Wednesday 24 April 2013

Excuses, Excuses!!

What can we possibly say? How can we possibly excuse ourselves? That we have failed to post over the past couple of months pales into insignificance when we consider how much we have neglected you, our friends and Followers, who, despite our silence, have continued to maintain contact with so many kind and thoughtful enquiries through comments and emails. For this we send our heartfelt thanks.

Teddy, who joined us at the State Opera House, on the occasion of the St. Matthew Passion

We are delighted to report that nothing is amiss. Indeed, quite the contrary. Our lives have been filled with the most delightful of events - Opera, Ballet, Concerts, Soirées, Theatre, Exhibition Openings, Dinner Parties, Parties, Restaurants, Film Nights, Excursions - always in the company of the most wonderful friends and leaving little time for the most part to sleep!

And so it continues. But, we do assure you, you are far from forgotten. For the present our days are filled but we will, at the first possible opportunity, return to you all. And to this we so much look forward.

For now we ask your forbearance! 

126 comments:

  1. No worries. Blogging takes time and energy. I teach, and as terms progress, so posts dwindle. And, I think, most bloggers dream of having so much to do of an interesting nature that there's no time to blog!

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  2. Dear Jane and Lance,
    You have been much missed, yet it is almost with relief that I read that even wonderful 'posters' can get taken over by life's events!
    I love writing my pieces but by the time I've organised my photographs and battled with finding just the right words( not to mention the computer, a couple of hours can have been eaten up.
    May you continue to be busy, happy and well and I'll look forward to the times you can share with us. Jane xx

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  3. While I never emailed to find out how you were, I did think about it - does that count?
    Oh to be able to say that one had been attending soirées! My social life has certainly not been boring, either, but - to borrow from you - pales into insignificance compared to yours.

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  4. Glad everything is ok, I was beginning to wonder. You seem to be enjoying life, so good for you !!

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  5. Ta dah! Forbearance granted
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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  6. I am truly delighted to read that you are both happy and thriving!

    Warmest wishes from France,

    Stephanie

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  7. Hi guys,

    Rest assured, we forgive you anyways. The little Teddy helps a lot :)
    Looking forward to read your wonderful adventures soon.

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  8. Dear Jane and Lance,
    I am happy that you are back - missed you! And take your time - don't feel pressured: Life is to be lived - as you do fully - and then to be written about.

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  9. I am so very pleased to hear that everything is well with you both and that you are indeed living life to the full and enjoying it to the full :-) I have had a difficult few months with my blog and had to make the hard decision to delete it after 6 years but I have started up another under my maiden name of Ryder. I have dropped the dee dee's out of my blog title. Look forward to seeing you when you are able to return. Best wishes to you both, dee x

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  10. Welcome home!

    Life goes on, doesn't it? My son and daughter in law have decamped to California for two years, and I have had to fill my grandchildren-time with other stuff :( Blogging helps a bit!

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  11. Jane and Lance, I have been thinking about the two of you a lot over the last week and here you are, you are back and you are okay. That's wonderful... I look forward to your new posts and comments when you have some time :)

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  12. Glad to hear that you're both busy enjoying yourselves. Long may it continue. That little bear looks charming - is he as friendly as he looks?

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  13. Oh my goodness wish I was in your shoes with all the cultural wonderments you've been partaking in; I hope to be doing the same very soon.

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  14. You're forgiven. How can we not, when teddy is so beguiling?

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  15. The whole reason for yesterday's post on the Carpaccio painting of (and at) San Georgio, Venice, was to get you out of the woodwork. Maybe my little ploy worked - or maybe I kid myself...

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  16. Welcome back, you have been missed, Jane and Lance. What a wonderful feast of events you have been having, and I am glad that cute Teddy sometimes gets to join in. Look forward to when you find time to write about some of these special activities.

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  17. What better excuse could you have than life itself, Jane and Lance? Go on enjoying your wonderful experiences. Time enough to write after the event.

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  18. To be honest Jane and Lance, I am truly relieved you are fine...I wish you a happy and romantic summer.

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  19. I'm so glad you're both having such a lot of fun, it sounds like a veritable whirlwind of pleasure!

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  20. Ah, there you are. I was wondering . . .
    Blogging must come second to real life. Have fun, although ‘fun’ may not be what you would call your mad social whirl.

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  21. Isn't it strange how one assumes that an absence from blogging means a dire calamity?! SUCH a relief to hear you've actually been enjoying yourselves instead!!

    Whatever the reason, however, being blog buddies means no apology is required ...

