A Merry Christmas to all of you at home

Wow am I first?? Happy Christmas Scott, thanks for this.

O thank you Scott for putting the interviews online.
But since there is an actual copy of the Stage on his way to me I am going to wait till I have it in my hands. (good luck to me)
Scott I wish you a very merry Christmas and a fantastic new year.

There is a lot of Lee coming up these days. The Loppies are going to be busy. Just read over on LMAS-site that he will be on BBC Essex on Boxing Day at 6pm.

This is the link.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/whatson/search/daylist.cgi?service_id=51249&day=Wednesday

That is BBC Radio Essex.

Thank you Scott and a very very Merry Christmas!!

Cxx

BLIMEY Eva. Santa's Elf we have to run. 6pm deliveries in Scandinavia??!!?!!!??? I thought everyone was on the midnight schedule.

Just before we head off on our delivery run. A huge THANK YOU to Scott for our new home, and all our previous 'homes'. Have a wonderful Christmas Scott.

And to all Loppies everywhere I wish you and your loved ones a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year. As Shirley2 suggests I will be raising a glass to the GO and all Loppies at the start of the JMM.

Can't believe I'm the 5th post in our new home, You're usually well settled in by the time I get there.

What a lovely suprise for Donna. She so deserves it.

Happy Christmas everyone, I bet I'm the only one sitting with my feet up for the next few days!!

Okay, Santa (Mrs), I was the 6th post!

Hello ladies, well I think that’s everything done - all packed up and ready to go to my parents for a couple of days.

So, can I wish each and every one of you, including Scott (how thoughtful of you to make sure we have a home over the holidays) and Martin, a wonderful Christmas, hope those of you spending it with family and friends have a happy and peaceful time, those spending it alone remember all the loppies are with you in spirit (probably quite a lot of it), hope all travelling loppies have safe journeys and all ailing loppies soon feel better.

MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL.

Thank you Scott for our new home - Have a very Happy Christmas.

The family are due any minute.

Have a lovely Christmas, Loppies!

Hopefully I'll be able to say hi! before we head out to Austria, but just in case - Have a Very Happy New Year too!

Thank you, Scott. Have a wonderful holiday!

I just got home from work -- see, AliB, you weren't alone!

Pauline -- thanks for that little goodie which arrived in my mail today, all safe and sound. Wow, what a great job! And I'm so impressed that you accomplished it during this frantic season.

Anne -- your copy of The Stage should arrive by the end of the week, depending on how slow the mail system is. It's well worth waiting for, but you probably guessed that!

SCOTT DARLING,- well, we might as well start our new home in a generous mood, but all this "darling" business has to stop. People will talk! Thank you for our new home. Lovely it is too, with Lee on the top floor!
I am waiting for my friends to pick me up, and I'm having a nice mug of herbal tea with honey to soften my voice up for the singing. You all know how precious my singing voice is!!!

Right, all presents wrapped and ready, food prep done for tomorrow and chocolate decorations on the tree. I think I'm ready for Christmas, so may just put my feet up and watch the tele for an hour tonight...
Might speak to you after that.
In the meantime, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you. It's been a pleasure getting to know you and share this slightly bonkers but wonderful world of loppies.

Just looking in quickly to wish you all a very merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

Will have to do a mammoth catch up at some point, but Ploppy's home til school starts back so won't get much chance.

To all Loppies going to a certain show over the festive season - have a wonderful time!

Captain's Log -- supplemental:
My plan is in action. Not only have CO & I successfully transformed ourselves to look like Strawberry Shortcake and Diva, but the real ladies have been kidnapped by Boohoo & Keef and are being held hostage in a secret location with Nana standing guard.

When the IBY and Kaycee leave the concert -- we'll be ready. Nothing can stop us now...

Strawberry Shortcake & Diva held hostage?
Can anything save the IBY?
Don't miss the next episode of Capt. Kirk's secret log -- on January 1st.

Just popped in to say hello in our new home. Thank you Scott .

Got off work at 1 and now most of food prep for tomorrow done. Off to Christmas party in an hour and tho DVD primed I am hoping Gillian also primed! For one wonderful moment thought WMMJ had moved to 5 - when I could watch it - but you are a tease Santa's Elf.

Happy Christmas Scott and all slightly (and hugely) bonkers loppies.

How great to have a shiny new page, thankyou Scott and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Has anyone else found themselves clock watching? and I've checked the dvd programme 3times to make sure I got it right, just in case I'm called out somewhere! Paranoid moi? never!
Geri so glad my little offering arrived in one piece! But how can you leave Strawberry Shortcake and Dive kidnapped until Jan 1st?The poor things, Oh you must surely make the fiends pay for this.To think they believe they can outwit the loppies..hah, we'll teach them.
Have a lovely Christmas loppies and all those overseas, have a wonderful time.
Tomorrow is a quiet day with just sloppy and myself, but don't feel too happy for me as I've having 8 to dinner 28th, then family descending on the 30th numbers yet to be decided, but I'm sure they'll let me know how many sometime!
Hour and half to go!! wheeeeee!

Just popping in from the return flight to Scandinavia - phew! House now all clean, every present wrapped, food on at the moment, Sloppy safely collected, Ploppy home from office, just about to put feet up with a large glass and watch WJMM - I feel I deserve it today. A wonderful Christmas to you all (Geri we will all wait with baited breath over the break!!!) - may you and your families all have a lovely time.

That duet was UNBELIEVABLE. THUD indeed. Oh that was good.

So mega thud, did anyone else cry during "All I ask of you"? Seventh heaven just loved it would have liked more Lee but what we had was quality! and he makes an amazing Elvis oh just a puddle on the floor wish I'd been there but won't go down that road again!

.................

I did not cry but I was sitting on the edge of the couch watching him sing. That was just fantastic.
O god, how I miss seeing and hearing him sing every Saturday.

I thought Conny was also great. I was forgotten how good she is.

They were definitely the best. True winners.

Just waiting for ploppy to go to bed, so I can watch it again, and again, and again...

Ploppy is on morning shift tomorrow, (6.30 start) boxing day and thursday, so he won't be late to sleep. I shall transfer to computer as soon as he is asleep.

Dollop escaped to her friend's house because mum was being too goofy (even by mum's standards)! Not enough superlatives in the world to describe how amazing, wonderful, awesome and incredible that was. Just when you thought how fantastic he was doing PiB, you see him channelling Elvis (only better), and then, when you think he's never going to top that -- he does! And what's in Andrew's mind -- "Food for thought", hm?

Oops -- disregard the above. Letting cats out of bags all over the place...

Scott - Thank you for the brand new home for Christmas. Have a lovely holiday.
Happy Christmas or festive season to all.

I had to have a sleep this afternoon after my 4.30 start this morning. All food bought for the workers over Christmas. Hope they have a 'lovely' time keeping the wheels of industry turning. (Sainsburys were quite busy at 6am).

I have few words to say about WJMM. 'nuff to say glad I was lying down. Would never have thought that an Elvis song would sound like that, mind should have had clue from DiD (my favourite from ADWD).

Postman has just delivered a late Christmas card. It lying on the pavement down the road with just my name on it, no stamp/address. What service!!

Btw now I'm breathing again, saw Gillian at HMV and my arm (in black) held aloft!! Mind it really was blink and you'll miss it time!!!

.....sigh.....

Pauline, I just had time to squeal - 'Oh thats us' and it wasnt!!!

Pretty much breathing again now. WOW WOW WOW. How could ALW possibly cast anyone else in P2 after that. And he knows they both fill seats. But if Lee is on stage singing that I will be wanting a debenture.

Merry Christmas Everybody!
Thanks for the new home Scott and complements of the season.

WOW! WOW! WOW! What a show!What a duet!!!!
Gillian, please can I have a copy of Christmas shows? Bought a DVD recorder 10 days ago, specially to record WJMM tonight and what happens? Ploppy only decided that he'd better fix it up tonight (after LOTS of moaning from me) and then couldn't get it working properly! SO had to just watch the show, and what a show it was!! Scollop came home as WMMJ ended, changed the leads around and DVD recorder now up and running, BUT TOO LATE!!!!
Hope Santa)Mrs) and Santa's Elf aren't too exhausted yet.

While there are a few of us here. Donna's father was taken into hospital this afternoon for emergency treatment. Can everyone remember him, and his family in their thoughts and prayers. Cant say too much here about what and why, but he should be OK with the treatment he is getting. But will definitely be in over Christmas.

Haven't had time to be around much over the last few weeks but just wanted to pop in & wish you all a very happy Christmas.

Shirley, sorry to hear about Donna's father. I'll be thinking of them.

Pauline2 hope all is OK with sloppy.

Kathleen, that's what you need the youngsters for, technology sorting. Mind it doesn't always work, I was trying to find a function on my phone, so gave it to a 14 year old who couldn't find it either, her parting words were 'rubbish phone anyway, should get a better one'.

Wow, wow, wow! How breathtaking was that? Have only just recovered (and rewatched after finally getting kids off to bed). Well worth the wait. Fingers crossed for Phantom 2.
Have a great Christmas everybody and special thoughts to Donna.

Shirley saw on LMAS that Donnas' Ploppy was in hospital. Have posted to wish him well, so sad at this time of year, as I know, but let's send him loads of loppy thoughts and hope he will be ok.

Wasn't it great to spot us even if you couldn't really see us!! have paused it and we still are a bit invisible but we know we were there!!

Amazing am still buzzing from that show, surely good must come of it, the chemistry between Lee and Connie was fantastic, I've watched it 3 times now so I know it was there!!

Hi just dropping by to say a very Merry Christmas to Scott and all the Loppies.

I am just about ready for the big day tomorrow........but secretly wishing for 11.00 am Boxing day ( shouldn't wish my life away)

Wasn't Lee awesome tonight even the OH had to admit it was a good show.

Loved Lee's Elvis rendition.....then the duet...amazing!!!

Wishing Donna's dad a speedy recovery

Have a good one, one and all

Right, off to bed. After all that excitement earlier I am sure we will all have Sweet Meads.

And A Happy Christmas to all

Off to bed with me, too. Hope rapid healing for all the sick folks, ease of heart to those who are sad, and a peaceful holiday for everyone. Happy Christmas, everyone. And to all, a good night.

Wow wow wow. All partied out and came home to recording of WJMM (minus the begining and end!! Gillian where are you?). Noticed ALW's Food for thought. Yes please.

Off to midnight mass now - will say a prayer and echo geri's thoughts for all those ill of body, mind or heart.

Happy christmas

Happy Christmas everyone

Nightlee night all

Must go to bed or Santa won't come, I just also want to echo Geris thoughts.
Nite nite all.

Just copying now. Wow, wow, wow equally as good second time around.

Once it's on computer, what do I do? Youtube? DVD goes without saying.

Gillian, I'm blowing you a kiss!! Have a lovely Christmas day.

I am checking in late tonight, but I had to watch the show as soon as my friends left. What show? Do you have to ask? My Sky+ came up trumps, and it was sooooooo wonderful. My heart is still beating wildly after that duett. It used to be my favourite when Cliff baby sang it with Sarah Brightman, and now I am truly blessed with two wonderful renditions. What bliss! I truly enjoyed the whole show, but I'll have to watch it again tomorrow morning. It's been a long day. Lovely carol singing in Canterbury,- the weather was mild and no rain, so no complaints there. Back to mine ca.8pm for nice warm soup and homebaked bread, then all my presents to be opened. Several books,- hurray !, four CDs,- Josh Groban's Noel ( it's playing now in the background), Blake ( a new operagroup, 4 dishy young men with beautiful voices) and 2 Lee Mead albums from friends who had heard me talk about him!!!!! I won't tell them I bought it the day it was released. DVD's, chocolate, tablecloth, jewellery, I've had a lovely Christmas Eve.
I'll just look once more on the duett, can't help it, it was so beautiful.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams (about a certain young man) and wake up happy to a lovely Christmas day.

Can't get my own webspace to connect tonight, so....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UtL_BgHqQo
Ready for tomorrow.

Thank heavens they let me have a key to the BeachCafe/Bistro this morning. What a night that was. Deliveries still being made in the far West of the Americas then - oh you can follow our route yourselves on Google Earth - they have kindly set up a Santa tracker for me so I can make sure there are no unscheduled stops along the way.

Whew. Quiet in here this morning. Just a nice coffee and a slice of panetone for me then off home to bed and sleep for about a week. Yes, thank you Elf. I will have a glass of that champagne. Merry Christmas all, and, YAWN, and ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I’m just dropping in to say Happy Christmas to everyone and am hoping that Donna’s father and everyone else that is ill will soon be back to full health. RL and the dreaded lurgey has kept me from posting but I have managed to read most days.

Anyway, I have to comment on last night having watched WJMM with my son and trying to look nonchalant through most of it (I’m now longing to rewatch!) I just couldn’t stop gushing after the duet – that was truly amazing! And my son, who hates MT, agreed! The intensity! I try and talk to myself and tell myself that he isn’t so ecceptional and then he comes out with a performance like that! I think you could tell that he wasn’t well as he kept swallowing when trying to talk, but I am so so glad that he was able to do it as it can only be good for his career to have that performance on record. And surprisingly he and connie were really good together. Definite chemistry.

Regarding the rest of the show I found Boo Hoo extremely annoying throughout. Was he supposed to kiss Denise as from the build up clip I thought it was just ‘The Kiss’ that they were talking about. Trying to steal GO’s thunder again? And didn’t like the bouffant. I thought Denise’s song with the boys was better than JB and the Marias as he kept looking to the front instead of interacting with the girls. I was really pleased that ALW said what a turning point PIB was as he never seems to gush about GO as much as he does over Connie. We shall see what he has to say in The Winner’s Story.

Must get on but thank you all for making my life so much fun and of course Lee. He really IS special and I just hope that he manages to live out his dreams. Just from Scott’s wonderful interview you can see the modesty is still there and I suppose the insecurities are still there as well up to a point – it brought tears to my eyes at the end when he said ‘if I’m wanted’.

Whew, well we made it - Mrs Santa and I are quite a team! Thought we were going to come a cropper when we hit that bad weather over the States, but Mrs Santa drives that sleigh like a demon and as you will see we are safely home.
Aunty Eva I wasn't singing in Canterbury, just in Hillingdon! What with the present delivery and then rushing to Midnight Mass I am still a little popped but enjoying the quiet glass of Champes with Mrs S. A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE - enjoy your day (I'm out to lunch today, so no cooking until tomorrow). Thoughts are with Donna. No GO to look forward to, but we have got the Christmas Dr W special!
Cxxxx

Morning all. Glad to see that Santa(Mrs) and Santa's Elf managed to get around the world and back in one piece. I do think Santa should have warned them. There was a report on late night radio about a suspected UFO over the US in the early hours, but it was going so fast that there were no exact sightings or photos taken. Some reported that it looked like Santa and the reindeers, but that was put down to too much Christmas spirits !
I knew there was someone or something missing at last nights singing. I said to Archie ( my nickname for The Archbishop): We seem to be short one beautiful voice, and he said there had been a mail from someone calling herself Santa's Elf, saying that she wouldn't be there. The rest of us did our best, however, and set the tone for the rest of the festivities.
As I opened all my presents yesterday, I'll have plenty of time to watch THE DUETT again and again and again all morning until I set off for Christmas lunch with my friends. I have absolutely no complaint.
How are things over on the other side of the Irish Sea? Still writing away, I hope. I'll have something to say later about the kidnapping of the Drunken Diva and the Strawberry Shortcake. What are those pests up too?(The so called Fearsome Four I mean).

Now I know what that cameraman was doing at HMV - check out the Lee VT bit of MMJ!!

Can I just say something uncharacteristically bi*chy?(!) Didn't Boohoo remind you on Sandra Dee with that haircut? And when did he start winking? Is he going on loppy sites trying to figure out what it is about the GO we adore, and trying to emulate him? It isn't working, is it?

Thanks to Gillian for YouTubing so fast, and there are MP3 versions on the lovelee site, too.

I agree with you, Helen, that it was lovely hearing The Lord enthuse about our GO's performance (esp. PiB) so much.

One question: the clip they showed of highlights from Lee's career so far -- did his arrival & welcome by the cast look different from the version on the Joseph site? I didn't see his 'manbag' (stop it!), and isn't he wearing a different jacket? I know, I'm very sad.

Eva, yes, still feverishly writing. I do feel sorry for S'berry & Diva being held hostage over the holidays. Of course, if the loppies could find them...

Geri the arrival at rehearsals was definitely a different camera angle, can't check the rest just yet, my film of the whole is uploading to computer now.
The duet is also on youtube, by leemead.org, and others, so I didn't do that one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgzxl4wtaVE

Oh Geri, and I feel that by now the Infamous four are wishing they hadnt bothered. I suspect that S'berry and the Diva are making their lives hell!!!! Well we would wouldnt we?

I clocked that Gillian. You, me, Diana and Jill clearly. But especially you.

I liked ALW's enthusiasm for Lee too. I suppose this is really his first chance to say anything on the record. But actions speaking louder and all that, and Lee was very quickly included in the Diana concert when it could have been argued that it was all set up and too late to change things if they had wanted too and Lee was clearly THE star in the ALW radio Gala.

I loved DVO - she worked hard to make the Jo's look good, and thought she was much better than JB who seemed entirely uninterested in interacting with any of the Marias - just wanted to get the maximum camera time. Dont get me wrong I love JB in Torchwood, and in interviews and things, but he was not a generous co star.

And Lewis looked even more like a spider than he used do - difficult achievement that. But Daniel and Craig came over really well. Thought they had both come on in leaps and bounds since ADWD as well. And so, surprisingly, had Rob. Loved him. But Keef??? Oh dear!!!!!

Hi Helen, nice to 'see' you. RL does rather get in the way sometimes, doesn't it.

Have a lovely day all. Be seeing you....

Having checked, Geri, the outfit is the same, and he has a bag, just the angle is different. In fact, in the Joseph website film, you can see the BBC cameraman.

Loved that shot of Lee bouncing before going on at the Diana concert. Keyed up or what?:)))

Oh I forgot that Gillian, wasnt it lovely. Thats what he was like at CiN in the studios. He was pacing and high fiving the group before it went 'live'and he started singing. And wasnt that welcome he got from the cast fantastic. I remember we were so worried about how they would be towards him. JA in his Blogg said how pleased they all were and what a great welcome Lee got. Nice to see a bit more of that, and of course much more later in the week.

Whaaaaat is this? Wheeeere am I? Oh, my head hurts, and I only had some mulled wine last night. Strawberrie Shortcake,- what are you doing here ?????? Is this a bad dream or what? (Door opens, and Keef puts his head through the opening) "Hahahahahaha, we've napped you, or kid you or something!!! We've hidden you in a Tesco storehouse in Glasgow, where nobody will find you" Slams the door shut.
Strawberry, don't cry, please. Isn't it bad enough having to listen to BooHoo outside the door, whining that he didn't get enough air time on WJMM. If it makes you feel better, I'll sing to you.(I learned this trick from Mrs. Bucket, sorry Bouquet.) I'll do a lively Norwegian Christmas song.
PÅÅÅÅÅÅÅ LÅVEN SITTER NISSEN MED SIN JUUUUUULEGRØT
Oh dear, Strawberry is crying louder than ever now. OK, I'll tell you a story instead:
Once upon a time there was this lovely Viking Princess..........

Sorry, Diva, but I happen to know you're very far from Tesco's -- trust Keef to try to fool you like that! But trust me, Capt. Kirk is much more fiendish than that! What a shame if you and S'Berry have to remain all alone (except for Nana) over the hols. And I wouldn't sing too loudly, or the old woman might gag you -- or S'Berry might!

Speaking of Nana -- is it just me, or did she look like Bilbo Baggins' deranged cousin in the clip they showed last night? (Or any time, really.)

You're right, Gillian, I just watched the whole show again -- it was the different angle that threw me off, but it is indeed the same footage.

Isn't it nice to see how consistent Keith is -- he still can't dance or act! And was Boohoo's hair done that way because he was hoping to impersonate Christmas? Not that he can hold a candle to her voice, mind.

Morning all, (just!) Hope you're all having a lovely day, and especially that Lee is having the best Christmas ever.

Thinking about Donna's dad and hoping all is well.

Loved, loved, loved WJMM. Lee had so much more confidence and self assurance than he had in ADWD, and it was lovely to see that, plus I'm sure he gets more gorgeous every time I see him.

Kind friends have invited us to share Christmas dinner, so that I can sit with my feet up, so I really should get ready. Hope to drop in later.

OOOHHHH AWT just said three magic words - Tomorrow Lee Mead. That will do for me. Pity its recorded - he wont have had the knives yet. Can't wait to hear his reaction to them. And he might even be using them right now, helping his Mum get their Christmas dinner ready. Well thats my fantasy and I'm sticking with it!!!

I'm thinking that Strawberry Shortcake's tears are all part of a plan to get round BOO HOO. Making out that they have something in common. If Diva believes her she is obviously doing a good job...... BH seems like the Weakest Link - to coin a phrase

I love that fantasy, Shirley. And imagine his face when he opens the wrapping!

Don't know if they'll repeat it, and it was only a few seconds, but Sky News program on the year in review showed a snippet from the Concert for Diana -- Donny and My Lee (much better than Donny & Marie!).

HMPH !! HMPH !!( Sakes her head, tries to get the gag off ) HMPHHHHHHH!!!! OW! What did you do that for Strawberry! If you don't want singing, just tell me. I'm not the sort who can't take critisism.(Sulks in the corner. Door opens again) Keef again. Smiles ! Ow,- it hurts looking at those teeth! I don't beleive we're in a Tesco Store. There isn't a "Buy 1 get 1 free" sign to see anywhere. Look Starwberry, behind him, it's CO, the b****y foreigner! What's that he is saying? Something about The wizzard of Oz? Oz, Oz, OZ !!! Are we in Australia? I want my Mum.

Poor Diva -- it'll be lonely this Christmas without you. Shame the loppies aren't following the clues to find you and S'Berry...

Woman will you shut up!!! How can I think with you caterwauling like that!!!! Thank you. May not be a Buy 1 get 1 free sign, but I wish Keef would BOGOF. N

Now, come on Diva - remember the psychology books. It's important that we talk to our captives, we must make ourselves real people to them. Get them to like us and care about us. Now I know that's quite a stretch in your case. But TRY.

SS and Diva, an Elf hasn't got a very large brain, but fear not we are trying to locate you. So far think it could be Lapland (as Santa and the rest of the crew are busy over the Christmas break) or Wembley Stadium......Fear not we are doing our best!

p.s. Hope everyone is having a fantastic day. Gearing up for Dr W soon!

Whaddayamean,- like??? How can I even pretend to like Keef, BooHoo, Co and the flipping Capt'n. Psychology,- what's that when it's at home? Do you mean we have to act as psychos? That's easy. I can do that. I can make myself feel REALLY real. If I give that Keef a solid smacker (and NO, I don't mean a kiss),- do you think that'll feel real enough? Peace on earth???? Will YOU get real, Shorty! They abduct me away from my puter, my GO screensaver, my ALBUM and my beach, and you want me to talk peace? What are you on? I'll tell you one thing though, if Nana Jean is fed up with BooHoo winging and moaning, I can outwinge anybody any day. Maybe she'll let us go then.
And where the heck are those Loppies we hear so much about? Weren't there some rumours about The Loppy Brigade some time back? We could sure fire do with one of their Charges now. Why is there never a Loppy around when you need one?

...Nana - I think they must be at the Darlings Home or in Never NeverLand - come on team - we'll split into two and see what we can find....

Good evening Elf. Hope you had a lovely restful day. (HA HA HA) You did a splendid job last night and I certainly needed help with a couple of those reindeer. Moan moan moan all the way over the Atlantic. Well how else are we going to get to all the children in the USA if we dont fly the Atlantic. I ask you.

Wondering where Diva and Shortcake might be - did notice that Nana Jean was there too - do you think that might be significant??? And they were on the beach by the BeachCafe/Bistro. Do you think they are holding them in Diva's home??? Now that would be cunning!!!

Dear Strawberry Shortcake & Diva,

So sorry you've been abandoned place during such a festive time of year. I wouldn't hold much hope for getting sympathy from the old woman or the boys. Capt. Kirk has taken CO to Christmas' & Lady Jane's concert, and his plan is to snaffle the IBY as soon as the show ends (fortunately it's a long concert & won't end till Jan. 1). Still, it sounds like a pretty desperate situation. You'd think, wouldn't you, that at least one loppy would have figured it out by now. Your only hope is being rescued because you're too well guarded to be able to escape. Even if you could, you'll need help to find your way back to loppyland...

So it seems the game's afoot for Strawberry & Diva. Can't the loppies step lively to our Heroine's rescue? Delay at your peril, loppies, or all will be lost!

Of course I'm not at home!!! Would I be moaning then? Methinks you have had too much turkey and stuffing, wine and other alcoholic drinks.(Shudders ladylike). You can't look to me for clues. I haven't got a clue where I am. Do you, Shorty?( That's short for Strawberry Shortcake, not for Lepry, even if it could be!)

I am totally fed up (in gastronomic terms) and never eating another meal again - or at least until tomorrow.

Neihgbours loved being included and kept saying how priveledged they were - which if you knew my cooking is not very priveleged. But a joy to see them happy and included. they and my parents relived the last 50 year and kept each other entertained so everyone happy.

Welcome helen W - agreed with your comments on WMMJ - we all thought lewis's hair was dreadful.

Ali texted and said happy christmas - she is internet less at moment and so way behind on blog.

Off to watch Dr Who - nephew spent ages on phone today demonstrating all the wonderful Dr who noises on Dr Who pen i sent him - must remember not to send him a noisy toy again.

Groan. They drugged me again. My head hurts. Just cause I was getting round BooHoo. And that smell. Terrible. Oh its the CO. Obviously.

Please help us Loppies. They are cruel and desperate men - no that's going too far. They are cruel and desperate boys. Yes, that's more believable. HHHHEEEELLLLLPPPPP

Right not to sure if I'm right or not but I think Nana Jean has got Strawberry Shortcake and the Drunken Diva (henceforth SS & DD cos I'm lazy) captured over on the SCD final page! They are certainly on there and why else? So if this is right and not a decoy it could take careful planning and a lot of sequins with a special festive addition of the loppy charge! We will save them!

Oh Pauline -- you were so close! That's where they were until this morning, then the evil Captain figured out someone might look there and moved them. But full marks for trying! Maybe if you look at the page you might find out what our poor heroines have been going through...

Drat!!!!

Just logged in to catch up, lots been happening with the hostages some of it on SCD final page, is that just to confuse?!!!
WJMM, I thought Keef was moving a little better than on ADWD. Agree Lewis hair needs seeing to. Haven't had time to watch it all through again. Had dog to walk, tribe to feed and medicate then horses, friends and family to see. Busy day. Did manage to get back for DrW. Then had more pressies to wrap.
Got to now log on with works laptop to see final day of advent calendar, my laptop keeps freezing with it over the last few days. Maybe a Vista issue again.

SSSHHH we don't want it rumbled but I've found them! SCD still but week 11..sneaky! Now we just need to alert all available loppies, don your sequins and we shall save SS and DD, but don't let the evil Nana know. We best creep up on them quietly.

I think it's time to say good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams(not nightmares like poor Diva) and wake up happy.

Goodnight all - thought Gethin was going to win tonight! Pipped at the post! Rats!!
Sweet Meads all!

Just back from Advent calendar 25th, ahh lovely.
Loved seeing Ramps dance again.

Just gone to Youtube and downloaded the vids from yesterday. Legs have gone all wobbly again.
Nightlee night.

Morning all - I know the Bistro is closed, but I am an early bird today as have 10 of my family (plus two dogs) coming for buffet lunch today, so will be busy in the kitchen all morning (will however be watching Christmas Cooks whilst I'm there!). Hope everyone had a lovely day yesterday and will continue to do so today!

Just popping in again as my son is still asleep! Loving all the fun on here but am afraid I’m not witty enough to join in but I hope everyone had a good day yesterday and Donna’s father is making good progress.
We went to Dollop’s ( Daughter’s?) for the day yesterday and she kindly asked what I thought of WJMM – bad move! After about five minutes of intense in depth discussion I thought I better shut up as looked a bit obsessive!!! Never?!

Anyway, after having the chance of rewatching I was once again drawn into what a complex man GO is as was rather amused/touched when he says in a tightlipped Essex way that he ‘cried like a girl’ when the result was announced. I suppose he was slightly embarrassed as in his head Essex lads don’t cry. Bless!

Also rewatching has made me realize that my impressions of the Joes hasn’t changed since the series finished.

Boo Hoo – well I’ve already made comments about him, but it also annoyed me that in the group section (can’t remember the song) where they all line up behind one another and sing a line he had to change the key (or something !) to draw attention to himself. Not a team player. And also, as I always used to notice in ADWD, in other group songs at the end GO and the others are still in the moment and the joy of performing but his smile immediately switches off! I really must stop going on about him!! I am sure he is lovely really!!

Daniel once again I think he is a lovely man and does sing beautifully but I still can’t see the charisma but he obviously has a lot of fans that can and is doing really well in Avenue Q. But will he be a ‘Star’?

Keith is moving better but I still don’t think in a totally natural way but he does have a lovely voice. I can admire it but for me it hasn’t got the warmth - but he definitely does enjoy performing.

Craig is also very likeable and looks good and seems more assured and relaxed and seems in good voice as he always did, but I am not so sure that it has the depth . (Must try not to compare everyone to GO!)

Rob again is a likeable lad and has a good voice but will he ever reach more than local theatre? He has made the decision and is going down the theatre route and I hope that he succeeds for his sake.

I really think they have all come on a lot but GO has as well in so many ways and is still in a totally different league.

Phew! That’s better! I’ve been able to voice those thoughts!

I think today my son (Scollop?) and I will be just relaxing – note to myself to go and set the recorder for Christmas Cooks! I wonder if Go has been watching himself? I hope you can all enjoy the day. I ate too much yesterday so perhaps a walk and fresh air are what is needed!

I also love Strictly so have recorded yesterday’s show so might get a chance to watch that as well.

Good morning all. Strage strange dreams. Can one dream about being asleep. Very odd. Think I will break with tradition and get myself a large leaded coffee this morning.

Now this is me being mega kind to some deluded Loppies. Sat watching BBC Breakfast News. They say they are having SirCliff on shortly. He was joking about going topless??

Helen - agreed with your analysis of the Jo's. But you know there is only someone with the stature and talent of the GO once or twice in a lifetime, and they all seem to be very complex characters. So not sure how good the likes of Daniel and Craig are compared with the more normally talented 'stars'.

Oh and maybe a biscotti with that coffee

Morning all unusual for me to be online this early but made a special effort only to find tha dastardly lot have made off with Strawberry Shortcake and Drunken Diva again!!!!
That is very low taking advantage of the festive season and busy loppies ggggrrr. Will have to think again!
While I'm here, have to say I'm liking the bistro, shame I pick a day when the BHB is on holiday! Still maybe I can have acoffee and put my thinking cap on, Now where can they have gone? mmm.

Dont forget Christmas Cooks at 11.05 this morning ladies. Pity it will have been recorded too soon to get his reaction to his Christmas pressy. Set my Sky+ box already just in case we end up dashing out to the sales and forgetting. No, I dont think so either.

Morning. BBC has an interview with the GO: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7102517.stm

I think you make a good point, Shirley. If the GO hadn't been on ADWD (heaven forbid!) and we'd only had the other guys to compare with one another, they might have fared better. I suspect under those conditions, Daniel would have won, because he was the most well-rounded. Some of the others are quite talented, too, if nowhere near the GO's level. He is, as you say, a once in a lifetime talent. Daniel is probably better on stage than he was on TV and the medium doesn't suit everyone, particularly not those whose background is theatrical.

Good analysis, Helen, and 'dollop' & 'scollop' are correct; my only argument is your supposing that Boohoo is nice, really -- I doubt it. Miouw...

Pauline2 -- what a shame the loppies didn't get together and act sooner to save the ladies. There was certainly a window of opportunity. Of course, that old woman is paranoid so she'll undoubtedly be moving the ladies all over the place. Maybe the loppies should put a plan together for next time they're found so the chance of rescue doesn't vanish again.

Sorry if this was posted before -- Lee is on Radio Essex at 6pm today. http://www.bbc.co.uk/cgi-perl/whatson/search/daylist.cgi?service_id=51249&DAY=Today

Sorry, forgot to mention: Pauline, could you write a little bit on the SCD Wk 11 site about finding the hostages missing? I'm including everyone's bits & pieces in the final story, so we all get to share it. Doesn't have to be anything elaborate, just a couple of sentences will do. Thanks.

Morning Loppies -

Ii's the last day in Loppyland for me, before we head to snowier climes.

I've only managed to watch WJMM once (Mum-in-Law & I both swooning during the duet), but as soon as we have the house to ourselves I'll be watching again. Thanks Helen for your post - I'll be watching carefully next time to see if I agree!

Right Pauline2! - so I'm ready to help with your rescue mission for DD & SS. What's your plan? You'll have to whisper - evil Kirk could be listening!

