds or thousands of sea turtles come to shore to make their nests and lay their eggs (called the arribada). It’s a natural phenomenon because somehow it’s inexplicably synchronized and they’re in a sort of trance over a 4-5 day period while they do this. Roughly 45-60 days later, the eggs hatch and the baby turtles run to shore. The last arribada was from Nov 2-7 which means they should hatch around the week of Dec 17. Sara: Ken, considering the 4.5 hr drive the only way to have it work around the work day would be to drive at night, right? I can look into seeing if driving that road at night is feasible/safe George: Hey looks like we have to leave during the working hours for both way since there are rivers that we have to cross.

### Summary: Sara's organising a trip for Arribada and she has free spots in the car. The group is going to Ostional tomorrow to watch sea turtles lay eggs. It's 4.5 hours drive. Ken wants to go on work day so they need to drive at night to see the morning peak tomorrow.

Stephanie: What do you think of what's happening in the UK Parliament today? Fred: You mean the resignations of four high-ranking ministers over the Brexit deal? Stephanie: Yes. Fred: Well, I don't think this deal is going to get signed. Apart from anything else it is worse than simply taking a second vote and hopefully being able to withdraw from Article 50 notice. Stephanie: Can we even withdraw now? Fred: Apparently we can do that. There are some opinions that say not, but in reality it would be a big relief to the other countries. Fred: The alternative, having no deal at all, is not only risky for the UK, but could cause big trouble to the rest of the states and of course there are quite big issues in the Eurozone already. This could tip over a very big landslide. Stephanie: So you think we could get a better deal if we hold out? Fred: Right now the optimal strategy would be to stay inside the EU, forget about leaving as we did not know the hurdles that would be placed by the powers that be. We need to work today with other Eurosceptic countries like Italy, Greece, Poland, Hungary and the other ex-Warsaw Pact countries. Stephanie: To do what? Fred: To change the EU into what we actually want it to be. To radically alter it so that it becomes what we hoped it was going to be. Stephanie: Can that be done? Fred: We see that the Germans have had enough of Merkel. When she goes, Macron also goes. It wouldn't take more than one of those bigger countries going the way of Italy, or a few more of the secondary states like Holland and Denmark, from the western side, to start a programme of deep change. Stephanie: Makes sense. IN the end we all need to have some kind of co-operation in Europe. Fred: Every Brexiteer I spoke to actually wants A European Union, they just don't want THIS European Union. Stephanie: But is there any chance that there will be a second vote. Fred: May has said no, but May could be finished in a week from now. If there is a General Election and all the Conservatives stand on a revote platform with UKIP and Labour saying no re-vote, then the Tories may well win. Then they would have to offer a re-vote. Stephanie: What if we then end up staying in but other countries start defaulting and leaving us picking up the bills which was going to maybe happen to France and Germany? Fred: That's the downside risk. Certainly if we are ever going to leave, the time to do it is now, or stay and fight for a different kind of Union which might not need countries to go crashing out of it that way. Stephanie: I don't know if you will every find a format that 30 countries will be able to agree on. Fred: Either you have to make it so that there is really not that much that they have to agree on, or you make everything so harmonised that it is really one country and everyone is unhappy with something. Where we are now is stuck in the middle, trying to agree and enforce too much, but still with options for countries to do things differently and to look after themselves. We haven't managed to deliver the European dream.

### Summary: Fred would like Great Britain to stay in the European Union but according to him the EU should evolve. Stephanie is sceptic if it's possible to find a solution on which 30 countries would agree.

Mel: Right, it's time I bought some Christmas presents otherwise I'll be totally stressed come the holidays. You sorted yet? Evie: No way, I keep putting it off. You got a lot to buy? Mel: Well yeah. My kids, the stepkids, nieces and nephews, Mum, Sis and hubby and that's just off the top of my head! Evie: Well, my two don't believe in Santa now and keep trying to add more stuff to their list, so that's a massive pain! Mel: Yeah, at least when the bloody thing has been posted to the North Pole, there's no extra stuff to add. Just tell them that's that! Evie: Yes, you're right, I've always been too soft. Tim is much firmer than me! Mel: Well, we've got an inspection at school on the last week of term! I feel like I'm losing my shit already but that just about tops it! Evie: Poor you, talk about bad timing! We had one last summer. Went OK, considering.We actually aren't Failing anymore! Mel: Well done you! You've worked wonders at that place! Evie: Well, the staff do most of the work day to day, I just oversee it all. Mel: I'm sure there's a bit more to it than that! And you've done more than your fair share at the chalk face. Evie: Yes, I do miss the classroom sometimes. Mind you, teaching's all I've ever done, not like you! Mel: Well, I did enjoy the library, but the hours are so much better in school, not to mention the summer hols! Evie: Yeah, but everyone thinks we get home at 3.30 and just laze around. I often have meetings and admin still 6, then more stuff at home. Mel: Well, my marking, planning and preparation take a big chunk out of every evening. I work when the kids have gone to bed most nights. Evie: Yes, we do our fair share, love, people who insist that teaching's a part time job just don't get it! Mel: What do your lot want for Christmas? Evie: Saskia wants a new bike and Henry wants loads of space and planet themed gear. Mel: Definitely the next Brian Cox, that lad! Evie: Maybe! You cooking for everyone again this year!? Mel: I am not! My parents in law have booked Christmas lunch at The Bluebell Hotel in town, supposed to be lovely. Evie: My sister's offered to cook again, it was pretty grim last year; cold veg, dry turkey, greasy spuds, the lot! Mel: Hmm, tricky! Maybe you and your mum can pitch in to help and maybe even get the men involved and you two disappear down the pub like they usually do! Evie: Now, that's tempting, we'll see! Anyway, see you at Christmas, I hope. Mel: Yeah, pop round after Christmas Day if you want to, bye love!

### Summary: Mel bought Christmas presents while Evie keeps putting it off to the last minute. They have to buy a lot of gifts for their families. Mel is busy with her teaching job too. Evie misses it. Mel's and Evie were invited to Christmas lunches, so they do not have to cook.

Susie: Hey, are you busy?(=^··^=) Elizabeth: It depends. What's up?😀 Susie: The muffins you made last time..Could you toss me the recipe? _(._.)_ m(_ _)m Elizabeth: You never bake anything.😜 What's going on really? Susie: I wanna make them for my boyfriend this weekend. ^m^ Elizabeth: Okay. ＼(-o-)／ Elizabeth: Preheat oven to 165 degrees C. Cut the pumpkin in half, stem to base. Remove seeds and pulp. Cover each half with foil. Bake in the preheated oven, foil side up, 1 hour, or until tender. Scrape pumpkin meat from shell halves and puree in a blender. Strain to remove any remaining stringy pieces. Susie: I'm copying it. Elizabeth: 1 + 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder,1 teaspoon ground cinnamon,1/2 teaspoon ground ginger,1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves,1/2 teaspoon salt, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature,1 1/3 cups packed light brown sugar, 2 large eggs,1 1/3 cups pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Are you still there?) Elizabeth: the rest as with all muffins. Elizabeth: I made a lot of pumpkin puree and I keep it in freezer 😀 Susie: (Yes I am(^.^)1111!!!! )How many muffins can you make at once? Elizabeth: With this recipe? Around 12. Elizabeth: They are heavier than normal muffins because of the pumpkin puree. Elizabeth: But they are so nice. (^^)v(^^)v(^^)v(^^)v(^^)v(^^)v(^^)v(^^)v Elizabeth: Especially during autumn and winter. Mug of autumn/winter tea and pumpkin spice muffins are awesome. Susie: That sounds awesome! And so many at once! (＠_＠;)(＠_＠;) Elizabeth: Give it a try. You cook well, so it wouldn't be that difficult for you.ヽ(^。^)ノ Susie: I will try my best. I don't know if he would like what I bake for the first time in my life. Susie: But I wanted to try cause your muffins were so nice. Elizabeth: If you come over I can let you know more recipes. Susie: Awwwww1!!!!! Thanks11!!!!! When the muffins done, I will send you some pics. Thanks again!(´∀`)(´∀`)(´∀`)(´∀`)(´∀`)

### Summary: Susie will make muffins with the pumpkin puree from Elizabeth's recipe.The recipe is for around 12 muffins. Susie will bake them for her boyfriend.

Leslie: Hi, you ok? Amy: Yes, not too bad, still in a lot of pain, painkillers help, but they have certain unfortunate side effects! Leslie: Yes, I know exactly what you mean! Have lots of dried prunes and apricots, they help, in my experience. Amy: Oh thanks, I'll ask Andy to go and get some. How's everything at school, missing me? Leslie: Course we are! The new guy seems OK, though, he's managing alright with everything. Amy: How's Robyn, she feeling more confident? Leslie: Not really! She's been crying in the ladies toilets most afternoons still. Amy: Her classes any better behaved? Leslie: No, definitely not! I was talking to Julian who has the lab next door to her classroom. He said that all the kids in one particular class are trying to get out of the doorway at once, a sort of cork popping out from a bottle scenario! Amy: Hmm, sounds funny, but there could be safety issues, I'd have a quiet word with Robyn if I were you. Leslie: I'll try, but she's so sensitive and paranoid. She already thinks I'm picking on her! Amy: Yes, but we can't allow that kind of thing to carry on, a child could get hurt! Leslie: OK, I'll gently suggest some strategies. Maybe Julian could nip out and check next Friday last lesson, or at least keep an ear out. I have a cover period then, so if I'm not called, I'll pop over Friday too. Amy: If she doesn't improve, we'll have to do something official. Keep an eye on her for a few weeks, see how it goes. Leslie: I don't want to get the senior management team involved yet, just keep it in our dept. I think I'll talk to her to tomorrow. Amy: Good! How are your kids? Leslie: Joshua is fine, he's in the Christmas play as a donkey, but school are sorting the costume, thank God! Katie ìs fine too, she's learning the clarinet and playing in the Comp's concert in the orchestra so she's a bit nervous. Both looking forward to Christmas, Joshua excited about the elves, he seems fascinated by them. We have the elf on the shelf thing going on, he loves that, Katie plays along too! Amy: We didn't have that when mine were little, sounds fun! Just the Advent calendar and Christingles and things! Sam was a bit of a pyromaniac so we had to be extra careful with him and candles! Leslie: Well, I'm careful with Josh too, he's only 6 and very clumsy! Amy: OK, enjoy the rest of the term, see you in January, all being well. Leslie: Make sure you're totally well before you come back! Have a lovely Christmas! Oh, and I'll keep you informed about Robyn and her issues. Amy: Great! The dept is in good hands with you! Leslie: Thanks, now rest yourself! Bye!

### Summary: Amy's still in a lot of pain. Robyn's still having issues. Leslie will try to talk to her. Leslie's kids are doing fine. Amy should be back at work in January.

Helena: Hi Wanda, how is Uni going? Wanda: Pretty well, but the deadlines are doing my head in, so much fucking work! Helena: I see you've started swearing like a typical student! My language got really bad last year! Wanda: Yeah, I remember! I was shocked, but everyone does it here! Helena: Here too, only with Scottish accent as well, it did take me a few months to get used to it! Wanda: You're a lot braver than me, I only went about 15 miles to Leeds. Helena: Yep, you didn't move out of West Yorks even! Wanda: Well, I prefer it! I can even go and work in the petrol station till 10pm and pop home on the late train if I want to, saves me food money to have a day or two of home cooking, plus it's a lot nicer. Helena: I know what you mean! I can't be arsed to peel veg and stuff like that, I exist on take aways and convenience micro meals, not good! Wanda: Have you got I to the famous Scottish deep fried Mars bar craze? Helena: 🤣I have had one, but Edinburgh is a bit posher than Glasgow where it's more popular. Do like square sausage and cloutie dumpling, though! Wanda: You'll have to initiate me into these delicacies when I come visit. Helena: You bet! When can you make it? Wanda: Well, I have two days off lectures at the end of next week and I can swap my shifts around if I do it tomorrow. I reckon I can train it up next Thurs if that suits you. Helena: Should be fine! I have got lectures Friday mind, you could try a bit of sightseeing, perhaps? Wanda: I would love to see the Castle and the National Art Gallery, have a wee look round too, hen! Helena: Don't start trying to act all Scottish, you sassenach! Wanda: Not sure what that means, but you're a Yorkshire lass too and you do it! Helena: Yes, but I'm an adopted Scottish person now. I'd really like to stay on here, maybe do a PGCE. Wanda: You a teacher! You haven't got the bloody patience to deal with kids all day! Helena: Maybe, but it's an idea I've been toying with, convey my passion for history to the young! Wanda: Hopefully, the young will share your enthusiasm! Helena: Well, we'll see, still got over a year to decide! Wanda: Think about it carefully, my sister teaches Geography over in Brighouse, as you know. She's only been doing it 3 years and she feels burnt out at the end of term! Helena: Oh yeah, forgot about that! Anyway, keep me posted about next weekend, can't wait to see you if you can manage it! Wanda: Me too, bye Chuck! Helena: Bye 😗!

### Summary: Helena's studying in Edinburgh, while Wanda's studying near Leeds and working at a petrol station. Wanda wants to visit Helena next Thursday as she has two days off. Wanda wants to stay in Scotland and become a teacher.

Mousie: <file_other> Joddie: Is he still active?! Wielka Okiestra still exists?! Joddie: Oh Mousie... What a breath of Polish winds reaching the Caribbean... Mousie: Still active but for the last few years our government had been pouring hate onto each of Jurek's activities. So disgusting... Joddie: Can't you abolish this parody of government before term? Mousie: A seamy side of democracy. Mousie: Have you heard the latest? About the mayor of Gdansk? Mousie: <file_other> Joddie: NO!!! Why murdered? Mousie: The bloke is obviously mentally unstable but what could've triggered it all off was the shitstorm created around the mayor by the gvt. When the official media say that he's bad then he must be also responsible for my failed life. This sort of thing. Joddie: So there's no direct, personal connection between the two? Mousie: Not at all! The bloke maintains he'd been maltreated in prison under the PO administration and while Adamowicz was PO, then he'd been responsible for it. Beyond any comment! Joddie: Who said so? Mousie: That's what he shouted still on the crime scene. Joddie: Was he apprehended on the spot? Mousie: <file_other> Mousie: The murderer is a puppet, it's the background of his act that is threatening to our future. This ruling party is in fact responsible for Adamowicz's death, not a poor and deluded halfwit (sorry, man!). Adamowicz stood for all that this PeeParty hates: humanitarian treatment of refugees and migrants, tolerant rights for LGBT folks, more liberal abortion laws. You know, although I can't agree with some of his views, the PiS hateful propaganda against Adamowicz has always filled me with utter disgust and disrespect for Kaczynski. Joddie: I can imagine that it's not exactly your agenda. But nothing to my mind justifies political assassination. Mousie: Can't call it like this. It was in my opinion an act of a politically motivated madman, a psychopath. Mousie: And you know what's so tragic in addition to everything else? It all happened during the latest charity concert of Owsiak`s Orkiestra! The PeeParty jumped immediately on this wagon and accused HIM of fomenting discord in our uniform catholic society. I feel like vomiting! Joddie: Could never understand those who voted for Kacz and his private party! Mousie: But there was no choice! You have no idea what a bunch of self-supportive buggies PO had become! Joddie: Yes, I really no longer understand what's going on in Poland... Mousie: After what's happened nobody does.

### Summary: Mousie told Joddie about the attack on Paweł Adamowicz, the President of Gdańsk, during Jurek Owsiak's Wielka Orkiestra concert. She is convinced that the ruling party Prawo i Sprawiedliwość and its leader Jarosław Kaczyński are to blame for the attack because of their hateful conservative views.

Mash: Hi Gorgeous! And? What is your news? Are you getting much work these days? Gina: Hi there! Can't complain. Just enough commissions to keep me busy without overworking. Enough money too. And you? Mash: I still work about 12-15 hours a week, which with my rental means that I am not dipping into my savings too much. Gina: Sounds good. Is this journal Rose was an editor of still around? Mash: Amazingly ATLA has continued for another year in 2018. I have always believed that they would not stop publishing it, or change how they produce it, in the middle of a year’s editions, so I am now at that stage of waiting for the first paper of the 2019 edition to arrive on my desk. Each year I think it will stop, and each year, somehow, it staggers on! Fingers crossed. Gina: Fingers crossed. Happy for you. And Rose's ALTA. How is she? Mash: Don't see much of them. The last do we had together was in November! Michael's birthday party at Carriage and Stallion in Buxton. But I hear they're doing well. Rose's granddaughter will be graduating from college this summer. You met her, remember? Gina: Tina? Mash: Tilla. A short for some name but can't remember. Gina: Always wanted to ask you: how old is Rose? Mash: Not sure. My age? Must be older as she's bound to be getting her pension by now. Gina: Has she retired yet?! Mash: So I hear. ALTA secretary told me the other day. Gina: And you, old man? Mash: I get my state pension in 2021. But not having paid much into my pension plan I can't expect it entirely to support me. Gina: And the estate? The rents? Mash: That will do, though I'd have to cut on booze Mash: D‑': Mash: The smallholding is looking fairly neat these days (mainly due to Hellie). So I don’t work too hard there, but over the course of a year, I probably spend 4-5 hours a week working on it. Through butcher problems, we kept our pigs for a month longer than we expected this year, and in that time they grew by about 15-20 kilos each!. So my freezers are full to overflowing. Gina: Pork is not good for you, they say. Especially for older folks. Mash: We have decided to give the pigs a rest next year, since we should have plenty of meat. I really don't care if it's healthy or not as long as it tastes good. Gina: Good old Mash! Mash: It's me! Gina: How grand to hear your news! Mash: You must come and visit me again. Gina: We'll think about it! Mash: :)

### Summary: Gina has enough commissions to keep herself busy and they bring her enough money. Mash works about 12-15 hours per week, which also works for him. The ALTA journal is still going strong. The last time Mash saw Rose was in November at Michael's birthday party. Rose is about his age and retired now.

Charlotte: I just checked and I'm gonna arrive at 22:25. I can't believe I didn't check it well ... Oscar: Hahahhahaa. So what will you do now? Charlotte: Soooo, I was thinking that if she tells you that my aunt cancelled the plans, you can tell her that you can see a movie together tomorrow night, (because she has no plans anymore) and that way she will not arrange a meeting with her friends Oscar: Ok. We are having dinner now Charlotte: In last case, if it is going wrong, she will find me sleeping in her bed when she gets back from a meeting with her friends. Ohhhhhhh Oscar: I will make another dinner tomorrow with her Charlotte: Ohhh thank you. I dont want you to be up during the night if you have to sleep eary to catch your bus/flight Oscar: Hahha your aunt just called her. Common don't worry Charlotte: Okay 🙈 Thank you. Sooo sad i won't be there Oscar: Hmm so I will make it late Charlotte: Nooo it's okay, i will arrive very late, plane will land at 10:25 pm, really don't wait for me but thank you so much 🙈 Oscar: Ok 🙂 I already arranged the dinner and movie evening with your mum for tomorrow 🙂 Charlotte: 😍 Oh that's perfect!! Oscar: Just if you know a nice movie, you can tell me so we will find it on netflix Charlotte: I'm really bad at choosing movies 🙈 What kind of movies do you like? Oscar: Choose something that your mum will like Charlotte: She likes criminal minds, but this is a serie .. but she likes comedies too .. Oscar: Ok 🙂 I'm leaving Thursday at 6 or 8 am. Hahha I will tell her tomorrow that I know magic. I will tell her to say a wish lol. In this time you will enter the flat. We can make it funny a bit. It would be awesome if you could arrange a big box to go inside. Think of something and tell me what you want to do Charlotte: Ohhh that would be sooo nice. So i will text you when i arrive home just ready to get in, I have my keys btw Oscar: Ok, I can open it for you as well just not to make noise Charlotte: Just don't know where we could find a box I mean big enough😂 but I guess it's fine. Do you wanna do it in the balcony of the living room? Oscar: It's up to you. I can take her to my room so you will have more time Charlotte: Okay yeah that sounds good ☺️ Oscar: So you will let me know when you land and when you get to the building ok? Charlotte: Okay ☺️☺️ thank you Oscar: You're welcome

### Summary: Charlotte is arriving at 22:25. Oscar arranged the dinner and movie evening with Charlotte's mum tomorrow. Charlotte wants to take her mum by surprise by jumping out of a big box. Charlotte will let Oscar know when she gets to the building.

Deirdre: Hi love, how's things! Sharon: Madness! Work is crazy and my co-workers are complete numpties! Deirdre: No change there then? Sharon: How was Portugal this time? Deirdre: Not too great, actually! Just finished my email to Vivaldi head office. Sharon: Why, what happened? You usually have a great time. Deirdre: Well, we do, but the complex has been taken over by new management and they are a bunch of lazy twats, not to put too fine a point on it! Sharon: Oh my God, what did they do? Deirdre: How long have you got! First, we booked in and they'd given away the only ground floor apartment available to someone else, so I was cross to begin with. I was watching little Ben like a hawk around that balcony. I did specify ground floor only when we booked too! Sharon: How irritating! Deirdre: Exactly! Well, next day, we all decided to go in the pool, James and Ben went in the toddler pool and I took Rosie and Megan in the big one with me as they can swim pretty well. Next thing we know, we have to get out as our eyes are streaming and Ben has grabbed a large floating toddler poo from his pool and is playing with it! Sharon: That's vile, was it chemicals in the pool that did it? Deirdre: Yep, far too much chlorine, awful. We could hardly see for a couple of hours and both pools were evacuated immediately, of course! So not a great first day! Sharon: You poor things, did everything improve at all later? Deirdre: Not really! They did have some great entertainment at night, to be fair, but every other night, they seemed to carry on playing music until 2 or 3 am AND we were right over the bar and restaurant. Awful! We did complain, but nothing was done about it. Sharon: How was the food? Deirdre: Nice actually, most of the time, but there was so little of it, we were still hungry. The girls being 12 are growing like weeds and need decent amounts. I thought half board would be good, but we had to buy snacks quite a lot of the time to fill the gaps! Sharon: That Vivaldi lot really are shit! The tv adverts make them sound really high end. Deirdre: Well, we're obviously asking for compensation, especially because of the chlorine incident. A lot of people are furious, you should see the comments on Trip Advisor! Sharon: Gosh, I hope you manage to sort it, what a pain! Deirdre: Yes, we are certainly not going to that place again. Luckily, the timeshares in the UK have all been fab. Anyway, see you next week, Sharon! Cut and blow dry, Tues. at 6pm, wasn't it? Sharon: Yes, my love. Good luck with your complaint, Bye!

