Tuesday 9 October 2012

On Wings of Mercury

Jane Hattatt caught on camera at Modem, Debrecen, Hungary. Image by Nigel Spalding

Tempus fugit. And now we are conscious that for some time recently we have been, shamefully, neglectful of all our many Followers and Friends within the blogosphere for which we offer our deepest apologies.

If truth is to be told, then the days have, in the real world, sped by joyously in the company of old and new friends, of visits to the opera, ballet, concerts, and numerous exhibitions, of dining in newly discovered and favourite restaurants, of dinner parties and, not least, all the excitement of fresh interests and a Mad Boy.

Later this week we travel to Brighton. On our return there will be much to tell. Until then, we crave your indulgence!

100 comments:

  1. Hello Jane and Lance,

    Life is to be enjoyed ... I look forward to reading about your visits.

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  2. This is a very cool photograph of Jane the photographer.
    Love your style Jane!

    Enjoy your time : )

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  3. Real life socialising and interaction is far more important than the cyberworld. I reckon your priorities are in the right order. :)

    Enjoy Brighton! (What's not to enjoy?)

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  4. I found myself tensing slightly. I'm sure I held my breath for a couple of seconds. Would it be illness or something troublesome like internet connection issues? No! You're having a jolly good time enjoying real life. Excellent news.

    Lucy

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  5. I am happy to indulge you!! Sounds like you will soon have plenty to post about. Love the pic!
    Sx

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  6. Time certainly flies but when your enjoying your selves we can wait to hear about your adventures.

    Will contact through email John and Elfreda's email address.

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  7. Great photograph, have a good one.

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  8. Great photo. Jane seems integrated with the group in the painting. Two figures seem to be looking at what she is photographing, and one seems to be looking directly at Jane, and the whole group sharing some amusing story.

    The bag on the floor provides balance and anchors us in the real world.
    --Road to Parnassus

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  9. I knew you would be back sometime.. and when you do post, its always something so exciting. I can imagine your summer nights at the opera, and with friends at the bistro's and visiting all those wonderful places. That's what life is about Jane and Lance.. its to be lived.
    You are both more than generous, and never forget any of us..
    My son Dr. Miguel Stanley..will be giving a lecture this week in Budapest.
    Have a delightful trip to Brighton.
    nice photo of you in the museum..
    best wishes to you both.
    val

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  10. Wonderful photos ! Jane with her camera in hand on the work of photography! I wish you a good trip and when you return I wait many issues for posting.
    Have a good time to Brighton !
    Olympia

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  11. How right you are - time does fly - especially when one is having fun.
    You are always so graciously indulgent towards all your followers and friends, and we do miss you.
    However, friends and activities in your real world are paramount.
    A Mad Boy - I am intrigued.
    Jane and Lance enjoy your time in Brighton.

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  12. Real life has to be lived Jane and Lance and blogging comes a definite second as far as I'm concerned. We all have times when we neglect our friends in the world of blogging but, we all understand.
    Love that photograph of Jane and adore your hat. I have just bought a new hat for the winter.
    Enjoy everything that you are doing to the MAX and will await your wonderful posts with great anticipation ..... no pressure !!!! XXXX

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  13. Loving the shoes, Jane. Are they the t bar heels with camellia on heel by Chanel by any chance? Looks suspiciously like it?

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  14. What? You surely can't seriously expect me to believe you'd rather be out enjoying yourselves than reading my blog??!!

    The wonderful photo in your post makes for an intriguing puzzle for those, like me, who are curious about what Jane is photographing. I look forward to finding out!!

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  15. Apologies if you get two comments from me - an online hiccup leaves me unable to tell if my first comment made it through cyberspace!

    You can't seriously expect me to believe that you'd rather be out enjoying yourselves than reading my blog?? Unbelieveable!!

    And the fabulous photo is an intriguing puzzle - for those who wonder what is so absorbing for Jane to photograph! I look forward to finding out!!

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  16. Dear Jane and Lance. How well I understand you. I have been neglectful of my blog and its friends too. Life has just taken over! May you both have a wonderful trip and I look forward (patiently) to when you write and tell us of all your adventures. Jane xx

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  17. Super, love this :) Sounds like a fun time :) x

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  18. A new Mad Boy? How exciting. Very nice shoes by the way. Not to suggest that the rest of your outfit is not good.

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  19. Oh my gosh! A Jane sighting! Well, you certainly know how to throw your friends a bone! ;) And how incredibly stylish you are, my dear Jane, no surprises there. Your sartorial choices are much appreciated by little ol' me. Will look forward to seeing the face underneath the hat one of these days...hopefully in person!