Thanks for the link, Geri (is it?). There are two photos there taken at HMV, one of Lee standing in front of the other aisle. I have to confess to doing a double-take and pausing recording to find myself on the WJMM footage from HMV - sadly dollop and scollop are unimpressed by seeing my shoulder and the side of my head.
Good analysis of Jos, Helen W. I have to confess to not having spent too much time thinking about the others, still under the spell of THAT duet.
Right, breakfast to do and then roll on Christmas Cooks.

Done it Geri, thanks for the link, the day gets busier!
Now I have an inkling of an idea, but not sure if it's right so constant vigilance! May have to do a lightening strike, but will do whatever it takes to help these poor loppies in distress!
Loved the summary Helen, says it all really!

My other computer is rendering the DVD of MMJ as I type, I've menued it so that one can jump to 'the boys are back in town, Lee's VT, 'If I can drean' and 'All I ask of you', or just watch the lot. So I have watched it a few times, well some of it. Thrilled that I can say I am on the TV with the GO!!:)))

Thanks for reminder re Christmas cooks - had forgotten but now all set to record.

Agree with summary helen W but as jane E says will have to watch again to confirm.

enjoy hols jane E - are you skiing. ploppy and i dont ski - learnt tog at begin of relat and decided to continue with relationship and not skiing - did I make the right choice?! would love to hear what austria like in winter - esp if not skiing.

Must dash off to midday party - Christmas is a hard life.

Morning all. I know, late again, but I took the early morning off. Just watched GO on Christmas Cooks. Decided to do a curry tomorrow. Do you think he'll come if I send an invite? No, I didn't think so either. One can but dream, and after watchin him now, I've got new inspirations for new dreams. He looks gorgeous as per usual, -the smile and the giggles were all there. The only thing lacking was our Christmas present, but hopefully he is using them just now to prepare his curry today!!! It send shivers down my spine just thinking about it.

Did you notice the glint in his eye when he was eating Linda's chocolate and someone mentioned seeing her in a Yoga position? Wonderful. I can't stop smiling here.

I've just watched Christmas Cooks - now will have to put it on again so I can listen to it properly (Ploppy did insist on yammering all the way through it!). But didn't our boy look gorgeous and giggly!

Thanks Fi - I don't ski, but Ploppy does. I shall be checking all the cafes in the area for the quality of their cake. It's a horrible job, but someone has got to do it!

Right off to watch WJMM again!

Hey ladies, its not finished yet. They just had him whisking for all he was worth. It is brilliant. Have been texting with Donna trying to decide when it was recorded. Pre haircut, pre DvO. We think probably about CiN.

What a wonderful show. Giggle

That was just lovely. About as relaxed as I've seen him on tv. Lots of giggles and eyebrow work going on! He likes his food doesn't he, which in my book makes him even more perfect. Think LB might be a bit of a cloppy though as she kept touching him, but then you would wouldn't you!!

Loved them all checking out the ROTY! LB is no cloppy, Pauline -- there's nothing closet about it! Fully paid up member of the mad loppy brigade, I think. There's something earthy -- sexy, I mean -- about a man who likes food & drink. Like we needed another reason!

Sorry, forgot to change my ID...

That was so much fun! Loved all the whisking and ROTY stuff - and I agree Geri, LB looks like a complete Loppy to me!

Christmas cooks, heavenly. Don't you just love him?

Jane E, have a lovely holiday.

Got to go, Ploppy chuntering, you on that computer AGAIN.

JaneE,- don't fall flat on your face, remember THE ALBUM on your MP3 player, and have a lovely holiday.
I recorded Christmas Cooks on Sky+, so that's another program I'll watch again and again and again.
Well, who can blame Linda for touching him whenever she was within touching distance. Wouldn't you? Don't answer all at once. I'll go deaf.

Have fun, Lady Jane, & stay warm. We'll miss you so come home soon.

I found a lovely little piece in the Echo from when Lee did the concert in Southend for CiN. http://www.echo-news.co.uk/echofeatures/features/display.var.1858232.0.lee_mead_at_charity_show.php

Just checking in quickly after Boxing Day outing - though scollop and dollop did take the mickey out of me for not being able to go until after midday; at least we all have lots of ideas for Christmas leftovers, don't we?
We're being spoilt with so many appearances / programmes at the moment - don't forget the programme on Radio Essex tonight (think it's 6pm). Won't it feel strange in the New Year when everything will go quiet for a while - mind you, Lee more than deserves his holiday.

Thanks everyone for the good wishes for my holiday.

Eva - shiney new i-pod all primed and ready to go!

Hoping that poor SS and DD will be safe and sound back in Loppyland by the time I get home!

See you later, and Happy New Year! - I'm gonna miss you slightly bonkers lot!

Just to remind you. Lee is now on BBC Radio Essex.

Jane I am probaly to late but still have a lovely holiday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/mainframe.shtml? Sorry Scott - hangs head in shame - 2 links in one post. Lee is on right now Not sure why it wanted to links but the second one coming up

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/essex.shtml

OK thats should work. Just coming to the end of ADWD

New York -- LA? West End Concert -- our little boy is all grown up!

Scott -- hope you're getting all the details. And can you ask him how soon we can get tickets to his show!

I hope the 'talks' in New York and LA dont mean that Lee is not having a relaxing holiday in January????? But I guess they must mean just exactly that.

What a great interview. Great questions and great answers.
I love it, and how funny is it that you keep hearing stuff going on in the theatre.

I can't do Christmas Cooks yret, till the family let me get at Sky+ after they've gone to bed - ploppy is on early shsift so he won't be late, not sure about the others - but in the meantime I've created a Lee folder in my webspace. This link should take you to a directory, the files can be opened by double clicking or downloaded by right click 'save target as'. Done for loppies with no recording capabilities or overseas. www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM

Fantastic interview, but if a lot of this stuff comes to pass this loppy could end up financially strapped!!! Love NY always wanted to go to Vegas! But we will definately need vigilence about the London and Essex concerts...Scott???? 2 hours GO in one day, see that pink fluffy cloud up there? that's me on it.

OOOHHH: Thanks to Gillian.
Pauline I claim my spot on that cloud too. A pink cloud. Just my sort of place.

I am going to try and see if I can get us advance notice of those concerts and tickets. Just as soon as the world reopens after the Christmas break.

Yaay Shirley we have just got to be there, what a fantastic loppy fest that would be!

Yes,please, Shirley. Count me in. (By the way - Ploppy is still in shock about this - I've booked a ticket for October 18th. Couldn't resist being there for the last night - shy, moi?)
Wasn't that a great way to spend an hour on Boxing Day? Interesting questions, lots of new information and great album publicity, too. Some exciting plans mentioned, but I echo your thoughts, Shirley: let's hope Lee still gets to have a bit of a holiday.
Gillian - you're and absolute star; I've just downloaded a couple of your videos (not that I hadn't recorded the WJMM programme, but it's great to be able to access the Lee bits directly). Wow, the picture quality is fantastic. Hopefully, the family will stop complaining about me rewatching the DVD version now.

Thanks, Gillian, you're a genuinely loppy heroine!

Joseph on Broadway...followed by P2? Do you think Scott will mind when the loppies become a massive international fan base?

Watching WJMM again and just noticed 13 minutes into it in Joseph school -- JB puts his hand on Rhydian's shoulder. Good Rhydiance...

Been really busy today. So just skimmed, not certain exactly what you are all talking about but count me in to any visits planned.
Gillian you are a star thanks for these links. I've downloaded to watch at my leisure. I had to be out for cooks today, so looking forward to that as well, sounds good.

Where are you sitting Elisabeth? Did you see the Where are you sitting? thread on LMAS. I have given Barbi details of our block of seats.

Oh wont it be good to have a whole crowd of Loppies together at Lee's first concerts. Are we going to do both? or just the West End? I'm thinking to do both for sure. But it does depend on the dates.

I had been thinking it would be a good idea to know how many of us want tickets to Lee's first concert, I know it won't be for a while, but it would be so good to go en mass, and we'd need to know how many tickets to book, - - - - Shirley????

Gillian-kiss, kiss, kiss, just been watching your downloads. Lovely.
Concert en mass. Didn't Lee mention in an interview that he got woman screaming/shouting during the show, just think what would happen with an 'organised' mass.

Oh Shirley, both for definite.

I'm beginning to wonder about Dollop. I was on the computer setting up Radio Essex, when I hear a very familiar voice assuring me that, really, Any Dream Will Do -- dash into living room to find Dollop has, of her own accord, put on WJMM. Nothing on TV she claims. Only when I finally go into the living room an hour later, I find she's now watching Christmas Cooks. Ladies, I think we have a cloppy -- and it's about time too. That submliminal hypnosis is finally paying off!

Geri aren't there laws about submliminal hypnosis or is that only for TV advertising?

Jo4, Sshhh...

By the way, Nana got tired carting the hostages all over the place & she's decided to stick where she is, come hell or high water. She's drinking beer now, tired trying to understand Keef, and fed up with Boohoo's crying. Plus the hostages are wide awake & expecting imminent rescue. They seem to feel the loppies will have no trouble looking for them here...

Well, here's a link made in loppy heaven -- not only a picture of Lee, but of Gethin, too. http://eclipsemagazine.com/2007/12/26/the-tellybox-best-of-british-2007/

Radio Essex is now up, just the chat.

Shirley if poss we got to do both concerts!! Agree until we know dates nothing definate but I'm up for it... the concerts I mean of course!!! Mind that gutter.

Right I've got S,berry and Diva!! Decided that as I kept being rumbled I would be as sneaky and whisk them away quietly. Found on ADWD blog week 8 left the nasty kidnappers there with Divas' dulcet tones ringing in their ears! Think they deserve punishment for daring to take on the loppies and IBY!

Sorry about similar blog on ADWD site Geri must have been over excited!

Going to Lee’s concert would be the highpoint of the year. Count me in for the London concert (probably can only afford the one).
I don’t care when it is I am going to be there.

I am still sitting here in the afterglow of the INTERVIEW. How good was that.
I said it before. Great questions which he answered with a lots of new information.
I am looking forward hearing his own written songs.

Gillian you are fast. Thank you for making the radio interview available for download.

Way to go Pauline2. Your last name must be Marple or Holmes? Are SS and DD all right or did Nana finish them off with Christmas songs by Boohoo?

Gillian Thanks for the Radio interview, ahhh.

Concert(s) don't care about dates, calendars can reorganised for something that important.

Well done, Pauline! I hope Diva & S'Berry aren't upset with you for taking them away from PiB. They actually seemed quite happy to be there, for some reason. I think the cunning Captain will lie low now while he thinks up a new plan...

Oh Pauline, thank heavens. I feel like I have been asleep for weeks. And the cruelty we have had to endure. They would not let us watch Christmas Cooks, or listen to the IBY on Radio Essex. And that Keef - the evil boy - kept singing that ASK song at us - AAAAGGGGG. I am going to have nightmares about that for ever. And BooHoo has been howling and howling and howling. Even Nana Jean is pissxd off with him. And she is a right boozer I can tell you - on the beer when Pauline rescued us. The CO was closeted in the smallest room. I pushed the external bolt across so he is trapped until we go back and extract revenge. As is Nana Jean - got our own back by putting that sedative in her beer. Poetic justice. And Kirk. Kirk? Stole his rug. He wont risk going out in public without that dead rat.

Now, where is my remote, a disc or 2 from Gillian and lots and lots of coffee to keep me awake until I have watched my full. And lots of time for us all to work out a truly appropriate punishment on them. And the IBY is safe. How brilliant is that. Pauline you are a complete star

Just to brag, I've just defragmented my hard disk and removed redundant programs. And it's still working. Hopefully that will speed things up and give me more space for Gillian's and YouTube's downloads.
Got to go now, as I'm on hols I've got my 2nd job to do, so another early start, 4 in a row now. Must admit to another short doze this afternoon though.
2 sleeps!!!
Nightlee night.

Home at last !!!! Pauline,- you are my new heroine no.1 Star. One more day with the Fuddy Four and Nana Jean would have driven me round the bend completely. Did you have to come when GO sang PiB? Well, never mind, at least we didn't have to listen to the rest of them murder more songs or cry more tears. If BooHoo had started again, I would have swung for him!!!!!!
Luckily my other self, you know that nice Eva, had fortunately downloaded a lot of new bits and pieces with the help of brilliant Gillian,and burnt it to a nice CD, so I can watch all I have missed while in captivity.

There is one thing I don't understand. If they are supposed to be so blooming musical, how come they ran and hid everytime I sang a little ditty? Even Starwberry put cotton wool in her ears!! If thats the way people are going to behave, I'll never sing again!!! Until next time, of course.

So glad you are none the worse for wear ladies. Sorry to have interrupted PiB but needs must because it was when they were least expecting it, and at least you have lots of goodies to come back to. Now don't forget constant vigilence I'm sure that we haven't heard the last of them! Diva(DD) never forget it was your dulcet tones that provided the necessary distraction!

Night all after a day with so much Meady excitement. Hope I dont get any more of those strange sleeping dreams tonight. I suspect not.

Sweet Meads all, and see you at the BeachCafe Bistro in the morning when normal service resumes with the BHB bright and chipper after his Christmas break. And we can all sit and plot our revenge on the Infamous Four. And lets make it REALLy nasty, Poor Strawbs tells me she had a really frightful time in their hands.

I'd better put Diva to bed before she falls down after all that excitement. Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Am exhausted after all todays exploits! So will slope off to my bed to dream of revenge... or maybe the GO, yes like that better!
Night night all, sleep tight.

Morning all - so glad Pauline found SS & D before too late. Sorry was missing all yesterday with the visitors, and when they left I just crashed into bed. Did manage to watch Christmas Cooks though whilst doing my own cooking ...bless!! Have not yet listened to the interview, will do that later but am I right from the above that he is talking about a concert in London?? I'm in! Will catch up fully later!

Good morning all. And Good Morning BHB. How delightful to see you again. Did you have a lovely Christmas break? I must say you look nice and relaxed. Whats that???? You are off for a long weekend again for the New Year!!!!! Sunday, Monday and Tuesday again!!! Oh my ears and my whiskers how are we going to cover those extra days. I was hoping for a lay in, but guess I will probably be awake anyway so will make sure we are open and with at least a minimal choice on the menu. And to be fair to the BHB he has earned another couple of days off.

Right we have set up a special area of the BeachCafe/Bistro set up to plan our revenge against Captain Kirk and the rest of the Infamous Four - and to make sure that we finally neutralise their danger to the IBY - and us. And to aid in our brainstorming we have some really good 'brain food' Lots of lovely freshly squeezed fruit juices. Kippers, smoked haddock with a soft poached egg on it, and just in case you are stil hungry after the last couple of days a really good fry up - Bacon and sausage (from free range Essex pigs) 2 sunny side up fried eggs (from free range hens living the life of riley at Sunnyfields Organic Farm), and some baked beans (special request from the BHB this one - but I have spiced them up with a little hot sauce again). And today we have a special range of breads I have been making for you. My own favourite is made with saffron and dill, then a sweet bread with a cinnamon ripple through it, and last but by no means least a lovely cheesy bread made with Keens organic cheddar cheese.

Lots of teas, coffees and tissanes. So enjoy your breakfasts, which I suspect might run on into brunch and lunch today!!!!

Morning all. What a night!! You would have thought Diva would fall into a bottomless sleep after all her trials and tribulations. Not a bit of it.! First she insisted on finishing a book she was halfway through when she was abducted. Then it was tossing and turning for I don't know how long. And when she doesn't sleep, I don't either I am cross eyed here, and she is slumped on the sofa, snoring away.
Hello sweetheart, lovely to see you. The meny sound good. The chees bread with a hard boiled egg for me, with a HUGE mug of leaded, strong, please. A Christmas hug, of course, with pleasure? (Whisper something in my ear) Oh, yes, please. The blessed boy wants to try out the turkey hash GO saw being made on telly yesterday. Forget the hardboiled egg. You would like to have your own cookery program on telly one day? I'll be your guest and show you how to cook some fascinating dishes! Suddenly he seemed to go off the idea. I wonder why.
I'd better sit over in the Plotters Corner and get my brain in gear. It is working very slowly at the moment, I'm afraid.

Good morning, loppies. Afraid I didn't have a very good night, either. Weather turned pretty bad and the rain was pouring & the wind howling all night. Just glad SS & DD were tucked up safe & sound in their beds.

Had a dream there was a large crowd of us waiting outside the Adelphi & they moved us because the theatre was under reconstruction. Why do I never get to see the GO in my dreams? I always seem to be waiting for him. Not fair!

SS, DD -- sorry you were both a bit wrought last night, but you know, Capt Kirk & the CO were never at your abduction site. They've been at the concert with Christmas & Lady Jane, so the IBY is still not safe. Make sure you take that into account in your plans. But I love the idea of stealing the captain's rug -- that'll teach 'im!

Morning all, don't faint but yes that's two days on the trot I'm here, gosh it's nice in here and !?@*!! who is that? oh you are the BHB no wonder this place is so popular! I think some cinnamon bread and fully leaded coffee please, oh you will serve me as a welcome present? Well I don't know if I'll be able to think clearly after meeting you, but will try. Have very busy couple of days coming up, but will try to be available for any loppy revenge!!

Large Rum Hot Choccie please, and I've made some of my mushrooms a la vodka, so I'll have some of those with some toasted muffins please. I'm off to the Plotters' Corner......

I do hope you don't mind a newbie joining in !!
I have been reading this for about a month now and you really brighten up my day.
I hope you all had a good Christmas and I that 2008 is a great year for everyone.

Best Wishes
Anne x

From the Plotting Corner:

As you know, I am not very familiar with the workings of Star Ships and all who sail in her, but I was thinking: Do they use SatNav? If they do, couldn't we enroll some of our techie geniuses to do some sabotage? GILLIAN, CARYS WHERE ARE YOU ???? I thought just by switching a few thingymybobs around, they might head downwards instead of upwards ??? Put your thinking caps back on again, ladies. Is this worth exploring? (Imagine, we could send CO back where he came from!!!!!!!)

Oh, Tiffy, welcome, welcome. Are you bright and intelligent? (Of course you are. Why else would you join us?) We could do with some fresh thinking in Plotters Corner. Feel free to join.

Welcome to the loony world of loppies, Tiffy. Most of the natives are friendly, though some of them have a strange custom of launching into weird Viking chants. You should be aware of that up front; we wouldn't want to scare you away.

Loppies, I had an interesting conversation with the dollop yesterday. I was filling her in on Our Hero's radio interview (wouldn't want her to feel left out of all things Lee), and mentioned the possibilities of TV & movies. So then we had to debate what TV shows he should show up in. I have to admit, I'm leaning towards Dr. McDreamy's English cousin in Grey's Anatomy. Although it would be a hoot to see him in Boston Legal -- which stars William Shatner! What do you think?

...Tiffy - welcome! We are quite sane really (not!). Geri I would be loath to put the GO anywhere near Mr Schatner........! As I recall Christmas and Lady Jane are still going strong until 1st January? (they've got some stamina, but I understand they are being fed copious amounts of incohol), so we have a few days to finalise our plans.
And finally, Yipee - my tickets for Oct 18th arrived just now!!

Dear Legless -- yes, I understand the alcohol has been flowing freely. I've never seen a drunken harpist, could make for interesting watching. Do you think Lady Jane will start playing bawdy songs on her harp? Christmas, of course, won't be affected.

Eva, I like messing with the Starship Enterprise's satnav, but I'm a bit worried about where it might land if it falls from the sky...

Suddenly had a giggly moment imagining the GO on the set of Boston Legal with a copy of the Enterprise's adventures in loppyland in his hand and the ensuing conversation with The Shat!

Morning all, no time to read everything after exhausting battle in the sales. Will catch up later.
Shirley, I'll be in L31 - have emailed Barbi on LMAS to let her know. Looking forward to it already although I'll have a couple of visits before then.

Sorry, meant to add I'd definitely be interested in going to both concerts (if there are going to be two) or however many - will worry about dates and arrangements later.

Thank you for the welcome - I think I am sane -my husband would probably disagree!!!

Is anyone going to the matinee on 12 Jan? - it would be good to meet some others.

Anne x

Hi all, back from Christmas with the parents and what an eventful Christmas Day we had. Half way through cooking Christmas lunch the cooker exploded, well not quite, but there was a very loud bang and the door flew open and all power was lost. So, after ten minutes of panicking deciding what to do mum suddenly came up with a bright idea - she has the keys for a neighbours flat that she's keeping an eye on whilst the neighbour is in hospital, so there followed a quick phone call to the hospital to ask the nurse to ask the neighbour if we could borrow her cooker. Thing is my parents live on the top floor and the neighbour lives on the ground, so there we were, gathered together the turkey, the pork, the roast potatoes/vegs, pans of veges, etc etc,legging it up and down three flights of stairs between flats. It was like some kind of comedy sketch, in fact at one point I nearly dropped the turkey I was laughing so much (I think the several glasses of vino consumed up to this point helped us to see the funny side). Anyway, the lunch finally got cooked and the rest of the time went without a hitch.

Hope you all had a good Christmas - lots been going on I see, though not had chance for a full catch up but have seen your comments re MMJ which I have on tape and ready to watch when Ploppy goes out later (so that I can drool in peace) and I gather from what you've all said that I have rather a treat in store - can't wait!!

It's only been a couple of days but it's good to be home!!

Hello everyone, been without internet access for a week, glad to be back. I see we've moved home - thankyou again Scott!
Thanks for all the emails and texts. Hope eveyone had a good christmas? Managed to get a Wii so 3 very happy scollops (except when they're fighting over the controls!) and a very knackered loppy and ploppy who enjoy it as much as the kids!
Off to try and catch up at least with the gist of what has been going on in my absence, will get back later hopefully??

Tiffy, hello and welcome.

Karen, loved your Christmas catastrophe, glad it turned out so well.

Ali, nice to have you back.

Good news that Donna's dad is home.

Had a lovely morning buying bedroom furniture for our new bungalow, then spoiled it by stubbing my toe, not funny when there is a steel pin sticking out of it!!

Oh Karen - you see what vino can do - get you through any situation! Just off to friends in Essex for dinner and overnight stay, so will catch up tomorrow - don't forget to keep an eye out for those villains BH, KtT, CO and CK!

OMG - have just watched WJMM - I have two questions (to which I already know the answers)- Was there a dry Loppy eye amongst you all on Christmas Eve after All I Ask of You, cos I've just sat here with tears in mine and How lucky is Connie, oh be still my beating heart!!!! What a wonderful start to Christmas for those of you who watched it on Christmas Eve!! That has just made my day!!

The Stage continues to acknowledge Lee. He's made it to the top 100 list. Full story in tomorrow's print edition, but here's a taster:
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/19389/mackintosh-tops-this-years-stage-100

Karen,- That was only one question, and the answer is NO !! The story with the cooker,- hilarious. What is question no. two?
Scott dear,- is it your influence that has put our boy amongst the 100 most influentioal, or are there other Loppies in The Stage. More sales for tomorrow then.
Have just had a long afternoon snooze. After a bad night, I certainly needed it. My alter ego, Diva,is out of it.
Tiffy,- that's the problem with being a Loppy. We think, no know, that we are perfextly sane, but friend and family are not so sure. Their loss, I'm sure.
Ali,- welcome home again.

Eva - is it just Diva that's out of it??.....

Q.1 Was there a dry Loppy eye?
Q.2 How lucky is Connie?

....and I've now thought of another one - "What wouldn't you give to have him look at you like that?"

Sorry, I'm sure you've all already been through all this but I'm still in WJMM heaven (have just watched it again!).

Btw - managed to catch Christmas Cooks at my parents (didn't think I would be able to) - dad and Ploppy went out and mum took to her bed with the lurgy so I had the remote to myself - well what's a Loppy to do!! Ploppy came back part way through though and said "Oh, isn't that whatsisface (!!!!!!!!!)"? to which I replied "Yes Ploppy it's Lee" Ploppy - "Did you know he was on?" Me - "Now how could I possibly know that??" HaHaHaHaHaHa

Fi, I would have paid money to see you running up and down 3 flights of stairs with the turkey dinner. Hope it tasted good after all your efforts.

Hi Tiffy, and welcome. As has been pointed out the only requirement to join in is being Slightly bonkers, and completely obsessed.

Welcome back Ali. And have a nice visit with your friends Carol.

Been sleeping most of the day. The dreaded lurgy eventually caught up with me at Christmas and I am at the asleep or nearly asleep phase. Could someone give me hope and tell me how soon it passes??

Heard from Jane this evening with the immortal words 'The Loppy has Landed'

Hi all. lost will to live in sales this am (after taking northern hordes to train)- seemingly no shops have any clothes to suit or fit youngest scollop!

Disaster - DVD didnt record Christmas cooks - or more accurately I ddint set it correctly. just watched soewm of it on You tube and listening to Radio essex interview as i read and type.

welcome Tiffy and welcome back Ali - remember scollops need to get their turn on the Wii too! Karen your escapade made me laugh. reminds me of time ploppy in loft on christmas eve sorting things out and thought this is a spare electric wire - i will just cut it off. It wasnt a spare electric wire!!! And I did not agree with sloppy who said wasnt he lucky he didnt get electrocuted - didnt feel lucky to me as I desperately tried to get hold of an electrician on xmas Eve - luckily (esp for Ploppy)I suceeded.

Shirley - yes please to concerts - Essex one depends when and where but London should be Ok.

Tiffy- Hi and welcome, as well as being 'slightly bonkers' the ability to speed read is also an advantage.
Ali- Hi, glad you're back.
Karen- Loved your Christmas story, sounds like the normal Loppy disaster with domestic appliances, we haven't had one for a while so were due a good one.
Sue- Hope your toe feels a bit better now.
I'm sooo excited 1 SLEEP.

Right, kids fed and watered, so just a quick hello to you all.
Fi, I see you braved the sales as well - I've only just recovered after going for a couple of hours this morning. Re Xmas Cooks - Gillian has added it to her list of goodies (link further up this page I think).
Karen - loved your exploding cooker saga and I'm relieved to find I'm not the only one who keeps rewatching the WJMM bits.
Ali - welcome back and glad you got the Wii; just promise to let scollops have a go eventually.
Tiffy / Anne - welcome, there's always room for more Loppies.
Shirley - hope the dreaded lurgy is loosening its grip slightly and good luck with your battle to track down the HMV photos (as featured on LMAS); I'd certainly be interested.
Pauline2 - very impressed with your detective work and brave rescue mission.
I think that's everything covered, now what to watch on TV tonight? Could I persuade ploppy to watch WJMM again? My story that I'm sticking to is that I have to make the most of it as I'll be at in-laws (and without internet) over the weekend.

Forgot to say: Jo4, have a fab time with the Alisons - and Joseph, of course.

Karen,- it's convenient to have an alter ego I can blame anything on, like not reading your post properly. Answer to Q3: Anything, including 30 years ( because that would bring me almost in to his age group!)
Tiffy,- another handy ability is a rich fantasy loife!

Jo4 + Alisons,- do your Loppy duty tomorrow and blow Himself a lot of kisses from us all. OK, from yourselves too.

Hi all, oh Karen what a lovely picture that conjures up, and think of all the calories burned!! Can eat and drink even more!
Hi Tiffy welcome to this magical loppy land where anything is possible and usually happens. You'll love it!
Fi, Elisabeth you're braver than me, never been able to face the bunfight of the sales.
Hi Ali welcome home.
Shirley hope the lurgy passes soon and you are back to normal, we need your help planning revenge! Liking the Enterprise idea Eva, don't know much about mechanics. How about doing something to the transporter, then we could beam all the nasties wherever we wanted?!
On the subject of lurgies 4 of my dinner guests have gone down with a stomach bug, so after a quick ring round have now postponed till 5th. Now what to do with a fridge full of antipasti? Dinner anyone?

I knew I'd forget something! Jo4, Alisons, have a fantastic time tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing about it!

Message from Debbie,- just had a mail from her. She is having a busy Christmas and don't know when she'll be able to post. Sends her love.
Geri,- I don't want you to bad mouth me to newcomers. Let them find out for themselves,- how lovely I am, I mean.

Who, moi? Really, Eva, don't know what you mean

Shirley, do feel better soon. I ventured out for the first time today & was a wreck by the time I got home. And I only walked half a mile! Of course, with my short legs, that's like three-quarters of a mile for most of you; or a mile and a half if you're Eva...

Karen, you do know that pouring massive amounts of alcohol on the turkey while it's in the oven is probably not a good idea! Or was this another CO hex?

Geri,- you just can't resist, can you? Go into the corner and be ashamed!!!
Pauline,- I haven't the foggiest about anything sci-fic related, so don't know what the transporter is. I'll throw in the ideas, but you'll have to embellish them.

Hmm Geri, I think it was def a CO hex cos the massive amounts of alcohol were thrown down my neck and not on the turkey (just a wee bit on the turkey, any more would have been a waste!!)

Pauline2 - you have a good point re the calorie count - it's good exercise, running up and down the stairs with a rather large bird!!!!

Eva you know me, of course we'll do our Loppy duty and blow lots of kisses. It will have to be from afar, not like Carol and Shirley. Afterall who sings to her horse for 2 hours regularly songs from ADWD and THE album? Have you ever tried riding a horse that hops along on its back hooves with the front ones clamped over its ears? (I was thrown out of the class choir at age 7.) I can't guarantee a quick review as I have to get up earlish on Saturday, as I have to do early shift at 2nd job to get home in time for some TV programme or other.
Gillian-I've just watched Christmas cooks from your link. Thank you. I do not usually watch cookery programmes, of course I made an exception for this one. The chilli dish is very similar to one I make, except I use 3 types of lentils, and of course no sugar or salt. Also I use Hendersons Relish instead of W sauce.
Nightlee night got to get early night, special day tomorrow.

Phew finally caught up on a weeks worth of posts! I did manage to see MMJ on xmas eve, scollop asked if Lee and Connie were a couple, when I said no he said they should be! Friend (who likes Gary Barlow?) at last admitted she can see what we all see in Lee, hallelujah! In her words "he is rather gorgeous isn't he?" As for the concerts I'll go to anything, even if I have to beg to pay for the tickets, I'm not proud!
Sloppy taking us to see Letita Dean in panto tomorrow, but I'll be back. Sweet meads everyone, I've missed you all, it's great to be "home"

Ali,- let's know how Letitia is doing in the panto. She was my favourite for a long time in SCD. I thought she was absolutely lovely.
Jo4,- your singing voice sounds to be on par with mine. Maybe you should join me if I'm going to sing to the Fanny Four again. That'll show them to mess with the Loppies.

Gillian thank you for making all thing Mead available for us less technically minded Loppies.
Thank you everyone for the links.
Count me in for any concerts please.
Shirley hope you soon get rid of lurghi and feel better for the New Year.
Pauline2 how clever of you to find SS and Diva. We nust launch an assault on CK etc before Scotty beams them up.
Karen loved your story about the oven.
pleased to hear that Donna's Dad is home and recovering. It's awful having someone in hospital at Christmas.
Have a lovely time those going to Adelphi tomorrow. I get excited if I remember that I'm going after 31 sleeps. Goodness knows how I'll feel when it's just 1 sleep!!.

To all Adelphi going Loppies have a wonderful time and cheer extra loud from all of us. You lucky girls.

Karen great story about your Christmas diner. I can visualize it in my mind and it is very funny.

Gillian thanks again for your prompt delivery of Christmas Cooks. Love the bits where he is munching away.

Can't get any audio with christmas cooks video and can't get radio essex download either, seems to coincide with ploppy adding I-tunes to laptop?? anyone able to advise in simple terms?

Ali, I know Itunes had bad effect on my PC, but can't offer more assistance. Restore normal defaults for players (no I don't know how), or right click the sound/video file and choose Windows Media Player is the best I can do.

Eva I'm not really an expert either but the transporter is the thing they beamed people up to the Enterprise with (hence beam me up Scotty). Mind if we are all technically challenged maybe we'd be better trying something else! and we have to make sure IBY is kept safe.

Unfortunately, Pauline, the transporter was affected by the terrible Rhydian poison, which is why Capt. Kirk couldn't beam up in the first place. Maybe a better strategy would be to protect the IBY first & seek revenge later...

Ali, only things I can suggest are check your firewall protection to make sure your system isn't blocking files, and also go to your control panel & check your sound levels. It's possible they somehow got knocked out our set too low to hear. Also, most systems have a sound level on the actual computer or monitor, make sure they are turned up, too.

Perhaps the Loppies could enlist help from DT with his sonic screwdriver and telephone box. He made porridge and served in the Beachcafe/bistro while BHB was away.

Right in that case we must secure IBY, if we give him a bodyguard I don't mind! I'd stick very closely to him and maybe whisk him away to a secret location! Completely selfless I am.
On that beautiful thought I will go to bed.
Night night and sleep tight

Calling all Loppies! WAKE UP. How dare you all be snoring when I have the chance to come on. I know it's been a long time but I haven't forgotten you all and thankfully some lovely loppies texted and e-mailed me too to let me know I haven't been forgotten either.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. Judging from a quick skim through you have. Glad your dinner turned out ok in the end Karen. We cooked ours overnight as our oven is dodgy and father-in-law said it was done the next morning. However, just as I had the goose fat all hot and bothered, ready for the pots, dear ploppy pokes it and says it's not done enough so it had to go back in and everything else got held up. Still, another 2 voddies later and I'd lost interest and left it all to the in-laws and ploppy to sort out whilst I saluted the Queen.

