#Flowers Delivered Northern Beaches

[thefloralstylistblog]

Freesia en masse (locally grown)

Fresh locally grown freesias are at their best at this time of the year. We select the best market variety wrap in our signature paper. Our freesias are grown in Dural so you know you are supporting our Australian growers when you purchase freesias from us.

Colours come in a mixed bundle

Choose from:

Standard $80

Premium $120

Choose to have your freesias wrapped, premium wrapped or displayed in a vase

[starry-eyed-never-satisfied]

KISS on Valentine's Day Headcannons

Paul: cooks you dinner. There's wine, there's flowers, there's jewelry. (As per my moodboard) At the end of the evening he carries you to the bedroom to continue the celebration.

Gene: takes you out to dinner. Not a really fancy restaurant, cause he'd be unimpressed with too fancy food and small servings, but a nice one. He won't buy flowers cause they'll die, but will buy you chocolate and jewelry. (Also ends the evening in the bedroom)

Ace: A night on the town, dinner, dancing etc. At the end of the evening he realizes he forgot to get you flowers, so he jumps the fence of the botanical gardens and picks a bouquet for you.

Peter: shy about giving you flowers in person, but will have them delivered to you at work, complete with a card with a kitten wearing a bow.

Eric C: No going out, Eric wants to keep you to himself. He arranges for delivery from your favourite restaurant, and spends the night pampering you, bubblebath, massage etc before cuddling on the couch to watch romantic movies

Bruce: will bring you breakfast in bed (pancakes!) with a single rose on your tray by your plate.

Eric S: will whisk you away for the day to a secret location and not tell anyone then be all confused when people were concerned

Tommy: a picnic and a walk on the beach (northern hemisphere friends, pretend for a moment you're in the southern hemisphere and it is summer). You cuddle together as you watch the sun go down

[shilp1707]

Understanding Portugal Destination Wedding Costs: Complete Guide

Planning your dream destination wedding in Portugal? Let's dive into the real Portugal destination wedding cost and what you can expect to invest in creating those unforgettable moments against the backdrop of this stunning European gem.

Why Portugal Continues to Charm International Couples

Portugal's allure as a wedding destination goes beyond its sun-kissed beaches and historic castles. The competitive Portugal destination wedding cost, compared to other European destinations, combined with spectacular venues and world-class vendors, makes it an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a celebration that offers both luxury and value.

Breaking Down Portugal Destination Wedding Costs

Every couple's vision is unique, but here's what you can typically expect to invest in a Portuguese wedding:

Base Investment Guidelines (2024):

50 guests: Starting from €25,000

100 guests: Starting from €50,000

150 guests: Starting from €75,000

Typical Budget Allocation:

Venue Rental: 20-25% of total budget

Catering Services: 23-35%

Décor and Furnishings: 7-13%

Photography and Videography: 10-18%

Entertainment and Audio: 7-14%

Beauty Services: 1-4%

Stationery and Design: 2-3%

Ceremony Officiant: 2-3%

Hidden Gems and Cost-Saving Opportunities

Understanding the portugal destination wedding cost includes knowing where you can find exceptional value:

Off-season celebrations (November-March) often come with significant savings

Regional Portuguese wines offer outstanding quality at reasonable prices

Local seasonal flowers can reduce floral design costs while maintaining luxury appeal

The White Dots Difference in Wedding Planning

At White Dots, we understand that managing your portugal destination wedding cost can feel overwhelming. That's why we've developed a systematic approach to help international couples navigate their budgets effectively. Our bespoke planning service includes:

Curated vendor selections aligned with your budget

Transparent cost breakdowns

Strategic budget allocation based on your priorities

Access to exclusive venue partnerships

Personalized design concepts that maximize your investment

Making Your Budget Work Smarter

Consider these factors when planning your Portugal destination wedding:

Season Selection Choose your date strategically - peak season (June-September) commands premium prices.

Location Impact Different regions offer varying price points:

Lisbon and Cascais: Premium pricing

Alentejo: Mid-range options

Northern Portugal: Often more budget-friendly

Style Considerations Your chosen wedding style significantly impacts the overall portugal destination wedding cost:

Traditional Portuguese Quinta: Often more cost-effective

Luxury Palace or Castle: Premium pricing

Beachfront Resort: Mid to high-range pricing

Investment in Peace of Mind

While it's possible to plan a destination wedding independently, working with a dedicated planner like White Dots often provides better value through:

Negotiated vendor rates

Avoided costly mistakes

Time and stress savings

Local expertise and connections

Seamless coordination of all elements

Real Value Beyond Numbers

Remember, your portugal destination wedding cost isn't just about the bottom line. It's an investment in:

An unforgettable experience for you and your guests

Professional support throughout the planning journey

Peace of mind during your celebration

A truly personalized event that reflects your story

Next Steps in Your Planning Journey

Ready to explore how to make your Portuguese wedding dreams a reality while working within your budget? White Dots specializes in creating bespoke wedding experiences that maximize your investment while delivering the celebration you've always imagined.

Understanding and managing your portugal destination wedding cost is crucial, and we're here to help you navigate every aspect. We invite you to reach out for a consultation where we can discuss your vision and help you understand how to make the most of your wedding budget in Portugal. Let's create something extraordinary together.

[poppiesandamber]

Poppies and Amber: Your Floral Haven in Sydney's Northern Beaches

Looking for a touch of nature to brighten your day in Sydney's Northern Beaches? Look no further than Poppies and Amber- flower delivery Sydney Northern beaches, your go-to florist for stunning flower deliveries.

Why Choose Poppies and Amber?

Fresh, Exquisite Blooms: Our team of expert florists hand-selects the finest flowers from local and international sources, ensuring that every bouquet is bursting with vibrant colors and fragrant aromas.

Personalized Service: Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to brighten someone's day, our friendly staff is dedicated to creating custom floral arrangements that perfectly reflect your style and preferences.

Prompt and Reliable Delivery: We offer convenient delivery services to all areas of Sydney's Northern Beaches, ensuring that your beautiful blooms arrive on time and in perfect condition.

Competitive Pricing: We believe that everyone should have access to the beauty of flowers. That's why we offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

Our Services:

Bouquets: From classic roses to trendy mixed arrangements, we have a bouquet to suit every taste and occasion.

Flower Arrangements: Our talented florists can create stunning arrangements for your home, office, or special events.

Flower Subscriptions: Enjoy the beauty of fresh flowers delivered to your doorstep on a regular basis with our convenient subscription service.

Funeral Flowers: We offer compassionate and respectful funeral flower arrangements to honor your loved ones.

Visit Our Store or Order Online:

Stop by our charming store located in the heart of Sydney's Northern Beaches to browse our selection of flowers and discuss your floral needs. Or, for your convenience, you can order your bouquet online and have it delivered directly to your door.

Discover the beauty of Poppies and Amber today!