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  22. Hi Jane and Lance, I'm so happy to know you are having fun and taking Teddy on your adventures. Be well! xox

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  23. So happy you have been enjoying yourselves!!! Yes, I have missed reading your delightful blog, I do understand! Post when you can, as I love to hear about your adventures in your part of the world!!

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  24. Real life trumps blogging any day!

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  25. Forbearance is absolutely nothing, when it is offered to two such lovely people.
    It is a gift to know that you are happy, without having to know the details.
    My great love,
    Faisal.

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  26. Welcome back Jane and Lance, your absence has been a bit of a wrench. Hope you are both well.

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  27. Of course I missed you dreadfully.............however I knew you were up to something wonderful somewhere in this beautiful world! Come back and rest awhile - looking forward to your stories and images when you have time.

    Happy Spring days - joyful every day.
    Fondly, Mary

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  28. I assumed you were 'travelling' and we would be reading a wonderful post to tell us all about it. Your ears should have been burning last week as your names were frequently evoked whilst following 'The Hattat Trail' around Venice. Much was accomplished but I think we will need further trips before either we or Venice crumble away.

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  29. Hi Jane and Lance. Have missed seeing you around and was concerned about you both. So glad everything okay and sounds as though you've had a hectic couple of months, all enjoyable of course. Look forward to hearing from you again soon.
    Patricia x

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  30. Dear Jane and Lance,

    I was so happy to read that you are both well and just busy with life. That is how it should be. I was concerned and am relieved to to see your post.

    Keep enjoying you adventures.
    Arleen

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  31. You are indeed sorely missed -- but what a joy to read such a happy post, accented by a deliciously delightful bear. I await more with eager anticipation!

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  32. I was thinking of you two the other day and hoping all was well! Glad to hear things are indeed going well for you, I'm interested to hear about your latest social events (sounds thrilling, as usual!)

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  33. I was wondering where you both were...nice to hear that everything is okay and that a busy and fun schedule has kept you occupied ~ enjoy!

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  34. Make the most of what is on offer....delighted that you are enjoying the social whirl.

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  35. Dearest Jane and Lance

    So lovely to read that life is joyful and full of interesting events for you. My joy is knowing both of you are in good health and in good spirits.

    Big hug

    Helen xxx

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  36. And there you are! I was almost beginning to fret and fever over your unusually long absence. You see, it's not quite the blog-dom I love without the wonderful Hattatts! But never mind, glad you've returned with yet another treasure trove of adventures. Looking forward to reading them! Take care.



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  37. SO happy to see you, and to hear that all is well :)
    I <3 Teddy.
    xo

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  38. I'm just so very pleased that you have been enjoying yourselves and living life to the full!

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  39. Relief! Quite contented with this short, bright note. Happy Spring!!

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  40. Frankly my dears, I am sceptical. I thought you may have been in the United States. Nevertheless, I am pleased to know that all is well with you and it is always nice when a JayLa post pops up.

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  41. Just the glimpse of that faraway banner waving in the sun, or even the smallest wisp of smoke from the sleeping chimney---those are as great as a big arm-wave or Halloo through the glen.

    And the tales we have to anticipate . . .

    Delighted to find you so well and happy.

    rachel

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  42. Hello Jane and Lance,

    Pleased to see you have been having a wonderful and fabulous time - happy you are back!

    Ivan

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  43. Enjoy it. I was wondering whether you were travelling somewhere exotic. In many ways, you have been.

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  44. Dear Jane & Lance,

    Happy to hear you are having such a good time! A big kiss for Teddy and of course the two of you :-)

    Carpe Diem!

    Madelief X

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  45. You give bloggers a good name - not all of us are chained to the computer.

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  46. My dear Jane and Lance,

    Welcome back. It's wonderful to hear that you both are doing well. I do greatly miss reading your writings and regular entries over breakast or lunch. It seems like the blogsphere is a bog of ennui without your presence.

    But I'm sure you would agree that the pleasure of writing a blog is its freedom to do as and when one has a calling or a spark of inspiration suddenly caused to burn. There is no pressure, no deadline, and no demanding publisher or editor (except us, your devoted readers).

    Perhaps, the goal or the joy of writing is for itself. It's about being free from external pressure and functionality. But having said that, we are tremendously lucky to have your blog and to be able to share your thoughts, journeys and adventures.

    Sending you both a happy and colourful spring wishes.

    Best wishes, ASD

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  47. Hooray the Hattat's are back!
    I am so glad to hear that all is well, but I kind of new you would be gadding about. It is lovely to have you back, because the place just isn't the same without you.
    Much love to you both, Linda xx

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  48. That sounds like a wonderful array of events. Life is sometimes too busy for blogland.