Gillian, have found your website and must say a huge THANKYOU. I didn't know Lee was on the radio and wondered how I'd listen to it but of course you saved the day yet again.

Lee was his usual gorgeous self of course on the two shows. He really knows how to do Elvis. Shame we couldn't see him when he played the part in Joseph years ago.

Feeling tired now, brain not functioning, keep dozing off. After effects from all the vodkas and mulled wine from Christmas.

Cheerio my friends and hope to visit again soon. Don't forget me when the tour comes up. Me want to come too!!

Goodmorning to all. I am sitting at my desk in the office. Terrible early. It is like I am the only one who have to work today. Almost no traffic so lots of time to think of the GO.
O, there is the boss, got to go.

Morning all. Bye Anne! She didn't even have time for a coffee. Hello there sweetheart! So it's up to the two of us to open up properly and lay out the food. It's going to be simple, I think. If you rustle up some of your special scrambled eggs and turkey hash, I'll see to the coffees and toast. Walnut rolls warming nicely in the oven. Fruit in the basket.
Oh, you brought Danny Boy with you. He wanted to say Hello to everyone? He enjoyed his time with us so much that he wanted to come back? How lovely. Come here, you, and have a cuddle. All right BHB, you too.

Not that sort of horse Jo.

Morning all. Straight into the steam room for me. Lots of eucalyptus and teetree oil in the steam please. Oh thats better. BHB she really isnt dangerous you know. Bless him he is hiding from Eva in the steam. What - singing again?? OK, she is dangerous. That voice could cause structural damage.

Lots of vitamin C rich fruit juice for me please. A large pink grapefruit juice will be perfect.

Good morning, all. Yes, I'll give you a new year kiss, BHB, aren't you lovely. Why are you shaking -- oh the Viking behemoth is at it again. Well, we'll go into the plasma TV room & watch the GO doing his Elvis & then singing with Connie. Of course you can sing along if you like, bless!

Oh, BHB, your friend Jane is hoping to get to an internet cafe so she can catch up on all that's been happening in loppyland. I told her we'd all send ohmms her way. Oh, you want to ohmm for her too -- good man! Of we go, then, ohhmmm....

Morning all. My, this is early for me. It's nice to be back in the bistro again. I'll have a hot choc with lots of whipped cream and a flake. No point in worrying about the extra pounds I've put on now. May as well go with it. A little bit more cream BHB please. Think Rhydian hairstyle, yes, that's it, lovely. I'll have a nice pain au chocolat to dip in whilst I'm here. Hope you're going to make your chilli again. I'll help you stir.

Well isn't that typical! I'm up 'early' and you're all in bed.

Off to London later to see The Sound Of Music with the dollops. May go up earlier and try to do something else first although I'm not sure what. We'll go and eat in The Stockpot near Leicester Sq. It's a really cheap restaurant but the food is very tasty. You can have a three course meal with (the obligatory) glass of wine for £10.

Have just caught up with most news on Donna's site. Lots of lovely pics, you lucky people meeting him! Will keep my eyes scanned today in case he's shopping. I could help carry his bags.

Bye for now everyone and in case I forget to say it Happy New Year!

Morning Everyone!

I have been trying all week to get on the site so ! have tried again! Oh My God its tonight!! I am sooooo excited! I am meeting Alison and Jo there so it should be a right laugh!! I will try and post a report on Saturday but if I cant get on the site I will email it to Stageloppies and if you could put it up for me - would that be OK?! Don't worry I will blow the GO lots of kisses!!

Hooray that worked!! I have been trying all week!! Now that I am on just had to say how much I enjoyed JMM (that duet!!) and Christmas Cooks!! What a lovely week it has been only to be topped off tonight!! Just read a review on another site from a lucky girl who went yesterday and she said that Lee was 'happy, bouncy, sexy and gorgeous!!'Oh my!!

Just have to add - sorry this will be the last post - don't Connie and Lee make a lovely couple?! I have wanted them to sing All I Ask of You for ages and it was fantastic, they have such good chemistry together!! If they were in a show together it would be Box Office dynamite!! I have got the song on my MP3 player and its just as good just hearing them sing it! Right, I had better go now as I have to get ready!! Full report tomorrow!!

It's just as well The Bistro is closed now and the guests dispersed, because I have some very serious bones to pick with some of them.

Geri,-How many times: I am not dangerous and my singing voice is beautiful. I'll have Jo4 to support me now, so you are outnumbered.

Cough,cough,- don't think you can hide behind an alias. I suppose you want that pink grapefruit juice to go with your hair!!!! Any more lip from you and I'll have you on report for maligning a National Treasure of Outstanding Beauty!
Who was that laughing?

Just getting back on the board after Christmas ups and downs. Managed to watch JMM live and how wonderful was that? ALW just cannot fail to use Connie & Lee in Phantom2 (I thought Connie was excellent too and just perfect with Lee). C Cooks was also great, far more of Lee in there than I expected and he was just lovely and so relaxed, he's getting very much better with interviews.
Shirley please put me down for the 2 concerts and anything else - what exciting things in the pipeline!
Went to see Cinderella in Windsor featuring 2 failed Joseph's - Chris C with the worried frown & non-gleaming teeth (Prince Charming oh dear) and John Deep (Dandini). Chris sang no more than adequately and his acting was very wooden. Should not have been in the last 12 Josephs in my opinion but John Deep was excellent although didn't of course compare to the GO. Cant wait for the Winner's Story tomorrow..

Hello, hello I'm back from the wilds of Essex - wonderful news that Donna's dad is home and getting better. Shirley2 - nearly booked to see Cinderella at Windsor and am glad now I didn't! Haven't heard the Radio Essex interview yet, but will try to do so - if there is a tour I'll be there! Wherever! Too late for the Bistro, too late for Debbie - just too late really! Off now to have lunch with another friend (yes I do have more than 1!) so will catch up later!

Just popped in quickly while waiting for some of the family to arrive, we're then off to skate at Somerset House in the pouring rain I fear.

Hope everyone had a good Christmas, loved the account of your day Karen. It was very chaotic here with too many people in a small space, great fun though. It was lovely to see them all and it was lovely to see then all go home too!

Managed to tape WJMM great solo from GO and duet with Connie fantastic. Thought JB, whom I've always liked, gave the most cheesy, vain and selfish performance of the night, talk about look at me, me, me!
Wasn't this recorded shortly before Lee had bronchitis? If so he covered it very well.

Thanks Gillian for your sterling work, listened to interview and watched CCs, Lee looked as if he was really enjoying himself and lost his usual self -consciousness completely, great stuff.

Also well done Pauline for rescuing our dear SS and Diva!

Hi all - what a horrible day it's been here today, howling winds and lashing rain - good job I've been closeted indoors. Have spent the whole day cooking meals for the parents to warm up in the microwave. They can't get anybody to fix their cooker until next Wednesday!!!!! They're both pushing 70, which I know is not old but that, plus the fact that my mum's laid up with the lurgy, I think they need good home cooked food inside them. So now I'm exhausted and, after all that cooking, can't face making dinner for Ploppy and I so take-away's looking good right now!!

I see there has been a whirlwind through here again today - hi Debbie, bye Debbie, come back soon Debbie!!

I'm probably too late but hope Jo and the Alisons have a fab time. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

Poor horse-whisperer (did I get that wrong??) - hope you're soon feeling better.

Karen - just so you know you are not alone, my friend lost the use of her cooker on Christmas Eve and ended up taking her food to her sister on Christmas Day (sister was supposed to be coming to her!) so she could cook it all. She is still "without", although she has got the hob working and the microwave! However, agree it is more serious for your Mum and Dad, who need as you say good home cooked food!
I've just nipped out from the concert by the way, to grab a quick drink, Jane is holding the fort - my she plays that harp well! Has anyone come up with a plan to save our hero yet?? Agree about the JB comments by the way, and from CC wasn't it obvious that Linda B was totally smitted with our boy??!!

Went out earlier today in bright sunshine, 11 degrees C., and skies clear and blue. Went into a shop & emerged twenty minutes later to gale force winds, pouring rain & deepest Winter. What happened!

OK, so dollop wants me to take her to the What's On Stage awards show on Feb. 24th. Already confirmed to attend are Daniel & Ben. Our Hero not yet mentioned, but it's a reasonable guess that he would, at least, be in the audience. I'm going to book the tickets (3rd row stalls)& hope for the best. Anyone thinking about being around who'd like to meet up that weekend?http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=211&id=4422

Geri, I hope you gonna get great tickets for the awardshow. Imagine you end up sitting behind the GO. All those curls.

Oke, A week ago I was determined to get Lee on Dutch radio. Well that did not work.
There was this fundraising going on were 3 DJ’s were locked up in a glass house in the middle of Holland with no food (but very healthy drinks) for 6 days and the public can get songs played on the national radio for money. The only downside for me was that Lee’s songs were not in their archive, due to the fact that the album was not released here, so they couldn’t play them.

That was a bummer but the fundraising was a big success. It is such a success that other nations (Ireland, Sweden and Finland) are thinking of doing the same.

One of the DJ’s, Gerard Ekdom, knows a lot of songs by heart. Here is a link were you can see him play backing to the song from Cliff Richard and The young Ones. It is very good and funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0RqDoHm0GY

This is after 5 days without food I don't think I would be that lively.

Thanks for that link, Anne, that was fabulous!

Less fabulous is that WOS site -- can't get my ticket order to go thru. Aargh! I'll keep trying. As Anne says, the thoughts of sitting behind a certain curly head -- better yet, beside! Have to bring dollop so someone can remind me to breathe...

SH1T - I posted a really long post and then took myself and the lurgy off to bed for a rest. Only it obviously got lost. Sorry to AliB, Alison and Jo to whom I wished a wonderful time at the show - any minute now in fact.

Then Hi to Debbie, and sorry I missed her, and hope she has a wonderful time at the SoM. Again any time now!!!

And Maeve and Shirley2,lovely to see you back - and hope you survive the next round of relatives Maeve.

Just been talking to a friend, her cooker died on Christmas day too. So cookers get lurgies too!!!

Geri, I see Captain Kirk's diaries are gaining an enthusiastic following on the Forum too. Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant

Anne,- thank you for that link. It was hilarious!
Geri,-did you have to send that awful weather this way? It's really stormy outside now. I checked the link to What's On Stage, but you have to be a member to book a ticket, otherwise I'd go for one. It's just after my birthday, so I could buy it as a present to myself. BooHoo!!!!!

Well what an evening! Got home after lovely lunch with friend (to compensate for lack of dinner party). Then visited sloppy who is now back home again. When I got here thought I would catch up. While on the computer heard some odd noises outside. The weather is foul here too, wet and windy, and thought something was being blown around outside as could see no sign of movement. 10 mins later doorbell goes, a neighbour from over the road wanted to know if I'd seen anything as next door neighbour has been burgled. Went to have a look and the whole of the french window is smashed in. Poor lady is away, she is new to the area and hasn't told anybody when she was going or where, so that'll be a lovely welcome home present for her. Feel terrible that I didn't investigate more thoroughly as I might have scared them off, and the police say as she had no alarm they have been right through the house.
Anyway, hi, oh goodbye Debbie, she sure can move that girl! Hello again too to Shirley2 and Maeve.
I feel I have IBY safe, but can never be too sure. Think we need a plan. Broomstick raid? or maybe a charge of Santas' helpers and reindeer, we could send the vile ones to the north pole?

Eva, you don't have to pay a fee or anything to become a member, and for the chance to sit in the stalls with HIM, I think it's worth it!

Gosh, Pauline, it all happens around your way, doesn't it! What a shame for your neighbour. Still, I'm glad you didn't investigate -- we wouldn't want you to become a headline.

Just spent an hour watching the PiB episode of ADWD with Dollop. She's in tears because Daniel was voted off...

Shirley, yes, I see The Starship Enterprise's adventures are getting some viewing. I suspect, though, that some of the loppies on LMAS don't get all our references -- I had to explain who the CO is, for instance. I may need to tweak some of the later episodes to accommodate the audience. By the way, we're nearing the time to discuss future strategy.

Geri,- according to the web site you have to pay £30 for a years membership. They won't let you register otherwise.

Oh Geri, I had meant to say that LOADS of us are in the Adelphi on 23 February anyway so maybe a meet up would be fairly easy to arrange.

Oh Pauline. How awful for your neighbour, but I'm with Geri. Very glad you did not investigate any more carefully. However distressing a burglary might be 'things' are replaceable. You are not.

I know Geri, and I am trying. Honest. Brain just starting to spark minimally again. Hopefully back to full strength tomorrow. And Donna should have the Justgiving set up for Mildmay soon too. Forwarded on their Mission and vision statements earlier today.

Oh,should say that I have been hearing from Jane, and Sonja. Both are well. Sonja has no reliable internet connection again, but is having a lovely holiday with her brother visiting. Jane was drinking plenty of bad wine (her description) and loosing a board game about squirrels to a 5 year old. Suspect the wine and losing have a causative link.

And just to get in early - HI DEBBIE. Nice to see you after SOM. Glad you enjoyed it. And did you peek in at the matinee after show show at the Adelphi on your way there. Only a slight detour.

A quick hello, goodbye and Happy New Year to all from me (must be my shortest post ever).
I'll be off to sunny Sheffield tomorrow to visit Ploppy's family none of whom I think are Loppies. So no internet and probably no Winner's Story tomorrow - will have to catch up on New Year's Day (not a bad start to the New Year I suppose).
Hope Jo4 and the Alisons are having a great time - that's stating the obvious really.
Debbie - hope you enjoyed SoM.
See you all soon.

Evening everyone - back from seeing friend, done the ixxxxng (sorry but it was two and a half weeks worth so I felt I had to get it out of the way), and now feel shattered, so off for an early night! Will make sure you are up nice and early for the Bistro tomorrow - if the CM is still unwell, I am happy to supervise the menu!

Pauline - I agree with other comments, much as it as admirable that you wish you had investigated I am glad you did not, you just don't know what you could be walking into. As Shirley said, most material possessions can be replaced. Having said that, as anyone who has been burgled will know, it's not what they take, it's the fact that someone has invaded your home. We were burgled many many years ago and it was a bit of a surreal situation because we were driving down the street and I saw our cat and I knew we had left her in when we went out and I was thinking how did she get out and then as we approached the house I noticed that the front door was ajar and the first thought was that we'd left it open, which of course we hadn't, and it was only a momentary thought before we realised what had happened. Ploppy was about to charge into the house but I made him wait until the police got there just in case they were stil in the house. Ploppy stood outside the front door though as he said if they were in there and tried to get out "he'd have the b******s".

We also had another rather surreal experience. We had gone to the supermarket and when we came out we headed towards where we had parked Ploppy's van and it wasn't there. You know those times when you park the car and then forget where you parked it - well, it was like that. So there we were wandering around the supermarket car park with a trolley full of shopping looking for a large, quite unmissable, transit van!! It was later found and had been used in a ram-raid at a well known fast food take away, it had been burnt out and the safe was still in the back of the van. We had to go "identify" the van and that really upset me - how stupid is that??

Elisabeth - you're near to my neck of the woods tomorrow - West Yorkshire - we could have had another Loppy meet up! Hmm, maybe your non Loppy in-laws wouldn't have understood that! Not to worry - enjoy sunny (not) Sheffield!!

We still have a little time to finalise plans, Shirley. My crystal ball tells me to expect frantic e-mailing in the near future.

Still haven't had any luck getting a confirmation on my booking for the gala; will try calling them tomorrow.

Have fun in Sheffield tomorrow, Elisabeth (or is fun & Sheffield some sort of oxymoron?)

Just in case you Cliffbaby fans don't know, have just seen an advert on ITV3 for a Cliffy Christmas Concert tomorrow (I think it said 6pm). Being ITV3 I suspect it's a repeat but just thought you'd like to know (I'm remembering the Loppy constitution!!).

Blimey. The rain just arrived here too. Our weather monitor says it is raining cats and dogs, and who am I to argue with that.

Elisabeth have a good visit to Sheffield.

Karen I know just what you mean. Many years back with my then boyfreind we went to visit friends and walked back to the car - and it wasnt there. We both started looking for it nearby - although we had both been 100% certain it was where we thought it was. You kind of dont believe yourself. Its not there so you must have misremembered.

Right. Off to bed. Goodnight all. And Sweet Meads

Thanks guys, I know you are right, but I still feel a bit guilty. However on the up side I have had a visit from a very nice policeman!! Livened me up a bit!
On the theme of cars, a friend of mine visited a large out of town supermarket recently and came out to have the same thing couldn't find car, which was fairly new, she was gutted. Two days later police rang to say they had found her car....on the opposite side of the supermarket where she'd left it!!!! Poor girl has never been allowed to forget it.
Enjoy Sheffield Elisabeth. Hope SoM was good Debbie and I know Jo4 + Alis' had a great time.
Night night and sleep tight.

Since we're sharing car stories: I wasn't long divorced & was at home around 10pm with my dollop who was about 7 years old. There was a loud pounding on the door. Dollop peeked out the window & said, "Mum, there are lots of police cars outside." So with beating heart I opened the door to a police sargeant. We lived in a very small town & every police car was outside my door.
Police Sargeant: Ma'am, is that your Toyota?
Me: Yes? Is there a problem?
Police Sargeant: Yes, Ma'am -- I'm really sorry but...I ran into you!
Since he was the sargeant, all the guys from the precinct came to take pictures & tease him. No serious damage to the car, & I had a story to tell!

Hi Everyone!!

All I can say is – OH MY GOD!! What a fantastic evening!!

I met up with Alison and Jo and we went for a quick drink and had a laugh. Jo had managed to get tickets for the evening show too so that was good!

The show itself was excellent – just as I remembered it! Lee was fantastic. He looked lovely – if he had been overindulging at Christmas it didn’t show!! But there was something different about him and it was HIS LEGS!! They weren’t so hairy!! Looking through my dads binos the hair was still there but it looked like they had been waxed / shaved and it was slightly growing back!! Preeya had done the matinee so I saw Fiona again and she was just as good. All the rest of the cast were there and were excellent too. The only disappointment was with my fellow audience – NO standing ovation at the end!! I was the only one standing up and clapping!!

But as Lee would sing ‘The Best is yet to come!’ The signing afterwards was the most exciting bit of all. Jo had to leave to get the last train so it was just Alison and I. We were sort of one of the last few people to leave the theatre and we got a prime spot right behind the brass railing – as I am only 5ft Alison let me stand in front of her right next to the railing, right by the door! It was all very exciting! Then Lee came out to a big cheer, he was wearing (we think) jeans, a sort of blackish/grey trench coat and his brown beanie hat!! He then started to hand out the pre-signed photos and he stood RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME!! It was literally only the brass rail separating us!! He then handed a photo (well she grabbed it actually) to the girl standing next to me and then I took one which I immediately dropped!! (it fluttered out of my hand!!) I then went to take another and Lee had moved over to the sort of front of the crowd and was still handing them out, he then came back over to me and sort of leaned over my left shoulder and said to the people behind me ‘could you pass these on to the people at the back!’ I swear his beautiful face was about six inches from mine!! I was too close to get my camera out! He then got rid of all the photos (I managed to get the pre-signed one from the security guard) and got his pen out and was still right in front of me at this point. He signed the grabbing girls programme next to me and then seemed to go to sign my album cover but then saw Alison’s calendar and went to sign that! I then turned and put my album cover on the calendar and then he signed that and said something like ‘oh yes there you go’ I then managed to squeak out ‘thank you Lee’ to which he turned to me and grinned and said… well actually neither Alison or I can remember exactly what he said (which will haunt me to me dying day) but it was along the lines of ‘oh that’s alright’ He then went down the line along the front etc, and at this point I was able to take some photos. By now I had moved back to let a little girl and her Dad get to the front and then Lee came back again!! He was yet again right in front of me signing this little girls programme! There was then a wave and he was gone! It was over in a flash but oh my it was soo exciting!! Words can’t really tell (although by the length of this you have got a fair idea!!) how exciting that encounter was! Alison and I were grinning like idiots all the way back to Charing Cross and when I got home I had to type this all out so I didn’t forget any of it (its now 12.36!!) Up close Lee is truly beautiful and very delicately featured which you don’t get any idea of on TV. Back home I am still grinning but typing this out has helped calm me down! It was a FANTASTIC evening!! It was lovely to meet Alison and Jo and I know that Alison and I will always treasure that close encounter and kick ourselves forever that we can’t remember what he said!!. Must go to bed now and am going to get my photos printed tomorrow (well today now!)

AliB - thanks for sharing so quickly. How fantastic, and I bet Jo is cursing her train times when she reads your review. And dont give up hope of remembering what Lee said to you. You might find it comes drifting gently to the surface days or weeks later. And then you will be emailing each other saying 'Did he say this?' And Alison will say 'Yes, that's it' and add something that she has remembered too. And in the meantime welcome to the world of LII. Dont believe for one minute that you will sleep the night through after that much excitement. Ohhh. It brings it all back. Thank you so much

AliB - Wowww, I get exited just reading your story. To be that close to the GO!!!!!
I hope you manage to sleep all right and had really nice dreams. Just maybe today you start to remember what he said to you.

Goodmorning, well if I didn't already got exited from AlibB's story I would be now!
In about 10 hours we all can see the "National Treasure of Outstanding Beauty" as Eva so rightly named him. Again a whole hour of Lee. We get so spoiled.
January is going to be so boring.

Morning, morning, rise and shine! Oh AliB and Ali ....it is the GO effect, it's happened to nearly all of us! Weird isn't it!! Anyway, no sign of the CM yet so I have started work with the BHB (who says he has to leave early as he is on TV this afternoon - bless - something about a journey). Perhaps he was just telling me he was going somewhere (like Elizabeth of Sheffield) and was so excited it came out wrong! Lots of hot rum chocolate, mushrooms at la vino blanco, rum infused muesli, rumtoft, scrambled eggs and smoked salmon a la vodka and the usual range of breads, etc. etc. Healthy fruit for the unadventurous ones. Today the sick bay has been changed into a brain storming room so that ideas for the saving of the GO on Loppyland may be thrashed out! Looks like the wind has dropped here, it was very wild and woolly yesterday!

Morning all. Just a quick visit this morning. I'm having a friend staying over the week end and as it's her birthday tomorrow, I'll have guests for Sunday lunch too. Making a nice lamb roast. Hello there, sweetheart, your face lit up at the mention of a roast. You like a good roast, you say? You are more that welcome to come too, of course, and I promise no serving to do,- neither kitchen duty,- I've got my faitheful Bosch there.
Who's that floating up under the rafters? It's Jo4, AliB and Alison!!! Well, I'm sure they will stay for a while.
Just some toast and scrambled eggs for me, please BHB, and remember NO ALCOHOL. One drying out period was enough.

Mornin again. Did some useful research in the night so here goes

At StP's last week SueX, who won Lee's baseball cap, was wearing a lovely THUD tee shirt. Black with red printing on it. The D of the THUD had lovely little hearts falling down from it, and at the bottom there is going to be a puddle of melted hearts with LOPPY left showing in black. Donna and I were completely smitten and I have been doing some research on prices, styles, quality and so on.

The current plan is for V necked, short sleeved ladies Tee shirts. The sizes range from M to 2XXL and are Haynes - so good quality garments. The should come out at about £12.50 - £15 each, with all profits going to Mildmay - Donna is about to set up a Justgiving thingy for them too.

Can you be in touch with me either here or at shirley.cooke@btopenworld.com with details of how many you would want, and in what sizes. You are making no firm committment until you place an order and pay money in response to a later post.

Morning, loppies. Just a light breakfast for me, BHB. A week on antibiotics has had an unfortunate effect on the old tummy -- the CO would be well advised to take a dose!

AliB -- I know exactly how you feel. When I saw the GO I put my camera on video & didn't realise until I loaded it onto my computer that there was sound included. So not only did I get to hear him talk to me & everyone else, but I also got to hear myself be a total idiot. As in, "Lee, duh--uh--duh--" Well, at least I got his name right!

T-shirts sound amazing Shirley and what a good idea for fund raising, put me down for 2 please Probably M size but it depends on how small that comes out as so it may be L?

Morning all

AliB - WOW, WOW, WOW. The very thought of being six inches from that beautiful face has made me come over all unnecessary!!

Shirley - the t'shirts sound fantastic. Please put me down for one. I'm sure Jane will want one too and I'll email Louise to see if she wants one and then I'll email you with def numbers and sizes.

Quick visit as another busy day looming and there is something later I mustn't miss! Oh Ali that just brings the buzz right back, and you are right he is just beautiful, up close and I think even better looking than on tv. Enjoy cloud 9, it lasts a long time.
Have emailed you about the tshirts Shirley.
Right must fly to get things done, 6 family coming tomorrow to see sloppy so that'll be lots of shopping and cooking today. May I have a hot chocolate to go please? Thankyou BHB, so nice of you to do that for me. Hope to catch up later, must try to plan... the game's afoot!

Scott dear,- in between shopping and h******g I had time to glance through latest issue of The Stage. Here is listed the theatre industry's power list of 2007. Amongst the most influencial performers (no number given)is listed one Lee Mead with the following text:" He had to make the list. Otherwise we would be receiving death threats from middle-aged women across the UK. Seriously though, he's been the reason for Joseph's huge box office,- and he doesn't look bad in a loincloth. Just ask the ladies." Now for the questions: Did you write this? Are we by any chance "the middle-aged ladies" referred to? If so, thank you for the "ladies" label,- much appreciated. Middle-aged, spot on! I put my foot down on death threats though. Serious Bodily Harm, yes!! And he looks absolutely scrumptious in a loincloth. Let's be precise here!
Back to the h*****k.

Hope you are on the mend Shirley and everyone else not 100% . Ali, it was lovely to read your review. I won’t get to see the show/GO until March so it is great to get the atmosphere of the whole experience.

I always find bank holidays quite confusing and even begin to wonder what day it is, but I now have the tv and house to myself so have at last managed to watch Christmas Cooks and listen to the Radio Essex interview. Thank you so much Gillian, you are a star. I’m so glad to have been able to hear that as it was so brilliant to hear him so relaxed. Is it being with people from Essex as he never comes across as shy with them? There doesn’t seem to be any definite plans yet, does there, for concerts, tv or films but we can keep our fingers crossed. I wonder what they can be in America as surely he is a total unknown over there? They all seemed to be just chatting away which made it a lovely interview and loved ‘the giggle’ at his friend’s tannoy joke announcement. More like that please!

I also loved C Cooks. I think you said, Shirley that it was filmed after CIN, but he looked really well and once again relaxed not exhausted as I thought he looked in some of the interviews where he was promoting the album. ITT I thought he looked really tired. It seems as if he is most happy when not self promoting. Bless him – he really is modest.

He also really loves his cooking, doesn’t he, and I thought very organized in putting across his recipe, and everyone on there were really lovely with him and gave him a chance to show his fun side which is brilliant. He really doesn’t take himself too seriously, does he – loved the whisking and expression while Linda was examining ROY – and others – from behind! I think he definitely needs to do more programmes like that. Love him!

There really have been some good, intelligent, interviews recently as well, obviously started by Scott’s. I think he must be so fed up with the repeat/ frivolous ones and perhaps now the interviewers realize that fans/ordinary people are interested in knowing what he really thinks. He gives very balanced answers when given a chance.

Well spotted, Eva, about the power list 100. Well done Lee, but quite right that he should be included.

Better go and do some w—k so that I can be ready and waiting for the winners Story tonight. Can’t wait.

Loppies, I struck gold! For any of you who missed WJMM, or didn't get to record it -- the entire show is on-line. Here's the link: http://www.tvcatchup.com/watch/13253/

Just typed a long post and lost it, damn!
Ploppy has restored sound (apparently) so off to watch /listen to anything I've missed.
Eva, Letitia looked gorgeous in panto, very slim, lots of refs to SCD of course! Sloppy booked us in for touring Joseph there in March, should be interesting??
Can't wait for tonight, will be able to watch before going to work then I'll be on a high all night! Decided to go ahead and book for 18th October, I knew I'd regret it if I didn't and if I leave it any longer I'll be too late. Got L34 in upper circle so I'll need my binoculars but at least I'll be there.

Ali,- thank you for that. Wish I had seen her. I'm going to panto in January to see Alladin in Canterbury, but have to admit I have no idea who is the big star. I love panto anyway. Anither one for the 18th October. What a party that is going to be. Will there be any "ordinary" people there, I wonder? No-Loppies, I mean.

Afternoon Everyone!

Glad you all enjoyed my rather lengthy review!! I am still grinning from ear to ear despite it taking me four hours yes four hours to get to sleep!! Alison and I have been texting most of the morning, she is still in shock and had to be reassured that it wasnt a dream!! I got my photos back and they are pretty rubbish because we were so close Lee is as pale as a ghost and blurry in most of them!! They dont do him justice at all!! It was a wonderful evening just seeing him so close up was fantastic and Alison and I are still wondering what exactly he said to us!! I wonder how long the grinning will last?

Forget to add a few interesting titbits from last night! The dry ice was still there at the beginning but not so much of it and none around Lee's face, so thats good. There was loads of ticker tape at the end when Lee is on the podium as all this white stuff rained like snow all over me in the front of the Dress Circle! Turns out is is white rectangles of tissue paper!! Also at the end when it had finished and i had been the only one standing up and clapping, a lady two seats along from me said to me as she was leaving 'did you have a family member in the cast?!' I just went 'No!' What an odd thing to say! Also when we were out the front I noticed Lee didnt wink at anyone!! He was on stunning form in the show and made three Loppies very very happy!! I still cant believe he was so close to me especially when he was virtually leaning on me to hand the photos out!! HEAVEN!!

Hello. Hope you all had a good Christmas. I've come into the library to report on last night's excitment. I don't think I'll be coherent. You'll have already gathered from Ali B that we got a touch excited.

I met up with Jo and Ali B. I thought Jo was going to the matinee. It turned out she had but had then been persuaded to get another ticket for the evening. I'm not sure how much persuasion was needed. We had a drink and then took our seats. Ali and Jo were row A dress circle and I was row H. I had miserable men either side of me. Santa had obvioulsy bought one of them an i phone for Christmas and he was fiddling with it non stop. Very irritating. As soon as Lee appeared and descended from the clouds I entered the Jospeh zone and from there on all is a bit of a blur. I still got goose bumps when he appeared and felt very proud. I still held my breath for most of CED. The show was as usual brilliant. As AliB said the audience were the only let down. I was itching to get up in the megamix but no one else was. Ali said she could see over into the stalls and it was the same there. I had to stand up at the end when he comes up on the elevator(I know it's not an elevator but the word for what it is escapes me- i'm still not of sound mind.) There were only a handful of us standing.

Anyway the fact the audience wasn't full of loppies had it's advantages as we got a fab spot outside the theatre afterwards. I had my calender. I sorted it out to the picture I hoped to get signed (August obviously) in the foyer and several women asked where they could get one and several men rolled their eyes and smiled indulgently. By the time Lee came out a lot of people had gathered but we had a prime spot. We were told he would hand out the pictures first and then sign things so I kept my calender clutched to my chest and waited patiently. Lee turned back and was handed a pen and seemed to look around to see where to start. I whipped my calender out at that point. Despite there being quite a few children directly in front of him he smiled and walked straight over to us. Pushy woman thrust something in front of his nose despite the fact he was clearly heading to my calender. I said could you sign this and he smiled right at me and did. Swoon or what? It's all a bit of a blur then I'm afraid. I mean he looked directly at me and smiled! I can remember I said "August is very popular" and he sort of laughed and said something and I answered but as AliB has said we are at a loss to know what was said. It was enough I had remained standing after a smile. I had also managed words which is a big step for me. He then signed AliB's CD cover.

To say we were most happy would be something of an understatement. We walked to Charing Cross in heaven like a couple of giddy kippers, giggling about the fact we couldn't remember a word he said to us. Suffice to say we haven't come down yet and we still have the Joseph story tonight on TV. I'm walking round grinning from ear to ear.

I won't get back to post until 2 January when I'm back at w**k so can I wish everyone a very happy,healthy and Lee filled New Year.

Hi all. Just off to another christmas party (all year's socialising in one week) so have set DVD to record but as it didnt record CC - i am not optimistic.

Small piece and photo about lee in Mail's magazine today - read it when out for coffee this morning. It was coffee shops copy so didnt feel i could walk off with it - tho very very tempted. Nothing new but nice to Lee gaze over coffee this am.

Great hearing your reviews Ali B and Alison. Glad you are joining us at oct fest Ali.

Weather here fine yesterday and even sunny (ish)- thio as my yorkshire friend says "we dont get much weather in this part of the country". Seemingly torrential rain in eve but as we were in pub with friends all eve didnt notice and had stopped when came out. beautiful day here now.

BTW saw Golden compass yesterday with scollops. Good but not as good as book (or narnia film - which i adore)but I still recommend it.

Catch you later for reviews of Winners Story.

Back from very strange shopping experience - where was everyone? There were hardly any people around - made shopping quite pleasant! Looking at Laptops at the moment......yipee! Ploppy treated us to lunch, so only just catching up. Only a little while until THE Programme! Sloppy getting very excited! Bless her! Happy New Year to everyone who is going to be absent from the site over the next couple of days! Here's to a GO Filled 2008 - my four tickets all safely tucked away and I still have to get a matinee for Sloppy and me too! Don't forget Stratfordfest will be 26/27th January.......