### Summary: Deirdre has just returned from family vacation in Portugal. It was bad, they got the wrong apartment, the food was scarce, the pool water was dirty and had too much chlorine in it. She's going to ask for compensation from Vivaldi. She and Sharon are going to meet on Tuesday at 6 pm.

Lucie: Hello papa, I hope you're doing well. Am in your house now. Watered the plants and got the mail. Lucie: Two of them are bills, one from the GP and one from some lawyer, a RA Nunn. Do you want me to pay them? Lucie: There was also a note from the chimney sweep, but he should have come last Tuesday. What should I do about it? Lucie: Let me know pls when you're online. I wish you a great time. Papa: Hello Lucie, could you please take a snap of this invoice from RA Nunn? Or scan it and sent to me via email? It may be urgent. Papa: Yes, if you could pay the GP bill, it would be very helpful. As for the chimney sweep, why don't you ask Ms Shottner, if he'd been there or not. Papa: If he hadn't, ask Ms Shottner to make a new appointment with him, the one that suits her, since the cleaning has to be done asap. Lucie: <file_photo> Lucie: The GP bill has been paid. 134,60€ Papa: I cannot read the text of the letter. Can you pls take a better picture of it? Or even better to scan it? It is urgent. Or re-write it for me? Papa: It is not a bill but a quote. Lucie: <file_photo> Lucie: Ms Shottner doesn't answer my phone calls. I think she's away. Papa: Thx for the scan. I'll pay you back the money when I'm back, ok? Papa: Ms Shottner IS NOT away! Just try to phone her until you get her! Lucie: Sorry papa, but I can't spend the whole day phoning your tenant. It's very busy at school at the moment, with end of term conferences and grading. I really have no time. Lucie: Ms Shottner phone me back and said she'd phone the chimney sweep and make a new appointment with. I hope you are happy now that I've sorted it out. Papa: You didn't, Ms Shottner did. Papa: If you are so pressed for time, stop bothering about my house and its affairs. I'll be able to arrange it in a different manner. Thank you for what you've done! Lucie: But papa I'd love to do it! It's only now, for the next 10 days, that I can't drive to your place twice a week. Papa: It's ok, Lucie. I've already written to Ms Shottner and she'll take over. If you happen to be in town, please leave the keys on the kitchen table. Ms Shottner has a spare key. Lucie: Papa! I'm sorry! I didn't mean it like this! Papa: It is alright, child. You'd better concentrate on your work now! Good luck!

### Summary: Lucie watered the plants and got the mail of her father. There are two bills: from GP and RA Nunn, a lawyer. There was chimney cleaning last week. She scanned the bills and paid one of them. Ms Shottner organized the chimney sweep. Papa wrote to her and she'll take over the errands.

Frank: Okay... so how long does it need to be? Alice: She didn't say. I'm guessing she just wants us to choose something then do it. :/ Frank: Right... :/ so do you have any ideas? i was thinking maybe Romeo & Juliet? Alice: Every1s gonna be doing R&J Frank: true -_- Alice: I was actuallythinking maybe Macbeth - you know that scene with the 3 witches ("double double toil and trouble")? Frank: Oh yeah sure :D I'll go get my stuff - brb! Frank: Let's do this! Alice: Great! :D Alice: Okay, so we have "Thrice the brinded cat hath mew'd." - I was thinking of something like: "Oh look, the brinded cat miowed three times - think it means something?" (wtf does brinded mean??!) Frank: ooh I like that! :) i think it means tawny :) Frank: then: "Thrice, and once the hedge-pig whined. Harpier cries, “'Tis time, ’tis time." - I was thinking something like: "Really? The hedgehog only whined once! Although this guy Harpier did tell me it was time..." Alice: :D haha! Alice: Then we have (oh boy): "Round about the cauldron go, In the poisoned entrails throw. Toad, that under cold stone, Days and nights has thirty-one, Sweltered venom sleeping got, Boil thou first i' th' charmèd pot." Frank: how bout - "Lets make our potion and dance around it! I say we throw in that toad that's been lying under that rock for the past month - it looks poisonous!" Alice: You're brilliant! (How on earth did you come up with that??!) Alice: "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble." - I wrote: "Double the work and double the trouble, let this fire burn so our cauldron can bubble" Frank: Very nice ;) I covered a bit of Shakespeare at Drama class. :) btw, you are getting this down right? Alice: yeah - gotta say this is kinda fun :) we make a good team Frank: as if there was any doubt ;) but moving on - i've got an idea for the next part: Frank: "Toad's not enough! We need to add more - pass me that a newt’s eye and frog’s toe. Maybe we can add some bat fur, a dog’s tongue... I also wanted the forked tongue from an adder, maybe lizard’s leg and an owl’s wing? That should do the trick! now our potion will truly be horrendous MWAHAHAHA!!!" Alice: Alriht Shakespeare, no need for you to get carried away :) but I like what you wrote :) not quite so sure about the mwahahaha bit... :P Frank: why not? Every villain needs an evil laugh :P Alice: fine, you win :P

### Summary: Frank and Alice choose a scene with the 3 witches from "Macbeth" for their assignment. Frank and Alice proceed to translate the Shakespearean dialog into every day modern English line by line.

Brian: Have you noticed the broken pipe in the bathroom? Jane: No, i haven't seen anything Michaela: me neither, what happened Brian: I've enter the bathroom this morning and it was full of water Jane: so it must have happened after I left Jane: after 10 Brian: ok, I though maybe you knew but had no time to do anything about it Brian: I have a day off so I'll try to fix it Michaela: don't do it yourself, call a plumber, please Brian: We'll pay a fortune and it seems a simple thing Michaela: but you remember the last time, your DIY ended horribly Brian: But it was a special case, it seemed easy, but wasn't Michaela: this one seems easy as well Brian: no, this one IS easy Michaela: ok, do it yourself but if it doesn't work call a plumber, just try to fix it before we come back home Brian: Brian: Have you noticed the broken pipe in the bathroom? Jane: No, i haven't seen anything Michaela: me neither, what happened Brian: I've enter the bathroom this morning and it was full of water Jane: so it must have happened after I left Jane: after 10 Brian: ok, I though maybe you knew but had no time to do anything about it Brian: I have a day off so I'll try to fix it Michaela: don't do it yourself, call a plumber, please Brian: We'll pay a fortune and it seems a simple thing Michaela: but you remember the last time, your DIY ended horribly Brian: But it was a special case, it seemed easy, but wasn't Michaela: this one seems easy as well Brian: no, this one IS easy Michaela: ok, do it yourself but if it doesn't work call a plumber, just try to fix it before we come back home. Brian: Brian: Have you noticed the broken pipe in the bathroom? Jane: No, i haven't seen anything Michaela: me neither, what happened Brian: I've enter the bathroom this morning and it was full of water Jane: so it must have happened after I left Jane: after 10 Brian: ok, I though maybe you knew but had no time to do anything about it Brian: I have a day off so I'll try to fix it Michaela: don't do it yourself, call a plumber, please Brian: We'll pay a fortune and it seems a simple thing Michaela: but you remember the last time, your DIY ended horribly Brian: But it was a special case, it seemed easy, but wasn't Michaela: this one seems easy as well Brian: no, this one IS easy Michaela: ok, do it yourself but if it doesn't work call a plumber, just try to fix it before we come back home Brian: 👍

### Summary: Brian entered the bathroom this morning and it was full of water. Michaela told him to call a plumber. Brian will try to fix the broken pipe.

Sue: Hi Lou, how are you all? Louise: Fine! How did the 18th go, I bet they all had a fab time! Sue: Don't mention birthday parties to me! I am absolutely fucking livid with my daughter and so is Pete! Louise: What has Lara done now! Just teen hijinx, is it!? Sue: No, indeed! It started off ok as we booked the village hall for the right day and almost everyone she invited was able to come. Louise: Yes, it's unusual to get teenagers to reply to invitations! Did you stay for the night? Sue: No, she begged us not to come! We set everything up, decs, drinks etc, nice buffet, but then we made ourselves scarce, we only live on the next street, you see. We decided to pop back in a few hours. That was very naive of us, to be honest! Louise: I'm guessing things didn't actually go smoothly! Sue: Understatement of the year! Pete went back round about 11.00 and there was utter carnage! There was vomit and spilled drinks everywhere, the front window had been smashed, the bathroom door had come off it's hinges and the mother and toddler toys and books were ripped and strewn about all over the place. Pete roared at Lara and turned the music off. Nobody moved at first, but he threatened to call the police! Louise: Wow! I wasn't expecting that! I bet she was thoroughly embarrassed. Sue: No, not really. About 8 of her friends were sleeping at our house, so they all crashed back there sheepishly. Louise: Yes, but next day, she must have apologised to you. Sue: She did not! In fact, around 6 of the group came back to the Hall to help clean up, but Lara refused to get out of bed! Louise: I can't believe she acted so selfishly! Sue: We've made her pay for the damage out of her part time job at the vets and also refused to pay for one of her holidays. Louise: Yes, you did right! So she's got more than one holiday? Sue: Yes, three! One she paid for herself, mind. She's still hardly speaking to us and it was 2 weeks ago. Louise: So sorry you've had to go through this, Lara needs to step up here, though! Sue: I know, I think she'll come round. I have a feeling someone sneaked some drugs in and it made a few of them go apeshit! Hope Lara didn't have any. Louise: I'm sure things will improve. Come and see us all next weekend. Lara loves to see Steve, he's like her little brother. Sue: Yes, I'd love that! See you soon! Louise: Bye.

### Summary: Louise and Pete booked the village hall for Lara's 18th birthday. They left her there with guests, who devastated the place and got crazy. Pete came back at 11, stopped the party, and punished Lara. She didn't apologize.

Teddy: Happy birthday my dear Helena, i still think about coming to Paris . Kiss Helena: Thanks my dear Teddy. We're waiting for you, please come Teddy: Great! Are you coming back to France for winter holidays? Helena: I'll be in Strasburg for a week , but before we had a family weekend in Bucharest Teddy: How great is it to live in Europe, you don't need any visa. So easy! Teddy: Hi Helena, how was your week end in Bucharest? I'm currently in Normandy, and the weather is still very nice. Do you think I could come by the end of march? Helena: Sure, so nice Teddy: i'll call you next week when you'll be in Strasburg Helena: Hi, i'm just leaving for Strasburg. Call me, but they should be no problem for the end of march. Will you come with Sarah? Teddy: It's gonna be from the 23th to the 30rd if possible, but i'll be on my own. May be we could visit a place you're still never been? Helena: Ok we'll talk about it by phone. Teddy: I'm in front of my laptop in order to book a flight. Is an arrival on the 30th at 1.00 pm and a departure on the 5th at 4pm is ok for you? not to long? Helena: Perfect.. Davai! Teddy: I've got my plane tickets, i'm so happy. Tell me if you need anything from France: champagne, cheese, detectives...? Helena: everything! No i'm kidding, only you. Teddy: Could you give me your adress in order for me to situate it on the map. Have you ever been to Lodz or Torun? Helena: Al Krakowska 241. No never been to Lodz or Torun. But look at what you want to do . Teddy: Ok I've got already an idea of it. In fact Lodz , with it's horrible prononciation , is not so far. Helena: hutch, the L with a / makes hutch. Even worse Szczecin! Teddy: not so easy. Did you take some conversation course? Helena: I took some long ago when i was so enthusiastic, but ... how to say... Teddy: long live cyrillic alphabet, much easier Helena: <file_photo> Teddy: I'll confirm you my arrival time at 1pm. If you want anything special, let me know. Could you come and pick me up at the airport and shall i take a cab? Helena: I'll come and pick you up. No thanks, no special needs. Teddy: See you on friday Helena: Yes... Have a safe trip

### Summary: Teddy is arriving without Sarah on the 30th at 1.00 pm and coming back on the 5th at 4 pm. Helena's address is Al Krakowska 241. Helena will pick Teddy up from the airport on Friday.

Jax: i know this book is meant to be powerful or whatever but i really bloody hate it. do your super brainy thng and tell me what i'm missing pleease Ruby: Omg no hard same, I hate it. I always find it hard to connect with a book if the protagonists are literal garbage, and Heathcliff is the worst. Jax: before i read it I thought it was a romace novel but now i see that i was horribly deceived Jax: heathcliff needs to meet my mum. my mum would kick his arse Ruby: And how many narrators does one book need? Jax: and why is the narrator narrating the narrator? Ruby: I DON'T KNOW but it's the most irritating narrative structure I've ever read. Jax: and wtf is up with catherine always locking herself in her room and making herself ill when she doesn't get her way? kids are mre mature than that. i am more mature than that Ruby: It really pisses me off that Heathcliff abuses Isabella, but even in this day and age we're supposed to believe he's a Byronic hero, like, okay, sure, let's side-sweep the abuse because he's tragic or whatever. Jax: i wasn't aware that it was okay to abuse women if you could pull of standing around the moors but i guess heathcliff has paved the way Ruby: LMFAO Jax: the woman i love is dead. should i kidnap her daughter? i guess it's fine because i look really spiffing in breeches and a cravat Ruby: The thought of you in breeches and a cravat is hilarious. Jax: you mean HANDSOME and also OVERWHELMINGLY HANDSOME Ruby: And the caps finally make an appearence. Jax: weirdly i used to date an isabella Ruby: You did? Jax: yeah for like two years Ruby: You did? Jax: yeah for like 2 years Ruby: Wow. I've never dated anyone for that long. Jax: how long have you been with your boyfriend? Ruby: Oh. Just over a year I suppose. Jax: you suppose? Ruby: Things with him have been sort of shit for a while so I don't really like thinking about it. Jax: oh Jax: i'm sorry, i didn't realise Ruby: I'm at his flat now. His mates are here. He didn't tell me they'd be watching football so I'm sitting here with nothing to do. Ruby: TBH I don't even know why I'm here because one of the guys who came over once tried to grope me and I've felt really uncomfortable around him ever since. Jax: wtf that's awful - did you tell your boyfriend about it

### Summary: Jax and Ruby don't like neither the narration nor the characters in the book. Ruby's at her boyfriend's flat. She hasn't been getting on well with him for a while.

Stanley: Ok. It's been 2 months since our graduation and we never had a chance to have a drink to celebrate. Stanley: What do You do next Saturday? Angela: I'm home and I'm free. Could arrange meeting at my place. Stanley: That's great! Could You speak to others? Angela: Dymitr said he's at home. Angela: I mean in Ukraine and I don't know when he's going back. Stanley: Ok. Sorry to hear that. Stanley: I mean I'm happy that he's home with family, but I honestly miss You all - including Dymitr and I really want us all to meet and have a drink. Angela: I've spoken to Przemek, he said he was not sure yet, but for now, he said that he's free on saturday evening. Unless his father asks him to visit him in Warsaw and to take care of kids for weekend. Stanley: Ok. As for now, it's three of us. What about Aleksandra, Karol and Martyna? Angela: As far as I know Martyna always does her best to come every time we gather. I'll write to her, but she probably will be nagging again that we should visit her in Germany. Stanley: Yeah. It will be like: "But I also remember, that You didn't want to come visit me in Frankfurt!" ! Stanley: And we will be like: "Oh, don't be mad! It's a lot easier for us to meet in Poznań than arrange a trip to Germany". Angela: Hahaha! I already have that vision in my head. Stanley: <file_gif> Angela: :) :) :) Stanley: I've called Aleksandra. She said she didn't know yet, but she said that she thought they won't be able to come. Karol works in Bielsko-Biala, and commutes to Radom. They have a difficult situation, as he travels a lot to Sweden and they have little time for themselves, not to mention traveling to Poznań. Angela:: Ehh, I understand. Nevertheless, I feel sad. Stanely: Don't be. I'm sure even without them we will have a great time! They usually don't come when we gather. Angela: I know :( Angela: There's no solution for that :( Stanley: <file_photo> Stanley: I send them this pic saying that My cat ordered them to come. Angela: <3 <3 <3 CAT! Stanley: Jessica said she's free this Saturday Stanley: She said she would come, but probably not for long. She said she was exhausted and she needed some time to rest and regenerate. Angela: But she will come for 1 drink? :) Stanley: Exactly! Angela: Awesome! So we're all set for Saturday then!

### Summary: It's been 2 months since Stanley and Angela's graduation. Stanley and Angela are trying to arrange a meeting of their old group to celebrate. They want to meet on Saturday. Some of their friends might be available, others can't come.

Shona: Omg !! 😍 I have to meet her xx Clare: You soooo do. I can't wait x Sharon: Omg! Soooo cute 😍 Clare: Isn't she Sha. Such a little monkey though. She's into everything lol! Ceri: Wow she is gorgeous, what is her name and how old is she 💜🐶 xx Clare: Lola. Ten weeks of lushness 😄 Cathy: Bad taste Clare, not enough info. What's her name, how old? Is she a cockerpoo or cavapoo. Does she have a boyfriend yet, lol 💜💙❤️ Clare: Haha! Well spotted. Yes a cockerpoo and of course she hasn't. She's saving herself for Loki 🙀 Cathy: It will be the real life version of lady and the tramp 💜💙❤️ Lotty: Aww so cute Clare Roach! Xxx Clare: She really is 😍 Lotty: What breed is she?? Ellie: Ahhh she's beautiful!!! I have a grown up cockapoo ☺️☺️ <link_photo> Clare: Gorgeous 😄 Ellie: Sleeping beauty 😆😆 <link_photo> Julie: What a cutie!!! 😍 Clare: Sure she will get to meet yours at the Pheasant at some stage lol! Sara: One VERY cute pup. She's rather fond of shoe laces! I don't think I've ever held such a young puppy... enjoyed my flying visit. S x Clare: Great to see you x Helen: I cant wait for Lola and Graham to meet and fall in love and have St Bernacockapoo babies 💕🐶 Clare: Mmmm not sure how that would hapoen😏😜😂😂 Jo: www she's a stunner😍 Clare: Yep! Just like her mum did I hear you say 😂😂😂 Ali: She is gorgeous. Can't wait to meet her. Sam has already volunteered us for babysitting..lol..which means she will definitely have to meet Dexter and Riley 😊😊😊 Clare: Excellent!!! Call in when your passing or I'll bring her your way once she's had her second injection and can go out properly x Julie: I love him 💞 Clare: Me too Jules. Immediately part of the family 💚

### Summary: Clare has a new cockerpoo called Lola, it's ten weeks old and hasn't had all the shots yet. Ellie has a grown up cockapoo. Helen has a St. Bernard called Graham.

Jennifer: I will have to give a presentation on global warming on Friday, and I am so nervous. Mary: There are a lot of things you can do to make you feel more confident and less nervous. Jennifer: What should I do, Mary? Mary: First of all, you need to understand the subject matter thoroughly. You need to know what is global warming, what causes global warming, and what people should do to abate the effects of global warming. Jennifer: I have done a lot of research on the subject, and I know I can answer any questions I will receive from the audience. Mary: The next thing that you need is an outline of your presentation. You should think about how to effectively present the subject matter. Jennifer: You mean what I should talk about, or more precisely the sequence of my presentation? Mary: Yes, what you should present first, second, third… Jennifer: If that is the case, then I already have an outline. To make it easy for my audience to follow the presentation, I intend to post the outline on the board at all time during my speech. Mary: Good idea! By the way, do you have any facts to back you up? For example, change of climate, yearly disasters… Jennifer: No, I have not thought about that. I better get some statistics from the Internet. I should not have any problems since the Internet has all kinds of data. Mary: Good. It is easier to convince people and to hold their attention with actual data. It would be even better if you show some pictures along the way. Do you have any? Jennifer: No, it is another thing to add to my To Do list. I guess I will need at least two or three pictures to persuade people about the dangers of global warming. Mary: Pictures will keep your audience from being bored. In order for you to succeed, you need to keep them interested and involved. Jennifer: What else do I need? Is there anything else I can do to help me relax and be at ease during my presentation? Mary: You need to practice your presentation. Just pretend that you are standing in front of your audience and start to give your speech. Jennifer: Pretending is one thing; actually giving a speech is another thing. Mary: Think positive. Tell yourself that you can do it without any problems. Jennifer: I guess I can look at this as a presentation of my point of view to my friends. Mary: If you are really prepared, it will be a piece of cake. You will be able to speak with ease and confidence, and you will be amazed by how well you can express yourself. Jennifer: I need to do this presentation really well. This is my first presentation in front of a big audience, and it is so important to me. Mary: This is only the beginning, Jennifer. Being able to express your ideas with confidence and clarity is one of the best skills to possess. Jennifer: You are absolutely right. I will take time to practice and to learn to relax and express myself really well. Wish me luck, Mary! Mary: I know you. You can do it. Good luck, Jennifer!

### Summary: Mary instructs Jennifer on how to prepare a presentation on global warming. Jennifer will give the presentation on Friday. It'll be her first with such a vast audience.

Anne: My cousin is coming this weekend and I would like to take him somewhere nice, any ideas? :) Tom: Angelo's for sure - best pizza in town, decent prices, nice, classic red-white chequered table cloths style, very Italian! Anne: Thanks a lot! I was thinking about Angelo's as well, but it happens that my cousin is Italian so I think it may be a bit risky to impress him with an Italian restaurant ;) Carl: Fair point. What about Toff's? They are famous for having the best fish and chips in the UK. Anne: Haven't heard about them! Where are they? Carl: Third zone, near Highgate. The area is beautiful, really worth going, especially if someone's never been to London. Sarah: If you're looking for something more central, I highly recommend Yori. It's a Korean restaurant, a true gem <3 Anne: What are the prices? It's not that we are really on a budget here, but wouldn't mind saving some for more touristic stuff ;) Sarah: Cool, I find Yori affordable and their prive-value is really high in my opinion. Carl: Same for the Toff's, they mainly sell fish and fish and chips, so maybe check with your cousin if he likes it first. Anna: Oh, I bet he'd love to have an Instagram worthy photo with a fish and chips in London, hahaha! Tom: If I were you, I'd focus on the bars more ;) Take him to Soho, skip the fancy ones though. Anna: That goes without a question! Have a few places in mind already. He also has a sweet tooth, so I was thinking maybe Hummingbird? Sarah: I think I may be joining you for that one! If not, take the salted caramel for my sake. Anna: Always! I always go for the red velvet, even if Tom thinks it's overrated. Tom: Because it is, it's just a normal cake with red dye in it. Sarah: So Tom is definitely not going to Hummingbird with us :D Party pooper :P Carl: How long is your cousin staying? Anna: Four days so that's four lunches/dinners - waiting for your recommendations! Tom: Hm... I would also suggest street food on Brick Lane or Borough's Market - if a party pooper may have something to say :P Sarah: But never on a weekend! Unless you fancy getting stomped or like to waiting for your food like FOREVER. When is he coming? Anna: Thursday to Sunday, so Thursday after flight it is then. Fortunately, he's flying in the morning. Thank you so much guys! Carl: Our pleasure, as long as you bring us come cupcakes on Monday :D Sarah: Yeah, three red velvets for Tom :P

### Summary: Anne wants to take her cousine from Italy to somewhere nice in London. Angelo's, Toff's, Yori, Soho or street food on Brick Lane or Borough's Market are being suggested. Sarah will join them if they are going to Hummingbird.

