Help needed, by the Amethyst Artist

[Serena Blanchflower]

Jane's having problems accessing umra and has posted the following on
Facebook, looking for help. With her agreement, I'm widening the

This is a question for umrats. If you don't know what that means, it's not you!
I am using Win10, Thunderbird and have a news.individual subscription.
Suddenly everything to do with newsgroups has disappeared from Thunderbird. I went ferreting around down various tracks and eventually found something which said to choose groups to subscribe to. I entered 'archers' as a key word, found the group, but with some numbers and dots following the usual words. But no other options. So I clicked on 'subscribe'. I get a constant message saying there is no such group.
So I need lessons for a complete numpty from start to finish (which I'm not, of course, but I've done everything which looks right to me) on how to get umra back. Pretty please!
Yes, news.individual still shows up. When I click on the "manage newsgroup subscriptions" tab near the top and enter search, having clicked on refresh I get nothing at all as a result in either the Current group lists or New groups lists, whether I enter 'archers' or even 'radio' as search prompts. Looks like something is seriously broken 🙁

Any pointers as to how she can get back here will be passed onto her, on
FB and I know will be very much appreciated.

Kimbo, late of this parish, is also to be found on that thread and any
messages to her (proving that one is never an ex-umrat) will also be
forwarded ;)

[Joe Kerr]

Post by Serena Blanchflower
Jane's having problems accessing umra and has posted the following on
Facebook, looking for help. With her agreement, I'm widening the

This is a question for umrats.  If you don't know what that means,
it's not you!
I am using Win10, Thunderbird and have a news.individual subscription.
Suddenly everything to do with newsgroups has disappeared from
Thunderbird.  I went ferreting around down various tracks and
eventually found something which said to choose groups to subscribe
to.  I entered 'archers' as a key word, found the group, but with some
numbers and dots following the usual words.  But no other options.  So
I clicked on 'subscribe'.  I get a constant message saying there is no
such group.
So I need lessons for a complete numpty from start to finish (which
I'm not, of course, but I've done everything which looks right to me)
on how to get umra back.  Pretty please!
Yes, news.individual still shows up. When I click on the "manage
newsgroup subscriptions" tab near the top and enter search, having
clicked on refresh I get nothing at all as a result in either the
Current group lists or New groups lists, whether I enter 'archers' or
even 'radio' as search prompts. Looks like something is seriously
broken 🙁

Any pointers as to how she can get back here will be passed onto her, on
FB and I know will be very much appreciated.
Kimbo, late of this parish, is also to be found on that thread and any
messages to her (proving that one is never an ex-umrat) will also be
forwarded ;)

Not sure I can really help with this one, but a silly question: Has she
paid her subscription for the server? (And completed the post Brexit
paperwork for the import and export of electrons?)

You can give Kimbo a wave for me. Is it okay to say that on the
anniversary of the Tsunami?

[Nick Odell]

Post by Joe Kerr

Post by Serena Blanchflower
Jane's having problems accessing umra and has posted the following on
Facebook, looking for help. With her agreement, I'm widening the

This is a question for umrats.  If you don't know what that means,
it's not you!
I am using Win10, Thunderbird and have a news.individual subscription.
Suddenly everything to do with newsgroups has disappeared from
Thunderbird.  I went ferreting around down various tracks and
eventually found something which said to choose groups to subscribe
to.  I entered 'archers' as a key word, found the group, but with some
numbers and dots following the usual words.  But no other options.  So
I clicked on 'subscribe'.  I get a constant message saying there is no
such group.
So I need lessons for a complete numpty from start to finish (which
I'm not, of course, but I've done everything which looks right to me)
on how to get umra back.  Pretty please!
Yes, news.individual still shows up. When I click on the "manage
newsgroup subscriptions" tab near the top and enter search, having
clicked on refresh I get nothing at all as a result in either the
Current group lists or New groups lists, whether I enter 'archers' or
even 'radio' as search prompts. Looks like something is seriously
broken ?