Phew, they've all gone home, a couple of days peace until next week when it'll all start again!

Skating at S.H. was as magical as ever and rain held off until the last 10 minutes.
I thought of you DEBBIE (in case you are skimming through) when we were looking for somewhere to eat afterwards, I'm a regular at The Stockpot, best value in London but we didn't make it that far. Hope you enjoyed SoM.

Thanks for your reviews AliB and Alison, glad you and Jo had such a good time.

Thanks for tip off re Whats on Stage show Geri, sounds interesting.

I'm now looking forward to watching The Winner's... in blissful solitude!

Hello. Hope you all had a good Christmas. Mine did not got exactly as planned as first Sloppy, then Scollop & finally me all succumbed to the lurghi. Still, looking on the bright side, it’s a good excuse to snuggle under a duvet on the sofa & watch telly (especially when a certain gorgeous young man is on, definitely the best medicine!). It’s also given me chance to catch up on all the goings on of the last few weeks. The kidnap saga had me laughing out loud.

Ali B & Alison – thank you for the great reviews. As Helen W says, they are especially good for those of us who haven’t been yet. It’s so reassuring to know that Lee isn’t getting jaded in the role & just seems to keep getting better & better. Helen, I have to wait until March too (29th). What date are you going? It still seems like forever away doesn’t it?

Shirley, the T-shirts sound lovely. Please add me to the list for one. Size L/ XL depending on how generously they’re sized. Oh, and thanks for the Octoberfest ticket, which arrived just before Christmas.

Fi, thanks for the review of Golden Compass. I’ve been thinking of taking scollop next week but have heard some pretty mixed reviews.

Right, off to give scollop fair warning that he will need to put the Playstation away soon so that I can get the telly ready for THE programme. See you later.

Have just informed Ploppy that I am going to watch TV in the conservatory and I must not be disturbed for the next hour under any circumstances!!!!!! So here I am ready, waiting and excited!!

I can hardly see to write here,- tears running down. I'm so proud of our boy!!!! All those smile, some heartrendering beautiful, his nervousness, not many giggles, and his triumphs!!! Oh yes, his triumphs!! Every day since has been a new one, and we just know it's going to continue.

Well that was just the best so far. I sat the whole way through with such tears of pride. I have fallen in love with him all over again and more so than before.

Ploppy came in half way through and had secretly been watching in the other room (probably checking out what all the fuss was about the other object of my affections) and said "What a lovely guy"!!!! Coming from my Ploppy that says it all really!

That was wonderful!! I didn’t know whether to cry or smile all the way through because I was SO proud of him I thought I would burst! He was really wonderful and came across so well. How can everyone not love him?

I think I now need to go and breath. I want to watch it again!!

I'm so overwhelmed that before I can make any coherant comment I've got to sit down and watch it all again!

Just watched The Winners Story, the bit where it shows his birthday cards and balloons, and the card with Star and his pic on it ----- THAT'S MY CARD!!!!!!! Ploppy thinks I've gone mad cos I'm squealing at the TV

Same here Shirley(2), recording to computer right now, ploppy out so I can watch it multiple times:)))

So glad I was alone to watch it, so emotional!!

That was the best show of him yet. Seeing what he went trough and how insecure he is about it all. A great insight in his off camera life.
I hope for him that he is now settled in his new life. Otherwise all those loppies will scare him to death.

Dollop came flying into the room to watch it with me. Yeah, she said it was 'cos she was hoping to see Danny Boy, but I know better. The fact that she was up half the night trawling through the net for Lee goodies is a dead give-away. Wasn't he lovely? I mean, yes, he always is, but doesn't it just make you so proud that he's so adorable? Remember your Rodgers & Hammerstein: Do I love you because you're wonderful, or are you wonderful because I love you? In Lee's case -- who cares!

Oh how wonderfully amazingly fantastic was that? As said, so proud of him still feel very emotional. He is so modest and I just loved his excitement at the Diana concert. I think that you can really see how much more confident he is getting, if you compare this to WJMM, although still modest of course! Only down side is that we are now bereft for a while, sigh. Never mind willjust have to watch everything all again, and again!

ALW - 'the best actor in the role for decades'!!!! :))))

Wasnt that fantastic. We had forgotten how insecure and diffident he really was. He has so grown into his own skin it is just brilliant. Talk about a late developer. How the hell anyone could have been watching him and come to the conclusion that he was arrogant is beyond my comprehension. And no wonder he was so destraught at Zoe's 'That was a bit rubbish'

WOW How wonderful was that? Thank goodness I am on my own and can watch it again. I was crying and laughing. He was so delighted to be at the Diana concert. He deserves all the sucess that has come his way and much, much more.

How on earth do I choose the best bits to put online?? Any suggestions? :)))

Dont even try Gillian. It all fitted together and made perfect sense. Ladies are downloadig it already, and I suspect it would do him a disservice to take bit out of context. The only bit you could cut is the crowd scene at the end which was filmed on the Monday night - the last night of the previews - I spotted Pudsey there and that was the night Auds and I met up there. But other than that to me at least it was highlights all the way!!!

Phew, feeling better now. Got a bit overwrought yesterday, what with doing the sales and double dosing on Joseph I had to take the day off everything today (except watching TV at 5pm and phone rang at 3 mins past!).
Sorry for late reviews, AliB has phoned to say she has already posted, so evening performance covered. Matinee, lots of kids as expected, Loppies or LoveLees at the front as displayed by the shouts and screaming. Floating like an angel from the skies and dry ice under control so voice perfect, no sign of lingering illness. Heart pounding, mine that is. Preeya was narrator, I preferred Fiona in the evening. Preeya had a bit of a wobble later in the show as she anticipated her queue. Neal Wright was off so Nathaniel Morrison was playing Judah. Sonja’s favourite was Pharaoh. There was lots of bounce back, even more than CiN night, so ankle must be really fit. Hasn’t gone back to knelling in front of pharaoh though. Lee was perfect, my arms were hurting at the end and a standing ovation from the stalls. Had a really interesting chat with the man sitting next to me. He had come with his wife and his 6 year old daughter. He asked me why I was there as he obviously thought it was odd me sitting on my own. So I gave him the chat about ‘oh, wasn’t he the one that won that TV programme’. He said he would be very upset if his wife felt the need to go on a web site every day. When he went off to the loo with his daughter, his wife asked me what web site!! Of course I told her about Donna’s site.
After the show it was raining. Not many people waiting outside. Lee was wearing a knitted green beany, no report available of rest of clothing due to your reporter being transfixed by eyes. Sorry no pics, couldn’t cope with rain, bag, photo and camera. Quite a few children, so I borrowed one. Her mum was OK about it as I helped them with positioning and told them they didn’t need the pens they had. Mum was a bit upset that one of her 2 other children had not got the poster signed as that girl didn’t want it written on. The one with me did get his programme signed. Then a calendar was presented Lee said ‘You’ve got one of those’. Must have been one of the women from the front stalls. Then my Echo pic, I said lovely show ‘Thanks, glad you enjoyed it’ as he took pic ‘Oh one of those’ then ‘Sorry I’ve written over the face’ of course I said something, can’t remember what, probably ‘OK that’s fine’. Then he had to go in.
In the evening Dean changed some of his words slightly and touched the dancing girl the other side as he came down the steps and Hi 5’d the soldier on the other side. Judah’s head mic went on the blink during B calypso. Of course Lee was perfect again. Apparently I had ‘nicked’ the 4th ticket of a lady who phoned up to book just before me but she had to check with people. When she phoned back there were only 3 tickets left, so she had to leave her husband at home. She should have left her daughter sitting next to me, she hardly clapped once and looked miserable when I glanced in her direction. Mum and sister seemed to be having a better time.
My day did teach me one thing, no, not don’t go to 2 shows in a day, but NEVER go to the sales. I did buy a pair of suede boots reduced from £70 to £20. I love them, didn’t realise why until the show started, yep same colour but different style.

PS, due to fear of hieghts I can't stand up when in first row of dress circle, so Ali was the only one standing at the end. Sorry to let the side down.

Hi Jo!

I see you have just about recovered from last night!! I dont think Alison and I have yet!! We are still in shock!

I am now in more shock at seeing the Winners Story and thinking I saw him REALLY CLOSE LAST NIGHT!!

Oh wasnt it good! ALW spoke twaddle though when he said if you saw Lee walking down the street you wouldnt notice him and then the next shot was of Lee walking down the street looking drop dead gorgeous!! Not notice him!! Is the Lord mad?? Still he is a man I guess and really has no clue about the strange effect Lee has on us ladies!! (as ably demonstrated by Alison and I last night!!)
There were so many lovely bits - i liked the bit with the tannoy in the theatre and Lee just looked at the camera as he obviously had no idea what it was saying! Also the poignant bits to when he said that he had to come out of his shell abit more. I have just watched it again and will have to watch it some more! Feeling strangely sad though that there is nothing now to look forward to!!

Helen W, I'm glad it wasn't just me that felt the need to breathe after Winners Story. I thought it was a lovely selection from the last few months. I could have done with less of ADWD, but I understand that not everyone has been replaying the series, so the scene had to be set.
AliB and Alison glad you had a close encounter at the signing. Rain seems to send the softer people away. I keep looking at my pic with signature. I'll get the photo over to Maggie for Martin to put on the web.

In case you missed it, or didn't get it recorded, the whole thing is online: http://www.tvcatchup.com/watch/14639/

Wow. I've only just regained my composure after The Winner's Story. I can only echo the sentiments above. Totally breathtaking. Far too many highlights to mention, but I did particularly like the fact that even the CO said the best man had won.
Geri, thanks for the link as I didn't record it & i've just had a text from my distraught Sloppy who forgot it was on & only managed to catch the last 20 minutes!

That's what I thought, will try to get to my webspace asap. Trouble is real time to upload to computer. I'll make as many 'parts' as necessary.

Thanks Gillian, you're a star.

First 3 parts uploading now. 25 -29 meg each. 3 more rendering and will go up later. Low resolution as would be huge files otherwise. Check your emails:))

Calmed down a little bit now, after the fourth time of watching, but still can't believe that the birthday card I sent got such a prominent shot. It makes up for not having any other close encounters, (well, almost!)

Agree with all the other posts, Our Boy was just amazing. The bit I loved best was the bouncing before he went on at the Diana concert, when I think he said "Oh my God" as Donny went on, and at his cue "this is it" he was so excited.
The whole hour though was just full of incredible Lee moments.
We've been totally spoiled these last few weeks, wonder how long before we see any new Lee on TV?

Caught up on the posts now, thanks people for links, and special thanks to Gillian for the promise of more goodies to come.

Off to bed now, and I hope, sweet dreams, nite nite all.

Absolute panic when got in from neighbour's afternoon party as Winners story not recorded on DVD but then realised that tho i had put DVD in and formatted it I had forgotten to set to DVd but had recorded on hard drive.

Loved it tho in some ways very "surreal" as felt I had already lived the whole thing - which in many ways had as already knew about broken stage on opening night etc. He came across very much as did on ADWD - diffident, sensitive and in some ways lacking in confidence but also focussed and determined. Loved his excitement at diana concert - and the fact that he acknowledged that he was excited - but also loved his mum's pride. i am sure she has very many "mummy moments". loved your card too Sue.

Worn out after a very exciting evening. Cooked our turkey dinner tonight - Ploppy's sister nurses and was working over the holidays, but no way was I doing anything between 5 and 6.

AliB, Alison and Jo4 I just loved your reviews, and particularly liked the bloke who really did not think he could cope with his wife spending time on a web site devoted to Lee every day, and as soon as he was out of earshot she was asking for the web address. That had me LOL And loved the UCandP for you. Isnt it just magical. And welcome to the world of LII. Lee Induced Insomnia. Wide awake at ridiculous hours of the night just laying there grinning in the dark.

Right of to bed and to cough.

Sweet Meads to you all.

What a wonderful treat the W.S. was.
How lovely Lee was/is, I think and hope he is becoming more confident as time goes on, he really was very insecure off stage by the sound of it.

There were some surprises I thought, such as when B.K. said that at the very last moment the judges suddenly thought KMcT might have won. I guess he meant they 'feared' he might have!

Yes it was good to hear ALW say that GO is the best actor to be Joseph in decades.
I didn't quite catch what the director said to Lee about him watching himself, wondering if he was giving the right impression rather than just 'being' Joseph, she said he'd done the same in some songs on ADWD and she wasn't sure whether that would improve on stage.
I'll have to watch it again, oh dear! Maybe more than once!

Good night all. Have a visitor, so couldn't post a lot tonight. We watched The Winner's Story together, and she is a dedicated Loppy. Unfortunately she is not on The Internet, but for a long time now, the first thing she says to me when I call, is: "And how is Lee?" Then she asks after me! We might have to have a few more Lee-moments before she goes home on Tuesday.
Good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I've just finished watching it for the fourth time & my face hurts because I've had it in a permanent grin all night. So many stand-out moments, the whole thing had to have been put together by a loppy! Wouldn't it be lovely if the Beeb was smart enough to put together a DVD set of all ADWD, WJMM & tonight's show? Loved when Donny said the policemen were more excited to see Lee than him! Loved Zoe talking about Lee standing out in Joseph school, and BK talking about getting text messages from all the other Josephs after the Diana concert. Won't lower the tone by mentioning the frequently displayed bare torso...

If Keef had won ADWD, GO would still have got a leading role in the West End, so even though I was a little worried during the final I knew we'd see him somewhere very soon.
Nightlee night. I'll have to do 2nd job tomorrow after wimping out today. They'll stop my pay, oh just remembered, I don't get paid, I pay them!!

Oh Geri, go on, lower the tone - lets talk about the naked torso!!!!!!!!

Actually when Ploppy came in earlier and said he'd seen part of the programme he said that doing 8 shows a week was obviously doing Lee good as he thought he was more muscular when we saw Him in October than when he won the show. Of course, I pleaded ignorance and said I hadn't noticed!! Yeah right - okay so I'm a bad wife and I lie to my Ploppy but I'm a very good Loppy!!

Hello ladies. It has been ages snce my last post due to being unable to access the comments but have kept busy on the LMAS site.

We are off to my Mom and Dad's tomorrow in Minehead for the New Year. They came to us for Christmas and it all went well.

I loved the Winner's Story today and sat on the floor glued to it with a big grin the whole way through. I felt so proud of him and proud to be a Loppy.

All the Lee sightings have been great and i will rewatch them many times when we get back. I even had a text from a non-Loppy friend who really enjoyed the programme today and said what a great voice he had too.

I loved all the reviews from AliB, Ali and Jo and am thinking of booking for the OctoberFest as it would be lovely to be there with everyone in that great atmosphere.

We saw Golden Compass and really enjoyed it.

I must get to bed now as an early start tomorrow but i hope you have all had a great Christmas, are feeling better if you have been poorly and have a very Happy New Year. "Speak" soon.

Oh wasn't the programme magic! Loved him bouncing before he went on for the Diana concert (bless). Couldn't you pick him up and cuddle him when he was obviously self doubting?? Sloppy and I watched together, then Ploppy and I were due to go to a Barn Dance. I had moved the invitation (it was a Wedding Anniversay) to a safe place when we were putting up the Christmas Decorations. Yup, can't remember what the safe place is, so we weren't sure whether it was 7.30 or 8pm we needed to be at the hall. Rang a friend (now 6.10pm and I'm still on a high) and she said 7pm! Panic - fastest I've ever got ready (in appropriate barn dance denims) and out of the door. Only just back with somewhat sore feet, so it's off to bed for me. No need to say Sweet Meads as all we have to do is close our eyes and remember the programme - do hope all this tv Christmas exposure will sell some more albums for him! See you in the morning....

Karen, re naked torso: I could start at the top and work my way down...ahem. See, all those bare-chested shots are proof the show was produced by a woman. Or a male loppy...Speaking of, how cute was it hearing JB saying Lee was sexy!

Geri - oo er missus, don't get me started - I can feel the gutter beckoning!! Perhaps it's a good job my bed is calling me too!!

Did we decide what a male Loppy was called? JB is deffo one!!

Mm, my bed called me, too, but it didn't take. Suffering from what Shirley calls LII -- Lee Induced Insomnia. Can't imagine why.

What to call a male loppy: M'Loppy might work, or LFMs -- Lee-Friendly-Men.

Monring morning rise and shine - lots of breakfast already on the go....the BHB has been working very hard. Bless him all excited this morning and asking if I saw him on the television yesterday - he's so sweet! Anyway he has offered to make some of his "famous chilli" for later on and leave it gently simmering for those who don't make it into breakfast, and I've made some turkey hash - I saw the recipe on some programme over Christmas and thought it looked quite appetising, although lacking in an essential ingredient, so I have amended it slightly just for Aunty Eva.
Getting to the stage of the Christmas break where I forget which weekday it is, but I believe we have now reached Sunday! In addition to the normal breakfast fare have included some kedgeree and poached haddock with eggs (to my own special recipes). Doubtless the CM will be here soon and will get everyone organised!

Morning all. It's open. Good. It means I don't have to do more work. I've already put my roast in the oven at home for a looooong slow roast, so soon the house will be filled with the aroma of garlic and rosemary. Mmmmmmm.
Hello. sweetheart. You look mighty pleased with youself. You were on telly yesterday? Of course you were!( I thought we were loopy, but he takes the bisquit!!!) Before you get too carried away, can I have some toast with a poached egg and my usual large mug with the leaded stuff. Curry? At this time in the morning? Oh, Santa's Elf made it especially for me? Later then.( I won't touch it with a barge pool. I know what her specials are like.)
I had a lovely dream during the night, and GO was right there with me. Don't worry, it was as clean as a whistle.( Not even a naked torso, Geri!) I even got to meet his Dad. GO didn't sing, but there was a lot of smiles and eyebrow action. I wonder why that dream came last night! Well, as they say: Any Dream Will Do, or Any Dream Will Come True. I would have to shed about 30 years, but hey! I don't mind.
I will have a house full later with lunch guests, so probably won't be back till much later. Have a nice Sunday.

Thanks Jo4, AliB, Alison for your great reviews - cant wait to go again myself on 7th Jan. Have now watched the WS 3 times - what a great programme so eagerly anticipated and it didn't disappoint. All his gorgeousness and vulnerabilty shone through and as someone said you just wanted to pick him up and cuddle him -and tell him to believe in just how good he is! Surely ALW must think Lee is by far the best Jo ever, not only the best actor, the only thing missing was ALW telling him after the first night how great he was - in Connie's Story he said to her 'what a bloody triumph darling'after being in floods of tears watching her but perhaps he was still seething about the failure of the revolve! I bet the judges were dreading that Keef would win, how scary that would have been, I don't even like to think of him as the 'na-ra-or'as he puts it. Judging by JMM his diction still has a way to go. I just can't see that anyone other than Lee would have coped with all the pressure of everything. Loved the shots from his home, the Diana Concert bouncing, meeting with Connie (about people in the street coming up to him and talking to him as if they knew him! Thank goodness she had the right attitude to it all), the rehearsals, dressing room, loved it all. Must go and watch it again!!

Good morning, all. No, didn't sleep too much -- LII, doncha know? So a light breakfast for me: poached egg on toast with a cup of tea sounds puritanical enough.

Karen, thinking about it, I feel male loppies should be LAMs -- Lee-Appreciative-Men, or did someone say that before? Anyway, they are lambs, aren't they?

Shirley2, we didn't hear what he said, but that shot of ALW hugging the stuffing out of Lee at the end of opening night kind of said it all, really. He probably has to be careful about what he'll say on camera, but I have no doubt he's hugely pleased with Lee & probably very relieved (as BK seemed to be) that the winner wasn't KMcT. In fact, given the constant reminders during the show of the latter's great voice, it was curious how little enthusiasm any of the panel showed for him now it's all over.

Morning people, well I see I wasn't the only one whose dreams were infiltrated by the GO! Woke with huge grin on my face, only trouble is can't remember exactly what it was, only know it was clean (never mind, better luck next time!)
Agree Geri, I thought that they have to be careful what they say to camera, but always did think the dire warnings about not picking the wrong boy as it could ruin his career referred to KMcT.
On a more prosaic level, was first of all furious that I forgot to change dvd disc before last night, and have lost last 5 mins, ggrrrr, fortunately have the best bits! and there is a solution. Then have just found out family aren't coming today as my grt nephew has some sort of bug, and although not serious, we have decided not to risk sloppy catching anything as she is still quite frail. So that's the second meal this weekend wasted..lunch anyone? It must be me!!

Good morning everyone. Well I think I was just too gobsmacked last night to make any real comment about WS but I went off and rewatched and the whole programme was full of SO many huggable/tearful/joyful moments and agree with all already mentioned but a few thoughts come to mind.

I was frustrated at the necessary scene setting with the ADWD bits as kept thinking that it was cutting into precious Lee minutes!

I could barely watch the very touching sight of him kneeling and being cuddled by his Mum after winning. I almost felt we were intruding on a very private moment but it really completed his very joyous but professional nod he gave them when singing the final ADWD after winning.

I have never thought that Zoe handled Lee well but I really warmed to her as I think she was genuinely thrilled and proud of him. I think her head wanted Keith to win as her ego would say that SHE had made him, but the way she watched GO after winning and the way she was in WS I think she genuinely is fond of him and thinks him a star, but perhaps I did have just a smidgen of sympathy (only a smidgen!!) for her as it must be very hard having someone over anilizing. I think the director of Joseph – Nicola? – was obviously glued to the tv and assessing him and working out how to handle him. Definitely not critisize. She seemed to get it just right.

As you said Geri, there weren’t any spoken congratulations after first night from ALW but I was really pleased to see a really genuine heartfelt hug. (I still feel he favours Connie but I think that she is nice but basicly tough and knows how to get what she wants, and while on the subject of her – why did they have to sit on the step at the Palladium? Couldn’t they have found a sofa?!)

I love his sense of humour. He was obviously thrilled with his dressing room but put in the deadpan comment about a dead plant, and the pretend freeze when the tannoy came on!. I think he should let that come out more in interviews and perhaps he will as he gets more relaxed. I can remember loving it when Chris Evans asked in an interview who in the cast he would marry and he snapped back with ‘the Pharoah’, but then GO tried to backtrack, and also when Lewis made the dreaded ‘trumping’ comment Lee said ‘it must be the beans’!

I presume that the camera crew that followed him round were the same as on ADWD as he seemed very relaxed and not defensive with them and would voice his thoughts. My heart went out to him in the car going to the Diana concert as it obviously worried him that he didn’t feel excited and bouncy but then I suppose the atmosphere once there did the trick for him. I can remember watching it and being so nervous for him before and hoping his voice didn’t dry up or look like rabbit in headlights but he was absolutely brilliant and obviously loving it.

I think that ALW was probably right to cancel the birthday party but I expect that Lee thought that it would have been an extra bonding time.

I could talk about that programme for hours! I shall keep watching it even more than some of the others I have saved.

Morning all

I had a dream last night too - I think this one came from AliB’s close encounter, six inches from gorgeousness. Lee was on stage at the Adelphi, there was nothing on stage, just him and then from the wings came all us Loppies, walking in single file, holding the hand of the person in front and the person behind and as each one of us passed Him we stopped and turned to look into those eyes for a couple of seconds and then moved on so the next person could do the same. All the time this was happening Lee was singing his Elvis number “If I Can Dream” except instead of the lines “If I can dream of a better land, where all my brothers walk hand in hand” He was singing “If I can dream of a better land, where all my Loppies walk hand in hand”…………and I woke up thinking how lovely it was that he thought of us as HIS Loppies. I can't get that version out of my head now!!!!!!!

Geri - I like LAM's - wonder how many of them there are out there!!

Morning all. Thanks to the BHB and the DCM for getting the BeachCafe/Bistro open this morning. LII I can cope with, laying there grinning and remembering is one thing, but CII -coughing induced insomnia is another thing altogether. Then my Ploppy had a 24 hour blood pressure monitor on and that woke him every hour - except that he really did not get to sleep in between. And the dogs - just to make sure non of us slept kept wanting to go out. Saw that my SiL had her light on most of the night too, so all of us awake. Now though we are all half asleep and feel like we could drop of at the instant. Typical. And those lovely sweet precious dogs? Yes, fast asleep - every last one of them. GGGRRRRRRRRR

I think it had better be a large leaded coffee and a poached egg on toast please BHB. HOLIDAYS??? What do you mean HOLIDAYS??? You are having 2 weeks of in the new year??? We cant afford holiday pay you know. Oh, your other job is going so well you can afford to do without it!! Must track down what it is he gets up to in the evenings. Clearly cant be what he claims, but he is making good money somewhere. He says ladies get very excited when they see his chest HIS CHEST!!!!!! - oh dear - you dont think he's working as a stripogram do you??!!!????!!!

Sorry you're still feeling poorly, Shirley. I hope that cough goes away soon, it really does mess up your sleep. And poor ploppy, too -- it's all happening in your house, isn't it? So I'll put it down to fatigue, but did you really have to use the words BHB & stripogram in the same sentence? Oh my! Definitely in need of a large fan now.

Speaking of large fans -- just watched it again and you know what, it doesn't fail to impress. Each time I catch little bits or nuances I'd missed before.

I agree with you, Pauline2, about KMcT being the "wrong Joseph". And I suspect they're more willing to hint at that now they've actually seen him as the Narrator. Yikes!

Very jealous of your dream, Karen. I've yet to have Him make a guest appearance in one of mine. Maybe my subconscious is afraid I'd spontaneously combust!

VALENTINE PROJECT: Since we're coming to the end of the year, can I remind you all of the Valentine project? I've already received a couple of squares, but I think we're going to need at least 50 to make a decent impact; obviously the more the better & I'm hoping for 100. I've posted on the LMAS site, and contact details are there if you've missed them.

Sorry you are still not well Shirley and I hope that your Ploppy’s blood pressure monitoring is only for check-up purposes. High blood pressure can be very draining.

Just looking at an article in yesterday’s paper – can’t find on web site – about John Barrowman’s perfect weekend and he says that he and his partner have a spaniel called Lewis! What do you think?! Any significance in the name?

I think you're probably right Geri, given how x-rated it would likely be!!! But don't be jealous, you were there in my dream feasting your eyes along with the rest of the loppies, and don't forget you have looked into those eyes for real - I haven't (sob,sob) but with three more visits planned, none of which involve coach parties or Ploppy, that is something I hope to rectify, although I suspect I would probably just stand there speechless with a big silly grin on my face!! Of course, in my mind I see myself saying something extremely original and witty that grabs his attention and gets me the megawatt smile, the wink, the hug, the kiss, the request for my phone number......what were you saying about being jealous!!!!!!!

Shirley you have all my sympathy, coughs are just awful, and as for your poor ploppy, I had to wear one of those monitor things, told the doctor, how can something that keeps you awake be accurate? By the end of the night I was steaming and sure BP was sky high!! Anyway after all that the d##m thing didn't work properly and we went back to old fashioned methods! GGGRRRR. Actually think my BP might have risen alarmingly at thought of BHB and stripogram... in desperate need of fan if you could spare it Geri.
Just going to listen to Elaine Page, her show today comprises of choices from guests through the year that haven't been played before. Well you never know your luck, he might be on, not holding my breath though!

Yes yes ye s EP has just said he is going to be on. Yipee!

Still coming down to earth sfter yesterday's thrill. Will see that I shall be watching it many more times.

So sorry to hear that things are not too cheery in your house Shirley, I hope you all feel better soon.

Looking forward to trying some 'special chilli' later, not so sure about the turkey hash, I think I'd prefer Eva's roast.
Maybe BHB does deserve a holiday soon, he's been working awfully hard in the bistro for ages.

Hope you are feelng better now Shirley.

I'm getting very confused with all the abreviations - please could someone tell me what they are- thanks [ I know what GO and CO are !!]

Hi Tiffy, yes some of our abbreviations are a bit difficult. You know you can actually get a Loppy Lexicon (honest!) by e-mailing StageLoppies -- there are lots of other goodies there, too. Trust me, you don't want to miss out. Anyway, BHB = Bouncy Haired Boy; KMcT = Keith McTeeth; ADWD = Any Dream Will Do; EP = Elaine Paige. Hope that helps.

Speaking of EP -- did anyone get to hear her? What song did she play? Was she nicer about our GO this time?

Pauline, you can have the fan for the moment. Hmm -- Shirley, maybe loppy fans would be a fun marketing tool for fundraising!

Thanks Geri - could I have the em address please ?
I'm new to all this so please bear with me !

Hi Tiffy, no problem,it's stageloppies@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you very much Geri.

I've been thinking about the Winner's Story (again) and trying to decide why I think it was made by a loppy. Here are my top ten reasons:
1. Seeing the curls being attended
2. Use of “Mad About The Boy”
3. Lots of bare chest shots
4. Push-ups
5. Close Every Door – several times
6. All the judges gushing -- at last!
7. Plenty of giggles
8. Eyebrow action
9. Paint it Black
10. Seeing the Man as the sweet, kind, generous, humble man the loppies have always known him to be.

tisk tisk lost my post.
Try again-
Karen loved dream.
Geri love lambs.
Shirley naughty naughty-put it down to your ill health.
Gillian I've sent a slightly updated glossary to stageloppies.
Also I may have a new convert, my going to Cliff concerts friend emailed to say she would like to come to the show. I have to wait to speak to her to find out when she can go, and I'll have to get 2 tickets together. What a novelty.

Evening all, absolutely right Geri, that sums up loppiness and think you are right, Winners' Story shows every sign of loppiness! The spot on EP was in the last 5-10 mins of the show, and yes she sounded more enthusiastic! Said our boy was responsible for putting most bums on seats in the West End. Actually think she might turn into a cloppy with a bit of encouragment! The interview was what we've heard already, then played ADWD, wish it could be CED, but then there is no official recording of it is there gggrrrr.

You know something, Pauline2, I was just trawling through YouTube looking for Lee goodies (as you do) & it occurred to me that there's almost enough Joseph footage to piece together a big chunk of the show. Which begs the question: If they've recorded this much, surely they've recorded the rest, too, right? So what's to stop them making a Joseph DVD?

As to EP being a cloppy -- maybe we need a new abbreviation: R-Cloppy (reluctant closet loppy).

Yes exactly! It seems unbelievable, especially as GO is "the best actor in the part in decades". You'd think they would want it on record wouldn't you?
Definately R-Cloppy!

Unless they're afraid of being jinxed by the CO! Can't imagine Donny would feel threatened -- I'm always impressed by how supportive of Lee he seems during the Concert for Diana, and none of the other former Josephs made much of an impact.

A bit late I know (working!!) but WOW! Friend is definitely a cloppy, she said "I saw HIM again tonight, nice chest, does he wax or shave?" I of course had to tell her all about him in great detail! Youngest scollop also spotted our birthday card or at least the edge of it, eldest scollop tutted in disbelief that we'd even sent one. Surprisingly ploppy also watched the whole programme and seemed quite taken by it, although he still doesn't understand all the crying. I did hint at other visits and he seemed to take it well, but I'm not sure he was really listening to me - what's new?
Can't believe Donna has actually spoken to his Mum, although after seeing his family last night that seems to be exactly the sort of thing they'd do. What a fantastic relationship they all have, hope my sons can talk about me like that when they grow up!
Trying to watch doc about JK Rowling and type at the same time and not doing either justice so I'm off! If I don't get back then have a HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone, I'll be working but I'll toast Lee and the Loppies.

Have you all seen Donna's news on the LMAS forum?? OMG!!

Hi all - just had a lovely day being ill. I have cough cold lurghi but with aded eye infection i think. Have had red patch near my eye fro 2 weeks now and tho everyone comments on it I have totally ignored it as too busy with christmas btu today my eye was lie a knife in it so suspect an infextion there. So have had a lovely day resting myself and eye - and as cant read had to watch somthing/someone very easy on eye - wonder who that would be. So have finally watched the ADWD final again (thank you carys) + winners story again. Ali my ploppy watched winners story too and enjoyed it and also impressed with his reationship with family - as we have 2 sons too it is good to see that they dont all grow away from their families (as my sloppy is want to tell me is natural way of things!)Also managed some thank you letters so feeling rested and relaxed but also totally shattered so off to bed now.

Just watched WS again. Loved all those little clips of our GO. Little gems of loveleenes.
He is maybe shy but he surely can play with the camera.
During the photo shoot in white he was gorgeous.
And bouncing about at the concert was great to see. All exited, pumped up and eager to go out there and do his fantastic stuff.
Great comments of ALW and the panel.
And they showed CED almost in a whole. Thank you BBC!!

His family is lovely. Mrs Mead calling Donna to thank her is so nice of her.

2008 is not yet begun or there is already a lot to think about.
T-shirts, DVD's by Gillian, Valentine cards, DVD by Carys.
We are keeping the loppieness going in the New Year.

I do believe (hope) that ALW will put out a DVD of Joseph now I have seen his comments on Lee.
All those sell-out shows must have given him an idea how popular Lee is.

And on that note I am waving you all goodbye. I will not be able to come on the blog this year so I tell you now that tomorrow at 12 pm (local time) I will toast the New Year, Lee and all the loppies.
Have a great and save New Years Eve!!! Till 2008!!

Just been watching WS story again. I was just going to say, Anne beat me to it, he may be shy but he knows when to 'act' for the camera. I think Shirley might have mentioned something similar some time ago, but that was about when he was talking to people. I still wanted to give him a cuddle and say it'll be alright.