Nadia: hey, I guess there is something you should know. Anne: hey, what is it? Nadia: it's about this dude you're talking to/dating I don't know how to call it Anne: doesn't matter, but what happened? Nadia: he's not being honest with you. I was fighting myself whether or not I should tell you cause I got this information from someone else, but as you're my bestie, you gotta know the truth Anne: ok, now I'm worried as fuck. Nadia: do you remember when he was supposed to visit you? and then we saw him a few days later, on my birthday, with this Alexis in the pub? Anne: yeah...pathetic but I forgot about this Nadia: then watch this Nadia: I heard yesterday that he was in fucking love with her and wanted to be with her, but she said no and that was even the reason why she's not at the university now Anne: wait waaat Nadia: yes, exactly Anne: who told you that? Nadia: Jason. He told me they spent some time on talking and he told that he was in love with Alexis and also had an opportunity to be with some other girl, but Alexis was better and that's why he chose her. Anne: how could I be so naive Nadia: I'm not telling you that to make you sad or whatever, but to make you aware of the facts. I was shocked too, to be honest. It seems that he was playing with you, trying to attract her at the same time. Anne: I don't know what to say Nadia: don't say anything, just get used to it slowly and think if there is any sense to continue that Nadia: if this is worth your time and feelings Anne: I'm so happy I can always count on you...if not you, then I guess I'll never know about all of this and live not knowing anything Nadia: no problem, as you said you can always count on me. I just don't want anyone to fool you or something Anne: how can anyone be such a jerk Anne: I just don't fucking get it. I was always so good for him, if he wanted to date her, then why would he waste my time Nadia: cause some people are simply like that, they don't care or they just lack this ability to think about others, unfortunately... Anne: I'm really pissed off right now Nadia: just don't do anything reckless and try to act as if you didn't know anything. cause if you don't, then he'll figure out that Jason told someone. Anne: Ok, I promise I'll try. Nadia: Just calm down and observe. Anne: I will, thank you for everything, I really appreciate it. Nadia: any time.

### Summary: Anne is dating some dude. Nadia found out from Jason he dated Anne and some other girl called Alexis at the same time. He liked Alexis better but she refused him. Anne is furious but promises to act as she didn't know anything.

Debbie: You'll never guess what. Ruth: What? Debbie: You know that Abigail from Chalfont? Ruth: The one whose father is a pastor? Debbie: Yeah. That one. You won't believe it, but she is pregnant. Ruth: You are joking? Debbie: I'm not. She is showing already. Ruth: Of course, her parents are never going to let her have an abortion, so that's it for her, game over. Debbie: and the shame for them, him being a pastor and everything. Word is, he will have to give up being a pastor as he didn't bring his kids up right. So they are going to be out of the house they have, he isn't really trained for anything else, it's a complete disaster. Ruth: Bloody hell, I feel bad for them. Can't the church help them out a bit? Its not very Christian, is it, just chucking him out. Debbie: I agree. They say he has brought scandal but they are the ones who are making this a scandal. Ruth: Silly girl, though. She's caused no end of trouble. Who's the father anyway? Debbie: You know Trevor. She has been seeing him for a while. Only in secret as her dad wouldn't let her go out with anyone. Ruth: Is he standing by her? Debbie: Yes, he wants to do the decent thing and he says he wants to marry her, but his family are all upset because he was supposed to be going to Uni and now he won't be able to. He will have to start work. His dad will give him a role in his buidling firm as an apprentice. Ruth: It is a waste of his career. Debbie: Some people say he is lucky. Abigail is a very nice girl, they clearly do love each other, and he was going to do a useless degree on history and now he will learn to build houses and end up with no student debts and probably as rich as his own dad in ten years from now. Ruth: Really? So Abigail probably made a logical move then. Debbie: I doubt she was thinking with her brain, but in fact it should be ok for her. Its her family and her old man not having a job because of it which is the one to be pitied, I suppose. Ruth: Maybe Trevor's dad will be able to give Abigail's Dad a job as well? Debbie: Her mother earns quite well as a bookkeeper, so maybe they will be OK, but it is sad that he won't be able to work at his calling any more. Ruth: They should just send him to be pastor in a new place, where nobody will hear of this. Debbie: Yeah. Like the Outer Hebrides.

### Summary: Abigail is pregnant. The church may force her father out of his position as a pastor because of it. Abigail's baby's father is Trevor. Trevor wants to marry Abigail. Trevor won't go to college and his father will give him a job at his construction company. Abigail's mom earns well as a bookkeeper.

Victoria: Do you know this website <file_other>? Daniel: Uhm, no, why? Looks dodgy for me Lucas: Don't use it! It's a scam! Victoria: Oh my god, thanks! I was just about to buy tickets from them Lucas: I did it once, I'm telling you, it's a scam - paid a lot of money, never saw the ticket or my money back Victoria: I'm looking for tickets for Mumford and Sons, but they're gone everywhere :( Thanks for the warning though Victoria: It was the only page that had them available - in good price. I also found some on Viagogo, have you heard about it? Daniel: Huh, I did. I had the same problem with Guns'n'Roses concert last year, there were only some tickets left on Viagogo and I bought two - it was a scam as well Lucas: They have legit tickets sometimes, some of my friends used it before, but it's nothing sure. It didn't work for me Patricia: Yeah, I had a problem with Viagogo as well. I don't know how it works really, but I got scammed as well. Buying tickets from people on Facebook worked better for me Victoria: But how can I find them? It's really my last resort :( Patricia: Find the official event of the concert and ask around. Maybe some people can't come and they're already selling their tickets Daniel: It's risky as well, but I think it's better than some dodgy website. On Facebook you at least have the name of the person who's selling Patricia: It's also good when you can buy a ticket from someone who's from the same city - you can just meet and exchange Lucas: Yeah, so someone won't wander off with your money! Victoria: Why it has to be so difficult? :((( Victoria: I'll try it out guys, thanks! Lucas: Next time you can set a reminder Victoria: Oh, where? Lucas: Every webpage has a reminder option. You give them your email address so they can contact you to let you know that the tickets are on sale Victoria: Thanks! This time I totally missed it, I was away, but I would never have thought that they'll be gone within an hour Patricia: An hour?! Wow, that's quick! Patricia: When I was buying tickets for Ed Sheeran I was refreshing the page 30 minute before it started Daniel: It is a pain, but I think it's a trend now - you buy tickets a year before the event, otherwise you're stuck with dodgy solutions Victoria: I'll let you know if I find some tickets, already posted in Facebook that I'm looking for two, at least one :) Lucas: Good luck! Be careful though ;)

### Summary: Victoria is looking for tickets for Mumford and Sons' concert. They're officially sold out so she's browsing some dubious websites like Viagogo. Patricia, Lucas and Daniel warn her against doing it and they suggest looking for the tickets on Facebook.

Susan: Hi Bill. I'm looking for a vacation home for August. Lila said you had some interesting ideas... Bill: hey sis. yeah we went last year to that little place in Italy, near florence. Rented an apartment. was cheap as hell but location was not for everyone Susan: why so? Bill: away from the sea. like in the very middle of the country. No beaches. Susan: why would you go to Italy and not have a beach? Bill: we wanted to be away from the crowds. place had a pool and it was drivable everywhere interesing. Like a couple of hours to florence, rome, an hour to the beach if you needed to. Susan: pool would make up for much, true. but Italy in august? Bill: hot as hell, but with the pool and AC it was nice. and full wine season. Susan: we would be going with the whole lot, the 4 of us and the dogs. do they take pets? did you take Sparky? Bill: yup. no problem with the dogs, although you have to be careful not to let the dogs roam around the pool. they got very angry once, when we just let Sparky out and he jumped the fence. But yours are tiny. Fat, but tiny. Susan: cannot imagine them jumping the fence. Any fence. they have trouble to get on the couch. Susan: I keep telling the kids not to overfeed the dogs, but you know how they are, as soon as I turn around... Bill: like you don't give them treats at the table :P Susan: shut up! Bill: anyhoo, we drove, with sparky and the kids, much cheaper. And you need the car when you're there. It's like this little village in the middle of countryside. vinyards and olive trees. and crickets. Susan: drive there? how long? Bill: two days, we drove through Germany and Austria. Made an overnight in the Alps. 8 hours to Austria then like 6 hours to the place in Italy. Susan: seems not that bad. Bill: wasn't. and the place being so cheap we could afford three weeks... Bill: it was like half the price of a hotel. We cooked ourselves or went out for dinner. nice little italian restaurants, great food. we even found a 2-star one in some little village in the middle of nowhere, can you imagine? Susan: oh, nice. Susan: It seems like a good deal. I'll talk to the hubby. send me the details, okay? Bill: will do. phone number - they speak english, and e-mail. better to e-mail them the owner responds on the evenings, during the day he's in the field with the vines and stuff. Susan: great, thanks a mil!

### Summary: Susan wants to go on vacation to Italy with her family. Bill gives her details on the cheap apartment. It's possible to take pets. Bill describes route he took. Bill will send owner's contact to Susan.

Moira: Hello dear Barbie, greetings from Havana! I thought you might like a few pics of the city you'd told me so much about. My footnote to our talks about art deco: Moira: <file_photo> Moira: You can probably recognise these, as they are all in the centre of Havana. But I also found some fine examples of the style in the suburbs: Moira: <file_photo> Barbie: Hello dear! Thank you for the pics. Splendid as usual. I especially like your take of Hotel Nacional. At first I didn't recognise the zoomed tympana. They are gorgeous, aren't they? Moira: I waited till late afternoon to get them. But they're sort obvious, anyone can see them. I'm quite proud about my finds in the suburbs. Moira: <file_photo> Barbie: Indeed! Fantastic in design but in a horrific state of preservation, aren't they? Moira: Some of them would be deemed uninhabitable in Europe but here they can house even a few families. That's post-Fidel Cuba for you! Barbie: Politics aside they are supreme piece of architecture that should be taken care of. Any movement, initiative into this direction? Moira: Not to my knowledge as far as the suburbs are concerned. The ones that are successful are active in the areas under the UNESCO World Heritage patronage. Barbie: Have you been to Vedado? Seen villas there? Moira: Yep. Fantastic. But wept over their condition. They really don't know what sort of treasures they have. Barbie: I know! That "remodelling" should send them to prison, if you ask me. I photographed one shocking example of it and sent it to "Architectural Review" to be put on file. They were quite obliging, I must say. Barbie: <file_photo> Barbie: How did you discover these houses in the suburbs!? Moira: By accident. I went on a tour of the city in an open-top bus and had a glimpse of some from the top deck. Took snaps with their GPS location and came back. By taxi. Barbie: Splendid!!! If you have some more or less complete series of photos of singular objects with their GPS, we can assemble a portfolio and submit it to "Architectural Review". They are usually not only pleased but also pay for valuable contributions. Moira: I would be flattered! I'll show you what I've got when I'm back home. Barbie: Which is? Moira: End of January. Barbie: Looking forward to our meeting then. Moira: Me too! Thanks for your suggestion. Barbie: Pleasure. So good luck and keep photographing. Moira: I can't stop! Barbie: :-) Moira: <file_photo>

### Summary: Moira is in Havana and is taking photos of art deco style buildings. She has found some are in a bad condition, especially in the suburbs. Barbie suggests she collates the pictures in a portfolio and sends it to the Architectural Review.

Ann: I have got a plusnet mobile sim card that I pay 5.00 a month for it has 500 minutes, 100 more than the skype one, plus I have a decent phone that I can use with it, not my own Rob: I think I should buy a number - such as 0333 and then redirect it to your mobile, which will redirect if no one answers (I think you can set that up on your mobile?) Rob: We can then measure how many CS notepads call us and adjust the monthly package accordingly Ann: Possibly as the main company number yes, but with my mobile number to call direct in office hours or text out of hours as they may not like calling a 03 number and getting replies from a strange mobile Rob: possibility Ann: Its worth just trying the mobile number at the moment maybe. Does the 0333 number you have already belong to CS? Why can you not keep that number and just redirect calls from that? Rob: 0333 numbers are mobile friendly, like 0800 numbers. I dont fancy adding a mobile on the site as it makes us look too small. I want people to think they are dealing with a larger business Ann: Ahh Yes I didn’t think of that, it will be ok on my emails though? Rather than the skype one? I do have a landline number that only gets used once in a blue moon, but that has a Gloucester code, I’m happy for you to use that if that could be of use Rob: Im setting up a new 0333 number - what is your mobile number? Ann: That’s a very good question because until I get the phone unlocked I cant call to see what the number is and as I never used it myself Ann: I ve been paying 5 a month for the last year but not used it. So I will get it to you asap, I am going over to Tesco shortly and I can get it unlocked there hopefully tonight Rob: ok no rush Ann: Did you sort out the Cawson invoice? Rob: oh no good job you reminded me I will do it now Ann: yes the files are on driver and I already have a template invoice set up for them, you just need to see haw many courses they took this month Rob: I think they had quite a few this month, I need to get onto Chris Lamport and hurry up his reports as I cant send them an invoice if they dont have all the reports Ann: Hes getting annoying being late with reports all the time Rob: I'm thinking about cutting his jobs, hes getting a bit too comfortable Ann: well that wont hurt for a while, he is taking more local tutors jobs really Ann: I know its great that he is able to cover areas that we are short on but apart from that we should leave him to his own area Rob: I think you are right good idea

### Summary: Ann and Rob are discussing ideas related to redirecting phone calls to a company phone. Rob is setting a 0333 number to redirect calls to Ann's new sim card. Ann also reminds Rob about an invoice they have problems issuing as Chris is late with necessary reports for trainings.

Carmen: Have you seen "Kler"? This movie about the clergy and their scams. Jennifer: heard of it, but haven't seen it. Have you seen it? Carmen: yeah, I went to the cinema yesterday with Joseph Jennifer: and how was it? Carmen: it's as controversial as they say, but there is a lot of truth in it. Not in the entire film of course, but still... Jennifer: what do you mean by controversial? Carmen: well...it discusses some uncomfortable matters which the clergy are often being accused of, and which some people are often trying to obscure Jennifer: I understand...but I don't think I'll watch it, I'd rather watch something funny and pleasant instead of pissing myself off and paying for it Carmen: I get it, but if you change your mind, you'll not regret it. It might be a heavy piece of work but it definitely forces to rethink some matters and be more careful when it comes to the real life. Jennifer: I'll keep your suggestion in mind. How are you, btw? Carmen: I'm quite ok, just chilling right now. Tomorrrow I'm going to university and later to work, I don't know how I'm gonna survive this :/ Jennifer: you will, we can meet later and chill a little bit, if you want. Carmen: If I won't be dead, then with pleasure. I guess we spent an evening together like ages ago :/ Jennifer: that's how being adult looks like :P no time for anything, even for sleeping Carmen: I think a good shopping will wake me up. Wanna go? maybe not tomorrow, but this week Jennifer: sure, do you have anything particular in mind? Carmen: Well, I was thinking of a new lipstick and of some dress, as always Jennifer: Actually I need a lipstick too, sephora? Carmen: might be sephora, but there are 3 other places we can visit to see what they have Jennifer: sure, we'll see. Hm... I also need a notebook Carmen: a notebook? Jennifer: yeah, like a paper one xD you won't believe it but my dog ate the old one Carmen: nigga what xDDDD Jennifer: yeah, he just literally chewed it looking me in the eye Carmen: hell no ahahahahahahah I just died Jennifer: yeah....just regret you haven't seen it, no vine could ever beat it xD Carmen: geez, I'm crying xD sorry but I couldn't stop it Jennifer: no problem, now I'm crying too xDDD

### Summary: Carmen went to the cinema with Joseph to see ''Kler''. Carmen thinks it is controversial but true and worth seeing but Jennifer prefers funny films. Carmen is going to university and then to work tomorrow. Jennifer suggests shopping later. Carmen agrees to go this week except for tomorrow.

Hugh: Hi there. Rob and Juan, how did your panels go? Clarice: Both were splendid. I've witnessed them 👀 And here's a photo of the heroes <file_photo> Juan: Ha ha ha thanks Clarice. Yeah, I think it went ok, what would you say Rob? Rob: I can't remember anything. Panel blackout! ⚫ Hugh: Any annoying questions from the audience? Rob: ⚫ Hugh: lol Clarice: Well, I don't know what the guys think but I personally think the guy who chaired Rob's panel was a little bit of a dickhead, wasn't he? Rob: 🔴 Yeah, a total dick. He did a nice round-up at the end in which he scoffed at our papers and basically said we were a bunch of silly losers. After which he asked us to provide a definition of politics, just to make sure we even understood what it was. Clarice: @Hugh for your information, Rob is exaggerating less than usual Hugh: Fuck, sounds insane Juan: It was. But I actually had a very good time. Rob was the last one to answer the "question" and he gave a truly moving performance -of scorn and intellectual superiority 💖 Hugh: Ha ha ha how so Clarice: Well, I don't wish to interrupt but I think it's not without importance that Rob actually began his answer by laughing the chair in his face Juan: Sounds like a nice prelude 🎼 Rob: Indeed, that bit I really forgot lol. Anyway, I told him that as he has asked such a big question I was going to answer a few more. So I defined not only politics but also History, Art and Literature 😂😂😂😂 Clarice: And the best thing was that the guy actually seemed to enjoy the answer, even though it was apparent that Rob was mocking him from beginning to end. So weird... Rob: I agree with Clarice, he looked me in the eye all the while, nodding with approval Juan: Sounds really bizarre... So Rob, what's History? What's Literature? What's Art? Rob: Oh fuck off lol Clarice: You can purchase advance tickets for Rob for 10 EUR; tickets at the entrance cost 12 EUR Rob: 😂😂😂 Juan: Rob sure deserves a glass of wine tonight Rob: We all do. I'll be looking out for you after the keynote address Clarice: Sure, let's grab a drink after Hugh: Yes please 👌 Rob: See you guys later then Clarice: Byee

### Summary: Rob and Juan did panel that went great. Clarise tells Hugh the guy who chaired Rob's panel was a dick and asked him diminishing questions. Rob answered brilliantly mocking the guy. Rob, Juan, Hugh and Clarice are going to the drink later.

Nick: So, so? Have you finished yet? Haley: yes :( Nick: I know, right? Haley: I hate u. The ending was heartbreaking af Nick: I know, but then again the whole game is soo good. Haley: True that Nick: So what did you sacrifice? Haley: Arcadia Bay. Nick: Srsly?? I was 100% certain, you're going to sacrifice Chloe. Haley: I mean it wasn't an easy decision, but it made sense to me. What did you choose? Nick: I sacrificed Chloe, obviously. Haley: obviously :P Haley: You know it's almost 50/50 with this choice among the players Nick: I've seen the statistics, yes. So why did you choose Chloe? Haley: Because it's actually the one person that you truly care about. Who's like your best friend and means something to you. You've tried so hard for her and now you're just gonna throw that all away and kill her? I just couldn't do it. Nick: Yes, but that's one life against several thousands of lives including Chloe's mother. How do you think that would make her feel? Haley: I know and as I said it was a devastating choice, but I couldn't let her die after all that emotional build-up. Nick: I sorta get it... in theory. But for me the math was simple. Plus there was this part where you had to see the damage the storm had done and save your classmates and all that. It really got to me. Haley: I know all that but it was just... pursuit of happiness I guess. Like if it was Josie or your mom, what would you do? Nick: yeah, but for me it wasn't a Josie/mom kind of relationship. Chloe and Max just spent several days together after some long years of zero contact. I just didn't really feel that close to Chloe, I guess. Haley: I totally adored her and actually felt guilty a lot o f times on Max's behalf for abandoning her like that those years ago. I know Chloe is difficult and troublesome, but for me that was kinda lovable. Nick: I didn't connect with her like that at all. I mean it wasn't ok, what Max did, but I feel like Chloe was constantly guilt tripping Max throughout the game. It was kinda annoying. Haley: i dindn't really see it that way. Chloe's just sorta emotional, says what she feels. Nick: That's a polite way to put it but ok. :P What about the other choices? And most importantly - did you water the plant? :D Haley: Yes! :D I watered it exactly right. Nick: Haha, me too. I wish I was able to do that in real life :P

### Summary: Nick and Hayley finished the game. Nick sacrificed Chloe and is surprised that Hayley sacrificed Arcadia Bay.

Kevin: Hi Carl, life ok? Carl: Well, not so great, did you know Wendy was very ill? Kevin: No! What's the matter. Carl: Well, it's liver cancer, terminal, I'm afraid. Kevin: Christ man! I'm so sorry, I had no idea. Carl: Well, it's only been about 3 months. When we worked on the Green Acres site last year, she was still perfectly healthy. Kevin: Yeah, that was only last summer. What happened? (if you don't mind me asking.) Carl: Well, we went on hols last September and she had problems with her stomach, bloating, pain and such, then a bit of bleeding. Saw the consultant and she said a tumour in the bowel had spread to the liver. That was only November and here we are in February with her in hospital. Kevin: Shit, man! That's tough. I'm so sorry. How is she really? Carl: Well, she knows it's bad, but she's in denial a bit. She is so relaxed in the hospital, in discomfort, but not any real pain. They are total stars there. Kevin: I'll tell Bernadette about it, remember that works do last year? They really got on well, she'll be so concerned. Carl: She has meditation classes as well, which she finds marvellous. They are talking about her moving to the hospice for better therapy and care, she won't have more than a few weeks left now. Kevin: Oh, mate, that's brutal. You OK? Carl: Well, I'm thinking of Wendy mostly, she is coping so well. Course, I'm tired, only go into work in the mornings now, spend 1 to 9pm with Wendy, kids have been there a lot too, girls from the office, my sister in law has been brilliant. People just love Wendy. Kevin: Maybe me and Bernie will pop in, do you think she'd remember us? Carl: Yes, she knew you and me were friends and she did like Bernie too. Come down tomorrow, mate. Takes a bit of pressure off me too. Kevin: Yeah, we'll do that, what time is visiting? Carl: 7 to 9, I can come for longer cos I'm her husband. Kevin: What shall we bring her? Carl: Oh, she likes oranges and grapes, though she doesn't eat much now, maybe some books or magazines? Kevin: OK, well see you there, oh yes, which ward is it? Carl: It's Aneurin Bevan Ward on the 2nd floor, just ask at reception. Kevin: Bye mate, take care and we'll see you tomorrow.

