The Stage at Christmas

YYYYEEEEEOOOOOWWWWW - Splash. Another safe (if slightly soggy) landing. Thanks Scott. And we guessed right about the interview??? Postponed due to Lee's ill health???

Thanks Scott - really looking forward to the interviews!!

Scott - big kiss and thank you! We'll be buying that issue in bulk of course!!!

Oh and I thought I might get the first post! Never mind, at least another interview to enjoy. Was it you Scott or someone else from the Stage?

Scott dear,- thank you for our new home. We even get to share the place with GO. Aren't you a lovely landlord? Do you know if they sell The Stage in my neck of the woods? I can't remember ever seeing it here.

Thanks for the new page Scott. Ooo, and another lovely interview to look forward to - any photos with them Scott.
OK - I'm over my strop. I apologise to all Loppies for embarrassing myself and acting like a spoilt brat on Sunday. I was only thinking of myself. And there are Loppies who have had to endure the worst ever experiences - seeing BooHoo instead of the GO for instance.
I have been OOOOOMMMMMing away, just not on site. I feel quite bereft knowing that the GO hasn't been on stage pretty much all week.. and sincerely hope he’s back on top of his game for tonight's performance and beyond.
What a busy weekend for me – shopped till I dropped on Saturday, and on Sunday did a couple of pressie deliveries, visited the new cousin – aaahhhh, she’s so sweet – picked up my sister from the airport (a stopover on her way to Zurich then back to Cape Town in 3 days??) and then our niece came over to say Hi. So when I should have had Sunday evening to kick back and relax and watch SCD Results, Cranford and Top Gear I had to contend with being social!!! But at least I have SCD on tape – and quite be accident, have captured that briefest of brief moments of the GO with Connie (loving RoRo’s slomo of it tho)
Whilst shopping though, I saw the GO at #42 at the HMV album chart wall - Josh Groban 46 and then some other older chap with an orange glow was lower than that. That made me happy. But what made me sad was that I could not find a Christmas TV Times anywhere!! or at least all the newsagents in the proximity. I’ll have to do another search this evening.
Anyway, to all poorly Loppies – get well soon; commiserations to Loppies who had to endure BooHoo. (oh and thanks for that gentle reminder Shirley!!!)
And thanks to Maggie, Jo4 et al for all those lovely links – you help me keep caught up. And Donna. Thank God for Donna.
But now it’s back to work for me. Hope to surface again soon sometime this week.

Hey guys, there's something to be said for this being lurgified. I don't usually sleep very well (as a result of which I am permanently crackered) but took myself off to my sickbed this morning and only woke up an hour ago!! Still feel grotty though, but what's the betting I won't sleep again tonight. Oh well!!

Have laughed my head off though reading the conversation earlier between santa, the elves, snowman etc - read it whilst still feeling a bit groggy and for the briefest of minutes thought I must have still been asleep and dreaming about this weird conversation but then I realised that, of course it was just a "normal" day in Loppyland!!!!

Thanks for the new home Scott. Looking forward to the interview!!

Thanks for the new home Scott! What a generous landlord you are!

Alison, welcome to sick bay -

And Auds I'm pleased to see you've got over you're strop. (Really, the behavior of some of these Loppies!)

Eva - that was some pretty impressive Ohmmming. If that doesn't work I don't know what will!

Nooooooooo I'm not here on 20. Pooh! Though come to think of it the nice magazine stallholder near the office usually has The Stage on a Wednesday so fingers crossed.

Thank you Scott for the new page.

Sorry to hear there are more poorly Loppies. A small crumb of comfort - better now than in 2 weeks. Take care everyone.

My Echo photos arrived today - thud thud thud.

See over on Donna's that Lee is due on stage tonight. Great news for Maggie and Fi. Excellent stuff. Cant wait to read their reveiws. Bet the place ERUPTS.

Back in a moment but so you know the Hamster is on Paul Ogrady channel 4 NOW

You've truely earned the appellation "Great", Scott! I would love to have been a fly on the wall during that conversation you had with the GO (I'm hoping it was you)...
Scott: How are you, GO?
Lee: GO? What's a GO?
Scott: You are. Means Gorgeous One. Or would you prefer ATD -- that's Amazing Technicoloured Dreamboat?
Lee (bemused): Where did this come from, Scott?
Scott: The Loppies. And that's Landlord, to you, mate!
Lee: GO? ATD? That's amazing!
Scott: It's nothing -- you should hear what they call Keith, Lewis and Jason Donovan!

Sorry I missed all the North Pole frivolities earlier. But what great news -- he's baaaack! Maybe they should make Boo-Hoo one of the minor brothers so he can learn first hand how it should be done...

Right back now, that was quite funny! First update on sloppy she is continuing to progress, so daresay they will try sending her home again tomorrow, lets hope it's more successful this time!
Brought Christmas Radio Times today. Fab thud type picture of the GO with Connie and ALW full page photo and short interview on other page with all 3. Worth getting. Should know what's on at Christmas now as have TV Times as well!!
So sorry more sickness amoung loppies, get well soon. Fantastic news for those going tonight and so pleased our oooohhhmmms worked.
Love the Christmas play so funny, thanks to cast and crew.
Oh and of course thankyou lovely Scott for another home, feels really comfortable already, and glad to see everone has unpacked.
Never can get stage round my way, but as it happens, should be in London on the 20th!!!!!!

I've actually just come from the interview and photoshoot with Lee, and will be transcribing and writing the feature for the next couple of evenings. I've only seen the photos on the digital back of the photographer's camera, but they look really good.

Oh Scott dear,- tell, tell, tell. Was he gorgeous? Was he wonderful? Was he well? Did you talk about the Loppies? Are you in any state to tell us? Do you want help editing the interview? You should have told us you were going today. We could have bribed you to take one of us as gofer. I would have carried your laptop, your pens, your taperecorder. What the hell, I would have carried you !!!!!!!!

OH Scott - Tell! Tell!! Was he fully recovered???? Were you on your best behaviour?? Did you mention you are an Honorary Loppy????

Just to let you know that for the moment my e-mail servoce is on a sulk. Everything I send out is returned to me.
Geri,- I did have a fast and funny answer to the one you sent me, but it must have been too much for this b****y machine.

Do tell Scott! Pretty please with sugar on it!

Aw, I missed the Hamster Pauline2! Never mind - the GO is going on tonight! Hurrah! (Will just do a little quiet Ohmmming, just in case!)

Oh, and glad that Sloppy is doing well Pauline2!

So I've got TV Times, just need Radio Times now!

Great news about Lee being back on stage tonight. Can you imagine Maggie & Fi's faces when they hear/heard the news!!

Scott - we trust that you asked him some different questions to the usual ones. Did you take Debbie with you in her Parky role - she's been very quiet lately, perhaps she has been working as an undercover Parky!!

Poor Ploppy has just come and and told me that he has been questioned by police today in connection with a mugging that took place in the area where he was working. They said he exactly matched the description - get this - the suspect was in his early 20's - Ploppy is 48!!!!!! I think if he wasn't so unnerved by the experience he'd be flattered!! Obviously they let him go with profuse apologies - not a nice experience but good to see they were doing their job!!! Think I better go fix him a stiff drink!

OMG. I go out to sit in the sun and read for a bit and come back to find that our landlord has been chatting to the object of our obsession. Now that must have been interesting. Was it anything like Geri's version???? You must give us at least a hint Scott Dear. Promise we wont tell anyone - everyone maybe but not anyone.

Scott-Thank you for our new home. I hope you checked GO was really well, wouldn't want him to over do it after being ill.
Loved the santa/elf snowman chat, dog thinks I'm mad, laughing.
Dash this work thing, missed CR at the bistro. Yes, Eva I did get my personal message, emailed you my thanks, but must have disappeared. Took it to work today, as I'm out for CR at work. Lots of eyes raised to the ceiling. 40% of my staff are off sick today. I nearly had to come home, so I'm glugging echinacea tea at the moment. Eva + Geri CR on ITT tomorrow!!

Oh and Eva, your emails are getting through to me. Well one did anyway.

Yes, Shirley,- it seems the machine has stopped sulking now. Since Scott dear hasn't yet answered any questions, I can only presume he is busy editing and putting his finest touches to THE INTERVIEW.
To all crime lovers out there,- I have just finished reading a very good one: "In The Woods" by Tana French. It's her debut novel, set in Ireland, and if you like Elisabeth George, you'll love this one. There is still time to put it on your Christmas list. You could try Mrs. Santa, since she is a Loppy!!!

The 'meet Lee in his dressing room' on Ebay is now up to £1600.00 with a couple of hours to go. I'm glad he's getting a decent amount of money for the charity. I thought it would make at least 2K so be interesting to see if it does a lot better than that

Not certain this echinacea is working, I'll be signing on as Snuffles soon. Unless Carol has the copyright to it.
Update to Loppy stats
Blog dates/ Numbers of posts/ days/ Posts per day
20 Jun -12 Jul Posts 1042 Days 22 Posts per day =47
12 Jul – 31 Jul Posts 1475 Days 19 Posts per day =78
31 Jul - 21 Aug Posts 1633 Days 21 Posts per day =78
21 Aug – 4 Sep Posts 1505 Days 14 Posts per day =108
4 Sep - 14 Sep Posts 1003 Days 10 Posts per day =100
14 Sep – 25 Sep Posts 1164 Days 11 Posts per day =106
25 Sep – 15 Oct Posts 1447 Days 20 Posts per day =72
15 Oct – 01 Nov Posts 1395 Days 17 Posts per day = 82
01 Nov – 19 Nov Posts 1250 Days 18 Posts per day = 69
19 Nov – 10 Dec Posts 1530 Days 18 Posts per day = 73

Karen, your poor ploppy! Sounds like there should be a big drink to help calm him down, and you can put on the ATD's CD -- it works for me!

Hi Eva, your book sounds like the perfect thing for a beleagured college student who could use a break from a heavy course schedule. So, since it's obviously made for me, should I expect it as a Christmas gift?

Karen your poor ploppy, hope the administration of copious amounts of alcohol will soothe him! (swallowed the dictionary earlier).
Shirley2 times like this I wish I was rich..sigh.
Lovely interview and photos to look forward to, Christmas just gets better and better.
Thanks for that Eva I will try the book, love EG especially the earlier books, always on the lookout for someone new.

Karen,- at least your Ploppy can console himself with the thought that the Plods thought he was in his early 20ties! And make that drink a double!!
Geri,- don't you have any friends in Ireland who can give you that book?
Pauline2,- I agree with you that EG's earlier books are the best. My favourite is "Well schooled in Murder". Her later books are a bit drawn out. I have bought her latest" What came before he shot her", but I haven't read it yet.

I'm off to bed
Nightlee night all

PS If CR is working in the bistro tomorrow, give him my 'regards'xxxx

Thanks for all the questions -- but I'm going to have to demur for the time being, at least, from giving any hints about the interview content, not least because I've got to work out which bits to include in the limited space we'll have (if I make the interview too long, that means less space for Stephanie's photos, which should be ace).

May well find a use for any bits that we don't have space for in print, but no promises.

Scott-You are a tease. You are right we do want pis, but we also hve to have the full interview too, however you manage it....we can wait, but not too long. Washing up duties are always available.

'Snuffles' really going now

oops not pis 'pics'.

OOOOHHH don't you just love to tease us Scott. Believe me any bits of Lee you have left over we can ALWAYS find a use for.. form an orderly queue behind me ladies!
Eva I was looking at that book today but have a feeling I might get it for Christmas. Mind you haven't much time for reading at the moment, so that suits me.

Scott dear,- Stephanie who??? Any Lee leftovers you can send to me.

Snap Eva two minds with same thought!!

Stephanie's our photographer for the Christmas issue; as well as snapping Lee today, she's taken great shots of Connie, Danny and Susan.

Testing testing!

Great-Scott, if you need help editing, I'm sure we'd be all too pleased to oblige. That goes for proofing pictures, too. ("Snapping Lee" -- what a job title!)

Speaking of titles -- I was thinking, Eva, that murder mysteries always have such intriguing titles, but my all time favourite is a chick-lit book called -- wait for it -- "Take Your Tongue Out Of My Mouth, I'm Kissing You Goodbye!"

Which reminds me (I'm a bit manic from all this nasty psych studying):saw Colin Firth interviewed about his role in St Trinians. He & Rupert Everett are an "item" in it. Should be fabulous. All I can say is both men have wonderful taste!

Any word on how Lee did on his first night back. Has Boo-Hoo been put back into his cardborad box with the other toys & puppets?

One-two-three...Can you hear us, JaneE?

Uh, that should have been "cardboard", of course. Too much studying kills brain cells. Pass it on...

Oh Rats! I was all excited because we'd got my PC working at last, and now it's decided it won't let me post! AAARRGGHH! So I'm back on the Lap-Top to say good night!

See you in sick bay tomorrow Jo4 - and Karen - and Alison

Hope you're Ploppy is OK after his nasty experience, Karen!

BTW reading the interview in Radio Times Lee says he has a flat in Southend he rents out, and would like to buy more property. Now if he is looking for tenants.. .. and oh to have him as a landlord. Thud!

Geri,- I love that title!!!
Scott dear,- when your Stephanie has her holiday, I'll be her locum. I'll leave it to you to set up more "snapping" sessions with Lee!!!!!
I just remembered a bit of gossip I read today in the Express so it must be true:Gethin Jones is dating Katherine Jenkins! No wonder he looks happy on SCD!!!!

Yay, more pics of the GO to drool over. Trust Steph is worth her weight in pixels Scott. And to reiterate - any and all 'leftovers' gratefuly received over here.
I was going to start this next sentence with "This may sound weird" then I remembered where I was..
Doesn't it feel like this is OUR interview? -Our very own Scott (who we will never ever ever put on washing up duty again) has been chatting with our very own GO. Erm.. Scott - no stylist from The Mirror there with you I hope - with horrible hair straightening equipment. It really isn't good for me to behave in such a way, but I could not contain my grief on Sunday ... it's upsetting me just to think about it again.. *she breathes into the paper bag*
Cheered up again - The sight of Eva carrying Scott off to goodness knows where... Geri's scenario of the interview brought me back to sanity.
Well, a few more christmas cards written.. time for beddibyes now..
I wonder if He came out tonight to sign? Hope he was wrapped up well.....

OK trying from my PC Again...

Testing Again sorry for the spam

While JaneE is testing, testing, I'll bid you all (you too, Scott dear) good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Evening all - just back from singing rehearsal - yet more Christmas stuff! Confession I still haven't written my Christmas cards, so I am taking Wednesday as holiday from work to get them done and in the post (desperation strikes!). Scott you are a terrible tease......all spare bits to Santa's elf please! Pauline2 - hope Sloppy is still doing well. All sick and ailing Loppies keep taking the alcohol - it keeps the germs at bay! Karen hope the stiff drink has done its work with your Ploppy. Must have been a bit frightening - still I suppose it is good to know there are police out there doing their job. Forecast is for very cold weather tonight, so hot breakfasts in the bistro tomorrow (lots of lovely warming porridge for you all). Scott you will never have to do washing up duties again!

Still trying to get this PC to work! Arrrgghhh!

OK, sorry about all that!

I'm really off to bed now!

Sweet Meads

Wonder how it went tonight. I hope Lee's going to take it a bit easier this week. Anyway, I'm looking forward to Fi and Maggie's reviews tomorrow.

Carol, I haven't written my Xmas cards either. I start off with good intentions to write a message to those I don't see often but the further I get through, the shorter the message until it's just Happy Christmas, Love ....

I'm still waiting for our copy of the Christmas RT to arrive. Very frustrating that's it in the shops.

Hope all poorly Loppies have a good night and wake up on the mend. Time I was in bed. Sleep tight everyone.

RoRo reports that Lee was fantastic!!!! Full report on LMAS, he did the aftershow well wrapped. It seems Lewis had flu last week as well so was not 100%. Looking forward to the Stageloppy review of tonight.
E-bay charity Joseph & Lee visit went for £2550, that is such a good result for Mildmay.

May I say a big thank you to the Sisterhood of Loppies for the OOOOOOOOOHHHHhhhhhmmmmmmmm chants, they drove out the boo hoo who was trying to take the G.O’s crown.
As you know we were unsure when we set out who we were going to see.
Picked Scollops Girlfriend up and told her the news, Oh NO she said not Lewis (she can become one of the family, no problem)
We parked at Epping, about an hours drive from Bury St Edmunds and caught the tube the rest of the way, just as we exited the tube, a message came from Fi telling us that Lee was to be on stage tonight (screams of delight just like school girls)
As we had loads of time we went across the road for a bite to eat in Pizza Hut only to get more messages from Fi informing us of the lovely time she was having at the Savoy, no comparison, I mean which you pick, Pizza hut?
We met up with Fi and her Ploppy at the theatre for a brief chat before the show.
Got seated and the show began a few minutes late (Scott was that your doing with your interview?)
Then on to the main event, in came the one, the one and only undisputed king of the Adelphi LEE MEAD.
So the chant worked a dream, Thank you ladies.

As most of you have already posted lovely and detailed reviews, I will be brief.

Lee made his entrance through the clouds onto the stage (screams of delight from the audience) I was expecting a louder scream because he was back from his absence, but as my Ploppy said, lots of people would not necessarily have known he had been ill, they probably don’t follow the day to day routine on bloggs like us Loppies, especially the two Nuns a couple of rows in front of us.
Lee gave a fantastic performance, though I thought he looked like he had lost a little weight and was not wearing his fake tan.
We thought Preeya (the narrator) was excellent but unfortunately the stand in for Dean (the pharaoh) was not so good in our eyes (Diction was not very clear)
We enjoyed the whole show immensely lots of giggles and laughter coming from Emily (scollops girlfriend) and Maureen (sisloppie)
Now for the best bit.
Yes Lee did come out and came over to Fi Maureen Emily and Me and I got him to sign my album cover, I told him we were Loppies, he went “really” (I think? Heart was beating too fast) I then said “take care” wait for it………. He said “thank you Darling” Thud
Sis Loppie said “he said Darling” to which my reply was “too ME” Sisloppie said “yeah but I was standing beside you” with that we all set off on our journey home,
With me repeating “he said Darling” more times than my ploppy cares to remember.

Two pictures on Loppie album showing Maureen, Emily and myself
And pictures of the G.O. (ploppy has taken pictures in high resolution and plans to edit and crop them in the near future to make better pictures)

Oh Maggie & Fi (and Emily & Maureen) - welcome to the after ADW sisterhood, where thuds are compulsory!! Huge well done for getting your review printed too!! So glad he is better but what a trooper to come out after the show (especially as it was Very Cold last night!). Just a question - if Lewis also had flu why didn't they put the understudies on ??? Anyway Rise and Shine (but wrap up warmly!) Beach Bunnies - Maggie is allowed a lie in. Lots of hot whisky glazed porridge on offer - DT has been working overtime. The BHB is back but I have told him to take another day off just to make sure he is fully recovered (also don't want him picking up germs from ailing Loppies in the sick bay). DT has also made oatcakes and grilled kippers today to a special Scottish recipe (which he will not share with anyone). DB busy with the potato cakes, which proved very popular the other day. Plenty of hot chocolate and Geri Coffee on offer too - to help bit the chill this morning!

Morning all!

Yes, I know Carol, straight to sick-bay, no doubt Jo4 and Karen will be joining me later.

But I will have a big mug of Geri's Irish coffee.

Maggie Darling! Thanks for staying up so late to post that review! How wonderful that he spoke to you - are you enjoying the view from Cloud 9?

Come on Fi - your turn next!!

PS - has that miserable Snowman melted yet?

BHB says he's missed us all too much to go home, so today he's a customer. Don't worry, loppies, I won't let him near the sickies. He'll sit here with me in the sun-room (ha! an ironic term, obviously) and watch ADWD on the plasma screen. I'll have waffles & coffee please, and the BHB says he'd like an egg-white omelette with spinach and feta, with a glass of orange juice. I'd slip him a little sweetness too, DT -- maybe one of those orange-cranberry muffins Carol does so well? Bless him -- he seems so happy to see Danny-Boy. Must be good mates, then.

Loppies -- I'm so thrilled you got to see him last night. You must have enjoyed it all the more for the anticipation. Did the crowd go wild when he came on, or was it business as usual? By the way, I believe James was sick during the week too, so that may be one of the reasons why Boo-Hoo went on instead. And to be fair (though it kills me), it was brave of Lewis to go on though he was sick & was performing at less than his best. With Lee, his performance is always outstanding, so a slightly off-day would still leave him very good. Lewis doesn't come into that category, though. Sorry, I'm waffling. As I said, studying = dead brain cells.

Thanks for doing the review so quickly, Maggie. roro's account on LMAS forum & dotorg is worth reading. Good to know Lee's back at his best.

I must have an early night. I can't do the continual late nights/early mornings any more.

Can I have some porridge please with lots of brown sugar.

Morning all. I should have known. As soon as BHB is back, Lepry( short for leprechaun) is hogging him. Hello, sweetheart, we have missed you. ALL OF US. Come and sit here with me. Yes, Danny Boy has been an absolute darling, looking after us, but it isn't quite the same, you know. But relax, you don't start working till tomorrow. Danny Boy, I'll have some potato pancakes with bacon, and my usual leaded. please.
What's that,BHB. You met some Loppies last night at the theatre? How nice. Did they behave? Some screaming going on, but that's all right. Oh, you talked to one of them afterwards. I'm sure she'll remember. You called her Darling? How sweet of you.
Brrrrrrrr. It's cold today. I see you are wrapped up warm. I love that scarf on you. What's that DT? Sulking again? Nobody talks to you now that BHB is back? Well, are you surprised. He is our own little star. Danny Boy is not sulking. He is just happy to see BHB again. His little face is beaming.
You were interviewed yesterday, sweetheart? By our Landlord????? ( I think he is still a bit feverish). Of course you were. For the Stage?( Here we go again with the theatre fantasies). You have another Coffee Doctor, a chat with Danny Boy and you will feel better in a little while.

Good morning ladies. A severe case of LII here. Been awake for hours already. You will understand why soon. And I think Auds might not have slept too well either!

Maggie, Fi and RoRo, I cannot tell you how happy I am for you. RoRo's account had me in tears too. Excellent news all round. Oh and thank you for the photos. Genuine smiles there I'm thinking

Can we all stop OHHHMMMing now Jane? - No maybe not - you could do lots and lots for my poor Ploppy who is going into a severe state of shock when he wakes up in California. Well after he has spoken to me he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geri, stop being cruel to poor Mr Snowman. He is clinically depressed, and so would you be if the love of your live was threatenting to self destruct all over the GO. Now think on here Loppies. A freezing cold Snowwoman is planning to melt all over the GO. Not good for his health I'm thinking. Surely some marriage guidance is called for. Now that cheeky little Elf has been sacked maybe we can hope for some better counselling around here.

Breakfast? No a little early for me thank you DT. Just a nice cup or Earl Grey.

Morning all - already very late fro w..k and got really important (well quite in grand scheme of things) important meeting this am. think Maggie and Roro said it all but will give a brief try.

Excellent day all round. Started off at St pancras station to see Xmas decs. Stage for Gt ormond St on top level by john betjeman statue (btwn Camapagen bar and huge statue). Think that will be where lee will be next week.

Terrractoa army hugely impressive exhib - well worth it. had no idea susch a huge area of treasures and so well preserved tho seemingly many took years to put tog.

checked in at Adelphi and Yeh Lee is on!!! texted maggie and Roro. Off to savoy for afternoon tea treat and as ploppy had said for my birthday the pianist played happy birthday and I got cake and everyone clapped. i am not very good with attention like that but good fun and after my glass of champagne I was quite mellow.

met maggie and family briefly before show and ROro very briefly as she had had adventures on way (read her report). did maange to say thank you ofr all her hard work - esp advent calendar which i love.

Show was brill and not a lot to add to thers tho agree with Roro in that thought Preya was excellent and did think diction of Pharoah was diff Maggie but he did a good performance - tho would have loved to hear Dean. Tightey whiteys even in back of DC Roro and aslo noticed unshaven tummy ( have to thank ploppy here for bringing good binoculars!!) Whole show was brillian tand lee was so energetic and thought CED was really emotional.

maggie was great at aftershow - stood beside her and she told lee that she and I were "Loppies, stageloppies" and he said "really" and looked at both of us individually. Just as well Maggie spoke as I had lost power of words. Got my CD sleeve signed. A brilliant brilliant day all round and really must dash now

Just wanted to make it clear that I am not sacked (at least not by Santa!), it's just that jeleaous Mrs Santa, and anyway I'm not speaking to her!! If Mr Snowman wants to carry on being a whimp, that is his perogative - we just don't want him melting all over the GO and giving him any more germs! Now just remember to all be good or Santa won't bring you any pressies (except for that nice BHB I can see over there....)

For all new loppies this is the link for our photo album
http;//picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Oh Elf, Dear girl. You know you are VERY precious to me, and I will always have feelings for you. But I just cant leave Mrs Santa and the little Santa's. Not yet. I will speak to her soon though I promise. Just that we have such a lot of work coming up and I cant cope with all the upset at the same time. I saw the Dr yessterday and she said my blood pressure was through the roof. Wants me to loose weight - Me!! I mean whoever heard of a skinny Santa. So just you pop off like a good Elf and I will be in touch when I can.

Maggie your post reminds me of Alistair Darling. Whenever I see or hear him I have this need to put a comma in his name. Alistair, Darling.

Well we are having a premier grade rainstorm here. It is like living in a wind tunnel and the rain was blowing clear across our bedroom so doors in their now shut.

Fi, thank you so much for your review too. Yes, I think Dean is excellent. Would miss him nearly as much as the GO if he were not in it. Nearly, but not quite.......

Did you SurCliff fans notice that Mildmay are now auctioning an up close and personal with him??

Shirley,- have I missed something. What has happened to keep your Ploppy in a state of shock? Tell, tell.
Mr. Santa,- you sound just like all men with a bit on the side!!!!!! You missed the best line though: My wife doesn't undestand me!!!
Elf,- little one. Turn away from the b*****d. If you come down here to the coast we'll give you a job as a waitress alongsode BHB. I know you won't say no. Compared to BHB, Mr. Santa is just a fat, old blob.