Sat here watching the Great Big Fat Quiz and who do I keep seeing behind Wossy but the GO himself. Tried telling you ages ago, but my computer and internet access are not close buddies right now. Will say goodnight in case either Me or it cant make it back. Thanks for all your good wishes.

Oh Shirley you beat me to it! My internet connection's playing up tonight too.

In case i don't get the chance tomorrow, just wanted to wish all the Stage Loppies & Scott a fantastic New Year!!!

Got to go to work tomorrow & then Taking 17 year old son & friend to South Bank (London eye) to see in New Year & fireworks on the Thames.

Probably won't have a glass to raise, but will be thinking of you all as the clock strikes midnight!!

Have a good one.

Evening all - just watched Smoke in the North with Sloppy. Had an exciting afternoon as went out and bought a laptop! This means (in theory) that I should be able to access Loppies wherever I am....now all I have to do is work out how to use it!! Shirley hope the household is all feeling better now and Fi the eye infection lurgy sounds like one which went around the office and included conjunctivitis as one of the systems! All those who won't make it on here tomorrow - a Very Happy New Year and here's to lots of excitement in 2008!!

So there I was happily watching a good film, had a quick peek in here during the adverts and now I've abandoned the film and am watching the BFQ for glimpses of the GO over Wossy's shoulder!! Oh dear, methinks I've got it bad!!!!!

Oo Karen C, just seen your post - you do know the GO's going to be watching the fireworks at the Thames tomorrow don't you. Keep your eyes peeled!!

Happy New Year from me to all the new friends I've met this year, and to those I haven't but hope to meet next year.
I'll be at work tomorrow, so if you're out and about in the evening I won't 'see' you before the New Year.
Thanks for all the techie help, the laughs, the links and the support (nice to know it wasn't just me that went 'bonkers' earlier in the year) that you all have supplied in 2007.
Looking forward to the new experiences in 2008.
Nightlee night all.

Jo4 -- I'll be in work tomorrow too, but hope to get a few minutes on the blog before I go off to see in the New Year. 2007 has been a lovely year, I think, with discovering Lee, the Gerifest, and meeting the weird, wonderful, wise and witty women who are loppies. You made my year, one and all, so thanks. Good health & happiness to us all in 2008, and plenty of opportunities to see the GO -- especially those who haven't yet had the opportunity. Oh, and special thanks & good wishes to our lovely landlord, Scott.

Night, all.

I'm back again for a quick one - OOO ER!

Before I forget, thank you very much Eva for The Stage and Shirley/Fi, get better soon.

Only just watched The Winners Story in full tonight for the first time. I caught the tail end of it as I visited my mum in her Home but I had to feed her dinner so kept looking up and missing her mouth - poor old soul! (oops, just had mental block and spelt that sole - calling my mother an old fish, charming).

What can I say? He was lovely, funny, gorgeous etc etc, all that's been said and more. I like it best when he seems more relaxed and we see a little bit more of the real Lee as he doesn't seem to show himself too much in interviews. How can someone be so confident and good on stage yet so 'normal' and shy in real life. It baffles me. I'm quite shy yet would never have the guts to do what he does. I suppose if I had the talent maybe I would. Having two left feet and being tone deaf is not ideal for the West End stage.

Eldest dollop watched with me and kept giggling at his various comic faces. I would so love to spend the night down the pub with him and to see him loosen up after a couple (?!) of drinks. Instead it would most likely be me that would loosen up and be sick down his shirt whilst he looked on in sober disgust. His brother seems lovely too. And his mum, oh and his dad and everyone. Am I rabbiting on now. Well, I am a loppy! I wondered why him and Connie didn't sit on a sofa too Helen.

Speaking of Connie, well, we really enjoyed the SOM but the understudy Aoife was on. I was a bit peeved to say the least because we all wanted to see Connie after watching the show and when I booked tickets I specifically asked if she's be in it and was told she would. That's not to say Aoife wasn't good.
She did extemely well but I did feel Connie would have brought a sort of command to the stage in the role. I shed a tear when the Mother Superior sang Climb Every Mountain.

As I lie here in bed on the laptop I too am thinking there's nothing new to look forward too but of course I'm going to the show with my Czech friend on Feb 29th. Anyone else going on that day?

Ploppy just joined me in bed and keeps peering over my shoulder so time to sign out I guess. Got to research where to find the cheapest Ipod Nano for youngest dollop who turns 11 on Saturday. Any ideas anyone? Nothing much over £100. I'm off to google. May just show ploppy that brilliant Dutch youtube that Anne gave the link to earlier. Thanks Anne!

Happy New Year everyone. I'm up at 5.45 Tues am for work so will have a very sore head and baggy eyes.

First one at the bistro -- lights are off and no one's around. Oh, sorry BHB, bumped right into you in the dark. Ooh-er, it's dark. Yes, maybe if you did put your arm around me to keep me safe...Hope the manager is OK this morning, maybe she's having a nice snooze; she didn't sleep so well last night. Ooh, lights! So shall I help you get breakfast started? I think some Scottish salmon and bagels & cream cheese -- all easy to get ready in a hurry, and you know how impatient the loppies are. I'll do that & make the Irish coffee, while you start getting the waffles, pancakes & French toast started. Now, what's this about a holiday?

Good morning BHB, Good morning Geri, and Good morning to you all. Feel Like Rabbi Lionel Blue now.

Ohh bagels and Scottish smoked salmon for me please - with a good squeeze of lime juice and a grind of black pepper. Yummy. (Beware Geri, I suspect the Diva herself may be trying to order the Norwegian version.) I think a large leaded coffee too please.

To give you a little advance notice. Tomorrow will be a self service day in the BeachCafe/Bistro - and an all day breakfast on offer for those Lush Loppies who are not up until late in the day. For the more abstemious of us New Years Day exercises on the beach and a winter plunge in the sea. Sounds like a brilliant reason to get 'relaxed' tonight if ever I heard one.

Tiffy - sorry about all the abbreviations. They just seem to have grown over the months, and our glossary is about ready to post, but even then lots of stuff like CO, EP, BHB not on there as they dont make sense over on the Forum, and I have no desire to be sued by the CO. Best advice - always ask. We still confuse ourself sometimes - when we were discussing our favourite songs on Lee Mead I found myself using my fingers to work out which songs were being refered to. Why that helped I know not - but it did!!!

Morning, morning, late today - so I'll just let the lovely BHB serve me some breakfast (oh he's just whispered that he has made me one of my "specials" just for me - he's so sweet! That should set me up for the day! Taking Sloppy shopping today, and then we are going to see "Enchanted" early part of the evening - should have been the panto but I didn't get round to booking it! Just wanted to iterate what Jo4 and Geri said earlier about "meeting" all of you during the year - both here and in the flesh so to speak, to thank all the Techies without whom we wouldn't have survived and for everyone who has made the blog such a fun place to be, and a big Thank You to Scott for being such a wonderful host to us all.
Cxx

...forgot to say when I arrived on the page I did a double take as the ad for University of Phoenix has a piccie of what, at a first glance, looked like the GO!!

Thank goodness, had minor panic as haven't been able to access the site all morning. Amazing how bereft it makes you feel.
Really wanted to get on so I can just say HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you lovely people, thankyou for sharing my excitement and joy in having found the GO, and for all the links and techie help. I've loved meeting some of you this year and hope next year to meet others as well.
Also HAPPY NEW YEAR to our great landlord Scott, what would we do without you?
Am out to Sloppy shortly then off to friends for the evening so will see you all next year, when lets hope the GO will go from strength to strength!

Hello everybody - I've not been able to get on here all morning either - it just kept saying page cannot be displayed - I thought, sob, nobody loves me anymore!

Anyway, whilst I'm here and in case it kicks me off again before I go off to parents for the New Year celebrations, I will say now what a pleasure and a priveledge it has been "meeting" you all this year. It's been a difficult year for many of us, in various ways, but the cameraderie bullt up on here and the frienships made off of here have, I think, kept us going and got us through some tough times. And boy have we had lots of laughs too!! It's been fun and long may it continue into 2008 and beyond whilst we avidly follow Lee's career.

A huge thank too to Scott without whom we would not stil be here. Hope your generosity continues too.

Wishing you all A Very Happy New Year and a happy, healthy & Lee-filled 2008.

I am with Pauline in a big sigh of relief. I thought nobody loved us any more, because I had problems logging on here for HOURS, which makes a dedicated Loppy very unhappy.
I suppose I'm too late for breakfast, but could do with a bit of smoked salmon, and NO Shirley, I'll be nice and order the Scottish version. Feeling very magnanimous today, since it's New Years Eve.
Having a lovely time with my friend here. Her birthday lunch yesterday went very well, most of the roast disappeared, but still some bits and pieces left for a nice lamb stew tomorrow.
We have already watched The Winner's Story 3 times, and I have a feeling there will be more watching before she goes home. Not that I mind,- who could wish for a better house guest than a (now) fellow Loppy?
Time for lunch,- see you later.

I've been unable to access the site all morning too, till now. 'Bereft' was the word that immediately sprung to my mind too! I echo Pauline2's good wishes for a Happy New Year to Loppies everywhere including Scott! and to Lee and his lovely family. Here's to an exciting 2008 and beyond.

.....think somethings amiss - my last post shows it was made at 2.54pm ut it's now only 1.20pm - how bizarre!!!

Happy New Year to all Loppies and to Scott. Hope 2008 is all you want it to be, with lots of Lee goodies to come.
Tried to get to the Beach Cafe/Bistro this morning, but wasn't able to access the site. An old college friend has just been to visit. Said she saw Joseph in it's second week, and had voted for Lee in ADWD, but she's not a REAL Loppy!! She asked if I'd seen WJMM and then said she hadn't seen WS so I offered to put video on for her to watch. She asked how long it was and then said(I'll whisper her reply as it is so terrible) "I can't watch a whole hour" !!!!!
AND she has only thought about going to see Joseph again. I offered to go with her, as any Loppy would, but she didn't take me up on it.
Anyway, at least I feel I am among TRUE Loppy Friends on here. Thank Goodness.
Got to go shopping with Ploppy now. See you all later.

Yes, there's been problems with the site and the time still seems wrong.

I'm not sure if I'll get back on today, so just want to say thanks to all Loppies for making 2007 so enjoyable.

It's strange to think that this time a year ago I hadn't heard of Lee Mead and would have thought a Loppie was a long eared rabbit or possibly a lame sheep.

I feel I've made lots of new friends, although have only actually met a few so far. Sometimes it's quite hard to keep up with all the nonsense but it's been the greatest fun.
Thanks for the good wishes and messages I've had.

So Happy New Year to all Loppies and Hon. Loppies ie. Scott and Martin and here's to lots more GO related Loppie fun in 2008.

13.50

Another Loppy who was homeless for the morning.

All of you off and out for the evening have a wonderful time and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.

Scott - let me add my thanks to the chorus. There is a wonderful irony in a staunch Daniel supporter becoming landlord to the Loppies. Now you see that just appeals to my Slightly Bonkers sense of humour. But thanks and good wishes for a wonderful New Year to you too.

See everyone else later. Might even get to virtually First Foot with some fellow Loppies. Not sure how we manage the piece of coal though!!!

....well after my first post I couldn't get on either and decided it was all down to the Fearsome Four, who are obviously scared that if we all make it into the Bistro for a final brain storming their plans to kidnap the BHB will come to nothing! Jane and I are relieved that we have only one day of the concert left (getting just a fraction tired), but hope that contingency plans are in place for tomorrow? We are relying on you!!

Sorry about the outage. Our web server stopped responding, as did the technical support team at our web hosting company. Not happy.

Happy New Year to everyone, and a belated thanks for all the Christmas cards.

The timestamps of comments since the server came back on line have been manually set back to something approximating the time they were actually made. Hopefully everything will be okay from here on in.

Hello Loppies! I#m waiving from Austria - and having problems with thi s German keyboard!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE IN LOPPYLAND!!!

I ve not been able to do more than a quick catch up but - concert YES PLEASE!!!

Hi Tiffy! Nice to have another Loppy join the madness!

And yes,if Im playing a harp while drunk, then there will be a few bawdy songs in my repetoire!

Oh and suggestion for scuppering Kirk - reverse the polarities of the tacheon beam - that always seems to work!

Have a very happy new year, all my slightly bonkers friends - I wish everyone and their families well And here#s to a great 2008 for Lee and the Loppies

Right off to drink gluwein! Byeeee!

Scott, if anyone has earned our patience, it is certainly you. It occurs to me, following what you said, Shirley, that only in loppydom could a kitten be a lam & still make sense! (Why do I suddenly feel like Lewis Carroll?)

Christmas -- I mean, Carol -- several days on stage with the lovely Danny-Boy & with the GO in the audience would be heaven on (virtual) earth for most women. Some people are just too hard to please! I'll put it down to insufficient alcohol intake.

I've had a lovely NY eve so far. Evil boss took the day off & her replacement sent me home at 11. Then I got chatted up at the bus stop. (Stop laughing, Eva!) Oh, and dollop tells me she sent a link of Lee singing PiB to her friend in Ohio & has made another fan! Now, the only thing to make the day complete is to find a way to help Our Hero win the Theatregoer's Choice Awards. Legally, of course.

Jane, don't be silly -- reversing the polarity of a tachyon beam only works with transporter malfunctions. Really, Jean-Luc would not be impressed -- may have to mention it when we go to the Hamletfest!

Nonsense Geri! It works for every disater on the Enterprise!!!

Time's up - I'm off - Byee again

HI all. Been to doctor this morning and got eye drops so beginning to see clearly now....

I now have massive cold bu feel Ok and our host for this eve said Ok to bring my cold (and ploppy) along. mind you so she might as just going to be a supper with one set of friends and i was doing the pudding _ I am still doing the pudding but has to serve 15 instead of the original 4. will anyone notice - or care- by 10 -about pudding time.

Have just looked out my Lee calendar to hang up tomorrow. Much shaking of scollops heads - they think slighly bonkers is a vast underestimate scott.

Echoing everyone else's sentiments - I have enjoyed everyone's company - virtually and at our meetings. The humour, support (emotional and pracical)and friendship have been and are great and as karen says - long may it continue. To paraphrase (in the extreme) Rabbie Burns " here's to raising a drink to friendship for old times sake" - but also for the continued friendship in 2008. I will raise a glass (Ok maybe more than one) to you all at midnight. HAPPY NEW YEAR to all loppies (and families) and landlord and may 2008 be a happy and healthy one fro everyone.

Geri,- I suppose there is no law against blind men taking the bus, even in Ireland ! He might have thought he was talking to a very short lamp post!!!!
Scott dear,- we are so relieved to be back with your lovely self, that we'll leave it to you to tackle your techie boys. We'll take care of Capt'n Kirk and his henchmen.
Off for my afternoon snooze (luckily my friend is a snoozer too) so we'll be ready for tonights festivities, which will consist of some nice grub, a good Riocha Reserva, telly on, feet up and if we feel the need, some Lee-time. Blissful, if you ask me.

Eva, I wouldn't be surprised if the battle with Capt. Kirk saw some loppy casualties. Would hate to see Diva suffer some nasty malady; baldness, a beard, a strange virus that changes every singing voice so it sounds like the CO...

I've been meaning to ask, and sorry to sound totally dumb here (careful, Diva!) -- when Lee meets the cast for the first time, who's the boy who runs up to hug him first? It's been driving me crazy!

... Thank you Scott for filling us in on the problems - as long as it wasn't that the Blog no longer liked us, that's fine!!! A Very Happy New Year to you!!
Geri - just give me more alcohol and I can keep singing for several days longer!!! Lovely to hear from you Lady J!!! Off to see Enchanted now, but will call back later and will raise a glass (ok several) to you all later!!!

Geri,- I don't understand why my comment about Irish law(or lack thereof) should have you resorting to threats.!
I read the Sunday Express Magazine today (Yes, I know it's a bit late) and in the interview with Lee (What's on my menu), Lee answeers the question "Won't eat? with: " Honestly, nothing comes to mind. I love everything". I know what I'll serve him if ever I get the opportunity. You guessed right! Rakørret and gravlaks!!!! ( That's smelly fish to those of you who don't know better!)

OK, I think the man who runs to hug Lee when he (Lee, I mean) first meets the cast is Adam. Lee mentioned, "My friend, Adam" on the Radio Essex interview. Can anyone confirm? And does anyone know how they met?

Eva, your smelly fish is reason enough to give Lee pause when asked the most benign questions in interview. Isn't there a Gollum around you can give the stuff to? After all, Our GO might want to kiss someone, and how would he do that with smelly fish on his breath?

Scott, looks like you got your system problems sorted. Now go out and enjoy yourself!

Right I'm off until tomorrow (no it's not an all night party - those days are long gone, I'm afraid!!).

Have a wonderful evening everybody and enjoy your celebrations.

See you next year.....

Geri,- I won't mind him smelling of smelly fish when he kisses me !!!!!!!!

Posted this on the Forum too. But this is my second home so adding Lots of Love to all my wonderful Loppy friends.

Happy New Year - and some huge THANKS

First HUGE thanks to Lee, for having the courage to go for his dream. It has been a pleasure and privilege seeing him grow and mature into his first leading man role. He promised us one hell of a show, and boy has he delivered. And he is still improving - how does he do that???? Lee I hope lots more dreams come true in 2008. You are already a STAR.

Then Donna, Lady you are a STAR in your own right. How would we have made it through the long weeks of Lee drought without your wonderful site. And, like Lee, LMAS has grown and developed in undreamed of ways. You are something again Good Lady.

Thanks also to our others stars GillianG and Carys. You have worked long and hard for us all. Much appreciated.

And finally to all the wonderful Loppy friends I have made over the last 6 months. Back then I have never even read a Blogg or Forum and certainly never posted on one. Now I have met so many of you, and look forward to meeting even more. Talk about a sisterhood!!!

A friend wished me a Happy New Year in the following words and I can think of nothing better to wish you -

Have a wonderful New Year filled with fun and music, good food and friends.

Just popping in to say Happy New year.

Spent all afternoon happily editing down bits of Winners Story to make a new Diana Concert clip, then went to have my supper and got engrossed in the Hamsters book - which I bought scollop for christmas, but which didn't go home with him as he clearly saw I wanted to read it. Sons are lovely.

Back to the video computer now. Ploppy is on late shift, he should be home about 11.15 and then we'll see in the new year.

See you all in 2008. If it's anything like 2007 it's going to be fantastic!!

Just a final few words before we get stuck into our food and wine:
As we say in Norway,- thank you all for the old year!!! It has been a happy year, most of the time, with wondeful new Loppy friends, our darling landlord and our OUTSTANDING Lee. I wish you an equally Happy New Year, and see you in the morning.
I won't tell you good night now, a bit early for that, but my usual good night wishes can be taken for given.

Hi. Just popping on to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Although I haven’t managed to meet up with any of you yet, and don’t get the chance to post as often as I’d like, I feel as though I have made some true friends over the last 6 months. Our “slightly bonkers” virtual world has been a welcome haven when the “real” world gets too much. Your warmth, support and humour have unfailingly made the world a better place this year; and my skills in IT and broomstick riding have greatly improved as a result of knowing you all!!

So here’s to 2008, when I look forward to meeting some of you at Stratfordfest, Octoberfest & as many other Fests as I can manage in between.

Tonight I’ll be raising a glass to all the wonderful LOPPIES – living proof that you’re never too old to be slightly bonkers; to SCOTT for giving us somewhere to play; and most of all to LEE for his amazing talent & for getting us all together in the first place.

Oh, and Geri & Jayne, if you’re going to reverse the polarity of the tachyon beam, don’t forget you will need to stock up on dilythium crystals first!!!

When I wished everyone a Happy New Year last night, there was a big omission:-
Happy New Year Scott. Thank you for our 'home'.
You can see how important this 'home' is to us from the comments after the outage this morning. I know when I couldn't log in a couple of months ago I felt a bit lost, who could I gossip with?

Hello remember me!
There I was on cloud Darling and the strangest thing happened,
I was abducted by aliens, it would seem the females of their species had found out about the GO and they were spending all their time watching links and downloading anything to do with Lee.
The males of their species had to find a way of stopping this, well what they did I’m not sure but it really knocked the stuffing out of me and for a few weeks it worked because I wasn’t interested in going on the computer or doing anything else for that matter ,
But they underestimated the power of the Loppies once a Loppie always a Loppie.
Now I have a lot of catching up to do.
I have read some of Kirk’s adventures and have been LOL
Hello to any new loppies

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL (thank you for your E- Cards for Christmas and the New Year)

Martin has added the photo from Jo to the loppie Ladies album.
For the newcomers the address is http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Kaz has done it again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDpn1zidP6M

Nice to see you back Maggie and thanks Martin.

Not had chance to read back, but just wanted to wish some very special people a very Happy New Year.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege, to be part of this blog,
(Thank you Scott for giving us a place to meet),and to meet some of you at the CiN fest. I look forward to meeting more of you next year.

Hope 2008 is a wonderful year for all of us, and especially for "Our Boy".

Just seen Brendan dancing on GN, nice end to the year. Alesha looked like she had a swollen eye.

Lee Mead just announced as being on BBC New year prog

Just watching New Year Live on BBC1. Apparently Go, Sir Cliff and JB are going to be on!! At the moment Ieatro are singing.
GO's just wished us all a Happy New Year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOPPIES!!!!!!

Cliff's New Year's resolution to have another number one!!

Happy New Year.........

HAPPY NEW YEAR - LOPPIES HAPPY NEW YEAR - SCOTT

HAPPY NEW YEAR LEE

Whee - Happy New Year and BBC came up trumps - I had Gethin and the GO on to drool over - and for those SCR fans he was there too! Magic (although not long enough of course!).
Raised a glass (ok or two) of Champers to you all and wish you all a wonderful new year, full of health, happiness, friendship, bonkersness and GO!
Cxxx

Happy new year to all my wonderful loppy friends - we may all be slightly bonkers but I can think of worse things to be!

Scott, you're an absolute darling to put up with us so long - long may we continue to be welcome here!

Lee - I wish you nothing but the best for 2008. You have got such a special talent, not only for performing but in bringing all of us together supporting not just you but each other.

Take care all. xx

Lindsey, I think I did a rather unladylike snort of laughter when I read your dilithium crystal comment; you're quite right, of course. And, Maggie, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. It will resume in the morning; I actually spent a fair amount of time this evening planning the conclusion. No hints, but I will say that I believe in happy endings...

Despite being away from home, TV & my computer (and a certain CD), I had a rather loppy evening. The Philippean trio sang Mack the Knife, Daydream Believer & NY NY. What added to the impression was the flashing bunny ears many of the people were wearing!

OK, off to bed so I can get the evil Capt. Kirk his commupance tomorrow or soon after. Sleep well, loppies (and Scott), and may 2008 be even more fabulous for all of us & Our Own Lovely Lee than 2007. Is that even possible?!

Good morning all and a HAPPY NEW YEAR. When the clock went CLICK we were out in the car driving the dogs around. For some reason the fireworks dont worry them when they are in the car, so thats where we were. Did have the sense to Sky+ the London firework display. Going to have to book a hotel with views over the river for this year. That display was stunning

I just love that the GO is appearing here there and everywhere - not as a special appearance but as by right. That feels so good.

Auds is going cold turkey with a distinct lack of internet access. She sends her love to the Loppies. Wishes you a HAPPY NEW YEAR. Hopes you all had a good one.

Now to open the BeachCafe/Bistro. Good morning BHB - you saw that display live? Good? Yes, I thought so from the telly. Very kind of you to come in this morning - thought you would be nursing a sore head. Sorry? Yes, we do have a battle on our hands and we do need you somewhere safe. The campaign planning corner has been very busy plotting how to defeat the infamous four once for all. Their intelligence service warns that you are at high risk of another attack but your Loppy bodyguards are already reporting for duty. Strawberry Shortcake is here already, and I know Christmas and the Diva will be here soon. In the meantime DT and his police box are here offering their assistance too. Seems there was some transatlantic rivalry between he and Captain Kirk in historic times, and DT is very proud of the fact that he still has a full head of hair!!! Dont know why he insists on bringing that wretched police box with him though. This is a very law abiding bit of beach, and besides it is only a little box - too small to be any use to anyone.

Anyway, as we are here we might as well start getting breakfast organised. An army marches on their stomach after all, and this army is going to march comfortably if I am CM. So lovely freshly made croissant with a choice of smur, and some vintage marmalade with all the rind in it. Muesli with lovely fresh raspberries, blueberries and bananas on top. A full fry up for those of you nursing hangovers - cruel I am so smoked bacon, sausages, grilled tomato and runny fried eggs.

Fruit juices by they jugfull, and tea, coffee and tissanes. And for the Lushloppies a wicked EggNog.

The BHB has just whispered to me that he would love to make you a nice Chilli for your lunch - says it helps sweat out the alcohol - so I have given him some of my Bajan Hot Sauce to put in it. That will wake up the late risers. So there you have it. A chilli buffet lunch will be served from mid day. With pasta, rice, garlic bread and a lovely fresh green salad.

Enjoy it all and get ready for the final repulse of the INFAMOUS FOUR

Morning Morning, see the CM and BHB are here, but where are the rest of you! Just made some nice smoked salamon vodka scrambled eggs (hair of the dog you know) and have oodles of Bucks Fizz - here we are BHB, just for today I think you should have a glass - here's to 2008 and lots of lovely GO time! Didn't the fireworks look spectacular last night - must have been amazing to be there to get the full impact! Now we have to sort out the fireworks of our own and save the IBY from the clutches of the FF! So limited alcohol in my dishes today as we will need clear heads to fight off KC's evil henchmen!

Good morning, all. Hard to make that sound sluggish, but that's how I feel. Every time I closed my eyes last night I thought of another bit for the story so had to sit up & write it down. Now have a notepad full of mostly unintelligable stuff that doesn't look anything like as witty as it did last night. It's not like I imbibed alcohol. Well, much... So the chilli sounds good but think I'll stick to a gentle cup of tea. Adventurous is fine, but no point in being suicidal!

Hi all, just thought I'd pop in as I've not been to the bistro for ages. I'll have my usual fruit platter and diet coke. Don't really feel like one of the DCM's specials, too early for that sort of thing and I've seen what they do to a strong viking warrior, so what they'd do to a southern softie doesn't want to be seen.
Thank you waiter, you had a good time last night? Saw your family, that's nice.

In the 'real' world just had a major panic, couldn't find my calendar. Did I put it in the recycling? Was it stolen? Who would move it? The tribe would have difficulty picking it up and carers have no interest. Charging around the house, then phew, somebody had knocked it behind the chair it was resting on. Apparently the calendar I sent to the niece of the chap I know was very well received. I was told she was impressed at having one of such a limited edition, no news on what she thought about the pictures though.

Geri- I have 2 recruits to help save IBY and the Loppies from the evil KC, Bubbs the fierce, ferocious, feline fighting machine whose special powers include suddenly to appear to bring the largest (and KC is quite short) person to the floor. Bubbs has been reading the adventures with great interest and he has got very concerned for IBY. There is also Tams with her camouflage clothing she is a terrific and terrible hunter who can trap and kill all manner of life, I’ll leave out the fact that she usually disembowels her victims in the bath, but it does make cleaning up the blood easier. As a female she is very susceptible to the IBY’s wonderful voice and beauty and spends hours watching him on the TV, her reading is not too good so Bubbs has passed on the news of the plight of IBY. Hope these 2 will help to win the day.

Scene: The amphtheatre. Lady Jane played a heavy metal version of Greensleeves on her electric harp to wild applause. Christmas followed with a medley of tunes from The King and I, ably assisted by the always smiling Danny Boy. Then DT performed an extraordinary electronic tune he called, I Am The Doctor. This was followed by Danny Boy with a solo of The Loppy is a Tramp. Finally, the IBY took the stage alone to perform Close Every Door (what, you were expecting Oh Loppy Day?). Then the concert ended with a crash of drums. There was a flash of light and the IBY flew out of sight. Brilliant colours flooded the auditorium. There was red and yellow and green and brown and scarlet and black and ochre and peach and ruby and olive and violet and fawn and whole lot more. The loppies stood stunned as the horrifying truth dawned on them: The IBY was gone.

Happy New Year loppies and Scott! Didn't finish work til 1am and I've now lost my voice, too much like hard work trying to communicate with the family so I thought I'd come and "talk" to my other family!
Did the most important job of the year and found a suitable home for THE calendar, should provoke a few comments from the family and visitors alike? Hopefully off for a walk along the beach later to blow away the cobwebs and give everyone an appetite - a tradition to have fish and chips out of the paper sitting on the sea wall! Have e

Feline friend just sent my post, GERI more like gobsmacked! where is he? will we see him again? how do we get him back? you can't leave us on such a cliffhanger!!

Where is he? Who has got him? How did they do it?

With the questions hanging in the air, I'm off, catch up later.

Morning and Happy New Year. No no no, Geri that is so not fair, how could they sneak him away like that. They must have realised that loppies are always transfixed by CED and wouldn't react. Where is he? What happened? How can we save him?
Btw, am probably feeling smug this morning, as I had to drive last night so am getting my reward now, as although a little tired I feel fine!! Well there has to be an up side.

I saw that!!! Or should I say I dont see him. OMG. Where is the IBY. What happened??? I told him not to put that ring on.....

....just off for NY Day walk and lunch, but oh no! What happened?? There we all were on a high and suddenly after a mesmerising end to the marathon concert the IBY was gone, just like that! Help, calling all Loppies to assist!!

Have you seen this that Carys has found? Please don't look unless you can fall safely,
major thud involved
http://pics.livejournal.com/nevernilien/pic/0011r2px

Morning all. Oh yes, I am a reformed caracter. IT'S A BRAND NEW YEAR AND I HOPE IT'S A GOOD ONE FOR ALL.
Nary a drink last night, just some nice red, watched Go appear, then reappear, then appear again on BBC. What a treat that was, ey?
I have decided no more singing of Norwegian songs, no more alcoholic dishes in the Beach Bistro, clear head is needed for the final plotting.
Hello sweetheart, and a very happy new year to you too. Had a nice night out, did you? Good. So what is good on the menu this morning? Smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and some fizzy orange juice? Sounds lovely and safe, and you know it's my favourite festive breakfast. Bring it on, my lovely!
Aaaaahhhhh, that went down a treat. I never felt better. What about a little entertainment, good people? A sing-song maybe? I said I wouldn't sing Norwegian songs,- nothing was promised about not singing at all. I know, I'll treat you to a Swedish one:
JAG KAN SEEEEGLA FORUTAN VIIIIIIND
JAG KAN ROOOOOOO UTAN ÅRAR
KAN EI SKILJAS FRÅN VEEEEEENEN MIIIIIN
UUUUUTAN AT FELLA TÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅRAR
Oh, that is so sad, I think I'll have a little cry in the corner.
Oh look, it's quite crowded in the corner, and the others are crying too. Did you understand the words, then?, or was it simply my beautiful singing that brought tears to your eyes?
Rearing to go now with more plotting. Where is the Irish Wonder Woman?

Morning all and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Raised several glasses to all of you last night and at midnight when we sang Auld Lang Syne and toasted absent friends I toasted all my new Loppy friends as well - I was quite emotional, big soft soppy loppy that I am.

Am feeling remarkably okay this morning given the amount of glasses raised, which is good as I have my parents coming today and I have a full roast beef dinner to cook so I better go get started.

Looking forward to catching up with the IBY adventures later.

Have a good New Years Day everybody. See you later!

(Wrote a post, and the flaming computer decided to close down before I could post it!) I'll try again:
Now I know why everybody is crying. L'Mead gone !!! Disaster ! I'll give a fair warning to The Flipping Four: When I raise me up in full Viking Warrior Woman Glory, be afraid, be very afraid!!(If only I knew how all this sci-fi stuff works! But they don't know that I don't know, and we have some real experts hard at work.)

Meanwhile, back in the real world...the GO is only .3% behind M Ball in the theatregoers award. Hijack a computer if you have to, but let's make it our New Year resolution to help Our Hero to victory.

Whaddayamean?????? Isn't this the real world????? It feels very real to me!

Happy New Year all. A very late night firstly with friends which was great except one of the men forgot to eat enough and fell into a diabetic coma so was all action stations. Luckily! he does this a lot so everyone knows what to do now but we could have doen wiithout acting out casualty at 11.30pm.

Then returned home to scollops' first party Amazingly house (and alcohol cupboard) intact given that 8 16 year olds were in place. The girls left at 2 am and the boys had sleep over - what a misnomer!!!

We have all just emerged and ploppy doing full cooked breakfast for the boys - i cant face food tho have yet another party this afternoon (cant cope with all these new social neighbours - i know I hosted first one last year to get all new neighbours tog but didnt expect each of neighbours to do one this year - guess it will be my turn again next year now) and then to cook roast dinner fro family. Will have to go back to work for rest.

Fish and chips sounds good to me Ali. Raining here so not walking weather.

Loved the pic pauline2 - major thud as you say.

Geri - are you trying to dampen our spirits - doesnt seem best start to New Year for IBY to disappear. 2007 has gone - enough disappearing acts for one day - can you bring IBY back- Toute suite please.