[manlyflowerae]

valentines flower delivery

Surprise your loved one this Valentine's Day with romantic blooms from ManlyFower. Our expert florists craft beautiful bouquets delivered across Manly and Northern Beaches with love and care.

valentines flower delivery

[dustedmagazine]

Listed: Lanterna

Photo by Theo Merritt (c) 2021

Lanterna is the ambient shoegaze project of Champaign, Illinois veteran Henry Frayne, who, in the 1980s, played with midwestern bands including The Syndicate, ¡Ack-Ack!, Area, and The Moon Seven Times. In her review of Frayne’s seventh album as Lanterna, Hidden Drives, Jennifer Kelly noted that, “It hits a sweet spot in the overlap between ambient meditation and propulsive groove.” Here are some of the songs and artists that inspire Frayne.

The Past Seven Days — “Rain Dance”

I joined a Champaign band called ¡Ack-Ack! in 1984 and in addition to learning about group composition I gained access to their mix tape library and LP collection. One song on a mixtape was “Rain Dance,” a curiously long song for a 7" from a band that only released one 7".

A song with a guitar part that is almost all harmonics is stunning. Also, the dark and unsettling drones that hover at the edge of the sonic space (with indistinct voices and the insistent beat.) I’m not sure how many other guitarists it inspired but I have to say I did eventually end up recording a song using only harmonics. After all these years I am hearing the slow fadeout for the first time and those rather discordant notes at the very end.

Tubeway Army — “Me! I Disconnect From You”

My father always returned home from his travels with an LP for me from the places he had visited. In April of 1979 he and my mom were coming back from Europe and meeting me at my grandparents’ house in Riverside, NJ. I had been listening to a newly acquired copy of The Yes Album on an old console turntable when my father pulled out a copy of Tubeway Army’s Replicas from his luggage. He’d walked into a record shop in London before flying home and asked, “What's hot this week?”

One might wonder how this influential piece of vinyl affected me. How many copies of Replicas were in the US at that time? Did I start my own dystopian synth band in the garage when arriving in Maine that summer? Did I flee to the relative comfort of my progressive rock albums (where ironically the Minimoog had been in common use for some years!)? The answer is that Tubeway Army’s Replicas still sounds as mysterious as it did in the parlor of my grandparents’ house all those years ago.

StarCastle — “True To The Light”

My brother’s high school newspaper interviewed the resident local progressive rock band StarCastle in January of 1977 (at the local Champaign Pizza Hut on the U of I campus). My brother brought home the brand new Fountains of Light and I proceeded to put on Side 2 and was met with the heavenly flanged/chorused vocals of StarCastle’s “True To The Light.”

StarCastle were mostly local lads. Three of the members had graduated from my high school a few years before. They were signed to Epic Records at the time and recorded with Roy Thomas Baker (for two albums in one year). A friend delivered papers to their band house and hung out with them when they weren’t touring which was always! It was only in recently years that I’ve realized just how much StarCastle toured. They played with practically every band that passed through the Midwest and beyond in the mid-1970s.And it being the 1970s they thought nothing of releasing two RTB produced albums in the calendar year of 1977!

The StarCastle experience taught me that music on LP records can come from people who live in small towns just down the street from where one was playing Little League baseball.

The Chameleons — “On The Beach”

A blur of sound! It is still hard for me to believe that these songs were recorded in a conventional studio and not just sounds echoing through the glens captured by a bird watcher with a tape recorder in the Peak District.

Giles, Giles & Fripp feat. Judy Dyble — “I Talk To The Wind”

From reading about The Brondesbury Tapes it is apparent that they were recorded on a Revox reel to reel machine with the sound-on-sound function which allowed one to add a new part to an existing track (a function which could be repeated a number of times). This yielded a mono master, but it is in fact composed of multiple performances.

Before acquiring a Tascam 4-track I created songs using a Revox A77. As well as being able to create my first tape echo effects on the A77 it taught me a lot about mixing instrument parts together. It is fun to imagine the folks in Brondesbury Road going through the same process as I did to make this recording of “I Talk To The Wind.”

Blitz — “For You”

Another album borrowed from a member of ¡Ack-Ack!. It was the era of lightly chorused guitar and bass. I’ve always been in awe of the glassy sounding guitars on this track, and puzzled by the haltingly uncertain guitar solo near the end. One can feel the legendary ambience of Strawberry North throughout this track.

The Vertebrats — “Left In The Dark”

Sophomore year at Champaign Central High School a classmate started playing in a group called The Vertebrats. In December of 1979 I was in the audience in the chapel at the Red Herring Coffeehouse in Urbana, Illinois to see one of their earliest shows. The chapel would always sport a very reverberant sound but with vocals, two guitars (one a Fender Mustang favoring the treble pickup), drums, and bass it was an awesome experience. For one, there was someone I knew making this ruckus, in addition to the songs and particularly “Left In The Dark” being instant classics. I’d started seeing rock shows at the local arena the year before but never up close with the band playing at floor level. I had a handheld Sony tape recorder on loan during that time but sadly didn’t take it along to this legendary show.

The Beatles — “Only A Northern Song”

In June of 1974, following afternoon showings of The Seven Samurai, and Modern Times at the University of Illinois, my father and I did our usual rounds to the local new and used record emporiums. Record shops proper, but also The Salvation Army. It was here amongst the discarded shirts, slacks, pots, and pans that I spied the distinctive artwork of the Yellow Submarine soundtrack album. I’d seen the film a few years before when it was first in the theaters, and still had the songs buzzing in my head. Being able to listen to songs from a film at home was a new concept which I was willing to dive into. The band was most certainly not quite right but that was okay with me!

The Wild Flowers — “The Promised Land”

A purchase at Champaign’s Record Swap (still around, now in Urbana at Lincoln Square!) in the Fall of 1984. As was the case with The Sound’s Heads and Hearts, The Quaker would hand me an album from behind the counter and it would go on to influence me for years to come. My favorite guitar, bass, synth, and drum sounds of all time!

Yardbirds w/ Jimmy Page & Jeff Beck — Blow Up (1966)

With a father who taught film studies at the University of Illinois, it fell to him to once in a while check incoming acquisitions to the 16mm film library there. I’m sure that I didn’t see ALL of Antonioni’s Blow Up but I'm sure I bestirred myself from doing my grade school homework when the opening howl of “Stroll On” tore through the Frayne household one summer’s eve.

At the time I had no way of knowing that the chap on stage right was the very same guitarist playing some wicked (heavenly?) acoustic and electric guitar (including a Fender Electric XII) on a certain tune that WLS would be playing every hour on the hour for the next several years.

[chestnut-b]

Himawari Chapter 9

In which Iruka gets a bit of a winter cold.

Chapter 9 of a Demon Slayer AU

“All right. Class dismissed!”

There was a small chorus of happy cheers, and the children gathered for a respectful bow before running off for their morning break. Naruto wasted no time, grabbing Lee’s arm and pulling him towards the courtyard for sparring. The rest, having braved the chill long enough, retreated indoors.

