General Chat

Mention of the navy made me think that I have known two naval commanders who were veritable models of ineptitude and each was henpecked, just like Commander Povey and Ramona.

maggie .............

I love it!!

The first time we took the train across Canada to stay with daughter on the other coast was in 2004, and there was a small but great group of passengers in the sleeper class with us.

Well, it is 3 or 4 night trip, and sleeper class includes all your meals, 24/7 supply of coffee and hot water for tea, plus fresh fruit, biscuits available, so we weren't spending above our level.

A great group that is, except for 1 elderly lady who made it known within the first 5 minutes that she was Mrs B (full name not mentioned), and her late husband had been a very important gynaecologist in the city, and we had to pay attention to her.

She then gradually let slip a few things, which let me know that a) her husband's younger partner had delivered my daughter in an emergency caesarean, and b) my 17 year old daughter had actually been to see her husband for a minor problem. :-)

She didn't seem too happy when I let her know those 2 little details :-D

Dr B had given up his hospital privileges when he reached the then-mandatory 65, but kept on working in the office doing minor consultations ....... basically weeding out patients who needed surgery or more serious interventions from those who could be helped with maybe a course of drugs or just reassurance that everything was normal. He also apparently did abortions, which were legal but which often attracted serious attention from those who did not agree. I found that out from my GP, who said that Dr B had decided he could do them because he'd lived his life, and it didn't matter even if he was shot (as happened to quite a few doctors around that time).

I have to say, the slight interaction I had with him when my daughter saw him led me to believe he was a much more human person than his wife, and certainly a lot less pretentious!

Mrs B then made things worse for herself by getting off the train in Jasper where it made a 1 hour long stop, and running across the parking lot to the liquor store to buy herself a bottle of something. She would retire to her room about an hour before lunch and dinner and had a little drinkie ................ or two.


The rest of us stayed in the lounge, had a drink there if we wanted, and certainly had wine with our meal in the dining car, where she stayed abstemious!

Oh yes Gwyn and the RN is no different.

Quite so Ann.

I have found that sometimes the officers are fine, it can be their wives who 'wear the rank' and are quite imposing.

Having worked with them Air Commodores can actually be quite human when out of uniform and in civvies. I think it is the uniform which can be intimidating if you let it. Unless you do come across one who has a high opinion of himself as a human being of course, but then you don' need to wear a uniform to be like that.

As far as I can see - if your ex told someone you split up because of 'class' differences - he's the one without class!! :-|

My dad paid me a wonderful compliment once. We were in England.
He said 'My aim for you children was for you to speak to a king and a beggar alike, and I'm so happy you've all proved you do it'
I was really touched.
Then he added 'You were very nice to old Joe, the homeless guy, just now, but you were a bit 'familiar' with King Faisal and Prince Turki'.
'When did I speak to them?' I asked (thinking dad was 'losing' it)
'At the kennels' replied dad.

When dad was in Saudi, he got a dog. The dog was a blonde Saluki from Faisal's kennels. Dad chose him as a tiny puppy.
When all the puppies were put in the weaning section, Shamal (the dog) killed all the male puppies. ( He wasn't really a vicious dog)
Dad still got him, but was asked not to get him neutered until he was 2, and would he bring him back a couple of times for breeding purposes? Dad agreed.

Well, when I was out there (aged 17), Shamal was 2, It was his last visit before the 'chop'.
Shamal was taken away to do his business, and dad, me, a bloke in his 20's and this elderly gent, who I thought were kennel workers, sat outside drinking tea. I was wearing jeans and a calico top - not the full niqab - we started chatting, they were asking about feminism, life in the UK, and cracked a few jokes. I may have been a bit 'down' on the oppression of women, and maybe told a few risqué jokes....but the young bloke started it!!

Guess who can't 'spot' Royalty when it's staring her in the face?
How was I to know they were King Faisal and his son?
I mean, would anyone expect a king to turn up for a breeding session between dogs?

I don't think I can be accused of being a social climber, or someone who goes out to impress! :-(

One thing I CAN spot a mile off is a pretentious pratt :-D

No Liz, I didn't miss your last question but I can tell you I am no where near ready for London yet.

Have not even been into Chichester but thank you for asking.

Working class is nothing to be ashamed of....you are a worker Sharron and well educated in my opinion..
I can't stand people who try to be OTT.to me it's a sign of insecurity.
Mrs Bouquet/Bucket comes to mind! :-) :-)

I know someone who thinks he is "posh".... claims he's descended from landed gentry. :-\ :-\

Anyway......... I worked with him for a few years, and I can say for sure.... he has some FILTHY habits!!

Posh????????

Lol oiks indeed?

Did you miss my last question, Sharron?

Lizx

I didn't realise that I was chatting with a load of oiks!

Thanks for looking Liz.

I am very comfortable with being working class and really have better things to do than put on airs and graces, although my ex told somebody that was why we split up.

All I can say is that if this is me with airs and graces, can you imagine what I was like before?

Love this story.

I agree with Liz.

Lol I like people who can mix with any class of folk socially without feeling inferior but without showing off too

Please don't put yourself down, even jokingly, I am sure your hubby hasn't 'come down to your level' but together you have found a sensible level of behaviour that works for you both.

I didn't have any luck with your peeler altho the assistant checked stocks everywhere, she said it is possible they will restock at some point so I think it's a matter of trying again in a few months' time.

Lizxx

Btw any chance you can come go Uzzi's meet in London on May 21st, a Saturday, near to Victoria station? It would be good to meet up with you.

OH's mother has always been one to pose and to put 'em on for those she wishes to impress. I wouldn't know where to start so OH has come down to my level quite a long way.

He is ex- RAF and rose to the heady rank of Leading Aircraftsman.

We go to things in the village and try never to miss anything that involves food. Last year we went to a garden party thing one evening to raise funds for some worthy cause and OH, with his healthy lack of respect for officers, found himself another ex-RAF bod to chat to. They were like long lost brothers by the end of the evening.

It wasn't until OH's new playmate appeared on the tele recently that we found out he was an Air Commodore.

Mummy would be so proud!