Any pointers as to how she can get back here will be passed onto her, on
FB and I know will be very much appreciated.
Kimbo, late of this parish, is also to be found on that thread and any
messages to her (proving that one is never an ex-umrat) will also be
forwarded ;)

Not sure I can really help with this one, but a silly question: Has she
paid her subscription for the server? (And completed the post Brexit
paperwork for the import and export of electrons?)
You can give Kimbo a wave for me. Is it okay to say that on the
anniversary of the Tsunami?

20th anniversary BTNs!

Nick

[Serena Blanchflower]

Post by Joe Kerr
You can give Kimbo a wave for me. Is it okay to say that on the
anniversary of the Tsunami?

She sent a wave back to you and umra!

[Nick Odell]

On Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:04:03 +0000, Serena Blanchflower

Post by Serena Blanchflower
Jane's having problems accessing umra and has posted the following on
Facebook, looking for help. With her agreement, I'm widening the

This is a question for umrats. If you don't know what that means, it's not you!
I am using Win10, Thunderbird and have a news.individual subscription.
Suddenly everything to do with newsgroups has disappeared from Thunderbird. I went ferreting around down various tracks and eventually found something which said to choose groups to subscribe to. I entered 'archers' as a key word, found the group, but with some numbers and dots following the usual words. But no other options. So I clicked on 'subscribe'. I get a constant message saying there is no such group.
So I need lessons for a complete numpty from start to finish (which I'm not, of course, but I've done everything which looks right to me) on how to get umra back. Pretty please!
Yes, news.individual still shows up. When I click on the "manage newsgroup subscriptions" tab near the top and enter search, having clicked on refresh I get nothing at all as a result in either the Current group lists or New groups lists, whether I enter 'archers' or even 'radio' as search prompts. Looks like something is seriously broken ?

Any pointers as to how she can get back here will be passed onto her, on
FB and I know will be very much appreciated.
Kimbo, late of this parish, is also to be found on that thread and any
messages to her (proving that one is never an ex-umrat) will also be
forwarded ;)

My Christmas wish is that every umrat absent and present should click
on the following link:
<https://www.novabbs.com/aus+uk/thread.php?group=uk.media.radio.archers>
and then conserve the link amongst their favourites in case they ever
need it.

It's not the same as using usenet in the raw but for people like Jane
and Kimbo who are struggling to get a usenet connection it's a very
useful stopgap and for people like me who doesn't always take their
usenet paraphernalia with them everywhere they go, it's a useful
second string for the bow.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Nick

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by Nick Odell
On Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:04:03 +0000, Serena Blanchflower

Post by Serena Blanchflower
Jane's having problems accessing umra and has posted the following on
Facebook, looking for help. With her agreement, I'm widening the

This is a question for umrats. If you don't know what that means, it's not you!
I am using Win10, Thunderbird and have a news.individual subscription.
Suddenly everything to do with newsgroups has disappeared from Thunderbird. I went ferreting around down various tracks and eventually found something which said to choose groups to subscribe to. I entered 'archers' as a key word, found the group, but with some numbers and dots following the usual words. But no other options. So I clicked on 'subscribe'. I get a constant message saying there is no such group.
So I need lessons for a complete numpty from start to finish (which I'm not, of course, but I've done everything which looks right to me) on how to get umra back. Pretty please!
Yes, news.individual still shows up. When I click on the "manage newsgroup subscriptions" tab near the top and enter search, having clicked on refresh I get nothing at all as a result in either the Current group lists or New groups lists, whether I enter 'archers' or even 'radio' as search prompts. Looks like something is seriously broken ?

Any pointers as to how she can get back here will be passed onto her, on
FB and I know will be very much appreciated.
Kimbo, late of this parish, is also to be found on that thread and any
messages to her (proving that one is never an ex-umrat) will also be
forwarded ;)

My Christmas wish is that every umrat absent and present should click
<https://www.novabbs.com/aus+uk/thread.php?group=uk.media.radio.archers>
and then conserve the link amongst their favourites in case they ever
need it.

Thanks Nick.
I have access to two Usenet swervers, so I am unlikely to need it - but
belt & braces and all that, so bookmarked in t'browser.