Morning all - yes another day in the sick bay for me so I will have to stay away from the BHB. Nice to see him back though - I'll just have to be content to feast my eyes!!

Thanks for the reviews Maggie & Fi - so glad he was back. How kind of him to come back especially for you - he must have heard all the ohhmmming!!

Read Roro's review when I was up in the early hours and I went back to bed with tears in my eyes. It always brings it all back each time I read a review.

Right, a large cup of hot strong Geri coffee needed please to get rid of these germs, I must get back to w**k tomorrow as so much to do before Christmas (when I'm having two weeks off - loads of Leegazing time - yayyyy!).

HELLO I'm back! Not quite fighting fit but I'm getting there. I really feel for all you sick loppies as this bug is particularly nasty. Take care and hope you all feel better soon.
Maggie and Fi I'm so glad you got to see the ATD, looking forward to the pics.
Scott can't wait for the interview (I only hope I can get a copy somewhere near here) can't you just devote a little more of the interview to GO rather than Connie, Danny and Susan? Ah, go on, just for us? PLEEEEASE!
Will endeavour to keep up now rather than trying to play catch up all the time, famous last words!

Darlings - have just seen on Donna’s, site they are all raving about the GO in Heat Mag
Ali ,nice to have you back

Oh typical! Geri & Eva all over the BHB and we're stuck in sick bay! And now we have a Santa with martial difficulties as well as a depressed melting Snowman!

Shirley - I will happily Ohmmm! for your Ploppy, but as Eva says, why is he in a state of shock? And why are you suffering LII????

Fi thank you for your review, so glad it was the ATD - are you on that Cloud with Maggie?

Loved Roro's review (sigh!)

OK - so now I need Heat & Radio Times - off on a quest!

Ooops sorry - Nice to have you back Ali - you'll notice it's still slightly bonkers here!

Dear Aunty Eva, but Santa has promised me so much....can I bear to leave him at the moment, just when he is so busy (and also because the BHB is coming to help over Christmas)? I will just have to look for consolation elsewhere - is that what you are advising? I could of course join an 'elf help group.

Dear Aunty Eva

My husband has just confessed to yet another fling. Everyone thinks he is such a jolly man, and how lucky I am to have him, but the truth is that he is a serial philanderer. The Elves around here call him Santa Claws - because he just cannot keep his hands to himself (if you know what I mean). Mind you the his latest 'bit on the side' is no better than she should be, and is only getting her just deserts now that he has sent her packing - or should that be told her to stop packing presents and go away?!?!?! Even the reighndeer are fed up with him - they are threatening a lightening strike on 24 December. What should I do Aunty Eva. Should I take him back again? And if he says HOHOHO to me one more time, when I am trying to have a serious conversation with him, I will stick his HO's in his sack, and stuff it up his .........

So pleased Maggie and Fi you got to see the GO and he is fighting fit. More than can be said for me.

We went to the Dogs for our w**k do last night. I couldn't drink cos felt so rough and driving. In the last race there was a dog called Josephi so had to back it as thought it was a good omen. It didn't win and nor did I all night. Never mind.

I have a theory on Shirley's husband's shock and what may be the cause. It is only a guess. Is it related to an auction?

Might be, Alison. Might well be. Cats - Cream - Cheshire

That and I won the photo competition. Not a single vote for a single one of my photos from the Loppies, but the local management here chose my three photos as the best portfolio and Myrna's koi for the best single photo.

My My. There really is trouble in Lapland today!! I'm keeping out of this session Aunty Eva - all yours. Can't wait to see how you sort this one out!!!!

Blimey Shirley that's fantastic. Does your ploppy have a brother cos I could do with one that tolerant?

Or have you just trained him really well?

Alison,- do you think Shirley & Auds have been up to no good in that auction for time with GO???????? If they have, I'm sure Shirley's Ploppy would have preferred a small earthquake instead.
Dear Elf,- that's the line they all spin. It's always a busy time of the year,- it's not the right moment,- there is the children (and in his case probably the reindeers) to consider. It and he will never change, so get yourself down to the Bistro in the morning, and we'll all look after you.
Dear Mrs. Santa,- as you know, he is never going to change, so it's up to you really. If you split up, I wouldn't be surprised if you can take over the business. I mean, you'll have all ( or almost all) the elves and the reindeers to look after, while the Fat Blob only looks after himself. Any court would see that you get the business. See how he'll like that!!!!!

Dear Aunty Eva - I have been seeing a married man, who has told me that he is prepared to leave his wife for me (she is apparently of a nagging disposition and is not frugal with money - spending it on auctions and things); however he has told me that he cannot do anything at the moment as he is going to be very busy for the next month or two. Should I believe him or is he just stringing me along?

Nagging disposition????? Nagging??? ME?? You are nothing but a little slut. Led him on you did. You homewrecker - You, you...you Jezebel you

Mrs Santa - case proved methinks! Moi? A Homewrecker? what sort of home did you ever give him, sending him out to work in the cold December nights with only his red suit (and me) to keep him warm???

Hi Everyone!!

Here I am back from Boston! Had a really lovely time and am now back at work and very busy!!

Soo glad that Lee is OK and looking and sounding fantastic!! Worth buying the Christmas Heat as there is a new rather lovely photo (very cheeky and cute) and a nice little interview! Just thought I would mention that Lees album is number 42 in the charts which is still pretty good and means that people are still buying it. Wont mention the single debacle – we know its not in the charts. Nice to be back on the site (although not nice to be back at work!!)

Great news re photo competition Shirley (although it did cross my mind too that you might have just won a certain auction!).
Off to see Lee tonight, after youngest grand-daughter in school production this afternoon! Cant wait(for either).

might I just butt in here please?
I see that Mrs Santa and Mr Santa's little helper are quadalling sumting horrid over Mr. Santa - what way is that to act during this time of peace love and harmony??
I need to say something very important - I just couldn't keep it a secret anymore as I've had a wonderful sleepless night planning my conversation and my wardrobe and my diet - Santa has promised me the GO - under supervision of course(and yes, there was a bit of bribery and corruption along the way - but a girl's gotta do what a girl's do) and I hope Santa doesn't mind me spilling the beans...

To A Very Good Little Girl,- you are not only slightly bonkers, you are totally doolally, YOU LUCKY GIRL !!!!!!!
Elf and Mrs Santa,- stop fighting. He's not worth it. But if you want that prat,- be my guest. I would have chosen the business any day.

Dear Aunty Eva, after due consideration I have decided to accept your wise counsel. Santa - the love rat - is history. I am now in need of a good divorce lawyer. I understand that one of those acting in the case of McC vss SirMcC is expected to be available shortly - do you have his phone number please Aunty Eva.

Now that of course leaves us with a serious vancancy - so the ad has been drafted.

Applications are invited for an important and exciting position, that has unexpectedly become vacant (well it was unexpected to the previous incumbent - the love rat) at a crucial and busy time in our calendar. Applicants must be male (sorry ladies but you have to go with tradition on this one), must love children, reading and replying to their letters, giving gifts and must be prepared to travel extensively one night a year. The ability to manage a workforce of Elves, and to fly a sledge powered by a team of reindeer is also essential. Excellent....

Oh Hello BHB. Just reading the job ad I see. Yes the terms and conditions are excellent. You are interested? Oh yes we would be very pleased to consider your application. Strange I kind of had you in mind when I was writing the job ad. You could tell? Oh dear I must be more discrete in future.

Lots of nods from all the remaining Elves and the Reindeer are thrilled. Especially Donna. Sorry - not how you spell your name - just sounds like that you say? Anyway BHB. Consider yourself hired. To start immediately of course. Oh, you would like to bring some of your faithful customers with you? I am sure they will be most welcome. We have something of a staff crisis having lost Mr Santa and one of the chief Elves (The SLUT) at the same time, so please bring them along with you. Loppies? Whats a Loppy? Can they work? Pack Parcels? Load sleighs? Then they will do just fine. The more the merrier.

I can see a new environment for the Loppies early morning meet coming up here. Maybe we should close the Bistro until Christmas is over, because it will be difficult even for a virtual Loppy to be in two places at once.
So (Mrs) Santas workshop it is from tomorrow morning. To be completely frank, I'll follow BHB anywhere.

Oh, I forgot to say,- you'll need skies to get to the workshop. Not the fancy downhill stuff, but good, cross country skies are needed here.

I'm not very good on cross country skis, Eva, much prefer downhill. So can we have a gentle slope leading down to the workshop pretty please.

Not sure if anyone's mentioned that Star magazine also has a one page feature on his gorgeousness.

Now hang on a minute here - have I said I have left Santa's employ? NO! I am still here as Santa's little helper together with all former priviledges. New Santa, come this way and let me show you...............the ropes!

Drat. That pesky little Elf is still hanging about. Where's my fly swat??

Finaly caught up with the posts, had a really busy couple of days since we got back from London.

Thank you for the new home Scott, looking forward to your interview, just hope I can get a copy of the stage (whispers, have never bought it before)

Maggie, Fi, and any other lucky Loppies who saw the GO last night, I am so envious!! Really so glad he is well again though

Shirley, (and Auds,) do tell all.

Need to go again now, will try to get back later.

So hang on - we've just been drafted into helping Mrs Santa - and we need to ski? Eva! I'm going to need lessons! I'm rubbish at skiing!

Shirley2 - have a fanatastic time tonight!

Ali B - welcome back to blighty

And Shirley - all I can say to you & Auds is SQUEEEEAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!

Ok - Ohmming for your Ploppy!

Ali - glad you're feeling better.

AliB - glad you had a good time in Boston.

SHIRLEY!!!!!!!!! - glad......well, just glad for you and Auds and sooooooooo jealous!!

Just bought Heat,TVTimes and RadioTimes so off for a little Mead time!!

I have now spent a fortune this month on magazines!! Heat, Radio Times and TV Times! Apparently there is also a very very nice photo of Lee in a tux with miseltoe in Star Mag so I am off to buy that as well!! At least I have no excuse for missing any programmes over Christmas!!

OK. Managed to speak to my poor Ploppy who is in a state of shock, but lovely and wonderful and kind. He had something much more serious to measure it against last night and is, I think, just relieved that I am just seriously slightly bonkers.

I am so pleased. I was bouncing around this place last night. Literally. The auction ended early evening and I had a few hours to calm down before bed time, but then woke again a couple of hours later, and that was it. But I am so not complaining. Just lay there grinning to myself. And Grinning and Grinning and Grinning. When I texted Auds to let her know it was late evening there, and I think it took her a while to calm down enough to settle at all. I mean we are just slightly EXCITED right????????

AliB welcome back. Karen - thank you for the card. I am having huge troubles here. Another massive rain storm just passed through and the internet connection is coming and going. So will look at the card as soon as I can. This link is VERY tenuous right now.

Carol,- I think you know by now that you have to head for (Mrs) Santas workshop tomorrow morning. We still rely on you to open up.

Diana,- if you prefer downhill skies, far be it from me to tell you otherwise. There are plenty of hills to go down, but there are also plenty of hills to go UP, so good luck.

JaneE,- Ski school for you, I think. There is one close by here, an artificial one, but that will have to do. They will teach you the basics, and if you are still in one piece and with no broken bones, we'll se you tomorrow morning.
Auds, Shirley,- can you ski up there on Cloud 15 ?????
AliB,- welcome home from the snow and ice in the US. I'm sure you are an expert skier after that.

Karen,- thank you for the lovely e-card.

Eva - just missed the snow and ice - it sleeted which is not quite so charming!! Saw lots of people skating on the Frog Pond there and would have loved to have a go but I am the worlds worst ice skater so I thought I had better not risk it!!

Floating and flying more the activity level up here Eva. And GRINNING

Karen thank you so much for the card. Delightful. AAAAHHHH

Jane E -don't worry, I'm a very good ski instructor, will have you whizzing all over the place in no time at all. In fact, I may make it for a quick visit tomorrow morning - new venue, covered in snow and slopes and pistes (pistes Carol, not pi**ed).
Hmmm - Cloud 15? I think not. Cloud 115 is more like it. Actually, I don't think I can quite believe it just yet. Was I dreaming all those texts last night? Was it all just wishful thinking. Trouble with having to w**k is that it doesn't allow time to 'dream' ergo, I have to keep checking my emails to make sure it really is true.
Finally got the Christmas TV Times, the Christmas Radio Times, and ladies, if you haven't already done so, the Heat special double edition... page 78!! is a must (may already have been mentioned above of course). And now to run out and buy the Star. My little box of GO Treasure is going to have to be upgraded to a Big Box of GO Treasure.
Now I just have to get the regular TV Times - - not slightly bonkers in the least... majorly bonkers.
OK - printing out all of today's posts to read on the journey home.. and see y'all later.

Hi all, afraid I have a wretched evening ahead -- my paper is due tomorrow & it's in really bad shape. So in case I don't get back tonight: Hi & bye!

Eva -- wow! \\\\\i love your surprise -- or should that be Sir-Prize! Fabulous!

Karen & Jane -- thanks for the cards. I haven't even bought mine yet (hangs head in shame). Will do better once the stress dies down.

Shirley -- I think you need a body guard. Will a 5-foot Irish woman do?

Evening all, just caught my breath again, started with Maggies' encounter, can you hear me up in the stratosphere Maggie? Lucky you a fantastic result after all the worry, oohhhmmming obviously heap powerful medicine!
Then very worried by all the troubled at Santas' place, really sure it needs harmony at this time of year but phew see BHB and loppies are taking over so have no doubt all will be well.
THEN Shirley, Auds wow wow wow! Beside myself so how on earth you feel can't think!
Oh yes in all the excitement nearly forgot, sloppy still in hospital, but they are reviewing on daily basis, so we'll see. At this rate I'll never get any Christmas shopping done.

Thank you Auds, any instuction gratefully received! Ooo can you hear me up there, floating away in the clouds.

Geri - you have an essay to finish, you can't go adding to your work load. If Shirley and Auds need a diminutive body-guard, I'm more than happy to volunteer!

Geri,- glad Sir C and I could brighten up your day. Don't forget Sir C is on SCD ITT tonight!!!
Glad to see someone is teaching JaneE to ski. I'm sure Auds is up for more than one pupil, aren't you Auds? I mean, there must be plenty of room up there on Cloud 115!!!!!

This is for Eva and Geri…..
http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/l1RcmbbK1w7r8I9Gxfy0KYpU
Have to go to work,will read blog wednesday morning - sorry if any posts need a reply
bye Darlings

...well of course I'll open up tomorrow but Mrs Santa keeps trying to swat me whenever she sees me!!

SWAT!! Splat!! EEUUGGHH!!

HELP!! I'm about to disappear again! Just caught up (about) after a week and the battery is low and going to cut me off - lights in tree taking up all sockets so can't plug in. This stupid house has a serious lack of sockets.

Just wanted to say 'hi'. Too many things going on at home (mainly Christmassy) plus attempting to be a wife and mum and not a distant lump in the corner, tapping away on a machine!!

Have I missed anything major? Will hop off to Donna's site once I sort out the connection.

BYEEE!!

Hi Debbie - no nothing has been happening here, honest!

Hi Debbie (waving frantically) Why are you trying to plug yourself into a socket?
Just watched SITT, nice to see Daniel, he really does seem a lovely guy. Now what did it remind me of? Oh yes I will type this very softly so not to upset some people, Sir C is on Loose Women tomoroww 12.30 ITV for those who might be interested and don't know.
Now must have dinner.

Cloud darling,- thank you, thank you. You are an absolute DARLING. I haven't had so much fun in years. I think Geri and I put up a good fight taking into account the age difference and the fact that we didn't want to hurt GO. He did take one in the **** though, didn't he?
Debbie,- anything happening here? Whyever would you think that??

Waving back! Thought I'd plug in to try and get the Lee-look. It hasn't worked, I just look frazzled and singed. Maybe I should plug ploppy in and wrap a tea towel round his nether regions. My own home-mead Joseph!

LURVE that website Cloud Darling (confused, me?) although I keep reading it as jihad, not jibjab. Worrying. They're infiltrating 'our' site now.

Are you SURE I haven't missed anything Jane E? You don't sound too sure. I'll bet you've all been out for lunch with his Highness whilst he was recuperating and didn't tell me.

Better go and collect girls from their club. TYPICAL! I finally find time to get on here and it has to be cut short. Sniff sniff.

Missed!!

Recovering signing in. Managed to drag myself to work, but came home at lunchtime and went to bed.
It's all happened here, Shirley and Auds, GO back and marital disputes in Lapland. Not certain about being volunteered for the long hours over Christmas though, packing presents and standing in for Relate councillors.
I'm off to see roro's review.

SWAT. SWAT. SWAT SWAT SWAT. I'll get that bloxdy Elf if its the last thing I do SWAT!!!

Good evening Ladies
I have put a few more pictures on the Loppie and G.O. albums from Ali, although the one on the loppie ladies is a bit blurry I posted it anyway, also have zoomed in and cropped 3 or 4 of G.O. that I took last night at the show.

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the show yesterday, even though at first I thought it was getting a bit pantomime it got much better and the rest of our entourage were very excited.
I at least was very relieved that Lee was back, even though I am not what you might call a Loppie I would have been very disappointed if Boo Hoo had of come down out of the clouds, especially for Maggie and Fi (Lee is the only one from the TV show fit to play Joseph).
My only other criticism (if you can call it that) was the stand-in pharaoh, although his overall performance was very good, I couldn’t understand what he was saying when describing his dream, (had to look up on the web for the lyrics)

Fi glad you had a nice day yesterday, a pampering at the Savoy being serenaded by the pianist and Lee turning out at the show, what a great day. It was nice to meet you and you ploppy even if only briefly, we will have to have a better chat next time.

Forgot to say thanks for the reviews, good to see he is back on form.
Martin-Thanks for the photos. You are officially an honary Loppy, afterall you post our photos, have all the language and liked to show.

Jo4 Thanks for your comments, it is my pleasure to post your photo's for you all.
When I say that I am not a Loppie, although I like Lee Mead, It's the "O" in loppie (Obsessed)that I am not.
(wrong sex for me)

OK Ladies, listen up. As you know Lee has asked us to focus our fundraising next year for the benefit of the Mushroom Theatre Company. I have been in touch with Penni Bubb the founder and motive force behind Mushroom, and she has kindly invited me down to meet her and see the work that Mushroom do first hand. I am pleased to say that Donna is coming with me and hopefully we can meet their fundraising team to see how we can best work with them, and to share some plans, but I need some help from you all first.

We have done very well with this year’s fundraiser for CiN, but I think we can do even better if we have a proper plan and with more support from Lee and his team. In order to get that support I need to scope various factors. The more responses the better the plan we can put together.

1 Would you prefer to have one or 2 competitions/raffles running all the time, or 3 or 4 separate fundraisers through the course of the year – lasting say 1 month at a time.

2 If you prefer the fundraiser idea how many in any year? I am very mindful that we are a fan group not a money making organisation so need to get this balance right.

3 Do you prefer competitions – like the photos – or things like raffles which are pure luck.

4 Given that I expect we will have some raffles how many tickets would you ideally like them to be limited too.
a/ For example I would be perfectly happy to organise a raffle for something special for as few as 30 or 40 tickets – but they would have to be £50 each – is that too much?
b/ Similarly I could do a raffle for as little as £5 a ticket, but there would be 500 or more tickets - would that be too many tickets?
c/ With the cap there were 250 tickets at £10 each – were you happy with that price and number of tickets

We already have lots of VERY exciting prize ideas but would also welcome any suggestions from your wishlist in a completely free world – keep it clean please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am making no promises at all here. But if we can put together a good business case for raising lots of money, I believe we are pushing at an open door. We have demonstrated that we will not waste the help we are given, and I know that Lee is delighted and amazed that we raised so much with his baseball cap.

And as a winner of the Mildmay ebay auction this lucky lucky Loppy is going to be asking the GO himself for the next round of help.

Answers by email to me at shirley.cooke@btopenworld.com please.

A couple of points not questions. I have been talking to Donna, as I am concerned to manage things in a way that does not increase her workload. She has come up with a way that I can administer the competitions on LMAS without putting any extra work onto her. I am very aware that Donna does a huge amount for us all, and am anxious that we do not overload her in our enthusiasm.

Yes I know you have all made a fantastic start with the calendar. Go Loppies!!!!

Yoo-hoo! I'm back! Essay less finished than abandoned, but I'm done with it either way.

Martin, if you don't think you can be a loppy (understandable), perhaps you could be a Lee-Impressed-Person. Though Lippy might not be much better!

If no one posted this earlier, What's On Stage has an article on The Year of Lee Mead! Link: http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821197303231

OK, Cloud-Darling, I have something just for you. Well, and Eva. And Carol. Oh, heck, you can all share. (With apologies to SirCliff), you can hum this to Misletoe & Wine:

That boy sure can sing, but here is the thing
He can act as well, & that’s just the beginning;
He dreams like Joseph, as you know
On his way with places to go!

It’s Christmas time, Lee is sublime
Hear him singing Tim Rice’s lines,
There’s sheep in bright colours, there’s Preeya & Dean,
But Lee is the only one we can see.

A time for living, a time for believing
Lee has come back, so, loppies, stop grieving,
Songs and laughter and joy ever after,
When he takes the stage there’ll be cheers to the rafters!

Christmas time, lush-loppies sip wine
Lee is singing so sublime
Put logs on the fire, turn on his CD
All we want for Christmas is Lee!

A time for singing, a time for dreaming,
Towards the Adelphi the fans come teeming,
Christmas is love, Christmas is peace,
A time for sniping at Lewis to cease…

Christmas time, lush-loppies sip wine
Lee is singing so sublime
Put logs on the fire, turn on his CD
All we want for Christmas is Lee!

Shirley and Auds, I don't know what to say, I am soooooo JEALOUS. Great news though, so glad it will be Loppies who get to meet him.

Good one Geri - much superior to the original!

Martin, perhaps you should be a l'py - but I'm not sure that's an improvement on Lippy!

Shirley, thank you to both you and Donna for your efforts fund raising. I'm sure everyone's behind you 100%

Cloud Darling - loved the snowball fight. Geri & Eva, you naughty things we all saw where you aimed your snowballs!!!!! Poor GO!! I won't say what I was about to say, I don't want to lower the tone again!!

Debbie - hello and goodbye again. Am impressed at your attempts to be a good wife and mother, speaking as one of the distant lumps in the corner tapping away!

Martin - whether you are a loppy, a lippy, or a ploppy you are a star!

Shirley - where we would we be without you organising us. You sort it and we'll be behind you all the way.

Geri - brill song. Funny you should post that cos just before that I was watching Sir CR singing M&W on some music channel or other! Love the image of sipping wine in front of a roaring log fire with the GO CD playing, or better still the GO himself - ok, leave it there before I go off into fantasyland again!!

Karen, you always manage to bring me back to the gutter. Bless you!

Shirley, my brain is mush at present, but I promise to turn my thoughts to all your questions as soon as I'm able to function & I'll get back to you. My immediate thought (she says, contradicting herself), is that since it's a theatre-related venture, maybe we might be able to include some other members of the cast in our efforts -- perhaps even the Lord himself! How much would a page of music signed by the entire cast, plus ALW get? Just a thought.

Hey Martin! Have you seen the thread on the LMAS site re Gentleman Loppies? Sounds rather grand I think!

And with the subtle hints of Ploppy reminding me of the time, I'd better say good night!

Sleep well all

Dear Mrs Santa - moment's truce whilst I ponder your questions, but I feel (as I think I said before) more tickets at a lower price is fairer as not everyone has huge amounts of disposable income, and would therefore of necessity be excluded, and we don't want that. Will think about the other questions whilst flying in Santa's sleigh - ok truce over!!

Geri,- I am sure that if you deliver that poem as an attatchment to your thesis, you'll get a first, I'm sure!
Martin,- thank you for more work on our album. Did anyone tell you that you're a star !!
Shirley,- I'll send you a mail in the morning re the charity. I'm very tired,after all that physical activity with Geri and GO, so I'll bid you good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Goodnight all. I wonder -- is a Gentleman Loppy a Gloppy?

I've had a little too much red wine -- well, that's obviously untrue; I can still type -- but I was thinking about asking Scott if he was a Gloppy, then that reminded me somehow of Dr Scott in Rocky Horror and now I've got Sweet Transvestite stuck in my head! Richard O'Brien, where are you!

Definitely goodnight now. Oh, and JaneE -- I'll pick you up on my magic sleigh tomorrow morning, since I don't ski either.

OK I'll get you all up in time for the trip - sleighs will be leaving early though. Blankets provided, just don't forget to be nice to the reindeer!
Martin - you are a Treasure! Thank you!! It's very cold outside tonight so that should get us prepared for the arctic conditions tomorrow! Sweet Meads all (especially S & A!).

Shirley & Auds - how EXCITING! Glad Loppies won.

Thank you, Martin, for the new photos.

I'm afraid my brain is also mush so night night.

Looks like I'll be fit for w**k tomorrow, just as well lots in my diary. So have fun at the new location, if you all get there, in the morning.
Martin-Lappy, Loppy Assisting Person? Anyway there are different types of obsession, as I believe we've discussed before. Ranging from slight, slightly, all the way up to way way toooo much.
Nightlee night all

You've set me a challenge now Geri! Are you oing for the poet laureate?

Silent night, holy night
All's not well, BooHoo's a fright
He came on stage all thin and worn
He did have flu but still drew scorn
Weep ye not, Lee's baaaaack
He brings to the role what others lack.

Sorry, not my best effort. Must try harder.

oing??

Before I retire, fab news Shirley! And Auds? (where does it say that?).

Happy sleighing in the morn. If there's rain dear, I'll stay tucked up.

Oh! Jingle bells, Santa smells, the elf has done a .......

Congrats Shirley and Auds, so pleased for you! Great to know that it's Loppies who'll be meeting Lee and will report back all the important little details to us.

Will have to think about your fund raising ideas tomorrow Shirley, £50 a go might be a bit steep for some of us.

Loved the snowball fight Maggie darling!

