H&Alover

My thought exactly Red, Bella has had a Birthday since she's been in the bay, even if we didn't see it, but I'm sure we saw a muffin with a candle in it, unless my memory has finally failed me? That was one low key 18th, but at least it was remembered unlike Ryder's who I guess had other things on his mind. I thought TAFE had been deferred for a year when she went into therapy? She is stronger now, but glad to see flashes of the old, good Bella. I think that is what Evan was planning to do too, stay awhile, give Ryder some good memories of him, then leave and at some point someone would let him know Evan had died. Spooky his saying almost the same words Robbo as in he didn't want Ryder to see him die. It is Ryder that is wanting him to stay so Evan isn't being selfish in that regard. Mac is being very understanding in letting him take time off, but Evan won't be happy he's quit to look after him, he wants Ryder to be his son, not his carer. Roo got it spot on when Evan said Ryder was stubborn and she asked him 'wonder who he gets that from?' Could say the same about Alf and her. Yes Maggie - she has gone from begging Ben to give them another chance to accusing him of having a red hot affair. Ben was taking liberties just walking in the house like that, it is something that is usually understood, the person who has left, knocks on the door not march straight in. Of course that accusation had to come up, was he getting revenge on what she did! Ben has told her nothing happened, yes they did sleep together, but it was really sleeping. Maybe that is why Gemma approached Maggie to reaffirm what Ben had said, not that Maggie would take her word for it anyway. Where, though, did 'you swooped right in' and 'didn't you notice his wedding ring' come from, Gemma doesn't look or seem the predatory female type. It didn't matters at all when Maggie saw Ben talking to Gemma on Salt's balcony and give her arm a reassuring pat. Loved Dean's call to Ziggy about WWIII breaking out between her mum and dad. See Alf asks Marilyn asks a very pertinent question tonight., one that has already crossed my mind.

Ari overacted when Colby asked a perfectly innocent question as to whether he had seen anything the night before, it's what he would have asked anyone who had been around the night before. Correction btw the till was empty so I'm guessing whoever it was opened it expecting there to be money in it and got angry when there wasn't. The Parata's are all assuming the worse, comes with having dodgy pasts I guess. After the macho stuff finished they actually all agreed to stick together and show an united front, Ari has stopped being so suspicious of Tane, so some good has come out of it. Nik has a black hoody and maybe he came home as there wasn't any money in the till. Gemma was an ex employee and Leah had forgotten about her, until Justin(?) gave her memory a nudge. What about the customers that pass through and not all locals we know. Gemma had heard about the break-in and must have realised her prints as someone who used to work there and who still uses the place would have to be taken for elimination purposes if nothing else so now who's acting suspicious. At least there won't be many prints to pick as Leah would have wiped the place down after she closed up. Irene is on holiday don't forget. Her refusing as she had a right to do is get Colby's antenna twitching. Has Gemma got a record or would have her prints been taken as a result of what Mikaere did. Nifty little machine they now use to take prints, they are straight to the National Data Base, none of that rolling your fingers on that black ink, sending them off to the lab which took ages. That was a relief Leah asked Justin to give her a hug. Is she ready to go back, she will tend to be wary of any new customers or even others she doesn't know that well. Alf did the right thing seeing how worried Ryder was and Even did have the sense not to ignore his symptoms and went to get himself checked out. Good thinking on Ryder's part to work out where Even would likely be and stop him leaving. How far would he have got on that bus before he needed help? Guess he's inherited Evan's stubborn streak.

If it was Nik why did he go back home afterwards? He was acting shifty though, we've heard enough times Tane has bad guy tendencies, but violence, even accidentally? Tane admitted to Nik handled things badly after Mikaere died but learnt being on his own isn't easy and he's an adult whereas Nik is still young so would find it harder. There must have money left in the till because Justin saw it open and checked it and echoes of the attack on Alf by Dean & Willow. Leah's description which got Ari's antenna twitching - tall, dark haired could fit many guys in the bay - Ben, Ari, Tane, Nik even Justin! If he wasn't a pro, be fingerprints about the place. Before that it looked like Ari and Mac were going to meet up later. Her comment about how she was expecting a fireman not a construction worker was cute. She was good at putting Nik straight too. Leah may not have been physically badly hurt, maybe bruised when she was knocked down, but definitely more psychological damage for her, just as she was getting back on track, now she's retired into herself again, but Justin is handling it well, well on the surface. He was very gentle but firm with her. I'm glad he was able to confide in Roo and wasn't trying to be all macho as in 'I can cope with this'. I feel for Justin too, just as he was thinking all is OK, this happens and is worried it will take longer this time. Luckily Roo hadn't gone home so was nearby and could help with Leah until the police arrived. Isn't the other bedroom Tori's? I know the place was empty but the Diner still seemed an odd place to conduct a police interview in, wouldn't have thought Leah would have felt comfortable going back in there so soon. Gemma must have done her three days as we just kept missing her on screen. Ryder told Evan he knew then but could have phrased it better which he admitted later. Like I've been saying Evan didn't want Ryder to know right away as he didn't want that hanging over them before they'd got to know each other better. Looked like it could have been too late and he'd gone, but he's seen being wheelchaired into NDH. Roo wisely and with advice from Martha let Ryder alone until he approached her.