    Please travel safely and how happy I am that you are making the most of your time. Very inspiring indeed.
    Gros Bisous,
    H.

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  20. Such style and elegance I wouldn't have expected anything else. Enjoy life to the full and tell us all about it when you return.

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  21. Ah, dear Jane, at last we know what you look like (she said dubiously). Now I shall be able to keep an eagle eye out for you as I too do the giddy round of the opera, ballet, concerts, and numerous exhibitions, of dining in newly discovered and favourite restaurants, of dinner parties and in the footsteps of the Mad Boy. Splendid shoes.

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  22. Hei Jane lovely Jane, sexy and chic Jane, so lovely to have a glimpse of you :). I adore your outfit, the shoes are to die for and the attitude is priceless :). You're just the kinda Jane I imagined :). Happy traveling.

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  23. Lucky lucky Brighton! One photograph with so much to say -- from the outfit to the painting --- perfect! Looking forward to much much more.

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  24. Dear Jane and Lance,
    It sounds like you're having a perfectly wonderful time enjoying your real lives! Thats the way it should be. I look forward to hearing all about your trip. Very smashing hat on you Jane.
    Have fun.
    Jennifer.

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  25. Jane and Lance,

    I can't blame you one little bit, you must at times put the friends within your immediate realm in front of those in the blogging world. Have fun and I wish you a safe return to Brighton...

    Regards, Tammy

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  26. You can have all the indulgence you need, Jane and Lance!

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  27. I'm so glad you've been enjoying yourselves. I anticipate fascinating reports.

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  28. Enjoy life while you can, I am all for it. Great photo. Take care Diane

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  29. Dearest Jane and Lance

    I love to see you living life to the fullest. A very stylish picture of you Jane. Wishing you bon voyage and great adventures as you travel the high seas to Brighton.
    Fondly,

    Helen xx

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  30. Oh - what a super image that is. I can now visualise you as you visit hither and thither enjoying life and invite us into your world
    Best wishes
    Jenny
    PS I am particularly fond of the museum in Brighton - have a lovely time

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  31. Quite content to wait as all good things come to those who do so.....but a delightful teaser to leave with us in the shape of the photographer photographed.

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  32. I love the photo of Jane.......I'm happy you have enjoyed so much in Europe lately. May Brighton welcome you back with sunshine. Thank you for stopping by and understanding my absence too.

    Venice calls - I'm still going, 'by hook or by crook'.

    Fondly, Mary

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  33. Is Richard the Mad Boy?? This was my guess from weeks ago but I dared not speak my thoughts!

    (Jane, I adore that photo of you!)

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  34. I at first thought that the figure was a statue that the one artist makes in wax of everyday people. I have seen a museum guard as a sculpture and I thought that she would have made a great one for a museum. It is a cool informal shot of Jane. Art museums are so great to visit.

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  35. I don't know which is more interesting - the painting or the photo of the photographer!

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  36. It does not surprise me, Jane, that your fashion style would equal that of your delightful prose and photography. May I assume that Lance took this excellent photograph?

    Whenever there seems to be a pause in Hattatt posts, I begin to imagine where you all might be, what adventures might be underway. I'm sure that Brighton will be more charming, having you all in residence.

    Best wishes.

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  37. Hello Jane and Lance - Well, you do know how to peak our curiosity!

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  38. I agree with Pondside! Looking forward to hearing about your wonderful travels. xo

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  39. Stylish photo of a stylish lady. Stop teasing re the Mad Boy!

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  40. Sometimes our offline lives take over in a way that make the online parts take a back seat, and that's how it should be.
    The photo is just as much a work of art as the painting in the background. It looks "set up" but I doubt it was; I am quite sure you, Jane, were simply there at the right time at the right place.
    Enjoy Brighton as much as you've been enjoying everything else!

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  41. It is almost as if you are spilling out of the painting dearest Jane! Wonderful!! Your muted attire for the day is perfect for the darks in the painting. So great to see you after all these years too! Well, seeing most of you! ;>)) I think I like your hat. Time does seem to slip away when we are busy and having fun . . . sounds like you have been having a fabulous time. Congratulations on your finding a 'Mad Boy'. I am looking forward to hearing more about your adventures. Happy Travels to you both! Great photograph Lance!

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  42. Dear Jane and Lance,
    Have a lovely holiday. You journey westwards to Brighton on Friday while we head eastwards to Quedlinburg on Sunday!
    Have a nice holiday.
    Kirk
    PS
    Mad Boy: I live with one of those although he might disagree and say that he is the one who lives with a mad boy!