Obsessed me?
http://photobucket.com/images/lee%20mead/?page=2

I don't recall anyone posting that the official site has been updated today - News page re voting for Lee and cast in theatre awards.

Good night all. Strange knowing you are all fast asleep and its only just 10.30 here, and the wind is howling around like some demented banshee. Oh Hi Geri!!

Martin, thank you so much. I think I will continue to call you Martin. I figure you are probably used to it by now so why complicate things. Besides the only name I could come up with combined Photo and Loppy but sounded very unflattering to you so I wont even go there!!!

Did I see that Debbie dashing through again. Damn you have to keep your eyes peeled here. Hello Debbie. Goodbye Debbie. Liked the Carol Debbie. And to be fair to the Banshee rather liked the M&W adaptation too.

Now, just need to help Mrs Santa set up that Elf trap and I'm off to bed. Hope you are all having Sweet Meads.

Gently nudging the door to the workshop...just a chink of light peeping out from inside and a shadow moving slowly towards me.....well while you are all asleep I shall be busy beavering away here...with a little help from the elf..

Morning Morning Snow Bunnies - sleighs all waiting for you this morning. Plenty of hot rum chocolate for the journey and to keep out the winter chill - kindly provided by the DCM, who did confess that she though the Bistro Manager might be a little alarmed at the fall in profits (especially as she has just spent out a lot of money....). Unfortunately there was an accident in the early morning hours - Carys arrived early and walked into the trap that Mrs Santa had set, but she seems fine now and I have promised her that the BH/New Santa will look after her to make sure she recovers fully. For the poorly Loppies our stand in waiter DT has kindly offered an alternative means of transport - strangely it involves going into a Police Box, but he assures me you will all arrive safely at the workshop. Santa and I have made breakfast for you all ready for your arrival. I know some of the hardier amongst you have decided to ski, so I am leaving maps tacked to the Bistro door, where hopefully you will be able to find them. Please make sure you have your thermals on ready for the journey. There is still plenty of work to do when we get to the workshop and please ignore the demented looking lady in the red fur trimmed robe and pink hair who keeps rushing around with a fly squat, although I think she may be up on a cloud at the moment and therefore out of the way!

Help me understand this: You take a gorgeous young man with a a breath-taking face & to-die-for body, and you make cover that face with a goofy white beard and then you stuff him in a fat suit. And if that wasn't enough, you take him--barely recovered from illness--and pack him off to the frozen wastelands of the north. Loppies, you got some 'splainin' to do!

Well I tried, I really tried! And no reflection on Auds who did an excellent job trying to teach me while still hovering about in the Clouds, but my apituted for sliding over cold white stuff with two planks of wood straped to my feet is zero!

Geri, I'll come in that sleigh with you if I may and it looks like we'd better take Carys too!

Lots of hot chocolate needed I think! Oh thank you Santa's Elf. Where's Mrs Santa? Oh sorry, did I say something wrong? (I think I've upset her!)

Things we do for you, BHB!

My fingers must be too cold to type - that should be aptitude!

how typical is that.. Get up early to take a ski lesson and the computer chooses this time to play clean-up.. so almost an hour later!!! and there's only time to grab one of those hot chocolates with rum - take the edge off the sub zero conditions outside. Oooh, just seen the conditions in the Mid West USA - crikey, those poor cowboys.. it's cold out there.
JaneE - ski-ing has always been more 'attitude' that 'aptitude' for me. Always make sure you have the latest gear, equipment and clothing, and lots of lip gloss in an easy to apply (while gloved) tube strung around your neck - and strike a pose. (Vogue, by Madonna, is my theme tune). The absolute must tho' is the Handsome Ski Instructor. Just there to show the technical stuff - I'll keep you reminded to pose. Hmmm, wonder if the GO would like a ski-lesson?? Enough enough. Where the elf is my chocolate? Ouch that's hot. That'll teach me to gulp it down too quickly.
Time to dash through the snow on the one horse open sleigh . . .
no doubt there'll be tube and bus delays again today due to it being the wrong kind of cold.. so it'll be the michellen man look today.

Morning all. What a lot of wimps you are! There I was trying to organise some healthy exercise to start the day. A brisk cross country skitrip across the big white Platau, but would you listen? Sledges and Police Boxes as transport???? I ask you !! The only one I saw on my way was Diana, who was stamping sideways up a hill in the biggest skiboots and smallest, thickest skies you ever saw. She'll be here by tea time !!!!!
Auds,- I was counting on you to bring JaneE up to par. The wrong kind of cold is no excuse!
But I say,- this is cosy. A big open fire with lovely smelling logs burning away. I think I'll sit here next to it for a little while I thaw out. There is a big, fat man in a red suit coming over. How strange,- he has a teatowel over his arm, a note book and pen in his hands, and he appears to be taking orders!!
Hello there! And who are you? I seem to recignise the twinkle in the eyes. BHB, sweetheart, is that really you? They have brought you here to keep order amongst the elves? That is going to be a big job, because I know Geri is going to feel right at home with them, the mischevious little Lepry.
Oh, I think I'll have some hot chocolate today, and a croissant please. I'm not allowed anything yet??? I have to work for my breakfast ??????? Well I never. What do you want me to do.? Wrap up those albums for deserving people? It's THE ALBUM so that will not be a chore. The problem will be to find deserving people!
One,- or maybe two,- for the landlord. He has been good lately.
One for the BBC for placing it on the A-list.
One each for Heat, Star, Radio Times and TV Times for lovely articles about GO.
Two for Mrs. Mead for bringing up such a lovely lad.
One for Sir Terry for having Himself on CiN.
One for Sir C just for being lovely.
I can see I'll be busy here for a while. Oh, is that you Danny Boy.? You look fetching in the elf costume. Could you please sneak me a hot chocolate, please, before I go faint with hunger?
Who is sleeping behind the heap of parcels. Carys? Oh, let her snore away. She's probably been up half the night.
Ouch!!!!! Who the h**l is that demented person with a flyswap.? She nearly took my head off!!

Good - I see you have started work - Santa is very pleased (and impressed with your list Aunty Eva). Just ignore the demented one - she hasn't been quite herself lately! The elves are all very pleased to see you (less work for them!). Plenty of hot chocolate on the go and food after we have cleared this pile of cds....no chore there then. Anyway requiring skiing lessons, Aunty Eva will help out later. We elves never ski! DT has kindly offered to help distribute the goodies in his police book (well that will be something different) although he did say something about having to work elsewhere on Christmas Day - he was talking about a Christmas Special (presume he means Constable)?

Morning Everyone!

Guess what I finally found in my Tescos yesterday?! Lee's album!! A bit b***** late but at least it was there!! It was at number 23 I think - I did the decent Loppy thing and bought a copy of course!! (its for my friend who wants to borrow my copy!!)so I have proved to Tescos that people want to buy it and boosted sales too! Just thinking arent we lucky that Lee is in so many magazines and TV shows? I am so glad I never watched the Grease show as those two arent in anything - not one magazine mentions them! We have to make the most of it though as i think it will go really quiet after Christmas!!

Afternoon all!

Skiing never my ting (as Shirley would say at the moment). Now a bit of bob sleigh would be nice - I've heard he's a good looking man although nothing compares to you my dear BHB. You're offering to pull me along? How kind. Not so fast! My mulled wine is going everywhere. Where's that elf to clean me up? You can never find one when you need to. You can't get the staff these days. Last thing I heard she had an asbo for giving the reindeer rum punch which explains why the sleighs were all over the place and crashed into Santa's shop. Then she posted the maps upside down on purpose so all the skiiers got confused and ended up in sunnier climes with no snow. Don't they teach them anything at elf skool?

Debbie, what are you doing mucking about on a sleigh and distracting the BHB when there's work to be done? I thought you were helping Eva wrapping CDs!

Auds, I think I've got the posing bit of skiing sorted out now - if I can only get to grips with the staying upright bit, I'll be fine!

Debbie,- get back inside and do your duty !!! Mulled wine at this time of the day !!! Some people!! When you have finished the wrapping, you can come out again and join JaneE for a skiing lesson. I'll try to take her through the first shaky steps.
Right JaneE,- stand up straight. You look,- I won't say $10 000 but lets say £150,- sunglasses, ski suit, very nice pink(!), mittens, pink again, ski boots, huge ones, pink skies(!!!!!!!), oh well, I don't think too much of your stylist.
You take a firm grip on your pole, glide forward on your right ski, place your left pole in the snow, then glide forward on the left ski, right pole in the snow. Very good! Now try it without stopping between steps. Forward, forward OOOPPSSS!!! Not very elegant with your a** in the air and your face down in the snow. What's that JaneE? I can't hear you. You're talking into the snow. You want my help to get up? OK. (I'm going behind her, bending down to get a firm grip under her arms.)And UPSIDAISY !!!!!!! OOOOIIIIIII*********. The little d***l trapped me and threw me down. Here certainly endeth your skiing lesson, lady.

I was at the Adelphi last with a friend in stalls row L. Full of course and much excitment before curtain went up. Applause as Lee appeared much the same as on previous visits(6) but I dont think many people realised Lee had been off sick. The woman I was next to certainly didn't although she professed to be a fan and had seen show several times. Before I told her about the bronchitis she said to me she didn't think his voice was as good on the big notes and it sounded as if he might have a cold coming. I didn't notice it myself but I think he may have been a bit more carful with some of the notes and even maybe avoided some. Other than that he was his usual AT Dreamboat self and really threw himself into the finale as if he so was pleased to be back. Stomach stubble still there. Quite a few at the after show, lee came out well wrapped up again and to huge applause, more than I've heard before, we got our things signed easily but he declined to have photos with anyone or put a name before his signature even for a little girl, whose mum asked, next to me - he said very nicely that there were a lot of people there and he could only do signatures. The security people pointed out too that the printed cards he handed out were already signed and he wouldn't sign them again. This was at the start I dont know what happened later if the crowds dwindled. When he signed mine I told him we were so pleased he was better and back on stage and that he must have a good doctor, he looked at us and said thanks and laughed. I also said we were loppies which he noted and seemed pleased about.

Thoughts on some of Shirley's fundraising questions (also posted on LMAS thread). Raffles - £5/£10 no limit on number of tickets that can be purchased. No to auctions. I must say I like the idea of something unique like the calendar Donna's just done (we could have charged a bit more say £15 more money to go to the charity) but it does mean that everyone who contributes gets something great for their money. Any other similar Lee merchandise item eg mousemat, mug. postcards that have been suggested etc as long as his agents agree (I sell things on behalf of another club and we have permission from the people who hold copyright as long as they approve image/items and we only sell to members. 'Members' in this case could be people on the LMAS board, or we could maybe register on the board as members to get round this, it may need to be gone into a bit more. You could limit purchases to 1 or 2 per member to stop people buying in bulk & selling on Ebay (you cant help the odd thing appearing there). There could be a small number of limited edition items eg signed prints for which a higher price is charged say £30-£50 but again everyone who paid would get the item rather than it being a raffle. If something was oversubscribed then the first 50 or whatever to be pulled out of the hat. I'm not sure how many things you want going on at any one time, you can get overload, and it will of course depend on what we get given to raffle or permission to produce. You also dont want to give yourself too much work with multiples of things for sale -I do send out a lot of things for the club I sell for (it has 1000 members) and it is very time consuming dealing with payments and then posting out etc

Good afternoon Ladies
Thank you for your suggestions as to what you could call me as I am not strictly a Lee Obsessed Person although Gloppy sounded different,
I had a thought last night really I am Just an Acting Loppy so perhaps that then makes me an old JALOPPY (sounds about right)

..Martin I am sure you are nothing like an old Jaloppy!! We are eternally grateful for your picture site - I am hoping to get a couple of King & I ones shortly - do I send them via Stage Loppies to you??
Off to write 160 Christmas cards now - wish me luck!

Santa's Elf
it's really no effort putting up the pictures on the album.
and yes send pictures to Maggie either via stage loppies or direct to Maggies E-mail address, (if you know it) might be quicker and also saves troubling Gillian.

And finally.... My network connection was noticable by its absence this morning. But thankfully the IT guy has been and gotten me online again. Debbie has left me with a wonderful mental image of the GO tobboganing. Those skin tight outfits they wear doesnt leave a lot to the imagination...... Thank you Debbie. Cheered up my morning no end.

Just to make sure we were not able to enjoy the last few days of our holiday the local news tells us that the howling wind and pelting rain we have been enjoying(????!!!???) for the last couple of days is due to a nearby tropical storm, and that all the hurricane shelters have been reopened just in case. I WANT TO COME HOME.

Martin, the glossary defines Jaloppy as a jealous old ploppy - does not sound like you at all!!!

Now, my spies tell me that wretched husband stealing, home wrecking Elf is sitting doing some paperwork. Just have to find the corner she is hiding in and I will have her. Manual swat now replaced with one that electrocutes the little horror at the same time. Here little Elf, Nice little Elf. Nice big glass of mulled wine for you. Here little Elf....

Shirley As a teenager (way way back) I had an old jaloppy, it used to cough and splutter and only just got where i wanted to go (sounds Just like me)

Shirley, you might want to rethink coming back to England - it's turned cccccold. BBC forecast for London on Sunday is -2 (night) to 4 (max day). I hate the cold!

For the past few days I've been buried in a difficult job which needs total concentration -still not finished it. The only joy is that I am listening to my favourite album to block out distractions. Surprisingly, Mr Mead does not distract me from the job.

BTW I'm enjoying the santa/elf/Mrs S shinanikins (sp?)

Martin I used to have one of those too. An old Ford Anglia my aunt gave me. It had a really dicey connection to the starter motor, but I knew just how to realign it - had to do it so often. The sight of me fixing a car seemed to bring out the cave man in any male observers who insisted that they could help - used to get the feminist in me quite cross. Ungrateful? Maybe, but then I could fix it and they never ever could.

Diana, I am obviously in a bad way here. Thanks to you I have Lee singing LOUD to me to drown out the wind. Much better now. And whatever it is here it is not cold.

Christmas card writing and envelopes to send of OctoberFest tickets - going well

ho ho ho, he he he, you can keep swotting but you can't catch me!! Didn't you know elves can make themselves invisible??? By the way Mrs Santa keep meaning to say I'm not sure that shade of hair colour goes with the red suit........

Santas Elf - I was writing my Christmas cards last night and I put on my old Christmas album on and got going but had to stop as I wanted to hear Lee's album first!! I have never had an album that I am still enjoying and want to listen to all the time several weeks after it has come out! It is a testament to how really good it is.

I shall just point out Eva, that my Ski outfit is not pink!!! Look closely and you'll see it's a delicate shade of lilac!

Shirley2, sounds like you had a great time last night! I trust the GO is wrapping up nice and warm in this weather!

Shirley - I think you win the award for most exciting holiday! Next time I think you need so boredom!

AliB - I know just what you mean! Guess what I am listening to! Just taking a brief breather....then back to the grind!
Shirley - only a few more days to go - fingers crossed the hurricane doesn't get there before you leave!! You see Elves are nice after all!!

~Thinks she's invisible, does she? Didnt notice the flour I sprinkled on the floor so her footsteps show exactly where she is. And the pepper mixed into it has her sneezing so hard I could not fail to find her. SWAT. GOTCHA. YEAHA. I GOT HER. YES YES YES!!!!

AWWW. Now I feel bad. Swatted her just when she was being nice. What a shame. Heartbroken!!! Well maybe not exactly heartbroken. Just a bit sorry. A little bit sorry. A tiny tiny bit sorry. A teensy weensy bit sorry.

Will you two STOP it !!!!!! It's supposed to be the season of good will and all that twaddle!
Mrs. Santa,- you have been on holiday for too long. All the inactivity (!) has addled your brain.
Elf ( Santa's or not),- you do as your elders and betters tell you, or you'll be out on your sweet little a**.!!!!
JaneE,-I might be getting on in years, but my eyesight is fine, thank you very much. That outfit is pink, pink, PINK !!!!!!!

Hello All
Have you seen this
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/745349

HOLIDAY????????????? At this time of the year??????? What has Aunty Eva been drinking. DCM what was in her Hot Chololate this morning????

There, there Jane, dont cry dear. Of course you know what colour your lovely ski outfit is, we have to make allowances for Aunty Eva these days. She seems to be having a little too much to drink at breakfast time. Wouldnt mind if she just went to sleep in a corner, but she will insist on singing. You just come and help me with some more packaging. We are getting all behind again...

Mrs Santa you are ruthless!! and without remorse. I'm beginning to see why Mr. Santa is a serial elfiser.
I've thrown rip tides, earthquakes and now even threaten you with a hurricane, and still you are relentless in your persuit of a being half your size (albleit not an innocent). What will it take for you to access your gentle side, for I'm sure you have one..
Please, consider the season of goodwill to all GOs creatures..

Dear God's emissary, That picture will do for starters......

I told you I needed a stay at The Priory after weeks of Carol's breakfasts. However, it was packet to the rafters, so I have had to detox myself. I wonder where Carol works when she leaves the Bistro? Maybe she's been responsible for this sudden influx of the needy at The Priory???
And it's pink, pink, PINK !!!!!!!!!!!!
God's emissary,- I would give up on Santa(Mrs). I know I have.

http://bebo.com/PhotoAlbums.jsp?ProfilePhoto=Y&MemberId=4970609324

Mrs Santa
You must have had good times with Santa!!!!!
Both of you look happy in this photo

He does look happy doesnt he. Pity its not me he's all over..... No shame that man. Dressing his floozy up in my uniform.

Evening all, another hectic day but now sloppy ls home again.....let's hope it's less eventful this time!!! Fingers crossed.
Shirley for heavens sake I think you'd better come home quickly, at the rate you're going the will be nothing left of Barbados, I've heard of a series of misfortunes on holiday but think you are taking this too seriously!
All these snow capers, now really what happened to the spirit of Christmas? Or has that elf drunk it all?!

....dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh, o'er the fields we go.....hang on, where is everybody - what do you mean I'm too late???? What a shame - I do love a good snowball fight although not sure I could cope with a pink snow suit - are you sure pink is your colour Jane E?

Evening all - busy, crappy day at work and now have to go make dinner, which strangely enough is a pasta dish requiring red wine - in it and in me. Back later!!

ooohhh my head hurts! Where's that nice young man to kiss it better........

I AM NOT WEARING PINK!!!!

Just seen ad for THE ALBUM in the break inmiddle of Coronation street. Maybe record company getting fingures out

I just saw the advert too - prime time spot. No mention of any supplier ie not HMV or Woollies. Perhaps they are getting their fingers out at last

Jane E _ why Not - I am sure it would look very fetching.

karen - my day was not busy but crappy, crappy. What a come down after my brill day on Monday and i went into work yesterday to get huge bouquet (lovely people just crappy work at times) White wine working well - tho big disaster when T....o shopping delivered and one bottle of wine leaking - luckily other 6 were fine!

Totally lost the plot with elves, santas, snowwomen etc tho did wonder if santa's elf was writing the christmas cards for all loppies cos if so I have a huge pile waiting to be written. i know that elves like to keep busy - warms them up in frozen climes.

martin - you are def not an old Jaloppy - was good to meet you too. Was v impressed with your photographic skils. Ploppy took some and is v impressed with his capturing of the "overall scene". can't understand why i am cross and that I didnt want overall scene - just the GO. I am impressed Martin that you can zoom in on pics once taken. Ploppy has managed to load ours on computer but v similar (except further away) than yours so not worth duplicating I dont think.

Hi all, really rotten day at work & I'm too tired to do battle with elves, gnomes, leprachauns & whatever else has been going on. All I can contribute tonight (other than a long moan to anyone who cares to listen), is a link to the video of the TheatreGoers' lunch. Preeya's the only Joseph person interviewed, so don't go in expecting to see Him! - http://awards.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=470

Oops. sorry Jane - I'm sure Eva said it was pink - let me just go back and have another look.....yep she definitely said pink and I'm sure you looked a vision of.......pinkness!!!

Oh no Fi, my worst nightmare - leaking wine - did you suck the spuds so as not to waste it!! I know I add copious amounts of wine to my food but that's during cooking not before I've even unpacked it!!

Ali B- Going back to your post this afternoon;I know what you mean about playing the album and not getting tired of it. But I bought myself another little pressie. It was reduced, you may say you know why,I know Eva and Geri would like it too. 'HIS greatest hits' just singing along now!! [Pleeese don't tease!!!]
I will be making my weekly trip to T***o tomorrow, if they have THE album, I will buy a copy. I think my step sister should be educated. She may not like not getting the usual bubble bath etc, I hope not.
Ohh, the vibration from the keyboard is weird! [When I was sixteen I fell in love.....]
Better go an do Loppy searching before I get drummed out. [Your love means more to me...]

Hi Fi
Basic photo manipulation is quite easy even with a simple programme, microsoft comes with a basic tool for this, and it is possible the camera also came with some software, they often do.
It all comes down to the photo resolution, the higher the setting the more you can play without spoiling, I had mine set at 7 mega pixels far higher than needed for printing but allows me to zoom and crop without loss odf quality.
dont know what resolution your ploppy set the camera at, but if you send them to me I can have a look and see if it is worth zooming and cropping to get a better picture.

Took me over 2.5 hours to get home. POed! A load of things I needed to do tonight. A fire at/near Cannon Street station meant the traffic was awful, then London Bridge station was overcrowded (only it wasn't) because everyone was going there so only a few people at a time were let in and then of course the trains were in a mess.

I wish I could see the ad!

Believe me lasses, the only pink anyway near me is in the wine glass by my side. That's the only pink I do!

Fi - whatever made you think there was a plot in the first place!

Diana, sorry about your nasty journey home - a glass of wine and a little Mead time is needed.

[we don't talk anymore...]

...LOPPY (b) A handyman on rural stations. Oz. Australian slang. Probably from loppy, the adjective. 1933: “The loppies, who are meek and spry/ To shearers and the rest,/ Are perky chaps when I am by.”
08 August 2003 The Times

[search in the mountains...]
This is odd
http://www.gov-certificates.co.uk/birth/certificate/Lee_Mead

Jo4 - that definition of Loppy reminds me of something I hven't mentioned before - it's not very pleasant but I shall share anyway.

Up here in my part of Yorkshire the word Lop means a flea. The word Loppy means to have fleas - yuk - told you it wasn't pleasant but I have consoled myself with a different interpretation - F(an) of LEE - FLEE(A)!!!

Also reminds me of something that happened in my early days of loppydom. I was talking to a friend and I had one of those annoying itches (on my knee) that wouldn't go away so I was unconciously scratching it and my friend said to me "are you loppy or something" meaning "have you got fleas" to which I unwittingly replied "oh my god yes are you"!!!!!!! Puzzled expression on her face!That was one of my first experiences of loppyland popping up in real life!! There have been many more since then!!

Love your story, Karen. Guess that's why we all have an itch for Lee...

OK, had a bad night, worse day, and off to bed. Night, all.

Btw, reading that definition again Jo4, not sure the Loppies could be called meek but certainly perky when HE is by!!!!!!

Hope you have a better night Geri.

Karen; I have heard that definition before, maybe because I lived in Sheffield for 10 years. There is also the normal use of the word loppy in my family as in 'gosh you look loppy, been at the stables all day?' We mean it as 'dirty'. I've just ignored it.

Diana, journey sounds terrible. You'll have to relax by playing some good music, now if only I could think of a new artist with a good album out...

Auds, forgot to say yesterday, congratulations, jealous, me? Never.

Well it's been a long day, and then I got a headache from some demented woman with pink hair! Have written cards, wrapped pressies and delivered to friends who are off to Majorca on Friday......still loads to do though, but that's the life of an elf.
Early morning calls tomorrow - as you will see from above still lots to do!!!

Not being a proper Yorkshire lass, but an interloper from Lancashire, I've never heard Lop used for flee before - but Karen, your story was very funny!

And on that note, I'm saying Goodnight

Goodnight Loppies!

Nightlee night from me too

Karen,- ibteresting story about Lop meaning flea. As I'm sure you know, quite a few words used especially in the North of England and Scotland are originally Norwegian words brought by the Vikings. For instanse: kirk,- from the word kirke, fjord,- from the word fjord,scause,- (esp. in Liverpool) a stew,- from the word lapskaus etc. and flea in Norwegian is "loppe". So there you go,- a good Norwegian word! I must say I prefer the interpretation we have used so far. And here endeth the language lesson for today.
Exept, JaneE,- it might have been a pink flea!!!
Jo4,- that CD sounds promising. I have the compilation of his 1960, 1970 and 1980's work, 48 tracks in all. Luverly!!
Diana,- sorry about your bad homeward journey. Hope you feel better now.
Geri,- dear Lepry. Get a good nights sleep, so you are fit and ready for some fresh insults tomorrow.
I think the lights are out in Santa's (Mrs) workshop, but Carys, if you stop in later tonight, put some extra logs on the fire, so it's nice and snug for Mrs. Santa tomorrow morning.
Good night, all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I'm getting pretty confused with all these new bloggers, Mr and Mrs Santas, Elves, Snowmen/women etc. what's what and who's who? I would like Eva to give me some skiing lessons though.

Thanks for lovely o/line Chr. cards Eva and Carol.
I haven't written any yet, planning to do them this weekend and may attempt some e- ones this year.

Sympathise Diana with your horrible journey home and your horrible day at work Fi.

Diana, Fi, I hope tomorrow is better.

Eva, interesting. I always thought the Scouse came from the Welsh who have a stew - Lob scouse, which sounds even more like your lapskaus. Language is fascinating isnt it? It must have migrated into Wales from Liverpool rather than out as I had imagined. Do you know if the stew is still similar??

Hope you are all sleeping well, and having Sweet Meads. And I hope I still have an internet connection in the morning.

Morning, Morning everyone time for another trip to the workshop - JaneE (looking very fetching in lilac this morning), I think you deserve a place on one of the sleighs today after your heroic efforts at skiing - I've never really fancied skiing, but Apres Ski has an appeal.......OK reindeer all at the ready (and some will return later for those who can't get up so early!). Hope Carys is ok and hasn't overslept. Lots of mulled wine and hot chocolate to keep out the cold (and it is cold this morning!), so wrap up warm and lets "hear those sleigh bells jingaling, ring jing jingaling too, come on it's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you know who!". Hope Mrs Santa has survived the high winds (see what a nice forgiving elf I am!).