A very very Happy New Year to all loppies and their family and friends. Can hardly believe we have been loppies for so many months now!
I was last to leave work on New Years Eve so spent last few minutes carefully positioning calendar in prime position so I can see it perfectly without it being in too full view for others (can only hope I manage to get some work done in 2008!!!)

Good afternoon & a happy new year to you all.
Only just surfaced as went to London Eye with son to see the fireworks. It was so nice having quality time with him, as its not usually cool to be seen at 17 with your mom!!
Everyone, all 400,000 of us (give or take a few drunkards) had a brilliant time. No sign of the GO, but it would have been like looking for needle in a haystack. Wherever & whatever the Mead family did hope they had a good one.

Geri - saw those pink flashing 'bunny ears' in force last night, did consider if they were loppies, thought better of asking!! Ohh and please bring back the IBY!!!
Will find some computers in work tomorrow & get voting in the Theatregoers Awards.

Shirley - can you ask BHB if i can have some of that Chilli for lunch, i'm really hungry now!!

My calendar is on the back wall of my small office, i share with 2 others, it will be the first thing i see as i get into work every morning. What a lovelee way to start my day. Its worth going into work for now!!

Aw, Fi, you can't have a story without a cliffhanger. And I'm hoping for the real Cliff! But don't worry, I'm quite sure Our Hero and his loppies are more than a match for four villains & the evil Nana!

Just wanted to pop on to say a Happy New year to everyone and Scott and thank you for all the fun I used to read the blog feeling slightly guilty as if I was overhearing a conversation but it was so lovely to find like minded people with the same thoughts about Lee!! Love Starship and cliffhanger!

I think that Lee will go from strength to strength in 2008 and hope that Joseph will open many doors so he can fullfill all his dreams and I do hope that ALW will give a guiding hand on his career as he does for Connie, after all Lee did thank him on his album so he must have had some input. Lee’s gut feelings have worked well for him so far and he has had a wonderful 2007.

I never really get into X Factor but was reading something the other day that said that Leona Lewis went to Theatre School from the age of 5. Was that common knowledge at the time? When I think of the critics that said that Lee shouldn’t have been there as he had experience it really annoys me. I have so much respect for what he has achieved through determination and hard work and no outside help except for a supportive family.

I think it will be an early night tonight for me as it is back to the grindstone tomorrow!

Testing!!

Evening all

Well, you won't believe this ladies, but, as Lee said in his audition "honest truth". Remember I told you that my Mum's cooker packed up on Christmss Day half way through Christmas lunch - well, my parents came to us today and yep, you guessed it - mine packed up today whilst cooking the roast beef dinner!!!! How bad a coincidence is that?? Fortunately, most of it was cooked by the time it happened and, also fortunately, it was just the oven, the eight gas burners were still working so they all went on and everything came out of the oven and onto the hob to finish off and the retained heat in the oven just about managed to finish the Yorkshire Puddings. We couldn't believe that the same thing could happen again!! Christmas 2007 will certainly be remembered in this house I can tell you!!

Anyway, parents have now gone home, dishwasher's on, kitchen's tidy and I'm sat here with a bottle of red and am going to catch up on today's events here, on LMAS, and then watch the Winners Story again. Absolute bliss!!

Hope you've all had a good day!

Good reports back from friends given THE ALBUM for Christmas. It's ladies who never watched Lee on ADWD, so had only seen snippets on TV, but now under His spell. One friend, Linn, called today to say Happy New Year and thanks for Christmas pressie, said she was playing it all the time until her 11 year old son threatened to bin it! A new Loppy in the making, methinks! My Floppy friend in Spain is swooning still, and can't make up her mind which song she likes best, so keeps playing it over and over again to help her decide. I told her it's the only way. She replied she considers it her Loppy duty!
My lovely friend has gone back to her home in London, so it's a quiet evening in front of me.
I want to share with you a song that always comes to my mind on the first day in the new year. It was written by a Norwegian poet, who was very versatile, but is especially loved for his children's songs and poems. I have tried to translate it in the simple wording it was written:

I'll give you a day tomorrow
which is clean and unused
with blank pages and crayons for colouring them in.
There you can undo all the wrongs from yesterday
and you'll feel better tomorrow night.
If it proves too difficult and everything still feel sad,
listen to the wind singing in the trees:
I'll give you a day tomorrow
which is clean and unused.

This always gives me hope that whatever has been wrong and painful, can be turned around if you give it a chance and try hard enough. It's a comforting thought at the beginning of a shining new year.

Wow what a pic, Thanks Pauline2 for the link and thanks to Carys for finding it.
Hi Ms testing or AliB, seems to be working.
Geri-My 4" square is all packed up and ready to go. Might be a slight delay as I'll have to weigh it at work, put some stiffening in to keep it safe.

Eva, that was beautiful. I'm always full of admiration for those who can capture a sentiment like that so simply and eloquently.

Quiet day here, playing with new games and a lovely walk in the fields by our house ending at the playground where we bumped into a schoolfriend of big dollop's and his mum. Just had lovely stew with yorkshire puds.

Hope all your new years have started well.

Look forward to more loppiness in 2008!

Oh Eva - that brought tears to my eyes, not just because of the wonderful sentiment but because my Dad goes to hospital tomorrow for the latest results in a battery of tests for kidney disease, which has been hanging over us all for most of 2007, so here's hoping as you say that things can turn around in this shining new year.

Please all send the Loppy good vibes my way for my Dad tomorrow.

Sorry to bring things down so early into the new year but this is exactly what I was saying before about how you guys have helped me, and many of us, get through tough times with all your supportive comments during last year!!

You are truly remarkable people!!

Okay, enough with the depressing stuff - having just caught up with today, wanted to say - Ali, your New Years Day beach walk and fish and chips sounds wonderful. Pauline2, definite major thud. Fi, what a dramatic evening you had - hope your friend is okay.

And most important of all, Geri, where is the IBY??????

Loved the poem Eva loved its simplicity and yet strength. reminds me that i am supposed to choose a Scottish poem for bookclub next week - will have to get my thinking cap on.

Karen - what bad luck/coincidence. Glad it didnt spoil dinner tho.

Geri - I will let you off if it is a real Cliffhanger (tho not as in hanging Cliff).

Feeling jolly rough with sore eye and stinking cold and so off to bed to be ready fro work tomorrow.

Have a good day tomorrow everyone - or as good as can be for those of back at w..k.

Eva that really is lovely, it sums up how I think we all feel at the start of a new year, full of hope.
Karen , so sorry about your Dad, definately sending good vibes your way, loads of positive thinking and crossed fingers. I know you will get loads of support here as I have found myself.
I second that Geri, we need to know where is the IBY? Life is unbearable without him. The wrath of the loppies will be terrible, retribution awful!

Gosh you lot are pushy. All right, since it's the holidays, here's tomorrow's episode a day early. The things I do for you...

Scene: The broken-down bistro twenty minutes later. Chained and bound, afraid, alone, the Intoxicatingly Beautiful Youth stands before the throne – er, fiendish four and nasty nana.
Keef: Ha! We have you where we want you now, IBY!
Boohoo: Oh, I'm so happy I could cry!
CO: I can't believe how easy that was. We really caught those loppies napping.
Capt. Kirk: When it comes down to it, the simplest solutions are the best. The loppies were so mesmerised by the IBY's beauty and singing, and he was so lost in the moment, it was child's play to grab him.
Keef: You're not so wonderful now, are you, Mr. IBY? All your fame can't save you.
IBY: I didn't come here for the fame.
Capt. Kirk: Settle down, gentlemen. Damn, there's never a pit around when you need one. You guys, go make one.
CO: What for?
Capt. Kirk: Haven't you been paying attention? To fling him into, of course.
Boohoo: Then I'll get to replace him! That's a much better idea than sabotaging the machinery to hurt his ankle, or getting Nana to sneeze on his food so he gets sick.
Keef: What about the Ishmaelites? There are supposed to be Ishmaelites.
Capt. Kirk: Well, there seems to be a shortage, doesn't there? We'll just have to do without. How's that pit coming along?
Boohoo: You didn't say (sob!) we had to work!
Capt. Kirk: Oh, good grief. The mystery is how YOU managed to avoid being flung into a pit before now. Get those shovels and start digging. Hurry up or those loppies will be here.
CO: I don't understand, why don't you just beam him up and take him to a planet where there are no loppies?
Capt. Kirk: Because Rhydian has caused the dilithium crystals to decay so the transporter isn't working right now. Second, because all planets have women and where there are women there are loppies. And third – because I want him in a pit!
Boohoo: Well before we fling him in the pit, can I kick him in his rear of the year?
Keef: Aw, I wanted to do that.
Nana: Let me see – I don't know why Boohoo didn't win Rear of the – phwoar! Now that's what I call a tushy!
Boohoo: Nana!
SirCliff: Sorry, I seem to have gotten stuck up this tree. Could you help me down, chaps?
Capt. Kirk: What are you doing up there, SirCliff?
SirCliff: Just hanging.
Capt. Kirk: Sorry, your Cliffyness, you have to dangle up there for a bit longer. Can't have a story without a Cliff-hanger!

Aunty Eva that was lovely, thank you. Karen all thoughts and good vibes coming your way, you and the rest of the family will be in our thoughts tomorrow.
Had nice lunch out, very nice red wine, and then went for a walk around local lido lake. Beautiful day for it, dry, not too cold and sunny, but not so I had to squint!
Geri any news on the IBY???

Now I'm worried about Cliffy too, Geri will he be saved as well?

Beautiful poem Eva. Thoughts and prayers for your Dad Karen.

Jo4, you'll have to wait and see.

I'm watching Lee's Story (yes, again) & froze it at a bit on opening night where he's talking to the camera and there are Good Luck messages on the wall behind him. One of them says, "We're so glad we got you!" and it's signed Jen. Presumably Jennifer Ashton, who plays Levi's wife. Thought that was really nice, though not sure what Boohoo would make of it.

I was on YouTube earlier & I posted a comment under the ADWD video reminding folks that Lee is nominated for Theatregoer's Choice award & asking them to vote if they enjoyed his performance. Then I started to second guess myself & wonder if that would be canvassing. Am I worrying too much? Help!

Well helloooo there!! South Coast calling - Nicki & Sonja, remember us?? Happy New Year to you all, we`ve both been a bit out of the loop for different reasons, but wanted to pop back and say hi to you all. For New Years Eve, you`ll be pleased to hear Sonja made it to a party and managed to resist her duvet until past midnight, and I stayed relatively sober. Relatively. And we havent watched Lee at all on TV. Much. At all, nope.

Thought the fireworks in London looked spectacular, made the poor man on the beach down here with his bargain pack look a bit sad, but we enjoyed. Bless him.

And so, having spoken to Shirley earlier, I am officially staring the countdown to our january visit 29 shleeps!!!!.... anyone going earlier may need to shout loudly now before i get carried away!!! Not that we are excited... and Shirley.....we have a little something for you. Its in a box, thats all Im saying.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE, love to your dad Karen.

N & S xxxx

PS Do you think we are too old to audition for the part of Nancy???? Would The Lord W look on us kindly??

Hi Nicki and Sonja, glad to see you had a good evening.
I'm off to bed soon so......
Nightlee night all.

Oh LOVING it. What a lovely evening on the Blog. Eva your poem is delightful. Just loved the sentiment.

Karen - I hope all goes well for your Dad. As Jane would say if she was here OOOHHHHMMMM.

Geri. Oh Geri. LOL - Love it to pieces. I cant wait to know how it all ends, but dont want it to end - I'm sure you all know what I mean. It is absolutely genius.

Sonja and Nicki iT was lovely chatting earlier. I think I can guess what is in the box - Lemsip or Beechams Cold and Flu??? But guess who won the CD she was after - some of the very best shopping can be done from home!!!!!! I GOT IT!!!!!!!!YYYYYYEEEEEEEHHHHHHHAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Only 29 Schleeps. Oh I am excited. That is going to be a day and night to remember.

Jo, enjoying the Hamster on the telly. Great fun. BBC2 - now. Best of TG.

Hi Carol, nice to see you. Are you back at the wxrk place tomorrow? I miss our morning chats.

I am sat here yawning like a good un so will be heading bedwards soon. In case I dont make it back - Sweet Meads all.

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH
They've got both L'Mead AND Sir Cliff !!!! What are we going to do???? And BooHoo wants to kick our so very special ROTY! I'll give HIM a kick where it'll really hurt, and then....and then.....I don't know. I'll have to think about that one.
Don't worry, my two sweethearts. The Loppies wil save you.(We just haven't worked out how,....yet.)

Karen,- I hope your Dad will be all right and that the tests will turn out positive. It is a worrying time for your family.
Thank you for your kind words about the poem. The poet's name is Alf Prøysen. He died in 1970, and is best known for his childrens stories and poems, but has written a lot of other things too. I know he has been translated into English, so if you google him, you might find some stuff about him.
Nicki and Sonja,- glad you sound happy and relaxed and are having a great time.

Nicki, Sonja, lovely to hear from you.

Been on Donna's site trying to catch up a bit, honestly I worry about some of the people who post on there, and just had to say so!

Time for bed, 'see' you all tomorrow, nite nite.

Thanks so much guys for all your good wishes. It means a lot to me and we shall keep them with us tomorrow.

Eva - I may have to print out that poem for future reference, it's very inspirational!!

Geri - that was brilliant. Had me in stitches and as Shirley said I don't want it to end - you really have started something there!! Thank you.

Nicki & Sonja- lovely to hear from you and Happy New Year to you both. Hope you can get back to Loppyland soon.

Nicki & Sonja, Nicki & Sonja -- names are familiar...Oh, yes! Welcome back, LLIAs (loppies lost in action), we've missed you. Glad the Finnish Funster was able to greet the New Year in proper fashion & didn't do a Cinderella before midnight. Don't stay away so long.

Karen, sorry I forgot to mention all best wishes for your dad.

Dear Distinctly Disturbed -- admitting it is half the battle. Please seek help from professionals...

Eva, I loved the poem, too. Does it sound so melodic in the original? And did you translate it yourself?

Sue -- couldn't agree more about the LMAS. Such a shame. Fortunately, the pessimists & weirdos are in the minority.

I see Our Hero is .1% ahead of M Ball! Keep voting!

Glad Capt. Kirk continues to please (tho' he really is a rotter, isn't he!) The cartoon is coming along, too. Alas, the story will be winding down soon -- I won't know what to do with myself!

Ooohh, now I know the next instalment, not sure if it's better or worse. Trying to kick IBY, how DARE they, they must pay for such thoughts. Mind can't see any of that lot being able to dig a pit very quickly so we have time to save him!
Hi Nicki & Sonja, nice seeing you, however briefly!!
Right we're having another go at my niece and family coming tomorrow, so let's see if we manage it this time!
Night night all.

Hi Nicki & Sonja - lovely to hear from you! Shirley yes sadly back to work tomorrow!!! Geri loved the cliff hanger!!!

Geri,- whoever you are,- I'm disturbed because the future for my two beloved sounds so uncertain, not because I'm disturbed......Are you that Irish Leprechaun my alter ego keeps talking about? She sometimes says,- be thankful for small mercies, but not in your case!! Now I know what she means!

Geri,- you leave Diva alone,- no sniping.
As for the poem,- it is the text of a song. He also wrote music, very simple, easy tunes. Many Norwegian singers and trubadurs have recorded Alf Prøysen's songs, and this one is a particular favourite. And yes, that is my translation,- for my sins.
Karen,- if the poem/song can be of comfort, I am glad.

Eva, I'll be nice to you (for now) because I'm really impressed with your translation. I feel like you've really captured the spirit of the original. In fact (takes a deep breath...) I'm so impressed, I'll even let you sing it to me in June.
(Oh dear Lord -- what have I done!)

I'm off to bed -- have to go back to that W-- place tomorrow. But before I leave just wanted you to know Bill Kenwright is on Celebrity Mastermind tomorrow evening. Doubt MT will be his category -- I'm thinking football -- but maybe he'll mention the GO.

Geri,- I'll retire to my bed in a daze,- you being nice to me,- you want me TO SING to you!!! You are a glutton for punishment.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Geri I love the latest installment in the CK saga, it had me lol. Can't wait for the next part.
Eva what a lovely poem. Can I copy your translation and put it up on my classroom wall please?
Karen good thoughts and wishes for your Dad, and hope all goes well.
Welcome back Nicki and Sonja.
Only 27 more sleeps til I see JATATD!!! If I think about it I get sooooo excited.
It will be a big thing for me to go to a London theatre as I can get agraphobic and have avoided going anywhere unfamiliar for years. But Lee has inspired me to go for it!!
Just seen the time, should be under the duvet by now.

Happy New Year to the 'proper' loppies :-) take pity on me as the stageloppies email still does not like me and I cannot reply to it. Hope you have all spotted my gifts to you over at Donna's place. LOL I see you found the THUD pic! I will be opening the floodgates for my next project as soon as I get new supplies delivered so if you need to get in touch please remember that I have problems with hotmail (don't know why - my ISP is mystified!)

Morning Morning rise and shine! Bit chilly out there so the BHB and I have put some nice warming whisky porridge on ready for the hungry hordes when they get here - topped with nice rum infused fruit and cointreau cream - that should give everyone a kick start to the day! Carys the THUD is brilliant as my background (sigh) - really is a fantastic picture! Really weird about the hotmail address - I blame the CK & the FF! Those returning to work today - good luck!

Thanks, Carys. We are the 'proper' loppies, aren't we? Sorry you're still having problems with the stageloppies address -- we still love you, anyway!

Good morning, BHB, what's the matter? You look sad. Oh, don't worry about the IBY -- you know he has defenses the evil four plus one can't even imagine. Loppy love can defend against all manner of wickedness, don't you know. Cheer up -- you're going on holiday soon, so that's something to look forward to. And, you know, I can't think of another man on the planet who deserves one more. So we'll set up a buffet this morning -- bagels & cream cheese & smoked salmon, fresh fruit, herring for Diva -- I mean, Eva (kill her with kindness -- she'll never see it coming!) -- danish and muffin and scrambled eggs. Now you can go sit with me and I'll whisper the end of the story to you. Shh...

28 Schleeps?? Something I should have in my diary??

Good morning to all Loppies. Kathleen - so proud of you. Overcoming something like agoraphobia can be so difficult - I promise you it will be so worth it to see the GO live. Nothing compares. Absolutely nothing.

Oh good morning BHB. What's that?? Sorry?? You are having those strange haunting dreams Eva and I were having last week. How strange!! What is it you are dreaming about? Some bloke keeps singing to you about you being a Batchelor Boy until the day you die, but you want to get married and have a family - Oh dear. Still they are only dreams, and of course it could have been himself he was singing about???

Hey I'm liking all this help in the BeachCafe/Bistro, but not looking forward to working out the accounts!! But for today I will just relax and enjoy. Bagels. Yes please Geri. Found my weak spot there. I have been known to bring back suitcases full of bagels from New York, San Francisco and Boston. No thats not strictly true. I have had Ploppy bring back suitcases full of bagels from .......... Same principle, less suitcase carrying involved. But I digress. Grapefruit juice for the vitamin C, large unleaded coffee - latte - made with soya milk please. And a cheese and jalapino bagel with cream cheese. Bliss.

Christmas - you are sounding just a tad dated. Now a name like Strawberry Shortcake is timeless - maybe we should rename you Spring and we can all look forward to seeing you soon???

Speaking of seeing people soon, has anyone heard from Vali? Seems ages since she posted. Is she away?

Morning Everyone!!

Miss 'Testing' here!! Stupid computer, I got on the site yesterday for the first time in two days - just wrote that and then it didnt let me on again!! I am now at work so should be OK!!

Sorry this is abit late but 'HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!'

A few bits to mention!

Shirley - LII - thats exactly what I had on Friday night!! A very bad case lasting over four hours! I also think we should have the term LIGGING - Lee Induced Grinning as Alison and I have been doing that for days!!

Jo - Hello! Thanks for posting that photo of Alison and I on the photo site - its really nice and yes I really am that short!!

Geri - this would be of interest to you - but Heat (with Britneys sister on the front) is worth buying as Lee is Heat Magazines 5th place Torso of the Year! The photo is not the same as before but from the same Joseph photo shoot but is double page and very nice!!

Read on Donnas site that Lee might be in talks to appear in the show 'Doctors'!! Oh well, I had actually better get on with some work!!

Morning, morning - back in the office - boo hoo! Still lovely piccie on the photo to drool over (sigh). Playing catch up from last year at the moment and also have new Secretary starting so have to look after her today! Shirley - dated? Moi??? I blame the Irish lepy!

Morning, and commiserations to those of you back at work today, hope it doesn't hit too hard!
Well I really don't believe this, but my niece has rung to say her partner has now got a cold , feeling rough and they'd better not come today!!!! I really am jinxed, maybe they've all gone against my cooking, I didn't think it was that bad! So now another lot of food to get rid of, the freezer is getting rather full, and at this rate I'll be even fatter!
Carol, if you feel it's a bit early for Spring, maybe you could be Valentine for a while? Or is that post already taken?

Oooo - I like the thought of being Valentine, or even Cupid.......have been instrumental in match making two of my friends so feel I am qualified!!!
Pauline2 - well at least you can use constructively the time you now have available....like watching a certain GO???

Pauline2 feel I should make an offer for some of your food for the BeachCafe/Bistro, but if your family wont eat it????? I hope your nieces partner feels better soon. As one who is only just coming out the other end after more than a week, he has my sympathy. Would not even wish this one on BooHoo - although having said that - maybe....... it was a virus that defeated the invaders from Mars after all - what do you think fellow rescue team - shall we just go and sneeze on the infamous Four. Have to get biohazzard masks to the IBY and SirCliff first though...

AliB I love your suggestion for LIGGING - but I just sent the revised and updated documents to Donna and she is working on them. We have been delayed for so long now that I dont want to delay them further. Next revision and that is in though. Just one slight reservation. It is triggering an echo in my mind of something really obscene. No idea what. Does it do that to anyone else??

And no Carol, you will never be dated, good friend. Just your alter ego's name

Thanks everyone for all your NY wishes, great that you got the CD Shirley!! Geri - I will do a Valentine thing but will have to go look at earlier emails to check instructions! Am going to a certain show on Monday with 2 non-loppies. Both are tennis friends and have the done the Henman madness for the last decade with me. One loved ADWD and I have high hopes for her but the other didn't watch it and has yet to be converted. She thinks I have lost the plot. But she is coming all the way from Lancashire to see what its all about so there is hope!

Shirley - Just googled 'Ligging' and its an old eighties word for 'blagging'!! ie getting stuff for nothing!! Its not really used now though I dont think but at least its not rude!! It does perfectly describe what I was doing that Saturday and Sunday though!! I met with my parents and grandparents on Sunday and had to tell my tale at least three times! My Mum and Dad couldnt understand why I didnt say something to Lee! I had to explain that basically as soon as he came out I went into a bit of a trance. It bugs me too that I didnt say something but at the time I was just concentrating on getting his autograph and taking photos - I think it blew my mind that he was that close to me. Still wish I could remember what he said as well!

Reporting in from sick bay - yes Shirley I think this virus would defeat the Infamous 4 etc. Eye infection spread to other eye and cold now turned into hacking cough. I think whisky porridge sounds good - tho whisky honey not doing much good - will have to revert to the neat stuff.

Karen - you, your dad and family in thoughts and prayers. Alll very best wishes for today's news.

Carys - a very happy new year to you too and many thanks for all your treats so far and looking forward to the new project. Not many people call us "proper"!

Back to bed now with my hot lemon and whisky honey.

Hello all. I'm back at w**k. The heating packed up over the holiday break so it is truely freezing. The next week looks manic on the w**k front. Do I care about all these things? No I do not. I had a good Christmas. Santa was very kind. I got some lovely presants, a few bargains in the sale, there was some good tv on if you are loppy and the GO smiled at me. I shall continue to grin for some time to come.

I know I am a bit late but how cute was the Winner's Story? I didn't want it to end. I thought there might be too many comments from the judges and other Josephs but it was just perfect. Ohhhhh I want to squeeze him he is such a little sweetpea. He was very lucky I had my up close and personal the night before that was on tv because if it had been after and he was as close as he was I might just have had to hug him. Aw bless him.

Hi Alison! Yes, I am still grinning too! God, have we got it bad! I was going to say to you that whenever work gets too stressful just think back to that wonderful close encounter and you will soon feel better! I have two of the best of the blinking awful photos I took up on the divider behind my computer and everytime I look over at them it makes me chuckle!! They are definite proof of how close we were!

Theatre Goers Choice Awards Lee is in the lead by 0.2%

Back on blog today after a day of abstinence yesterday, had a terrible head, no not hangover but migraine.

However fine now, with calendar resplendant in kitchen and album playing in sitting room. Great pic from Carys via Pauline thanks.

Geri , the saga gets better and better, slightly nervous about the appearance of Sircliff, will he help or hinder? Has he got tennis racquet about his person? That could be useful.

Good to hear from Old Acquaintances and that all is well on the South coast.

Thoughts with you Karen re your Father.

Maggie - I think its the first time that Lee has been ahead for ages and since most of us Loppies have already voted means he is getting new votes which is great!!

If anyone is interested WJMM got viewing figures of 4.9 million! Couldn't find the viewing figues for The Winners Story as they list them from 6.00 but I imagine they were in this area to.

Oh sorry another post (I think I am the only one here!!) Lee and Denise photo -

http://showbiz.sky.com/showbiz/picture_gallery/0,,50004-1298326,00.html

Their picture is number 48 or 49 out of 50.

I think its just from when they were leaving the Rent party but Lee is somehow now in the front seat!!

Hello Fi, good to have more company in the sick bay. It has been very busy in here recently. I am obviously making a big mistake by not taking more alcohol with it.

AliB, thanks for checking up on that. And yes, that photo is one of the series that were taken of Lee, Lewis and DvO leaving the party after her final appearance in Rent.

I have been in touch with the Press Association. The little article in a BBC online publication that was linked here before Christmas credited them with the photo of Lee with us at HMV. Well they are obviously back at work today, and I have heard from a lovely lady there who tells me that they were provided to them as 'hand outs' and they dont have rights to them - or the rest of them. She is going to send me proofs of the Lee photos they do have and if they are very good I will let you know. I did though, ask her who had provided the handouts to see if I could follow them up that way. She says there is very little information with them, but she is having a dig to see if she can find out. A really nice lady. How kind is that.

Hello again, oh wow Shirley you are a star! If only we could get some of the piccies of HMV! See, I'm still Ligging when I think about that day.. and StP of course. I do like that term it really sums it up! Thanks AliB.
Have got over my hump about nobody wanting to come and eat with me! But do have a very nice hotpot going if it can be of any use! The day was not wasted as per Carols' suggestion spent part of it sorting through various mags collected over the past few weeks, getting withdrawal symptoms now!
How's our IBY getting on Geri, the suspense is killing me! Come to that suspended is what Sircliff is isn't it?

Hi everbody

Well, it's been a very long, tense and emotional day waiting for my Dad's test results but I am delighted to be able to share with you that the results show no cause for concern. They're going to check on him every six months but other than that he's fine for a man of 68!

Can I just say a huge thank you to all of you for your thoughts, prayers and emails. I can't tell you how much they all meant to me. The Loppy vibes worked again!!

I'm now going to pour myself a very large drink and attempt to relax!! Will catch up later!

Just seen a short bit of Lee on ADWD while introducing BK on Mastermind, made my day as I too have a hacking cough and the voice is still not back properly, I just answered the phone and I think the poor man must have thought he'd misdialled and got through to a dodgy line??

Oh Karen that's great. You have a really really large drink - you deserve it. I shall now go and raise a glass of red to you and your dad!
Carol xx

So pleased Karen, what a fab start to the new year, just got a glass of wine too so will raise it to your Dad!

Karen, great news about your Dad, you must be relieved?
Fi you have my sympathy as I'm sure I have the same strain of lurgy. I didn't get my fish and chips at the beach yesterday after all, everyone else went while I went back to bed!
I had a panicky moment earlier when sorting out my GO stuff, no ticket for tearfest! After much frantic rummaging it turned up in a "safe" place, it's now back in my bedside drawer. But I did enjoy looking at all my pics, programmes, interviews etc once again, very therapeutic.

Karen, I'm so relieved for you. What a strain the day has been -- a nice glass of something cold would help, wouldn't it? Anyway, glad your dad's OK.

Welcome back, Ali. Glad you're back on line again.

JaneE got stuck babysitting today & didn't make it to the internet cafe. Fingers crossed for tomorrow -- hi, Lady Jane.

Oh, and speaking of our silly names: Christmas Carol makes sense, but Valentine Carol is just silly! How about apt something like Choral-Carol? Or romantic, like Cara-mia?

Bill K didn't do too badly on Mastermind, did he? Impressive body of musical knowledge -- and I was sure he was going to answer questions on football!

Karen what fabulous news. I am so pleased for you all.

Iam doing something I have never done before. I am admitting defeat and asking for help with my UCAS forms. Just getting too tired still. BLEEPING nuisance. I hate letting people down, but I cannot do them and thats that. Email being sent as soon as I have finished this post. Been putting it off all day. Oh well.

I do like BK. Isnt he a nice man. No way did he have to let them use a clip of him apologising but he did, so we got to see he GO again. Wonderful.

Right I am off to fix my poor Ploppy some dinner. Not doing terribly well with domestic responsibilities either. But starting to improve. Ali, Fi I dont envy you one little bit being at the start of this. But it will pass. Eventually.

I think I need a happy ending to the Captain Kirk diaries to speed my recovery. GERI where are you??

That would be good Shirley, but I'm admitting defeat and crawling off to bed. Sweet dreams ladies

(A whirring noise, then Kirk flicks open his communicator).
Capt. Kirk: Go ahead, Mr. Scott.
Scotty: We've got the engines working, Captain. I can beam you and the others up now.
Capt. Kirk: Standby, Mr Scott. We've run into a small problem here.
Scotty: Klingons?
Kirk: Loppies. I'll explain later. Kirk out.
CO: You know, it really would be a whole lot easier if you'd just beam him up & take him with you.
Kirk: And have every woman on board fall in love with him? Not to mention the men...Not on your nelly! Come on with that pit. Geesh, Boohoo, how do you expect to wear a loincloth when you can't even dig a little pit?
Boohoo: (sob!)
Keef: Oh give me that spade, you cry-baby!
SirCliff: You know, if you'd just get me down from this tree, maybe I could help...
CO: At your age?
IBY: I don't think that's very respectful.
SirCliff: I meant help you resolve your differences. Why would you want to hurt such an intoxicatingly beautiful youth?
Kirk: Oh, not you, too!
IBY: Thanks, SirCliff, but I'm not scared.
CO: I suppose you think your loppies will save you!
IBY (casually crushing the metal bonds with his bare hands and dropping them into the very shallow pit on top of Keef's head): Of course the loppies will come to save me. Not that I need help...
Boohoo: Oooh, look who's so clever. I bet you think you're brave!
IBY: Only compared to some.
Keef: Was that thunder?
CO: Not possible – it's always perfect weather in loppyland.
Boohoo: I'm scared (sob!)
IBY: That's not thunder. That's the march of the loppies. And they're headed this way!

Ohhh Geri it is exciting, I thought it was going to be a crash of thunder and a flash of light, but no marching Loppies.
Karen, glad the tests turned out OK.
AliB, perhaps we should have stood you on the pavement edge and stood Alison on the road.

AliB I've just reread what I wrote, sounds rude, I didn't mean it to be. You are fine as you are.

Left, right, left, right, left..... left.... left

Keep up there Geri and AliB short legs are no excuse - just stride out more.

Left, right, left, right left........, left.....

I think we need a marching song to keep in step.

Were gonna rescue the BHB
Save him from the dreaded KEEF
Were gonna bring the BHB
Back to The Stage where he belongs.

Keep up Sonja, yes I know you went the wrong way - just follow the Loppy in front of you, Christmas as the first ever Loppy will you lead the singing please, and Deva full battle cry will be tolerated, just this one. Give it some welly my favourite viking warrior.

Pauline - you are our pathfinder - you and Donna make sure we take the shortest route please. The IBY has been kept in captivity by the dastardly Infamous Four for far too long already.

Oh Shirley, speaking of short things, I have to tell you what happened in work today!

My friend in the next door office, Graham, was moved to another building, so all day long he was packing boxes, bringing them to the new office, and then coming back for more. By the end of the day he was exhausted, so he called me on his mobile & said he just needed his keys, couldn't face the stairs one more time & would I throw them out the window to him. (You can see where this is going, can't you!) I reminded him that I am 5'0" in heels and the windows are pretty high. Don't worry, he said, I'll be right under the window to catch them. So I got the keys, flicked them out the window and heard a groan. "What happened?" I said. "Did I hit a car?" "No," came the voice. "But I forgot there was a ledge below the window...!" Oops! He did manage to get them eventually, with the aid of an umbrella and long arms...

Nice few clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muCLxJYxZJI

Geri-4" square in the post to you today

Left right left right, come on loppies it's this way, I think we need a song at this point to keep our spirits up! Hang on IBY we're nearly there.