Iruka watched them go with an exasperated, fond sigh. 

There was still some time before lunch, so he took the time to wander the school grounds, eventually coming to a stop outside the tea room. 

Sliding open one of the doors, the room was dark, and his shadow, cast on the floor, was a solitary one.

He smiled to himself wryly before sliding the door shut. He walked, turning the corner in the hallway, but his ears soon picked up the sounds of approaching footsteps behind him.

“Oiiii, Iruka.” Came a familiar drawl. 

Mizuki. He was dressed in his haori and outdoor sandals, his nichirin blade strapped proudly to his waist. He approached Iruka casually, his arms raised to brace the back of his head.

“It’s a sortie. We’ve just received orders to head out.”

That explained his attire, and certainly the smile that was plastered on his face. 

Iruka bowed his head.

“I see. May you and your squad see victory on the battlefield.” 

“Hmmm. Must be nice, getting to stay behind while we get sent out to die like rats.”

“Wha-,”

Iruka didn’t dodge the arm that shot out past his neck, pinning his body to the wooden post behind him. Mizuki’s gaze, seemingly nonchalant but laced with barely hidden disdain, bore into him. 

“I’ve been wondering for a while, you’ve been here for over two years now, and I still don’t know your rank, Iruka.” 

Iruka stood, still as stone. His fist closed into a ball.

“What does that have to do with anything?” 

“Just curious. They said you’d come as an apprentice of a former Hashira, but so far I haven’t seen anything to be impressed by.”

“Maybe there isn’t anything impressive about me to begin with?” Iruka raised his tone to match Mizuki’s.

“Heh. I heard when you came with that brat of yours, security got so much tighter. It’s still such a pain, to be honest.” Mizuki let down his arm, drawing back.

“The children here were all orphaned by demons. If we won’t protect them, who will?” 

“If they get killed, it’s because they weren’t strong or lucky enough, that’s all. If they’re going to be that pathetic, they’d be better off digging graves with the rest of the Kakushi. I’ve seen you go on and on about how we’re here for them, but in reality, some of us are just here for the paycheck.”

Iruka felt the heat rise up his neck. His nails were biting into his palm now, but he couldn’t refute the statement. Anyone could take the selections, it didn’t surprise him at all that more than a few entered the corp just to survive. 

“Maybe some of us are here for more than the paycheck then.”

Mizuki snorted, leaning back to rest his hand on the hilt of his blade. He was clearly bored of the conversation. 

“Well, have fun babysitting. I’m off to slay some demons. With a couple more under my belt, I’ll get promoted by the end of the year. That’s something to look forward to in this god-forsaken dump.”

Without another word, the slayer made himself scarce.

Alone, Iruka took a moment to dust off his uniform. He passed another set of corridors, and found himself outside the room he and Naruto shared. 

The tree that stood in the yard between him and the guest quarters was barren, its crown dotted by dry, empty nests against a grey, overcast sky. Months ago, when it was still green with life, he’d shared many conversations with a Hashira under its generous shade. 

The birds that flew by then had long since moved south.

A week later, on a quiet night under a full moon, he found himself standing beside Naruto before the compound’s prayer box. 

They prayed; for health, for each other, and for those they’d lost.

---------------------------------

The winter that came was harsh and unforgiving. 

Iruka lay shivering in his futon, face flushed with fever. He’d never taken to the cold well, especially as a child. In his delirium, he thought he could feel his mother’s warm hand against his cheek, or his father’s rough, calloused palm resting on his forehead. 

Being clear-headed was never more painful.

He’d moved to the tea room to make use of the closeness of the hearth. Naruto was as attentive as he could be, considering he’d been shooed away with Lee when he wasn’t delivering food or medicine. Sakura would peer into the room too, when she thought he was asleep. He’d open his eyes to see a cup of hand brewed tea at his bedside, smelling of herbs and flowers. Izumo and Kotetsu had taken up his duties in his absence, and he was never more grateful for them, as much as he disliked being away from the children.

He thought he was in the middle of another fever-induced dream when he heard a familiar bark accompanied by the sounds of light footsteps, amplified by the silence of the surrounding snow.

“Iruka-nii!” Whispered a dear voice.

He couldn’t help but smile, even if it did hurt his burning cheeks.

“Naruto? Do we have a visitor?”

Another bark.

“It’s Guruko!” Came the hushed proclamation. 

Naruto’s small hands pulled open a space in the door just wide enough for the hound’s slim body to slip through, and was shut just as quickly to prevent the heat from escaping. 

With effort, Iruka rolled to his side, resting his head on his arm to see the familiar red hound come to stand just above him. She was looking at him emphatically, and lowered her head to nudge him with a cold, wet nose. Iruka chuckled softly, patting the side of her face.

“It’s good to see you. I hope Kakashi-san hasn’t been overworking you guys.” 

Guruko whined softly and gave his palm a few good licks before turning around. It took a bit of fumbling, but Iruka eventually managed to undo the buttons to her small satchel. His fingers found the slip of paper they were looking for, and Iruka focused his eyes on the inky characters on the page.

Iruka-sensei,

If this finds you in the right circumstances, it means we’ve both survived another year, maybe. Much like starting a new Icha-Icha novel, the provisions you sent were consumed with much reverence -

Iruka rolled his eyes, groaning. That didn’t stop him from continuing though.

And since you so kindly offered, I’ve sent Guruko to request for a little more than just your attention. 

Regarding your souvenir, since you didn’t ask for anything reasonable, I’ve taken it upon myself to find something that could be worthy of your amusement. As I write this, I find myself holed up in a small fishing village on the northern coast. It is as miserably cold as you might expect, but the fish is delicious. Guruko was skulking around on the beach one morning and picked up a fine specimen. I’ve often been told you can hear the sound of the ocean if you hold it to your ear. Alas, on my first attempt, I nearly had mine torn off by a very unhappy critter. I hope you will have better luck with it than I.

It was signed off in the Hashira’s usual fashion.

Iruka paused. He dipped his hand back in Guruko’s satchel, and as he expected, found something solid and smooth. 

Ah, no good. His eyes were already starting to sting.

A conch shell, white and spotted brown, fit warmly in the cup of his palm, like something he could have picked up outside his childhood home, when it was still an acceptable preoccupation for a four year old shinobi.

And though he certainly didn’t have to put it to his ear to remember the sound of the ocean, he thought he would amuse Kakashi’s efforts. 

He closed his eyes, and surely enough, he saw the crouching figure of his child self, on the familiar beach, doing the same. 

The sound rushing in his ears was no doubt, that of the rolling tide. 

Iruka was pulled back to the present by a tongue lapping at his cheek. 

“Sorry, Guruko. Your master’s a bit of an idiot.” He sighed.

There was a bark of agreement, and the hound curled itself on the floor within arm’s reach. Iruka tucked the letter under his pillow, but kept the shell in his palm. Exhausted, he closed his eyes.

