"Anglian Sovereign" - one of my old firm's tugs.

I do understand why you love ships and the sea. She is a real beauty and it also gives me great pleasure to look at ships and the sea

You too

Flirt on, Lis.

Have been reading the various comments with great joy. Yes, I believe we are all great flirters and so are you John and that is also part of the reason of our loving you. German men haven't lost all their flirting abilities, but it seems to me that Danish men have and I do miss it. So this a global flirt - lovely

I'm not sure how he could have got away with it over such a long period! Rugby seems to be reasonably clear of drugs.

Keep uplifted, Kate. Makes you feel good anyway! ;

But in so many sports they've gone from alcohol to performance enhancing drugs - I still have a hard time believing that Lance Armstrong was using.

Thank you John for the praise of my flirting abilities. Flirting can just be so delightful - and soooo uplifting.

You know that I enjoy a good flirt, Kate, and you are not too bad yourself!!

You are right when you say that rugby is similar to American footie (siouxzn was saying there is a big match today) but the rules are quite different. It is becoming more popular in the States, especially the 7 a side version. The 7's will be in the next Olympics for the first time so a lot of money is being pushed into the sport. It has a struggle to gain ground on the main established sports.

Heavy drinking after the games and training sessions but these days the players are much more careful with diet and alcohol.

No, you didn't mention gts but they've always been my favorite - and margaritas. I've never done a lot of drinking but have had some wild and wonderful times. Please don't tell anyone, but I actually don't like beer very much - really enjoyed the Shandies though when I was on your island. And yes, flirtation is such a joyous and healthy part of being human. I've never understood why so many couples in long term relationships (often just one member of the couple) seem to forget how delightful the energy - and outcome can be. I don't know much about rugby but isn't that something like American football without the heavily padded uniforms? Did you drink before the games and run a crooked line or after to relieve the pain?

Did I mention g&t's to you before, 'cos these days it is my favourite tipple. I don't drink much now compared to my youth, when I was playing rugby. I do think that you are feeling better. Flirtation rules!!

We're glad you made it to tell the tale. I hope you have a lot of people around you who get to hear your stories. Just a pint in the pub (or a gt) and listening to your stories would be a wonderful way to spend a gray, winter day. (that's all I'm saying - I am feeling better I guess)

you must be feeling a bit better today, katy, as i've had several comments from you and that's a good sign.

being shipwrecked, sinking or being washed overboard (all have happened to me!) should not be on the "bucket" list""lol. i, also, nearly drowned whilst swimming off alicante. luck to be here really!!

You two are related by interests and experience. I enjoy listening in. I'll be happy to leave being shipwrecked for another life. The Anglian Sovereign is handsome and appears strong. Wonderful picture.

i've been on several sinking vessels and it's not a nice feeling, is it? i'd be interested in your incident if you fancy enlarging on it. in your case, at least, the outcome was good!

What a beauty. She looks capable of anything she wants to do. If I was in trouble out on the open seas (I HAVE been shipwrecked on the Pacific Ocean), I'd feel very reassured if she appeared to help.