Good Morning!

What a cold crisp morning! - ah a sleigh ride just the thing! Skiing is exhausting and the colour-blind Viking woman keeps lobbing snowballs at me!

Thank you Elf, I'll just climb up on the sleigh! Did you get hit by the hurricaine, Mrs Santa?

Sorry I can only do half a day's pressy wrapping this morning - going for Xmas lunch today. I suspect it won't live up to one of Carol's lunches!

Morning everyone. It's freezing out so wrap up warm. At least there's no wind though.

Anyone seen the Sun??!!
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article576422.ece
Only time will tell if this is true!

Must be quick due at School in a minute, Just watched GMTV and Richard Arnold has announced that apparently DVO and Lee are an item, they called Lee the young Jeremy Clarkson

Diana - you mean The Sun might report something that wasn't true!

Mulled wine and porridge please santa's Elf. It is really cold and I need to warm up before going to defrost sleigh (sorry car).

Forgot to say to shirley and auds - well done on auction - you get to meet lee and his charity benefits - a win win all round. And other loppies can meet Lee by proxy as you send our best wishes and we hear your reports. Great stuff.

martin - i think your setting of 7 megapixels may be 6 m higher than our camera can go! Camera v old and v basic (or is that its owners!) Actually just checked and it 3 megapixels only and does not seem to have diff settings. Only 4 photos so will send at weekend as they are in ploppy's files somewhere but doubt if they can be altered - but thanks for explanation - perhaps new digital camera to be added to Christmas shopping list. Off to work - hey ho....

I think thats very sweet about Lee and DVO (presumably its trus as GMTV have reported it), what a gorgeous couple they will make - I hope they will be very happy together.

Morning all. Cold, cold, cold. We need some exercise to get those limbs moving, so whether you like it or not, it's ski school this morning, for ALL of you. That wimpy sledge can be put away for the moment.
JaneE,- my sweet little pink one. You are a sight for sore eyes.
Santa's Elf,- in red and green today I see. Don't sulk. You can't always get what you want.
Santa (Mrs),- the red outfir doesn't really go with the red/pink hair, but if you insist. I know you want men to notice you now that Santa's been kicked out, but they would have to be colourblind. Was that you laughing bitterly, JaneE?
Geri,- little Lepry. Not SEQUINS on your ski outfit?????
Maeve,- nice to see you, to see you....... I like that purple on you. Lovely against the snow.
Diana,- yes, I'll go easy on you after that crappy journey you had yesterday. Yellow really suits you.
Karen,- open your eyes, girl! You can't sleepski. It just isn't done! Don't worry, we'll keep an eye. You'll be hard to miss in that black outfit.
Carys,- another sleepyhead. What is it with you all today. Brown isn't really your colour, you know.
AliB,- hi there. We don't often see you in the morning. Sky blue is your colour, I see.
Debbie,- mulled wine in one hand and ski poles in the other. Here's pink again. Dressing gown and skiboots with pink feathers!!! I can't even begin to imagine where you get those outfits from. The Adelphi costumers? Why am I not surprised?
Right ! On your skies. I see today everybody has been sensible and put on cross country skeis. I said put on, but Geri, yours are pointing the wrong way!!!!! Yes, the pointed tips are meant to be at the front!!!!!! And the bindings only fastens at the toes!!!!
First you glide your right ski forward, then place your left pole forward. Lean on that, them your left ski and your right pole. Verrrry gooooood! When you go down this little hill (Why did you turn green, Santa(Mrs)?. As I was saying, when you go down this hill, remember to bend ze knees (I can even do a German accent!), bend ze knees when you come to the bumps. Use your poles to keep the balance> Down you go!!
JaneE, a bit woobly, but not too bad. Santa's Elf, ooops, and down she went. Santa(Mrs), ski around her. AROUND HER I said. THUD, she landed on top of the Elf. I have a feeling she did that on purpose. Geri,- don't show off, stand on both skies.
Diana,- you are ment to come down on your skies, not your bum. AND LEAVE THAT WINE!!!!
Maeve, is that you in the boulder?
AliB, Karen and Carys,- you are NOT supposed to hold hand when you come down. Scared? Of what? Of course you'll fall when you ski like that!!!!! I don't think that's what was meant with a threesome!
After that little session I think we could do with a hot drink. Hello there sweetheart and Danny Boy. My, my, you do look elegant in your black tie style outfits. Hot chocolate? Yes please, for all of us. Debbie, I said all of us!!

Eva - the news about Lee and DVO made me fall off my ski's!! I wonder how true it is!! If we see a picture in the paper then maybe I will believe it! DVO is supposedly off to America in the New Year so we shall see what happens. As long as Lee is happy that is the main thing! As for sky blue it looks rather fetching on me I think and I'd love a Hot Choccie thanks!

Its looking more truer!!

http://www.mirror.co.uk/showbiz/2007/12/13/denise-dates-joseph-star-89520-20243196/

When Lee was asked something like who he'd be kissing at Christmas, I thought his answer was a bit cagey and implied there was someone (can't remember where I read this now).

Eva, today is by no means the first time I've come down on my bum!

One of my bosses has just told me he & his family are seeing Joseph over Christmas. I hope they enjoy it after I've raved about it!

I object to the ad for Grease at the top of the page - it's definitely not the no. 1 musical!

I'm not suggesting it isn't true about DVO, and I don't mind if it is, I think they could be good for each other, but the Mirror story has Lee seeing her in Rent and going for dinner afterwards, something has to be wrong there, as she is on stage when he is!! (I know he also saw Hairspray, but that matinee is on Thursday.)

Just a short note before going out:
To compare our lovely, handsome, kind and considerate GO with Jeremy Clarkson is beyond the pale. Whoever can see any likeness between that uncut, rude motormouth (and no, he isn't sexy with it!!) and our boy, need their eyeas tested. GGGGGRRRRRRRRRR.
As for GO and DVO I'll say as all the crims in the Bill when they are interrogated: " No comments".

Gillian - do you think he could have seen DVO in Rent in the matinee he missed with the ankle! If not, perhaps is has all been dreamed up. Mind you I think there is no smoke without fire and Lee has been cagey with his evasive answers about her. If it is true then they have done very well to keep it from the press for 4 weeks

No one wants to have the early days of any relationship conducted in the glare of publicity, so if true it stands to reason they'd be careful how they answered any leading questions.

ah - of course our own dear Scott may know the answer (although we know he will have asked much better questions than the usual ones, so maybe not!).

Well, true or not the internet is rather abuzz with the news. I keep getting Google Alerts about it! They all quote either the Sun or the Mirror though, nothing new.

@santa's elf: Do you know, it didn't even occur to me to ask...

Proud of you Scott. I hope there's a little extra in your Christmas stocking this year.

Scott - call yourself a journalist!!!

The ADWD website has been updated!!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/joseph/news/2007/12/11/51478.shtml

Ah, Scott that's probably because you have asked lots of different, intelligent type questions compared with the dross in the other papers!!! We are all waiting with baited breath!

Well said other Shirley, delighted for them both. A matchmaker could not have done better. I hope it is true and that they will both be very happy together. And if they have any sense at all they will get some photos together out there pdq so they kill the paparazzi market stone dead.

Just a quick lunch time pop in. Really enjoyed the skiing this morning Aunty Eva but as AliB, Carys and I have not been formally introduced I hope they didn't mind us holding hands. Threesome indeed!!!! Now if you had squeezed the BHB in amongst the three of us I'm sure none of us would have complained!!!!!

I think the news about GO & DVO, if true, is not entirely unexpected given his response when asked specifically about her in a previous interview (can't remember which one). As you all say, as long as he's happy but, in the words of the song......it shoulda been me!!!

Karen - Absolutely!! And no I wouldn't have minded at all if the BHB had squeezed inbetween us!!

AliB and Karen,- maybe tomorrow morning?

Good enough reason to get up early I'd say AliB! Although knowing Aunty Eva there's bound to be a catch!!!!!!

Typical I was blowdrying my hair when Richard Arnold was on this morning so I didn't hear about GO/DVO! Not a surprise, hope it is confirmed one way or the other then they can get on with their lives in private maybe?
Thanks all those who have sent crissy cards.
OMG Shirley and Auds, so glad it has gone to a true Loppy, can't wait for the details!

Count me in but 8.30 is the earliest I can make it! Perhaps we can try ice-skating too??

Oooops, still recovering from my bump with the boulder this morning, glad you liked the purple outfit Eva and thanks for the lesson.

Wonder how much is pap. spin re Lee and DvO or if there's truth in it. I had my doubts about whether she really meant it, as she seemed to 'swoon' at half the boys.

I hope she is sincere and it works out, as his Mum said "whatever makes Lee happy"

Oh yes please! Ice skating! Yes! Yes! Much better than skiing (and I've had some practice, albeit years ago!!!).

No, I want to stay on skis - I like my feet on a solid piece of wood, not a thin strip of metal.

Well Diana, you can stick to skiing but the GO and I will waltz around the ice like Torvill and Dean to our hearts content - we may even attempt Bollero!!

ooo oooh, the GO and DvO. Excellent. I'm all for the union. And I'm just happy they he'll be all loved up for Christmas now - if it's true that is (hope it is).

oops - forgot to change the handle...

Ali B, although I used to spend a little time on the ski slope on my derriere, I would spend a darn sight more on it if on the ice. Love watching skating but ice and me do not get on (unless it's in a glass of course).

...and surrounded by lovely g & t, or v & t, or winter's Pimms or.....shall I continue??

Er, don't forget you're sharing Him with me tomorrow morning AliB!!! (Although I'm probably more like Orvill than Torvill!).

If you want to go skating, you'll have to find another instructor. I can only do speedskating, and I can't quite see you doing that.

Eva, I don't wear...Oh what's the use! Thank's for the ski lesson anyway.I'm sure Ploppy will be very impressed with my new skills tomorrow.

I'll join Ali B & Karen ice skating (but you do have to share the BHB Ali B)

Well I'm not at all suprised by the news about DVO and Lee. All the best to 'em! As has been said, whatever makes him happy...

...evening - just off to friend's daughter's school carol concert, so catch up later!

Hey ho. Just back from the airport seeing my folks off. My turn tomorrow, and you know what, it cant come soon enough for me now. Well it may still be blowing a gale but at least the sun is shining again, and I know a sheltered little spot by a pool where I can console myself with a rum punch and a good book. And out to dinner tonight with friends - maybe I can amuse myself until tomorrow night after all.

You wait till we have you all in a hot sauna and then throw you out into the frozen river, nice little plunge hole cut ready for you.

my post disappeared and i was just typing what a good day i have had at work (diff work today as i do 2 jobs)and how i was in a good mood. Honest cos now I am in bad mood as a) have forgotten waht i wanted to say (thank goodness i hear you say) b) was trying to retrieve post when smoke alarm went off - forgot my toast and it burnt and kitchen full of smoke. Then rushed to get phome and it was a voice text so no urgency but voice text from my godmother who is her 80's so I feel very old fashioned as no idea how to do voice texts - will have to ask her.

Might join in with ice skating as used to do when younger - tho come to think of it spent most of time with cold bum as I fellover much of time - bit like skiing really.

Was making toast as just in and now just out to meet friend. Got to drive and roads getting frosty so better take care. Bye

So, that's AliB, Carys, Jane & ME, all sharing the BHB tomorrow - this threesome's turning into more like an org......er organised jolly good time!!!!!!!

Shirley, if I don't get chance before you leave have a safe journey home.

Fi - take care and drive carefully but have a good evening.

Karen - you forgot about Fi! That's 5 of us with the BHB!

Shirley, finders crossed for a safe & relaxing journey!

Karen,- don't forget I'll be there to keep an eye on things!!

I just thought you'd like to know that I've booked two tickets for Lee's birthday. Row B 18/19, or as Auds says, JUST BEHIND THE CONDUCTOR!!!!! Can't wait (only 213 sleeps!!)
Good job I don't have to wait that long really.

Oops sorry Fi - the more the merrier!!

Eva - just what "things" are you going to be keeping an eye on?? You won't be able to see much anyway, what with the glare from Jane's (I don't waar) pink skisuit!!!

Oo Sue, lucky you (sorry didn't mean to make a naff rhyme) - you gave me an idea though, my birthday's the day before Lee's - wonder if Ploppy fancies taking me to London for my birthday!!!!!!!!!

I'm Soooooooooooo excited!!!!! My Joseph tickets for the end of January came today. Only 47 more sleeps!!! The next problem is where do I keep them so they don't get lost or forgotten.
Good news today about GO and DVO, Hope they'll be very happy. Thanks for all the links.
Was catching up on all the gossip from yesterday and the Santa, Mrs. Santa and Elf love triangle. Hope it gets sorted by 24th.
Just off to dance around the room, waving tickets in the air. Byee.

Kathleen - I'll look after them for you!!!!!!!

Thanks for the offer Karen, but they're now in my secret place, ready to be taken out and checked every so often.

Tickets, did someone say they had tickets they didn't know what to do with? I know what to do with them, they can go in my special place for tickets. Very close by so I can look at them from time to time.

Went to T***o tonight, no CD, no spaces. Just emailed F records, again.

re T****'s, my local 'extra' big store had the CD in their chart this week, 'new' in at 39!! But they did at least give him two CD width shelf spaces, more than the other ones nearby.

Where I work, the normal size store only stocks the top 30, so of course, no Lee.

Look what happens when I go away - ok, wishful thinking - get swamped by w**k for a few days.

I've only just caught up with everything on here and what a week it's been: excellent news about Lee being back to good health and what a night for going to see him, Fi and Maggie.

Loving all the Elf, Mrs Santa, Snowwoman (spelling seems wrong!) stuff although I am with Maeve in being slightly confused by all of it. I've obviously got my priorities all wrong and am not spending nearly enough time on here.

And now all the Lee and DVO 'news': I don't think it's really my place to publicly speculate about it but, as you all have said already, if he's happy that's what matters, so I hope it's true and turns out well for them.

Well done, Shirley and Auds; you'll have the time of your lives, I'm sure.

Ali, glad you're back to good health.

And Sue, very impressed with your numeracy skills (213 sleeps), have also noticed Jo4's exemplary work on statistics. Maybe this is a previously undiscovered effect of loppiness: improved maths skills in all areas relating to the GO.

Karen,- I'll bring my extra special sunglasses tomorrow, because I think with the 5 of you together, poor BHB needs someone to look out for him. Maybe JaneE will change to another colour ? How about shocking PINK?
What I think you'll get up to without me there? I couldn't possible say that in this space. Our landlord would have a heartattack !!!!!

NEW PICS OF LEE - Getty Images has several new pics of ALW reunion dinner with 3 Marias & 4 Josephs yesterday
http://www.gettyimages.com/Home.aspx and search Lee Mead

Extra special sunglasses Eva?? Would they be x-ray specs by any chance?? Look out for him? Look at him more like!! Don't worry, we'll be gentle with Him.

Diana - thank you - more lovely shots of the GO!

Elisabeth-re stats, can't give GO the credit. That has to go to the English education system. I really, really want to do a graph, I've had this overwhelming urge for months. See I am mad. Still can't easily calculate sleeps though.
Alisons -15 sleeps?

Shirley, I've given your charity questions some thought.
1 Would you prefer to have one or 2 competitions/raffles running all the time, or 3 or 4 separate fundraisers through the course of the year – lasting say 1 month at a time.
Jo's answer :Separate fundraisers through the year, making it special.
2 If you prefer the fundraiser idea how many in any year? I am very mindful that we are a fan group not a money making organisation so need to get this balance right.
Jo's answer :One every 3 months, say lasting for 2 months, so there is a month off in between.
3 Do you prefer competitions – like the photos – or things like raffles which are pure luck.
Jo's answer :On the fence, as I’m rubbish at arty things and rarely win raffles, so 2 of each.
4 Given that I expect we will have some raffles how many tickets would you ideally like them to be limited too.
a/ For example I would be perfectly happy to organise a raffle for something special for as few as 30 or 40 tickets – but they would have to be £50 each – is that too much?
Jo's answer :£50 too much for some (me included) to have a flutter.
b/ Similarly I could do a raffle for as little as £5 a ticket, but there would be 500 or more tickets - would that be too many tickets?
Jo's answer :£10 is OK for me and 250 tickets is I think OK if Donna’s site involved.
c/ With the cap there were 250 tickets at £10 each – were you happy with that price and number of tickets
Jo's answer :see above.

Diana, thanks fo the link to the new pics

Eva - for you tomorrow, I will wear shocking pink - but just this once mind!

Kathleen, ignore Karen - I can keep those tickets safe for you - unless, of course we happen to be going on the same date anyway.

Sue - I'm glad to see you've not started the count down too early!

Thanks Diana for the link -

And with that - Good night one and all!

See you on the ice rink!

The Getty images link presumaby were taken at the dinner ALW is referring to in the new video diary on his site http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/sections/news/newsdb.php?article=115

Thanks for that Gillian.

I feel better now, done a graph in Excel. I've shaded it lilac, just to brighten it up.

Nightlee night all

I'd better rest my eyes well if JaneE really comes dressed in shocking pink tomorrow. For my sake? How sweet!
So, I'll bid you good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

It's good night from me too. Sleep well.

..and it's good night from me too! Sleighs will be ready and waiting tomorrow morning!

Night shift reporting - workshop is peaceful and the new night watchman is very friendly...glad I don't have to ski here - DT gave me a special key to use his phonebox:-) Have put the kettle on a timer switch ready for you in the morning - night all.

Ooh Carys thank you for leaving the kettle all ready, means instant hot drinks! Sleighs all ready, ice skates all polished, skis standing to attention, yes everything is ready for you. Mulled wine simmering nicely, lots of special hot chocolate for the journey and plenty of warm rugs. Very pleased with my new skating outfit - lots of sparkly sequins (twirls on one skate), just what we elves like! Come on! Come on! Time to get up!! First lot of sleighs leaving shortly, DT, DB and BHB already in the workshop so that they have time later for some skating.

Good Morning!

Ice skates at the ready! Though I don't think I can match our little Elf - wow! look at her go!(She's a bit of a show off, you know!)

Hello BHB, are you ready to go skating? Karen, and the others haven't arrived yet, so perhaps a little practice first? Oh you've already been praticing with Carys? So where is she? Gone off in the Police-box with DT? Well I never!

Morning all

Here I am - ready, willing and raring to go - well, I'm ready and willing anyway and I have strapped a hotwater bottle to my (not the) rear of the year as I suspect I shall be spending a lot of time on it on the ice this morning. The BHB can help me keep upright though, maybe, perhaps!! Come on Jane, pratice over, come to me BHB, I need your heeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllppppp........thud!!

Morning all - sorry I am late but have been changing beds and putting on washing before work. Not very sure where all these helpful elves get to at christmas time - keep saying they have other more important work to do - helping someone in a big red coat. i can wear a red coat too if the elves would help me with my h.......k.

frosty on way home last night but was very good and didnt drink alcohol as needed my wits (few that I have) with me for drive. but frost all gone this morning so need to do a quick turn around ice rink before it melts. Not sure that my outfit (ploppy's padded cycling shorts) quite matches up to the sequinned no. before me.

Karen - did you tell BHB that it was an ice skating competition as there he is in beautful ice skating leggings and top. Never mind thud - as Ringer on LMAS would say THUD.

Morning all. Oh what a wonderful morning, Oh what a wonderful day !!! I felt a little singing coming on, but as you see I kept it quiet. The snow is beautiful today, dry and corny, no wet sludge in sight. It's so calm and quiet, but....... look, down the mountainside someone is coming at an amazing speed. In a beautiful lavender coloured skisuit, sweeping from side to side,- jumping over a fallen tree, doing more swings, OOOOOHHHHHH a summersault, landing beautifully, going on at a terrifyeing speed now, more sharp bends, SWISH, SWISH, SWISH from side to side down the narrow track, how is it humanly possible?, a small ski jump coming up. Surely that has to end badly, but no,- a beautiful floating movement, landing steadily, thundering downwards, coming to a standstill right in front of me with snow spray flying, taking the googles off and it's.......CRIKEY, IT'S SCOTT DEAR!!!!!!! THUD, I fell out of bed and woke up!!!! What a lovely dream. He was magnificent! (Grovelling? Me??)
I kneew I didn't have to get up early as you have all decided to go skating this morning, and as I told you yesterday, I don't give skating lessons.
Hello there, sweetheart. I see you've still got Danny Boy and DT with you. Can one of you please give me a strong Coffee Doctor.? That dream gave me a bit of a shock. Afterwards I think I'll join Carys in the Police Box.

Here I am too - ready to go! Karen - let him go its my turn!! Didnt realise it was a competition - will have to practise my triple toe loop!!

...whizz..........whizz......come on Loppies - after we've perfected the double salko we can go in for refreshments!

Oh refreshments sound good - while we are drinking we can read this which is a a rather cool spoilerish report on MMJ!!

http://community.livejournal.com/lee_mead/161446.html#cutid1

Its in more detail than the others so dont read if you really want to be surprised!!

Today's warming drinks are the usual Mulled Christmas Wine, Hot Winter Pimms, Gluhwein, Hot Rum and Honey, Hot Rum Chocolate and of course Irish Coffee. There will be hot mince pies with brandy cream, hot toasted muffins with champagne strawberry jam, crumpets with cognac raspberry jam and also some little meat pastries, mini tartlets and individual pizzas.

Santa's elf - One of everything please!! Sounds fantastic!! While we are eating can I just say WHOOPEE OOOOHH (and various other excitable noises!!)Its now exactly a fortnight until me, Alison and Jo4 see Joseph!!! Is anyone else going soon or are we next??!

Ooo thank you Elf! After all that skating I think we need some warming sustinance! Ali B - I never realised what a talented skater you are, proper Jayne Torville (and thanks for that link - I love spoilers!).

Now, I've always wondered, what is the difference between mulled wine and gluhwein - I'd better check. Hmmmm still not sure - I'd better try some more. Hic!

Jane E - Yes, it is a hidden talent of mine!! And I too love spoilers!! What is Gluhwein by the way - should I try some?? The mulled wine is particulary delicious and may I add to the menu a Chocolate Log complete with fudgy chocolatey icing??

Ooo AliB, thanks for that link. I absolutely lurrve that solo number and the very thought of him singing it sends shivers down my spine, and it's nothing to do with all this snow and ice!!!

Mulled wine is usually red wine (although white works too), with the addition of a little brandy, orange juice, a clove stuffed orange, demerara sugar, and all spice.

Glühwein is the German version and is similarly made with red wine, which is heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves and sugar. Almonds and raisins are often added to the Scandinavian version, though not to the German.

Drat can't open the spoiler from the office!! Will have to wait until I get home!!!

Thanks Santa's Elf - sounds nice - I think I will have another glass with my lunch!! The link is just from the Live Journal site if that helps.

AliB - unfortunately all forums, Live Journal, Youtube banned from the office, so can't view anything - bah humbug!!!

Santa's Elf - Bah humbug indeed! If its any consolation I can only play youtube videos at work and no other videos will play! Anyone would think they wanted us to do some work!!

Been to scollop's nativity play today, always manages to reduce me to tears. There maybe a few stars of the future there though, can't believe how confident some of these 5/6 year olds are on stage?
Just time for a quick catch up before carol service rehearsal then work - who says I don't know how to live life to the full?
AliB I couldn't resist the spoiler! Told ploppy that I won't be going out on Xmas eve until I've watched the prog. He can find a table in the pub and order the drinks while he's waiting!
Gotta dash and do school run, welcome home SSHIRLEY in case I don't get back tomorrow.

Hello all. I've been very bah humbug all week. It's madness at w**k. We have the evil people coming to audit us on Monday and Tuesday so there's a treat for Christmas. Thought keeping me going Ali B and Jo4 2 weeks to go.

I've a friend from Uni who I haven't seen for years but we keep in touch by letter although they have dwindled of late. I sent her a letter recently explaining how loppiness is taking over my life as I thought she'd appreciate it. It turns out she too is in love with Lee. She has seen the show once Row B stalls (and swears Lee winked at her)and is going again in April Row D. She and her ploppy are not on very good terms but still together so I've suggested maybe she could arrange a nasty accident for him near to April because it would be much more fun for her to see it again with a loppy rather than a miserable old git. Here's hoping.

Hello Alison!! Yes, that thought is keeping me going to!! Not long now!!! I am so looking forward to Christmas week so many lovely things are happening - we are all going to be in LEE HEAVEN!!

I've just seen the proof pages for Lee's interview.

How does a full page portrait of Lee sound for you lot? (Bear in mind that as we're a tabloid newspaper size, our pages are larger than your average magazine...)

Oh, and he'll be the main picture on the cover, too. Happy Christmas!

Oooh Scott - what a lovely Chrissie present. Thank you!!! Kiss, Kiss! Copy already ordered!!

OOoooh Scott - THANK YOU!! You know how to keep us girls happy!! Can't wait to see it! What a lovely Christmas pressie - just what we all wanted!!

Scott dear,- if you keep this up I might just start to call you Scott Darling!!! You are good to us. I am sure you were inspired by our Loppiness, or are you a closet Loppy? Can't wait to get my hands on The Stage Christmas issue.

Have just managed to log in (since yesterday afternoon)... and the first thing I read is the promise of a wonderful wonderful Christmas present for our lovely lovey Scott.
You are SO GOOD TO US. MWAH MWAH MWAH MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMWAH!

Auds,- you are some kisser !!!!!!!!

I just log on in time to find Auds snogging the landlord. And I am going to see the GO with her??????? God help him!!!!!!!!!

Scott, dear. See proper punctuation I am so thrilled. Thanks a million. Stage not on order - can't from here, but will be in London on Thursday for some reason or another, so should be able to get one there. At a mainline railway station maybe - a newly refurbished one??? And just in case I cannot resist buying you a Bajan rum cake to say THANK YOU would I be wrong to get a chocolate flavoured one???????????????