[Hellerat]

Post by Sam Plusnet

Post by Nick Odell
My Christmas wish is that every umrat absent and present should click
<https://www.novabbs.com/aus+uk/thread.php?group=uk.media.radio.archers>
and then conserve the link amongst their favourites in case they ever
need it.

Thanks Nick.
I have access to two Usenet swervers, so I am unlikely to need it - but belt & braces and
all that, so bookmarked in t'browser.

Ditto with the belt and braces, so thanks, Nick!

[John Armstrong]

Post by Nick Odell
My Christmas wish is that every umrat absent and present should click
<https://www.novabbs.com/aus+uk/thread.php?group=uk.media.radio.archers>
and then conserve the link amongst their favourites in case they ever
need it.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Nick

Good idea. I have done wot you said. Thank you.

[Jane Vernon]

Post by Serena Blanchflower
Jane's having problems accessing umra

Thanks for all the help, both here and in the Other Place. I am finally
back. Not up to doing anything else; Christmas was lovely but too much
for me and I am back at square one with the long Covid for no, but it
will be nice to be able to pop in from time to time again if I wish.

I really wanted to wish everyone Happy Christmas but it seems I'm not
too late to wish you all a Happy New Year!

[PYoung]

How lovely to have you back Jane. I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks. Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for. A non-eventful one might
be nice,

[PYoung]

Sorry, I always forget to add my name. It is Pauline Young!!

[Jenny M Benson]

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork? Very best wishes for the
healthiest possible and least miserable new year to ALL Umrats!


(1) My grammar will improve as the year progresses and my heavy cold
retreats.

[Jane Vernon]

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?  Very best wishes for the
healthiest possible and least miserable new year to ALL Umrats!
(1) My grammar will improve as the year progresses and my heavy cold
retreats.

Perhaps you can tell me how, when I re-open umra, to get all the
greyed-out (i.e.read) messages to disappear. I've still got all the
headers and posts visible, albeit grey.

(Doing my bit for consecutive posts.)

[BrritSki]

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?  Very best wishes for
the healthiest possible and least miserable new year to ALL Umrats!
(1) My grammar will improve as the year progresses and my heavy cold
retreats.

Perhaps you can tell me how, when I re-open umra, to get all the greyed-
out (i.e.read) messages to disappear.  I've still got all the headers
and posts visible, albeit grey.
(Doing my bit for consecutive posts.)

If you are using Thunderbird: View, Threads, Unread

[Jane Vernon]

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?  Very best wishes for
the healthiest possible and least miserable new year to ALL Umrats!
(1) My grammar will improve as the year progresses and my heavy cold
retreats.

Perhaps you can tell me how, when I re-open umra, to get all the greyed-
out (i.e.read) messages to disappear.  I've still got all the headers
and posts visible, albeit grey.
(Doing my bit for consecutive posts.)

I know Brritski gave the appropriate advice; it worked so well that I
no longer have access to the message! Thank you.

[BrritSki]

Post by Jane Vernon

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?  Very best wishes for
the healthiest possible and least miserable new year to ALL Umrats!
(1) My grammar will improve as the year progresses and my heavy cold
retreats.

Perhaps you can tell me how, when I re-open umra, to get all the
greyed- out (i.e.read) messages to disappear.  I've still got all the
headers and posts visible, albeit grey.
(Doing my bit for consecutive posts.)

I know Brritski gave the appropriate advice;  it worked so well that I
no longer have access to the message!  Thank you.

LOL Pleasure.

[Jenny M Benson]

Perhaps you can tell me how, when I re-open umra, to get all the greyed-
out (i.e.read) messages to disappear.  I've still got all the headers
and posts visible, albeit grey.
(Doing my bit for consecutive posts.)

Right-click on the Umra folder and select Properties, then select the
Retention Policy tab. Select the appropriate option to suit your needs.

[Mike Ruddock]

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.

I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)

I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.

Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?

Mike Rudoock

[Ben Blaney]

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

Post by PYoung
How lovely to have you back Jane. I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks. Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for. A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)

Deepest condolences, Mike. Sounds like a rough ride.