Well we know Nik won't be following Bella's wishes whatever they were, let's hope Colby does, so easy to slip back into bad habits, Colby is still her big brother and will still want to look out for her. Was Bella at the gig? Not the best way for Maggie to find out about Gemma and Ben's platonic night together, only the two of them and how many millions of us viewers know they kissed. Yep maybe he could have said something to her, more so she didn't find out the way she did, rather than because they are still a couple. Could there be a hint of truth in that Ben did it get back at her, even if was an unconscious thought on his behalf? Fingers and everything else crossed Maggie doesn't find out Ziggy knew and didn't say anything. Nearly touch and go Evan would be able to perform and as he told Alf he was nervous because although he'd performed in front of thousands playing in front of his son was so very different. Evan's condition has to be real serious if he's got an oxygen tank with him. Well done Alf for just carrying on as normal, see he can do discreet. Laughed seeing him all fidgety when filing in for Evan in the lighting test. Loved Martha's oriental top. Ryder pulled it off, gig was a great success. Even if the TAFE hospitality assignment was a ruse to pull all that together in few days was quite an achievement. Oh that song, agree very moving, had Roo, Ryder, it really floored him (and me) crying. So tender and loving, poignant how the song was written 19 years, six months and 23 days ago so had been thinking of Quinn even if he wasn't there and he's had it with him for all that time. Good on you Justin taking the camera off Ryder, would have been very shaky film otherwise. Tane, to give him his due, did try and get though to Nikau but sadly to no avail, Alf even generously offered him his job back which he turned down. That attack on Leah is going to put her back in her recovery, pretty much signalled when we saw her leave her phone behind, she'd walk back in at the wrong time. Was the money taken from the till, surely they don't leave money in it overnight? Tane, going by the trailer is blamed by Ari for it, but my bet is it's Nik who was planning on doing a runner.

Re-watching it the letters were for Colby, Nikau and Irene. Bella's not doing a runner then as she left Colby's on his bed, gave Nik his and put Irene's in her drawer, I suppose so Colby can give it to her when she gest back? I liked that we 'heard' what she wrote to Colby, it certainly gave him pause for thought. It was very well written and articulate, must have been plenty of screwed up sheets of paper lying around at the farm. I'm getting the feeling she's not sticking around but is going off to do her own thing, understand why she's included Irene and Nikau at a stretch, it was him who inadvertently tipped her over the edge, but nothing for Ryder who has been a good mate to her. Lovely seeing them greet each other like that and that he confided in her about Even, but added he didn't know he knew he was dying so to keep it quiet. When she met up with Nik it still seemed awkward between them and what could she have put in his letter that made him throw his toys out of the pram? Going out on a limb here but maybe it's because he's losing someone else as in Bella is leaving the bay. Luckily it was just cardboard boxes he was taking his frustration out on but Alf got a mouthful. One point - did Colby really not know what mucking out meant? I'm a townie and I know. Music isn't necessary we can see perfectly well what is going on and don't need any prompts. It would have spooked Tori even if Jasmine reassured her she was holding the carrot, but it said in the forum for a teething baby to chew on a carrot, but Grace hasn't got any teeth yet so can't chew it. Not a big ask for Jasmine to run it by Tori first, Tori may have already tried it and Grace didn't like it, why can't they work together on it? Back to the forum and my 'sister-in-law' keeps telling me what to do with 'my baby'. What's the betting Tori won't mention it to Justin. Buddy, being a dog, would I imagine, have to follow the same rules as young children, not have too much screen time. Those scenes do look scary, hope TPTB didn't keep the cast and crew outside any longer than they needed to. ? Cat out of bag tonight re Ben and Gemma.

I'm relieved Ben and Gemma called it a day, neither of them are in the right place, although it may have given Gemma a boost to know she is still attractive to other men. Whether there is a touch of tit for tat with Ben, it's not fair on Gemma, both in rebound mode at the moment. That was a quick departure by Tane and Nik, I just thought they weren't about. Dean was right about Ziggy not telling Maggie, there was nothing to tell and anyway it, whatever it was, is over now so she would have been upsetting her needlessly. If Ben wants to tell her he will. Martha doesn't know John like Alf and we do. Alf did get through to him though, he is just being stubborn without giving Marilyn a chance, if that was the other way round, he'd be there for her. Shane Withington is playing the part of a stroke survivor quite well, luckily he has his speech which is a good advantage, would be easy to overplay it or even underplay it. As Tori, who knows first hand, explained every case and person is different, so there is no definitive answer as to how long it will take. and how much use of his arm and leg he'll get back. Marilyn also has to learn not to fuss too much. Alf will be a god contrast and not let him wallow too much. A lot depends on the person themselves and how they handle it and a good support team helps too, Jett should know, maybe not much he could do on a practical basis but he'd could give John mental backup. John did, wisely I think, bring up the matter of their marriage having been in trouble before this so I hope Marilyn isn't doing this to prove herself a good wife/carer. May be nothing but she hasn't told John she loves him. OK, Jasmine looking up remedies to ease babies teething is fine and dandy, Tori may well be a doctor, Jasmine is a nurse, but as Jas told Willow when it comes to your own baby it's a different matter and all the medical stuff out there isn't a one size fits all, so she's helping out, but then posting on the forum as Jasmine????(can't remember the digits) asking about 'her' baby now that is worrying. Looks like she gets into trouble tonight in public, by feeding Grace a carrot to suck on, she should have checked with Tori, Grace could have swallowed it. Bella is back then and avoiding Colby, she seemed a lot brighter, Colby didn't take the news too well and had be reined in Dean, rather a hesitant meeting between them. What's with the notes, to Colby Nik and Willow?- nothing for Ryder? Is she going away?