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  43. Always enjoy whatever the days bring when you can. There will always be quiet, rainy or cold days to catch up on blogs !
    Love the photo !

    cheers, parsnip

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  44. So glad you are having fun in the real world! I hope you will share more about the mad boy once you are settled in Brighton. Love the picture (and shoes).

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  45. Dear Jane and Lance,

    Love the picture of you taking the picture with a picture in it. Great fun!!!

    How wonderful and full your life is and I know you enjoy every minute of it. You live it with such gusto and positivity.

    So what about this Mad Boy? How and where did you find him? Stories please.

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  46. Enjoy it. You sound like you have a lot of exciting events to catch up on.

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  47. There is nothing better than spending time with old and new friends. Look forward to hearing your news when life is less hectic.
    Sarah x

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  48. Hello Jane and Lance,
    Ah yes, Jane caught on camera and the moment is captured. I am delighted that the world of 3D reality continues to be a joyous affair for you both and all those who have the great honour of knowing you.
    Thus, what time is the parade in your honour in Brighton?
    All the best, Gary

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  49. Have fun in Brighton Jane and Lance this photo is very clever I like it. Enjoy yourselves and take a blog break look forward for your return. Tracy

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  50. Sounds as if you're having a grand old time, which you should be. Enjoy! I'll join in the curiosity about Mad Boy, though. Wonderful photo, happy travels.

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  51. How nice to put a body (if not a face) to the name, Jane! I am afraid I was more interested in the photograph of the person, you, that I didn't notice the hat, the shoes, the heels or the designer......

    Pleased to 'meet' you!

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  52. Hello Jane and Lance. Lovely to hear that you're having a wonderful time and enjoying life. That's what it's all about.
    Patricia x

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  53. So in other words, you guys have a life! :D Great to hear you're having a blast! Cant wait to hear more from you soon!
    Jane, rocking that picture! ;)

    Hugs,

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  54. Jane and Lance, Please, do tell. I am anxious awaiting details on the Mad boy. Enjoy your time. Bonie

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  55. The photograph alone had me hooked! You have no need to apologize. You are living life. Nothing could be better than that!

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  56. Well my friends, as they say life is a gift, so it must be enjoyed. You are doing the right thing, "sucking all the marrow out of life" Can it get any better than this?

    Have more fun. Best wishes

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  57. Hello Jane & Lance,
    Looking forward to your return.

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  58. Cute picture. Traveling to your other home... I guess I wonder if you carry as much stuff back and forth as we do?

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  59. Hello Jane and Lance:
    Now that's some photograph, Jane! Just love your style! Have a wonderful trip, looking forward to the Brighton posts.

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  60. Oh you certainly have such a great life...
    Enjoy!

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  61. Darlings, you must be busy living life - that way you have so many interesting things to introduce us to! Wonderful photo - I see Jane has found a clever way to outwit the pesky paparazzi!

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  62. No apology needed, Jane and Lance. Life should trump blogging any day and I certainly found that this summer. Enjoy your trip to Brighton and I look forward to your safe return

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  63. Hallo, dear Jane and Lance,

    Have a wonderful time away from blogland. There is so much more to life and yours is seemingly endlessly bountiful.

    Would you be visiting anywhere near the borders?

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  64. Dearest Jane and Lance, A picture paints a thousand words - so marvellous to see a stylish picture of Jane in "Here's Looking At You Kid" pose. I think you are the most cultured people I've ever known!! I hope you will have a great trip back to Brighton. With warm wishes, ASD

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  65. Dear Jane and Lance,
    you know exactly how to fill our hearts with desires - wishing to join so exciting ways to spend time! Excitedly we are waiting for the raconteurs of culture - wishing you lots of fun. Jane: you look ravishing on that photograph, full of energy from hat to tango-dancingshoes! Though I cannot see your face you remind me of Vita Sackville-West, whom I adore.

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  66. Where would our blogs be without some real life to put things into perspective? Have a safe journey.

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  67. Hi Jane and Lance, it's always great to take some time and spend it with friends, enjoy. I look forward to you next post;)

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  68. Well now...a delightful picture of one of my favorite people, Jane! You and Lance have safe travels, God speed.

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  69. Oh my goodness, Jane you are darling. Love the whole ensemble!

    Hope you have a lovely break from blogging! Sounds like you have been having fun, soaking up life & being fabulous.


    Hug,
    e

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  70. Life is for living, without that what is blogging! Safe journey, have fun in Brighton x

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  71. The photo is an inspired work of art! Have a wonderful time in Brighton!