Nearly packed. Heading off to the airport at 8.30 tonight (12.30 your time) and arrive 10.35 tomorrow morning. Thanks to you all for your good wishes. Will be glad to be home, and lots of Loppies to meet next week. Not to mention a special Christmas Present to deliver!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not in person, sadly, but peppercorn payment all in hand so supersticious Loppies can rest easy.

Oooh Scott, thank you, thank you, thank you. You are SO good to us. You couldn't have given us a better Christmas present. I just hope I can get the issue on Wednesday.

Shirley, hope your return journey has been uneventful.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Shirley, thought you were already on your way - have a good flight back and hope you've got your winter woollies on hand when you land!

That bad, is it Diana. Just what I flew out in. Heavy sweater and a down jacket?

Wow! Scott Thank you, thank you, thank you!

So where can I get a copy of the Stage from in Yorkshire???!!!

Shirley - have a safe journey home!

Now Ali B pass that Gluhwien!

Off to spend some time with Ploppy - see ya later

Scott (yes Eva I think he should be promoted to darling for this one!) - thank you.

Anybody know if I can get my hands on The Stage up here in t'North??

Was in the hairderessers today when GMYAS came on the radio. I jerked my head up so quickly I nearly ended up with half my ear chopped off!! I'm sure that side of my hair is shorter than the other now!

Shirley,- you have a good and safe flight home. y
Yes, you need your woollies. It's cold and grey, and the weather forecast says more cold weather on it's way, so WELCOME HOME TO BLIGHTY, Shirley.
Tonight I'll make some Gløgg. That's the Scandinavian Gluhwein, made of red wine, spices, chopped raisins and almonds, as Santa's Elf said earlier. Lovely on a cold winters night. Do you want one, Scott dear?

Ali B thank you for the link. Looks like it will be a good show, like to have seen the aeroplane bit though. I do that at work sometimes when I'm going around the corner at the top of the stairs, just high spirits!!
2 weeks!!! Can't wait, but will have to. As I'm going to the matinee technically for me it is just less than 2 weeks.
Tried to order the Stage a local newsagents, I was told to go to WH Smiths in town, as they don't like to order one off magazines. I'll try another shop in the next village. Don't really want to go into town the week before Christmas, but I will if I have to, of course!!

Kaz has surpassed herself. All bits that Loppies have requested. Got my best eyebrow bits in it too.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeWjP_W6bJg

At last *breathes a sigh of relief* back home on the blogg without any pressures to shoot off anywhere else..
Aside from my brief ski the other morning I have missed out on all the ice skating and sleigh riding these past mornings. Is the ice rink open tomorrow a.m. ? with all that lovely mulled wine.. I remember enjoying a large jug of JaegerTea(probably not how it's spelt, but it's how I pronounced and I always got a steaming hot cup of tea (??) with shedloads of alcohold - the apre ski tea. delicious. But not advisable to have too many if you still have to carry your skies home.
Shirley - hurry home - but stay safe now... lookign forward to getting my diary out and mulling of datesn *huge grin on face*
Just read the 'spoiler' on MMJ. Fantastic. I can't WAIT so see it. The lovely Gillian, what delights can I bring you back from SA - I know you dont need bribery and corruption top ensure those absent Loppies get to see all the gorgeous Meadyness happerning over Christmas, but you deserve something for in the way of thanks.
Just seen that it's snowing on LMAS!How lovely is that..
Oh, have to share: Loppiness has been declared at work (not fully explained of course, and no Loppy Lingo used - sort of anyway.) My lovely boss was at my desk and caught sight of the screensaver (audience photos on a loop). She did a double take and said, "isn't he gorgeous" then "Oh it's Him", and she checked out a few more pics, then she said "he was excellent at the Variety Awards". I just grinned and sighed and nodded agreement. (afraid to open my mouth because I knew I would just gush). The, on the day of the DvO articles the one colleague, who'd also seen the screensaver at the time came over to me as said "Oh, Auds. I've got some news for you, although it might not be very good for you". I, of course, blurted out "Oh, is this about the GO and DvO?" The look on her face - a huge questionmark as she was trying to compute what I'd just said.. I just said.. oh sorry, what is the news? (had to humour her). But I thought it was quite sweet. I may yet confess my total loppyness.. but lets give it a couple more months. I'm still loving the job - oh and we had the best day today. Had our weekly team meeting - and I really began to feel part of the team, not just the new girl. Then we had our team Chirstmas Lunch - exchanged Secret Santas, and all really great pressies - lots of champers and chocs.. and then - champers and chocolate cake for tea to celebrate colleagues birthday (on Sunday). So not a lot of work done today, but heaps of fun had by all. And then, Scott's Christmas present! Oh, and the getting pics of the MMJs loverly loverly loverly. What a way to start the weekend.
OK, enough blogging for now - give someone else a chance.
Good to be back - for a good length of time. Have missed you.

Hi Auds, is that where you've been? I missed that, but then I keep missing stuff recently. I will definitey not miss what's on over Christmas though:)))

And we welcome Shirley back tomorrow. Hope you have a good journey Shirley.

I had to wait a while for a train tonight and didn't fancy standing on the platform in the cold so went in Smiths to peruse more mags ..... result! Total TV guide (no, I've never heard of it either) has a 2/3 page interview & pic (as Joe) on The Winner's Story. Great to have something on that as the other mags have concentrated on MMJ. Lee says he is looking forward to it as it was all a blur after he won. He also confesses that when he was living in Lewisham, he sometimes jumped off the train as he couldn't afford the fare. Aaaahhh at least those days have gone and hopefully never return for him.

As I was walking home I had a thought - my train stops at Lewisham so there's a teeny weeny chance I've been on the same train as Lee. I'll scan the article shortly and forward to Donna.

Hi Auds nice to see you back. Glad your job is going well.
Diana, well spotted. Look forward to seeing it on Donna's site.

It's been quiet here tonight. I'm off to my bed, so I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy. And Carys, if you pop in during the night, put a few extra logs on the fire, please.

Well, I'm off too. Haven't found anything else good to post. Must advise you check out Kaz vid , link posted today at 8.06pm.
Note for Eva and Geri (not fo Nicki/Debbie and others) apparently according to a friend (who heard it on R2)a certain official calendar is out selling lots of others due to the 2 topless photos.
Nightlee night.

Carys,do you ever sleep?

Hi ladys & Scott

Been lurking around for a while and i have to say that you really make me laugh, especially the snow ball fight!! Would you mind me joining you from time to time? I'm usually to be found on Donna's site.
Met some of you at HMV and going next week to St P's.
Hope to see you there.

I worked at Lewisham till 3 years ago and i travelled there by train, i wonder when Lee was living there!!! I worked for a Bank then, he could have been a customer.
So close and yet so far.......

Hello and welcome, Karen C. Please join in whenever you wish. Quite a few of us also post on LMAS forum and of couse we all visit Donna's site for the latest news.

Sleep well all.

Good Morning all. Am I first up? Who's ready for a little ride in the ski lift? Blankets and mulled wine all ready. We don't have to get off - just keep going round and round. The GO is with me of course seeing as I'm up first so have bagsied him. He's going to serenade me with "It'll Be Lonely This Christmas...

Been offline for a couple of days - internet connection very dodgy. Went out for a meal with school mums tonight and Lee was mentioned. One of them said he is def going out with DVO, shock horror! Is this old news? Not sure I completely approve. I'll have to give him a talking to on the lift.

Read the Livejournal info on the Christmas show. Sounds fabulous. Just when I think I can lead a normal life and not let Him take over I read that and get TOOOOO excited again!! Does anyone know what time it starts? I just know I'm going to forget to record it and I'll have the in-laws here by then and no one else is going to want to watch it and even if they do they'll be drunkenly talking all over it in loud booming irritating voices and I'll be getting seriously stressed!

Better go to bed I suppose. Hope you're enjoying the flight Shirley and your knees aren't wrapped around your ears like they usually are for me. I'm waving...

Oops, I just said I was going to bed. I mean I'm just going for brekkie...yum, lovely pain au chocs...

Monring, morning and welcome to Karen C - everyone is welcome to post on the blog - we all log onto Donna's site all the time 0- can't always post on the forum there as forums are blocked by my office, but of course The Stage gets through the censors!! Always happy to welcome anyone to our slightly bonkers world.!
OK everyone - jobs to do first. The Catering Manager is due home today, so before anyone goes in the sleights we need to make sure that the Bistro, is clean, tidy and freshly stocked. The DCM and the BHB have been working hard overnight to get a lot of the work done but there is still a little to do!
Took time out to view Kaz's gorgeous video (only thing missing was Carol's kiss byw!) and the BDB was telling me that it was him in the video (bless! - as it is nearly Christmas I didn't tell him differently). OK once the Bistro is all ready for Mrs Santa we can nip into the sleighs and off to Santa's workshop. Extra slug of brandy in the mulled wine this morning. Brunch will be served by the other elves (BHB off waiting duties as he has been working so hard). New ice skating outfit hanging up (turquoise with chiffon sleeves and large silver sequins - we elves have style you know!) ready for later. Pile of snowballs being made by the other elves whilst we are working on the Bistro (in case that made Mrs Santa makes a reappearance!).
Shirley hope you are safely returned any time about now! Off to sing Carols for Save the Children in our local precinct this morning!

Morning all! I think Debbie has gone mad. She persuaded BHB to come with her in the skilift and kept him there for ages, going round and round and round, until the boy was so dizzy he didn't know whether he was coming or going. She said he wasn't cold because she had him wrapped up well. That's right,- she had herself wrapped all around him all the time, and kept pouring mulled wine down his throat!!!!!!! No wonder Santa's Elf thought he looked exhausted. He was drunk !! Yes, our BHB had to be put down gently and that's why he is sleeping in the corner. Some people !!!! We'll let him sleep it off. He's not used to those kinds of shehenigangs(?).
Danny Boy,- hello there. I think you have to serve the hot chocolate today. DT is only good for haggis, porridge and whisky, so I'll keep well away from him. He's sulking again anyway. Says Carol had him cleaning out the Bistro this morning, and his hands are red and capped. He's holding out his hands to show me, looks pathetic. A bit over the top there, DT. Too much Catherine Cookson!!!!!
A good workout never harmed anybody!
There are still a lot of presents to wrap. Lots of GO stuff. Keyrings, T-shirts, mugs (with his lovely mug on. Ha ha, it was a JOKE!), THE ALBUM,- something for everyone. I am sure many scollops, dollops and Ploppies will be overjoyed to find these in their stockings!
We'll put up some chairs outside today. I think someone is planning to give us an ice skating show today. Santa's Elf is all exited, tripping round and doing summersaults (well, trying to), swirling around, shouting "Look at me. Look at me". Mind you, she hasn't got her skates on yet!(Ha ha, another JOKE!) From what I hear, Karen, JaneE and Fi are going to give her some competition. No, not you Karen C. Since it's your first day, we'll let you off. We don't want to scare you off !!!!(Another JOKE!. I am hilarious this morning!)

swiiiiiiiiiiiishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
swiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh
swiiiiiiiiiiiishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
swiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh
swiiiiiiiiiiiishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
swiiiiiiiiiiiiiiisssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh

weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
look at me....................!!!!!!!
look at me....................!!!!!!!
I'm skating. I'm skating. crrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuunchhhhhhhhh

there are an awful lot of little birds flying about.. tweeting and tweeting. Everything seems to be a little bit blurred.
Oh thank you kind sir.. ooooooh, you've got lovely bumpy hair, just like..... just like... just like.. oooh heck, who is it? I'm sure I'm slightly bonkers over someone who looks like you. Yes. Yes, I'd probably best sit this skating session out and get to the Bistro pdq.
What's this on the plazma screen. Oooh, it's HIM, but he's kissing some blonde - and it's on a loop (the shot, not the kiss). This is torture. I don't feel very well.
ooooh, thank you BHB. Yes, I'm feeling so much better now - now that you've taken care of me.
Er, no. I think I'll give the circular chair lift a miss thanks. Oh, unless of course you come with to keep me warm. It's not good for someone who's had a shock like this to be too cold you know. You have duties at the Bistro? Of course. Ah, I remember now, the Boss Is Back today. And here's DT with my porridge. Bless him! He's done a splendid job I believe - I wonder will he stay a while longer. What happened to the lovely Iago. He didn't hang around did he - something about a stage show (another one with delusions - what is it that attracts these poor boys to the Bistro? It's not like this is Hollywood or anything. Perhaps the Bistro's full name is to blame. The Stage Bistro - I guess they come here thinking of fame an fortune, and what they get is complete reality!!!!!!!!!!

Auds,- I'm so glad you point that out,- that The Stage Bistro is the reality and the rest is just a virtual world. We are so lucky to have discovered this. I say, you do show some skating skilles. Have you seen Santa's Elf? She must have twirled herself dizzy.
Well, Im off out to meet a friend for coffee and exchange of Christmas pressies. Guess what she'll get from me? How did you guess? Well' it's our job to introduce GO to the heathens!!!!

Morning Loppies! It's a lovely fosty day, perfect for some ice-skating - but I shall be good and see if anything needs doing in the Bistro first, seeing as the manager is due back.

Hello Auds - got your feet up? Glad you're looking happy and spreading Loppyness at your new job. So everything is all sorted in here...

Right Karen, Fi! Get your skates! We can't let our little elf have the rink all to herself!

Hello Karen C! Want to join in? It's really quite easy (said she as she falls on her postierior AGAIN!)

BTW Jo4 thanks for that lovely link - Kaz has done us proud

Morning all,

no ice-skating for me since I went splat while trying to impress dollop and scollop with my skills last winter. I am strictly a spectator now. But if it's not too late I'll have something (someone?) hot from the Bistro.

Feeling a bit delicate and in need of cheering up as had to have our cat put down last night - she was 16 and felt like a third child to us, so everybody's a bit upset here, but I think I have the best medicine out of all of us.

Diana - thanks for forwarding that article to Donna - nice to see some different ground covered.
Jo4 - very impressed with the graph, and on lilac, too. Is it you who likes purple? It's my favourite colour and I have it dotted all around the house.
KarenC - welcome and please do join us now and again. I know the feeling of not always being able to keep up as real life has a nasty habit of getting in the way, but it's great to drop in when possible. I sympathise with you about the Lewisham connection. I got very excited when a student of mine who worked at Potter's resort (where Lee spent a season a few years ago)told me all about how they were all rooting for him during ADWD and what a nice person he'd been to work with.

Morning all, not too good at skating, got two left feet, give it a go though. Ouch!!!

I'm off to see Joseph this afternoon, Shall i send the GO your collective love??

Dont work too hard in the Stage Bistro today, perhaps you could pour me a large Mulled Wine though, could do with some to steady the old nerves!!!

oooo KarenC - in all my twirling excitement earlier I forgot my manners. Welcome, at any time.. You just make yourself comfortable whenever you can.
It's traditional for anyone seeing the show to report back immediatelyh with a review. No matter how many times you've seen it, or read others' reviews. It's essential - we all get to relive the experience again, and again and again. Bit like the teletubbies. Eh Oh.

At the first opportunity i will report back & let you know how it go go go's!!

Extreme panic for a second. I come back from brekkie and read that Eva is putting down the BHB. Thankfully he seems to have survived. Whatever possessed you Eva? Was it to be a mercy killing of some kind?

Sorry to frighten you on the plasma screen Auds but if it makes you feel better.....whisper....I'm not a real blonde. He doesn't know that though, he he. It was a beautiful kiss.

Hi Elisabeth. Sorry to hear about your cat. When my dog goes I'm not sure how I'll feel but I'm sure it won't be good. You talking about liking purple reminds me of my friends neighbour who we call The Purple Princess. She's a grown woman with husband and 2 children but is obsessed by it. The front door is purple, her Christmas tree is, she never wears any other colour, her hair has been on occasions and she's even managed to get her husband to dress in the blasted colour. No offence but you're not THAT bad are you?

Hope you do well with the Carol singing Santa's elf! I must add that I think the only thing that will save the children will be packets of ear plugs (sorry).

Must write some cards. I sent out about 10 e-mail cards like you sent to me Karen but I don't think anyone has received them. What did I do wrong? I really am computer illiterate. It can't be that difficult.

Welcome Karen C. You're our sort of Loppy already (mulled wine in the morning?). I turn up like a bad penny some of the time and throw out a few insults then retreat back to my hole so just ignore me (everyone else does).

Toodle pip.

Has anyone read the thread "question" on Donna's site? A couple of the posts criticising Donna have made me so angry I had to add my twopenworth. When I joined you on Stage Loppies I did so because I felt the site I had previously joined was inappropriate for me, people who enjoy the sort of nonsense posted on the other sites should stick with them. I prefer our sort of nonsense.

Sorry about the rant, but I feel so cross.

Welcome to our world Karen C, hope you enjoy the show today,. What am I saying? Of course you will enjoy!!

Elisabeth, sorry to hear about your cat, we had our beloved spaniel put to sleep a few weeks ago,so I know exactly how you feel.

Debbie,- sorry if I frightened you! It was my poor knowledge of English that let me down. I keep forgetting it's not my first language, and sometimes in my head I translate directly from Norwegian, and it comes out all wrong. What I ment was, I'll lay him down gently! Oooohhhh, Matron, that sound downright wicked!
Elisabeth,- sorry about your cat. I remember when I left home to go to Uni many moons ago, our dog, a cocker spaniel, had to be put down just a few weeks after I left. I cried like a baby when I got the letter from home. No mobiles and computers in those days!

Enjoy the show Karen C (like there's any doubt!) - Looking forward to your review.

Elisabeth - very sorry to hear about your cat. I was devisated when my dog had to be put down, and sympathise entirely.

Ohh - and I'm another purple lover (who doesn't like Pink, so ignore anything Eva says on the subject)

Jo4 - I wanna see your lilac graph!

Went out today and hopefully ordered the Stage - I say hopefully because the news-agent didn't seem too certain of what she was doing -but I'm very grateful she was trying to help!

Lee is in todays Saturday Express Magazine!!! P.3 Lovely pic in his technicolour coat. He talks about his week end, and at the end says he prefers to do all the shopping at Tesco's!!!!! and cleaning himself. He says: "I have to hide and stick my collar up a bit, but if I had a butler, my parents would kill me." He doesn't say anothing about a housekeeper, though. I think I'll be the right person for the job. I'm applying, and you lot get behind me in the queue.!!!

Hello ladies, another part time poster here. Real life really has caught up with me recently and loppyness has had to go to the back of the queue alas. Anyway while I have a moment before the Christmas madness ensues I thought it would be a good time to say a few thank yous at this festive time of year.
First to Gillian and Carys - their technological expertise in the early loppy days are still being appreciated many months later - hope you realise how much we all appreciate it.
To Shirley for all her organisational skills and all round good ideas - keep them coming
To Donna for creating THE essential website for loppies far and wide - you are amazing
To Jane for becoming a splendid new friend even though we haven't met yet!
and to everyone else who posts on here for making me laugh and making me cry and making me realise I am not alone in this new and weird world of loppydom.
May you all have a wonderful time at Christmas, and all the best for a loppie new year. x

Aw Sheila! I'm touched! Thank you!

I'm off out for the evening, going for a curry - yummy! Have a very good evening Loppies. I'll catch you later.

Debbie I shall overlook your remarks!! Elisabeth so sorry to hear about your cat, you must all be feeling a bit low, lots of Loppy love heading your way.
Sheila and a warm and wonderful Loppy Christmas to you too!
Eek The GO shopping at Txxxo - we must convert him! Doesn't he realise they haven't been stocking his CD????
Have some more cards to write, and that will probably take me through to SCD, so will catch up then!!

You are quite right Jane E - i do need to get my skates on as way behind you lot tho might be a bit dangerous here as just polished my wooden floors - and they are slippy. I always do very little h......k rest of year and then go into overdrive when guests come .

Welcome Karen C (and enjoy the show today) and welcome back sheila and Eliz. Sheila I agree life does catch up - and sometimes I think it overtakes!

Super link Jo4 - loved it.

Anyway off for another panic. In moment of madness just invited elderly couple across road for Xmas dinner as they said they were on their own(as well as scollops and my parents from scotland) and they said yes and then announced "oh our niece from wales might join us too"!!! Ploppy (who had been sent to invite them) was so flummoxed he didnt say anything. So much for quiet family Christmas dinner - will teach me to be neighbourly again. Think i need a G and T to recover and off to decorate tree (at long last i hear you say karen) and write the christmas cards.

Hi all - have been out Christmas shopping since 8.30 this morning and just got back - I'm well crackered.

Not had chance to catch up properly but did a double take as I was scrolling through and saw your name Karen C - I'm a Karen C too, although only post here as Karen but at first glance I thought who's been pos(t)ing as me!! Welcome anyway, I've only posted on LMAS a couple of times but I did that as Karen C so if you post over there with the C I'll think of something else if I post over there again.

God I'm rambling now so I'll go for a large v&t and a catch up. Back later.

So sorry to hear about your cat Elisabeth, it is very sad when a much loved pet dies, I felt very low when our cat had to be put down some years ago.

Afraid I've missed ski practice last couple of mornings due to having visitors to stay, very time consuming.

We saw King Lear with Ian McKellen yesterday which was tremendous, not so much fun, no singing or dancing, as that other show we've all been going to lately. A very high body count at the end instead of megamix.

Thanks so much for our Christmas treat Scott, can't wait to my copy next week.

Hi and bye off to SCD blog.
It's been too cold today for anything especially as I'm still under the weather. So did some h**vering, will I be struck out of the Loppies?
see you later

Afternoon all. Are you ready for a bit of dancing? We could all do with a nice bit of hip action to keep the cold at bay. I'll see you over at SCD.

I didn't see my name and email were missing so just lost my comment - not that it was anything of note!

Westlife have just murdered You Raise Me Up, though the (teenage) audience loved it.

Ploppy keeps skipping between SCD, Westlife on ITV, BBC2 and Teletext. Wish he would stick to one channel - preferably BBC1!

Elizabeth, sorry about your cat.

I must write my Christmas cards tonight - almost run out of time. I've never been so late before.

Good afternoon all. My goodness - it is sparkling and clean in here. And a wonderful disc of all Lees recent television and radio shows playing on the plasma screen to make me feel really welcome home. Shirley you are a star lady - it is brilliant. Now sorry to be a little picky here, but it seems that the BeachCafe/Bistro has been loosing money heavily over the last 3 weeks. So get on and book yourself into the Priory because all that extra booze in everything means that you have all been drinking the profits. But first of all I have brought back a BIG chocolate rum cake for everyone to share.

Barbados had a final bite at me. When the taxi driver dropped me at the airport I managed to get one of my fingers shut in the car door. If I wasnt so tired I would be leaping around with glee at being back home. Oh and the last thing - it seems that while I was there someone stole a credit card's details and has been making multiple small purchases over here while we were still away. Fortunately the patern of spending was so differernt to mine it was picked up right away, and we are liable for non of it. Phew. And I am SO careful not to give out details to anyone.

Did I mention how pleased I am to be home???

Sheila, awe bless - thanks for the thanks. We all like appreciation - thank you.

Elisabeth - so sorry about your cat. Loosing a pet is so hard. They share our lives so intimately that you cannot do anything that does not remind us of them.

Karen C welcome As everyone has said come and go as you wish. We all visit Donna's regularly too, and it wont have taken you long to realise quite how bonkers we are.

Pauline2, notice you are a little quiet. Hope your Sloppy is coping with being back home OK.

How many of us are going to StP's on Thursday? And what time are we planning to be there? Lee is due to appear at 10. Guess we will manage a coffee and cake after? Big chocolate rum cake exists in the real as well as the virtual world and will bring it with me for us all to share.

I wrote my Christmas cards on holiday and now just have stamps to stick on them all, so should bbe in the post in the next couple of days.

Finally, before I run over to Strictly, thank you all for your cards, cheques and gifts. I will be emailing everyone tomorrow. Forgive me today if I dont get round to you. I fear I will be in bed ere long. OH IT IS SO NICE TO BE HOME

Well have now thawed out and warmed up and am chilled out (does that make sense!?) after my mammoth shopping trip today.

Jane - I accosted a poor woman today in Leeds thinking it was you. Same purple skirt, same long hair, same black hat. And she had a very attractive young man on her arm (thought you had been keeping Ploppy's charms a secret!!). I was convinced it was you until I jumped out at her!!!

Elisabeth - so sorry about your cat. It is like losing a member of the family. Our cat, also 16, packed her bags one day and left home never to be seen again. For months I kept expecting her to turn up. I couldn't decide at the time whether not knowing what had happened to her was worse than if she had died because then at least we could grieve and move on but since then we have had a kitten who died and I think both situations are just as bad and just as painful. So my thoughts are with you. And you know you can rely on Loppyland to cheer you up.

Debbie - if your e-cards have not been received they've probably been blocked by security cos knowing you it was probably Santa mooning or something like that!!!!

Fi - yes about time, Christmas is less than two weeks away you know!!! Good for you, looking after your elderly neighbours - and remember to put the THE ALBUM on whilst they're there and tell them you're never to old to be a Loppy!!

Diana - my ploppy's exactly the same switching channels so I just leave him to it and go in the other room where I am in charge of the remote!!!

Purple my fave colour too as Nicki's toes and Jo4's underwear on CiN night will testify. How bizarre does that sound??

Shirley - welcome back, it's good to have you home. Hope you get a good night's sleep.

Oooh, welcome back Shirley. Crikey - what a few weeks it's been for you. You mean your credit card company noticed that the money being spent wasn't on theatre tickets???
Am still working on the visit to StP. Will let you know. I think there's a thread on LMAS about people going...
And did you see at the end of SCD the advert for MMJ. I'd just turned the video recorder OFF!!!! Tearing the hair out or what??? Hopefully it'll be on again tomorrow before or after the results show.

Hi and welcome to Karen C. We welcome all providing they are all 'slightly bonkers'. I nip over to Donna's site most days. I post there too occassionally.

Welcome back to Shirley. Glad they picked up the credit card misuse quickly. You must have lots of post waiting for you after 3 weeks.

Elisabeth, sorry about your cat. I know it is hard when you loose a much loved member of the family. I lost one a few weeks ago, it was a border as the owner was in hospital. That was hard too, even though I didn't know him too well.