That was very revealing, Gemma like Maggie got hooked up with someone their mother had warned them against - more on that later btw- fell pregnant young and married them. In Maggie's case it worked out well but not so for Gemma, who loved Mikaere but not his criminal lifestyle. Part of her wanted to leave and give Nik a better life, buts she loved him and she was sacred how she'd manage. Would he just have let her leave anyway? When Ben commented Gemma must have been young are we to suppose she was around Maggie's age or younger even? Very tentative kiss, but I'm glad they didn't take it any further, neither are in the right place, too soon for both of them, if Miakaere was supposed to have only died a year ago and Ben's still hurting over Maggie, despite his protests. True Nik is acting like a kid, but he loved his dad, faults and all, and like any child, young or old, sometimes harder if the child is older, it hurts and confuses them when the other parent seems to have moved on, be it if the other parent died or they were divorced. Ari and Tane understood that at least. Typical of Tane, he only took notice Gemma wasn't around when he wanted his breakfast. At least Nik now knows how Gemma felt when he didn't ring home, but no excuse on her part really if she wants to set an example. Maybe it wasn't a wise decision on Gemma's part to go back the motel, but this is soapland. A whole episode without Ari and Tane not locking horns and tearing strips off each other, because they were on a united mission looking out for Nik.? It shocked the life out of him when Gemma threw him out and I'm glad Ari caught up with him and told him like it is and Nik apologised to Gemma. Mind you Ari and Tane will be vetting Ben even if he isn't a suitor. Now Gemma will have Ziggy on her tail. Talking about mothers warning their daughters - and sometimes sons - about their unsuitable partners, does Diana know about Maggie and Ben splitting up? Roo, although sticking her nose in, was more sympathetic this time. I had a real gulp moment when Ryder explained to Alf and Roo why he wanted Evan to play a gig, it was because he wanted to be a small part of what his dad's life was like and what Evan enjoyed. Maybe Even needn't play such strong songs which would be easier on his voice and lungs. Ryder doesn't want to let his dad he knows or the real reason he wants him to play the gig because it would change the dynamics of their relationship.

Roo has moved back into annoying mode, leave it alone woman!! So what Ryder still wanted to spend time with Evan, shock, horror, Alf was right, as he so often is, Ryder is an adult and doesn't need her fussing around him. I did have the thought Evan may have picked up on Ryder's mood but he didn't and Ryder got away with it. Was a tad awkward at first Ryder sudden blurting out about Nik' s dad dying, that happens so often in real life though you see a parent/partner off as usual, Nik said he didn't really say goodbye to his dad, not knowing that will be the last time you see them alive. Though in Mikaere's case he did get shot in a bank raid. Made Ryder think about just enjoying the time he is having with Evan, then Nik had his inadvertent brainwave. Can see why Evan would be unsure about singing, what with his condition affecting his lungs. Um, Maggie getting her knickers in a twist about what relationship between Ben and Gemma? Only putting ideas into his head there love. If it has only been a year so of course Nik would be concerned about any man getting too friendly with his mum, she's still vulnerable too. What's the old saying "Do as I say, not as I do", not long ago she was tearing Nik off a strip because he didn't tell her where he was so what's she doing, not letting him know where she is, OK she's the adult but pot, kettle, black. Ben and Gemma where getting a bit cosy at the end at that motel, but are either of them ready for the next step?

I'm still with Evan about not telling Ryder at least not yet. He wants to get to know his son and for Ryder to get to know him and for them to have normal son and dad time together without the added pressure of Ryder being aware he's dying and being on edge all the time worried he's going to keel over at any moment. Evan is fine at present and I'd like to think he would tell Ryder when it became necessary. Ryder's been so happy now he's gelled more with Evan, now Roo has ruined it, the look on his face when she told him. I'd like to ask what she would have done in if she was in Evan's place and had reunited with Martha after all these years? On a lighter moment, very sneaky way of Ryder's getting Grumps to have a meal with Evan, proper railroaded him, especially when Alf had refused so strongly about it the day before. Chuckled when Evan asked if he should call him Grumps and Ryder said it was best to start with Mr. Stewart. Notice Alf initially called Evan Errol again, until he got speaking to him, he did warm to him and mentioned Ryder was a lot like him. Definitely not a wise move on Dean's part, approaching Justin behind her back, though he did mean well and Justin agreed there needed to be a work/home life balance. Lovely thought that gift, proving again, Dean can be very sensitive and thoughtful. Ben was on Ziggy's side, repeating what she said about proving herself at work. Leah has done an about turn, Leah had been busy in recent weeks don't forget. Are we meant to infer although Ben had been Maggie's one and only she hadn't been his? Maggie is assuming Ben has moved on and he may even have convinced himself he has but I'm not that sure. Maggie 'catches' Ben talking to Gemma and tells someone - forget who - he was chatting to another woman, Gemma was doing her job as barmaid and it looked on the surface anyway, just doing what barmaids/barmen do chat to their customers. Though later scenes put a different slant on it.

I like to think Jasmine did take notice of Colby, it seems she did. Hats off to Colby there, he didn't give up on her and finally got her to admit what was really wrong, he didn't buy one of the biggest lies in soapdom "I'm fine", because he knew she wasn't. Now all she has to do is convince Justin she won't be running off with Grace without telling anyone where she is. I did worry when Irene was saying Colby's talking to her and I hope he's getting through she was, as normally happens, going to be disappointed and he'd appear saying Jas had thrown him out. She's now opened up, properly, to Willow and with her and Colby and Irene of course to be there for her she may be OK, she just has to admit when she's finding it hard. I liked the big friends type hug Jas and Colby had. I was thinking exactly what Dean voiced about neither one of them, Willow and Jasmine, had thrown the other off the balcony. Yes Jasmine was there before Willow, but she had left and moved in with Robbo and only recently moved back, I know it is a bit nit picky. I'm not seeing it like that between Dean and Ziggy, give him a bit more credit, he accepts she's busier but both of them were looking forward to a date night only Willow scuppered it, not like Willow to be wallowing like that though I know losing your home and your job at the same time would be a blow, but the 'you go out, I'll be OK on my own as usual' was so unlike her. It did get a bit chilly when Colby brought Jasmine in. What is the timeline between Maggie going to see Coco and her returning - a week? The party and John's collapse only happened the day before so doesn't know about that yet, guess she'll soon get filled in. Alf had to be a bit cruel to be kind there and Marilyn did seem to accept it, hope she meant the whole "I'm his wife" thing and wasn't just saying because she felt she ought to, beside the hospital are looking after him at the moment, I may be being picky but no mention of the fact she loved John which should come into the equation. Amazing how Tori found time in her hectic schedule to personally ring Marilyn and let her know how John was doing.