If the letter was still there when he awoke, he’d go through it again then. 

---------------------------------

Kakashi-san,

By the time this reaches you, the new year would have passed. As usual, the winters here are harsh, but Guruko’s presence was a welcome warmth. 

As you may know, Jiraiya-sama visits from time to time. He is, under the right influences, generous with his anecdotes of you. Had I not known your acquaintance, it would have been hard to believe that even the Hashira have their bouts of rebelliousness.

Your souvenir was well received, and worthy of much more than just my amusement. Among other things, I’m reminded of the fact that Naruto has never seen the ocean before. It would be nice if he could, some day.

Besides the usual provisions, you’ll find a small token of thanks. We do not have priests here, so it is lacking in the divine benefits, and is filled with nothing but sentiment. Nevertheless, know that my thoughts go with you, and the hounds, of course. 

Iruka

Under the warm, dim light of a paper lamp, Kakashi took a sip from a cup of tea. Guruko lay beside him, snoring softly. 

In his palm, a small, hand-stitched omamori. 

---------------------------------

Before he knew it, summer had come round once again. 

He was making his way through a rice field when he’d received word from a crow;

The Lightning Hashira is to report to the outpost in the Forest of Death for yearly evaluations at his earliest convenience.

Watching the crow take off into the sky, he couldn’t help but recall a certain conversation. 

When was the last time a crow brought you good news then?

The teacher’s grin when he answered was hard to forget. 

Without meaning to, Kakashi had leaned on that memory, more than once. Covered in blood, in the wretched cold, on the darker nights.

Not that he’d ever admit to it, of course.

Yearly evaluations huh, that’s new.

He wondered if Iruka had already been informed. He wouldn’t know when he’d arrive exactly, and Kakashi found himself thinking that sneaking up on his friend might make for a fun challenge. Watching him turn red and bristle would be its own reward.

They’d exchanged letters only once more since Guruko had returned that winter. The long nights always meant an increase in demon attacks; he’d not been able to spare any of the hounds for more trips back. She’d returned that time noticeably more distressed than he remembered ever seeing her. Knowing Iruka, he could think of a few reasons why, but as long as he’d not been summoned on some emergency, there was little to be done. There were lives to be saved and demons to be defeated wherever he went. 

Jiraiya being around brought him some ease of mind, at least. 

The letter that came in spring, to Kakashi’s amusement, had the distinct smell of gunpowder on it. Someone was having fun. Iruka spoke of dabbling in the art of explosions, now that the air was warmer and drier, with an enthusiasm he’d not quite known the teacher capable of.

It was rather...cute.

Just as the thought entered his mind, the cry of yet another crow caught his attention. A bird soon landed on the scarecrow he had just walked past, and looked at Kakashi haughtily. It stuck out a leg without even bothering to speak. The man looked at the bird humorlessly, walked back towards it, and took the message.

Kakashi,

Oyakata-sama tells me you’re due to be sent back for another evaluation. I’d like you to come by the estate on your way there. You’d be doing me a big favour.

It was signed with the Sarutobi clan seal.

Jeez, now everybody wants a piece of me. Kakashi sighed.

He didn’t know what business the retired Hashira had with him, but in all likelihood it had something to do with his former disciple. Hiruzen was probably the only person alive who knew anything significant about the man, and that was enough to make him feel a little less unwilling to make the long detour.

“Tell Sarutobi I’ll be seeing him soon” he said. 

The bird flew off with a shrill cry.

---------------------------------

End of Chapter 9

---------------------------------

A bit of an unintended chapter, this one, but certainly not one I regret writing. :D Naruto and Guruko are such cutie-pies! We’ll be seeing Sarutobi in the next chapter! (Artwork for that one is already all done, look forward to it!) I apologise for not being able to have any kind of consistency in the artwork (from my own hand, for my own story at that), I always just end up drawing however I feel like at the moment. 

Just so you know, I consider the version of AO3 to be the ‘definitive’ version of the story because sometimes I’m a dumbdumb who has to go and re-write certain bits. 

Again, thank you always for reading! I love reading your comments whenever I get them. <3

[tyron34ulyses678]

BOSS FLOWERS is a Florist located in NORTHERN BEACHES, SYDNEY. We deliver fresh beautiful blooms for every occasion that is important to you. Flowers are part of love and life

[thekeenanblogger]

Chiang Mai – Thailand’s Culture Capital

When we first started planning our honeymoon, the first thing we agreed on was that we wanted to meet elephants. We’d both had fantasies of seeing an elephant up close — and were pretty sure we would both burst into tears. It didn’t take much research to learn that the best place to do it was in Chiang Mai, the largest city in northern Thailand. We built our itinerary around having an ethical elephant experience, but in doing so, discovered our love for this incredible city.

After a short flight from Phuket and a fifteen-minute cab ride, we arrived at the Anantara Chiang Mai Resort. The hotel, situated on the grounds of the former British consulate, is a stunning collision of architectural grandeur against the urban epicenter surrounding it. Upon checking in, we were greeted with butterfly pea juice, matching jasmine necklaces and a short neck-and-shoulder massage by their talented spa staff, a practice we pray will make its way over to America.

Our room was a huge suite, decorated in minimalist bamboo with a giant terrace overlooking the garden.

The first thing we did after dropping off our bags in the room was catch the afternoon high tea, a hat tip to their British origin. The tea and pastries were as delicious as they were beautiful, and it was the perfect way to decompress after our journey while still keeping a touch of elegance.

We spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the grounds. Every detail of the hotel seemed to be chosen with precision -- from the lotus flowers floating in jars lining the riverwalk, to koi ponds filled with lily pads and meticulously manicured gardens.

While we could have easily spent our entire time inside the gates of the Anantara, its close proximity to the hub of nightlife in Chiang Mai made it especially appealing. The hotel is only steps from the famous Night Bazar, which stretches for blocks during the evening hours, seven nights a week. We picked up some Christmas presents, window-shopped and finally tasted the infamously smelly-but-delicious fruit, durien. For the record, I loved it. (Scott wasn’t such a huge fan.) For dinner, we walked to Ginger & Kafe, place I’d found online that specialized in Chiang Mai’s signature dish, khao soi, a spicy, rich stew that still has my mouth watering just thinking about it.

After checking out the nightlife in Bangkok and Phuket, we were curious what the gay scene would be like in Chiang Mai. Spoiler alert: we were not disappointed! Just a block from the Night Bazar, Charoenprathet Road houses a stretch of gay bars and cabarets. We stumbled into Ram Bar, a whimsically festooned bar at the end of the street just in time for their 10 PM nightly drag show. What followed was honestly one of the best evenings of drag either of these two homosexuals have ever seen. 

The incredible dancing and performance level of these queens was staggering and the special effects — which included haze, bubbles and, I kid you not, one of the performers lighting her own hands on fire — had us howling to the point that we both lost our voices. Plus, Scott got dragged onstage for an impromptu dance!