Some more clips
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7bA3yZctjo

Hello all and Happy New Year. Yes,I'm back.
Back from (surprisingly sunny) Sheffield that is and, unfortunately, back at w**k today as well. No loppy conversions to report although mother-in-law did admit that Lee is gorgeous when watching the Winner's Story. I have to say I'm looking forward to rewatching it as there was so much going on family-wise that I didn't really catch all the little details.
I'm feeling like I've come down with a bit of a bump and 3 months (goodness knows how many sleeps) seems a terribly long time to wait for the next show. On a positive note, my ticket for October 18th (what are we calling it?) arrived, so I'm already excited about that and meeting so many of you there.
Karen - great news about your dad.
Eva - thanks for the lovely poem. Capturing the essence of a poem in translation is so hard - I am deeply impressed.
Warm wishes to all poorly loppies.
Good to see you back - Sonja and Nicki.
Glad Jo4, AliB and Alison had a great time.
And Geri - can't wait for the next part, although, sadly, I won't be available to march to free the IBY (off to bed now and up early to w**k). Keep up the good work - no, it's not a dirty word when it comes to keeping us entertained with more stories.

Ok just got this on LMAS site, competition, chance to get tickets for Joseph and meet Lee.
http://www.virginmedia.com/christmas/fun/adventcalendar/advent24.php

All right Loppies. I have been away all day, and barely had time to catch up. Understand The Loppy Brigade is ready for attack. All right, ladies, get yourself behind me.
Carol,- after I have given my warcry, you can follow up with a rising rendition of "It's a long way to LoppyLary".
Geri,- I see, sequins at the ready. You and AliB better form the back up, or the rest will walk all over you.
Shirley,- in all your pink glory. You and Ali cough as hard as you can when we catch up with the enemy. We're not here to spread love, but lurghy.
Jo4,- glad you brought Cora with you. You'll be our doghandler and round up anybody trying to escape.
Pauline and Donna,- as you are the pathfinders, I'll expect you to sneak as close to the dastardly bunch as you can and give the "All clear".
Karen,- since you are a fearless Northener, you'll join me at the front.
Sonja,- you join Shirley and try to whip your red hair around to frighten them.
Ready, steady, GOOOOOOOOOOO.
OIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOIOI

Hurrah! Hurrah! we'll save the BHB!
Hurrah! Hurrah! the Loppies will set him free!
So we'll sing the chorus and we'll make the baddies flee
While we are marching to save him.

...good stirring stuff to march to!

Pauline2, I think a marching song is a great idea, but I can't get "Give me some men who are stout hearted men" out of my head. I know it's a Nelson Eddy song (no, I'm not really that old. Eva told me about him. Ahem.) but I can't remember what film it's from. Rose Marie, maybe? Anyway, I can't think of clever lyrics to it. What other marching songs are there? John Phillip Sousza of course, and "Strike up the Band". Can't think of any ALW ones. Oh, March of the Toreadors from Carmen -- that might work. Debbie, can you come up with some lyrics? I think all my creative juices have run dry.

Oh, and Jo4 -- I can't wait to see what you've come up with!

How about:
Go, go, go Loppies, you know what they say
We've got a Dreamboat we're going to save;
Hang in there, Dreamy, we'll save the day,
Villians watch out 'cos we're on our way!

Sorry didn't see those thistles there, you did say the shortest route! Hope everyone is ok? Now I'm sure that luminous light ahead is coming from our IBY, not too far now loppies take heart. Ok DDD we need a plan when best to attack.

Hurrah! Hurrah! we'll save the BHB!
Harrah! Harrah! the Loppies will set him free.
Cough. Cough Cough. Sneeze - Just practising.

Can I make sure that someone has the biohazard protection for the IBY. Cant have him secumbing to the dreaded lurgy too.

So we'll sing the chorus and we'll make the baddies flee
While we are marching to save him.

Oh this is stiring stuff with the massed Loppy voices. And if the Deva does not strike terror into their black hearts with her fearsome Battle cry, then we surely will

While we are waiting for the final attack to take place, I'll just say thank you for all the nice comments about the poem I posted. Of course, anyone who wants to print it off, please do.
Karen,- I am so pleased to hear about your Dad. I know what it's like to have a parent to worry about.
It has been a very busy day for me, and I haven't been back long. Trying to catch up here and with bits and pieces around the house. The Christmas Tree has been undressed and put to bed.(Dismantled, put in it's box and up in the attic). All my Santas and Santa(Mrs's) with the bells, tablecloths and other Christmas baubles are back in their boxes and back in the loft. It always looks a bit bare when the Christmas decorations are taken down, but it is also good to be back to normal.

Did you say normal, Eva?

Geri - Give Me Some Men etc. is from New Moon (Romberg and Hammerstein).

Geri-Please don't get over excited, I'm no artist. It's colourful though.

Eva-Cora has brought backup; Bubbs, the fierce, ferocious, feline fighting machine and Tams, with her camouflage clothing she is a terrific and terrible hunter who can trap and kill all manner of life. They scare me when they are on the war path.

Thank you all for your kind comments - just spent an hour on the phone with my Dad discussing all the things he intends to do this year now the weight has been lifted off his shoulders - it's like he's got a new lease of life - wonder if I can persuade him that one of the things he must do this year is visit London with me and take in a West End show - perhaps I could suggest which show!!!!

Geri - love the latest IBY instalment and the rest of you, I love the march of the loppies. Determined Decisive Diva, as said fearless Northener I will be up there at the front with you - lead on MacDuff...

Oh good thinking Jo. I'll bring my Maisie. She will eat anything in sight. She can polish off all the Infamous Four's rations. They wont fight well if they are starving. BooHoo will BooHoo. NannyJean will slap him. Keef will SULK
Captain Kirk will suffer stoically
SirCliff will not notice - he has been dieting for so long he thinks not eating is normal
The IBY will get hungry. The BeachCafe/Bistro have devised a special delivery service to get his favourite large pizza through to him - Quick game of frizbees Loppies????

Here we go again, lovely!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=c7bA3yZctjo

Do you think we could stay off the subject of food at the moment, feeling a touch sensitive about it! On second thoughts, starving them out could be the answer, let loose the dogs of war!!!

Strawberry - my niece played frisbee for the GB ladies' frisbee team a couple of years ago - shall I get her along?? Come on Loppies sing up - nearly there!!

Pauline, between you & Karen I'm getting into a very Shakespearean frame of mind -- what with her Scottish play your Henry V. Perhaps the Meadster should deliver some version of the St Crispin's Day speech: We few, we happy few, we band of loppies... No, sorry, not even for Lee can I pollute those words. Let's pinch from Oscar Wilde, instead. He'd be rather pleased, I think! Besides, remember what Dorothy Parker said:
If, with the literate, I am
Impelled to try an epigram,
I never seek to take the credit;
We all assume that Oscar said it.

Sorry Pauline2 - forgot you were suffering from a surfeit of food!! Back to the marching song then! All together now - 1 2 3 4

Hurrah! Hurrah! we'll save the BHB!
Hurrah! Hurrah! the Loppies will set him free!
So we'll sing the chorus and we'll make the baddies flee
While we are marching to save him.

....if this doesn't frighten them off nothing will!!

While you try to agree on a marching song, I'll march tunelessly to bed.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Sorry Geri just came over a touch Agincourt!! Love Oscar, trouble is the only quote that springs to mind is " the unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable" Not too sure totally appropriate!

Oh The Loppies are coming around the bend Hurrah, hurrah,
The Loppies are coming, this has to end, Hurrah, hurrah,
The Loppies are coming two by two,
Led by Geri, Eva and Sue,
Karen and Pauline will also be there,
With Shirley and her splendid hair.
We'll all give a cheer to welcome him back.
When the battle is won and CK gets the sack.

Pauline that was brilliant - Let loose the dogs of war indeed.

Christmas - YES PLEASE - we dont want the IBY getting to light again.

Hup two three four,
Hup two three four
got the occupation GO blues
From his curly hair to the soles of his GO Shoes

Loving all of it, and exhausted from the marching. Off to bed with me & I'll meet you all on the field of combat tomorrow. Now hoping for a little touch of, not Harry, but Lee in the night...

Another Loppy marching off to bed here.

Good night all and Sweet Meads

Gosh that was exhausting, need rest before the next assault!
Night night, sleep tight.

Have you managed to download and open the screensaver from Carys? Latest News LMAS. It is amazing, even if it has taken me on and off most of the evening to get it and unzip it. I'm hopeless at up zipping.
It is worth the time.
Nightlee night all. If the battle for the IBY (and SirCliff) is during the day, it will have to go on without me, but Cora, Bubbs and Tams know what they have to do and are sharpening their teeth and claws as I type.

Hello, late as usual when there is no work tomorrow, I must admit I'm getting a bit fed up now, wouldn't be so bad if I could drive, and four more weeks to go. I really shouldn't complain though, all this Lee time!!

Karen, great news, best wishes to all of you.

Shirley, glad your a lot better, not 100% though by the sound of it, take care, (and all other poorly Loppies)

Kathleen, hope you overcome your fears, to be agrophobic is not pleasant, I can get a bit that way in large busy shopping malls, especially if I'm on my own.

Carys, Proper Loppies! Lovely.

Duvet calls, will try for an earlier start tomorrow, probably won't make the Bistro though. Nite nite all.

God. It is early and freezing.
Cold, Cold, Cold, Cold. That was our mantra at work yesterday and probably today.
The heaters were broke!!!!! Of course the repairman had not got the right parts with him. Here is hoping that today is the day that we get some warmth back at work.
Although some marching and singing will probably warm me up.

To all I want to say: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope that everyone had a good new years eve.
I saw the fireworks in London on the BBC. Very impressive.

Karen I am glad everything is fine with your Dad.

Geri, tears came tumbling down I laughed so hard. That was hilarious. I am very impressed with your writing skills.

“Poor loppies” I hope that you are feeling better in no time.
“Proper loppies” I wish you a good day!

Morning Anne - it's pretty chilly here so I can imagine what it was like with no heater yesterday! Happy New Year to you too!
OK Loppies time for a quick warming porridge to my special recipe, lots of rum hot choocolate and then it will be the battle of Little Bistro - doubtless it will go down in the annals of history!

Well, Anne, you're at the bistro before me. And I see our lovely waiter has been busy making waffles and pancakes and French toast, plus a very nice fruit compote. Oh, and I see some more bagels -- wonder who they're for... What's with that stack of army boots by the door? For marching? Wow, these loppies mean business, don't they? And what's all that howling outside -- did someone let the Hound of the Baskervilles loose? Oh, just the canine part of the attack. Yikes! Glad I'm on the side of the goodies!

Morning all. It's cold, cold, ccccccold outside! The lttle march down here to the Bistro did me good. Don't have so far to go as many of you.
Anne,- good morning to you too. Lovely to hear from you.
BHB,- as per usual, my mood lifts several degrees just by the sight of you. I love the scarf you've got on, but please take off your wolly hat. It's not too cold in here, and I wan't to see those curls. What's that? You're fed up with people only talking about your curls? But we don't. We can talk about your eyes, your smile, your torso, your......sorry, got a bit carried away there. Forgot you're not GO. Forgive a middle aged fuddie duddie, please?? There's that lovely smile again. I knew you couldn't stay mad for long.
A large leaded one with toast and scrambled eggs, please sweetheart.
I'll take some leftover currie out to the fearsome pack of animals outside. I see Maisie has joined them. We'll be well prepared for the Charge later on. I have brought my helmet and sword, but won't don it until I'm ready for battle. Might scare other beach walkers.
Pauline,- you've got some scratches on your face. Ah,- wounded in battle(or in preparation thereof) when you were sussing out the enemy yesterday? Those brambles can be very spiky.
Keep the poetry coming, ladies. I'm mightily impressed.

Morning to all Loppies. DCM you are so kind getting the BeachCafe/Bistro up and running while I am convalescing. The BHB has asked me to pass on his personal thanks (I wish). Maisie stop it. MAISIE STOP IT. MAISIE - sorry BHB - you already washed this morning. Well you just got done again. And so kind of you to lay in extra supplies of bagels for me. Yummy. MAISIE - put Carol down. Yes I know you're pleased to see her again - no Eva and Geri don't want liking either. Go and talk to Pauline, she's the one with all the hotpot going begging - whew - that got rid of her for 5 minutes - good luck Pauline and wear your waterproofs. You'll need them.

Anne - a Happy New Year to you too, and hope your heating is on this morning. It is well cold here and we are hoping for a little snow.

God my feet hurt. Not used to big heavy marching boots. But for the safety of the IBY (and even SirCliff) a small sacrifice.

Morning Everyone!!

Can I be thick and ask what IBY stands for? I've forgotten!!

Has anyone got any snow yet?? I am on snow alert here at work! I dont want it to settle I just love to see it snow as we rarely get it here!! Its the only excitement I am going to get at work today!

...any snowed in Loppies?? They have forecast a sprinkling of snow here in London but not until later....probably when I am going home!! Need to all be ready and available for the battle later - lovely to see Maisie again....but where are the others??? We need all Loppies and accompanying animals if we have a chance of winning against the Fearsome Four! Off to lunch later with bosses (delayed Christmas one due to illness last year!), so I shall be totally unihibited later!

Morning troops, not exactly fighting fit but ready to spread the loppy lurgy over the infamous four.
No snow here as yet AliB, will keep you updated.

Oh thats interesting!! I have just had an email from Amazon saying that my order of Lee's CD single GMYAS has been delayed and is now due for delivery 04/02/2008 - 19/02/2008! Has anyone else recieved this?! I had forgotten all about it - so does this mean they did actually press some copies of the single and I will actually get it?!!

Hi AliB yes I had one saying it was delayed too! I am not holding my breath though as I suspect there won't be one and they are just wondering what to do with the thousands of orders they undoubtedly have!! Just had a thought - we could use the CO's CDs as a frisbee style weapon in the fight with the FF - that would seem to be justice!

AliB,- IBY stands for Intoxicatingly Beautiful Youth (or something similar). I'm off to hospital for an eye screening, so hopefully the snow will stay away for a few hours yet. The eyedrops they give you to widen the pupils are strong and any brightness makes it extra difficult to see for a while. Sliding all over the road while squinting through sun glasses is not ideal.

Well I feel like Cinderella "I am going to the Ball" tomorrow night Row D stalls, we have had problems with Ploppy's Sloppy (is that right Carol)???? and I didn't think we would be back home in time for me to go to Adelphi.
Also please please can I come to the CONCERT, but having been away I haven't had time to catch up, so WHERE, WHEN, HOW, is this concert and WHO is appearing in it ?????????????????????
Loved all the programmes over Christmas, I just didn't want the WS to end.
I konw its a bit belated but a Happy and Healthy New Year to all.

Carol - Yes, I am not holding my breath either! I will believe it when I see it!

Eva - IBY - very very apt!! Take care out and about.

AliB, I had a message from Amazon in early Dec. giving those exact dates too, so perhaps, fingers crossed.
Jill, the concert is 'virtual' at the moment, it was vaguely mentioned in an interview I think, no details at all at the moment.

Jill - yes Ploppy is Partner, Sloppy is a Senior Loppy (usual a mother!). Hope everything is ok now! Won't say "Enjoy" for tomorrow as of course you will!!

Morning people, sorry I'm late, but then I always am, Had the man servicing my alarm system here this morning and it took forever! Also just had another shower, but of the canine kind, courtesy of Maisie. Thanks for that Shirley, but there is nothing like a dog for dealing with excess catering!
Snow has just started here, but very light at the moment, so cold though. Right now marching boots back on ready for the attack, see what you mean they are a bit heavy but nothing an avenging loppy can't cope with! Have put iodine on my scratches, not an attractive look, but hey IBY is worth the scratches and reconnaisance has shown that we have them worried. Think our singing frightened them to death!!

Happy New Year Jill, have a great time tomorrow, and don't forget to report back. We don't know what concert yet, but have no intention of missing anything, as Lee mentioned 2 concerts possible next (this) year, one in London and one in Southend!

Carol, AliB, I think it is just that last time they emailed us they said that they would not be able to fill the order until December/January and they are just extending the holding period. Another Loppy not holding their breath.

Hi Jill. Happy New Year to you too. It was in one of Lee's interviews - the BBC radio Essex one - he spoke of doing 2 concerts - probably a homecoming one in Southend, and one other - probably in the West End. That is all the detail we have, but we are determined to book as soon as the dates are published.

I LOVE that Carys called us proper Loppies - Thanks Carys. I have noticed one huge difference between ourselves and the Loppies on the Forum. Look at the Captain Kirk diaries. We all respond, react to the story, get involved, answer back - generally participate and interact. On the Forum they are loving it too, but it does not seem to occur to them to join in. Dont know why there is such a big difference in our reactions, but I find it very surprising.

Speaking of which - Carol I love the idea of using the CO's CDs as offensive weapons. They are offensive all by themselves, and we just make them into weapons. Brilliant.

Snap Shirley!
Maybe the Forum people aren't slightly bonkers?
Love using COs' cds' as weapons but where does the supply come from.. I don't have any!!

Morning all

Snowed in Loppy reporting in here. Yes it's snowing a blizzard at the moment, although we do live at the top of a hill and it's always worse here - I've just phoned my parents who live at the bottom of the hill and it's only light there!! Still I figure snowboots will help in the march of the loppies!!

I agree Shirley about there been a difference between here and the forum and I definitely feel more comfortable here and I love "proper loppies" Carys- well here is where it all started isn't it!!

Ploppy set off to work at 6.30 this morning but has had to turn back because of the snow so he's going to do some paperwork whilst I do the i*****g - domestic bliss (not!!) - hope he doesn't mind being seranaded by the GO whilst he's doing his accounts - then again I don't think he'll find Him quite as distracting as I do!!

Oh, still waiting for the snow here!!

I agree too with the difference on the forum! There are just so many on it now! I feel that, yes we are slightly more bonkers on this site but also more informed, friendly and um mature (you know what I mean!).

Pauline2 - well on the basis no one will have bought the CO CD, there must be hundreds out there - I am willing to brave the chill biting winds and go get supplies.......

Good Afternoon Loppies!

And belated HAPPY NEW YEAR to one and all!!

Karen, I'm glad to hear your dad's OK (and thanks Shirley for those Ohmmms in my stead) but what's all this about snow in Yorkshire!! There's been hardly any here in Austria.

Glad to see the Loppy brigade is marching to rescue IBY - if I run, I might be able to catch up!!

Hope to be able to catch up again soon - lots of love to all in Loppyland!

Carol you are a trooper, IBY needs people as self sacrificing!
Yodeleoay (sp?) JaneE lovely to hear from you, sorry about the snow, hope you are finding ways to pass the time!Happy New Year!

Back from the hospital,- still squinting. You are all a bit blurred. I know that is Carol's usual view of the world, but as I have only ombibed leaded coffee today, it's a bit irritating.
I am prepared to make a huuuuuuge sacrifice for the cause of punishing the Foul Four. I'll read a complete recording of CO's book, and in between playing his CDs, this can be played if they become difficult. That should send them around the bend tout suite! Slightly bonkers?,- it'll be raving lunatics before we are finished with them.
We just had a few flakes of snow drifting down outside. I'm glad I'm back home. With the wind chill factor included, it's bitter out there.
Karen- enjoy your isolation on top of the hill!
I think the main difference between LMAS and us, is that we write longer and more involved posts, getting to know each other very well and getting involved too. I also think it's easier to follow what is happening here, because you don't have a lot of different threads to follow to check what's been posted since the last time you were on that particular thread. I won't be rude and mention intelligence and maturity !!!

Wow Eva that really is above and beyond the call of duty!! Maybe blurred eyesight willl make the reading more bearable, and perhaps some ear plugs? In fact can we all have ear plugs?

It is still very cold at my workplace. But no snow yet.
Apparently the parts for the heater have to come from England. Well I certainly hope it is not coming by post.
A nice relaxing march will surely warm me up. Certainly wenn thinking of the GO and singing his songs on the go. He just warms your hart.

Carol I have got loads of CD’s from singers who are not the GO. I am happy to use them to free the IBY. Some of them are leathel.

Okay, I am off……
Links, rechts , links, rechts …………(left, right,left,right)
Links, rechts , links , rechts…………(left, right,left,right)

Oops, there is the boss.
What do you mean get back to work.? I am in training for the loppie march.
Get out of my way this is serious business.

Links, rechts , links, rechts …………(left, right,left,right)
Links, rechts , links , rechts…………(left, right,left,right)

Hello Jane (waves!) - as you can see we have been very busy and our plans are coming to fruition! Anne your offer grateful received. Aunty Eva - a master stroke! Karen hoped you aren't too snowed in .... on the other hand it is an excuse to hear/watch the GO, so I will withdraw my sympathy! No snow here at the moment! Totally agree re the blog - a) I can't access the forum from the office anyway, b) I find it tricky to follow (but hey I am a blonde!).

Brilliant idea Pauline - how about we attach ear muffs at the bottom of our Loppy ears. We can go all posh and get noise cancelling headphones which will enable us to play our GO music to inspire us as we go into battle. Abd we can use our blue tooth connection to communicate with each other too. Magic. But we will miss the music of their screams of agony when they hear Diva's war cry.

OOOOHHHH Great excitement. My copy of GMYAS has just arrived. Says in small print - For promotional use only. Not for resale. Thats OK then. No intention whatsoever of ever reselling it. And every intention to promote the GO to all and sundry. I think I just argued that every Loppy should have been issued with a copy!!!!!

I know I am going "OFF THE PLOT" as it where, but Geri I think the DIARIES are just brilliant, I am full of admiration of your writing skills, please can I come for a few lessons!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HI JANE (waves). We have been promised snow here but still waiting. Love that you have flown to Austria for the snow - which is now in Yorkshire.

Oh Anne, multilingual marching. Fantastic. And discovered, to my great shame, that I have a copy of CO version of Jo which I will be more than happy to use in the attack. When did I buy that. Oh the shame of it. Hangs head and wanders off to the corner where she puts on the dunces cap which, in the manner of the sorting hat, roundly abuses her for being so damned stupid.

OK, I have a particularily lethal CD to use as a weapon and my apologies if anyone has got this and likes it but its by Teatro (new supposed Musical Theatre supergroup)!! My Dad played it in the car and all I could say was 'well none of them sing anywhere near as good as Lee! and then I saw the cover and said 'well none of them are as remotely good looking as Lee'. Well you kinda get the gist of what I thought of it! In the end I had to turn it off for the sake of my sanity!! What also annoyed is that it didnt sound like they used any real instruments on the CD and they were just 'singing' the songs rather than acting them which is what you have to do when singing musical theatre songs! Again, sorry if anyone liked it but Lee has rather spoiled us in regards to other musical theatre performers!!

Hi Jane - so you sent the snow over to Yorkshire from Austria did you?? It's still snowing here and yes I could ski down the hill into town - in fact I might have to do just that.

My parents cooker is kaput and cannot be mended (mine was just a fuse, thank god) so I am back on cooking duties to make them some meals they can warm up in the microwave until they can get a new cooker delivered, although how I am supposed to get them down the hill is another matter!! I could do with a sledge and a couple of huskies!! Hey Santa's elf and Mrs Santa, is Santa's sleigh and the reindeer available for a mercy mission to feed the elderly???

Failing that I may have to don ski's and slalom down the hill with various cooking pots strapped about my person - oh what fun!!

Oh, Karen,- I just had a laughing fit picturing you wobbling on skis down the hill with all your cooking utensils spread over a huge distanse.
All right, for the marching order,- we'd better do a couple of more languages to make sure everybody can join.
Norwegian:
Ett - to
Ett - to
Hepp - to
Hepp - to

Finnish:
Yksi - kaksi
Yksi - kaksi

Spanish:
Uno - dos
Uno - dos

French:
Un - deaux (Is that spelt correctly)
Un - deaux

I think the Finnish counting has the most schwung to it.
Hello Lady Jane,- are the natives treating you with the respect your rank deserves?

Just making a quick check in, I am getting behind, spending most of my time on the other computer, making videos. As you have to watch the contents over and over, not exactly a hardship. Ploppy sent me to bed 9.15 last night as I was falling asleep in front of the TV, this is my chance to catch up - can't do it while I am supposed to be working, to much to read and too much chance of giggles. Following the CK saga but no imaginaton I'm afraid.

Happy New year - bit late, and hugs and good vibes to all those who are under the weather (in all senses)or whose family members are.

I'll let those of you who want DVDs know when they are all ready. Hopefully next week sometime for the masters, then it's just copying. 2.00 allready:((

Ali you can use that cd with my blessing, friend of mine has it and had much same reaction to it!
Karen you have my sympathy as I am still cooking for my Sloppy and hoping snow doesn't get too bad. Mind I don't have hills to negotiate, wonderful mental picture of you!
Gillian don't you worry about a thing I think you are a star and whenever you get these things ready will be fine by me, something to look forward to!
Now in this cold weather this marching is great, love all the languages, but how on earth do you pronounce the Finnish ones?!!

The sled is on its way over Karen. It had trouble getting going on the grass around here. But after her week's rest Rudolph was raring to go and set a cracking pace. Should be with you well before dark.

OMG Maisie just polished off all the left over chilli that the BHB made the other day. I think I had better get up in the night if she asks to go out. Definitely. Yes.

Hello Gillian. Gosh you are working hard on all behalf of us all. A huge, huge vote of thanks.

Where's our snow? We were promised some today, have to go and visit old friend (very old,96)this afternoon and was looking forward to putting on my skis or snow boots. Perhaps it'll come while I'm there.

Shirley - humm, according to the famous ditty 'Rudolph the red nosed reindeer' Rudolph is a boy!!

Maeve - I know I feel cheated too! I have been staring out of the window looking for the snow all day! I am still hoping for a flake or too!!

AliB,- I had the same thought. Maybe we could call her Rudolpha or Rudolphina ?? What say you, Shirley?

Pauline,- I wish I could say it, but that's a bit hard via the computer. Try saing the "Y" in yksi like a sound between E and U, and the "i" at the end is pronounced like "e". In kaksi the "a" is a long a like in "AH" and the "i" at the end like "e". Are you any the wiser?

We've had some snow flakes. They were horrid wet ones that didn't settle. They appeared at lunchtime just as I was going out to collect my photos from Christmas (and in particular last Friday.) I got wet and cold and my photos are rubbish. No one would keep still, not the nephew and niece, not their new dog and not the GO. The only good one is of one of the "minders" who looks quite scarey. I even had them put onto disc just in case they were any good. Grr. One of them is ok so if I ever work out how to email them I'll send it to you AliB but I don't think anyone else will be interested.

AliB you are not that short. I'm just quite tall. Jo4 was right you should have pushed me into the gutter (where I'd be right at home) when she took that picture and then we would have been about even!

Hi Alison!!

Oh what I shame about your photos!! I also had another set of photos printed to in case they were any good but they aren't!! I have a spectacularily bad one of just Lee's arms very close up as he is waving goodbye! Its a good shot of his pen!! That scary minder is also on quite a few of my photos too! Oh well, there is always next time! I keep hoping that he wears the same hat and jacket combo on another night and that someone else takes some photos and that they are really good and then I can say - thats what he really looked like!! And yes I am that short but it did have its advantages on that night!! and yes I am still grinning!!

A note to fellow snow enthusiasts its now sort of raining here! Most miffed!!

Wheeee - back from post Christmas lunch with Bosses - Lush Loppies - I did you proud!! Wheeee - where's the battle???

I remind you all of the email circular lots of people sent me just before Christmas to the effect that by December all male reindeer have shed their antlers. Only female deer have antlers in December, so if Rudolph has antlers she is a she.

We didnt get any snow either. Well a few - very few - flakes mid morning.

Had a fun couple of days with the cars again. You may remember that 2 days before StP's I was left with 2 dead cars. My little Smart was towed off to the garage, they diagnosed that I need a replacement gear stick, so they changed it, sent a taxi for me to collect it, and it seemed fine. It worked perfectly on 20th It started - went into gear no problem - and I got to the station and StP's just fine. Comes Christmas and we did not use if for a week or so until yesterday when we were going to use it to go into town. Guess what. Exactly the same problem as 18.12. Exactly the same problem. Not a similar problem or anything like that. The exact same problem. Ploppy read them their fortune, and they came to collect it with a low loader. Today - when he was out of course - they rang to tell me it needed a new electric motor, and sensor. I was not happy. I told them I was not happy and way. In a reasonably unhappy manner. Then told them they would have to deal with my husband - we do a brilliant bad cop, good cop routine. Now I have already given them grief and told them that they are going to have to deal with the really cross one. Me good cop. By the time Ploppy spoke to them they had completely conceeded that the work they did on 18/19 December was unnecessary and not what they should have done and they are going to credit us with the cost of it. They have been making the phone line through to Smart very hot. They dont know what is wrong with it, but have inspected the wiring VERY thoroughly. We are going to have the 2 part replaced that they say we need and it is going to cost us just £50 more. Not the £450 extra they were originally quoting. Only trouble is those parts are not needed very often and it is going to be next Monday before they can get them. But all in all I think I can punch the air and say RESULT.

Hi Carol. Good lunch was it?? Relaxed as a newt - are we??

Nice try Shirley, but Rudolph is still a he!! Anyway, Rudolph is a mans name, there are many famous Rudolphs ie Rudolph Nureyev and.. and.. um! Well just him!!

Thanks Shirley - still searching the skies for Rudolph/Rudolpha.

AliB, Maeve and all other snow lovers - I'll send the snow your way so that I don't have to do the downhill slalom tomorrow!!

And Eva - calling my person a huge distance - charming!!! (Had me LOL though!!).

Karen,- sorry about that, but sometimes my English lets me down, although I must say, it's probably funnier under your interpretation. What I meant was that everytime you fell on your a** or face, you lost something. Your understanding was much better!!

Loving the march of the loppies, will it take you a few days to get there? (Don’t want it to end)
What about Josephine, she will be able to carry the supplies for you all and I’m sure she can give someone a big kick!!

I don’t know that it’s been said –
Lee Mead’s songs are in my head –
sound off – sound off

Loppie Ladies through and through
Love Lee mead and not Boo- Hoo –
sound off

Our Lee Mead is the best –
knocks the spots off all the rest –
sound off – sound off

Don’t leave us feeling blue
Save Lee Mead - any dream will do.

Have to get ready for work now, Karen good news for you and your family.

Thanks for the pronunciation lesson Eva, I think I get the idea but when I try it out loud it sounds a bit like something that might get me arrested, perhaps I'll stick to Norwegian and Spanish to be on the safe side!
We've had snow here but all wet and yucky and not settled, I think Karen must have had everyones' share!
Way to go Shirley, very satifying when you win an argument like that, see I think this is the effect of loppy power coming through! After you've dealt with the foul 4 what's a garage?
Speaking of which am tensed up and ready for the next foray! Are you with us Carol?....Carol, no it's the other way!!

Ladies, I'm just home -- got caught in the snow! Yes, snow! But the big news is (drum roll please!) I finished the story and I'll post it as soon as I have dinner.

Haven't had time to do more than skim the blog very fast & have to say I agree wholeheartedly with the Proper Loppy comment. After all, we were here first! And I wondered last night how many of us were 'registering' on Donna's site. Don't get me wrong; I love LMAS, but it isn't home, is it? And who wants to be registered like a cheap car?

OK, dollop's mad she put dinner down five minutes ago & I'm still here. Back soon.

Gosh - I hold my hands up and hang my head in shame and I'm now feeling like a very cheap car! I didn't put my email address however as I dont believe in giving it to all and sundry. OH PLEASE PLEASE dont throw me out of the Proper Loppies...I promise to do better in future

Have to confess I did Geri, hadn't really thought of it like that, more as supporting Donna, and those details were available anyway. Mind it isn't home and so much nicer here.
Now get on with your dinner we are getting cold out here!

At least we are cheap cars together Shirley2!!

Eva - no worries, and I wasn't insulting your English - I did really understand what you meant but as you say, the other interpretation amused me!!

Registered like a cheap car - sorry Shirley2 and any others but that did make me laugh!! My problem with the LMAS forum is I just find it too difficult to follow with so many threads going on all at once. At least here the conversation flows more smoothly, even if it's bonkers nonsense sometimes, yes I know we have intelligent conversations (occasionally) but that's what makes it fun. I don't keep up with the forum much, mainly the latest news, but when I have had a quick look I have noticed what seems to be a lot of sniping amongst them, maybe that's just a wrong impression I've got with not reading it all but I feel here there's not really any of that - we're all just one big happy family!!!

Geri - looking forward to the final instalment although sad that it's come to an end.

Ahhh, When I came home from work Lee was waiting for me. He was lying on the floor all rolled up. Yes Geri I received the Stage.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I started reading as soon as I got out of my coat.
Well you all know this by now I but I just have to get it of my chest. Great pictures and a nice interview. The last line is priceless. “…. if I’m wanted” He is so modest.

No snow here either - not even very frosty. However good as have to drive thro to Birmingham tomorrow and didnt relish driving 2 hours in snow. However is nice if able to stay indoors and Lee gaze so enjoy Karen. Fab news about your dad - you can go off sledging to celebrate! meals on skis (or sledges) sounds (and I am sure tastes) so much better.

Ali - this lurgi is awful - i just cant get rid of it tho have gone back to work and so inundated there that not time to think about being ill but just about to drag myself off to bed now.

Geri, and all the loppy march songsters, - I love the march of the loppy brigade!