### Summary: Wendy has serious liver cancer. Wendy started feeling bad in September last year. She's in the hospital now and is not in pain. She has a few weeks to live. Many people help Carl and Wendy in this situation. Kevin and Bernadette will visit Wendy tomorrow

Ian: Hi darling, how are you there? :) Fiona: Hi! It's great, people are nice, city's great, everything is cool <3 Ian: Good to hear! Where do you live? Is it a flat or a house? Fiona: House, I share it with 10 people, can you imagine? Ian: What?! 10 people?! Fiona: I know, sounds terrible, but it's cool, really. We get along really well, what are the odds? Ian: But you have your own room or are you sharing? Fiona: Ok, not that social, I have my own room :) Ian: That must be a huge house... Fiona: Hahaha, yeah, it is quite big. It's quite difficult to get your head around at first, we have a patio and there's an extension there were two people live. There are also three floors, so we fit quite all right. Ian: Glad to hear that :) Is it somewhere central? Is the neighbourhood safe? Fiona: The whole country is safe, trust me, it's probably the safest place on earth as there's literally nothing happening here. Fiona: I think the last time someone was murdered here was decades ago :P Ian: Very funny :P Fiona: I don't live in the central area, but I have couple of buses to choose and it takes around 20 minutes to get to the old town.Told you - pretty cool ;) Fiona: <file_photo> Fiona: Here's the old town. The city is tiny though, it took me 15 minutes to visit all the sights near the city centre :D Ian: Oh, whoah, that is small. How do you find it? Aren't you bored then? Fiona: Hm, not yet, but you know, I arrived here only a few days ago. So far I had one weekend to discover the city, went out once with my colleagues and housemates. Ian: Found any nice bars, pubs? Are there any? ;) Fiona: A few, yes :P I'm quite worried that I may visit all of them before my contract here ends, but it's not too bad. Fiona: But when you come to visit, we really need to go to this one cafe, it's brilliant. They have the most amazing cakes. Fiona: <file_photo> Ian: Booked my tickets already ;) Fiona: You're joking? Ian: Uhm, no? Aren't you happy? Fiona: oh my god, of course I am!!! Ian: :) Fiona: When are you arriving? <3 Can't wait!!! Ian: In two weeks :)

### Summary: Fiona shares house with 10 people. The house has 3 floors and a patio. She lives in a small town, about 20 minutes by bus from city centre. Ian has already bought the flight tickets and will visit Fiona in two weeks time. Fiona wants to take Ian to a cafe which she likes very much.

Bruno: Hey guys, would you fancy going to the Prado tomorrow? Alba: Hey handsome. Sure, I have the evening off tomorrow, so can join you. After 17:30 I'd say Anton: Sounds good. 5.30 is fine by me Bruno: Cool. Shall we say 5.30 at the main entrance then? Anton: Yep Alba: Oh fuck me, I forgot I might have to stay a few hours longer (long story involving my much-hated boss ⬛) Anton: The most hated of bosses Alba: 💩 Bruno: Are you sure you'll have to do these extra hours? Alba: Well, the worst thing is that I can't ever be sure of anything in this so called "job". It's the most ridiculous thing that's ever happened to me, to be honest Anton: Well, me and Bruno can go to the museum together and if you can't make it, you can always join us for drinks after Bruno: Please do! Alba: OK, I'll let you know as soon as I know what's happening. Be informed though that uncertainty can last for quite a while, as it usually does Bruno: No worries, we'll be close to where you work anywhere. I assume it's still in Chueca? Alba: Yeah, we've moved to a smaller office (decay!) but it's still in Chueca Anton: Cool. Can I say that I'm even more excited for the drinks with you two than for the museum? What are we even going to see? 😂 Bruno: lol that's kind. I don't know 😂 Alba: oh lol Bruno: Ha ha ha. Well, quite obviously I'm also more interested in those sublime gin & tonics we're going to have, but I was able to check what's new at Prado. Turns out they have this exhibition about life and death in Spanish baroque painting or something like that Alba: That's what I call a specific description Anton: Exuberant, rich in detail, almost as if Bruno has single-handedly ERECTED the façade of a baroque church before our eyes Bruno: 🍆💦 Alba: 😹😹😹 Guys, I think I have to go back to work. I do hope to see you tomorrow Anton: Yes please Bruno: @Anton, I'll see you tomorrow at 5.30 at the main entrance then Anton: Yes sir Bruno: Cool Alba: Bye guys xx

### Summary: Bruno wants to go to Prado tomorrow. Anton can go at 5.30, but Alba has to work longer. Anton suggests Alba can join them for drinks after to which Alba agrees. The exhibition in Prado is about life and death in Spanish baroque painting.

Hugh: Hi there. Rob and Juan, how did your panels go? Clarice: Both were splendid. I've witnessed them 👀 And here's a photo of the heroes <file_photo> Juan: Ha ha ha thanks Clarice. Yeah, I think it went ok, what would you say Rob? Rob: I can't remember anything. Panel blackout! ⚫ Hugh: Any annoying questions from the audience? Rob: ⚫ Hugh: lol Clarice: Well, I don't know what the guys think but I personally think the guy who chaired Rob's panel was a little bit of a dickhead, wasn't he? Rob: 🔴 Yeah, a total dick. He did a nice round-up at the end in which he scoffed at our papers and basically said we were a bunch of silly losers. After which he asked us to provide a definition of politics, just to make sure we even understood what it was. Clarice: @Hugh for your information, Rob is exaggerating less than usual Hugh: Fuck, sounds insane Juan: It was. But I actually had a very good time. Rob was the last one to answer the "question" and he gave a truly moving performance -of scorn and intellectual superiority 💖 Hugh: Ha ha ha how so Clarice: Well, I don't wish to interrupt but I think it's not without importance that Rob actually began his answer by laughing the chair in his face Juan: Sounds like a nice prelude 🎼 Rob: Indeed, that bit I really forgot lol. Anyway, I told him that as he has asked such a big question I was going to answer a few more. So I defined not only politics but also History, Art and Literature 😂😂😂😂 Clarice: And the best thing was that the guy actually seemed to enjoy the answer, even though it was apparent that Rob was mocking him from beginning to end. So weird... Rob: I agree with Clarice, he looked me in the eye all the while, nodding with approval Juan: Sounds really bizarre... So Rob, what's History? What's Literature? What's Art? Rob: Oh fuck off lol Clarice: You can purchase advance tickets for Rob for 10 EUR; tickets at the entrance cost 12 EUR Rob: 😂😂😂 Juan: Rob sure deserves a glass of wine tonight Rob: We all do. I'll be looking out for you after the keynote address Clarice: Sure, let's grab a drink after Hugh: Yes please 👌 Rob: See you guys later then Clarice: Byee

### Summary: Today Rob and Juan had panels. Rob discussed politics, history, art and literature. Clarice and Rob didn't like the chairman of Rob's panel. Rob, Clarice, Hugh and Juan will have a drink later.

Josh: Sally, you ok after last night? What time did u get back home? Sally: I'm peachy, just woke up…I don't remember exactly Josh XD Josh: 'Cause Tina is sick as hell after this drink with pineapple juice. TBH I don't feel great as well… Sally: I didn't drink that one, I took the srtawberry and lime tango at least 3 times :D Josh: Lucky ducky…Now I'm dying…just a bit. But the party was really cool, right? Sally: Yeah, it was a blast :D Josh: Gosh I envy Tina so much, her house is AWESOME!!! Sally: Yeah, with the swimming pool and freaking huge garden! I think I got lost at some point XD Josh: So did I! When I went to fetch the beer from the kitchen XD Sally: And did you see her parents' bedroom? The waterbed? Josh: I had a quick peek on my way to the garden :D srsly amazing! Sally: I lied on it for a moment :D Josh: No way, you DID NOT! Sally: Yup I did, it felt just sooo perfect for me :D Josh: You are such a badass Sally Collins! Sally: Well, I can't help it, was born this way XD Josh: I must admit I also sneaked around a bit XD it was too tempting XD and I found like shitload of old wine bottles in the cellar! Sally: Nothing special, Tina took me there to grab a few blankets for the party Josh: And I thought I could impress you with such a thing Sally: You can hardly do that Josh, I know you too well :) do you have any plans for today? Josh: I think I need to lie down for a bit, I still feel that pineapple… Sally: Whatever floats your boat XD I feel fantastic, I will go jogging! Josh: it's clearly hangover speaking, not you XD you had much too much alcohol last night Sally: But it's you moaning all the time :P Josh: I just don't like pineapple, I have no idea why I had that awful drink… Sally: Oh, stop being such a baby XD I can't stand it! Go to sleep, I'm off! Josh: Have a great hangover jog then :P see you in the evening? Sally: I'm not sure yet, I'll let you know Josh: Of course you will, but when? Sally: In the evening XD bye!

### Summary: Josh and Sally went to a great party at Tina's place. Sally is feeling great, going for a run, whereas Josh is feeling under the weather, he is staying in bed. They might see each other in the evening.

Mr. Benson: Let's start with your workload for tomorrow. Claudia: I have a couple of ongoing projects and 2 conference calls planned for tomorrow. Except for the latter, nothing too urgent that cannot be put off until later. Andy: I have a huge deadline for tomorrow and really have to focus on it. Probably will finish by midday and from then on nothing too urgent. Mark: I don't know how to tell you this, but I was supposed to have the next day off so I planned to finish all urgent tasks tomorrow. Mr. Benson: Mark, can you cancel the day off? We really need your help here. Mark: That's not really that important. I just need to make a few phone calls. When will you be back, Mr. Benson? Mr. Benson: On Tuesday. Thank you, Mark. Mark: Can I have Wednesday or Thursday off then? Mr. Benson: Of course. I'll tell Lona later to book both days for you. One is on the company. Mark: Thank you, sir. I'll be right back. Mr. Benson: All right. Claudia - Since you have the smallest workload I want you to call all out major clients and ask them about client satisfaction. Lona has the survey, so ask her for it. Claudia: Of course. Mr. Benson: You don't have much time, because I'll need the processed data by 11. Claudia: You'll have it on your e-mail by 10:30. Mark: I'm back. Mr. Benson: Thank you, Claudia. Andy - I need you to prepare a presentation on our company. Something for laymen, not too complicated and not too specialised. A lot of positive figures. Andy: No problem, sir. Do you need any specific data? Mr. Benson: Financial, social and something intangible. Andy: By when do you need it? Mr. Benson: By the end of the day. Andy: Will do. Mr. Benson: Thank you, Andy. Mark - you get the hardest task. I want you to do some data mining. Mark: Data mining? What am I looking for? Mr. Benson: I want you to pull everything you can find on our clients' financial situation before the agreement with us, one month after signing and their current standing. Mark: That's a lot of work. I don't know if that's doable in one day. Mr. Benson: I'm sure you can manage. Mark: And when do you need it? Mr. Benson: Like Andy's presentation - by the end of the day. Mr. Benson: Since everyone knows what to do, let's make it work!

### Summary: Mark will cancel his day off on Mr. Benson's request. Claudia will call out major clients to ask about their satisfaction and provide data by 10:30. Andy will prepare a presentation on the company byt the end of the day. Mark will do data mining on client's financial situation.

Adam: Jackie, tell us more :) maybe something worth adopting at home ;) Jackie: Well, every year we gather around, sit together and think about the things we'd like to get 4 Xmas. Kris: So there's no surprise then? Jackie: No, but then we leave the lists on the table and forget about them. After some time we cross out the things we've bought 4 one another so that other ppl don't buy the same thing twice ;) Kim: That's actually pretty sensible. Last Xmas I got 2 identical sweaters and 3 nearly identical hats! Kris: Hahahaha! At least u didn't get socks! Adam: What's funny about that? Kris: Nothing. Just a stereotype that socks are on one hand the most popular present and on the other the least welcome one ;) Adam: I can vouch 4 that. I get socks every year! Jackie: Poor thing! Maybe u should do what I do? Adam: Not a bad idea. How do I convince my family to do the same? Kim: Just tell them? I'm also fed up with presents that don't suit me. Jackie: Kim, maybe u should do the same? Kim: Oh, I will! I'm going to do it 2nite at dinner table! They'll be so surprised! Adam: I don't think mine will even want to consider it. Jackie: Y not? Just tell them how much more fun it is! Adam: I don't think they'll understand! They think they know what's best 4 me, but have no idea what I like or want. Kris: Mabe u should talk to them like from ur heart? Tell them that u enjoy their presents, but would like to get something specific this year. Speaking of which, have u got something particular in mind? Adam: Actually, I do. I've been saving up for this stereo system, but need a little more cash so I thought that my parents could simply kick in a bit. Kris: And have u told them? Adam: No. They wouldn't approve. They already think I list to music too loud. Jackie: Still, worth a try. If u don't u'll never know. :) Kim: I know! Come over to my place. I'll tell my parents and u'll know how to talk to yours! Adam: That's actually not a bad idea. When do u want me over? Kim: Around 6? Jackie: Good luck, Kim! Kris: I think I'll do the same. Better to get tailored presents ;) Jackie: That's y I'm always happy with what I get :)

### Summary: Before Christmas, Jackie's family gather and discuss what Christmas presents they want to get. They make a list, put it on the table, and people cross out the items they already bought for someone. Kim will try to convince her parents to do the same system. Adam will come over to listen at 6.

Dave: Hi! :) How are you doing? Jane: Hello! Not too bad, just chilling right now. You? Dave: Good, good. I'm writing because we didn't have the chance to finish our conversation yesterday. Jane: That's right! You promised to send me some useful links. Dave: Exactly! Here there are: <file_other>, <file_other>, <file_other> Dave: These are the ones I found the most helpful. First days are the most difficult, but you'll find good tips on what to do, what to avoid, etc. Dave: And here's the link to the shelter where I found Trixie :) <file_other> Jane: Wow! Thanks Dave! Dave: No problem. I'm happy to hear that someone's considering adopting a dog instead of buying one. Jane: I thought about buying, because I love pugs and other small dogs. I was reading about them and I found out that they have a lot health issues. Jane: I don't want to buy a dog that's going to die in three years or I spend all days at the vet. Dave: It's actually proven that mutt's have much better health than purebred dogs. Jane: That's why I've heard too. So I thought it may be a better idea to adopt :) Dave: See, I've always dreamed about a German shepherd, but then I went to the shelter with my friend and found Trixie :) Dave: Adopting a dog is not as easy as it may seem, but I think that's good. I was asked to fill in a questionnaire, had two interviews (;)) and a trial walk, before they agreed to give me Trixie. So be prepared to have your flat checked and everything. Jane: I don't mind that at all. Dave: Here's Trixie :) <file_photo> Jane: She's sooo cute! <3 Jane: I'm only afraid they won't let me adopt a dog, because I've never had one. Dave: Oh don't worry about that! I didn't have one either! Dave: Go to the webpage I sent you, or a find a different shelter, and look at the dogs that are waiting for adoption. We all have our preferences, but I advise you to be honest with the caretakers and tell them what kind of dog you would like to have. Jane: Thank you! What if I like a dog that will not be suitable for me? Dave: Hm, I'd rather go for the personality than for the looks, same with people I guess ;) I'd prefer my friends to be nice than pretty ;) Jane: It's true, sounds logical ;) Dave: If you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate to ask me. I went the same road, so I hope I may be able to help you. Jane: Thank you so much! I probably will have a lot of questions :D

### Summary: Jane wants to adopt a dog. Dave adopted a Trixie from a shelter.

Mari: How's it going, sis? Louise: Yeah, bit nuts, kids are going stir crazy with this shitty weather! I'm going slightly mad, as the Queen song goes! Mari: Sorry love. Look, I've got a couple of days off at the end of the week, shall I come round and we'll all go out somewhere. Louise: You're a lifesaver! Yes, I'm sure they'd love to go swimming, we could go out for tea or lunch then. Mari: I'll pick them up Friday too and we can go to soft play or out somewhere if the weather's better. I'll take them myself, if you want. Louise: You are a wonderful girl! Harry is home Friday from Brussels, so that would be a lovely end to the week! Mari: I bet you miss him so much when he's away, hard for you, I know. Louise: Yeah, I mean the money he earns is phenomenal and I don't have to work anymore. But I do miss the gallery sometimes. Mari: I know, and of course, the summer hols are here and 2 kids to amuse. What about holiday club? Louise: Hmm, Sid isn't keen, but some of Phoebe's friends go there when the mums are at work. We might give it a trial, I'll ring them later if I can find a number to call. Mari: The local council organise it, don't they, just ring them up. Louise: Oh yes, of course, thanks love! Mari: So, what about Thurs for swimming, shall I come over lunchtime and we'll take it from there? Louise: Yes, remember to bring your costume, we have to go in cos they're under 8. Mari: Yes, maybe a few nice single dads there? Louise: Haven't noticed many! Maybe single grandpa's! Mari: Well if they're 40ish or even a well preserved 50 something, I'm up for it! I like the older guys. Louise: Oh yes, wasn't Ross about 45, I'd forgotten! Mari: Well, me being 29 and all wasn't a bit weird, I miss him. Louise: Well pity he wasn't up for having any more kids. How many did he have with the ex? Mari: Yeah, 4 and a couple were grown up. We still see each other around, I think he's seeing someone more his age now. Pity. Louise: Yeah, he was great. Never mind. OK, see you Thurs about 12/12.30ish. Give me a message or a call first as a heads up. Mari: Bye love!

### Summary: Louise is fed up with looking after her kids so Mari will take them somewhere on Friday. Harry is home from Brussels on Friday. Louise and Mari will have a lunch at about 12/ 12.30ish and then will take the children swimming on Thursday.

Anthony: Hello my dear Helen! After all these happy-new-year greeting it's time for a recap. Here is a bit of a pictorial review of my year (well holidays really) - interested? Angela: Great to hear from you again and so soon. Sure I'm interested. Anthony: Starting with kayaking in May, including Hetty, Ken, Joss (Hetty’s son) and Sarah on the team-sheet. Anthony: 5 day’s kayaking, where we paddled from the North Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, along the Caledonian Canal in Scotland. It is mainly Loch Ness and three smaller lochs, joined up by canal sections, and is about 65 miles long. Angela: Ant the weather? Scottish? Anthony: It was the most perfect weather ever (we have had that sort of a summer). Anthony: <file_photo> and the most stunning countryside. Anthony: <file_photo> The head of Loch Ness where we wild-camped in an idyllic bluebell glade. Yes this really is Scotland! Anthony: <file_photo> Me being inert on Loch Lochy. Anthony: <file_photo> And with Joss and Sarah. Angela: Wait a sec! Angela: I don't understand kayaking in these flimsy objects. Anthony: They aren't flimsy having polyethylene hulls. Anthony: And some photos from our sailing trip in The Hebrides: Anthony: <file_photo> Anthony: So my sailing trip was back to the Hebrides, but this time to the northern part. Again the weather and scenery were perfect. Angela: Can't believe it! Looks absolutely stunning. Anthony: In August I spent 23 days along the Silk Road, from Kyrgyzstan, into western China, then Takikistan and Uzbekistan: Anthony: <file_photo> Anthony: <file_photo> One night I woke up in my Yurt, to find this kitten snuggling up to me. Angela: Looks as if you were about to take it along with you. Angela: Did you sleep in yurts?! Anthony: A marvellous trip through some amazing cities, and spectacular mountain scenery in hotels, guest houses, “home stays”, and camping in Yurts. Anthony: <file_photo> And finally over Christmas in Morocco with Sarah and Zof. Angela: Zof again? I wish you did! Anthony: With Zof and her boyfriend plus Denis I had a week cycling on the Sahara side of the High Atlas mountains in Morocco. The cycling was a bit boring, but we went to some great places and had a great trip. Angela: Very impressive. Thanks for sharing!!!

### Summary: Last year Anthony did a lot of travelling all around the world. He did kayaking, camping, sailing and cycling.

Sara: Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the whole tribe, Thanksgiving was an absolute success!!! I’m so thankful to have gotten to celebrate with such an amazing group of people. Thank you all!!!! Ken: Thank you all for this beautiful collaborative barbaric coma inducing experience. You popped my ;) - now that the feasting is over who is in for some intermittent fasting? Alex: I’m thankful for being part of such an amazing tribe :) Anna: you guys are all beautiful humans, thanks for the meal tonight! felt so at home <3 In case anyone feels like cooking some more, here are some thanksgiving leftover recipes I’ve rounded up I thought I’d drop in here! <file_link> Ken: If anyone is missing dishes or has some from the other houses please put them aside and bring back/ take back when possible. The camp is a little easier but especially for cornerhouse and hotel house please make sure you have everything back. Kieran: Lets have a chat about Thanksgiving Shopping! I know people have already started adding on to splitwise but lets get a thread going about billing, We had three guests, some of us had initially talked about just charging the people with guests an extra share, but I am fine with just covering the cost of them.... My vote is to just throw all T-day grocery charges on splitwise and charging everyone equally George: I'm ok either way Kieran: Also, dont include Ashley on the bill, she is not even here Luke: our guests spent $45 on cheesecake and ice cream so if the totals are close to $20/person then probably not worth the trouble. But happy to do it if people want Kieran: Seems fair enough to me, I wouldn't worry about it Isis: About the dishes, all the hotel house people are away this weekend. We can come pick up our stuff on Sunday Kieran: Also, sound off if you have Leftovers in your fridge to share, in House 2 downstairs, we have some Turkey and a little mac n cheese Erin: In H1 downstairs we have some dessert, stuffing and cranberry Ken: House 2 upstairs has got turkey, gravy, mac n cheese Kate: House 2 upstairs also has some leftover oreos that need eating (please help) Ken: Or we could have a leftover lunch for everybody? What do you guys think? Sara: Yeah, that's kind of a tradition ;) Erin: Good idea, let's make some sides, rice etc. and eat all together! Ken: Cornerhouse and hotel peeps come over to the camp around 1 pm, BYO dishes

### Summary: Sara, Ken, Alex and Anna enjoyed Thanksgiving feast. Kieran proposed to split Thanksgiving grocery expenses and charge everyone equally. They will bring leftovers to the camp at around 1 pm and have a leftover lunch.