When researching places to meet elephants, we didn’t realize how much of a problem tourist operations are for these incredible animals. Thirty years ago, when Thailand outlawed the logging that had leveled more than half of its rainforests, thousands of elephants that had been used by the logging industry were out of work. Too traumatized — and too valuable — to return to the decimated forests, most of them were forced into the tourist trade. In zoos, circuses, and the illegal logging trade that still persisted, these elephants were torn from their herds, held in sub-standard conditions in crowded cities or tourist-heavy beach towns, and brutalized at the hands of humans. But thanks to the work of Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation center in northern Thailand, these incredible creatures are being given a new home. No rides, no abuse, no tricks to perform — just elephants living together in the forest, like they’re supposed to be.

Our day was spent with eight other people, getting to meet two elephants — both sisters, aged twenty and three years old. Through the course of the day we got to feed them, go on a trek with them through the jungle, bathe them in the river and feed them their daily vitamins. It was truly one of the greatest moments in either of our lives, getting to see these beautiful creatures up close and in a sprawling jungle environment free of cages or chains. The Elephant Nature Park philosophy is to let the elephants do whatever they please, never forcing them into an activity. Rather, these creatures are very social and always seemed to enjoy the human interaction, especially the parts that involved ripe bananas.

After taking the longest showers of our life (it’s impossible not to get muddy when playing with elephants), we checked out of the Anantara and headed over to the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai.

The Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai is, without question, one of the most incredible hotels in the world. Built by hundreds of traditional craftsmen in the style of a Lanna village, the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai makes guests feel like they’ve taken a step through time, wandering the streets of an idyllic Northern Thai city.

The villas — all large, luxurious and with individual architectural flourishes and floor plans — are secluded and peaceful, perfect for a romantic getaway. Our villa alone had to be ten times the size of our New York City apartment, complete with private pool and two stories of ultimate luxury.

The grounds, which extend for more than sixty acres, are dotted with temples, ponds, multiple pools, and immaculate gardens.

Shortly after checking in, we attended a private cooking lesson with Chef Juno, one of the chefs at Le Grand Lanna, one of the many restaurants on site.

Chef Juno guided us through a four course lunch menu of traditional Thai favorites. He was incredibly knowledgable and the perfect instructor. The food: unforgettable. We already have plans to recreate some of the dishes back home.

The staff at the Dhara Dhevi Chiang Mai made us feel so welcome and appreciated, from giving us a guided tour of the grounds to booking the perfect dinner table, with a prime seat to watch a traditional Thai dance performance in between courses.

During our stay we kept checking joking that it honestly felt like we were living in a dream, which is exactly what the Dhara Dhevi strives for. The hotel is so large that at times it felt like we had the place to ourselves. We couldn’t recommend it more to couples looking for an ultra-luxury hotel with a romantic setting that transports you into another world.

By the end of our honeymoon, we admit, we were pretty exhausted. Our two weeks were packed with such complete overload of the senses — from the pristine beaches that went on for miles, to the thumping music of Bangkok’s nightlife, to the most flavorful food we had ever tasted. We knew it would be hard to adjust back to normal life. But we find that our trip lives on, whether it be a funny anecdote that pops into our mind, or finding sand at the bottom of our suitcase and remembering the warm waters of Phang Nga Bay. We went off in search of a paradise, to find something untraditional and exotic, and Thailand delivered all that and more. As for being gay travelers? It went beyond feeling accepted. There is something every gay person feels in a new space – the feeling that you’re being clocked. In Thailand, no one ever batted an eye or looked twice as we held hands across a dinner table. It’s just not a part of Thai culture to judge. Now that we’re back in the states, the only thing to do now is plan our return.

[captainshop]

Buy from the best Convenience store and florist in Sydney

We provide free flower delivery to our local customers and also extraordinary delivery time across Northern beaches and ensures that the order is delivered on time without losing the nobility of the item. We are best convenience store for flowers and other gifts in Sydney for the same day online deliveries.

[thefloralstylistblog]

Forty Baskets

A bright pop of colour carefully crafted to brighten anyones day. A stunning use of colour, tones and texture all complimenting the final composition. If you are looking for colour, then this is the one to choose.

Our Forty Baskets bouquet is inspired by colour - content may vary

The image displayed is $120 + the vase

Why the name - The location of ‘Forty baskets’ is local to our Balgowlah, Fairlight and Balgowlah heights customers - Its a tiny little beach facing the harbour.

- You now also have the option to add a beautiful premium botanical paper wrap to your wrapped bouquet or vase of blooms + $10 for premium wrap (we will choose a paper to beautifully compliment your bouquet)

NOTE: Due to the increased wholesale cost of Imported roses your bouquet may or may not include roses on your chosen day of delivery. It will definitely be to value and will look stunning. We apologise for the inconvenience.

Where possible we always support our local Australian flower growers. This includes growers from Peats Ridge, Dural, Arcadia, Mangrove, Horsley Park and Melbourne. We love supporting our local flower growers whom are often 2nd and 3rd generation family businesses.

[cbjustmusic]

Three song tribute to Joni Mitchell by Chris Thile and Aoife O’Donovan.

Coyote

No regrets Coyote We just come from such different sets of circumstance I'm up all night in the studios And you're up early on your ranch You'll be brushing out a brood mare's tail While the sun is ascending And I'll just be getting home with my reel to reel

There's no comprehending Just how close to the bone and the skin and the eyes And the lips you can get And still feel so alone And still feel related Like stations in some relay You're not a hit and run driver, no, no Racing away You just picked up a hitcher A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway

We saw a farmhouse burning down In the middle of nowhere In the middle of the night And we rolled right past that tragedy Till we turned into some road house lights Where a local band was playing Locals were up kicking and shaking on the floor And the next thing I know That Coyote's at my door He pins me in a corner and he won't take "No!"

He drags me out on the dance floor And we're dancing close and slow Now he's got a woman at home He's got another woman down the hall He seems to want me anyway Why'd you have to get so drunk And lead me on that way You just picked up a hitcher A prisoner of the white lines of the freeway

I looked a Coyote right in the face On the road to Baljennie near my old home town He went running through the whisker wheat Chasing some prize down And a hawk was playing with him Coyote was jumping straight up and making passes He had those same eyes - just like yours Under your dark glasses Privately probing the public rooms And peeking through keyholes in numbered doors Where the players lick their wounds And take their temporary lovers And their pills and powders to get them through this passion play

No regrets, Coyote I just get off up aways You just picked up a hitcher A prisoner of the white lines on the freeway

Coyote's in the coffee shop He's staring a hole in his scrambled eggs He picks up my scent on his fingers While he's watching the waitresses' legs He's too far from the Bay of Fundy From Appaloosas and Eagles and tides And the air conditioned cubicles And the carbon ribbon rides Are spelling it out so clear Either he's going to have to stand and fight Or take off out of here I tried to run away myself To run away and wrestle with my ego And with this flame You put here in this Eskimo In this hitcher In this prisoner Of the fine white lines Of the white lines on the free, free way