It's true, I love lilac and purple. I'd dress in black, lilac and purple all the time if people wouldn't think I was odd.

Wll as many of you know I favour shocking pink, and gave up caring what people thought about it a few years ago. These days I get kiddies tugging their mum's and pointing to me - Mum that lady had pink hair. And I just sail serenely by with a big grin on my face.

Auds - I wondered how they knew so quickly it wasnt me. That must be it. Theatre tickets, return to London train tickets and overnight London hotels - near the Adelphi of course. Thats my normal pattern of expediture - oh and the odd ebay item!!!!

Big favour to ask of someone:
I have tried to order a copy of The Stage, but no newsagents want to take an order for one weeks magazine. I've worked out with the Christmas traffic it will take me an hour and a half to get to WH Smiths, from work and back. If I leave it to the weekend,they might be sold out. If someone is able to get to Smiths on 20th could they buy me a copy and I will pay for it and postage and packing.

Hi all it's me bad penny back again. Had very hectic couple of days, just had quick wizz through and hope I now cover all relevant points!
Shirley welcome home, lovely to have you back, think the bistro/workshop probably needs you though have to say great entertainment value, but I'm worried advantage has been taken of BHB in your absence! I know sad isn't it!
Elisabeth so sorry about your pusscat. Mine was 14 when he died years ago and it is as you say like part of your family has died.
Welcome KarenC so nice to see you are a mulled wine type! By now you will have seen the show so come on give with the review!!!
As I said been busy mainly with sloppy as she wasn't too good when she came home, but has had a better day today so let's hope things will get better.
Last but certainly not least may I just say a huge THANKYOU to Scott(hope this isn't so late it's rude) can't wait for Thursday for various reasons...well two!!!!
Right now off to Donnas'.. a while to catch up on so could take most of the night!

@Jo4 (and anyone else): You're right -- newsagents who don't normally stock The Stage won't do so for an individual issue. Nor will branches of WH Smith which normally stock it order extra copies of just for one week (as I understand it, they only increase their order if you order a regular delivery).

It's possible to order individual copies directly from The Stage offices, although we're more geared up to sending out occasional back issues rather than in-demand issues such as this one (we had a similar situation last year when our big Christmas interview was with Will Young).

I'll have to double-check payable amounts by cheque, etc. when I'm back in the office on Monday, and will get info. to you before the issue hits the shelves.

Would be great if we could get a copy direct Scott, thanks for checking it out for us. If not, if anybody could get a copy for me I would be very grateful and will, of course, pay all expenses!!

Have just seen the CO, looking doubly constipated, murder ADWD with Same Difference. And WHY does he always wear the same tight so unflattering grey trousers and waistcoat. He must think they do something for him. I just cant beat to hear him sing Jo songs anymore. I so hope Rhydian wins, his songs were amazing tonight but he may not be the XF audience cup of tea.
Scott - that would be great if we can order direct

Scott-Thank you. I did have a look at this web site to see if I could order a copy, I did find the subscription bit, but did not find any other info. So if you can arrange something for us we will be in your debt, for the home and the magazine. To warn you I did have Donna from LMAS ask how she could get a copy, so there may be more requests from there as well.

Hi all
Just back from Adelphi.
Went on my own but soon saw a friend who had gone with daughter, hubby, mother , mother in law and uncle Tom cobley and all. She was as surprised to see me as i was her!! They had gone today as a result of seeing ADWD, She knows i'm a Loppy so i will now have to find out if she and her daughter have been converted too.
It was a different type of audience today, to the time i went before. Lots of families with children. Consequently i thought the audience took a long while to warm to the show, unlike the first time, when as soon as Lee appeared on stage the whole place erupted.
Lee appeared on stage decending as he does into massive amounts of dry ice. Reading a review it wasn't there last week and it shouldn't have been today. It really affected his throat and he struggled through the opening bars of the opening song. He coughed, covered his mouth with his hand missing a few notes then looked at the audience and smiled. Like a trouper he carried on but missed a high note completely when no sound came out.
He recovered as the song went along but i have to say i was on the edge of my seat worrying whether he was O.K.

His voice got stronger as the show went along but i didn't relax until Close every door has been sung.

The rest of the show went along without mishap as far as i can tell. Dean Collinson was absent as was Preeya Kalidas and her role was taken by Kate Tydman.

No one got up and danced during the megamix which was a disappointment as i had a good boogie the last time i went and not everyone gave the cast a standing ovation either. There i was in Row B in the stalls, on my feet on my own!!

After the show had finished went outside for the signings.
Haven't done this before but on the advice of previous postings on Donnas site i ambled my way out and stood to the side of the ramp. The ropes were put up and i found myself in the second row from the front. We didnt have to wait long for Lee to appear and a huge roar went up as he bounded out. He handed out signed cards first then began autographing. he signed for those in front of me and they left so suddenly i was up front. I looked back to see My friend and her daughter behind me and managed to get her daughter in front of me. Suddenly Lee was back to our end and started signing young Emily's programme for her, Lee suddenly looked up and said 'Did you enjoy the show?' i realised then he was asking me, Oh my god!!!! i replied something along the lines that the show was brilliant and that i had had a great time. He then said 'Glad you liked it'
Before i could get him to sign my programme, time was called, he said goodbye waved to us all, we all said goodbye and he was gone. Not to worry already had his autograph at HMV.

So got on the train, plugged myself into my MP3, Lee of course, began texting a friend to tell her all the news and settled down to look at my Joseph brochures feeling a very happy bunny. I suddenly looked up to find we had pulled into a station that i shouldn't have been at. Wrong train, wrong line !!!
What am i like. I blame Lee for getting me into a tizzy, i don't know if i'm a Loppy or loopy!!! So i found myself eventually standing on Lewisham station waiting for another train home. How spookey is that (Look at previous comments)
Arrived home an hour late but i don't care because i have just Seen Joseph and spoken to Lee. That will keep me going until Thursday when hopefully see him again at St P's ha ha.

P.S. - Scott i would sooo love The Stage Mag as well, please!!!

Hi Karen C. Thanks for the review. Sorry to hear about the dry ice effect on his voice. When I was there last they did seem to overdo it. It does have a bit of an effect on the brain, this Lee thing, so not totally surprised that you got on the wrong train. But you enjoyed the show anyway.

Karen C,- thank you so much for your review. So glad you enjoyed it, but isn't it funny how different the show can feel dependent on the audience. The last time I went, was on CiN night, and the atmosphere that night was electric! There is no other word to describe it. I don't understand why they have to swamp everything in that dry ice. Does it only come in extra large portions?
Shirley,- good to have you back, dear lady. Hope you can get a good nights sleep, and wake up feeling rested and ready to sort out The Stage Bistro. I don't know if the clientelle can check into the Priory. I tried last week, but it was full. Carol had a cunning plan,- it was to blend alcohol into everything. It worked, we were all p****d every morning, but I'm not surprised to hear that all the profit is gone.
I am lucky that my local WHSmith does have The Stage, and I'll make sure to be there early on Thursday morning to get mine. If any of you want me to buy you one, send me a mail.

Welcome home Shirley, I know you've been in touch, but somehow not the same as knowing you're here.

Lovely review Karen C, thanks.

Scott, it would be good to be able to order a copy of The Stage, looking forward to the interview!!

Just thought you'd all like to know I've not written a single Christmas card yet!

Nite nite all.

Sue I've just done mine today. Well, most of them.
Nightlee night all. No bistro for me tomorrow morning, early start again.

Thanks for the review Karen C - I never tire of hearing the reviews. They always take me back!

To anybody who watched X-Factor - it's a travesty - Rhyd was robbed!!. Think you're right Shirley2, probably not X-F audience cup of tea but Rhyd deff had the better voice and stage presence!!

...and I've just written another load of cards - just society ones and office ones to go...... Karen C - thank you for the prompt review - some way back after my last visit I said I thought the dry ice had affected the GO during his opening - it's lethal stuff when it's overdone!
Pauline2, do hope Sloppy is well on the mend now! Just watched X Factor with my Sloppy - can't understand why Leon won - he sang flat in nearly every song I heard him do! Totally weird!!
Mrs Santa - welcome back!! Off to bed now so Sweet Meads all!

Sorry but who won??
Been in the Lee zone today!!!

Oooops! now i know ,thanks!!

Have to say i saw Leon as a guest of Michael Buble on stage at Wembley on the 4th Dec. I thought he was rather good singing 'Home'. They did a duet. Michael was better though!!

It will be interesting to see how many CD's he sells!!!

Karen - agree Rhydian was robbed - knew from Simon's comments that he wouldnt win. Thought he (Rhydian, not Simon) has wonderful voice and very different but striking appearance and presence and thought world of music could do with something different.

Karen C - thnaks for review. When I went on Mon there was dry ice and I did think right at begining that Lee's voice seemed a bit hoarse but that lasted very short time and then he seemed to get over it quickly and I wouldnt say he struggled. But glad he recovered today too.

Jo4 - like you I have done most of cards so just need to finish wrapping presents put up the other non tree decorations and then plan menus. I love (not) those cards wishing you a peaceful christmas - as if!

Welcome back Shirley - hope jet lag not too severe.

Eliz - forgot to say sorry about your cat. We have never had cats or dogs (my brother very asthmatic and cannot be near animals or in house where they have been) but when our guinea pigs died youngest scollop didnt sleep for days - and he was 14 then. We still have their photos in pride of place in kitchen.

Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

And you see.. I just didn't think Rhyd had the presence, although it was a pretty close thing. Rhyd had the voice for sure - just not the XF. Niether hold a candle to the GO of course. We are truly spoilt, nay blessed, to have him.
Half the xmas cards done... next half tomorrow. All xmas shopping done - overdone is more like it. This time next week... I'll be on my way to the Cape. Miss out on the final SCD - going to have to rely on Youtube for viewing. Oh, and I'm also going to miss the DrW xmas special too.
Not sure my internet connection is going to be the best either.... will have to spend my holiday in an internet cafe. There's a thread on Donna's site asking how the GO has changed your life... I don't think there's enough space on there to go into detail. But suffice it to say I used to enjoy being away from the computer when on holiday.. not so anymore. The prospect is frightening.

I thought Rhyd was robbed too - and I much preferred his version of the new single to Leons. It was all very odd - Simons comments, calling Rhyd Leon etc but I expect it all came down to the fact that the majority of XF's viewers have no taste. I'm just SO RELIEVED that on ADWD the best man DID win, think if it had been like tonight (or on SDC in recent weeks) and Mcteeth had sailed past Lee to win at the last minute (I'm going cold all over thinking about it). AND thank goodness the CO helping the duo to ruin ADWD came only third. One worrying thing was that on the Extra Fac programme before results programme they had a clip of ALW saying that 'Rhydian may not have been the best Joseph but he would make a marvellous Phantom' NO NO NO - that part is Lee's has Lee's name on it I hope!

Shirley, lovely to have you back. Hope your finger's not hurting and hope you sleep right through.

Wish I could be at StP on Thursday but by then I'll be thousands of miles away. Extremely bad timing! But I'll be thinking of you all. Please take plenty of photos!!

Thanks Scott. It would be great if we can order direct. Although I can usually pick up The Stage on a Wednesday, it would just be typical for it to be late this week of all weeks. I really must look into a subscription when I get some time.

Xmas cards done at last while watching X Factor (hope I put the cards in the right envelopes). I thought JD looked like he'd been transplanted straight from the Diana concert - maybe he's only got the one outfit. I wasn't that impressed either by Rhydian and Katherine Jenkins' duet. I didn't particularly care who won (not at all like ADWD) but Rhydian sang much better than Leon who was awful on the last song.

Auds, I've just been on LMAS forum and read that thread. I was tempted to post "Almost totally". I also missed the MMJ ad - thanks to someone switching channels. Fingers crossed it's shown again tomorrow night.

Pauline2, hope your sloppy has a good night and an even better day tomorrow.

Thanks for the review, Karen C. Not good news that the dry ice affected Lee's voice so badly at the start. Hope he's having a day off tomorrow.

Night all, sleep tight.

Ok Beach Bunnies - rise and shine ready to hope across to see whether the Catering Manager is back up and running - what's this the Bistro in darkness?? Quick I still have the spare key. First job lots of hot chocolate special and Irish coffee to get on - oh look, here's the gorgeous BHB come to lend a hand - we'll have our work cut out getting all the breakfasts done in time.
Mrs Santa the profits were down because we had to engage the services of two temporary waiters whilst the BHB was off sick (and still pay him his sick pay of course, as he has to live!). The alcohol was all donated free by establishments I may have frequented in the past!

Morning all. Well, if the alcohol we have drunk in the Bistro has been donated by establishments Santa's Elf has visited in the past, we should be stocked up for another year!!
Hello sweetheart. Good to see you back on form. I bet you're glad too to be in charge of the serving here again. I didn't much care for DT, but then he didn't much care for me either, so no harm done. I do hope Danny Boy will pop in from time to time.
It's just hello and good bye from me this morning. I'm off for the day with some friends, so a quick leaded coffee will have to do. No Coffee Doctor please, as I'll be driving, so please see to it that Santa's Elf is not up to her old tricks again!
I'll be back in time for SCD toninght, hopefully.

A huge thank you for the DCM and the BHB for opening up the The BeachCafe/Bistro this morning. The CM herself is somewhat jetlagged, and then when she did try and log on found that the bleeping network was down.

Right as I was late in this morning, and I see the morning rush (ok trickle) has passed through already I am taking pity on you all being so busy with cards, present wrapping and things I have decided to organise a Bajan Lunch buffet complete with a choir singing carols to a calypso beat. That should bring some sun into the place. Dot sure why it is so dark in here today??? BHB - you want to sing along - of course you can if we are not too busy. Oh bless, back to the singing fantasy again.

SOOOOOO from 12 - 2.30 an all you can eat buffet.

Pickled breadfruit and coleslaw salads to start

Pepperpot stew
West Indian style roast pork (Yummy)
Goat Curry
Chicken in gravy
Fried flying fish
Grilled dolphin (no not flipper Mahi Mahi)
Fried Plantains
Peas and Rice
Roti
Sweet potato mash (with the obligatory pineapple ring and cherry on top)
Macaronni Pie (Macaronni Cheese to you)
Calaloo

And to drink we have a truly special Rum Punch. Made by a little sandwhich shop/general store/lunch bistro which features more lime and nutmeg than the traditional recipe calls for but is superb. Carried back over the ocean yesterday by your CM herself. In empty hot sauce bottles and hidden in her suitcase. And yes I did wash the bottles out first. Carol?? Are you OK?? You've gone all red and are choking. Oh dear. Didnt I wash the bottles out well enough first. WOW that truly does have a KICK. Enjoy Loppy Ladies. It is good to be home. And yes BHB - it is wonderful to see you again too.

And like Auds and Diana, the GO has changed my life in more ways that I can begin to enumerate. Like knowing all you lovely, if slightly bonkers (sorry Scott that slightly still bothers me) ladies.

Get the Mail on Sunday today - LEE IS IN IT AT LAST! The 'back of the taxi' feature they do, a whole page in colour supplement (the womens one). Mostly regurgitated stuff but nice nonetheless.

ooh, what a lovely menu today - Big Up for the returning (in one piece) CM bringing with her exotic foodstuffs. I'm going to dig in to that roast, and perhaps the rice and peas.
In the meantime I'll just sit here with the BHB and have a lovely big cup of coffee (well pretend to listen to all the CMs tales of woe and adventure - I mean, some of the things she's telling us, do you think she might be making them up? Or do you think she's writing a script for the Indiana Jones 4 movie??
Oh, I love that little giggle BHB.

Good morning. Housew**k done at last.

Thanks Shirley2. Will be off to the shops very shortly. The Mirror has a comment from Kerry re Lee & DVO
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/realitytv/a81778/meads-ex-feels-hurt-over-new-romance.html
Also see link on this page about the Celebrity Chart. Obviously we don't know the details of the break up (and it's none of our business) but I do feel sorry for Kerry. But as the majority of people have said, all I want is for Lee to be happy.

Quick dash to the shops and post the cards and then I must do a bit more w**k.

Thanks for the link Diana - I know that I would feel the same....

Welcome home Shirley, nice and sunny today if chilly.

I'd been wondering whether Lee might be vulnerable to a kiss and tell from K. This sounds like she's just responding to questions from a journalist and it's only natural that she should feel hurt. Let's hope that's the end of it.

Afternoon all. What a wonderful spread shirley - roast pork and sweet pots - yum.

On my own as scollop kindly washing windows - actually meant to be washing cars but windows are being nicely smeared (sorry washed) too. ploppy off to research wooden fooring. Why - when decs to put up, presents to wrap, cards to write, house to clean. Hmmm think that why and my guess is the pub floor is being well researched.

However he did buy Mail before disappearing so will take my rum punch (thank you Shirley) and drool awhile.

Afternoon all

Welcome home Shirley. It's mighty cold here today, bet this is a shock to the system!!

Have spent all morning writing cards and wrapping a few pressies ready for delivery tonight and my ploppy, like yours Fi, is nowhere to be seen! Freezing his whatnots off round the golf course!! For some reason he prefers that to writing and wrapping!! And his contribution to my mammoth Christmas pressie shop yesterday was to drop me off in town and leave me to it!! Men!!!!!

OOoo - I might have missed breakfast at the Bistro, but the lunch spread looks scrummy! Thanks Shirley, it's nice to have you back, though speaking as a Lush I think the DCM did sterling work in your absence!

Karen C thanks for the review - he SPOKE to you - (sighs whistfully)

Oh Karen, how I laughed at the thought of you accosting some stranger in Leeds! How dare she be wearing my purple skirt! Cheek of the woman!

Pauline2 - Best wishes to your sloppy.

Diana - thanks for the link.

Oh Scott and Jo4 - my newsagent has ordered me a single copy of the Stage (or has tried to, bless her) - told told her that a friend of mine had written an interview in it, and she was most accomodating (Scott you are now officially a friend!)

Karen, I know what you mean about men. I've bought all the presents, written all the cards and where has Ploppy been - on the golf course!

Jane E, the first newsagent I tried is the one I've known for 24 years, so I thought most likely to help me out. You are lucky. Hopefully Scott will be able to work out another way.
No horses for me today still feel a bit feverish.

Just back from church and from taking Sloppy to Sisloppy's and saw the article in Mail on Sunday, so was going to post about it on here, but see I have been pipped at the post!
Just going to put some decorations up downstairs (Ploppy has put the outdoor lights up) before settling down to the evening's SCD and Cranford. Catch up later!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZr9gjhXuLU
roro has the ad for marias and josephs

Lee's no longer on the Radio 2 playlist *sulks*.

Hey, Jo4 - I'm still not 100% convinced she ordered the right thing! Sorry to hear you're still poorly - and not even the Hamster on tonight to cheer you up!

Afternoon all. What a lovely day I've had. Drove up to my friend who lives near Maidsone. Beautiful weather, although cold. She is the Sloppy who called me after watching Gillians DVD and almost cried because she thought Lee was so lovely. Her sister was there too, and after we'd gone for a nice walk, we settled down to watch the DVD. I have watched it about 564 times already, but does it matter? Not a bit. He was brilliant as always, but for me it was almost just as good just watching the other two. They were completely enthralled, applauded a few times, sighed a lot, and when he won, all three of us had tears in our eyes. When we had lunch, it was like a Loppy Convention. All we talked about was Lee. They both said" We have to go and see him in Joseph", and I told them it wouldn't be easy to get tickets. They begged me to try, so when I got home I rang SEE, and YES YES YES, I now have 3 tickets for August 20th, 2 in Dress Circle row A smack in the middle, and 1 in Stalls, Row B (!!!!!!!!!), smack in the middle again. Oh, didn't I mention I would be going too?

Evening all. Just back from hospital where, you've guessed it, sloppy is back again! Beginning to feel like I have bought and resurfaced the car park up there. However don't think it's too serious, I sure they have just been discharging her too quickly, ggrrrrrrr. Anyway am getting myself in the mood for a fight tomorrow, as this is getting ridiculous.
Livid I missed lunch,as I really did miss lunch and reading that menu has made me sooooo hungry!
Fortunately had bought the Mail today to while away the hours, had a choice between that and News Of the World, couldn't believe my eyes as normally don't buy it, and wouldn't have known till now, so the day had one bright spot.
Of course the upshot of all this that at this rate Christmas will be cancelled for me. Had no time to shop or anything, aaarrrrgggghhh.
Please if you can Scott my lovely please get us a way to buy Stage as the way my luck has been going recently, you are my only hope. Sniff, sob, sigh.

Pauline2 Sorry to hear about your Sloppy. I think they try to get a quick turn around in beds now. I think you will have to stand up for her, sounds like you are ready for it. Glad you got the right paper. I missed it as I slept in, after missing some sleep in the night with a high temp.
Eva You can't want to see the show again? Won't you be bored with it by then? I know, I'll go instead and sit in Row B, save you from being bored!!
JaneE, What no hamster. I'd missed that. Hope your newsagent as ordered the right one, afterall it's not a difficult name. I am confident that Scott will find us a way.

Damn! I see I've missed an org...organised fun filled party time whilst I've been away. Can you let me know next time please Karen?

And I see Lee is appearing somewhere on Thursday. Please tell. I can't find where it was written.

Just waiting for the lamb to cook whilst ploppy bangs nails in the bathroom floor. It's not a hobby of his, he's just preparing it for the underfloor heating mat and tiles that'll go on top. OOH, warm feet in the morning at last!

Gotta go, SCD results on. Hope Aleisha and Gethin stay in.

Jo4 So sorry you are still poorly. Hope it soon passes. I hope you are planning another few days bedrest to get over it??

And Pauline - that is outrageous. How awful for you and your Sloppy. Cant be doing either of you any good. If they had just kept her in until she was really ready to go home in the first place she would have spent less time there in total. But so hope things are resolved so you can join us on Thursday. Who knows Smiths on StP's might have been bright enough (maybe with a hint from Scott the Landlord??) to order in lots of copies of The Stage - for sure it would be very convenient to buy it there. And Pauline I can get the Stage here so will just buy as many copies as I can on my way back from London if I need to and will send them out to whoever still needs a copy. They dont have huge stocks so it would only be 10 or 12 copies so let me know. But the easiest would certainly be if Scott can make sure there are some at StP's for us to buy, and we can do that pairing thing we did at CiN night and each undertake to get a copy of our pair??

Enjoying watching Strictly. But T's off that I have missed the Hamster. What have they done with him? Has the series ended?

Our Canadian friends flew back from Barbados yesterday and because they arrive fairly late and have a long drive had a hotel booked overnight. Just as well. Toronto airport closed with a huge snow storm raging. Seems all hotel rooms have suddenly filled up, but they got preference since they were already there. The snow is coming down horizontally and although their hotel room overlooks the airport they cannot even see the runway.

I gather my nephews are coining it in (they live nearby). They keep shovelling the snow off their and their neighbours drives, and then having to do it again and again. I guess someone always wins!!!!

Matt and Alesha in the final. Fair enough, although I have been voting for Gethin.
Shirley, that description of Toronto sound like a normal Norwegian winters day. My best friends husband (she is Norwegian, he is English) says the Scandinavians must be the most patient, stoic and stubborn peoples in the world. Every morning for 4-5 months(more or less) it's the same story. You come out in the morning, dig out your car, go to work, finish work, dig out your car, go home, and the next morning you start all over again.
I loooooove the English winter!!!!
Jo4,- still not feeling all right? Stay in bed an extra day or two. I'll suggest something to keep you amused, and NO, one of them is not you going to the Adelphi instead of me!
Scott dear,- I'm a bit confused. Someone said on the blog earlier that she buys The Stage every Wednesday. I thought it came out on Thursdays. Please, can you clarify? I don't want to miss this weeks issue for obvious reasons. Thank you!

Now Eva, I'm rather worried about you - having to make that journey to London again. Let your friends help you out; I'll go in your place, intead of Jo4.

Jo4 & Shirley - there is something on the telly called 'Snooker' where our little hamster should be. (gggrrr!) I believe he's back next week - and there's the Evil Kinevil thing he's doing on too.

Pauline 2 - you have all my sympathy. Hope Sloppy gets better soon.

So sorry about your sloppy, Pauline2. These days hospitals seem to turf patients out so quickly.

Eva, if it's me you're referring to, I think it's just central London where The Stage is available on a Wednesday. Most places, plus postal, it's Thursday.

If Scott can't help with copies of this week's Stage, I can buy additional copies from the stockist near my office PROVIDED he has the paper on Wednesday BUT I'm flying out Wednesday night so might not be able to post! I think best to wait and see what Scott says.

Chocolate lovers - we've just eaten M&S Pain au Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding. Scrummy!! Thoroughly recommend it.

When's the EK thing Jane? And do we get the Hamster back if Ronnie O'Sullivan wins any time soon? (Says she knowledgably who has just switched over to see.)

This is a different type of vid using PiB as the sound track. Says it was done for school. Makes the track even darker as it's about global warming, so don't view it if you're depressed. I think it's very good.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=At4aHjCNrFk

Diana, you are taunting us with your M&S Pain au Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding! I WANT SOME!!!

Shirley - Sunday 23rd Dec 9.00pm just after Top Gear (and James May is doing a programme on Girls' toys before it. And yes, Jo4 - my insane friens will be watching that!)

OK - I have promised myself an early night!
Good night Loppies!

Jo4 and janeE,- I am very touched that you should be so concerned about my welfare. Jo4, I don't often get bored, so I think I'll survive Joseph yet another time. My attention span isn't that short!! JaneE, if I can drive to Newcastle, sail across the North Sea and back again on my own, I think I just might manage another train ride into London. But thank you for your consern. Anybody else got any suggestions why they should go instead of me?
Diana,- it might have been you who mentioned buying The Stage on a Wednesday, but I'm sure Scott dear will sort it for us.

OK - who watched Cranford and didn't blub? I want to know who are the hard hearted Hannahs amongst us.
And then, I the midst of tears there was the complete joy of seeing the delicious Martin Shaw. I didn't know whether to sob or swoon - so I did both (glad I was watching on my own).