Alex: Hi there! Matt: Hey! Alex: What are you up to? Matt: Nothing special, at my 5th unpaid job at the moment, doing social media Alex: Lmao It can't be that bad. Which social media? Matt: TWITTER Alex: Hmm that's an entire new dimension to explore Matt: Without a doubt, this has brought 3D into my life. A considerable improvement Alex: Man, what's happening to you, you're jokes aren't even funny anymore Matt: There you go, the aftereffects of 3D Alex: So what are you actually doing? Matt: Well actually/to be fair/quite frankly unpaid job number 5 is not that bad at all. I'm working for this association which organises a few events during the year and I'm the Secretary, which looks cool on the cv. And has made me learn what twitter actually is. Before I only knew it from the news, because of Trump lol Alex: ha ha ha! And What are you promoting atm? Matt: I'm going to casually mention that we're having an event at the British Library and that's what I'm promoting Alex: wow sounds really good Matt: Yer, good opportunity for networking and I work with really nice people too Alex: That's cool Matt: I think it could hardly be better actually. It's also true that these professional British people can sometimes be extremely unprofessional, but this might be the most entertaining part of the job to be fair. The other day, for instance, my colleagues sent me a promo leaflet which repeatedly mentioned the British Museum and I immediately circulated it through all our social media, mailing list, etc. Turned out it was supposed to be the British Library. Can you dig it? Alex: Ahahahaha that's hilarious!! I'm speechless Matt: Well, so am I. Really glad that it's not a paid job actually Alex: That's a nice silver lining you've got there Matt: lol But hey, I think I should go back to TWITTER and then jump back to unpaid job number 1. Will I see you soon? Alex: ok, no worries. Sure, this weekend? Matt: Yeah, I do think so. Is it rude to suggest we meet at YOURS? I'll bring wine Alex: ha ha ha Sure, no problem. Shall we say Saturday at mine? Matt: Sounds good! Let's just confirm during the week Alex: Will do Matt: It was nice to talk though Alex: Yeah. Keep in touch Matt: I will! xx

### Summary: Matt is working for an event organizing association, where he's in charge of social media. especially Twitter. It's yet another job, where Matt is not getting paid. Some of Matt colleagues can be unprofessional at times. Matt and Alex will meet on Saturday at Alex's place.

Sam: Hi Leah, it's your favourite former student here! How are you? Leah: Sam! How are you doing? How's Uni going? Sam: It's amazing! I love my flat, my friends and course! Leah: Oh, I'm so pleased. I know what it's like to have dodgy flatmates, from bitter experience! Sam: Well, there were a couple of pesky vegans in the flat at the beginning of term, but they decided to leave mid-Oct. We didn't argue or anything though. They were thoroughly disturbed by our burger addiction and quietly found somewhere else. Leah: Vegans are people too! Sam: Yes, maybe! Anyway, How's college going? Leah: Hectic as always! Jon is still entertaining us with his guitar playing and freestyle rapping! Sam: Oh yes, I remember us all working in the studio and him singing Bowie songs when he died. It wasn't bad! Leah: Yes, I don't mind Jon's singing, but the rapping is another story! I think he practises it in college because it annoys his wife too much! Sam: 😄 Leah: I think coming in third in that rap battle in Bristol went to his head! Hope you're working hard, my boy! Sam: Of course I am Leah, what with my 3 deadlines this month and my job at the cinema. No time for partying at the mo! Leah: I can't believe it, Sam! When I was in Poly it was all raves and glowsticks! Sam: I'd love to have seen you then! It's not the 90s anymore, Leah! We've got fees, loans and virtually no grants! It's work, work work now! Leah: I'm just kidding, I know what my nephew goes through. Sam: Anyway, just completed some new illustrations. They're on Instagram if you know what that is? Leah: Cheek! I'm not over the hill yet! I'll check them out. Sam: I saw one of your book covers again the other day, stunning! Leah: Yes, my heady days as a freelancer. I miss it sometimes, then I think of the money... Sam: Well, it's a precarious profession, isn't it? I've got all this to come. Leah: Come for a chat in the hols. I'll dig out my old contacts book, give you a few names. Sam: Thanks Leah. See you next month, probably. Bye! Leah: Bye Sam. See you soon!

### Summary: Sam is Leah's former college student. He likes his university, flat and friends. He lived with some vegans before, but they moved out mid-October. Leah's college is hectic. Sam is working hard, he has 3 deadlines this month and a job at the cinema. He's also an illustrator and designed a book cover.

Samantha: Hi Soph, how about some more apples? We've got tons!!! Would you like another batch? Soph: Hello Samantha, in fact I might. They ARE so tasty. But not too much please. Samantha: There's no such thing as too much apples :)) Soph: One basket or two will be enough! Samantha: Great! I'll get you a small basketful of cooking apples and a bigger one with different sorts of dessert apples. So happy they'll be put to good use:) Soph: That sounds a lot! Thank you. I can always share them with my neighbor. Samantha: I really don't know what to do with them all! We're eating them with everything really and I've made some apple puree and some apple chutney. But what else? Soph: How about apple juice? Samantha: But then I'd have to have it pressed. Professionally I mean. Can you have it done somewhere? Soph: I think last year Oli and Natt took their whole apple harvest to some organic fruiter who's got a processing unit. And in exchange they received an adequate amount of juice. Samantha: So it wasn't juice from their own apples? Soph: As I understood it, no. But doesn't matter since it was an organic grower. And I think a friend of theirs or something, they must know each other well, since he accepted their apples and they didn't have any official certificate or anything. Samantha: That's an idea. Have you got their phone number? Or maybe could you ask them about that organic juice producer? You know Oli better than I. Soph: I'm sure he'd be glad to hear from you! Here's his number 07634 235 987 32. Samantha: Ta, I'll contact him. Mike's thinking about buying a proper juice maker but I don't fancy all that work. Washing, pressing, bottling, pasteurising... No! Soph: It's probably not worth it. Better to have it done professionally. Samantha: My point exactly. Is it ok if I get you the apples tomorrow morning? Soph: Nobody's home then but you can leave them on the terrace in the back. Soph: I still have your apple basket. The one Mike'd bought apples last week. I'll put it on the terrace for you. Samantha: So you've got it! I thought I was missing one. It's alright, I still have more than enough of them :) Soph: Very well then. And thanks for the apples. Soph: And the delivery :)) Samantha: Pleasure.

### Summary: Samantha has grown a lot of apples. She will bring two baskets of them to Soph. Samantha will call Oli to ask about an organic juice producer. She thinks about taking her apples there.

Millie: Only 1 month till Christmas! Tammy: Yeah, time's really flying, isn't it? Millie: Tell me about it. I still remember last Christmas as if it was yesterday. Tammy: Who usually buys the gifts in your family. Millie: Ronnie loves buying presents for the kids. He usually picks them out so meticulously. Tammy: I do all the buying in my family. Hank's usually busy with work at this time of year. It's so interesting to see how shopping's moved to the net over the years. Millie: I know. I remember like 10 years ago, no one would have thought twice about choosing clothes by just looking at the pics online. Tammy: Toys are a little easier. I mean, obviously there's no difference between the toy at the store and the one on your screen. Plus, you can do your shopping in pajamas! Millie: True. But it's kind of sad how everything changed in the last 10 years. It's such a short span of time. There's just something about shopping around the holidays, there's a certain magic in the air, you know what I mean? Tammy: I hear ya. But I thought Ronnie does all the Christmas shopping :) Millie: He does, but you obviously I have to pick out his gift :) Tammy: Speaking of Ronnie, what are you planning for him this year? Millie: Well, I was thinking of a nice watch? What do you think? Tammy: I'm sure he'll love it. I'm buying my beau a new toolkit. He's been kind of hinting at it for a long while. Where are you guys going for Christmas this year? Millie: We're going to Hank's for Christmas Eve and then we're going to my family the next day. A marathon, like usual! Tammy: That's the thing about the holidays, you wait for them, but then you're glad their over :) Millie: I just hope it snows this year. It seems like it's been a while since we've had snow in Dec. Tammy: I don't mind not having any, actually. It makes driving so much easier, you know. Millie: I usually drive more than you during Christmas ;) Your family is all in one city! Tammy: Yeah, but you wouldn't believe the traffic in the city. Once you leave out on the highway, you leave all the traffic behind. Speaking of traffic, I'm stuck in it now. Actually, I shouldn't be texting you now. I gotta watch it for cops Millie: Ok, talk to you later. Tammy: Ok, bye

### Summary: Tammy and Millie are surprised how Christmas shopping has changed over the past 10 years, although Ronnie does most of the shopping for Millie. Tammy has to do it herself. Millie has to drive a lot during Christmas, while Tammy stays in the city.

Julia: I had the craziest dream, you won't believe it :D May: Hahahaha tell me :D Julia: It was really weird, there was a party, I think Christa organised it. We went to that tiny, dodgy bar we went to two weeks ago May: Oh my god, Flamingo?! Julia: yes! geez that place was weird May: yeah and you were the one insisting that we NEED to go there and have an adventure XD Julia: haahaha, but we did ;D May: but what about that dream? Julia: Ok, so we're in this Flamingo bar, we have the whole bar just for ourselves, I don't remember who was there, but I remember you, Christa, Paula? I think Mike was there as well Julia: Everyone was sitting on the floor, there were cushions everywhere, you know, this exotic, Arabic style. The whole atmosphere was very bohemian, the cushions, smoke in the air, people laughing May: Wow sounds nice, not like Flamingo at all ;) Julia: I know! I was really excited because I spotted Mark when we arrived. We went for drinks, people were sitting in groups, some were talking, some were playing boardgames, so we tried to mix with the group Mark sitting in Julia: we approached them, squeezing through the crowd and then I saw Tom Hiddleston seating with one of the groups May: you what?! XD damn Julia: told you it's crazy :D Julia: Surprisingly enough I wasn’t that surprised by it and was still more stressed about talking to Mark XD We didn’t make it to Mark’s group as it was too crowded and there was no space next to them, so we had to settle with the group Tom Hiddleston was seating with May: oh no, terrible :D Julia: I remembered we were talking and laughing, we started playing a boardgame I think… It was really cool, we were discussing Greek theatre May: of course you did XD Julia: Yeah, we stayed up until late, but I said I need to go May: You did what? Omg Julia Julia: Right?! He then said that it’s really unfortunate I have to go and offered to walk me home May: Whoah Julia: … I said I’m fine and I don’t need him to… May: OMG JULIA Julia: I KNOW, what’s wrong with me?! He walked me to the nearest bus stop, it was really cool and that’s it, I left for home May: Girl you ditched Tom Hiddleston Julia: In my own dream! I did it because I couldn’t believe he can be actually interested in me May: There’s something seriously wrong with you XD Julia: tell me more ;P

### Summary: Julia dreamed about a party at a bar.

Agnes: Heyyy. Just a quick question… So I was wondering what to read for the next seminar… I think I won’t have the time to read everything so perhaps you could give me suggestions? 🙏🏼 Donna: Hey Agnes Donna: Yep, sure. I haven’t read everything just yet but I’d say read Gary Cross, “Kid’s Stuff: Toys and the Changing World of American Childhood” Donna: I think it’s interesting and also gives you a nice overview of the subject (which is what you desire 🔥 if you’re not planning on reading everything) Keith: Yeah, that one is good. I’d also say read Regan Keith: The titles goes along the lines of “War Toys, Movies … & Militarization” Keith: It’s in the bibliography Mary gave us Tim: It’s “War Toys, War Movies, and the Militarization of the United States” Tim: by Reagan, R. Keith: Oh wait… WAT??? 😹😹😹 Tim: 🤣🤣🤣 Donna: How confusing 😂 Agnes: I’ll remember the title and the author Agnes: Forever Agnes: Any other suggestions? Tim: Well, it would be an obvious choice to read a couple of chapter from Mary’s book Keith: It’s titled “Wounding Mars” Keith: Or was it “Wounding Venus”? Agnes: LOOOOL Agnes: Guys this was an innocent question about readings for a seminar in cultural history, you can’t be treating me like this. I’m an adult student, I have a job, I have yet another job, I have a child Agnes: Lots of them actually 👶🏽👶🏽👶🏽👶🏽👶🏽 Agnes: And I can’t read your JOKES for the seminar!!!! Agnes: 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Agnes: To be fair I remember that one, it’s Wounding the World, right? Keith: Yes 🤗 Catchy title, isn’t it? Agnes: Yeah, I was actually thinking about it and thought that the initial Ws are supposed to make us think of World Wars Tim: Yeah, that makes sense. Never thought about it Donna: We can ask her Agnes: Tim and Keith are in splendid shape, I think they should do it Tim: I will ✨

### Summary: Donna recommends Agnes reading "Kid’s Stuff: Toys and the Changing World of American Childhood". Keith recommends "War Toys, War Movies, and the Militarization of the United States".

Jenny: Hello James, Molly told me that you are interested in applying for a job at Netflix :) James: Hi Jenny! Good to hear from you. Yes, yes, I do. When I've heard that Molly has a friend who works there, I thought it may be a good idea to connect! Jenny: It sure is. What would you like to know? James: I'm interested in applying for Junior Project Manager position and I wonder what my chances are. Jenny: Ok, may you send me your CV? It may be easier that way :) James: Of course, thanks! James: <file_other> Jenny: Hm, ok. First of all, I'd change the format and the layout. I think it's better to send your CV in pdf rather than doc. James: Ok Jenny: As for the layout, you have some cool experience and I think the way its presented doesn't give you justice. Netflix is an entertainment company so maybe make it more entertaining? ;) You can use different colours, graphs, make it more visual, not only informative. James: Cool, never thought about it! Jenny: It seems like you are a down-to-earth guy which is probably good for a project manager, but at Netflix we highly value the creative side of people :) James: Thank you so much Jenny! Will work on it. Jenny: <file_other> Jenny: Here you'll find some cool templates you can get your inspiration from. James: Thanks! I was also wondering about the atmosphere at the office. To put it bluntly, do you like your job? :) Jenny: Oh yes! A lot! Keep in mind that I'm in the marketing team, so slightly different story. Jenny: But yeah, I think it's a cool place to work at. My team is absolutely brilliant, people are motivated, inspiring, so I really couldn't ask for more. James: Do you know then anyone from the business team? It almost sounds to good to be true :) Jenny: I know a few, they're a nice bunch as well :) There are some ups and downs as everywhere, some things that could be improved, so it's not perfect, but still good. Jenny: Also, don't forget it IS a corporation and a big one on top of that :D James: Yeah, that's why I'm so curious about the atmosphere, etc. I've only worked in small companies. Jenny: So what made you change your mind? James: I think it's time to try something different :) Jenny: It definitely is! I think if you have an open mind, like to learn and work under pressure, you may like it. Fingers crossed! James: Thanks! May I have a couple of more questions? Jenny: No problem, happy to help!

### Summary: Jenny gives James a couple pin points about his CV and applying for Junior Project Manager at Netflix. She speaks highly of the atmosphere and her employer.

Micky: Hello Birgit! Many thanks you the NY greetings. What was 2018 like for you then? Helen: It has not been a good year for injuries, I'm afraid. Helen: My bad back (bulging disc) I have had for 30 years now, and I manage it pretty well most of the time. As long as I keep fairly fit (especially my “core” muscles), it is not a big problem, as long as I don’t stand or walk slowly! I can run, walk fast, cycle, kayak, swim anything really, and all of these activities are good for me, but standing still is a real trial. Micky: How can you manage everyday life without standing?! Helen: Most of the time I can avoid standing, and have no problems at all, but it makes visiting art galleries and museums, and parties, a lot more difficult. Micky: One can give museums a miss, but not parties. How about carrying one of these portable folding chairs with you? Helen: Got one! But I feel silly with it. Helen: This year I pushed to get a proper diagnosis of a hip which has been giving me problems on and off for 3 years. It proves to be in need of replacement.. Micky: You mentioned that at Robert's do. When do you intend to have it done? Helen: Not sure but I did a lot of phoning round of friends in the medical profession (doctors, surgeons, physios, nurses etc – 14 of them). With one exception they all said to leave it as long as possible. I also spoke to about 11 friends who had had the operation. Every one of them said it was the best thing they had ever done, and to book it in as soon as possible! So that was really helpful! Micky: Don't you have one surgeon with an overview of your bones' condition? I've got one myself since the first symptoms of arthritis. Helen: My GP said exercise as much as you can, and if it hurts, keep taking the painkillers! So at the moment that is what I am doing. I have decided to give it a year, and see how the land lies then. Micky: Sounds sensible. I refused that my knee be operated on 2 years ago and I'm still going strong. Helen: Exactly! They operate much too often. As long as I can practise sport and have my activities filled holidays I won't get under their knives. Micky: <file_photo> It's me in the gym the other day. Talking about operations... Helen: My point exactly! Helen: <file_photo> And me on a cycling tour in Morocco earlier this year. We shouldn't complain! Micky: Chins up!

### Summary: Helen has problems with her back and her hip. She thinks about operation and talked about it with doctors and friends, who know the problem. However, she's not going to have her body operated, until she can't practice sports and other activities.

Danny: Hey guys, thanks so much for yesterday 💙 Kirsty: It all went well, didn't it? 😉 Juan: Big applause for all of us 👏 Danny: 😂 Kirsty: Frankly speaking, it seemed quite easy. I feel much more confident now about the events we'll be organising later on Danny: Yeah, I thought it would all be much more difficult and, of course, that at least one disaster would befall us at some point, which fortunately didn't happen Juan: It all went smoothly indeed. I think enough people came as well. The only thing I'd wish for would be better networking... But I guess the quality of event attendees is not really something you have much control over anyway lol Kirsty: lol you're too critical! Some people were nice Juan: 🙊 Danny: Ha ha well, it all goes down to promotion strategies, doesn't it? Next time I'm sure we'll have more time to promote the event on social media, and we can target the audience more consciously Juan: 🔫 Kirsty: There you go... ha ha Danny: I was a little surprised by the fact that people were so eager to leave us after the talk ended Juan: Yeah, they seemed to literally hate the idea of having a beer with us Kirsty: That's Free Will for you... They loved ❤ acting against their own interest Juan: Ha ha, yeah that happens. One of these guys we did our miserable little networking with has written to me - inviting me to request a fellowship which is COMPLETELY unrelated to what I'm working on Danny: Lol, don't forget to reciprocate Kirsty: Absolutely, don't forget to suggest he applies for a fellowship in a subject opposed to his Juan: I'm so rude, I just intended not to answer Kirsty: Anyway, I'm quite proud of us I must say. We've done a terrific job Danny: You sound like Trump Kirsty: Ha ha well then, "Congratulations guys, you've fulfilled a truly reciprocal undertaking" Danny: LOL Juan: 😂😂😂😂 Kirsty: I've had to use a dictionary for this. Anyway THANK YOU Juan: It was a pleasure ✨ Danny: Yep. Looking forward to the next event in March. As far as I understand, Margaret has basically finished organising everything, so our role is to sit and enjoy Kirsty: So it seems Juan: Amen Danny: 🙏

### Summary: Danny, Kirsty and Juan have organized an event. It went well. There's going to be another event in March. It's been organized by Margaret.

Quentin: Are you coming to the unboxing tonight? Tarquin: Have you had another delivery, then. Quentin: Yes indeed. And as usual I have no idea what they have sent me. Tarquin: Did you make an event on Facebook? Quentin: Yes I did. You didn't see it? Tarquin: I haven't been on for a few days. Actually I got a ban for making a joke which offended someone. It involved a penguin, which as you know can be a very offensive topic. Quentin: I don't know. People today as so sensitive, but are ignorant anyway. Tarquin: So will you have a good crowd for the unboxing? Quentin: Only seven for definite. I will do some wine and cheese and we can start opening the boxes at 8pm Tarquin: Sounds great. I will turn up. Quentin: Great. Tarquin: How many books do you think there will be? Quentin: About 200, like the other time. Tarquin: how many did you sell on the spot? Quentin: Only 30, the rest went into the shop. But the prices are better than the labels I would put on them, especially when you get an impromptu auction going. Nigel always likes to outbid Helen. I asked Helen to pretend to be interested in more books than she really is just to keep Nigel getting his wallet out. Tarquin: Hah hah! I imagine she was only too happy to oblige. Quentin: Naturally. Top sort, that Helen. Tarquin: What was that book they were bidding so hard over last time? Quentin: Oh. That was that book on Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore. I think I have about three copies of that around the shop priced up at ten zlotys each. Tarquin: And what did Nigel end up paying? Quentin: 52 zlotys in the end. I could barely keep the smile off my face. Tarquin: But it's really only the fun and games I think. He must have known he was overpaying and just doing it for a lark, because of the social evening. Quentin: Yes, that's probably it. Which is why I like to be generous with the wine and cheese. Especially the wine, I might add. Tarquin: Yes. That's from Peter's company right? Quentin: indeed. And I can take orders for crates of them at a special "Quentin price" only on the evening of the unboxing. I'll be doing that tonight as well if you want anything for Christmas wine-wise.

### Summary: Quentin has had another delivery and is organizing an unboxing at 8 pm tonight. He made an event on Facebook and there will be 7 people. Quentin will do some wine and cheese. Tarquin will be there too. There might be about 200 books. Quentin sold 30 and the rest went into the shop.