Thanks baywatcher. Quite recent then no wonder it's still so raw for Nik. I don't see how Willow could be angry with Colby wasn't her who encouraged him to make up with Jasmine and be her friend again? Now she's blaming him for doing just that. It seems Willow can't mention Colby and Colby can't mention Willow without Jasmine thinking there's a conspiracy. What is she up to on that forum? Is she putting herself in the place of the woman who's being told how to look after her baby as someone who is being told what to do with her life? She really can't grasp they are just concerned about her, if it was the other way round she'd be there for either of them. She's heading for a serious breakdown. She has been through one heck of a lot - all that on and offing with Robbo, him going off, coming back, getting back together, going through all the trauma with Tori and the baby, hiding from the mob, getting married, then he had to 'vanish' on their Wedding Day, finally getting him back, then he dies, just about getting over that, then she 'loses' their baby. Just when it looked like there was going to be an apology and making up Jasmine turns it on it's head and has another screaming match. Why did it have to be Willow who left, she's been there longer, though and I'm guessing, it's because Jasmine has nowhere else to go. Perhaps it's also because Irene can keep an eye on her. It's looking more and more Justin was right and Jasmine should have gone to stay at Robbo's mum and dad's, and she wanted to leave, but everyone else was begging her to stay. We didn't see Willow being asked to leave Irene's either, bet she feels really awful about it, Irene that is. Hang on a minute, let me get this right Willow had a right go at Colby for 'dragging' her into the fight between him and Jasmine, now she's asking to stay at his. Ari and Tane nearly made up then Tane said the wrong thing which set Ari off again. Mac spoke a lot of sense to both of them them being able to see it from a different prospective, but maybe Ari was right it is too late for them to get back what they lost. Tane actually seemed really sad about it and wasn't acting his usual cocky self on the beach later. I think fussing around like that is Marilyn's way of coping when someone is in hospital, she was the same with Raffy and Jett and the last time John was in hospital. Once he was more with it John had had enough. It'd drive me mad. He does have slight movement on his right side and can speak which is good as he can make himself understood. John is a proud man, no actually he's just a man, so can understand why he wouldn't want Marilyn to see him like that, funny how men act like that. He's said no to letting Jett know too. Alf was actually doing a good job persuading Marilyn to go back to his and Martha's without telling her the real reason seeing as words aren't his strong points. Better to tell her when they are away from the hospital and somewhere quiet and he'll have Roo and Martha there.

Jasmine really doesn't seem to be learning and also is making things harder for herself. OK no problem with her taking Grace for a walk, but why take her back to Irene's? Her excuses were pretty flimsy too, she didn't ring Tori as she knew she was working , er Jas, mobiles have this facility called voice mail so you can leave a message, she had turned her phone off so it wouldn't wake Grace, that wasn't true, she ignored one message from Justin, and you didn't take your eyes off Grace once to see if you had any messages. Another thing you could have left a note at the Morgan's to say where you'd gone. Irene seemed amazed to see Grace there but wisely didn't want to stir up trouble so just left it. Justin was indeed a lot more restrained by the way he dealt with Jasmine after his initial knocking the door down, he calmly but firmly insisted he take Grace home. What will he tell Tori without her thinking he's paranoid? Then there was that scene of Jasmine checking out the forum where this woman is having problems with her mother-in-law. That was rather sad Nik admitting to Gemma it felt that his dad had been forgotten, do we have a date for when he died, I loved their dance together. Maybe Nik is feeling protective towards Gemma about Ben because he's the first guy she's been friendly with and I mean friendly in the normal sense - friends and him being a man. Then of course she had to separate Tane and Ari again! Two bedrooms accounted for when Ari and Tane went into their respective rooms slamming the doors, very grown up. What was with Mac acting so coy when Tane came out of the shower with just a towel round him, she has seen him in his swim trunks. Does seem like sibling rivalry between Ari and Tane when it comes to Mac, but she's not some toy one has and the other wants, she a human being so I'm glad she told them so. Ari did at least try and warn Mac about Tane. I suppose Mac doesn't want to show that much interest in Ari until she knows he feels somewhat the same. She is so flirting with him though, but soon dashed off after Ari when he walked away after seeing them at Salt, I think Ari could have the edge there. Seems from what Tane said Mikaere and Ari had moved to Australia when he was young but had always looked up to them but then Ari changed, nice to get little insights into the family like that, a bit at a time so we find out more about them gradually. Definitely a reminder of the Braxton's when Tane said when he told his teacher his surname he'd groaned and his face had turned white but no-one gave him any bother once they knew who he was. I'd forgotten Tori is now the only doctor on duty and the one to be called on when there is an emergency. Ari played Good Samaritan again going to the hospital with Marilyn and staying with her until Alf turned up, John may annoy the life out of Alf, but he does care for him. Not looking at all good for John, mention of his heart attack but no mention of his brain tumour though and Tori didn't say anything about it after checking his medical records. Oh Maz no way are you to blame for it, John was still keeping healthy even though he was staying in a van. He'd hate for you to feel guilty, stroke has happened on left side of brain as it's the right side of his body affected. A stroke can happen to the most healthiest of people.