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  49. Enjoy live darling !!...xxx...we will wait...x !

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  50. Dear Jane and Lance,
    I knew you were just off enjoying yourselves. What a wonderful time you have been having. Delightful to see you. I too have been taking a blog break. Sometimes, real life takes over. Never too busy to stop by and see you though.
    Much love.
    Di
    xxxx

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  51. So in a nutshell dear Jane and Lance you've been having a blogging break and doing what you always do!

    And here I was thinking you'd gone off to far-flung exotic places and would have much to show and tell on your return.

    You don't get off completely scot-free, so some show and tell is in order.

    Seriously, wonderful to hear all is fine and well with you both! You have been missed!


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  52. Oh good, you have been very busy having fun. I am so glad (and relieved) that you are both well.
    I just feel so sorry for you that you have not been able to read my FASCINATING posts. According to all the comments left by "Anonymous", my blog is "greatest reading". HA HA

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  53. Sounds like, Jane and Lance, you've been having a lovely, wonderful time. Good for you both! Make lots of memories and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! xoxo

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  54. I too was worried, Jane and Lance. But in the meantime you were living it up and having a great time. I'm smiling. Glad that nothing is wrong and everything seems to be right.

    Life interferes with blogging all the time - thank goodness!

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  55. You are dearly missed dear ones!! Keep having a great time! So sweet to see my favorite teddy. Is he ever coming to visit? With so much going on I do not see how you could possibly tear yourselves away. Love and Hugs from across the big scary pond. ;>)) Carol

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  56. How grand to see a post from the house of HATTATT today! I am so glad that you two have been up to a wonderful mix of fun and culture.

    My own childhood tattered Ted wonders why he's never been to the Metropolitan Opera. And there I was thinking that he was the strong silent type.

    xo

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  57. Relieved to know all is well and happy!

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  58. It's wonderful to know that you are happy, healthy, and having fun!

    xo, Jen

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  59. Delighted to see all is well and your lives are as exciting and busy as ever! Lucky teddy, that's all I can say. Hope you all enjoyed the Passion. Have missed you muchly.
    Axxx

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  60. So wonderful that you are both enjoying life. That is what its all about.
    The time is now.. life is short.
    Great to be having fun with your friends, and going to all the shows, and exhibits .. Thinking of you both.
    wishing you happy days
    val xx

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  61. Lovely to see you back, and so pleased that it is living life to the full that has kept you away. J.

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  62. Pleased to hear that all is well. Good on you, going out and living instead of letting your blog rule.

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  63. I did notice your absence. I'm glad all is well. Exceedingly well by the sounds of it! x

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  64. Adorable teddy bear - lucky you. Glad to hear you are having lots of fun - sometimes life gets in the way of blogging, thank goodness x

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  65. Happy to learn that you are both well, and in fact having fun.

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  66. Dear Ones !!!

    It is most excellent and pleasing to hear all is well and that time is being spent in the cultivation of joyous and entertaining past times, and dare I hope on occasion, rambunctious. So until you have the time to update on the wonderful happenings, “CARRY ON !!!”. - gary

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  67. Hello Jane and Lance, I was thinking of you the other day when I was checking Vilma Banky's dates, and discovered she was from Hungary and grew up in Budapest. --Jim

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  68. Life happens - and sometimes it explodes in the most wonderful way and the bits of starlight and sunlight and stagelight must be chased and grasped. It sounds like that's what you've been doing - and enjoying!

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  69. Am so gald to hear you are both busy in the 'real' world. Am ever so much overjoyed that it is with enjoyable and diverse pursuits. Enjoy! x KL

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  70. Well, at least it's for good reasons as that's not always the case. Life is to be enjoyed and if you are in a position to have a good time, then enjoy it as we only live once. Thumbs up and I raise a glass to you mate.

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  71. Oh you lead such busy happy lives
    I think that is excuse enough for not posting.
    Don't get me wrong
    your posts are well missed by your followers
    well I can speak for myself.

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  72. Dear Jane & Lance...I feel *exactly* the same way! I've been away from blogging, both posting and visiting, on and off now for quite a while...maybe it's something in the air...or once again, just life needling it's busy head into our business.
    Glad you've both been enjoying your time 'away' so delightfully!
    xo J~

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  73. Hmmm. I was JUST about to send another email, even though I know that all is more than well. It is just we miss you, wonderful Jane and Lance...I see I am far from being the only one...
    With Love from Arles,
    H

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  74. Welcome back! I was concerned and now relieved to hear that all is well. Enjoy that time offline and come back to share it with us when you find the time. You have been missed.