Songwriter: Joni Mitchell

Marcie

Marcie in a coat of flowers Steps inside a candy store Reds are sweet and greens are sour Still no letter at her door So she'll wash her flower curtains Hang them in the wind to dry Dust her tables with his shirt and Wave another day goodbye

Marcie's faucet needs a plumber Marcie's sorrow needs a man Red is autumn green is summer Greens are turning and the sand All along the ocean beaches Stares up empty at the sky Marcie buys a bag of peaches Stops a postman passing by And summer goes Falls to the sidewalk like string and brown paper Winter blows Up from the river there's no one to take her To the sea

Marcie dresses warm its snowing Takes a yellow cab uptown Red is stop and green's for going Sees a show and rides back down Down along the Hudson River Past the shipyards in the cold Still no letter's been delivered Still the winter days unfold Like magazines Fading in dusty grey attics and cellars Make a dream Dream back to summer and hear how He tells her Wait for me

Marcie leaves and doesn't tell us Where or why she moved away Red is angry green is jealous That was all she had to say Someone thought they saw her Sunday Window shopping in the rain Someone heard she bought a one-way ticket And went west again

Songwriter: Joni Mitchell A Case of You

Just before our love got lost you said, I am as constant as a northern star And I said, "Constantly in the darkness, Where's that at? If you want me I'll be in the bar."

On the back of a cartoon coaster In the blue TV screen light I drew a map of Canada Oh, Canada With your face sketched on it twice.

Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine You taste so bitter and so sweet Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling And I would still be on my feet Oh, I would still be on my feet

Oh, I am a lonely painter I live in a box of paints. I'm frightened by the devil And I'm drawn to those ones that ain't afraid.

I remember that time you told me You said, "Love is touching souls." Surely you touched mine. 'Cause part of you pours out of me In these lines from time to time.

Oh, you're in my blood like holy wine You taste so bitter and so sweet. Oh, I could drink a case of you, darling And still I'd be on my feet I would still be on my feet

I met a woman She had a mouth like yours She knew your life She knew your devils and your deeds. And she said, "Go to him, stay with him if you can but be prepared to bleed."

Oh, but you are in my blood You're my holy wine You're so bitter bitter and so sweet. Oh, I could drink a case of you darling still I'd be on my feet I would still be on my feet

Songwriter: Joni Mitchell

[poppiesandamber]

Poppies and Amber: Your Local Flower Delivery Expert in Sydney's Northern Beaches

Need a floral touch to brighten your day? Look no further than Poppies and Amber, your go-to florist for stunning flower delivery Sydney Northern Beaches.

Why choose Poppies and Amber?

Local Expertise: We are deeply rooted in the Northern Beaches community, understanding your unique floral preferences and needs.

Fresh, High-Quality Blooms: Our flowers are sourced from the freshest suppliers, ensuring vibrant colors and long-lasting beauty.

Customized Arrangements: Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to brighten someone's day, we create personalized arrangements tailored to your taste.

Reliable Delivery: Our dedicated delivery team ensures your flowers arrive on time and in perfect condition, no matter where you are in the Northern Beaches.

Competitive Pricing: We offer affordable floral solutions without compromising on quality or service.

Our Services:

Flower Delivery: We deliver fresh flowers to your home, office, or any special venue in the Northern Beaches.

Same-Day Delivery: Need flowers urgently? We offer same-day delivery for most orders placed before our cut-off time.

Occasional Bouquets: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or other special occasions with our beautiful bouquets.

Funeral Flowers: We provide compassionate funeral flower arrangements to honor your loved ones.

Corporate Flowers: Add a touch of elegance to your office or impress clients with our corporate flower arrangements.

[manlyflowerae]

Where Can You Find Stunning Valentine's Flowers in Manly and Northern Beaches?

Bright floral treats can be found in the scenic areas of Manly and the Northern Beaches when searching for gorgeous Valentine's Day flowers. Local Manly flower factories cater to every romantic whim, even if it's to celebrate love, show affection, or send heartfelt sentiments. These florists provide a extensive assortment to accommodate any palate and favorite, ranging from traditional roses to unusual flowers. They assurance that every preparation is expertly created with thorough attention to detail and a passion for flowery artistry. These florists provide easy services for anyone looking to send Valentine's Day flowers to spread love and happiness on this memorable day.

Seeing Manly and the Northern Beaches' Floral Wonders Nuzzled along Sydney's magnificent coastline, Manly and the Northern Beaches radiate charm and natural attractiveness. Nestled against this tranquil landscape is a booming floral scene that provides both locals and travelers with an incredible selection of beautiful flowers to adorn their special occasions. Manly and Northern Beaches' Blooms: A Floral Extravaganza There's a lovely choice for anyone watching for flowers in Manly or the Northern Beaches. The gorgeous arrangements that local florists create capture the essence of romance and celebration, ranging from definitive roses to exotic orchids. These florists make unquestionable that every arrangement they create is a work of art, even if it's a urbane arrangement for a special time or a colourful bouquet to make somebody's day.

Flower Shops Around Me: Easy Floral Options Where to find flower shops near Manly and the Northern Beaches? Convenience meets quality. Residents and visitors can readily obtain beautiful flowers for any occasion thanks to the area's numerous boutique florists. For those beholding for the ideal floral procedure, there are plenty of options, from appealing boutiques tucked away in hidden bends to quaint shops settled in busy shopping boroughs. Valentine's Day Flowers: Sending Warmth and Love Valentine's Day offers a chance to convey love and affection using flowers as a language. Flowers on Valentine's Day speak loudly thanks to the extraordinary work of florists in Manly and the Northern Beaches. Classic red rose delivery sydney of passion; delicate flowers are symbolic of eternal love.

Flower Shop Manly: Creating Artistic Floral Creations Flower shops are everywhere in the heart of Manly, each providing a special combination of imagination and knowledge. These passionate florists source the freshest flowers available and create stunning arrangements that awe the senses. Manly's flower shops can fashion visions come true, even if it's a basic bunch for a laid-back get-together or a imposing centrepiece for an profligate event. Sending Love and Romance with Valentine's Day Flowers

Valentine's Day flower delivery services provide a practical means of bringing happiness and romance to individuals who are unable to attend in person. Customers may pick the ideal arrangement and have it delivered right to their loved one's door with only a few clicks. These services make sure that love has no boundaries, whether it's a thoughtful gift to a sweetie who lives far away or a surprise delivery to the office. Lastly, Manly and the Northern Beaches provide a flourishing floral scenery where locals and tourists can enjoy the splendour of nature's profusion. Expressing love and thankfulness with flowers has never been humbler or more enjoyable cheers to the wide variety of floret shops and opportune delivery services existing.

[petshopboyss]

pet shop boys share their favourite things interview

‘Lowe says nothing, just carries on eating his chocolate bar. He has the benign look of a dog who's just had his dinner. I begin. “Okay, well, this Favourite Things piece is just a bit of fun,” I say. There is a short pause. 

