[Chalks] We call it a 'Chippie dinner' (but the windy miller doesn't get the allusion to the colloquial chippy at all).

(pen) How do you know what carpenters have for din-dins?

[Rosie] Dunno, but they probably eat it with a wooden chip fork.

... I found my MC bookmarks! I'm so pleased to see everyone still here!

Greetings, nights!

(nights) Good to see you.
(Rosie) MHR OM.

[nights] Pleased to see you too! (And to have more than 8 words to say so)

I honestly can't remember the last time I played. But (to put on my serious hat for a moment) I find that with the world being so grim, some light hearted fun is all the more precious. It's also nice to see that community online is still a thing.

With that said, doffing my serious hat with a flourish and putting my balaclava of fun back on, I return to trying to find my rhyming dictionary...

Anyone else having trouble reaching MCiOS?

(Proj) No problem here.

Belated Birthday Greetings Rosie!

Yes, Projoy.

Yes - me too.

I'm not seeing any problems at MCiOS.

(Chalky) Cheers, m'dear.

(Rosie) It's got to be 20 years since WildPants? I know other MC servers existed in the last century but vaguely recall I didn't venture into them until Rab fashioned this one.

[nights] Welcome back! Do stick around for a while.

(Chalky) I remember posting something in WildPants which for some reason mentioned my age, a mere 58. So yes, over 20 years ago. I seem to remember there was a Rogues' Gallery associated with it. Maybe we could have one here.

[Projoy et al] I'm also having problems getting to MCiOS...

I too cannot access MCiOS. I seem to remember something recently about changing its domain or IP or some such techobabble?

It appears to be accessible again. It's always in the last place you look, isn't it?

(nights) Sorry to be a clever c*** but can I cautiously point out that it must be in the last place you looked because once you've found it you stop looking.

Wow, who knew rab hates Dutch shoes?!

Another string to my bow is theatre tech. I've just spent ten hours plugging things in, unplugging them, bonking myself on the head with them, turning them around the right way, programming them, and that was just the actors.

So. Decision made. We're not going back to England for Xmas for a second year. Luckily I managed three trips between September and November (the latter for my mother's 80th birthday) before it all went loopy again. We've had half a shutdown in the Netherlands for the past 3 weeks (all evening stuff is closed, except supermarkets and petrol stations). The rate of booster vaccinations is speeding up so it might be before or just after Xmas for me and the windy miller.
But folks, I'm curious. Who is still stupid enough to spread it after nearly two years of this shit? Come ON.

My sister, apparently. I'm told she thinks 'healthy people don't need vaccines'.

[pen] Students. "I'm young, I won't get sick even if I do get it." It's getting to the point that I dread going to work, which is a new and sad feeling.

(pen) Not just that, but practically all patients in Intensive Care Units are unvaccinated. They are brainless, selfish and completely up their own arses.

I despair, I really do. Looks like the Dutch government is also going to eschew closing schools early for a firebreak over Xmas and the new year holidays so as 'not to interupt education'. Seems to me it would be the obvious thing to do at this stage. Co-worker's husband is a maths teacher and yesterday he tested positive. She's pregnant with twins. They are both vaccinated.
This sucks.

Off to London this Sunday for some culture. I wonder if this is the last time it will be possible for a while.

Off to the UK via the tunnel on Saturday in my little COVID-safe Clio. Haven't driven on a British motorway in a good ten years. This is going to be entertaining!

Apart from a minor contretemps near Heathrow, I have safely arrived in the Midlands. My little car behaved admirably and is going to be valeted as a reward.

[nights] Have a wonderful time with your nearest and dearest.

Do motorways have a Clio Lane specially for samll Italian cars?

[Rosie] It's probably the same lane that a Mini Driver would use.

(Boolbar) V good. ROFLMAO. I've had five of the little buggers and if you're not careful I'll give you all their numbers.

Despite all the extra protocols, checks, tests, paperwork, swimsuit competitions and tie-breaker round ("In ten words or less, explain why you should be allowed to enter France"), the drive back home was excellent and I have brought back more PG Tips and Club biscuits than is strictly necessary.