The Bluestocking: it's the season of mulled wine, conversations about pineapple and, of course, gerbils. Confused? You will be...

[EdithStourton]

Welcome to the anarchic and marvellous women-only on-line pub, the Bluestocking. The booze won't give you a hangover, the cakes won't make you fat, and the conversations are fascinating, covering knitting, health and safety, the Muppets and anything else that comes to mind.

Climb Peak Woo, have a cuddle with Rosie the Red Panda, and watch out for capybaras busy with any necessary building works.

Welcome in (and name change at the door if you need too).

Tree with Mr Snowman who has been part of DSD's Christmas for 25 years.

I had to do a lot of it but it's a good result and I've had a good sit now.

The tree looks lovely, @MyrtleLion.

That's lovely, Myrtle, and I guess Mr Snowman is a very important visitor at this time of year, especially to your DSD.
I hope your only input was the occasional 'No not there, try it on the branch below it' from a comfy chair

Just caught up - so sorry to hear of unwell / tired / put upon and sadly used Bluestockingers. Sending good wishes through the ether.
Myrtle I’m very envious of your honeymoon Madeira experiences. I hope the drink was as delicious as it feels it should be.

i was in a bookshop in that there London today, patiently waiting while DH researched places for a late lunch (everywhere was HEAVING so we returned to our hotel) and I looked down and a copy of An Enchanted April was lying askew on top of a pile of different books. It was a sign!! I promptly bought it even though the rule in our house full of books is ‘no more physical books please’. I look forward to reading it. I did a quick search to ensure it was here I had seen it being discussed and it was but there are loads of threads mentioning it!

Sadly I not only had to do standing, but also sitting on the carpet. My knees complained vigorously. We ran out of hooks for baubles as they break easily, so I improvised by stringing them on green yarn - thanks to my new knitting hobby!

@Bowednotbroken the food and drink were delicious! It was a highlight of our honeymoon.

We always try to do a tasting menu when we're on holiday and this was one of the best we've ever had.

How wonderful!

And here it is lit up at night.

Instead of a tree, I have a big arrangement of white flowers, red berried stems & sequinned & glittered leafed stems, all collected over the years, with white fairy lights woven through them. It looks festive but doesn't interest the cat, so win-win.

Marvellous ideas all round, Jane, including your earlier one about the large flask of Grand Marnier.

I actually stayed sober all the way to the IL house, where I was plied with champagne. It would have been rude to refuse and I got through about half in all honesty, probably an entire bottle, and consumed a massive lunch.

It all went off remarkably well. Even DD, who was also present, and who generally gets at least as irked as I do by the various SILs, had no urge to throttle anyone. Possibly the champagne helped her, too.

Note to self: take champagne to all future IL events and get a pint down you ASAP.

And once again, thanks everyone for the support and encouragement.

The tree looks lovely, Myrtle.

When I first saw them, my thoughts were along the lines 'What sort of village do THEY come from?'

I was in that there London not so long ago, sitting on the tube and admiring all the shoes that didn't have mud all over them... It will be mud from now till April.

Best possible outcome, it seems, so well done Edith!

Sorry to hear you weren't able to direct the decoration of the tree with vague hand movements from a comfy chair, Myrtle - but the result is beautiful.🎄

You know the way Sionnach and Deano and I have mentioned how one area in Ireland can share a small number of surnames?
I'm watching the Leinster Club Hurling final, and on one team+subs there are 3 x Cody, 4 x Shefflin, and on the other 4 x O'Connor😄
In fairness, some of them are brothers/cousins.

Is anyone watching " Robin robin" on the telly?
It has definite shades of the Bluestocking- a magpie, assorted birds and a lot of small singing rodents.

Recording it for later, hoping to love it judging by the description in the paper.

I am so happy that it all worked out for you. Drinking the IL's champagne and getting quietly relaxed is probably a better approach (and so satisfying to drink expensive booze provided by people who get up your nose) than my nuclear one for avoiding future strain but remember that my approach is still available if all else fails.

Further notes to self:
Stock up on Grand Marnier
Purchase outsize flask.

I do hope that I'm not leading you astray. That's Boily's job.

While I like that, I'm afraid that it can't compete with this one for my affections

I had a night walk with the hound in the rain, by the sea. Found a secret pub that I’d heard about, famous for being hidden (!). Decided to go in and they were very welcoming. A local for fishermen. Sat on a barstool in front of the bar and got chatting to people. Sadly, it was cash only and I didn’t have any. The chap who was on the bar gave me my first drink on the house, then the owner let me run a tab. I’ll probs go in tomorrow to clear it. It was scruffy and like going back in time, and I liked it.

how lovely, and perfect for a pirate.

May I suggest a Chillys bottle or copy thereof?

The Chillys are available in 260ml, 350ml or 500ml, as well as larger sizes

Everyone carries water bottles around with them. The perfect discreet disguise.

I'm new here. Might the bar staff be willing to open up early to serve coffee and pastries to people who were - say - woken up at 0644 on a Sunday by their neighbour's bastard noisy car alarm??
yawns and peers hopefully through the window

Hello and welcome!
The Bluestocking is open round the clock - I’m sure we must have staff of nocturnal and crepuscular species for shift work.

There are quite a few tractor fans, I’m sadly ignorant of makes and models.

Hello @ShinyBlueTractor. I trust your refreshments are on their way.

We had some tractor porn in the thread entitled "The Bluestocking does a late night flit again". Modesty forbids me from drawing attention to my own contributions.

Welcome! I like a New Holland, I'm sure you'll fit in perfectly.