“We don’t really do fun, we do ranting,” deadpans Tennant. Lowe chirps up: “Neil's only done two rants today.” And Tennant bats the ball straight back: “I’ve done being gay and politics...”

This, then, is the essence of their double act: one serves, the other returns. Let the games begin.’

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDHOOD TOY? Neil: Train set. Actually it was my cousin’s train set, it was passed down to us. It was on a green board. Potter’s Bar station. Even now when I get the train to my house in Durham and I go through Potter’s Bar I think of it. It didn’t even occur to me it was a real place until I moved to London.  Chris: I had, it was like a Scalextric but it wasn’t. I think it was called Minitrix, but it was made by Hornby and the two were linked together. My brother had a train set so you could have a level crossing and you’d have to stop the car to let the train go past. It was fantastic.  Neil: The train going round the villages and little plastic cows… I would have fantasies about where it was. I still would now. I have a very strong fantasy life, which is probably why I do what I do. I could look at this coffee table and imagine it was a country.

  SUBJECT AT SCHOOL Neil: History. Still my favourite subject. My history teacher, Frank Keegan, [goes into hysterics] used to be known as Underpants Frank because he wore big Y-fronts and he tucked his shirt into them. He was actually ahead of his time … underwear above his trousers in the 1960s.  Chris: [A little nonplussed] That is weird. I didn’t have a favourite subject. I was a bit of a swot but school was just a means to an end, so I could get to university to do architecture.

  WAY TO WASTE TIME Chris: Well, I spend a lot of time comatose in front of the telly…  Neil: Going through my iTunes finding artwork for tracks I haven’t got artwork for.  Chris: …I’ll spend hours flicking through the hundred-and-odd channels on Sky. Just going round and round and round. I really like doing nothing. Literally nothing.  Neil: What do you mean, literally nothing?  Chris: Watching the television. Flicking.  Neil: Chris has always liked watching television. I was reading this book about John Lennon and I’m thinking, “Who does this remind me of…?” Chris! John Lennon is just at home all the time watching the television and sleeping!

PLACE IN THE WORLD Chris: I’m very happy in a very nice hotel room. Anywhere. 

Neil: You’re probably in your bathrobe.  Chris: Luxuriating in the bathroom, with all the products. You switch your phone off. No one knows where you are. You’re lying on fantastic Frette bedding… Maybe you’re in Miami, or something like that.  Neil: And you’re filling out the card for breakfast. [Laughs] I only learnt to drive last year. I passed my test on the first attempt. There’s this big moor close to where I live near Durham, where I love driving. I have my dog in the back of the car. He’s a Lakeland terrier called Kevin. So, Kevin’s looking out of the back and he’s hoping he’s going to get a walk. And I might stop the car and just smell the air, which is really peaty and fresh…

TIME OF DAY

Neil: Breakfast. First thing in the morning the day is full of expectations.  Chris: Lunchtime.

TIME OF YEAR Chris: Spring, because you can sense the season’s change and you think, “Great, we’re back” and you feel “Weh-hey” and you can see all the buds and leaves growing.  Neil: Mine’s ruled by hay fever. I had a hay fever injection this morning. I’m allergic to trees. The beginning of summer; although it’s all a bit sad because you think it’s going to end. And at the end of autumn, I love walking home at half-past-four and everyone’s got their lights on and they haven’t shut their curtains yet. It’s cold but you’re going to have a nice cup of tea when you get in.

ANIMAL Chris: Dog. I love dogs. I just find their faces so funny, they crack me up. They always look so happy when you’re all in the room together, it’s like “Ah, we’re all here.”  Neil: Mine’s a dog as well. But I like guinea fowl.  Chris: Because you can eat them?  Neil: I had a load in my garden. The only thing is they make a bit of a mess, they shit everywhere, and they make a lot of noise. They’re not that favourite actually. But they look so funny because they have tiny little heads and these great big bodies. And they walk right round the garden, round the perimeter, and it takes them all day. They look like dowager duchesses.

  FLOWER Chris: Well, the other day I bought a load of tulips.  Neil: Tulips! That’s mine. That’s my answer.  Chris: They’re such gorgeous colours. They are like a pink.  Neil: I will buy, like, just white ones, and I like them crammed in one vase. I like arts and crafts furniture and the tulip is often a symbol in them because it’s a very beautiful shape.

COLOUR  Neil: I don’t have a favourite colour. But I always buy everything black.  Chris: I think the colour I would go for most would be blue.  Neil: Blue for a boy.  Chris: Although I do like wearing outrageous colours as well. Like cerise.

  SMELL Neil: I think I am one of those people that likes the smell of wet grass in the morning.  Chris: I used to love - I still like - the smell of the London Underground.  Neil: When I first came to London I used to get the Northern Line to Kentish Town and recently I got the Northern Line and I thought, “God, It smells exactly the same.” It smells different from the Circle Line. And the Victoria Line still has a slightly new smell; when I first came to London it had just opened.

HOUSE YOU’VE LIVED IN Neil: I had a house in Rye in Sussex for ten years and in some ways I regret selling it. I sometimes think about it, and mentally walk around it. My bedroom had a bay window and you could see the harbour.  Chris: I liked this bungalow that we all lived in when we were kids in Blackpool, and there was a big field opposite and a rose garden, and a bit round the back where we could play on this big tree.

POSITION TO SLEEP IN  Neil: I sleep on my right side.  Chris: I toss and turn a lot.

JOB BEFORE MUSIC Neil: Smash Hits. I was the Assistant Editor at Smash Hits in a great period of pop music, 82-85.  Chris: I went from being a student to this. But I always had summer jobs in Blackpool, and I think the most fun one was being a ride operator on the Pleasure Beach. It was a bit - what was that film?  Neil: That’ll Be The Day [1973 cult hit in which David Essex and Ringo Starr pick up girls on the dodgem cars].  Chris: It was all a bit like that [belly laugh].

FILM Chris: I can’t keep saying The Sound of Music. What else?  Neil: John Waters?  Chris: What are you going to say?  Neil: I always say The Servant. Although actually it tails off, the last half hour is not very good.  Chris: Actually, the last half hour of The Sound of Music’s not brilliant.  Neil: There’s a very strong argument for The Sound of Music finishing at the wedding.

MOVIESTAR Neil: I very much like Marlene Dietrich. I like that icy glamour. The thing about Marlene Dietrich is that she’s not really that good-looking. Truly glamorous people are not normally beautiful. Jackie Kennedy is not beautiful - she’s funny-looking.  Chris: I’d probably say James Dean.  Neil: [Aghast] Do you like his films?  Chris: That wasn’t the question. Didn’t say the films had to be any good.