Franklin: Hi Ellie, how was the workout? Ellie: Hey, Franklin. Wondered where you'd been hiding, how are you sugar? Franklin: Great, missed you at lunch this week! Ellie: Oh yeah, sales were having a few lunch meetings, meeting some new clients. All expenses paid, no less! Franklin: Wow, the heady heights of management, Ellie. Spare a thought for us poor sods glued to our phones all day, won't you? Ellie: Of course I will. I started there too 10 years ago, not many of the old gang left now. Brits took their jobs, I expect! Franklin: Hahaha! There have been exactly 4 of us sent over in 7 years since the merger, not exactly an invasion! We enrich the place with our European sophistication! Ellie: No doubt, I expect Basingstoke rivals Paris and Rome, does it? Franklin: I didn't know you'd been there?! Wish I could get home at Christmas, though. 6 months is a long time. Ellie: Hey, just had a kinda cool idea, it's Thanksgiving next week, what do you say to a little trip to my folks in Minneapolis? Franklin: Wow Ellie, didn't expect that! Umm, yeah, if that's OK with everyone. Ellie: Why not! I 'm always bringing friends home, you'll be sorta exotic to them! Franklin: They obviously don't get out much! I'd really love to come. Next Thursday, isn't it. Ellie: Yeah, bit of a drive, but we can leave Weds after work, get there midnight. Bring warm clothes though, it gets mighty chilly up there by the lakes. Franklin: Yes, of course. I mean, Chicago isn't exactly tropical, is it?! Ellie: Fair point! See you at the gym? We'll have an OJ or two? Franklin: Love to! I like going to the gym instead of the pub after work, a lot healthier! Ellie: You brits and your drinking! Still, I do like a nice Zinfandel! Franklin: OK, let's ditch the gym and meet at Hennessey's instead? Ellie: OK, you twisted my arm. See you there at 6 on Friday! Franklin: Yes, that'd be great. See you to tomorrow night, then! Or maybe at work? Ellie: Yeah, maybe. Schmoozing clients again tomorrow, breakfast meeting, another one across town later. May not be In the office much. Franklin: OK, have a great day! See you later!

### Summary: Franklin will join Ellie on Thanksgiving in Minneapolis. Ellie and Franklin are going to the pub at 6 pm on Friday.

Joan: Hello dear, didn't see you in church today! Jean: Oh, well, my back is playing me up, I think it's sciatica again! Joan: Oh no! Not again! Tom had that, he was in pain for weeks. Jean: Well, it's not too bad at the moment, I've got some of Donald's painkillers just in case. Joan: Now you be careful, check they haven't expired. Jean: No, they're fine, he has loads! Joan: Don't become an opiate addict will you, darling? Jean: I'm not that stupid! I am very careful with medicines, you do remember that we were both nurses for 40 bloody years, don't you! Joan: Yes, of course, but I know that when you're in pain it's easy to self-medicate and overdo it. Perhaps you should go to the Dr. Jean: Maybe, if it gets worse, they're busy enough with real problems. Joan: Well, just take care, that's all. How are Maisy, Harry and the kids? Jean: Well, the two oldest have just started secondary and Idris hates it! The little ones are still in primary, getting on well, it seems. Harry may have to move to Scotland, though. Joan: Oh, that's so far away, let's hope not! Jean: Yes, but it's lots more money, so he is considering it seriously. Joan: Well, I'm sure it'll work out for the best. Did Stella call in? Jean: Yes, after church, she came in snooping to see why I didn't turn up, nosy bitch! Joan: Well, since Ken died she's lonely and wants to chat even more, she doesn't come up for air! Jean: You're telling me! She stayed for almost 3 hours, I had to tell her I had to go to bed to rest my back, couldn't get rid of her otherwise! Joan: I'm the same, I do try and dodge her at church if possible, but she often seeks me out and I'm stuck for the whole morning, she insists on going to the Church Hall for coffees. Jean: Perhaps we should try to find her a new husband! Your brother's a widower, isn't he? Joan: Bloody Nora! Can you imagine having Stella as your sister in law! No, I don't think Bill will be up for that! Jean: Anyway, must go start dinner, see you next Weds, hopefully, back permitting. Joan: Rest yourself now, lovely. See you soon!

### Summary: Jean didn't come to church today due to her back pain. Jean takes painkillers for it. Jean and Joan were nurses for 40 years. Harry is considering moving to Scotland for work. Stella visited Jean after church and overstayed her welcome as she tends to do. Joan's brother is a widower.

Wolf: Hello dear Dieter! Just to let you know that we are flying over to Havana tomorrow and be staying in Cuba for 4 weeks. As far as I know the Internet is rather nonexistent there, so don't worry when receiving no news from us. Dieter: Good to hear from you, Wolf. We thought you were already there. Yes, I know how difficult it is to go online in Cuba. But they do have so called hotspots. Wolf: I understand these are just public spaces where you can get connection but you have to buy a credit that seems to be quite expensive. We will do that but not more than once a week or so. Dieter: Don't bother then texting us. We'll catch up on the news later. Dieter: When are you back in the online world? Wolf: On 4 January. Cancun, Mexico. Dieter: You have stamina for that travelling, old man! Wolf: We've been taking it easy this time staying in places for a week at least. All has been working according to plan so far. Dieter: Thanks for sending us an email with the update of your whereabouts. Fantastic pictures! Dieter: Helen says it looks as if you both have lost some weight. Wolf: Not really. Not yet. But surely we will in Cuba. Dieter: ? Wolf: Food shortages, food rationing, black market - you name it. We've heard the folks there are queuing for bread. They have restaurants though, but we hear the offer is rather modest. Dieter: Sounds a bit of a challenge but it can't be that bad. Wolf: Hope not. And losing a few pounds won't be bad either. And there is always Havana Club! Dieter: Try the 7 year old one. To my taste it can compete with mid range cognacs. Wolf: We'll try them all. Mary is also looking forward to trying out a Cohiba. If we can afford it! Dieter: At Miller's they run 20 a piece. Wolf: Out of question!! Better ways to ruin one's health. Dieter: Come on! You are on holidays! Enjoy it and stop counting money. Cuba isn't that expensive after all. Wolf: Wrong! Tourists are forced to use special currency and pay special prices. We'll see how expensive or cheap it really turns out to be. Dieter: Anyway I hope you'll have a great time in Cuba. We wish you all the best for this lag of your journey. Wolf: Thank you. We'll get in touch as soon as practicable. Dieter: Happy trails! Wolf: All the best to you and Helen.

### Summary: Mary and Wolf will spend the next 4 weeks in Cuba, then they will go to Cancun on Jan 4th. The Internet is limited and expensive in Cuba. They worry about food availability and prices there. They plan to try different liquors. Dieter recommends Cohiba. He likes their holiday photos they sent him.

Henning: You wanna hear something weird? Max: yes, always! Henning: Recently somehow we talked about waiters/waitresses. And the Louis's interpretation was that in Italy they are so nice, because they are so lowly and cannot afford to be demanding and have to be servile, basically. Henning: And in France they are arrogant, because they can afford it. Henning: Somehow, because their status is higher. Max: LOL. Another beautiful theory - nationalist in its core, after all. Henning: And I agree with neither the first nor the second assessment. Max: me neither. Being honest I don't see huge differences throughout Europe. It happens to me to meet a very nice waiter here and there, and grumpy people as well Henning: No, so far i find Italian waiters much nicer and much less professional than in Germany. But I wouldn't venture any theories about the countries. Max: Jakob (the Slovene) told me after coming back from Berlin that waiters there are so much less nice than here in Italy. While Jakob (the Pole) always complains about them being so rude in comparison with Poland. Henning: Berlin is a big city though Max: And I am starting to think that all those theories say more about their authors than about the waiters and the countries. They are always nationally framed, which is stupid Henning: Maybe. Also our position, when I am in a restaurant in Germany I am often with my family, in Italy with a bunch of fun young, foreign people. Max: Paris is a different world than Bretagne I assume. In a small village. Of course, there is more of talking, touching, joking in Italy. But people in Germany, in Landshut are also more talkative than in Munich. That's all, I believe. Aaso it depends how touristic the place is, etc. Max: It's also about the general culture of eating out, talking to waiters, anonymity of the big city. Max: Especially between societies as diverse and generally as similar as France and Italy, just think about Genova and Nice! Max: just bullshit! Luis is so communists but keeps blushing conservative and nationalist stuff. Max: And in Poland they are sometimes super nice - new American-style capitalist and servile and sometimes the "communist" remnants.Throwing your plate in front of you with a hostile "proszĘ" with a long accent on the hiper-correct "ę". Max: And then one is confused about his/her judgements and builds new ones. But maybe we just don't need to read everything through this national framework. I agree that there is a lot about it, or about culture/climate/language/whatever, but we just exaggerate all the time. Max: even me! The single biggest anti-nationalist of Europe 🤣 Henning : Hehe, you got passionate! Max: a bit

### Summary: Max thinks that waiters/waitresses shouldn't be framed by their nationality.

Vera: Do you know any games that would work well during a get-together party? Olga: That's an interesting question Olga: Actually, I remember one we used to play in college Olga: It's called 'Mafia' Vera: Sounds intriguing :) Can you describe how it works more less, please? Vera: I invited some colleagues from my new job and hope to spend this time in a relaxed atmosphere Olga: Sure, I'll try Olga: So... It all comes down to playing various roles Olga: You need to prepare little notes with the following roles written on them: 'mafia' (2 or 3 such notes), 'mayor', 'policeman' and the rest will be 'residents' Olga: Everyone picks a random note Olga: The game is led by a preselected person, let's call him a leader. There are 2 parts of the game - night and day Olga: All the players sleep at night, I mean everyone closes their eyes Olga: The leader says which character should wake up. Mafia wakes up every night and eliminates one player Olga: The next one to wake up is mayor who can save a chosen player from death, including himself Olga: Then a policeman wakes up and have an option of checking up on a chosen player by asking the leader if that person is a mafia member Olga: Remember that nobody says anything - you make gestures to communicate Olga: Are you with me, Vera? :D Vera: Sure, ofc, it shapes up well! Keep going, please :) Olga: Sweet :) Olga: So... The night ends and it's daytime now. A person indicated (killed) by mafia is out of the game and the players discuss who can be a perp Olga: This is the most important element of the game because here the fun begins. The city seek to eliminate mafia and the mafia's trying to kill the mayor or the residents Olga: And now the last thing that I should mention - the worst mistake while playing the game is to hurry. Olga: You need to have plenty of time for Mafia. And trust me, it's addictive ;) Vera: Wow, Olga, this all sounds fantastic!! Vera: I'm sure everybody will like it Vera: How about you? That would be just awesome if you could join us :) Olga: Hmm... When are you planning to meet? Vera: Friday evening :) Olga: Actually, why not. I'll be your tutor :) Vera: Super!

### Summary: Vera invited some colleagues from her new job to a get-together party. She is looking for a game. Olga recommends a game called Mafia. Vera wants Olga to join the party on Friday evening.

Larry: Hey, what did you write for the conclusion of your english essay? Diana: The one on the Pygmalian? Larry: yeah Diana: haven't started it yet. Larry: ok. what about the hemingway essay? Diana: er, i think i wrote something along the lines of: "Throughout the book, it can be observed how the lost generation struggles to overcome their experience with the war" Diana: then i listed a couple of examples Diana: and THEN i compared those characters to Robert Cohn Larry: not bad :) Diana: then I think i ended it with: Diana: "However, in the last few lines of the book, we can see a change in Jake Barnes, the narrator of the book. This is especially noticeable in when Lady Brett says: "... we could have had such a damn good time together." This quote suggests that Lady Brett is still focused on the events of the past, which prevents her from persuing happiness. Jake, on the other hand, replies "Yes, isn't it pretty to think so?" - a quote which suggests that he has accepted his past and is now looking towards the future. Diana: It still needs a little polishing though :) Larry: Has anyone ever told you that you're really good at this kind of thing? :) Diana: I just pay attention and take notes. Sparknotes help ;) Larry: yeah, i do too - it's just i can't seem write essays that well :( Diana: Not true! You beat me on the history essay, remember? :) Larry: thank Diana :) Diana: Speaking of history, what was the homework? I arrived late and she had already wiped it off the board. Larry: one sec Larry: We could chose between: "Compare and contrast the reasons for, the impact of, and foreign involvement in two of the following: the Russian Civil War, the Spanish Civil War and the Chinese civil war" Larry: And "To what extent was the League of Nations failure to maintain peace in the inter-war period due to its inherent weaknesses? Diana: which one are you gonna write about? Larry: Probably the civil war one Diana: good call! We've only just finished covering it in class! :) Larry: that and I've been watching the avengers civil war recently ;) Diana: isn't that the one with spidey? Larry: Yeah, tom holland's great! :D Diana: i find it funny how they're worried about him revealing spoilers :D Larry: XD

### Summary: Larry and Diana talk about their homework. They have to prepare an English essay on the Pygmalian, an essay about the Hemingway's book and an essay for the history classes. Larry is better at history classes. He will wrote an essay about the civil war, as he has recently watched avengers civil war.

Wendy: My dear Ann, finally a good connection! Nearly impossible to get here. We're in Havana now, arrived last night. Quite a nice apartment in the old town, a bit on a simple side but luxurious by Cuban standards. ;-) Wendy: <file_photo> Wendy: That's on a tiny balcony overlooking a street (called Cuba!) in Havana Vieja. It makes our hearts weep to see all these beautiful houses like a heap of rubble. And people live in them! Wendy: <file_photo> Wendy: The apartment consists of a sitting room with a small kitchenette, a bedroom and a bathroom. All very clean and quite new, I guess. Found it thru' Airbnb. Wendy: <file_photo> Wendy: That's Lulce, our "housekeeper". As you see, Mark's taken quite a liking for her! She prepares our breakfast, does the cleaning and even offers to sort out our further transport. The only thing: she speaks only Spanish! Ann: Hi there! It all looks very, very nice. I love the chairs on the balcony! How long are you staying there? Ann: If you have a proper Internet access, maybe we could skype? Wendy: Hi Ann, I was too enthusiastic too soon. We've got wifi connection only for some 3 hours in the evening and occasionally and irregularly in the morning. So I couldn't answer yesterday. Skype wouldn't be possible, as my evening is your middle of the day, uh? Ann: Ooops! Missed your message on time. Pity as I was like free just after lunch break. So how are you enjoying Havana? Must be extremely interesting. Wendy: Oh yes it is!! So much to see and Mark insists on our walking everywhere. Absolutely knackered at the end of the day. Shame about no skyping but it is rather impossible from Cuba, as I see it. Wendy: <file_photo> Wendy: Wouldn't you like to live in one of these? You can imagine what gems they could be! They seem to be renovating some, but most of them are beyond restoration. Or only with the funds that are unavailable in this country. A city of irreplaceable losses it is! Ann: Very sad indeed. At least they can save some of them. How long are you staying there? Wendy: 3 more days. Only. Then off to Varadero and its famous beaches! Could do with some dolce far niente. Ann: Hope it's not too crowded and no jellyfish!

### Summary: Wendy and Mark arrived to Havana yesterday night. They stay in an apartment in the old town, found on Airbnb. Lulce prepares the breakfast, cleans and helps with transport, but speaks just Spanish. Wendy has poor Internet connection. They walk a lot. They stay other 3 days and then go to Varadero.

Eloise: Hello! Is that Rick, the gardener? Hope you don't mind me contacting you, but I just wanted to run through some ideas for the garden. Rick: Oh, that's fine, Mrs Crabtree, What can I do for you? Eloise: Well, it's just that my husband is keen to have a miniature train track and train running around the garden in a circle. Rick: Ok! Well, as a matter of fact I have built a train track before, but it was a short, straight one. I'm sure I could manage a circular one too. Eloise: Oh, that would be fabulous! We are so looking forward to getting an idea what it would look like all finished. Rick: Well, as I mentioned last week, I am drawing up the schematic digitally and will run through it when I come on Tuesday afternoon. Eloise: Great, I am so excited to have a look at it! Don't forget the rose arbour, will you? Or the futuristic section with the steel and the crystal orb. And then there's the cottage garden part too! Rick: Of course! I am having a bit of trouble sourcing the vibrating crystal orb, Eloise. It looks like it will have to be custom made, adding to the cost. Eloise: We don't mind the cost, we've been saving up for years and this will be our fantasy garden when it's finished! Rick: Well, that's OK, then. Also, I'm a bit worried about the maze at the bottom, what with the pond and duck island down there too, may be a bit of a squeeze. Eloise: Well, OK, scrap the maze, but don't forget the train track, we wanted to give the grandkids a surprise so make sure the train and track are big enough to ride on. We even thought about charging people to ride around the garden in the summer. Rick: Well, I don't see why you shouldn't give it a go, after all the garden will look stunning when it's done. Eloise: I hope so! We're dying to see your plans on Tuesday! Rick: Yes, and you can also see it in 3D to get the full effect! Eloise: Wow! Isn't technology wonderful these days! Rick: Right, I'll see you on Tuesday at 2pm! Eloise: Phil and I will both be there this time. Rick: That's great. You should tell him what we've discussed today as well, get him up to speed. Eloise: I certainly will, Rick! Bye till Tuesday, can't wait!

### Summary: Eloise and Phil want Rick to build a miniature train track running around the garden in a circle for their grandchildren. They want their fantasy garden and they don't mind the cost. Rick will bring the 3D digital schematic on Tuesday at 2 pm.

Eve: I learnt today at the dean's office that our exam is scheduled for Thursday, 7th, most probably in the afternoon Carol: Is that the final date? No extensions? Martin: I think so, apparently Prof is going on holiday the very next day so that's the latest he can do Nathalie: Oh no, I need to hand in the other assignment before I can take the exam!!! There's no way I'm going to be done before the 7th! What do I do?! Martin: Are you sure? No chance you can be done bu the 7th? You still have over 5 weeks! Nathalie: The 7th is next week!! We're talking about March, right? Eve: Haha, Nat! :) Let me be clear - the final exam date is the 7TH of APRIL, no extensions are to be approved after that Nathalie: PHEW! THANK YOU! I was about to collapse here Eve: no problem, happy to help! What other assignment are you talking about? Nathalie: Do you remember when I broke my leg and had to have a really intense physio? He agreed for me to hand it one of the papers by the end of the semester Martin: Do you need it? I'm sure he won't remember what he read... Carol: I could use some better grade on one of mine... do you think I could resubmit it? Nathalie: I'm not sure. He was pretty reluctant to let me do it but I bored him with some lines from the uni constitution and he eventually caved ;) Carol: well, maybe it's worth a shot... Eve: A little of top: the second floor in the library is being remodeled or sth and it's going to be inaccessible the entire week starting Monday so if you need anything you still have tomorrow to check it out! Martin: Damn, I better make my way over there tomorrow, I misplaced my copy of his recommended reading list, does anybody have it? Eve: I know it makes me sound like a nerd - but I do, I will forward over to you:) Martin: But you are OUR nerd, Eve, so that's okay :) saving us yet another time Carol: do you think it's bad i haven't ready any? how important are they for the final? Nathalie: I heard from the previous years that he always scores better if you imply you've read it. Not sure you can pass without having read them... Martin: Carol, I will be in the library all day tomorrow, something tells me I will see you there :)

### Summary: The exam is scheduled for Thursday, 7th April, most probably in the afternoon. Nathalie needs to hand in an assignment before it. The second floor of the library is going to be inaccessible for the entire week starting on Monday, so the students have only tomorrow to check out the books they need.

Pearl: Hi lover! Vince: Oh, it's my gorgeous girl, are you all ready for tonight? Pearl: You bet! I will be a vision in silver, the belle of the ball! Vince: Oh oh! Can't wait? What exactly are you planning to wear?! Pearl: Well, as you know, I was a snazzy dresser in my youth as well as a ballroom dancer! Vince: I heard it through the grapevine! Pearl: Love that song! Well, in 68, my first husband and I won a cup in Blackpool and I decided to put on my old costume for tonight! Guess what? It still fits like a glove after 50 years! Vince: Well, you've got a beautiful figure, darling, but maybe it won't be as flattering, after all you're not a 20 something anymore! Pearl: So what! 70 something's can look sexy too! Vince: True, but won't the fabric have deteriorated? Pearl: No! I've kept it wrapped up, with moth repellent in the cupboard and I've sewn the loose sequins back on. My silver heels have hardly been worn too, good as new! Vince: You don't need to doll yourself up, darling, you'd look fab in anything! 😚 Pearl: Well, I've been to have my hair done and I'm trying on the dress for you to see it to check it's all ok! What are you wearing? Vince: Well, if it's 68 we're revisiting, I thought my paisley shirt, flares, love beads and Lennon specs! I was a student then and extremely groovy! Pearl: Hold on, Austin Powers, you're 71 not 21. Act your age! Vince: Just kidding, darling. No, just my boring old suit and A nice patterned tie! As befits a retired banker! Pearl: Just wait till your stuffy old City mates get a load of me. Just putting on a bit of extra warpaint! Vince: Er, ok, less is more sometimes, sweetie! Pearl: There, all set. Now, just time for a quick selfie. Vince: Can't wait! Pearl: There we are! <file_photo> Vince: Bloody hell Pearl, you look stunning! Pearl: Thanks, darling. Love you! 💖 Vince: Love you too!!!!!

### Summary: Pearl and Vince are going to a dance party tonight. Pearl and her first husband won a dancing competition in Blackpool in 1968. She will wear the old costume for tonight. Vince will dress in an old suit and a patterned tie.

Jane: Hey gorgeous, have any plans for the summer? :D Patricia: Not yet, what are you up to? :> Jane: Just been thinking what to do this and I kind of want to go somewhere far far away Patricia: Cool, up for that. Do you have anything specific in mind? Jane: Yeah, couple of places. Cuba, Mexico or, other side, Thailand or Vietnam? Patricia: Wow, exotic! :D Jane: Well, far far away as I said ;) Remember the guy I told you about? The traveller? He was telling me all about Cuba and Mexico, it sounded really cool. Patricia: Isn't it a bit dangerous?... Jane: I don't know, I was thinking about going for an organised trip? Patricia: Ok, sounds fine. Never been on one, but happy to discover something new :) Jane: I've been to a few and I think it's great if you don't have a lot of time and want to see a lot. Patricia: Are there any good trips? Cuba sounds cool, actually I'd prefer it to Mexico. Jane: How about Vietnam or Thailand? We could look into both options. Patricia: Been to Thailand, but wouldn't mind coming back, the food <3 Jane: :D hahahaha. Honestly can't decide. There's that one really cool trip to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Patricia: Wow, sounds great! How much is it? Jane: Around 2k for almost two weeks, seems fair to me. Patricia: Are the meals included? Jane: Hm, breakfasts and some dinners, depends on where you are. Patricia: Cool, maybe it's even better so we could explore the local stuff ;) Jane: So it kind of sounds Asia it is :D God, already excited <3 Patricia: hahahaha, so it does! When could you get any time off? August is off limits for me and probably not the best month to go there. Jane: I know, July then? It may be cheaper, because no one wants to go there in the summer :D Patricia: Quite true, July sounds fine for me. Gotta go tell my boss I need a time off and ready to go! Jane: Yeah, start the countdown, I will contact the agency to book the trip. Will send you all details. Patricia: Thanks! Also, is it a direct flight? Jane: Yes! Couldn't be more perfect, could it?

