toolman1954

Great report-- very very funny, some excellent writing skils. After seeing your pic for the 20 years old shirts it now gives a whole new use for some shirts in my wardrobe that I seem to have had for a while, what a shame most dont fit me any more !!! I live in hope of losing weight !!! Happy New Year Monkeywatch and to all your readers Steve

Hi Mark, I am no stranger to a Nikon having had an F601 for many years and this was my reason for choosing another Nikon for my transition into digital SLR. My D50 came with a Nikon 18-55 and I have since bought a Nikon 70-300 telephoto,albeit only the cheapie one,but then I am only a happy snapper. I used the telephoto lens the other day to take some pics of a family of squirrels and noticed that on auto, camera shake is more pronounced than with the film camera. I still have much to learn with the D50, and your pics are quite inspirational.Thanks for taking the time to reply with your advice.Regards Steve

Christmas pressie to me ----from me----- was a Nikon D50 and similar lenses. I just need to learn how to use it. Happy Christmas to all regards Steve

Mark, Thanks for sharing the pictures, it is always nice to see other far away places in this big world. Are you using a digital SLR or just a point and shoot?? the colour reproductions have come out very well, and are very pleasing to the eye. Regards

One main reason I chose Thai Airlines for my trip in March was (being a large person--fat bastard--) that it gives you 34 inches seat pitch in cattle truck class and like most other things in life the extra inch or 2 certainly makes a difference, especially when flying an 11 hour journey. I have already experienced a DVT ( followed by blood clots on my lungs) following a cramped flight back from Australia a few years ago, so I am always trying for extra leg room or emergency exit seats, but 34 inches enabled me to stretch my legs easily. This was my first time on Thai Airlines and I was pleasantly surprised with the food on the plane and the service from the delightful young ladies, and I had only to ask for a drink, and it was soon delivered. I have flown on many airlines long haul in the past, B.A, Singapore, Quantas, Malaysian and I have to give a thumbs up for Thai. Next time I go to Australia, I shall try Thai to Brisbane and then local flight up to Cairns. Just shows that each flight is a different experience. Who is for Aeroflot -----aaaaaahhhhhhhhhh

Although its a bit out of the way of mainstream Pattaya,(3km south) on the Naklua Road, I would like to give a plug for the Elephant Bar opposite the Asia Pattaya Hotel ( where I was staying). I must have ate there most days , they did a mighty fine English breakfast, a very nice sunday roast( just for a change) and I had the most spectacular Tiger prawns and rice there I have ever eaten. Not a single gippy tummy either, and my stomach doesnt handle hot or spicy foods at all. Nothing was too much trouble, even for altering the food to remove the garlic. Suitable food for my bland English palate was one of my most "fears" in going to Thailand especially after a very bad stomach in Egypt, and this place just hit the right spot for me, and like all food there in Patts it wasnt expensive. One very happy punter.

Very funny -- do you mind if I nick your joke and post it on a Mercedes forum?????