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  72. You found your Mad Boy, my word, the search has ended at last, hurrah. Nice photograph, including Mrs H's handbag placed upon the floor.

    Welcome back to Brighton, it was sunny yesterday and is now completely dark and damp with so much rain. Still we have to have a little rain or we'd not enjoy the sun when it comes out to say howdy.

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  73. Nothing to apologize for, I know the feeling...and have been having the same thing to deal with:)

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  74. Don't worry, I think you can be easily forgiven, because you found Mad Boy, and we have waited for it for so long :)

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  75. Aha! Finally, a photo of Jane!

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  76. excellent plan..... am hoping to make a dash to the coast myself!!

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  77. How lucky are you! the beauty of living in Europe!

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  78. I've only just had a chance to visit you! What exciting lives you lead! I wonder how you come to live in Budapest and I long to know who or what Mad Boy is!
    Sadly I have never (yet) been to Budapest, but I have visited Brighton a good few times, and too many years ago to count we bought my wedding ring there.
    Enjoy your travels.
    Look forward to reading more.

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  79. As you say, time flies (or is it flees?)

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  80. Ah, time does fly, doesn't it! Everyone needs a break now and then!

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  81. You're both like blossoms to us avid bees---so much of interest, so much to do and see and enjoy, and will some of that golden pollen rub off?

    I love my own life---it's busy and filled with folks I care about, and little silly tasks and moments and books and other simple pleasures (occasional moments great crescendos memorable and fine), but always, always distinctly ours and of US.

    The lagniappe of a visit to such urbane, witty folks is just honey on the toast, and it's lovely to know that you're HERE for the visiting, as well as OUT THERE gathering your own lovely moments.

    And anyway, just having friends named Nigel Spalding and Paul Gervais de Bedee would make you as interesting as all get out.

    Have a scrumptious time, and DO TELL.

    rachel

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  82. Don't I know it, dear friend. What with careening 'round the social orbit, one's "day job" and the care and feeding of one's loved ones (such a naughty, mad boy!) one is amazed that you can even peep in the blogosphere. As ADG says, onward and upward!! Reggie

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  83. LOVE seeing you, Jane! What a fabulously artful capture...
    So glad you are having ball...can't wait until you fill us in on the Mad Times and the Mad Boy! :)))
    Have a fantastic week, and a good journey...
    xoxo,
    - Irina

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  84. It seems a lot of us have been busy. I can't wait to hear about what you have been up to!

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  85. Jane, LOVE it! What else can I say, so explicit!!! I would love to see you with that hat!
    Bon voyage and safe return! With all my love....

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  86. Dear Jane and Lance,so glad you are having fun, Can't wait to hear of this 'Mad boy' and other tales. Wishing you a safe journey. Love the photo of Jane. Love Linda x

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  87. Glad you have had such a wonderful and rewarding time and look forward specially to hearing about the Mad Boy!

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  88. This is a very creative picture! I hope you're having a wonderful time ! ( finally a picture of Jane! )
    xxx Maria xxx

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  89. Love the picture too. It's just how I imagine Agatha Raisin would look in those M C Beaton's detective novels.

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  90. What a wonderful capture that photograph is! Know you will enjoy Brighton, so much character. Hoping you bring us back lots of photos and a story or two. Minerva x

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  91. I have missed your glorious, baroque posts! Bon voyage to you both. I am jolly glad you have been relishing life.

    Stephanie

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  92. Hazaaaa! A clue... a little hint that the mysterious life of a SPOOK (with all it's opera and ballet ... yeah, yeah - we know it's really a tough assignment with an exciting last minute escape) is indeed all it's cracked up to be... jealous ? Moi? Well ... just a tad :-) PS - Shaken not stirred? PPS - Love those shoes!!!

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  93. This photo of Jane is mind-blowing! This is art itself - I adore it! I am glad you had a good time in Hungary and wish you safe traveling back to wonderful Brighton! Christa

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  94. The painting in the background is intriguing, though the photo of Jane more so! You look so mysterious with your hat pulled low, and a serious stance worthy of Lichfield! Intriguing because I wonder who you are photographing!

    As you know I have a special interest in Debrecen, and feel a teeny bit envious that you were there. Did you find your Mad Boy there?

    I do hope your trip to Brighton goes well.

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  95. I think better to be out in the world living life to the fullest than sitting at a computer.
    I just love the photo of Jane next to the Nigel Spalding painting. Where is the viewer anyway?

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  96. Is it so wrong that I was struck by serious shoe envy looking at this picture?

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  97. There your are Jane :)))))
    A very David Bailey professional stance.

    Hugs Jane xx

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