Wheee - Maggie of course Josephine is happy to carry supplies (even though she is used to hotter weather) - she is cleaning her hooves (do camels have hooves?) as I speak (or type actually). What do you mean - I'm going the wrong way??? I have an unerring sense of direction (the wrong direction that is!). Feeling very relaxed, don't want any more food - Ploppy is cooking himself beans on taste at this very moment! I'm too busy sorting our Josephine and the CO etc. cd weapons - pretty lethal they are I might tell you! OK ready to march?

Hurrah! Hurrah! we'll save the BHB!
Hurrah! Hurrah! the Loppies will set him free!
So we'll sing the chorus and we'll make the baddies flee
While we are marching to save him.

(sung to the tune of Marching to Georgia for those of you who haven't clicked!).

BOOHOO: Nana, I’m frightened (sob!)
KEEF: I’m scared too! Ooh, I didn’t know there were so many of them!
CO: They’ve brought reinforcements. There’s Danny Boy, and DT, and Charming – because they’re all his pals. And Kaycee, of course. And, and – oh no!
KIRK: What is it?
KEEF: It’s the Lord! And the Judges! And they look pretty mad! Yikes! I’m not staying around for this. I’m headed off to Scotland!
(Keef starts running down the beach. Southward.)
KIRK: The Lord? Wow, retribution of biblical proportions!
CO: Not that Lord, just a very angry songwriter – though he’s more scary than the Incredible Hulk when he gets mad. What’s that he’s saying – he must be angry at L’Mead – he said something about making a Phantom of him!
KIRK: Keep your heads, gentlemen. I’ve handled worse situations than this! I think…Scotty
SCOTTY: Yes, Captain?
KIRK: Prepare to fire phasers in a wide pattern on the planet. There’s a large crowd of hostile loppies headed this way.
L’MEAD: You’re going to fire on unarmed civilians?
KIRK: The loppies have given me no choice.
L’MEAD: I won’t let you do that.
Do what you want with me; hate me and laugh at me,
But promise that you’ll leave the loppies alone!
For I know I shall find my own peace of mind—
KIRK: Yada yada yada.
(He makes a circular motion in the air with his finger. A bit like he was going up the stairs singing New York New York).
SIRCLIFF: You know, chaps, on second thoughts I think I’ll just stay up here. Is that the baying of hounds I hear or is the CO trying to sing again?
SPOCK: May I speak to you, Captain?
KIRK: I don’t know, Spock. You’ve gone over to the loppies.
SPOCK: Jim, surely you know I am and ever shall be your friend.
KIRK: Huh! Until the next curly haired Adonis with the voice of an angel comes along!
SPOCK: There is something you do not know, Jim. But I need you to trust me, as you have always done.
KIRK: I don’t know, it’s very hard for me to take you seriously with that weird white hair! Oh, go on, tell me or this story will go on forever! What is it?
SPOCK: The Rhydian, Captain – you are not aware that you, too, are suffering from its ill effects, just like me and the rest of the crew.
KIRK: That can’t be – my hair didn’t turn white.
SPOCK: Now, don’t make me get into the whole wig thing again. But you have always been a good guy; wanting to fire on a crowd of unarmed civilians is very out of character. It’s mean.
KIRK: I can’t help it. I’m written that way! But you’re right about one thing, Spock – I’ve always been the hero. I don’t know why I’m not this time.
MCCOY: You’re suffering from a disease, Jim. Just like you had diabetes or alopaecia. There’s no shame in it.
KIRK: Can you treat it?
MCCOY: Of course! Am I a doctor or a – well, actually, I’m a doctor! You just need some L’Mead elixir.
CO: Don’t listen to him, Captain. It’s a trap.
MCCOY: I can cure you, too, constipation-man! I have some very potent laxatives right here.
CO )Runs up the beach after Keef): Wait for me, Keef! I can learn to mangle my words!
BOOHOO: Nana, save me!
NANA: You’re on your own, kid! (she sticks a can of beer in her apron pocket and runs down the beach. She passes the CO and keeps on going) By the way, IBY – you really did deserve the Rear of the Year!
BOOHOO: Nana! Wait for me! (he runs sobbing down the beach, trips over a shell, gets up and continues wailing as he goes)
KIRK: All right, McCoy. I'll trust you. (drinks the magical elixir). Wow, you are gorgeous!
SCOTTY: Waiting for your order to fire, Captain.
KIRK: Cancel that order, Mr Scott. It seems I was fighting the wrong bad guy. I’m sorry, L’Mead.
L’MEAD: It’s quite all right. I know not everyone can like me; certainly I don’t expect people to react to me the way the loppies do – they’re very special. Now, have some of this elixir and I’ll sing to you. Come on, SirCliff – Diva and Lepry will help you out of that tree and we’ll have a contest to see which of us sings All I Ask of You best. The loppies can decide. Hm, now who’ll sing the girl’s part.
ALL THE LOPPIES: ME!!!

EPILOGUE
Scene: The Bridge of the Starship Enterprise the following day.

KIRK: That Rhydian is really dangerous! Starfleet Command needs to be warned. I can’t believe how close I came to hurting some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met!
MCCOY: I still think we should have phasered those bad guys & Nana. Especially Nana!
SPOCK: L'Mead would not have approved such an aggressive act, Doctor. He is the kindest and most forgiving human I have ever met.
KIRK: Humph!
SPOCK: It was a good suggestion of Strawberry’s that we should act as intergalactic ambassadors and spread loppy love far and wide.
KIRK: Love, Spock? You?
SPOCK: Even I cannot deny the obvious, Captain. L’Mead’s effect is, perhaps, the most powerful force I have ever encountered.
MCCOY: Incredible!
KIRK: You know what I find really incredible, gentlemen?
SPOCK: The pure love of the loppies? The fascinating draw of the IBY? The illogical conclusion to which this story is headed?
KIRK: No. It’s that throughout this entire, incredibly long and silly story the IBY remained fully clothed! Some people just don’t know how to write fan fiction...
Take us out of orbit, Mr Chekov. We’ve revised our mission statement: Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Her ongoing mission to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly spread loppy love wherever we go!

Geri - FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC!!!!!

YYYYAAAAAYYYYY. Brilliant Geri. Totally BRILLIANT.

Maggie I loved your march too, and Carol's. Oh I loved it all. But so sorry it has finished. And Geri your fan fiction I have read, and enjoyed hugely. I only came across the other sort once, unwillingly and it totally freaked me - as many of you will remember.

Fi - take care good lady. This lurgy is vicious - how the hell you are coping with work I cannot imagine. I am only just beginning to feel anything like normal.

Oh Geri, that was such fun, brilliant, b.., b..
Is it really the end? It was so funny, I loved it all but L'Mead's dialogue was the best, he's quite saintly! Even warmed to Nana J. who saw the light eventually.
I suppose Boo Hoo will be gearing up for his stint at The Adelphi soon, Nana J. will be in seventh Heaven.

Shirley,- I'll echo Geri,- normal????
Geri,- YOU ARE OUR WRITING GENIUS. I am so honoured that you let me help Sir Cliff down from the tree.( Bows her head ). I think that I'll have a word with GO, because I'll nominate you to Laureate in residence of LoppyLand. If you give me a little time, we'll plan a Grand Investiture and make Anne Ambassadress in Holland at the same ceremony. GO is a busy man, so we have to ration his time, but clean your best frock and polish your sequins in readyness.

This was on the prestigious Official London Theatre site;-

A fond farewell to 2007
So, 2007 is as done as a turkey that has been roasting on gas mark 9 for the 12 days of Christmas. But what a year it was, eh? Who would have guessed at the start of the year that a chisel-jawed, curly-haired, heart-breaking singer would be the toast of the West End come Christmas. No, not Hasselhoff, Lee Mead! Not content with dominating London theatre, the technicolored warbler was on more TV shows over Christmas than John Barrowman, which must be something of a record. He has possibly had more exposure than the combined rude bits of Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears.

Oh Geri I'm sad it has ended. Thank you for the story. Are you posting the end over on LMAS?
Sorry I missed today's fun. This morning I had hoped the snow would come early, so I could have got snowed in, but we got no snow at all. Anyway I would have been expected to go to work (got a 4x4) unless it was really deep.

Maeve what a find, bit tongue in cheek, don't you think.

Geri you certainly should be made laureate. I was lol again and pleased that it ended Happily Ever After.
Sorry I didn't join in the march, but internet connection went down this a.m. and I had to wait for Scollop to fix it. (Spent time watching ADWD vids).
Hope all poorly Loppies will soon be on the road to recovery.
25 sleeps now before I get to see some show in the West End for my XX birthday. Soooo excited already.

Jill forgot to say, have a lovely time tomorrow, we all know you will.

Geri - brilliant and so our hero is saved! Is there going to be a sequel? The Teef Journals or the Laxative Log?? No snow here either! In fact it warmed up quite considerably when I came home (or perhaps that was the warm glow of the incohol?). Anyway I am off to bed for an early night, a little light reading and some MP3 listening! Sweet Meads all!!

Glad you are putting your time to good use, Kathleen.
Another snowless loppy reporting for duty. I got slightly excited at the prospect of leaving work early when a student told me he had seen a snowflake on his way to college - should have known it was too good to be true.
Sorry I missed the march of the loppies - and well done, ladies, for saving the IBY.
Geri - I laughed so much reading the final instalment but now I'm sad its all over. I feel we should nominate you for some kind of award for keeping us so brilliantly entertained and helping us forget the slight shortage of GO material to come.
Gillian - what a star. Don't work yourself into the ground, although watching Lee in the line of duty is not really hardship, is it? Just kidding, honest, we'll all wait patiently for your goodies.
I've technically got a day off tomorrow, but will spend most of it fashion-shopping with teenage dollop - you know the kind: traipsing (sp?) through 50 shops only to go back to the first one to by a t-shirt. I'll have to think of a good way to recover afterwards. Answers on a postcard, please...

Wonderful stuff Geri, but like others so sad it is now all over. I think we may need a sequel to cheer the post Christmas blues, once you've had time to recouperate of course!!
I think the post of Laureate is highly deserved. Much respect.

Postcard to Elisabeth: Nice cup of tea, turn the lights, down lie on the sofa and listen to some lovelee music.

Gillian, you seem to be going above and beyond the Loppy duty. Make sure you don't make yourself ill, we can all wait a bit longer to make sure you don't over do it.

After my late night I'm off. I'll just check YouTube, so I might be back if I find anything good.
Nightlee night.......dreaming of concerts, I love the Albert hall as a venue.

PS-Why is there a load of sand in the dog's bed? You know me and the h**ver aren't best friends.

Album chart places
Cliffy - 60
Lee - 66

Same here Jo, not only sand in Maisie's bed, but she is bulging like she has been eating all day. Strange that.

Anyway I am heading off to bed after a tiring day doing precious little. And while my normal might be slightly to the bonkers side of other peoples' normal - Eva, it is nontheless my normal.

Goodnight all and Sweet Meads.

After all the marching and freedom fighting today, I think an early night is called for. It is with a light heart and in the knowledge that our Hero is free and ready to entertain us again, that I retreat to my bed with my book. I bid you all a good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Finally got dollop off the 'puter. Don't understand these kids today, spending their lives on line & blogging...

Thanks everyone for the lovely comments. I'm really glad everyone enjoyed the story, and, like you, I'm sad it's finished. Perhaps there will be a sequel, though Laxative Logs -- I'm not so sure! As Shirley has mentioned, we're going to be producing a small number of print copies of the story (with a couple of extra scenes), and cartoons. I believe Shirley is hoping to have them autographed & then auctioned for Mildmay. I leave all the financial wizardry to her -- I'm just the humble scribe. But at least the loppies are far more appreciative of writers than Hollywood producers! Oh, and, Jill -- glad to give you writing lessons. Can we meet somewhere warm? I hear Thailand is good!

Geri, you created some brilliant piece of work. Very entertaining and funny. I laughed a lot while reading it.
I love the idea of the extra copies and I think Lee would be proud of such talented fans.

Jo4 - I agree with you. The Royal Albert Hall would be a perfect place for Lee and all his loppies. Very classy.

I am off to bed. It was a very busy day today with all the marching.

Late as usual, and I set out with such good intentions, I think I'm definitely a night owl given half a chance.

I too feel a bit like an old car!! I am interested to know how many Loppies there are though do we know how many Proper Loppies we are?

I agree with the general opinion of the LMAS site, although I do keep up with Latest News, and post occasionally.
I think there are just a few people on there who would be better off on a different site, there's one I could recommend!
I am proud to be a Loppy, especially a Proper one, and I hope no one ever brings the name into disrepute. Donna has worked so hard to make her site the best on the net for all things Lee Mead.

I love THIS site, I feel so at home, and among friends here. I don't join in with the fun and games in the Bistro, mainly because I'm either out or not up in time, and I haven't joined in with the C'ptain Kirk Saga, because I haven't the imagination, but I do read and thoroughly enjoy every word of all the banter on here.

Shirley, great tactics with the garage, well deserved by the sound of things.

Gillian, I'm so excited, I don't mind how long it takes, I can maintain this state of excitement for weeks.

Geri, OOHH, you so brought back one of my favourite moments from ADWD, the NY NY twirl of the fingers, that, and the way he strolls back down those stairs like he owns the place, are priceless moments.

Bed calls, nite nite all.

Morning, morning, rise and shine - no snow, no forcast fog....just cold! Bistro currently has one little working light on - it's the BHB busy working away! He is a treasurer, breakfasts being prepared already! He was telling me about the holiday he is having later this month.....do hope he can afford it! He said he has a replacement for the evening job and would we like the same one for the Bistro......................???

Hi Sue, with all the Capt. Kirk shenanigans yesterday I forgot to return to the subject of 'proper' loppies & registering. I'll always feel that The Stage is home & LMAS is somewhere to visit from time to time. The latter is fine for reaching a wide network of Lee fans for a particular purpose (fundraising; the Valentine), but if it's cameraderie and fun you're looking for, well, Dorothy said it best -- there's no place like home! Having said that, I apologise if I offended anyone with my 'cheap car' crack. Obviously, registering is a personal choice. I think there's something elitist about it & that puts me off, but that's just my opinion. I'd also question why it's necessary. I find it interesting that comparitively very few Stageloppies have actually registered. Perhaps that's because we all know who we (and each other) are & don't need any validation.

OK, rant over. Oh, BHB -- how lovely you look today in that blue jumper! How about an egg white omelette with spinach & feta, and a big mug of the Irish stuff -- the hotter the better. As hot as you, in fact! Wow, sizzling!

Carol -- the same replacement for the bistro? Uh, no thanks! Sweet of him to offer, but I'm sure Danny Boy or DT or maybe one of those Hot men from the Gear place might help out...

Just on my way out the door, but had to post the link to this article about croquet in Hampstead Heath. There's a great quote that it won't catch on unless someone "Like Robbie Williams or Lee Mead" are seen with a croquet mallet! Like seeing your first swallow, isn't it, the signs of stardom! Here's the link:
http://www.thecnj.co.uk/camden/2008/010308/news010308_02.html

Good morning to all Loppies. Good morning BHB. Oh you do lighten up our mornings. How are we going to cope when you are on holiday? Do you have the exact dates yet? I have been in touch with both DT and The Hamster - Also think the banter will be brilliant between them and the Loppies. Danny Boy is a given. Would not risk the wrath of Lepri after she wrote that wonderful saga for us. Anyway a large unleaded coffee - just black this morning please - and I will get on and get the porridge made. Plain, with apple and cinnamon or berry fruits. Choice of sweeteners - honey, maple syrup or Demerara sugar.

May not be any fog forecast Carol, but we certainly have plenty of it here. Quite thick at that. A poor compensation for the lack of snow yesterday.

Geri thanks for that link. Lee becoming part of the establishment like that is just fabulous. Loving it.

As you know I go over to the Forum at times too, but sometimes despair. I think the trouble is that everyone wants to be associated with success and LMAS and Donna are clearly a success with Lee and his team - and indeed his Mum. So now people who are or were not Loppies are joining in because they want to take advantage of or be part of that success. Most of the Loppies there are really nice, and I have been heartened to read how effectively some of them have been getting on and sorting a youngster who is a bit of a loose cannon.

But that wasnt what I wanted to say. I have not registered there for a very differnet reason. For many years I was involved in providing home care and as such had custody of lots of confidential contact information for my staff and clients and I know how careful I was with that information - both by instinct and to comply with the Data Protection legislation. The contact list being compiled has no assurance that the information will not be shared/used/hacked/stolen or published. We all had a really hard time with someone who we certainly never wanted to know any information about us. I have now chosen, to make my email publicly available on both sites, but that is my decision and I doubt that the way these things work, that it would be particularly easy for people to find just a few days or weeks later.

On the other hand I do understand the point of knowing how many we are, and how to contact us with perhaps early notice of ticket availablity, special offers and so on, that all the Loppies could take advantage of before they became public knowledge. And also for planning things like Lee's Christmas present and so on. For example it would be hugely helpful to Geri's Valentine project if they had a database that could be circulated with the details - like we have in stageloppies. So I suggest that we might like to consider registering but either using the stageloppies email address - or just putting the word Stageloppies in that slot. What do you think???

And like everyone else has said - this is our virtual home and no where else compares.

Just trying to have a quick catch up with my cornflakes and nearly choked I was laughing so much at the end of Captain kirk! Absolutely brilliant Geri!! You are so clever to tie in all the different references! i could just picture it all in my mind especially the twirly finger - oh gosh, everything!! That has set me up for the day.

Looking out of the window it is very foggy here like with you Shirley. I hate fog - I am a total woos with driving in it so am glad i dont have far to go to work.

Have a good day everyone.

Morning all. AAAAAAHHHHHHHHH (Stretching and yawning). That was a lovely night's sleep after all the exercising and commotion yesterday. Slept soundly in the knowledge that GO (or his alter ego IBY) is safe. Huge thatnks to Geri to bring him home safely. I love a happy ending, especially one with two of my favourite people in it (Well, Sir Cliff did offer to help, didn't he?).
Hello sweetheart, as Geri said, you do look good in blue. It's my favourite colour. My usual, please. Yes, I know I'm a boring old f**t always having the same breakfast, but that's me,- no imagination whatsoever!
As for the debate about registering for LMAS site, I have done it, and don't mind being compared to an used car! I just hope that if I ever buy one, it comes with more information than I gave away there. It was my first name, which I also use as my posting name, e-mailadress via stageloppies and location Kent. It's no more than I have already divulged on the site earlier, so I am not worried. As for using the site, I think I'm like the rest here. We check out the news, maybe give a comment or two, and that's it. And this is not meant as a slight to Donna and all the hard work she has done. It's just that this blog is HOME and LMAS is like a nice caff you visit now and then for the latest gossip. That reminds me of the hairdresser in the village where I used to live before I came here. Whenever I wanted to know what was going on in the village or needed to know whrere I could find a relieable electrician etc, I'd pop in to the hairdresser. It was run by two sisters who were born and bred in the village, and they knew everything but everything going on. Better than any nwespaper.
Karen,- I forgot to say yesterday, I wasn't insulted by your comments! Far from it. I totally agree with you. Your interpretation was better!
Shirley,- are you feeling better? I suppose the next hurdle for us is this stomach bug sweeping the country. If that spreads in the same manner as the lurghy, we'll probably all be down with it soon. I can't wait!!!

Turning to the question of the LMAS registration - whilst I go along with the general concept that it is good to know how many "Loppies" there are, I have held back for similar reasons to those expressed above, though I had noted that a couple of us had just put the "Stage Loppies" email as a contact and I did consider that. No slight intended to Donna at all - and in fact let's not forget that she set the forum up for us when we thought our lovely Scott wanted to be rid of us (which thankfully was not the case - kiss kiss for Scott). As I have already said I can't access the forum from the office and therefore don't visit it other than very briefly in the evenings. I can access all the rest of the lovely Donna's site and want to iterate that she does a brilliantly fantastic job! However, this is home sweet home and I am happy to stay with our "small but select" little band of nutters!!

Geri you are one talented lady, I look forward to a sequel.
Fi, take care, I worked too and I'm paying the price now!
I have to say I only really use LMAS for latest news. I've tried to use the forum but I don't feel as welcome as I do here. As everyone has already said, this was my first home and I was welcomed immediately and feel very comfortable with you all. I feel abit like our name has been hijacked by everyone else - sorry if that sounds bad, I don't mean to sound snobby about it!

Well done Geri, spilled my drink at - do what you want with me etc etc, because I was LOL

Meant to say what Carol said, Donna has /is doing a marvellous job and just because I don't use the forum doesn't mean I don't appreciate all her hard work, I just like it here. And another big hug to our landlord for putting us up, or should that be putting up with us??

I'm liking Lee and Robbie in the same breath Geri. I've been saying it for yonks so glad to see it in print. I have them both in calendar format on my office wall, opposite each other. Lee smiles a lot, Robbie doesn't but really should. I hear rumours that Robbie my be touring this year so it could be a very exciting year for me.

I haven't registered on LMAS yet. I probably will because I think LMAS is probably where most "fans" look for information and I suspect a lot don't post. I think it will be interesting to see how many loppies there are out there. I don't post there but will always check out the latest news. Lets face it compared to most of you I don't post much here but I first posted here in June and I consider this to be home and am very grateful that Scott accomodates us. I feel like I know everyone here and it wouldn't be the same on the LMAS forum.

There was something in the Mail today suggesting that the Adelphi is likely to be the home for Phantom 2 because Joseph will have run its course by 2009.

Re registering on LMAS, I have held off as well, I'm proud to be a StageLoppy, although I do post on LMAS quite a lot. Shirley is dead right however about the usefulness of being able to contact people 'off blog'if you want to keep it low profile, like a present (and other things:)) I notice Kirsten is making a spreadsheet, but an email address like stageloppies with contacts all set up is much easier to manage. It also means people email the central address with their details, not have them out in public for anyone to harvest. I think I may email Kirsten, CC Donna?, re how we do it here. What do you think?

Geri, loved the whole saga, I am so in awe of your imagination, been giggling for last half hour.

I certainly didn't want my email out there for anyone to see so gave the stageloppie one. I did 'register' as I assumed Donna was supporting it but I agree we dont want anything about presents etc on there as we know Mrs M checks in occasionally, it may also give other groups of fans ideas! So I think the way we do it via Stageloppies is perfect Gillian. Anyone that wants their email out there can put it on the formum when they post on any topic cant they?

Geri - just loved the saga - Brilliant!

Morning Everyone!

Alison - thats interesting about the Adelphi maybe being the new home of Phantom 2 as its tiny and abit pokey!! It always makes me chuckle when I watch Joseph that during the brothers scenes they are all huddled up shoulder to shoulder on stage as the stage is so small! I imagined Phantom 2 to be a much bigger production.

On a similar musicals note last night I was watching Oklahoma! on DVD (absolutely nothing on the TV). It’s the Trevor Nunn production with Hugh Jackman and Maureen Lipman. Its really good – has anyone else seen it? I have to say that Hugh Jackman is excellent as Curly, sexy and charismatic with a lovely voice! The reason I mention it is that on the main Stage site there is a bit about Trev’s production of Gone with the Wind which is due in April and it will be very interesting to see what he has done with it! Its such an unweildy and lavish film that to see it on stage will be interesting - I would expect he has pared it right down and it will be more character driven. Anyone thinking of going to see it?

Morning all! So glad I made the trek to the cafe this morning to read the brilliant conclusion of the Star Trek saga - well done Geri! Hysterical!

Gillian, you're doing wonderful work with those DVDs, thanks again.

So, still snowing up in Yorkshire is it Karen? Still none in the village although the skiers say there's plenty on the mountains.

Ali I know what you mean, that’s why I said to Lee that Fi and I are stageloppies
Agree with all that has been said about LMAS, great work Donna,
I feel our group is a fan site with a touch of the WI to it (but I’m not up for the calendar girls ha- ha)

Oh, forgot to say - Jill, have I got it right are you going to the show today (I've only been skimming through so wasn't sure) anyway have a lovely time!

I'm going to disappear now - hopefully we'll be back in England on Sunday (Loppy good vibes needed to ensure the flights aren't delayed by Karen's snow - Ohmmm!) Bye for now...

Hi, just checking in before I go to the dreaded dentist, (cracked a crown on pork scratchings on Christmas day)

Geri, I was not offended in the least, and forgot to say I loved every minute of your saga.

Eva, a nice cafe, sums up Donna's perfectly.

Gillian, good idea to share with Kirsten, I do tend to agree with Ali, but equally would not want to sound snobbish about it.

In a bit of a rush due at School in an hour, not even dressed yet, will wave to Shirley2 as I drive across the link road.
Geri that was brilliant brilliant brilliant, and yes Thailand does sound good to me I am free to go round about the 14th January???????????????????????

As said before great site Donna, for finding information, this came from there. Lewis is going cheap

http://www.seetickets.com/gilt/event_calendar.asp?e|artist=JOSEPH+%26%23163%3B35+GILT+OFFER&venaudit=Adelphi%20Theatre,%20The%20Strand&resultsperpage=500&dateto=31/01/2008&firstdate=14/01/2008&lastdate=24/01/2008&filler1=see&filler2=&filler3=

Hello again all, finally a chance to return after a lovely family Christmas and New Year. Very belated thanks to those clever Loppies who sent eChristmas cards - they were lovely.

Saw John Barrowman in Aladdin at the Birmingham Hippodrome over the holiday. He was very good, very funny and very clearly the star of the show - whole family had a thoroughly good time. Very amusing when he attempted a Brummie accent and the actor playing Abanazar accused him of coming from Ireland in an ad lib! He covered his face with his hand he was laughing so much.

Now the big news .... Got back from London last night after going to see a certain show on Wednesday afternoon as my birthday treat with the family. Had a fabulous time although the seats were not as good as on CiN night, row L on the left hand side so we couldn't see the children on the left. But, didn't spoil pir enjoyment. Lee was as good as ever, mesmerising singing CED in the first act and clearly still really enjoying himself despite being so close to his first holiday for ages. Fiona Reyes was excellent as the narrator, note perfect and none of the shrillness that Preeya sometimes has on the top notes. I hope she gets her chance as a lead soon.

Now to the best bit, persuaded Ploppy that the children all wanted to get Lee's autogrpah so we hung around in the foyer afterwards and got prime spots right in front of the doors at the left. Scollops and Dollop all got their autographs and I spoke to Lee twice!! FIrst time I just said "Well done Lee" to which he replied "Thanks". Then when he came back along the steps again, we had a conversation!

I said "I love the album Lee" and he asked "Did you enjoy it?". I replied "Yes!" and he said "Great" ans winked at me.

After that the rest of the evening was spent in a happy daze, although I couldn't sleep at all that night in the hotel. Maybe that was related??

Have come back down to earth again now, especially after a marathon stint with the children in Hamleys, the V&A and Natural History Museum whilst Ploppy was at work. We all travelled back on the train together and boy did I sleep well last night!

DID I MENTION LEE SPOKE TO ME TWICE?

Gillian I think it is a brilliant idea to contact Kirsten and Donna with how our contact system works.

It's funny it sounds from your comments that you all think of LMAS and the Forum as the same place. I think of them as totally seperate. I think of the Forum as Donna's Forum, that is accessed via LMAS, but although Donna set it up it has taken on a life of its own. I would hate anyone to think that I criticised Donna and LMAS in any way, shape or form. However mildly. I am a huge fan of both. And am proud to consider Donna my partner in crime (not), and a great friend.

And I just have to ask - Sue what the hell were you doing eating pork scratchings on Christmas Day??? Sorry it must have hurt like hell and not at all nice for me to be giggling. Something to do with it being PSings.

Jackie - thanks for the lovely report! LII (Lee Induced Insomnia) is a well known condition! So glad you managed to tell Lee that you loved his album. I had the prime chance to do that when Lee was actually signing my album cover but I was suffering from that other well known and very annoying condition LISS - Lee Induced Stunned Silence!!

Just had a thought while in the bath!!!!!
Does anybody for any reason want a programme if I can get one signed tonight. I already have a signed programme and dont want two.It will mean I will have to stand outside the Adelphi in the cold, such a hardship.

Oh Jackie, thanks for sharing. That was brilliant!!! And welcome to the world of LII (Lee Induced Insomnia). All I can say is that Hamleys, the V&A and The Natural History must have been seriously hard work to bring you back down to earth so quickly!!! Enjoy the good memories, and ignore the bad ones.

Jackie - I have a gloriously shallow question for you - were his legs still fairly smooth?!! Also after the show was he wearing a biege/green sort of beeny hat? I was just wondering whether he was wearing this regularily or if it was just the night I went! Just thought - maybe it was a Christmas present!

Hello Loppies
Imagine sitting at your desk wearing a t-shirt, a sweater, a cardigan, a pair of warm trousers, 2 pair of socks,a plaid round your legs and gloves.
Well, that is me at work.
They just don know what is wrong with our heaters.
It is really cold and I know now that Time goes really slowly when your are cold.

I keep singing “if I can dream” in my head. Dreaming of a nice sunny beach somewhere, in Thailand maybe?

Jill, have a great time tonight!!

Anne, I sympathise, it's dreadful trying to work when you're gradually getting colder and colder. I'm surprised you haven't all gone home. Where I used to work there was quite an active Union Rep. who kept their eye on room temperatures.

Re registering on LMAS forum, it never occurred to me that there was anything elitist about it, I just thought it would be interesting to know approx. how many Loppies there are. I gave stage loppies as my email.
I look at latest news and occasioally at a forum but I don't post there.
This is definitely 'Home,' I remember the discussions ages ago, about Donna starting a forum for Loppies if we were to move from The Stage, it's amazing how like Topsy it's grown and grown, but it does feel quite a different animal from us here.

Hi all, having busy day today and tomorrow as, if I dare whisper it , am trying to have my belated dinner party tomorrow. Imagine my horror when the phone rang and it was one of my friends. My immediate thought was NOOOOOOO! However he just wanted to tell me they would be a bit late, phew!! Still won't be suprised if I get a lurgy or something!!
Geri if being called a cheap car is the worst thing I ever get called!!! Not at all offended and in fact I agree with everything you all say here. I do post occasionally on LMAS, so my details were already there, but it is getting so big and I just love it here, so much more fun is had!
Jill have a great time tonight, well we all know you will. Jackie that was wonderful , lucky lady, I suffer from LISS and LII so no hope for me!

Jackie, did you say Lee spoke to you TWICE, and that you had a CONVERSATION?? Jealous, me? NOOO!! Did you know MY CARD was on the Winners Story though? Sorry everyone, just have to keep reminding myself.

Shirley, I adore pork scratchings, and it was more inconvenient than painful, and worse than that is going to be bl---y costly.
We all know you wouldn't criticise Donna or her site, but that you share my concern for the Loppy name. I hadn't thought of the forum being a separate entity, but you're right it is.

Jill, I'll think of you tonight, have fun, and good luck for the after show.

Jill have a wonderful time tonight. As if you could have anything else. Just watching the Winners Story again. And smiling, smiling and smiling. And crying. Lee just won ADWD. Ah Bless.

...and Jill also from me have a wonderful time tonight (no chance that you won't!). JaneE oohmmms for the snow coming your way!! Pauline2 - don't worry your dinner party WILL happen!!!

AliB, couldn't see legs that(!) clearly from our seats, but the curls were all present and correct when he came out to sign. But before anybody worries, as it was really cold, he had his big parka with the fur lined hood, so is still keeping wrapped up!

Oh and Shirley, if you don't believe me about coming back down to earth I'll lend you my elder Scollop and Dollop for a day. If you last an hour you'll be doing well....

Have a fab time tonight Jill and hope you get as good a spot outside as I did!

Gosh Jackie, what a generous offer - sadly I will have to pass. Really surprised you that didnt it??

Jane - I hope the snow doesn't arrive just when you need to get on the road. It will be good to have you home. In case we dont have a chance to say so again Have a safe and easy journey home.

Jackie - thanks for the hairy legs update!! Glad to know he is wrapping up warm!!

Afternoon all

Well, all the meals are cooked and ready to go. All the snow has gone now so it won't be meals on ski's (loved that, Fi). Stupid as it sounds, I've been so busy cooking have not had time to eat anything today and you'd think with all that cooking I'd be starving but I'm exactly the opposite - have no appetite at all. Bizarre! Better get something though or the bottle of red I have my eye on for this evening will not be a good idea.

Hope I'm not too late to say have a good time tonight Jill. Of course you will.

AN INVITATION:
You are all hereby cordially invited to the investiture of Geri The Irish Leprechaun to Laureate of LoppyLand tomorrow afternoon at 5pm. At the same time Anne of Holland will be appointed to Ambassadress to Holland. The seremonies will take place at THe Beach Bistro.
Himself will be there, so a lot of Loppies are expected. Those who accept the invitation must be in best dress and on best behaviour.(Did you see that, LushLoppies?) Light refreshments will be offered.(Shirley, that's up to you!) I'll be Mistress of Seremony.
Scott dear,- as our landlord, you'll be Guest of Honour.

I've been watching The WS too, Shirley, and was struck by something BK said about ALW.
"Andrew's driven, hugely insecure, he is worrying, fretting about everything."
I thought that was rather similar to what has been said about the GO; it hasn't done ALW any harm has it?

Thanks for the invitation to the Beach Bistro tomorrow Eva, unfortunately I shan't be around then but shall try to catch up later.
Congratulations to those who are to be honoured at the ceremony!