I agree there baywatcher, her chats with Tani and slapping him down always come across as her flirting with him to me so no wonder he thinks she is into him. To be fair Mac and Ari aren't an item, unless Ari just doesn't want Mac to get hurt as he knows what Tani is like. Aside from Tani and Ari squaring up to each other the hangi did go well and my god just how much food did Gemma cook, that's apart from what was in the pit? That was quite moving that opening ceremony, especially as it was spoken in Maori, more impact to it then. That little close has more people in it that we thought. Same extras that turn out for weddings and funerals probably Red. Did we see Ryder there? As you said Red, Tani and Ari did put their differences aside to help John. Could John's stroke/aneurysm be related to when he had his brain tumour a few years back? Depending how bad it is would put a lot on Marilyn, will she look after him because she still loves him or because she feels she ought to. On that subject Tori's sudden call to hospital because there was an emergency couldn't be due to John collapsing he hadn't even been put into the ambulance when she got the call unless H&A got itself out of sync. I wondered why Nik was looking daggers at Ben, he was just being friendly with Gemma. Did he not like another man making her laugh? Unless it's a few days later how long was Maggie away, we saw her walk into Salt to see Ben chatting/chatting up Gemma and doesn't look happy. Justin wasn't being entirely unreasonable Leah had been there when Jasmine lost it with Willow, but yes his 'blaming' Grace's teething on Jasmine was out there. He's swallowed his doubts, but from what we saw Jasmine does it again, she told Tori she and Grace would be there, meaning the Morgan's, when she got home, but it appears she and Grace go back to Irene's. Of course she would never hurt Grace, but she can't keep doing what she is doing, wandering off with her without leaving a note so say where' she has gone.

Don't forget Dean, he would know all about absent dads remember. Would be a bit insensitive for Ryder moaning about his 'long lost' dad turning up to Nik when he has lost his. Wow that was one serious meltdown from Jasmine, a real nose to nose confrontation with Willow who I could easily see would have been ready to thump her. Agree it was a total overaction on Jas' part when Colby let slip he'd been talking to Willow. As has been said everyone isn't gossiping about her, they are worried as friends, she'd be the same if someone was in the situation she is, wonder how she'll behave when she knows Irene has been in on the 'gossip'? Be a bit tricky her, Jasmine, and Willow staying out of each others way seeing as they live together. Justin and Leah had just seen that blow up so understandably he worried when he found Jasmine alone with Grace, Leah did keep switching from one side of the argument to the other which confused me. Was Justin afraid Jasmine would have sneaked out of the house with Grace while Tori was asleep? He could have been more discreet the way he talked but that isn't Justin's thing, speaks first, thinks later. Leah can absolutely can understand Tori being so tired, she was a single mum herself and wanting to do everything. I've noticed Jasmine has been doing what Robbo always did when he had things on his mind, goes for a Iong hard run. I found the fact she had bought that album titled My Family and was sticking photos of her, Robbo and Grace in it, including the last one rather disturbing. Isn't the baby/babies who play Grace are gorgeous, she's got a lovely smile. Leah did look stunning in that dress, sadly Leah and Justin didn't get to get to dessert. Where did that 'you stay in your part of town and I'll stay in mine' challenge from Maggie come from? No why could that have worked. Did like Ben's quick "I work here" when she came into the juice bar. He probably thought he was being helpful when he offered to come and mow the lawn, but if she really needed help she could call on Ziggy, Dean, Alf or John. Will Roo be stepping up as substitute head while Maggie is away? I guess we are all meant to assume Bella is doing OK, has been quiet without her. I may be being a tad critical/picky here, but the Roo we knew back then blonde so why was Roo dark haired in that drawing?

Thanks again Dan F. Why did I think it would be of Duncan? I must have been watching with my eyes shut when they showed that angle of the room. Not unlike the bedrooms in the Morgan and Palmer's houses, sometimes you get glimpses of a corridor at the Palmers, how many bedrooms do they have? Yes, an unanswered question answered, Roo did let Alf know about Leah, if he had come home he couldn't have done much more than Justin, Irene and the rest were doing, besides she wouldn't have wanted him coming back from his honeymoon. Alf wasn't sure if it was the right thing to do but he was persuaded Leah would have wanted him to go ahead with the wedding and honeymoon and at the time he was in the dark just as much as everyone else as to where she was. Loved their reunion For a 'temporary' move she had a lot of stuff with her, so what if we didn't see the suitcases first time round, didn't mean she didn't have them, I think that would have been the next step to move the rest of her stuff in. Dean was supportive about her moving back home to Ziggy's face but his real feelings showed when he was talking to Colby and Willow, and yes it was a big assumption on their part that they thought he'd done something wrong. Ben did guilt trip Maggie into changing her mind about letting Ziggy move back, but her seeing Ziggy and Dean saying goodbye, though it's not as if they wouldn't be seeing each other, decided her Ziggy was sacrificing her happiness to help her. Nice talk between Alf and Ben, didn't offer any unwanted advice, just said he was welcome at the house anytime for a beer, meal or a yarn. Ziggy is now a qualified mechanic so why wouldn't Justin trust her to look after the place, he did say they were quite straight forward jobs he had booked in, he'd have to do it sometime or another. Colby had seemed a bit brighter after his first day back at work but Willow brought him down with banging on about Jasmine. He did it for a reason, he wanted to be back on track himself before he started looking after Jasmine and not make the same mistake as kissing her in a weak moment. He finally caved in to her nagging and phoned Jasmine, so now the ball is in her court. What excuses is Jasmine making for not working this time? Her hiding away in her bedroom looking at photos of her Grace and Robbo is not good, but neither is getting nagged by Irene and Willow. Apart from Justin telling Jasmine to back off from seeing Grace, it was Colby saying her couldn't be her friend that triggered her latest meltdown. Seems she's not seeing much of Grace going by what Irene said and Maz had her that day. Looks like a big bust up between Willow and Jasmine tonight. Alf and Martha were married, the first time, for 16 years and not his fault Alisa died after 12 years so a bit unkind there Red.