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  75. Dear Jane and Lance,

    I must say, I was starting to get worried. It was almost as if you dropped off the side of the world (wide web)! I am glad you are back as I miss your adventures of going to operas, musical nights and parties. And for your often thought provoking words. Welcome back and I will check in when you post again. Until then, take care!

    Regards, Tammy xx

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  76. Oh, and do not by any means feel guilty for not posting. You have absolutely no obligations at all, this is all meant to be fun, right?

    That is it from me, Tammy xx

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  77. Glad to hear you are living life to the full ... just as it should be!

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  78. Jane and Lane,

    Happy to hear all is well.

    I am also amazed at your following....A compliment I am sure to entertaining reporting of your event filled life!

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  79. So glad you both doing okay and that you are totally enjoying every second!! Brilliant news.

    Hugs Jane

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  80. Oh such fun, having a little friend on the side, just a quick look and the odd cuddle are all he needs to feel the love that carries him abound.

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  81. As long as you two are enjoying life and nothing is amiss, I'm happy! LOVE each moment guys! You'll have time to blog later! :)

    Hugs and love to you both!

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  82. Love it whenever you pop up and let us know what is going on in your wonderful world!

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  83. Dear ones....all that is important is that you are well, and having a fantastic time!!!
    So happy for you both, enjoy!
    Love sweet little Teddy...what a lucky boy to partake in such "grown-up" activities! ;))
    I hope Spring is beautiful wherever your adventures take you...
    Sending much love to you both,
    - Irina

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  84. So glad to see a brief note from your lives in the fast lane. Like the rest of your fans, I was beginning to worry.

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  85. You've got nothing to worry about Jane and Lance. It's been five months between my posts! Great to hear that you've been having such a wonderful time though. I have to admit that I have not looked at any blogs in the past five months so have not realised that you've been off having so much fun and causing worry to some of your other followers. I apologise for my lack of attention. I'm really looking forward to hearing about all you've been up to some time in the future. Jo xx

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  86. Don't know what all the fuss is about. Blogging is not Life.

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  87. Ah I wondered where you were! Glad to hear all is well. Life sometimes gets in the way of blogging, as it should.

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  88. So happy to hear that all is well and you are living and enjoying life! Looking forward to your adventures!

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  89. Not to worry, you are living life and doing well. The stories will hold until later. Lovely to hear from you two!

    Bises,
    Genie

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  90. Have a wonderful days!

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  91. Hi Jane and Lance, I am glad to hear all is well in Hattat land, and it is busy-ness of a good kind that is keeping you away from blogland. You are gathering material for future posts, I hope.

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  92. Ahhh well if you have been having such fun, then how could we not forgive your lack of posts! I am in the same boat, but more along the lines of working & preparing for our daughter's wedding!! Have a wonderful week!
    blessings,
    Cindy

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  93. Fun is a sneaky thief of time. The kind of thief I'd give my house keys to. xx

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  94. Hello my dear Hattatt's....I am worrying now. I do hope all is well. Big hugs, Linda xx

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  95. Dear Jane and Lance...
    Thinking of you, and I do hope all is well. Blogland is certainly a dimmer place without you! :)
    I pray that the floods are over, and that people are safe.
    All the best, dears!
    Hugs,
    - Irina

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  96. ................still waiting for an update or a wonderful post about your interesting life, and hoping all is well of course.

    Just back from Japan and Russia - a fabulous expedition once again.
    Hugs - Mary

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  97. Miss you very much! Hope you are well and enjoying summer.

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  98. Wishing you shady paths and comfy lawn chairs and cool, citrusy drinks (umbrellas optional, though you don't seem the paper-garnish type).

    I think of you SO often, and try to imagine the wonderful adventures and the lovely scenes and visits and companions brightening your Summer (and being brightened exponentially in return). Ours has been immoderately cool, and I'm SO grateful, but dismayed by all the reports of 106 and 112, especially in parts of the country where our Lovies live.

    Take copious notes and TAKE CARE OF YOU. You've become addictively dear---such ability to multiply in others the wit and smarts and knowledge of extraordinary and exciting things beyond our ken is given to few, and it's to our benefit that you two Masters of the Art have found each other. And us.