Post by Mike Ruddock
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.

I won't speak for others, but I'd certainly be happy to see your
contributions.

Post by Mike Ruddock
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?

What could possibly go wrong! All the best to you, sir.

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by Ben Blaney

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

Post by PYoung
How lovely to have you back Jane. I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks. Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for. A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)

Deepest condolences, Mike. Sounds like a rough ride.

Agreed, it does.

Post by Ben Blaney

Post by Mike Ruddock
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.

I won't speak for others, but I'd certainly be happy to see your
contributions.

Me too also as well.

Post by Ben Blaney

Post by Mike Ruddock
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?

What could possibly go wrong! All the best to you, sir.

Cock a snook at fate by all means. It's not as though any of us get a
free pass.

P.S. Dear Umrats, when did you last cock a snook at anyone?

[Kosmo]

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.

Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.

Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

[Nick Odell]

Post by Kosmo

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.
Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.
Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

Would the credit at the end of last Friday's episode for Farming and
Countryside Advisor Sybil Ruscoe count as a rural reference?

Nick

[Kosmo]

Post by Nick Odell

Post by Kosmo

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.
Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.
Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

Would the credit at the end of last Friday's episode for Farming and
Countryside Advisor Sybil Ruscoe count as a rural reference?
Nick

A radio 1 Newsreader hardly qualifies for a rural reference.

[Chris]

Post by Kosmo

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.
Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.
Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

Wot *another* holiday, KRW? :)

Mrs McT

[Kosmo]

Post by Chris

Post by Kosmo

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.
Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.
Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

Wot *another* holiday, KRW? :)
Mrs McT

What is that supposed to mean? My last holiday was cancelled and I have
not been away for ages. Far too long between gallivanting trips for my
liking.

However the good lady wife is back on holiday already!

[Chris]

Post by Kosmo

Post by Chris

Post by Kosmo

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.
Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.
Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

Wot *another* holiday, KRW? :)
Mrs McT

What is that supposed to mean? My last holiday was cancelled and I have
not been away for ages. Far too long between gallivanting trips for my
liking.
However the good lady wife is back on holiday already!

I must have missed all of that thread. Sorry.

Mrs McT

[Kosmo]

Post by Chris

Post by Kosmo

Post by Chris

Post by Kosmo

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

Those in charge appear to have admitted that they simply cannot afford
the long serving cast members to appear due to budget cuts, so have to
employ the latest delivery of ex-drama school kids to keep the costs
down - and I assume the same applies to the writers who rarely seem to
understand that this is the wireless and not a visual entertainment
system and different rules need to apply.
Sorry to hear the news and let us hope we can provide some cheer.
Some of us still listen (although I am a week behind at present due to a
recent holiday) but find the lack of any rural reference or Archers
reference in most episodes and storylines a real hindrance to being
interested.

Wot *another* holiday, KRW? :)
Mrs McT

What is that supposed to mean? My last holiday was cancelled and I have
not been away for ages. Far too long between gallivanting trips for my
liking.
However the good lady wife is back on holiday already!

I must have missed all of that thread. Sorry.

Joke intended. Sorry.

We were supposed to spend of part November in Jordan visiting Petra
amongst others. The tour company felt that the comment on the
government website that we need to wear hard hats to avoid debris
falling from the sky in the light of local difficulties was sufficient
reason to cancel the holiday.

We were then supposed to spend Christmas and New Year in Egypt but my
wife felt that our safety might be at risk and whilst no-one else seem
bothered her anxiety led to her wishing to cancel that one.

I found a replacement holiday in Italy and Austria which I felt was an
entirely reasonable holiday but the travel by train was not to the good
lady wife's liking.

She has now headed off to the Caribbean for a cruise with some girl
friends and I have been left at home and feeling just slightly annoyed
at my exclusion.

[v***@gmail.com]

On Sun, 5 Jan 2025 11:29:45 +0000, Mike Ruddock

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

My sympathies, Mike,for your bereavements. Losing your wife is a big
thing. I hope 2025 is a better year for you.