Thanks for the reminder Dan F. ? Ziggy is living with Dean and Colby, I think it was because she didn't want to be around Maggie at the time, she and Dean are sharing a room. He is one understanding boyfriend, went along with Ziggy saying she wasn't in the mood for surfing after seeing how down Maggie was and saying how about going for a coffee putting off their original plan of surfing together. Then later being fine about her wanting to move back in with Maggie as she didn't want her to be alone. Ziggy is blaming herself too much about Ben & Maggie's decision to separate, it just moved things forward, I have the feeling it would have happened anyway and there may have been more resentment built up. They still care about each other which may not have been the case. Alf demanding from Roo that she tell him everything - that'll take a while! Sheriff John has become the deputy now Sheriff Alf is back. How happy would Alf have been if Roo had kept phoning with all the local news, still no mention that he knows Leah is back. Evan has only been in the bay for a week at most so why the hurry to tell Alf - Ryder was pleased to see his Grumps and had to smile when he went to hug him and Alf backed off a tad so shook hands instead. He can't go flinging his weight about, these are family matters and should only offer his opinion if asked, not that stops Roo. Marilyn had implied to Gemma (or was it Irene) things hadn't been OK between her and John before Gemma and Nik moved in. But apart from their normal spats things appeared to be OK, perhaps things went deeper than we saw. Very telling she wasn't able to give a yes or no the Alf's question. Thinking back Marilyn has lived alone at various times, when John was in prison and when he was in hospital, when he was staying with Jett. Interesting first meeting between Evan and Alf, who had been influenced by Ryder's opinion of him so was bound to be frosty on Alf's part. I'm on Evan's side, about not wanting Ryder to know he's dying, I refer you to my earlier post about him wanting to know Ryder and for Ryder to know him on equal terms for want of a better way of pointing it and for it to be normal and once he has reached a good place with him leave and let him know the truth at a later date when his condition has got worse. That way he'll know it was a genuine reconciliation and not because Ryder felt he ought to be kind to him. Him telling him now would be manipulative, Ryder is a good guy so would feel obliged to be good to Evan in his last days which isn't the way it should happen. Roo gave her word she wouldn't tell Ryder so she can't go back on it. Thank goodness TPTB didn't use the usual ploy of someone saying to someone else so and so has told me everything so that person falls into the trap and reveals something they shouldn't have. Roo used her instincts and got Ryder to speak up first. Ryder and Evan's night seemingly went OK. Have I missed seeing that drawing of Duncan on the wall before or is it a new addition?

Gemma knows deep down Ari cares about Tane and Ari worries if that if Tane continues to live the lifestyle he does he could end up like Mikaere. Tane is just being stubborn refusing the money Ari offered him, as Gemma keeps saying they are family so should all contribute. Gemma, Ari and Nik's (if he bothers to turn up at the bait shop that is) share could go towards groceries, and other household items, utility bills. Nik wanted to duck out of helping at the bait shop again but Gemma, I think, talked him round. Not a bit embarrassing Ari and Mac getting caught sneaking out of his room the morning after the night before. Nik's reaction was hilarious and Tane was envious, maybe not the right time to hint it was his turn next. What sort of woman does he think Mac is, jumping from one guy to the next just because Ari said they weren't back together. Would have taken a lot for Ari to swallow his pride like that, showed he is the bigger man but fair dos to Tane he did accept Ari's hand. Let's just enjoy it while it lasts baywatcher. On the subject of them constructing a hangi as they are only renting would they be allowed to do that, unless once it has finished they fill the hole in again. Going back to front and back doors Nik went out the back when he went for the pizzas, but Mac left by the front door. Not afraid of the walk of shame obviously. Sweet that John is keeping an eye on Marilyn but not pushing to move back in, cheeky comment from Roo about why Marilyn didn't offer him the spare room. I'm trying to remember if she has ever lived alone for long. There may have been a time when she was a lot younger. Naturally it had to be that secret Evan is hiding. He very reluctantly told Roo who immediately is pressing him to tell Ryder. But that would be putting it all on Ryder's shoulders and he doesn't want to guilt trip him. "I'm dying so I thought I'd come and see you in my last days so you can't turn me away" which I guess is want Evan doesn't want. Maybe his plan is (or was) to visit Ryder, get to know him as much as he could, then leave before his condition gets too bad. He's not helping by being so reticent about not talking about himself. Do we reckon Quinn knows which is why she gave him Ryder's address? Welcome back Mr. Stewart! He has some catching up to do, starting off with John and Marilyn not living together. Had he been kept up to date about Leah or is that a nice surprise awaiting him? The news about Ben and Maggie will shock him. He's been gone so long I can't remember if he was around when Robbo and Mason died. Then of course he's to yet meet Evan, the man who deserted his daughter, can't wait for that.