### Summary: Patricia and Jane will go on an organised trip to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. They will go in July. Patricia will ask her boss for a time off and Jane will contact the agency. She will send Patricia the details. They will take a direct flight. The trip lasts almost 2 weeks and costs around 2k.

Rob: Hi bruv, family ok? Steve: Yeah, we are! We got here about 3ish, just chilling out, watching TV, will go for a walk later. Rob: You all fancy pizza for tonight? Steve: Hmm, not sure, I'll ask everyone. Rob: OK. Steve: Well, Mum would like fish and chips, Karen wants a Chinese meal and me and the kids are fine with pizza. Rob: OK, that's awkward! Can you persuade Mum or Karen to change their mind, I really don't want to go to 3 places! Steve: Just asked, Karen says pizza is far too carby and thinks Chinese is better in that respect, Mum doesn't like pizza much but could stand some Chinese food. Rob: We have a very difficult family! Ok, I'll stop at the 2 places. Right, what about orders? Steve: Right, me and Danny like pepperoni, Suki wants a chicken and bbq sauce pizza, Mum wants lemon chicken and special fried rice, Karen wants chicken with mushrooms, spicy veg and plain rice. Rob: OK, sounds clear enough. Now, what time do you want to eat? Steve: About 6/6.30? Rob: Right, I'll ring and go get it at 5.45ish. Oh, just remembered, the pizza place delivers so I only have to visit the Chinese place! Got any wine or other drinks? Steve: Umm, no, actually. Could you get a couple of bottles of white wine and some sugar free squash or pop for the kids? Rob: Well, that means I still have to go to 2 places! Can't you or Karen go? Steve: Oh, well, we've already had a couple of beers each, it is the Christmas hols, you know!🎄😁 Rob: I suppose I have to stop and get the drinks too, then 😒. Some bloody relaxing holiday for me! Steve: Don't be arsey, you only see us all a few times a year! Look, how about you and me popping down the pub tomorrow? Rob: Maybe, but you can pay your rounds this time! Steve: Well, I had no cash on me at Easter! Only a one-off! Rob: It'd better be! Make sure you go to the cash point before we go out tomorrow! Oh, and I will want you or Karen to pay your share of the take away this time!!!! Steve: Don't get stressed, bro! See you this evening, bye!

### Summary: Steve got there with family about 3. Rob will stop at 2 places to get food for the family. They want to eat about 6-6.30. They want Rob to bring pizza and Chinese food. Rob and Steve will go to a pub tomorrow.

Michael: Hey John! John: Oh! Hi Michael Michael: Why you always start conversation with these beautiful gestures like oh!, O my goodness ? John: Because i know that you always target me to discuss about your new car, isn't it? Michael: Haha! yes, today i'll keep talking on same topic :p John: O my goodness! then please start because you will definitely ruin my weekend :( Michael: O this is not like that, i have decided to purchase the car, i delayed it due to some payment issues which now have been resolved. Now i can buy a new car. John: That's great! Finally, you are all set to purchase the car. Michael: O yes! my friend. John: Do you remember? i used to say that you didn't have money for your daily survival then how could you purchase this car? Now! i am very happy to hear that you sufficient money to purchase that car. Michael: So, would you go with me to receive Mercedes Benz 2.0 from showroom? John: Yes! my brother, it's a big day for you and i'll definitely go with you to receive this luxury Mercedes Benz. Michael: But, there is a condition that, i will drive Mercedes Benz to home. John: Haha! Sure my friend. Michael: i decided to get this darling car, but there are certain priorities which need to be fulfilled first. John: You'll get your darling soon Michael: Wow! (y) John: OK then, see you on Saturday, Goodbye! Michael: Sure! Goodbye.

### Summary: Michael decided to buy the car he was thinking about. Michael had to delay the purchase, but is now able to go through with it. Michael and John will go together to get the car from the showroom. Michael will drive the car home. Michael and John will see each other on Saturday.

Jenny: Hi Beth, love, ok? Beth: Yeah, bit shattered, been working a lot lately. Jenny: Well, I suppose it's your busiest time! Beth: Yeah, but I don't have to like it! We've just had presale weekend, working till midnight. Then sale week, now Christmas and I'm working late Christmas Eve, start at 6am bloody Boxing Day and 8am New Year's Day. Jenny: Wow! They are a load of slave drivers there! It's not so bad in Samuel's, just busy days and one late night till 8pm. I quite enjoy it here, actually. Beth: I'm beginning to regret going for this job, they pile on the extra hours at short notice and you can only change them 3 weeks in advance. Plus, busy periods you can't take days off anyway. Jenny: You basically have no holidays then this year? Beth: Nope, not really! Christmas Day, I suppose, but then I have to get up at Stupid o' Clock on Boxing Day! Jenny: So, no good suggesting a drink one night? Beth: I am actually sort of free on the 27th cos I don't need to go in till 2pm on the 28th. Got a 7 hour shift then though, so can't have any kind of hangover! Jenny: God, it does suck a bit, but at least you're earning a decent wage. Beth: Yes, I suppose so and we do have a profits share scheme so there are bonuses. But no work/life balance to speak of.😢 Jenny: Do you think you'll get taken on in the New Year? Beth: Umm, don't know. I've not missed a day, had my pay docked only once for being 5 mins late! I'm frankly not sure if I would want the job, mind you. Jenny: Yes, I'd think very carefully about the pros and cons first! Beth: Yes, I'm going to look around, check Indeed, Reed, etc, other job sites. Jenny: I'll keep my ear to the ground, see what's around in town, it would be nice to work near each other! Beth: Yes, it would! Thanks love, let's meet for coffee one day at least. Jenny: OK, tell me when you're off next and we'll hopefully sort something out. Beth: OK, sounds good, Bye!

### Summary: Beth has been working a lot lately, she'll be working on Christmas and on New Year's Day too, she has almost no free time, but at least the salary is good. She's thinking about a new job. Jenny works at Samuel's and she likes her job. They will try to meet for coffee when Beth has the time.

Christopher: Okay, I think I've added everyone who's in our group. Hi, guys! Joan: Hi there! So how do we share the work? Lindsay: And what's more important, who's gonna present our project before the class? :P Brian: I can present whatever you give me :P Joan: Yeah, as long as you don't have to prepare it yourself? :P Lindsay: I can do the work for Brian as long as he does the presenting part for me. You know how I hate speaking in public. Christopher: I think it's time to start learning :P Lindsay: If you want me to pass out in front of everyone then OK. Kenneth: Calm down guys, we don't have anything to present yet :P Joan: Yup, Ken's right. How about this: points 1-3 for me, Ken & Chris, 4-5 for Lindsay and Brian (and we don't care which one of you does more work as long as it's done ;))? And then we'll send our parts to one person who'll combine them into one presentation. Brian: I can do it! I'm good at PowerPoint :D Kenneth: Just don't go too crazy with the transitions between slides :P Brian: No worries, it will be pretty as hell! Lindsay: I don't think I believe you, but OK :D Joan: Okay, guys, do you think we could meet tomorrow after school? @Kenneth @Christopher Kenneth: I bet the two of you meet every day after school :P Christopher: Shut up! Joan: Come on, boys, stop acting like kids! We're almost out of high school! Kenneth: Uh huh, looks like someone's girlfriend's mad XDDD Joan: Lindsay, I've changed my mind, can I get Brian after all? :P Lindsay: Forget it, Brian's going to by my voice, I'm not giving him up :P Brian: Thanks, Lindsay ♥ Joan: Grrrr, I hate group projects! Christopher: And who doesn't? :) Kenneth: Yeah... OK, I promise to behave. Can we just get it over with? Joan: YES! Lindsay: I think everybody agrees ;) So if we're done here now, I've gotta go. Talk to you later, guys! Joan: Bye! Kenneth: See ya! Brian: Laters!

### Summary: Christopher, Joan, Lindsay, Brian and Kenneth have to prepare a project. Brian is willing to present in front of the class and make a PowerPoint presentation. Joan proposes a way to divide the work that everybody agree on. Joan proposes a meeting in person.

Joan: Hi dear, how's the Christmas shopping going? Margaret: Hello love, well I've got a few bits and bobs, but I'm struggling with some people. You finished? Joan: Oh yes, I start getting things in the January sales! All presents wrapped up by the last week in November. Margaret: So organised, as ever, dear! Can I pick your brains about presents for your lot? Joan: Ask away! Margaret: Well, what about your Hayley and the baby? Joan: Hayley loves nail varnish and the little one, Jojo is 2 now, so some little cars or trains, wooden railway stuff is nice, we're collecting it now. Margaret: Thanks, that's great! What about Hayley' s boyfriend, Sammy, isn't it? Joan: Oh, well, he left her in August, gone back to his wife. Margaret: Oh, I didn't know, poor Hayley, how's she coping? Joan: Fine, I help her with Jojo when she's at work or Uni, we manage! Margaret: I'm so glad! Then there's Darren, Susie and the kids, stuck with them too! Joan: Oh sis, you have no imagination! Darren and Susie would love some nice wine, cheese and biscuits. The kids, well, Jade loves Smiggle stuff, but it's pricey, maybe some Sharpie pens, pencil case, sketch pads, things like that. As for Quinn, maybe a new messenger bag and some gloves, always losing them, Darren says. Margaret: Thanks love, some fab ideas. For you, still love Beatles stuff? Joan: You know I do! Look, I've got so much stuff, you may duplicate what I've already got, maybe a nice silk scarf, something like that. Margaret: Well, I'd better get shopping then! We're going to the outlet place on Friday, Keith's got the afternoon off work. Joan: Oh, that sounds nice, I wouldn't mind coming myself! Margaret: Not this time, love, I'm buying all your presents, after all! Maybe after Christmas would be nice. Joan: Perhaps you're right! Anyway, got to get on with putting the marzipan on the Christmas cake. Margaret: Oh yes! I've got to buy one of those too! See you soon dear! Love you! Joan: Love you too, sis! See you soon, I hope. xx

### Summary: Joan has all the Christmas presents ready. Margaret is seeking advice on what to buy for the family members. Sammy left Hayley with Jojo and got back to his wife. Joan helps her with the baby. Margaret goes with Keith to the outlet place on Friday. Joan is decorating Christmas cake.

Kamil: I'm looking for some good movies/series for those dark and long winter days... Kamil: Any suggestions? Jurek: Do you like comedies? Kamil: Sure, I'll consider every option Jurek: Then you should definitely watch 'Clerks' Leszek: Yeeeah bro, that's a good one! I laughed myself to shit Kamil: What's it about? Jurek: I don't want to tell you too much, but the action's in the convenience and video stores, and is about titular clerks' daily routine Leszek: True, maybe it doesn't sound convincing but the dialogues are brilliant :D Leszek: After you finish this one, there's 'Clerks 2' waitin, even funnier! Kamil: Well, all right I can give it a try. Jurek: And if you want a series... I won't be original but what about Game of Thrones? Kamil: Maaan, I'm not really into this whole movie world Kamil: I've heard people talking about it and getting excited but I've never pushed myself to watch even an episode Jurek: Dude, you can't imagine how much I'd like to be in your shoes now.... Kamil: I guess you won't tell me any details? Jurek: Not really. But I'm sure that all those twists and turns'll make you want another episode Leszek: I've watched the whole series and actually I still can't understand what's so special about it Leszek: I figured that it's kinda blind admiration, I mean, everyone thinks it kicks ass so if so many people think so, I'm not going to stand out Jurek: R U suggestin I'm a moron cause I liked the series? Leszek: Jurek, c'mon, you know it's nothing personal :) I'm just sayin how I see it Leszek: And ofc I'm not advising against watching it! So, Kamil. Now you've got 2 views on the series, you should watch it and let us know about your personal feelings :) Kamil: I think, you've just recommended it well, guys. Opinions're divided, now I'd like to come to my own judgement Jurek: That won't be wasted time, dude trust me. Leszek: Don't forget to let us know what you think! :) Kamil: Sure, I will thanks fellas

### Summary: Kamil is looking for movie or series recommendations. Jurek and Leszek recommend "Clerks". Leszek recommends "Clerks 2". Jurek recommends "Game of Thrones". Leszek is not excited about the series. Kamil is skeptical at first, but will give the series a try.

Tim: So I think it's time to start preparing our presentation. Samantha: Agreed. I've actually already done some research on natural selection. Just basic stuff like wikipedia but it cites some more serious sources. Tim: ok, great. Do you want to focus on anything in particular? Because how are we dividing this project? Samantha: I think I'd like to talk about the history of the concept - like what was before Darwin and then about his idea in the "origin of species" Tim: I've actually just finished reading the selfish gene by Dawkins and I would like to incorporate some of the stuff from the book. Samantha: Oh cool, was it good? Tim: Great even. I've always thought it's a shame that he's mostly known as the chief atheist when he's really a brilliant biologist. Samantha: I've always kinda associated Dawkins with the atheist stuff tbh I've only recently found out about his scientific work Tim: Yeah, many people do that and it's a shame. You know that he coined the term meme? Samantha: oh cool, i had no idea. Tim: so it would be great to talk about he's ideas in the presentation Tim: *his Samantha: sure, you can talk about the modern understanding of natural selection and include Dawkins there Tim: So I would give like the modern definition of it Samantha: Yeah, seems like it. If you want. Tim: sure, can do that. What else do we need? Samantha: So we have - the history, the actual modern definition... maybe the evidence? We could mention like... you know, all the things they've dug up ;) Tim: yes, the fossils and all that. Tim: That's a good idea. And then maybe why it's important? Like how it changed science? Samantha: oh, that would be good - why it matters when it comes to our understanding of humanity's development, origin etc. Samantha: So you wanna take that part? Tim: Yeah, could be interesting. Samantha: So I'll take the evidence part. Tim: Great. It seems evenly divided. Samantha: Think so too. Btw are we making a power point or using some other software? Tim: I was thinking Prezi it's much nicer. Samantha: Heard of it, but I think I've never used it. Tim: It's super easy, I'll show you when we meet. Samantha: ok cool

### Summary: Tim and Samantha are making a presentation on natural selection. Samantha will focus on the history of the concept and the evidence. Tim will focus on the modern definiton, including stuff from Dawkins' book, and why it matters to the humanity. The presentation will be in Prezi.

Tim: Good evening Peter, I'd hate to bother you with a call at that unearthly time but I must ask you something that might be urgent but not before tomorrow morning. My sister had just taken a bad fall in the bathroom hitting her L lower rib cage against an edge of a bathtub and is experiencing general pain. She doesn't think she's broken anything. Would you think it might be something demanding medical attention? Peter: Good evening Tim, I'm still in bed reading, Emma is asleep, so I'll stick to writing. Firstly, sorry to hear that but don't worry. If she can still move and talk, it can't be too bad. She doesn't spit blood, does she? Tim: No. Peter: Is the impacted area swollen? Tim: No. Peter: BTW when did it happen? Tim: Not more than an hour ago. Peter: Is she alone? Sorry I mean immediate help if her condition deteriorated. Tim: She lives alone. Her next door neighbours are just across the yard but I don't think they would be much help, being old themselves. Peter: Do you think she'll be capable of phoning in case of an urgent need? Tim: I should think so. Well, she texted me after the accident. Peter: While you talked to her, was she lucid? Tim: We couldn't talk because of my wife and the baby in the same room. She also preferred to write, since, as I suppose, it was less painful that talking. And yes – she was absolutely lucid. Peter: Of course I cannot say anything definite without examining her but judging by the symptoms you've described I'd tend to say that it's just soreness due to the impact of the fall. But she has to observe her body. Tim: Exactly what I told her! Should she see a doctor? Peter: She might if she feels worse. What she may need, however, are painkillers. Tell your sister not to hesitate to take painkillers. Even strong ones. For that she may need a prescription. Tim: Will they advise me at the drugstore when I describe the case? Anything over the counter? Peter: If you're going to get them for her, take IBU-ratiopharm 400 g, 20 pills, and 10 pills of the same but 600 g. She may want to start with the stronger one. Peter: Yes, they're available over the counter. Tim: It's so generous of you to let me have all this advice at this late hour. I really appreciate it, Peter. Thank you very much. Peter: Really nothing to thank for. Glad I could help. Let me know how she's doing. Tim: I will. Thank you again. And good night. Peter: Good night, Tim.

### Summary: According to Peter, Tim's sister should observe her body after the fall and take painkillers

Paola: Guys, as I was saying I’d like to take you to the theatre. There’s a very good play this Friday and I can totally get you free tickets if you’re interested Paola: It’s about this Serbian family just after the war in Yugoslavia. It’s been a hist for a few years now and I’m happy to see they’re back on stage this season as well Paola: I’ve seen the play a few years ago and actually wrote a review of it, but would be happy to go with you and know what you think of it Austin: Oh wow that sounds great! Ofc I wanna go Nicola: Me too! Hope it’s after 6 pm? Paola: @Nicola, yes, it’s at 8.15 Paola: The theatre is called El Rincón de Sánchez <othre_file> Paola: We can meet there Austin: Sounds good. Nicola, would you like to go together? These long, lonely journeys on the bus are soooo boring Nicola: Ha ha, sure, I bet we can have a nice chat, especially if we actually walk a little bit. I’d suggest meeting at the entrance to the Alto Palermo shopping mall and walking from there Austin: Can I ask if it’s safe? 🙊 Nicola: Yeah, I do think so Austin: Splendid, let’s meet at the entrance to the Alto Palermo at 7.30 then Nicola: Cool, just to make sure, I mean this entrance: <file_other> Austin: 👍 Austin: Oh wait, will you have eaten? Perhaps we can grab a pizza or something Nicola: I’ll be coming straight from work so it sounds like the perfect plan Nicola: What do we have nearby Austin: There’s actually this place which sells empanadas which are not that bad just where we’re meeting. Not a grand dinner but enough for me Nicola: Yer, that would do. Let’s just meet at 7:15 in case there are many people in the line or you happen to prefer to eat the empanadas while standing rather than walking 😹 Austin: Lol sounds perfect Paola: I’ll see you at the theatre then. There’s nowhere to wait outside, so I’ll be waiting for you in the hall if that’s ok Austin: Totally Paola: See you soon then Nicola: Yep. Byeeee!

### Summary: Paola and her friends are going to the theatre El Rincón de Sánchez on Friday. They are going to see a play about Serbian family just after the war in Yugoslavia. Nicola and Austin will go to the theatre together. They will eat empanadas on their way.

Agnes: Hi Greg! I'm Agnes, I don't know if you remember me, I think we met at my sister's wedding :) Greg: Hi! Of course I remember you :) How's life? Agnes: Good, thanks, how are you? Greg: I'm fine :) Agnes: Listen, my sis told me you went to Montenegro last summer Greg: That's right. We went to Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro Agnes: That's exactly what I'm planning! :) Greg: Awesome! That's a good plan Greg: When are you going? Agnes: Don't know yet, probably end of june/beginning july. The kids have school till 20th june but maybe we'll go earlier Agnes: Did you go by car? Greg: Actually we flew to Zadar, Croatia and rent a car there. Went to Montenegro and stayed in Kotor Bay for a couple of days. Then Bosnia, Croatia again, Slovenia and finally Vienna Agnes: Wow that sounds amazing!!! Greg: It was! Agnes: How long? Greg: 18days in total Agnes: We'll have 14-16 days, don't know exactly Greg: Kotor Bay is a must-see. The beaches are not too impressive but those little old towns are just fabulous. Bosnia is incredibly beautiful, a great place to hike if you have time. Agnes: Did you go to Mostar? Greg: Sure, it's a highlight of course, but Sarajevo is great too. And then in Slovenia we stopped in Maribor. Agnes: Can you recommend any place to stay in Kotor or Perast? Greg: We stayed in Herceg novi close to croatian border for 3 days. Then moved to Dobrota, it's between Kotor and Perast but I'm not sure if I can recommend the place. The apartment was a bit dirty. Agnes: Are there any hotels? Greg: Not many, it's better to get an apartment, well it depends on your budget of course :) Agnes: We're going low cost! :) plus two kids plus one dog :) Greg: I'll send you the contact details of our host in Herceg Novi, she's very friendly and helpful and speaks English. The place was super tidy and I think they accept pets Agnes: Thank you so much!

### Summary: Greg went to Bosnia, Croatia and Montenegro last summer. Agnes is planning the same trip between the end of June and beginning of July. Greg recommended Agnes a place to stay in Herceg Novi. Agnes is planning to travel with her husband, two kids and a dog.

Jane: So mom is out of the woods and resting comfortably. George: Thanks! So glad you were there to be with her! Jane: No problem. Just wonder what we should do going forward? George: What do you mean? Jane: She’s very unsteady and may be worse now after the fall. How will she be able to stay on her own? George: Oh, I see. I didn’t know she was that bad. Jane: Yes, she is. You haven’t seen her in a while. George: True. I can’t afford the plane tickets. Jane: I understand, not your fault! George: Sorry! Jane: It’s okay; I just want to get your thoughts on mom. Should we try to hire someone to look in on her daily? Move her laundry to the upstairs? What do you think? George: I think we should definitely try to avoid having the laundry on a different floor or get a stair lift or something. Which is cheaper? Jane: I think a stair lift is a few thousand, but so would a plumbing job and getting a stackable that would fit upstairs. About even, in other words. Not sure what she’ll go for. Probably neither! George: She might go for the lift then. Keeps everything pretty much the same. Jane: True. George: What about getting someone to check on her? Jane: I was thinking the neighbor. She’s retired and I’d offer to pay her to pop in once a day and have coffee, keep her company. Can you help out with the cash? George: Not really. I’m pretty strapped and need to save for a plane ticket back, apparently! Jane: Okay, I’ll see what I can figure out. George: What did the doctor say? Jane: She didn’t break anything, just a bad sprain where she tried to catch herself. George: Thank God she didn’t hit her head! Jane: I know! George: Good thing you were dropping by anyway. How long did she lay there? Jane: Not long, an hour or so. Long enough! George: She must have been scared. I’ll call her later. Do they let her have her phone? Jane: Yes, but it may need to be charged. Call the hospital and ask for 2231. George: Okay. Jane: Speak soon. Love you! George: Love you too and thanks again!