Sorry Auds soft as muck here! Wasn't it wonderful. Tele perfection for me, well for something that doesn't include the GO, as close as it's going to get.
OOOH if I can't get to StP and get a copy I would love a copy of Stage please Shirley. Still hoping though!

Welcome back Shirley.
Pauline2 Sorry to hear your Sloppy is back in hospital. Let's hope they make sure she's not sent home too soon this time.
Auds I was blubbing away at Crannford too. Just got over it when Ploppy woke up and wanted to know what happened and started mr off again!!
Jo4 hope you soon feel better.
Eva and Geri, Cliff is singing again on Loose Women one day this week and is on Alan Titchmarsh on 17th.
I'm sure I missed something I was going to say. never mind it can't be important.

Kathleen,- thanks for the tip on Cliff baby. Will be watching. Didn't watch Cranford tonoght, but have recorded it, so I'll do my crying tomorrow. I'm a softie, I am. I wanted to watch Parkingsons Last Conversation tonight. It's still going on, but I'm tired, so I think I'll watch the rest in bed. I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

OK I confess I blubbed - but then I always blub at anything sad - Ploppy just hands me his handkerchief! Managed to write some more cards, get the Christmas tree decorated and even wrap a couple of presents! Who knows I may beat Christmas yet (although I am out tomorrow, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday...). Off to bed so Sweet Meads all!

I'm sat here with cards, cheques and tickets to Jo all around me trying very hard not to get confused. Which is difficult being this tired. Might try a little longer but going to give up soon and go to bed. In the vague hope that I might be up early enough to open the Bistro. But then again I have the dogs to wake me up now.

Sorry did not see Cranford. Think having missed 3 weeks was a mistake. Will have to get the DVD sounds brilliant. I like a good weep.

So goodnight all and Sweet Meads.

Thanks for all you kind thoughts after the loss of my cat. That's what I love about being a loppy - it goes far beyond our common admiration for the GO but feels like a sisterhood of like-minded women. I did read a moderators' statement on another site a while back which reminded users not to post anything unless it directly related to Lee. What I really like about being part of this site is that we are all free (within reason) to go off on tangents when we feel like it and have conversations on anything under the sun.
Which reminds me: the colour purple. Seems like a few of us are fans, so another thing in common. Debbie, I don't usually dress from head to toe in purple and my hair is brown, front door green but I will admit to having 'accent' walls and ornaments in my house in various shades of purple. Hope that's acceptable.
Pauline2 - I feel for you, what a run-up to Christmas. Let's hope that your Sloppy improves now and you get to take a break from constantly having to push for her to have the care she needs.
Re Christmas - we've been putting up the Christmas tree today. Normally, being German, I would try and hold out until Christmas Eve and have just an advent wreath until then, but, what with the children being upset about the cat, I gave in and the tree is up and decorated - in purple and gold! Some Christmas cards written, more to do but overseas presents ready to post tomorrow. I'm officially on Christmas holiday now, so looking forward to popping in more regularly.
Diana, Shirley2 and Jo4 (hope I'm not forgetting anyone) - thanks for all the links and the tip re the Mail on Sunday. Hope you're feeling a bit better, Jo4.
Shirley - good to have you back in the country and to see you've lost none of your organisational skills (very impressive menu, made my mouth water even at this late hour).
KarenC - lovely review, thanks a lot; like others I never tire of reading how fab Lee is.
As for SCD and X-Factor, dollop and I are pleased that Alesha is in the final and I am probably in the minority by saying that I preferred Leon to Rhydian (who I never warmed to despite his excellent singing voice).
Right, it's getting late. Night-night and see you all tomorrow.

Right, I've done my hair and it seems to have made me feel better. Not fond of historical dramas, unless they are the type with lots of horses in, so didn't have to cry this evening. Did some more cards and sent some emails to non Loppies with my Christmas pic. Emailed a friend who moved to Cyprus to check how she and family are getting on.
Elisabeth you have spotted the difference we have here, no threads to confuse us, and we pop about all over the place. It reminds me of talking to a mother of one of my friends. Her mind used to jump from one thing to another, you really had to keep your wits about you to keep up. Loose concentration for a couple of seconds and you had no idea what she was talking about. It was fun though!!
Nightlee night all.

Auds, didn't see Cranford, but MARTIN SHAW, now there's a "thud" I think we have a very similar taste.

Eva, I should go instead of you, because I WANT TO!!

Got most of my Christmas cards done today, so I feel a bit more organised.

Jo4, get well soon, thanks for the link to the global warming vid, it was very good. Something we don't take seriously enough.

Wish me luck for tomorrow, I'm having surgery on my toes, so will possibly be laid up for a while. Good excuse to while away the time perusing Meady things!!

Nite nite all.

Morning Morning - Rise and Shine! The CM will be back and expecting customers from an early hour! Apparently it is VERY COLD out there! We have our firm's Christmas bunfight today - it is "Green" - going by Rickshaw to the Canal Museum; all food organic etc. etc. (apparently so is the wine!!), so I may not be much in evidence from 11 am onwards (Rickshaw time!).

Hi all -

I've just lost my post and haven't time to write it all out again - grrrr!

Anyway, short version...

Sue good luck with your op!

Carol have a lovely lunch!

Morning. I can confirm that it is COLD outside!

Enjoy your lunch, Carol, and good luck with the op, Sue.

Good morning all Beach Bunnies. Well not beach this morning.l We have resited in the middle of a shopping mall for your convenience in assisting with Christmas shopping. Now you just pop into your favourite BeachCafe/Bistro but one of the doors opens into this lovely mall - so no longer will you have to lug those heavy shopping bags miles to the car park or bus stop, just pop back in here, a nice coffee and rum cake and back out the other door into the car park (with thanks to DT Who gave me the idea, and showed me how to do it)

Right, as previously stated - Bunny its cold outside..... so lots of warming breakfasts on offer this morning. Some lovely warming porridge - fruit porridge a blend of oats with rasins, cranberries, blueberries and raspberries or an apple and raisin version - with thanks and apologies to Dorset Cereals. All made in the traditional way with water but with milk and cream on the side for you to add yourself. Also honey, brown or demerara (real Guyanese Demerara sugar - none of your look alikes here) sugar. If you dont like porridge we have some lovely homemade waffles with Canadian maple syrup. Lovely stuff.

Then lots of teas, coffees and tissanes. Roll up, Roll up. The BHB is bouncing with health after his recent illness and cant wait to serve you again. (I'm afraid his delusions are getting worse - he's rabbiting on about being on the telly over Christmas - be gentle with him ladies - dont know where he gets these fantasies, but they seem to be important to him.)

Carol I like the sound of your lunch. Pity its not on Thursday or I fancy we could drum up a few 'guests' to join you.

Sue good luck - hope it all goes well and does not hurt too much. Guess we wont be seeing you on Thursday!!!

The more alert of you (OK own up - who's alert at this time of the day??) will have noticed that I am just ever so slightly excited about some place I am going bright and early on Thursday morning (will you accept early if not bright??)- oh its coming so fast now. Likely to be my last GO sighting until after his holidays so got to make the most of it.

Morning all.. Lovely warming breakfast shirley - i love my porridge on a cold morning and esp with the fruit selection.

good luck with op Sue - and hope you need some recovery time so have an excuse to Lee gaze with feet up!

Your "do" sounds great Carol. We are very "green" in this house Sue. Living with 3 geographers one of whom used to work in the environment and one of whom training in that area i dont really have a choice. Everyone at work laughs as I reuse scrap for printing etc - does come back to haunt me when i cant remember which side of sheet i am supposed to be working on!

Loved cranford and yes did cry. martin shaw was an extra bonus. But i do want to know what happened next..

Re purple i have to say i am a blue and turquoise person but this year going to my new work's posh do and I dont have an eve dress so was looking this weekend. last night spent ages trying everything on and hated everything - made me look old and fat! Then thought would just check spare room wardrobe and found a lovely eve dress i had last worn 10 year ago and had totally forgotten i had - and it is purple - this year's in colour and it fits! See i am doing my bit to save environment (and my wallet) Sue.

Off to work but half day and eldest scollop home from uni - hurrah. He says he is looking forward to doing cooking with me - i am looking forward to him doing the cooking (on his own!)

Morning all. I'm all muffled up. It COLD today. Oh, it's nice and warm in here though.
Shirley,- so nice to have you back. Thursday? I know,- you are going to admire the architecture at St. Pancras, aren't you?

Hello sweetheart. Coffee and toast with honey for me, please. Doesn't she believe you'll be on the telly over Christmas? Never mind,- you know she has been away for a while, and she has been telling us about all kinds of things going on out there, earthquakes, tropical storms, near drownings and whatnot, so just humour her. ( Now we have two fantasists to contend with.) I just don't understand why people can't be content with what they have, but need to make up virtual lives and I don't know what!!!
I have finished all my Christmas shopping, so I'll just sit here and look after BHB. He needs some looking after after that nasty spell of bronchitis.
Sue,- I know that you WANT to go in my place, but you can't GO with those toes!(Another awful joke).
They just played "Bad day " on radio 2. Do I need to say I have heard it sung better?

Sorry, very remiss of me - Sue fingers crossed for you! Shirley like the shopping mall!! Now how much shopping can I get done before my lunch?? Quite looking forward to the Rickshaw ride...even though it is freezing out there. We have been told they will provide blankets. We have a fleet of 40 ordered and everyone else has been asked to either walk or take the tube -taxis definitely not allowed! On the subject of purple - I shall be wearing purple velvet trousers, purple cami and black and white top!

What a relief to wake up feling fine. I had a foul migraine yesterday, the worst for a long time. So your porridge sounds delicious Shirley, I'm feling hungry today.

I did manage to watch Cranford from my bed of pain and shed a tear or two, all the loose ends tied up beautifully, wasn't Harry a good little actor.

Have a great lunch Carol, hope you get there safely I've never liked the look of those rickshaws!

Good luck with the op Sue.

Must get on with Chr. cards and decorating the tree which I had intended to do yesterday.

Hello Everyone!!

Sorry I have been abit busy recently so no posting! Just seen this though!

http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=80093&in_page_id=7&in_a_source=

Nice little article in the Metro - no mention of you know who though! Just read the Sunday Express article that Lee likes to go to Brighton - I was in Brighton yesterday but it didn't occur to me to look out for him there!!

Okay, as promised. If you want to order an issue of the December 20 issue direct from us, please send a cheque/PO for £2.00 (inc. p&p) made payable to The Stage Newspaper Limited and send it to:

Issue ordering
The Stage
47 Bermondsey Street
London
SE1 3XT

Bear in mind that we will have limited stocks and all orders will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.

You can also order by debit card for the same price by phoning us on 020 7403 1818 ext. 730 during office hours.

Scott dear,- as you are awake now, I'll ask you again. Diana says she can get The Stage on Wednesdays in Central London. Does this go for the rest of the country too, or is that Thursdays?

No, it's only (some parts of) central London where it's available on Wednesdays.

Thanks very much Scott. I've ordered a copy in case my local man doesn't have it on Wednesday. Can't miss this issue!

Eva, it's Thursday.

Scott dear and Diana. Thank you both. Us in the provinces will have to wait an extra day. I've got another job for you, Scott dear. Put your thinking cap on. You need to find us a new project for Saturday nights in the new year. I mean to say,- you do need our intelligent, thoughtful reflections for something coming up on the telly, don't you? We are so good at this now that you can't make us redundant.

Scott dear,- I have just posted a thread on LMAS about your Christmas issue, so you might get more people buying it that usual.

Question for Scott: How are you at shipping your magazine overseas?

(as if on que from Eva)

@Eva: Thanks. If you can stop telling people I'm the editor, though, that would be great.

@Ringer: Off the top of my head, I don't know, and I guess it would vary depending on which country you're in. I'd suggest emailing lee-AT-thestage.co.uk (replacing the -AT- with @) and asking the question directly.

Scott dear,- I thought you deserved a promotion!. What is your title then?

Assistant Editor.

That would be the USA. There's a few of us out there across that cruel sea of seperation and we're just as sane in our Loppiness as anyone else, as a lot people who post here can attest to :)

OK, Scott dear, Assistant Editor it is.

Ali B thanks for that link - nice article!

Hi Ringer - did you just use the words 'sane' and 'Loppiness' in the same sentance?

Hi people had much better day today, sloppy seems to be doing well, and hopefully now have social services involved so today I'm optimistic... tomorrow? well I'll let you know!
Scott thanks for that info about getting hold of the Stage, hope you are not snowed under with requests!
Thanks for the link Ali, so sweet.
Hope your op went well Sue, I won't say fingers and toes crossed!! What a fab time to have to put your feet up! Does this mean everyone else will do all the work?
Have high hopes of being at St P on Thursday, trying not to get too excited, butnot succeeding. A friend of mine said it would be nice to go and look at the station as it is apparently great... not too sure I'll notice though, might be looking at something else spectacular!

Thankyou Scott, Assistant Editor !!

Did you get that lee is on News 24 now

Nice interview, not much new and the sound was out of sync! but we got mentioned (loppies) and the LMAS as well. He said how nice it was to have that sort of appreciation. Have it on dvd trouble is no idea how to copy it. I'm sure someone will post on Utube but if by some freak chance they don't can someone help me to share?

Well done Pauline2, saw the trailer. Phoned Gillian, but went to voicemail. I'm sure she knows how to help you. Kaz is out of the country, so hopefully someone else will YouTube it.

Scott, Mr Asst Ed, Thank you for the details on how to get the Stage. What would we do without you?

I think I've been saved! It is apparently on again at 9.30, (let's hope with sound in sync) and I think ringer might be on the case. Phew! had technical nervous breakdown! but you will all see this one way or another!

Sorry ringer I meant roro, had hard times recently plus just slugging a glass of wine so may have got over excited...must stop doing that!

Ali B Thanks for the link, ahh factor.

Ooo brilliant - best go and set the Sky box for 9.30!!

Loppies, the interview is on the BBC website, but the quality is really poor. Hope they get their act together for the encore tonight at 9:30.

Sue -- I think you need to keep on your toes to watch Lee, get better soon.

Glad the Sloppy is doing better, Pauline2. You have had a time of it.

Hi, Lady Jane (that sounds like something Mellors would say, doesn't it?). Thanks for the TLC.

And, Eva -- watch out, I'm baaaack!

See Donna's site latest news for link to sky news
or maybe this link
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7140000/newsid_7148900/7148900.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&nol_storyid=7148900&bbcws=1

I'm off to do some last (almost) minute Christmas shopping. See you tomorrow.
Nightlee night

Eh up Geri! Ooo that sounds awfully posh for the likes of me! Anytime me deario!

Thanks for the link Jo4

I don't seem to be able to watch anything from the BBC site on the net (I've just had a megga strop at my PC, coz obviously that helps)- the problem isn't the firewall. Any teccies out there that can suggest anything?

Geri,- so the period of calm is over. I thought the Gods were smiling at me,- no insults flying. I should have known it was too good to be true. Honestly, I missed you, my little Irish leprechan.
JaneE,- in that photo in the Loppy album you look really regal, so Lady Jane it is then!

Geri,- I forgot to ask,- how did your statistics thesis go? Did you get it finished on time?

Eva, it was less finished than abandoned. Oh well. The next one is a survey on differences between men and women (no obvious comments, please!) I have to conduct a survey & need ten women & ten men. Five of each in their twenties & five each in their fifties. Any volunteers? Quite painless -- just fill in a questionnaire on the 'net. Shame, Eva, you're just too old to help...(See, told you I was back! Didn't you miss me!!)

Lady Jane -- methinks thou needst to download yon Flashplayer to be able to watch BBC stuff, yea verily. Or it could be thy firewall hath created an obstruction again. Forsooth, methinks thou shouldst beseech thy squire, Sir Steve, to checketh thine equipment. (Oy, none of that Anglo-Saxon comment!)

Thanks for the heads up ladies or should that be Lady Jane. Currently recording it on Sky+ and the lip sync looks great. Honourable mention for Loppies and LMAS as previously mentioned. Yeahhh.

Just checked in at the right time. Phew.

Had an easy drive up to Heathrow to collect Ploppy, and he is going to drive himself back tomorrow, so that saves me 2 days on the road. All the more time to get on with the next batch of UCAS forms that were waiting for me when I got home. Just what I need at this time of the year. Well not doing any on Thursday and that's flat.

Sue, hope the surgery went well and is not too painful.
Jo4- hope you are on the mend.
Sonja - hope you have some voice back
Shirley - dont you dare catch Ploppy's cold - need you with us on Thursday.
Carol - OOOOhh OOOhh - are you there?? Have you recovered from your Christmas lunch?? Maybe they are still there!!!
Oh Eva, fancy embarassing the Landlord like that. Bet they were giving Scott stick in the office!!!
Welcome back Geri. Have sorted out that book I was telling you about and will email the details.

Lots of Octoberfest tickets went in the post today. Only person I have not heard from and have no contact details from is Cara - can anyone help? And can you let me know when yours arrives safely please? Maeve, Gillian, Auds, Shirley (for you and Carolyn), Sonja and Nicki, I am bringing yours with me on Thursday.

I have now sorted all my mail - thanks so much to you all. I have acknowledged all cheques and various currencies directly by email. If you have sent me money, but not had a personal acknowledgement can you get in touch please.

Right, I'm off to my pit. Well I will be when Ploppy has finished unpacking and then repacking suitcases.

Good night all. And Sweet Meads

Oh -- I'm on a roll now -- I've been meaning to share a strange episode of Star Trek I caught the other day. The scene went like this:
Dr. McCoy: Jim, something's wrong! It's Spock!
Capt. Kirk: Spit it out, Bones.
Dr McCoy: He's been exposed, Jim -- he's got a lethal case of Rhydian poisoning! If he doesn't get a dose of Leemead serum in the next hour he'll die! He'll be dead, Jim! Won't be anything we can do but go through his pockets for loose change!
Capt. Kirk: Isn't there anything we can do? Leemead serum is hard to come by. Perhaps if we gave him some Factor X...
Dr McCoy: I can't cure anything with that stuff. It's no more than a placebo! Am I a doctor or a miracle worker? I tell you Leemead serum is the only cure!
Capt. Kirk: Mr Chekov -- set course to planet Loppy. It's the only place in the galaxy where we're likely to find Leemead serum...

Alas! My squire cannot sorteth out the problem, Geri!
Lack-a-day-dee!

But I not too worried because I managed to record the 9.30pm showing - Aw and his little giggle when he mentioned the Loppies & LMAS. (Melt!)

OOoo Shirley, thanks for sorting out those Octoberfest tickets. I'll be watching my letter box like a cat at a mouse hole!

And verily so to bed, for I am passing weary!
Good night sweet Loppies...

Lady Jane, all this medieval speechifying reminds me of a poem I wrote a long time ago. This one was an actual poem instead of the usual doggrell, but I'm quite fond of it. Here it is:

If Hamlet had been a woman instead
Would she have wavered in vacillation?
No luxury hers to dally in dread,
Hesitancy is a man’s convention.
But a woman’s busyness lends her speed
And she’ll make vengeance her priority,
Eschewing thought for the violent deed
She dispatches King Claudius, and then she
Tactfully calms poor Ophelia’s fears,
Whilst chastising Gertrude and Pelonious:
Efficiency honed by the practice of years
In methods discreet (if felonious).
Done at last with the ways of violence,
She’s off to bed.
And the rest is silence.

Geri,- I'll say you are back, and with a vengeance. I am NOT too old to paticipate in that survey, so send me a form and I'll fill it in. You didn't say what it was about, but I don't care, brave Viking that I am. I can take anything.
Shirley,- I know Scott dear was secretly pleased that I promoted him. The others in the office are just envious. Last time I looked on the thread on LMAS it had more than 250 hits, so The Stage should be a sell out. Maybe that'll get you a 1st assistants job, Scott dear.
JaneE,- the ladylike posture slipped a bit when you mentioned Lee. I wonder why?
It's bed time for me, ladies, so I'll bid you good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I'm off to bed, too. Eva, your comment about getting The Stage reminded me of the old joke:
-- How do you get to Carnegie Hall?
-- Practice, practice, practice!
And on that pitiful note, it's goodnight from me.

Eva -- expect a survey. Shall I put you in the 20-something group?

Good to hear from you again Geri, had been wondering how you were.
Like the idea that Loppies have the only known source of Leesmead serum, will they be able to save Spock in time?
Also, OMG must go, the Christmas tree has just fallen over thought it was looking a bit lopsided.

Oh dear, well it's now standing again, decorations all replaced and mess hoovered up, somehow doesn't look as good as before but is now vertical.

I hope it's still upright in the morning, I think I'm talking to myself (as usual!) so Goodnight to anyone still about.

Morning Beach Bunnies - rise and shine - all the still to get Chrissie presents can be purchased in the Mall off the Bistro once you have had breakfast. Alas and woe is me I have been struck down with the lurg - been fighting it since Friday! Raised £400 for Save the Children on Saturday singing in the local shopping precinct, but perhaps I shouldn't have gone as I have a really bad sore throat and NOW ALMOST LOST MY VOICE! Went to the bash yesterday in the Rickshaw - really enjoyed that, although it was very cold! Beautiful blue shies and sunshine but a cutting wind. A bit hairy when we were going along the bus and taxi lane on the Euston Road, but we made it in one piece! Organic red wine was very very nice, the white was a bit thin and tasteless! Going to go into work today, but will see how I am later as I feel lousy! This is the office germ which has been circulating for the last two weeks - had to catch up with me sometime! Sue, hope everything went ok. Geri welcome back! Mrs Santa glad Ploppy safely home!!

Morning all!

As I've now finished the Xmas shopping (she said smugly) I think I'll just put my feet up and enjoy breakfast, especially as our favorite waiter is back - hello BHB!

Carol - well done with the fund raising! What a shame you've been struck down by the lurgy - no Carol! Move away from the BHB!

Geri - loved the Star Trek story & the Medieval Poem. Now we're just waiting for the coffee supplies.

Maeve - I reckon I'm going to have the same problem - Xmas tree deffinately listing to starboard!

Morning all. Still cold here, so I could really do with a strong leaded coffee. I see the Irish One hasn't been in yet with her variety, so I'll go into the kitchen and make some Coffee Doctor.
Carol,- move over. We don't want your germs around here. Into the sickbay with you. When Geri comes, she can look after you, She is a nurse, you know, so leave BHB to Lady Jane for 2 minutes while I do the Coffee.
It's all right, sweetheart. You put your feet up and serenade Her Ladyship. Those posh Northeners love that sort of things. Just look at her. She looks quite dazed already, and you haven't even started singing.
Sue,- dear lady. How are the toes? Still all there I hope. You can sit down with Her Ladyship. You don't need the lurghy on top of crocked toes, do you?
Maeve,-I rather like the tilted looks on your Christmas tree. It gives it a more homely look. Mine isn't going up till this week end. so Elisabeth, I'll keep up that tradition this year. I'll expect you to do the same next year.!
OK. Big tray of Coffee Doctor ready. Go careful, all, it's rather strong today. The bottle of moonshine accidentally slipped in my hand, so rather more than usual of the stuff went into the coffee.

GRRRRR. PC not working properly. Screen keeps disappearing - and my posts with it. And I cant get into Roro's advent calendar on LMAS. I fell a collpase of pc coming on - must back up my files soon.

Jane E - are you sure it was tree listing to starboard?!

Carol - look after yourself - dont want to come down with lurghi now and remember DR mead home for Christmas so no house calls from that doctor.

Off to w...k now but hopefully eldest scollop cooking so will come home to hot meal - i hope. he is going to do your lamb and potato recipes EVa.

have a good day all.

Eva, I'ts tradition in this house too. Mainly because I am never organised enough to get it done before, but also because I need Ploppy's help to get the decorations and things down from the loft and he is never here more than a couple of days before Christmas. To whit, he flies back to the frozen North this morning.

Me - much more fun, I am off to be dereded and repinked. I hope. Not sure if they can get enough of the red out for it to be truly pinked yet.

Carol so sorry you have the lurgy. Thought you had had your ration of illhealth for the season - but Ploppy arrived coughing with enthusiasm and something tells me that I might not have a lot of resistance to Californian bugs. But I'm trying. Echinacea and VitC being taken.

So on that healthsome note this morning's menu

Lots of fresh fruit platters, smoothies (freshly made while you wait - the BHB is getting to be rather a dab hand at these now he has learned that you have to put the top on the blender first!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), Wholemeal toast and rolls, and non GMO, non hydrogenated smur (ask Aunty Eva)

And as a very special treat the last last last little scrapings of my special home made marmalade with lashings of RUM in it.

(And I would be careful of that Coffee Doctor today - it keeps spontaneously combusting!!!!)

Morning, morning, morning..... Thought I'd take the opportunity to visit whilst the bosses have a quick 'conference'.
Blooming pooter at home playing up last night - managed to get one email off before it shut off in a huff... It must have a bug (woe is me) I know I'm not going to have time to sort it out before I leave for sunnier climes... but at least bil is a wizz kid, so he'll have the happy task of cleaning my laptop of all bugs etc. Oh, I know, that'll be his Christmas present from me!!
Carol, sorry to hear you have a nasty lurgi - I'm surprised that one has even managed to get hold of you - you never seem to be in one place long enough. That wind was biting yesterday - I thought of you in a Rickshaw!! and wasn't envious in the slightest. If it does mean that you have Thursday off (for recovery purposes) and find yourself drawn to a train station in central London somewhere - make sure you're well covered up - and NO kissing ANY strangers, even if they do grab you first!!!!!
And Jo4 - do hope you get over your nasty bout of cold as well. It's not good to be so sick over a lovely holiday period.
OMG - going to be in his presence soon - counting the hours.... (One event at a time..)
Loved that BBC 24 interview with the mention of the Loppies & LMAS. I loved his reaction to it. Shirley, in case I forget, remind me that I want to talk to you about LMAS when we meet on Thursday..
Sue, do hope the tootsies aren't too painful, and that your Ploppy takes good care of you whilst you recover (well done for scheduling the op at one of the busiest times of the year!
Meeting's over... back to the grindstone. Maybe get the op to pop back again during the day.