Yes, they did live next door to each other and we have very occasionally seen the houses on the other side of the road. That bungalow must be expensive to rent, it's got a pool, It's a four bed, furnished too which racks up the rent. Ari moving in will help with the rent which I guess he and Gemma will be paying Tane. We did get a bit more background on Tane, seems he was an OK guy, sporty and easy going until Ari went inside, it was then he went off the rails and by the time Ari came out he'd gone to the bad as they say. It's a bit belated if he's trying to make amends now, Ari 's had that task trying to earn a decent wage doing a ligit job, only to have Tane swan in with the cash to rent a home for them all. I'm getting tired of Tane riding Ari about the dire straits he, Gemma and Nik found themselves in since they arrived in the bay. He couldn't work because he'd been Injured at work and didn't qualify for sick pay. Has it been fully explained why they had to leave their last home suddenly, so suddenly they had to leave some of their belongings behind which Tane brought them. Ari, being that much older, would have a different work ethic to Nik, to Ari DJ'ing isn't the most steady of jobs, could see John/Alf having the same conversation with Ryder. How old is Nik btw, if he's in his 20's does he really need or want to live with his mum, lovely as Gemma is? She keeps banging on about them being family but family members do need to fly the nest at some point. It would be odd for Maggie being in an empty house, there usually has been someone there. There would have been the odd night Ben & Maggie weren't together but that would have been when she was in hospital giving birth to Ziggy and Coco and when she was in having her cancer treatment. Oh and of course when he moved out when he was having his breakdown. I'm guessing the motel Ben is staying at is that motel? A rare mention of the money they got from the sale of the complex.

I think in Ben and Maggie's eyes now they have made that decision it has taken a weight off their shoulders and they can move forward wherever that may lead. Seems I got ahead of myself, but I thought I heard them mention Coco the day before. Ziggy seemed quick to write off her parents marriage, but maybe as Dean was trying to explain to her maybe this time apart, proper time apart, will give them the time they need. Ziggy has them divorced already! Typical of Maggie that despite what she is going through she was still concerned that Ziggy wasn't being fair on Dean and that she shouldn't shut him out. The Diner's flat balcony and Salt's balcony do look alike from certain angles. Isn't the same set is it? Ben seemed happy that Ziggy is now fully qualified mechanic. Well with all the work Justin has coming into the garage he'll need another mechanic. I don't trust Tane despite his good looks and sometimes dubious charm and I'm not being influenced by Ari's feelings towards him. He did come out with one of the standard soap clichés "trust me" when we, the viewers know that is the last thing the person they are saying it to shouldn't. I wouldn't have thought renting one of those bungalows would be cheap either so where is the money coming from, is he calling in a favour or doing someone else a favour? Unclear yet if Tane is going to be living there or if Ari will be moving in which I can't really see him doing as Tane would in effect be his landlord. Ari and Nik were always clashing when they were living under the same roof so maybe better he stays at the caravan park. I think John has more to worry about with Tane being so close to Marilyn. Even with Ari and Gemma both working they couldn't have afforded to rent that bungalow. He may be a sleaze and very outdated in his 'chat up' lines but Mac can look after herself. Was Nikau ducking out of working in the bait shop again? From what we can gather from what we've heard about his history, he's not the most reliable guy, tends to do a runner when things get tough whereas Ari sticks around and puts the family back together. A hint, maybe, Ari did eight years inside because of him. In Nik's eyes Ari is the stern, unfun uncle who wants him to toe the line and shock, horror wants you to do actual work. Tane is the opposite, buys you drinks, mucks about with you, has a seemingly endless supply of money. But would Tane be there for you if you really needed him, we know Ari would be. We never knew Mikaere but I'm thinking maybe he was a mixture of Ari and Tane. Gemma is still determined they should still be a family. How long ago was it Mikaere died? Liked the way Ari approached Nik so maybe he has worked out you get further using honey rather than vinegar, though it does look like it's too late as Tane has trumped him, seems Nikau can't wait to move in, Gemma however is more cautious.

I did when Justin said that, but if Robbo was still alive the situation wouldn't have arisen, it had been decided between him and Tori they would share child care, with Jasmine helping Robbo, so Marilyn looking after Grace wouldn't have come into it. Also if Robbo still been single and still been killed, again the Marilyn situation wouldn't have arisen would it? Good for her putting her foot down with Justin and telling him she was Grace's mum so her decision was final. Jasmine's comment to Grace worried me, it was like all that had been said before never happened, Leah also overheard it so now not just Justin overreacting. Tori explained as best as she could and very well I thought that she had the final say, she had trusted Marilyn when she said there was no danger and Jasmine should respect that. Robbo, of course, would have been cautious after what happened to his first family but he knew Marilyn well enough to know she wouldn't have put Grace in an unpleasant situation. Jasmine just seemed to come across as so stubborn, she couldn't understand why she as Grace's stepmother could be regarded as untrustworthy, normally no, but it was the fact she lied to Marilyn and didn't let Tori know what she had done and lied again to others about it. Jas still maintained she was being shut out of Grace's life when all Tori wanted was some time alone with her daughter. Jasmine's apology didn't come across as sincere as it should have. True it was only two months she was to all effects Grace's mum, she and Robbo got her into the routine she has got used to, but it doesn't take long for that bond to grow. Now Robbo has gone and Grace is the only reminder of him. One small thing why was Grace covered up in her stroller when they were in Salt, poor little kid wouldn't have any air - and yes I know there probably wasn't anyone in it - but it was unnecessary. Ben and Maggie - really - sitting at separate tables like a couple of spoilt teenagers, no wonder Ziggy walked away, though her ultimatum did backfire on her as they've made the decision to separate which wasn't the result she wanted. Dean being the wise one again telling her to let them sort themselves out but of course Ziggy being Ziggy won't take any notice. Mention, if brief, that Coco is aware of what is going on. Sad thing about it all of course is Ben and Maggie do still love each other, that's why it's hurting them so much. Well done Ziggy on passing your mechanics exam, yes you haven't had the final confirmation, but you're bound to have done it.