DAYTIME SHOW Chris: I could run you through my viewing: I get up at nine o’clock to watch the papers being reviewed on The Wright Stuff, then I switch to This Morning. Then there is the joy of Loose Women. Then it’s Countdown, then maybe Neighbours and Home and Away.  Neil: It’s a whole day’s work.  Chris: I don’t like the cooking programmes, got no interest in them.  Neil: I’m afraid I simply don’t watch the television. I live in Chelsea in a late-Georgian house and my television is in the basement.  Chris: I’ve got a television in every room. [Laughs] I never want to be far from a telly.

THING YOU COOK YOURSELF  Neil: Well. It used to be the notorious Neil Tennant grim stir-fry, which is brown rice, broccoli and soy sauce. That’s it. Surprisingly tasty. It’s all about the soy sauce. However, I now cook roast chicken. But to be perfectly honest, in London, when you live near Jenny Lo’s Tea House, There’s no reason to cook for yourself. The only reason I don’t have it every day is that it’s the same guy who delivers it and I get embarrassed. I always give him a massive tip. It always costs £15 and I give him £20.  Chris: None of my dishes are favourite, or anything I like that much. They’re just functional, eating things. So maybe Penne Arrabbiata. I always cook the same things. I often get pre-prepared chicken pies from Marks & Spencer - they only take 30 minutes. I should really go the whole hog and get a microwave: dinner in six minutes.  Neil: You love your chicken pies.  Chris: Chicken pies. Chicken kievs. [Laughs] They do good breaded chicken. What I like is everything is ready to put in the pan, all washed and everything.

TIPPLE  Neil: Red wine. I only drink red wine and champagne. Very occasionally I drink beer in Germany because it’s very good. And if I was in Russia I might have a vodka.  Chris: I like all of them. Depending on the time of day. Sometimes there’s nothing better than an ice-cold beer, is there?

COMEDIAN  Chris: Steve Coogan. I was really honoured - I went to see him recently at the Hammersmith Apollo and he made a very cruel joke involving the Pet Shop Boys and I was thrilled.  Neil: Who’s Mr G, what’s his real name?  Chris: Oh. Chris Lilley.  Neil: Chris Lilley. Summer Heights High. My favourite character is - Chris: Ja’mie.  Neil: Ja’mie! [They both laugh]

COLLABORATION  Neil: Dusty, I think. I can’t believe it’s ten years since she died. And she’s now a genuine legend.  Chris: Yeah. Dusty. I’d agree with that.

ITEM OF CLOTHING  Chris: [Camping it up] Oh I never have anything to wear! I wear these Y3 trainers all the time because they are incredibly comfortable. If I like something I tend to wear it to death, until it has to be thrown out.  Neil: I have a pair of boots that I like. Which are not these. I actually don’t like these very much. [Sticks out his foot over the coffee table and inspects it] I’m wearing these Yamamoto Dr Martens and I think they’re too clumpy. I made a decision at lunch not to wear them again.  Chris: [Teasing] It’s good that they were really cheap then, isn’t it?  Neil: These were 230 quid.  Chris: [To me] Can you imagine? For a pair of Doc Martens!  Neil: I’m going to take them to Durham and use them for walking in… Um. I’ve got a pair of Patrick Cox - when Patrick Cox was still Patrick Cox - boots that I wear all the time. But I’ve stopped wearing them recently because they have become part of my official outfit. I wore them at the BRITs, with that Gareth Pugh coat. I was wearing the Patrick Cox boots with the trousers tucked in and the stylist said it looked great so suddenly they went, “Hello, I’m now part of the Pet Shop Boys’ wardrobe, hands off me!”

SONG BY ANOTHER ARTIST  Chris: Oh, That’s too big.  Neil: I can’t think of any songs at all now, of course.  Chris: Ain’t No Stopping Us Now by McFadden & Whitehead. That is my default position.  Neil: My default song is I Don’t Want To Hear It Anymore by Dusty Springfield.  Chris: [Jokes] Well, don’t listen to it then.

SONG Of YOURS  [Long silence]  Neil: It changes. I don’t think about it very much. We are writing this ballet. There’s a piece of music, the duet, but I can’t remember what we’ve called it. It’s Scene Six.  Chris: Last night I was going through iTunes and I listened to The Survivors by us, which I thought was really good.

SIN  Neil: They’ve all got something going for them… actually my least favourite is envy.  Chris: Envy, lust are bad ones, because going through life being lustful is just obscenity. Sloth’s pretty good. [Laughs]  Neil: You’re definitely more slothful, I’m more gluttony meets - what’s drunkenness called?

SAYING  Neil: You can’t make chicken soup out of chicken shit.  Chris: [Laughs] It’s Tom, our old producer [Tom Watkins was the Pet Shop Boys’ manager from 1985 to 89].  Neil: It’s completely stupid, it sums him up. We still say it though.  Chris: We just tend to repeat people that we know’s catchphrases. We had another manager and she used to say, “Well, you’ve had a good go.” [Laughs] Old Mitch [Mitch Clark, 1998-2003]. She was “Upwards and onwards as well”

[sohannabarberaesque]

So what's Sneezly Seal's latest sneeze-inducing trigger now?

[Mise en scene: Some wild and untrammelled tundra outside of Nome, Alaska, lush with the likes of lupine and forget-me-not, among other flowers common to the High North. Therein we find no less than Breezly Bruin and his pinniped compadre, Sneezly Seal, out lolling about on a northern summer's day ...]

SNEEZLY SEAL, somewhat pensive: Uh, Breezly ... is it just me, or--

[Sneezly's sneeze reflexes start gagging up, prompting his polar bear companion, Breezly Bruin, to attempt intervention, only Sneezly delivers a rather potent sneeze as has him flying literally backwards]

BREEZLY BRUIN, in his somewhat klutzy manner: Geschund--[getting rather startled at what just ensueth] HEIT!!!! And whatever happened to Sneezly Seal, to begin with?!!

[At any rate, Sneezly could be seen sailing through the air at a considerable sneeze-accelerated rate of speed for some two miles before splashing into Safety Sound, Breezly Bruin all the while chasing him out of concern that his pinniped pal might drown suddenly. On reaching its shores, Breezly Bruin could be seen huffing and puffing away, wondering what happened to Sneezly all along until the seal's head pokes above the water]

SNEEZLY SEAL, exuberantly: Come on in, Breezly; the water's fine!

[Which has the polar bear, otherwise driven unto ennui with the shock deactivation of Camp Frostbite, somehow stunned at how such was possible to begin with. Still, Breezly couldn't resist the idea of joining in with Sneezly on an afternoon's swim in Safety Sound, much refreshing fascination ensuing in especially the underwater portions. A little later--]

BREEZLY BRUIN, reaching into a rucksack he likes keeping on the beach: Nothing less than pilot biscuits, cheese and moose summer sausage for supper!

SNEEZLY SEAL: At least that's more interesting than when I sailed into the sound on a rather explosive sneeze!

BREEZLY BRUIN, getting somewhat philosophical: Think nothing of it, my pinniped friend!