[v***@gmail.com]

On Sun, 5 Jan 2025 11:29:45 +0000, Mike Ruddock

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

I often can't tell who is speaking and it is obvious the writers don't
know we can't see what is happening. I cling on and often find out
from clues who was in the scenes.

[Jane Vernon]

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

Oh, splendid! I might lurk and even post more often.

[Sam Plusnet]

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting
too complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew;
a son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

Oh, splendid!  I might lurk and even post more often.

This is turning out to be a good week.
If we had a fold, returning umrats would be most welcome within it.

[Jane Vernon]

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

I see that I should read posts more carefully before posting something
which might seem insensitive. I do still think it's splendid that you're
here, though.

I'm very sorry for your loss, Mike. I, too, have had several
bereavements from 2020 to 2023 (both parents and third Mike, who is
known as Mike2 on account of when I met him first. You met Mike3, who I
met last though had significant other relationshipo with second. All
clear? No, I thought not.

Bereavement is crap, isn't it? No matter who it is or how long you've
been together. Sometimes I think it's worse for those of you like you
and my parents who have been married for many decades but in all honesty
it's not much fun for those of us who lose three partners (two husbands
and a partner).

[Nick Odell]

On Sun, 5 Jan 2025 11:29:45 +0000, Mike Ruddock

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)

Heartfelt condolences, Mike.

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.

You'll be in common with lots of umrats here.

Post by Mike Ruddock
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.

That would be really something for us to look forward to, thank you.

Post by Mike Ruddock
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?

Not at all - unless perhaps Stewart Lee is a lurker around here?
<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jan/05/if-2025-is-anything-like-2024-ill-be-back-on-the-baileys>

Nick

[Chris]

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

Mike, SO sorry to learn of your wife’s death.

Mrs McT

[Serena Blanchflower]

Post by Mike Ruddock
Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too
complex. I had several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a
son-in-law and most significantly my wife.)

My sympathies, Mike, that sounds a really tough time.

Post by Mike Ruddock
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to
identify the speakers. A daughter occasionally tells me of significant
developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.

Excellent news!

Post by Mike Ruddock
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?

I hope it's not tempting fate to wish you one, too.

[Jane Vernon]

Post by Serena Blanchflower

Post by Mike Ruddock
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?

I hope it's not tempting fate to wish you one, too.

A couple of months after my mum died (6 weeks after my dad) my stepson
said cheerily something along the lines of "well, at least you've got
all the deaths out of the way." Not quite that, but something very
like. Mike2 was still alive but he did have terminal cancer.

After the death of Mike1 I was with my parents at Christmas and my dad
said, "Well, what could be nicer: the three of us sitting here after a
delicious meal, watching tv and having such a nice time together?"

People say things without thinking through, especially when they really
mean to be loving and encouraging.

[Hellerat]

Post by Mike Ruddock

Post by Jenny M Benson

How lovely to have you back Jane.  I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks.  Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for.  A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Splendid - consecutive posts from Umrats we don't see enough of. (1)
Anyrat else want to crawl out of the woodwork?

Yes, miss, me miss.
I stopped even reading umra long ago. Life chez Ruddock was getting too complex. I had
several bereavements last year (a sister; a nephew; a son-in-law and most significantly my
wife.)
I have stopped listening to TA also, mostly due to an inability to identify the speakers.
A daughter occasionally tells me of significant developments.
I will try to do better, at least as far as umra is concerned.
Would it be tempting fate to wish you all a Happy New Year?
Mike Rudoock

Oh, Mike, I'm so sorry for all your losses, particularly that of your wife, what an awful
2024 you have had. My condolences to you and your family. Thank you for your good wishes
for the New Year, though it is probably tempting fate to hope 2025 is a better year for
everyone.

[Chris]

Post by PYoung
How lovely to have you back Jane. I think of you every time I pull on
my rather shrunken purple socks. Best wishes to everyone. I think a
"Happy" new year might be too much to ask for. A non-eventful one might
be nice,

Happy New Year Pauline and Jane.

Mrs McT