Evan and Ryder are alike, part from the fact Ryder doesn't have a musical bone in his body. Not sure if Roo needed Ryder's permission to let Evan a van? They had a good talk, if not exactly an in depth one and had parted on good terms. He's not a bad looking guy either. Don't panic Red, Colby's only on desk duty. When Colby told Willow what he had said to Jasmine she got angry but hadn't her and Dean told Colby to get himself sorted before he took on other's problems? He definitely could have phrased it a lot better so she didn't feel rejected which wasn't what he intended at all. You do have to remember Jasmine is not herself at the moment, she is still grieving for both Robbo and the non baby and Justin, more than Tori has banned her from seeing Grace. It looked to me Tori didn't know what Justin had actually said to Jasmine, hence the big row back at home. Justin didn't mean she should stay away from Grace for ever, just to step back for a while. Jasmine taking Grace and then lying to various people was not a wise idea, but she would never have hurt Grace. While not going as far as saying Jasmine should leave the bay never to return, maybe a break with Ian and Wendy would be good for her, like Justin suggested, there are a lot of memories in the bay for her to handle in her current fragile state. Leah was giving as good as she got in her argument with Justin, didn't appear cowered at all. On that point how would she have felt if someone, very well meaning like Jas, had done the same with VJ when he was Grace's age. I'm not meaning when VJ got kidnapped that's something else entirely. Saying all that though the scene we saw from tonight didn't give me confidence about letting Jas be near Grace.

I didn't get the impression Ryder didn't know his dad's name, maybe have been briefly mentioned when Ryder then Quinn were in the bay. Evan must have had one very convincing argument to get Quinn to give him Ryder's address, she was hardly his number one fan. Quinn did try and ring Ryder to warn him but they kept missing each others call. From what Evan said he just pitched up early without finding out if Ryder would be OK with it, but Quinn should have cleared it with Ryder first, he's an adult now, 19 in case we missed the reference to his age. Now this really isn't a spoiler but anyone else reckon there is more to Evan wanting to know Ryder right now than he's saying. He is a charmer, see where Ryder gets it from, even if he wasn't around. Ah the ? on the beach. Willow had warned Colby not to mention the ?, but after they'd run out of the how's the hangover chat, Colby decided to bite the bullet, it couldn't be ignored forever and the longer they left it the more awkward it would have become. Jasmine's panic attack changed Willow's opinion of letting it lie, Jas needed to talk about it. Colby felt he'd let Robbo down by letting Jasmine kiss him and she felt she had because she kissed Colby. She did raise a smile when she mentioned Robbo would be looking down rolling his eyes. All it was was a drunken snog between two friend, it happens. How Colby thinks that Jasmine would be better off not having him as a friend is a bit skewed, maybe he thinks he needs to get his head in order before he can be a good friend to anyone? He could have explained it a whole lot better to Jasmine who does feel rejected when it's nothing personal. A confrontation between her Tori and Justin, as seen in trailer, doesn't seem to add to her feelings she 's not wanted.

Sadie's arrival - by helicopter no less - in Emmerdale. Naturally that nine times out of ten it's at the end of an episode.

No Dean didn't know Colby was standing behind him when he made his comment about Mac, she did later refuse being dragged into it. The 'secret' is being kept in the family. Guess it will be Tori who has to sign him off, will it be desk duty for a while? Not only Dean telling Colby to get real, but Willow too and of course Colby and Dean made up. Colby was debating whether he should approach Jasmine, but I'd leave it for now if I was him, let it happen naturally. Maggie admitting she may have overplayed her hand with the rethinking of their marriage. It still comes back to the fact it was Marco she slept with and not a random bloke. Wise words from Dean to let Maggie and Ben sort it out between themselves. Standard soap ploy of only seeing the feet and back of a new arrival which is a sure sign they are going to be significant to a current member's life. I remember that Red, Ryder did say he was going to run off and find his dad. I think all he knew was he was a musician like Quinn. Clever of TPTB that they didn't show Evan in the trailer. Dare say they will let us know how Even knew about the caravan park. Was that the reason Quinn was trying to get hold of Ryder?

I can't think of anyone else either - may have been some off screen weddings we've forgotten about. That was certainly a party to remember for all the wrong reasons and it's saying something that even Dean and Willow were shocked. I'm not entirely blaming Colby for responding to Jasmine pulling him in for a kiss, he was petty drunk himself, in fact if both of them had been that little more sober it wouldn't have got that far. She was so obviously drinking to forget the last few months/weeks/days. From what I saw he was trying to pull her up and she kept flopping back and pulling him with her and once it had gone beyond a certain point - well! In her well trollied state Jasmine was looking, I feel, for some comfort and it was a comfort snog for both. If she is embarrassed now wait until she really sobers up. A few home truths told there as only they could tell each other. Chelsea could have turned Colby in but she didn't so she is no innocent either. If Colby is so fed up with his life, OK he can't work as a 'proper' cop, that is out of his control, he ought to do something about it. I did wonder before who was the more dependant on whom him on Bella or her on him but seeing as she hasn't had a meltdown at the therapy farm, it's looking like it's him on her. Did chuckle at them all trying to decide what to do with his divorce certificate, both Dean & Jasmine agreed with me frame it and hang it on the wall. I did groan when Maggie pitched up at the hospital, Ben was actually sounding optimistic about going away, I guess she's been making her visits off screen. Was that a change of tactics at the end on her part? I've been thinking and I do have to say his for Marco after his and Maggie's night together he didn't tell Ben about it once he heard they were back together which he could have done so easily.