### Summary: Jane and George's mother fell and had a bad sprain trying to catch herself. George hasn't seen mum long due to expensive plane tickets. They consider hiring a retired neighbour to check on mum daily and spend some time with her, but George can't help with it financially. He will call mum later.

Jenni: Where are you? Paul: At the pub. Why? What's up? Jenni: Well, last night you said you'll come over to mine at 8pm. So I'm waiting... and waiting... and you're at the goddamned pub. Paul: I don't remember saying that I'd come to yours tonight Jenni: Isn't that just ever so convenient... hmmm... Paul: Honestly hun I would've never said that. It's pub quiz night at the Lion's Head. You know that's what I do every Tues. Jenni: Yeah but you said that this Tues you'd come and see me. You know that's the only night of the week that I have off and you can't even make the effort to see me... grrrr! Paul: Look I make lots of effort to do things for you babe... all the fucking time! I need a night off with my mates. Jenni: You have 'nights off' with your fucking mates all the bloody time... but when I ask you to do anything you're always busy and not available. Jenni: Are you giving me the silent treatment now? Jenni: Can't even be bothered to answer my messages? Jenni: Who are you with down the pub? Paul: Sorry babe, was busy talking to Lauren at the bar. Why don't you pop down the pub and we can talk about this? Jenni: WTF?!! Who the fuck is Lauren??!!! Jenni: Are you fucking her? Paul: Don't be ridiculous! She's like as old as your mother. LOL Jenni: You can't be fucked to come over and see me. Then when I try to find out where you are you tell me that you're at the quiz night with your mates. You don't even have the courtesy to tell me that you're not coming over to mine. Now you tell me that you're talking to some old hag by the name of Lauren at the bar. What bloody planet do you live on? You're a dick! Jenni: You know what? You can shove this relationship where the sun don't shine! I've had enough. Jenni: You better come over tomorrow because I'm throwing all your shit out Mr. Fucktard! It'll be on the front lawn if you want it. Fuck you!

### Summary: Paul is at the pub. Jenni is waiting for him, but he doesn't remember them arranging a meeting. He attends a pub quiz night at Lion's Head every Tuesday. Now he's there pub with a woman named Lauren and he invites Jenni to pop down the pub and talk. Jenny is furious and wants Paul to come tomorrow.

Brian: Hello everyone! What has been your favourite moment of the ceremony so far? Storm: Just joined. I'm enjoying the speech by President Marcon. I pray ppl in my country are listening. I hope our current ruler is listening. We are on very thin ice over here in the US. I don't think ppl truly understand the value of the past. Patte: Macron's speech (and I am not a particular fan of his) Laura: Brian the musical performances. Denis: The view from the Arc down the Champs. Seeing the lettering on the monument, and the students reading the letters of soldiers. Angie: Brian when he said nationalism was the opposite of patriotism. So true and I wish others would realize it. Anne: "Nationalism is the betrayal of patriotism " Macron, 11/11/2018 Love it! Margaret: My daughter went to a local fair in Sydney today and all the hundreds attending fell silent at 11am. Very moving! Denis: Its a Beautiful moment in the history of the world Jan: Unfortunate that when a letter by Remarque was being read in German, both CNN and BBC reporters starting talking about something else. Laura: I am so sorry for every Country's loss of friends, family, neighbors and Citizens. So many attending are emotional. My heart and prayers go out to all of them.😪 Tom: in fact African leaders shouldn't have been invited because they have failed Africa and the world as a whole Patte: Tom you don't understand the global capital. Europe is a partner to the demise of Africa. African leaders have colluded with global capital. go read up on Togo politics. Destiny: There's no single benefit after war, Sincere peace is the ultimate. Therefore I urge the whole world to embrace peace. Angie: Agree! Larry: War is what comes when people give up on peaceful solutions . Ideas are what keep us from war. Love and Trust are always better than Fear and Doubt. Larry: Today is Veterans Day in the US. We honor everyone’s service to their respective countries Peter: What about the killings that are happening right now because of you and your allies, around the world or the middle east to be precise. Kafuka: exactly my thoughts. Larry: The United States has always tried to be peaceful and honorable. Are we perfect? No! But at least we try. We never asked for 911. Kafuka: Larry, leave Internet. Now.

### Summary: What Storm and Patte liked the most about the ceremony was President Marcon's speech. Laura's favourite moment was musical performances. Denis liked the view from the Arc down the Champs. Destiny, Angie and Larry stand for peaceful solutions. Larry and Kafuka are against US military actions.

Eva: <file_video> Hannah: Aww, such a cutie! Eva: She's growing so fast, isn't she? Hannah: Yeah! She's making me feel old LOL. What were you cooking, guys? Eva: We were making an apple pie. Or at least it was supposed to be an apple pie. But then my smart kid added her jelly beans to the pot when I wasn't looking. Hannah: Haha, jelly bean pie? Sounds yummy. Eva: Don't know yet, it's still in the oven. In fact, I'm wondering if I'm brave enough to try it myself. Maybe I'll give it to Diana first. It's her pie after all :D Hannah: I've got a better idea. Wait for daddy! Eva: Bwahaha, yasss! Though I'm not sure if Diana will let me wait so long. Hannah: What is she doing right now? Eva: Drawing something. Why do you think I've got the time to chat with you? :P Hannah: Now that's what I was wondering about :D So if you have a moment, how about coming back to the subject of holidays? Eva: Ugh, difficult subject :P Hubby still doesn't know if he can take a week of or not. Hannah: Okay, but have you at least decided where you'd like to go? Italy or Spain? Eva: We've discussed it, but we haven't decided anything yet. So if you guys prefer either one, we can just let you choose. Hannah: Yeah, easy to say :P I want Italy, Pete wants Spain. Eva: Maybe we should come up with a completely new country then? Hannah: Or just spin a globe, stab a finger anywhere to stop it and let fate choose for us? :D Eva: This way we could end up in a middle of an ocean :P Hannah: Fine by me, at least the boys wouldn't be able to sit online all the time :D Eva: Hey, this sounds perfect, let's do it XD Hannah: OK, wait, I've got a globe, I'm spinning it right now. Eva: And? Hannah: Ugh, you won't like it. Eva: Well? Hannah: Iraq :D Eva: Ugh, nope! Spain then. Hannah: Or Italy :P Eva: Greece? Hannah: Hell yeah! We're going to Greece!

### Summary: Eva cannot decide on her vacation plans just yet because hubby does not know if he can get a week of holiday. Eva and Hannah will go to Greece for holiday.

Ethan: Hey Sis! How's life? Did u start thinking 'bout Xmas gifts? Abigail: Hey Bro! No, damn I didn't have time! But I got some ideas when I was home last weekend XD Ethan: That's great, because I'm having a really hard time to find somthing out XD Abigail: Did you hear that uncle Steve is going to spend Christmas Eve with us? Ethan: Srsly? Uncle Stevie? This is going to be a lot of fun then! :D Abigail: Precisely! But anyway, I was thinking to buy mum new Kindle? Her old one is nearly ruined! Ethan: Yeah, that's sounds like a good idea! And we could also buy some e-books as well Abigail: She said to me last time that she was still missing this one book by Val McDermid Ethan: Do you remember the title? Abigail: Uhm..let me think…"Killing the Shadows" I believe Ethan: Okie dokie, I'll look for it. What about dad? Abigail: What about this bird-watching set? He has been preoccupied with watching animals recently XD Ethan: Haha, that is a funny idea! Where did you see such set? Abigail: In Craig's Shop as far as I remember, let mi find this picture I took Ethan: In Craig's Shop? Srsly? XD Abigail: <file_photo> Ethan: Looks really professional to me! :D Abigail: Right?! I know! :) Ethan: So now we have left uncle Stevie and granny Meg Abigail: I happen to know that Granny is missing some nice new bag for carrying all the stuff she always carries Ethan: Yeah, I remember the last time she brought IKEA bag with her XD Abigail: I'll will take a look at the bags then :) Ethan: So uncle Stevie - what do you think? We don't know him that well Abigail: You're right, we don't know him, so we could use some universal type of gift Ethan: The only universal type of gift I have in mind is book again. I think he likes poetry Abigail: We'll need to ask mum then Ethan: Yeah, let's do this. Oops, I gotta go now! Stay in touch Sis! Abigail: Ok, CU soon :D

### Summary: Ethan and Abigail exchange ideas about Christmas gifts. They want to buy new Kindle and ebooks for mum, bird-watching set for dad, a bag for granny and a book for uncle Stevie who's coming for Christmas Eve.

Mary: Hello love! Welcome to the green side! :) Anna: News spreads fast I see! Mary: They sure do! Especially the good ones - I'm really happy for you. Anna: I must tell you I feel really motivated. It's been only a month, but I really want to keep it going. Mary: I understand, I've been through it and it can be a bumpy road, but it's worth it. Anna: Have you eaten any meat since you decided to become a vegetarian? Mary: Unfortunately yes, as I said - bumpy road ;) What's important is to keep going. I once had some dumplings with meat and chicken broth. Anna: Weren't you tempted to go back then? Mary: No, not really. I had meat mostly when I couldn't have anything else and I was really hungry. Funny enough, I've been craving those dumplings, but felt absolutely awful after having them. Mary: The farther you go, the less you want to eat meat. At least in my case. Anna: I can imagine. Surprisingly I don't find it as difficult as I thought it was going to be. I still eat fish though. Mary: I'm trying to become vegan, but THIS is hard, really. I like dairy, love butter, eggs... Anna: Oh yes, life without cheesecake? OR PIZZA?! Mary: My thoughts exactly. Well, it's doable, but at what cost. Don't have enough time to grind everything for hours. Anna: Are you taking any supplements? My GP is going nuts over the news and is trying to scare me that I will ruin my health. Mary: I know those kind of doctors, don't worry, you'll be perfectly fine ;) Mary: I take supplements, especially in the winter as we don't have so many fresh veggies to choose from. Anna: What would you recommend? I wanted to ask my GP, but judging on her general approach... Mary: I highly recommend chlorella (pills), vitamin B12 and D3. Basically everything that has proteins and helps you absorb them. Anna: Thank you so much! Anna: It really feels like a new journey, so excited! :) Mary: You need to come over so I can show you some recipes! And remember - if you have any doubts, problems, you can always ask me, I'll do my best to help :)

### Summary: Anna has been a vegetarian for a month. Anna is vegetarian too and she ate meat a few times, especially when she was hungry and couldn't have anything else. She still eats fish. Mary highly recommends chlorella (pills), vitamin B12 and D3.

Kate: Hey, are you ok? Clark: Yeah, why? Kate: Just asking. I've heard some rumours in the cafeteria. Is it true you're changing jobs? Clark: It is. Seems like everyone's talking about it :-( Kate: Is it because of that clash with the big boss? Clark: Yes and no. It's not that simple. People will be talking different things. Kate: Hey! I don't give a fuck what they are saying. Let them talk. I'm more interested in your version of events. Clark: My version? I don't even know where to start. There was this old bugger, my health issues, some fits of depression. Maybe I'm just burnt-out. I just want a change. Kate: Listen. You're the one who's always backed me up. I'm really sorry about all that shit. Clark: Thanks, Kate. Kate: :-) Clark: I'll be fine. I've already done some re-thinking. Kate: Hope it'll be all for the good. But it doesn't change the fact that weI'll miss you. Clark: We? Kate: Well, there's me, Gina, Tom...there are a few black sheep in this 'corporate family'. Clark: Yeah... the 'corporate family' with the big daddy. I'm really sick of his 'committment to duties'. Kate: Me too :-( Clark: You cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Kate: Come to think of that now I don't know if I'm more sorry for you or for me because I must stay here. Clark: Why? Kate: Primo, I'm not as outspoken as you. I can't stand my ground like you. So probably, I'll be stuck in this hell... like... forever? Clark: Don't make a hero of me. Kate: Secundo, with the mortgage that we took last year and the kids... No, I can't risk that much. Clark: I know. It's a little different in my case. Sorry, Kate. Kate: So, you know. Should you need some devoted team to lead your campaign, do not hesitate to contact us :-) Clark: You're the best! Kate: I've been learning from the best :-) Clark: Good girl! Kate: Keep my fingers crossed for you! Clark: Thx

### Summary: Clark is changing jobs. People gossip about possible reasons why he's leaving the corporation. In fact it was a combination of different factors. Kate has to stay in the job because she took a mortgage last year and has children to keep.

Hannah: Hey, girls! Any chance of meeting you this week? Kirsten: Hey, girl! I'm mostly free this week. Patty: Hola! I'm free too. And how was Spain?? Hannah: Oh, I'm going to tell you all about it when we meet but in a nutshell - it''s paradise <3 I love it! Kirsten: just tell us a little bit ;) Hannah: Okay, so you know we've been there for 2 weeks. It was this beautiful house just 5 minutes away from the shore. We went to the beach almost everyday and you wouldn't believe how clean and warm the water is there. Just wonderful. Patty: And were was it exactly? Hannah: It was near Malaga, but not exactly in the city. Patty: oh, cool, I've been in Granada one time, that's more or less the same region. Hannah: Yes, it's super close, I've visited it as well. Kirsten: And how did you get to live in the housre? Hannah: airbnb Hannah: but lemme tell you it wasn't easy to find the perfect spot. This house had a great location and was generally very cozy, but it was kinda old. Could have been renovated imo Patty: but still 5 minutes to the beach <3 Hannah: that was just the best part. I don't remember the last time I was so chillaxed B) Kirsten: but you said you also visited other places? Hannah: yea, we took several road trips like the one to Granada, I mentioned. We went to Almeria, Gibraltar. There was this national park we also visited. Generally wasn't all lying on the beach (though for the most part it was ;) ) Patty: sounds soo relaxing... Kirsten: And were the people ok? Hannah: They were THE MOST friendly people I've ever met in a foreign country. But it was a good think we knew a bit of Spanish, because most of them - especially the older generations - don't speak English even a tiny bit. Patty: Yeah, but I remember they're very willing to communicate even if you don't know their language. Hannah: That's true. Basically I recommend it a lot. Anyways, I hope we'll see each other this week - I'll write you in a couple of days with the details ;) Patty: ok, can't wait :) Kirsten: until then ^^

### Summary: Hannah has been to Spain. She spent there two weeks and she visited Granada, Almeria and Gibraltar. Hannah is raving about the sea water in Spain and Spanish people. She's going to tell Patty and Kristen more details when they meet.

Donnie: Hey Dad. How are you? Dad: Ok, it's been quite a week. How are you doing? Donnie: To tell you the truth, I'm really homesick. Dad: Oh, sorry to hear that. We miss you around here. Donnie: Actually, I was maybe thinking of flying over for Christmas. What do you think? Dad: That would be wonderful :) But are you sure you can get the time off work? Donnie: That's what I'm worried about. We always have so much work in December. And everyone in my team would have to agree for me to take the time off. Dad: It doesn't hurt to try, I guess. Donnie: Yeah, I was thinking about asking my colleagues first, to try and see if they have any plans. Dad: Ok, that's a good start. Which dates were you thinking of? Donnie: Well, since Christmas is on a Tues, I was thinking of departing the Fri before, so it would be Dec. 21. What do you think? Dad: Great :) The tree and all the decorations will be up by then :) Donnie: I have a request, though. Do you think you can lend me $250? I'm a little short. Dad: Of course :) Maybe we can do a little more than that even. Your mom and I would be so thrilled to have you this Christmas. Donnie: :) I remember the last time I was there for Christmas. It was definitely one of my all-time fav. Christmases. Dad: Yeah, that was when we had the house in Pelham. Sometimes I regret selling that place. Donnie: Yeah, it's too bad. It was so peaceful and serene. Dad: You know that it's actually up for sale now? But the owners have devastated the place. You can check for yourself. It's all on mls.com Donnie: Really?? You can buy it again :) Dad: I wish! They're asking for 100,000 more. Donnie: Wow, real estate is going through the roof these days. I wonder how I'd ever get back into the market if I went back. Anyways, I'll talk to you later. Jenny wants to go shopping now. Dad: Ok, tell me how it turns out at work and say hi to Jenny for me. Donnie: No problem. Bye, and remember to take care of yourself. Dad: Thanks, bye. Donnie: Bye

### Summary: Donnie is homesick and wants to come for Christmas on Dec.21. Donnie has to ask his colleagues first. Dad will lend him $250. Their old house in Pelham is for sale but it's devastated and costs 100,000 more.

Emma: Hi mom, Charlie has lice again. I'll go crazy with that Kindergarden of his. Holly: Oh boy, one of the kids brought some again? Emma: as usual. I will go crazy again. Washing all the duvets, pillows, jackets, hats, scarfs... Holly: and again in tje winter - why don't they get them in the summer, when all they wear are bathing suits? Emma: school is out in the summer, that's why... Holly: true. you poor thing. Emma: yeah, and he can't go back until wer're done. Can you babysit? Holly: for a day or two, can't get off the whole week... Emma: that would be great, I'll take two, you take two and Jack will work from home on friday if we're not done by then. Holly: could work. you poor thing. Emma: I've read that you should also wash the couches, and car seats... Holly: that's a bit extreme, don't you think? Emma: don't know. Would make sense though. have you seen what he does on those couches? all those flips and stuff? Holly: he does rumble around a lot... Emma: how do you wash a car seat? with a brush, or maybe i should use a steamer? Where do you get a steamer? Holly: ask Jack, he knows such things.I could ask your Dad, maybe one of his friends has one and could lend it to you?? Emma: that would be great! Holly: have you bought the shampoo? Those combs should be left over from the last time... Emma: I've got everything I need, just not the power to wallow through all his closet... Holly: I'll come over tonight to help you Emma: and do whay, stare at the washer? or dryer? Holly: don't get sarcastic with me. I'll do the couches, better? Emma: actually, yes, that would be great. Holly: I'll come over after work, dad will come to, we'll order pizza or should I bring leftover meatloaf from yesterday? Emma: meatloaf! always. Holly: good, I'll come

### Summary: Emma's son, Charlie, has lice again. Emma, Holly, and Jack are going to take care of him over the week. Emma needs to wash all Charlie's belongings, couches and car seats. Emma has everything she needs, except a steamer. Holly and her husband will help Emma tonight. They will also bring meatloaf.

Simon: What's the dumbest proverb you can think of? Alan: I don't know. Laughter is the best medicine? Simon: Yeah, that's a good one. It's not exactly going to do much against bubonic plage is it? Alan: Not really. Doctor, I have these swellings under my armpit! That's alright I'll tell you a joke. Simon: Any more? Alan: A stitch in time saves nine. I don't understand how you can stitch time in the first place, and why it should save nine instead of seven or eleven, for example. Simon: That was the original title of the Outlander novel, you know? Alan: What "A Stitch in Time saves Nine?" Simon: No, just "A stitch in time". That was what Diana Gabaldon called it. Later on they changed the further issues of Book one to Outlander and called it the Outlander series and the TV shows were always just called Outlander. Alan: About the best historical drama ever made, in my opinion. Really insightful about the eighteenth century. You can almosot feel as if you have lived in it. Simon: I agree. The only better series I know is Breaking Bad, but that's a completely different genre. Alan: Both BB and Outlander are hard to cast when it comes to genre. I would say they transcend genre. But you are right, they are very different. Simon: which do you like better? Alan: I would still say that BB is the single best TV series ever made, and that by a wide margin. However, once you have seen it from beginning to end and you know what is coming, you don't want to watch it again. Simon: Right. Whereas you can watch all the Outlander series several times just for the historical insight and the atmosphere as well as the artistic beauty of the scenes and cinematography. Alan: Yes and Catriona Balfe Simon: Indeed. There's nobody on Breaking Bad who quite equals her, is there? Alan: I quite liked Marie Schrader and Jessie's girlfriend who chokes on her own vomit, but Skyler is not exactly my type: Simon: No. And anyway none of them can hold a candle to Catriona. Alan: She's a gorgeous woman and a fantastic actress. Simon: She and Sam really bring the books to life.

### Summary: Alan and Simon are fans of Breaking Bad and Outlander although they are different genres. The Outlander novel Dana Gabaldon used to be called "A stitch in time". Cationa Baife is an Outlander character. They think she is better than Marie Schrader, Skylar and Jessie's girlfriend from Breaking Bad.

Lorrie: Jen, look at this pic!! <file_photo> Jen: Is that a ring I see?? Lorrie: Yup, Jack proposed last night! Jen: OMG Are you serious?? Lorrie: He took me to Niagara Falls. I kind of new what it was all about, but I went along with you. He asked me to where something nice and he was all dressed up too. Jen: Did you guys spend the night there? Lorrie: Yeah, we went there Fri night and we got back today. I know Niagara Falls is a little cliché, but :) Jen: I'm so happy for you!!! So, when's the big day?? Lorrie: We haven't decided yet. Probably spring or early summer, but I'm starting to panic already!!! The venue, dress, cake, band... Jen: If you want I can help you plan everything!! I helped plan my sister's wedding and she said I should be a wedding planner LOL Lorrie: That would be amazing! I need someone like you. I have no idea where to start. Jen: Well, first you need to book the venue, and I mean like ASAP Lorrie: I know, I know. Remember that nice place near Old Mill? I'd love to have it there. Jen: Wouldn't we all! That place probably costs a ton! We can try if you want, though. It's good to have a few places picked out, then we'll start calling. Lorrie: That's what they say. Can you come over tonight? I'd love to get a heads start on it. Jen: Sure, you can tell me all the details of last night too!! Lorrie: :) Wouldn't you like to know. Do you know where The Keg restaurant is? It's overlooking the falls. But he didn't propose there. He was very discreet about it. Actually, I was surprised that he didn't do it there until he surprised me in the hotel room. Jen: You know Jack, always full of surprises. So, he proposed in the hotel room, did he get down on one knee? Lorrie: Yes, but I'll tell you all about it when I come over, ok? Jen: Ok, ok, I'll be there after dinner, probably around 6 Lorrie: Ok, I'll be waiting. If you have something to drink, bring it over. Jen: Ok, see ya. Lorrie: Bye

### Summary: Jack proposed to Lorrie during their stay at Niagara Falls last night. They went there on Friday night and got back today. The wedding date is still unknown. Jen offers help in the wedding's organization. Jen and Lorrie will meet around 6 o'clock.