    Sunlit days and cool evening strolls,

    rachel

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  99. Darlings, don't worry. I've just taken a 2-month break from blogging too, but I'm now back and so glad you are too. Do let us know what you've been up to, however naughty.

    love
    Fanny x

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  100. The only good thing about your lack of posting is that I am FINALLY able to catch up! I'm here now, so you can begin enthralling us all again ;-). And my dear, dear Hattatts - you are not alone in your absence. I haven't blogged in months and even our delightful Rachel sometimes finds that life gets in the way! Best of everything to you both and I hope you are having a wonderful summer!

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  101. Dearest Jane and Lance...just stopping in to say hello! Blogland is certainly dimmer without your presence...miss you! :)
    These warm months are speeding by, and I have not been on the computer much at all....
    I do hope that the two of you are having a Summer of pure BLISS!!!
    Sending love and hugs across the miles,
    - Irina

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  102. Please appear on our radar soon! You are sorely missed here in blogland - not the same without YOU and the elegance of life you share. Just hope all is well and you are having a fabulous Summer.
    My good news............at long last I will see the beauteous Budapest for a couple of days come October! My B'day present - an auspicious one with a really big number, sigh! Vienna and Prague also in the mix, I'm thrilled at the thought.
    Any recommendations for a reasonably priced hotel, and a traditional coffee shop, would be greatly appreciated. I've already noted your review of the restaurant 'M' and put it on my list!
    Come back soon.......please.
    Fondly, Mary

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  103. Hi Jane & Lance,

    Just a quick comment to let you know that I miss your posts! Hope you haven't given up blogging altogether!!!!! :-)

    Madelief xox

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  104. We really miss you, and I mean it...

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  105. Will so look forward to your next posts!

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  106. Coming here after a while and glad that you are all happily busy... have fun and let us know all about the events that have been keeping you occupied and away from blogging

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  107. Dear Jane and Lance. Where are you? Hope all is well with you both.
    Patricia x

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  108. Hello Jane and Lance,
    I hope you are enjoying your travels and now summer is coming to an end, maybe you will have time for a catch up and let us know what you have been up too.

    Stay well dear friends.
    Di
    xxxxx

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  109. I have been thinking of you Jane and Lance, I hope you are having the time of your life :) ... I hope to come here one day soon and see everything you have been up to :)

    Launna

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  110. Hey, Y'all!

    Just dropping by your porch with some home-grown tomatoes, a handful of hollyhocks, and a sweet tater pie. Hope you're having a marvelous Cusp-of-Fall, and that all is well in all your neighbourhoods.

    Hello to the family 'n'em.

    r

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  111. I'm headed to Budapest tomorrow!
    Excited to say the least.
    Perhaps we'll bump into each other - what fun that would be!

    Mary

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  112. Popped in to find you still busy with your life. Fantastic. That you are too busy to post bodes well I think and hope. Love kl

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  113. You are not forgotten, you never will be, we are waiting with patience for the next post that will quench all our thirst of past few months. Have a wonderful fall.
    Best wishes

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  114. Hope you both are well, dear Jane and Lance. Enjoy the fall season, whether in Budapest or London, or someplace else!! xo

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  115. My mother was asking about you the other day, and I have just realized that it's been a very long time since your last post.
    Hopefully, you are both well and as happily busy as ever.

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  116. Hello Hattatts - just wanted to say hi and hope all is well with you. Take care!

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  117. Just wanted to let you know, dears, that you are missed!! :) I hope all is well, and that you are having some beautiful adventures together....
    Much love and joy to you for this holiday season!
    Warm hugs,
    - Irina

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  118. I hope this wonderful season finds you well and warm and happy, stepping out into a snowy evening, eyes bright as the pin on your coat, as you sweep off to a sparkling evening of conversation, music, friends, entertainment and wonderful dining.

    All the very best this most blessed of times has to offer,

    rachel

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  119. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
    Best wishes.

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  120. Hey Jane and Lance,
    i wish you both a happily new year!
    Lookign forward your posts, i read some of yours older ones and oh boy how wonderful happenings whit music, theater and all you have had this summer/autum. Hopefully this all in the future too!

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  121. A very Happy New Year to you both, hope you are safe and well and enjoying every moment!

    Hugs Jane

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  122. As we launch into another year, I'm just hoping all continues to be well with you both. You are not forgotten.

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  123. Hey guys, get back here, the party is over.

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  124. Hello Jane and Lance,

    I hope that you are both well and enjoying the New YEAR! Looking forward to your return and wonderful stories.

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  125. Hello Jane and Lance,

    I do hope all is well with you. Please come back to blogging as the blogosphere sorely misses you. Not hearing of your wonderful adventures, it's very lonely.

    hope to hear from you soon,
    Fanny x

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