Here's another on the sick list....but as I switched my working week around so as to have Thursday off, I had to come in to work yesterday and today, in case the boss suggested I should work Thursday as usual. Was so exhausted when I got in last night, I didn't even switch the computer on at home.

Think today is better than yesterday, so I will be at St Pancras Thursday, without fail!!

Haven't seen BBC news 24 either - first I've heard of it, honestly, you can't afford to blink around here:))

Oh no Shirley! - Ploppy goes to California, and instead of some nice jewellery as a pressy, he brings you lurgy! Get chomping down that echinacea!

Eva - posh? moi? Hey - if posh people get serenaded by the BHB, I'll be posh (what? what?)

Fi - the tree is deffinately listing to starboard - unless it's listing to port. Or, as Ploppy said - 'It's on the p*ss!' Oops, sorry, and I was trying to be posh! That's shattered the illusion!

Gillian - I managed to record the interview yesterday, shall I add it to your tape?

Jane, what you were saying, of course, was that the tree is on the piste. And that some drunken viking woman must have skied into it because it is no longer upright!!!

Hi Auds, Good to hear from you. Dont forget that you want to talk to me about LMAS on Thursday - oh sorry, it was Thursday you wanted me to remind you about that? Memory not what it was, but I will try. Between us we might manage. But with all the witnesses to this now maybe one or three of them might be kind enough to remind us if we forget.

Gillian, sorry to hear you are listed hors de combat. Unhealthy time to be a Loppy, dropping like flies.

My Smart car would not start this morning. The automatic gearbox is not working, and you have to be able to shift it into neutral to get the engine started. Nada. Now waiting for the recovery people to come and tow it away to the garage for them to look at it. And the old Jeep that I keep for dog walking had a flat tyre when I went to use it. Fortunately before Ploppy left so he got enough air into it for me to use, and of course he has the smart 4x4 on the motorway to the airport. Need to make sure I have something ultra reliable sorted out by Thursday morning or I might just have a fit. A great big HISSY FIT.

JaneE,- I'm sorry, but that slip into common language, put you firmly back amongst the hoi polloi!
Shirley,- shame on you for trying to blame me for something I didn't do. You see, I never drank any of the coffee this morning, so I was stone, cold sober when I crashed into JaneE's tree!!!! So there! But I have to apologise for the Coffee Doctors spontaneously combusting this morning. I'll complain to my moonshine supplier. He is a little difficult to reach at this time of the year, probably completely snowed in in his cottage in the far away mountains in Norway. When the snow melts and he returns to civilization, I'll let him know he has upset a lot of Loppies.
Geri,- of course you can give me a form meant for the 20 years olds. I am an expert fibber, so should be able to convince that I am 23, as long as they don't want a photo included!!!!

I have just returned from my weekly shop. Won't mention which shop! Funny how it's never exiting shopping for skimmed milk, broccoli, spuds and tomatoes, while paying £135 for 3 tickets to see Joseph gives me a real buzz. When I came home there was a lovely surprise on the doormat! My tickets to Joseph for August!!!! They'll go with the rest of my collection. I now have 4 shows to look forward to in 2008! Well, so far at least. Never say never.
Gillian,- so sorry you are feeling bad. All right, we'll let you and Auds go to St.Pancras on Thursday, but NO KISSING!!!! No, I don't mean each other!

Fi,- almost forgot. Good luck to your scollop with the cooking today. Let me know how he did.

Hello All!
Apologies for staying away for so long (hanging head in shame) but unfortunately life outside loppyland has taken over for the last few months.
But, hopefully, I am back now. I have, in amongst all the rubbish going on, managed to spy a few interviews with GO in the Xmas magazines (a few even mentioned loppies, yay!).
I need to try and catch up with all that I missed (which is unlikely as you have all been talking regularly), so apologies if I accidentally repeat something.
Special hello to all loppies who have been in the presence of the GO in the last few months. Lucky you!

YIPES - Hi Cara - been shouting for you. Can you email me via Stageloppies? Need your address to send your Octoberfest Ticket. As you will quickly discover our sanity quotient has not improved at all.

Blimey Eva, if you were sober when you did that to Jane's tree I would not like to meet you drunk!!! How's the black eye? Cracked rib? OUCH. Poor you. Oh and that tinsel draped tastefully over your left ear is the perfect finishing touch. Not quite so sure about the Christmas fairy stuck in your jumper though.

Me again - does this mean the work load is easing??? I jolly well hope so.
Shirely, your comments leads me to believe that you haven't seen any of my emails. Is that so? I know how your network doesn't like me - please check your junk mail folder.
Oh Gillian, not you too? This is not good. None of you with the sniffles (and going to St Pancras) are allowed ANYWYERE NEAR the GO on Thursday. I myself am very healthy and full of the joys of Spring, well Winter. That WASN'T a lurgi sneeze - something was tickling my nose!!

Hello lovely Loppies I missed you all. I haven’t been here for a while and it took me almost a day to read up on all your adventures.
There is a lot going on. First thing thirst.
Shirley and Auds are going to meet the GO!!!! OMG what happened here? When is the big day?
Scott has interviewed the GO!!! The perfect Christmas present to give to Loppies. What a guy, both of them.
I hope that Scott didn’t spill the beans too much over us loppies. We don’t want Lee to think that the loppies are really quit loopy right?, ……right??!!
Well I can’t get a copy of the Stage over here so I am relying on your comments and Donna to scan the article and the photo.

Welcome to Karin C, nice review. You would think that they would chill on the dry ice by now.
Sue, I hope the op went well and your are enjoying all that Lee has to offer.
Shirley I am going to answer your questions about the raffles soon.

How many of you are going Thursday to St Pancras? I read somewhere that Gillian is going with her camera so I am thinking we are in for an other great movie of Lee.

Isn’t December a great month? Full of Lee-filled days and o yes some Christmas days

Remember a couple of month’s back they were looking for Evita in? Holland? Well they found here and 2 nights ago they had the premiere. She just had the flu and her voice was not quite right yet. But the reviews where reasonable.
ALW was also at the premiere. He thought she did a splendid job.
Now for some news: Because Looking for Evita was such a success they are planning an other show and this time they are going to look for………..Wait for it…………Joseph!!
I don’t now what to make of it. I think they are going to translate the songs to Dutch and I am quite curies about what that will do to the songs but they don’t have to look for Joseph. We all know where he is!!!

Hello everyone,

Just returned from our dept Xmas lunch.

Anne, my Dutch friend already told me about Joseph. She saw Lee here with me back in July and thinks a version in Dutch will be awful and whoever's chosen absolutely no comparison to Lee.

Sorry to hear more Loppies poorly.

I'm suddenly feeling very sleepy. Strong black coffee needed stat.

(BTW this has taken me 3 times as long as usual to type as had to correct every other word as was full of typos)

Sorry Eva, but I have a witness (thank you Shirley) you were obviously under the affluence of incohol when you crashed into my tree!!

Cara!! Hi!! Great to have you back again!

And Anne ditto - it will be interesting to hear the Dutch ADWD!

Diana, careful with that black coffee - if Eva's been anywhere near it, you'll be crashing into Christmas Trees before you know it!

Hello there Loppies
Welcome back to Cara and Anne.
Hope all sick and recovering Loppies get well soon and hope Sloppy is going on OK Pauline2.
Do we have to curtsey to Jane now she's a lady?
I'm pleased that the cafe/Bistro is now opened in the mall. it's good to take the weight off my feet and sit down with a cuppa after all that shopping. Sorry I've missed the BHB waiter, but don't mind serving myself.
I'm supposed to be doing h****k and then wrapping presents, but this is much better.
I had a lovely time at w**k this morning and yesterday. One of the class teachers was away and I took her class of 5-6 year olds. I'm in the Christmas zone now I've come home covered in cottonwool, glitter and glue!! This morning we practised all the carols for tomorrow's Mativity Play in the Parish Church. Even though we're a church school, the majority of children are from other religions. They all sang beautifully and there won't be a dry eye in the church tomorrow. (I get weepy over Away in a manger!) All the children are excited because it is Eid as well as Christmas.
Better leave now and wrap up all these presents. That was a very welcome cup of tea.
Bye.

Anne, of course there could be an upside to the Dutch ADWD: the Lord may bring Lee over for promotional purposes.
Warm thoughts to all poorly Loppies and to those suffering the after-effects of Christmas meals.
Best of luck to all those going to St. Pancreas on Thursday; I'm sure you'll do us proud and have a fab time. Can't wait to see some pictures / video.
Now, what I really need to do is confess and hope for your forgiveness as I did something almost unforgivable at the weekend: I bought JD's autobiography. In my defense, it was for my JD-loving neighbour/childminder who had to miss JD coming to our local bookshop for a signing because her daughter (most definitely not a dollop) was ill. When I saw lots of signed copies in the shop a day later (wonder how many they actually sold) I couldn't resist. My neighbour was truly chuffed, devoured the book in a day and tells me she keeps gazing at JD's signature. Whatever floats her boat I suppose. Now I wonder if I can plead mitigating circumstances or if I have disgraced myself forever. Maybe I need further training in the art of being a true Loppy. I wonder who might volunteer, would that come under Dr Mead's job description?

Well, its a tough call but I forgive you Elisabeth! Have to say though that I saw JD on X Factor singing ADWD and he still looked constipated!! He really should stand up straight when he sings! You think someone would have told him. All this fuss about the voting being rigged etc on X Factor makes me think about ADWD and thank heavens for the result! How different would all our lives have been if - well I can't bear to say it but you know what I mean!

Oh dear, I'm playing catch up as usual! Managed to skim the last 4 days posts in 1/2 hour. work/home/xmas keep getting in the way of loppiness so it's hard to keep up. Just got back from the circus (Gt Yarmouth Hippodrome) whole primary school went and scollops loved it, we usually go to see panto so it was a nice change. Quick meal then off to sing in town carol service. scollops have requested pizza and for once I'm more than happy to oblige. Will try to get back soon, but not easy at the moment, will have to make that one of my new year resolutions I think?
Get well soon all poorly loppies and family (ploppy has lurgy now and OF COURSE it's worse than my bug!!)

Welcome back Cara and Anne, good to have you in the playpen!!

Elisabeth - now that really is a serious misdemeanor. Now what you are not saying is how much of a discount you got of the book because it had been scribbled over?? My feeling is that it keeps your childminder sweet it was a noble sacrifice on your part. I can only imagine how painful it must have been to spend money on the CO.

And ALW is searching for a Dutch Jo is he? Obviously thinks that our Jo is successful and wants to try and replicate it there. I wish you luck and a good telly series, but Lee is unique. A once in a generation package of all the talents.

Auds - I forgot about my system, just off to check again. Sorry.

Just had a thought Jane, if Eva crashing into your tree had it listing what on earth happened to Maeve's.

Someone should do some research into why men are so much worse with the same bugs than women. Any takers, Geri? I sympathise, Ali; I frequently struggle through lurgies going to work etc only for Ploppy to take to bed at the first sign of a sniffle saying he doesn't want to spread his germs around the office. What about spreading them at home?
AliB - I think I saw your post on LMAS the other day re THE album still being at No 48, which is not bad I think (but then, I know nothing about the record industry). Hopefully, Christmas publicity will do its bit to keep in the charts for a while yet.
Re Xfactor - I heard on the radio the other day that the vote changed dramatically in the last half hour, from there being 1% to 10% between first and second. And yes, I think we've all had thoughts about what might have been. Just a bad dream - thank goodness.

Elizabeth of course you are forgiven! Not my cup of tea and I too saw him in the X Factor and thought "Constipated again!" - better not tell your friend!! Supposed to be going to the Op Society Christmas party tonight, and conducting the three pieces of Christmas music I have been teaching them, but I don't think I am going to make it....Ploppy is going to give me the verdict when he gets home! Thursday evening we are doing an hour and a half concert at Box Hill with my small singing group......my solo bits are in jeopardy at the moment! Then we have the Church Carol Service on Sunday afternoon and I am down for leading the first half hour........I might have a voice by then I guess!! Get well wishes to all my fellow sufferers! If you don't get the early morning alarm call it will be because I am tucked up in bed!

Shirley, there was a £5 discount, supposedly as a promotion, but I'm sure you're right: it must have been because of the scribbles.
Going round to neighbour's for mince pies tonight - a bit like entering the lions' den, will need strong antidote afterwards.

Lee's is in Best Magazine! Here is the link!!

http://www.leemead.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=1824

Shirley,- you'll be giving me a bad name spreading roumors like this!!! Will you clarify,- I don't trash Christmas trees when I'm drunk, only when I'm sober! And no, I haven't been near Maeve's tree. Must have been another Viking!
Carol,- so sorry about your voice gone. I hope you find it again for your solos on Sunday.
Elisabeth,- when I watched the DVD from ADWD on Sunday with my two friends, they laughed themselves silly when I explained why we called JD for CO! So if you can do the same, we are truly spreading the word!!

Elisabeth you could be right about Lee being on the promoting team. I had not thought of that.
I will let you know when that happens I may even try to put it on YouTube since I have now a dvd-recorder. A present from my sister. Is she not the best sister ever?

Eva, just a quick question. I know JD is called CO here but what I don't know is where does CO stand for?

Anne, CO stands for Constipated One. Hope you understand what that means - don't want to have to go into details!! It's from his appearance at the Concert for Diana with Lee & Donny Osmond.

HAHAHA, I know excatly what that means. A ftting name. Thanks Diana.

Hi all, sorry to hear of bugs and lurgies lurking. Hope youare feeling better very soon Carol and you voice comes back better than ever. Keep taking the echinachea Shirley we can't have any problems on Thursday! Gillian we need your video skills, but most important is protection of the GO. Can I volunteeer to stand beside him and make sure no germs reach him? I don't mind honestly!
Elisabeth, sometimes we have to make huge sacrifices at Christmas and I think you've just made yours. I recommend watching and listening to lots of GO to recouperate.!
One thing for sure if voting had gone any other way on ADWD I might not be here having discovered all you lovely people. Shudder, horrible thought.
Sloppy report is just nothing new today.. which I like!! Thanks for all your kind thoughts, makes me feel so much better.

Thanks for all the links everyone - esp liked your one to the metro mag AliB. Wonder if my scollops will remember their parents at Christmas and New Year when no longer live at home!

Eva - casserole smells good but sorry no cream left for anyone else for Christmas as scollop has used entire world's supply in the potato recipe. He used huge number of potatoes and recipe said to cover them all - so he did. We had discussed mixing milk with the cream but that was at 8am so obviously he was not awake- even tho eyes open. Think we will need to go on diet after this.

Ordered my copy of Stage today and, like Kathleen, had a good day at work and having international christmas meal there tomorrow - we all have to bring a national dish. Couldnt find haggis so goinging with smoked salmon, oatcakes and shortbread for afters.

BTW on mSN homepage (spending a lot of tiem there as other websites keep crashing) a review of XFactor final. We are kind to CO comparatively! He didnt like Leon (or Same Difference) either.

To all ill loppies (and they seem to be multiplying)get well soon. Am with Shirley - echinacea and Vit c (and zinc)- plus feet up for wee while with all things meady.

My goodness - what a busy afternoon in Loppyland! Not quite as busy as Carol is of course, how do you fit it all in?
And I don't know how Ali managed to catch up on four days in half an hour!

Kathleen - I'm sorry to tell you I've been demoted - Eva the Tree Wrecker, now says I'm back among the Hoi-Polloi.

Oh Elisabeth, the things we get forced to do! Of course we forgive you. - Glad you got a discount seening as some idiot had scribbled on it.

Welcome back Jane, what was it like in the higher echelons of society??

Fi, I would LOVE to try your Scallops potato dish. That sounds fabulous, just a grind of black pepper and it sounds like heaven on a plate.

Went and bought my train ticket this afternoon. To London. I heard a rumour that some bloke or another is opening an advent calendar door. And as I had absolutely nothing else to do at this time of the year thought it might help while away the time on an otherwise boring day.

Evening all

Thanks for all the links once again everyone. It was nice to read a few different questions in Best. Maybe that was whatshername from Loose Women that threw her bloomers at him - she said she did.

Having trouble typing as Madge is on my lap and her nose keeps getting in the way! Move your soggy nose OVER!! (that is the dog btw for anyone who doesn't know - not a dollop).

Wrapped all presents apart from dollops, written all cards and going to clean house from top to bottom tomorrow ready for Christmas as I'm working Friday, Sunday and Monday so not much time left. Feeling smugger (?) than thee Lady Jane. Ha! Hast one finished ones Christmas preparations?

Before I forget, thanks to all loppies who've sent me e-mail cards. Seeing as I'm completely blonde and can't work out why mine didn't send properly, can I wish all Loppies and Scott A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS and may no one be cold or lonely at this time.

Nice to hear from 'old' loppies. Glad I'm not the only one who can't keep up at the moment. Best go and collect dollops from their club. Toodle pip. x

You're right, Lady Jane, it has been an eventful day on the blog, all kinds of coming and going and healing and ailing. I'm exhausted just reading it! By the way, welcome Karen C -- I'm still catching up on all the stuff I missed while I was gone. And Lady Jane -- that Eva is just jealous!

Ooh, Eva, I thought of you this evening, I stopped at the bookshop on my way home (as you do!) and they were playing Miss You Nights -- a saxaphone version. Lovely. Not sure if the Cliffyness or the horn reminded me of you most. It's a toss-up!

We had Christmas lunch at the hospital today, but they had ham mixed in with the turkey so I couldn't eat it. What a nerve depriving me of my Christmas meal by making it unkosher! (I just don't eat treif -- meat and shellfish that are expressly prohibited, rather than keeping fully kosher). Anyway, I've been feeling very left out of the Christmas high jinx so I'm sharing Adam Sandlers' Hannukah Song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vrd9p47MPHg. There are very few Hanukah songs around, certainly none that get played on the radio with the frequency of Jingle Bells. So I think it's time to have some big names record some Christmas / Hanukah songs so the holiday is on an equal footing with Christmas. For instance:

Grandma got run over by a dreidel! (sung by Neil Diamond)
Judah the Red-faced Maccabee (sung by Marc Cohn)
I'm Dreaming of a Candle-lit Hanukah (sung by the GO. I don't care if he's not Jewish -- learn to share!)

Geri,- so nice to hear that listening to Miss You Nights reminds you of me. What must the others think? Question: What or who is a dreidel? I know I'm an ignoramous. Of course I'll share GO with you, if you send him along to me to sing " Det lyser i stille grender" for me afterwards. It's my favourite Christmas song, with lyrics about candles being lit in towns and villages for the festivities.
When you celebrate Hanukah, don't you give one present every day? I know it starts earlier than Christmas, but does it last for 7 days?

BTW,- when I clicked that link, I got the message on YouTube:The url contained a malformed video id. (malformed?), so I think you might have given us the wrong one.

Fi,- you can of course mix the cream with a little milk to make the dish a little lighter, but of course it's best and most sinful (!) if you only use cream.
AliB,- that was a nice interview. At least a few new questions.
Scott dear,- I hope you realise that we have high hopes for THE INTERVIEW, but I know you won't let us down.
I think I'll watch Oliver Twist tonight on BBC1, and it's the final episode of Spooks too, so I probably won't see you for a little while.

Thanks for all the questions, Eva. Hanukah (or Chanukah -- lots of variables in the spelling) is 8 nights long & theoretically you get a present every day. Of course, that holds true for children more than adults (drat!). It's usually in December, but sometimes earlier or later, since the Jewish calendar is lunar rather than solar based. A dreidel is a spinning top & children use it to play a game. I suspect the link gave you a problem because I put a period at the end. I haven't had a problem with it. Try to copy the address into the browser line but without the period at the end & see if that will work. If not, here's another link for the same song: http://factsofisrael.com/blog/archives/000530.html

Glad to report that tree still standing when I got in this evening.
Eva, I exonerate you completely, I saw you ski past safely, it was the bucket the tree is in to blame not you!

Jane , I hope your tree survives encounters with Eva and Christmas jollities without a complete collapse.

Carol, hope you and your voice are soon feling better and good wishes for all other Loppies not feeling tip top.

Eh up Shirley - well 'av got on me flat cap and 'am 'avin' a pint. Since Eva demoted me - I'm drowin' me sorrows.

Dear Bogged-down-with-work-and-Christmas-shoping-Loppy. I'm still feeling slightly smug because although there's still lots to do before the hordes desend(sorry) loving family arrive - it's all ploppy's problem now!

Geri, thanks for enlightening us! But pressies just for kids? Is there an age restriction? Personally I might be growing old but I've never grown up!

The Starship Enterprise on Planet Loppy -- The Conclusion

Captain's Log, stardate 181207. The starship enterprise is heading towards a small, M-class planet called Loppy in Thestage galaxy to find
supplies of a rare substance known as L’mead Serum, the only thing that can reverse the toxic effects of Rhydian poisoning, to which Mr Spock has been exposed. McCoy says Spock will die if he doesn't receive a dose of L’mead serum within hours. We have beamed down to the planet and are searching for the vital ingredient.

Capt Kirk: Gentlemen, I urge you to be cautious. Not much is known about this planet other than its name. The inhabitants, the loppies, are known to be slightly bonkers, so I'd urge you all to be on your toes. Except you, Ensign Sue. You're assigned to remain with the ship while we explore.
McCoy: We have to hurry, Jim. Spock can't last much longer. Damn that Rhydian poisoning!
Kirk: Steady, Bones. We'll find it.
Chekov: What are we looking for, Captain? How will we know this magical serum when we find it?
McCoy: It's kept by a young man who is dazzling, so beautiful he'll bring tears to even a Vulcan's eyes. He may be clad in either a loincloth or sometimes technicoloured coat with golden lining.
Kirk: You have your orders --
Uhura: Captain! Did I hear a crash of drums?
McCoy: I saw a flash of light!
Uhuru: Up there -- coming out of that mist--
Kirk: That's not mist, that's dry ice. (cough!)
Spock: Music...Jim! I hear...the most beautiful music...
Kirk: Don't try to speak, Spock. It's hard to say that.
Chekov: Why shouldn't Spock speak? That is hard to say, too. Same difference...
Kirk: Chekov! Stop that! Spock is fading fast. Bones, are you sure some Factor X wouldn't help for another hour...
Bones: Good God, Jim, are you trying to kill him! That music...I've never heard anything so beautiful... Look, that being is coming
towards us.
Sulu: Wow! He's gorgeous! Man, I'm so glad I'm gay!
Kirk: Are you the keeper of the L’mead serum, oh intoxicatingly beautiful youth?
Intoxicatingly Beautiful Youth: I am. Here you are. Wow, it's working already. That's amazing!
Spock: Thank you -- I feel better already. But it is not logical that one should be so beautiful, so thoughtful and endowed with such
exquisite talent. And you live here alone?
IBY: No, the loppies look after me. You don't often see them, but they have a way of making their presence felt. And I don't mind being alone sometimes, since I know I shall find my own peace of mind for I have been promised a land of my own.
Kirk: Alrighty then. There's room on our Starship if you'd like to come with us...
Sulu: Oh, please say you'll come with us!
Uhuru: Yes, pretty please! With sugar on top, sugah!
Kirk: On second thoughts -- you're going to take all the girls' attention away from me. Quick, Scotty -- beam us up!

Great stuff Geri, don't let the GO disappear on Star Ship Enterprise, beam them up quick.

Night night everyone retiring to bed early with my germs - Ploppy gone off to lead the masses for me! Just watched Oliver T but promised I'd be a good girl and have an early night....so Sweet Meads all.

Geri,- you are distracting me from Spooks. Did you beam them up fast enough or did Himself disappear?

Geri-wonderful Star Trek story.
Thanks all, I'm feeling much better. It never really took complete hold, I just felt really rubbish. I had a restful weekend listening, watching, posting all to do with some strange young man (and walking the dog a little.) I hope everyone else who is ill feels better soon.
Thanks for the links. Off to Donna's site to see if there is anything else and today's Advent calendar. roro is so clever.

I may have to write an epilogue...

preview from bbc, only a glimpse of HIM.
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=yIIbvaWrrew

Just letting everyone here know - Im selling my 2 tickets for the sold out show on 26th December (at 7.30pm) as I cant make it :-( They are in the stalls row M also with a stay for 2 in the Holiday Inn London Bloomsbury. They are worth 420 pounds and Im selling them on Ebay for 195.75 including postage (or you can start bidding on them) They end early tomorrow night the item number is 170179711391. These are genuine tickets just ask AUDS as she came with me the last time ;-) thanks x

Geri when can we have the next instalment of the Star Ship Enterprise?
I am sitting here laughing so much my sides hurt!! thankyou.

Bogged down with work and Chrstmas shopping Loppy - your ahead of me , still have presents to buy. My mission takes place after S tP's on Thursday , do battle in Oxford St, can't go home until it's done. Hope to see you all there on Thursday!! at St P's not Oxford St!! I know Shirley's going anyone else??

Then theres the house to clean, the presents to wrap, the food to buy........how many days left?? will i have time??

Love the Trekkie tale Geri.

Karen, I'm going to St Pancras, bringing one of our younger loppies from LMAS with me.

Check out this thread, what happens when Donna and Carys get bored.... http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/750061

Geri - do not let the Enterprise run off with the IBY - the Loppies need him! What a laugh!

Ooo have I mentioned I am dead jealous of anyone going to StP's? Shirley, Karen C - Have a great time girls!

Glad to hear you are feeling better Jo4.

I have my insane mate coming over tomorrow, so I'd better go and sort the spare bedroom out!

Good night Loppies

I'm going to St. Pancras Karen, see you there and Gillian.
Come on Geri, where's the next instalment?

I'm glad I'm not a spy. Spooks was horrible tonight, but of course they left us on a cliffhanger. To calm down, I think I'll jump on Geri's Star Ship Enterprise. I have never seen any of the films, but you make even sci-fi funny.

Love the story Geri. Are we going to get a sequel?

Eva - your recipe a great triumph. Scollop has copied lamb recipe for himself (tho with much moaning about how lamb too expensive fro impoverished students - the same impoverished students who travel home first class on the train and keep local pub in profit. potatoes also lovely - scollop had peppered them shirley- fattening but lovely. Scollop v impressed with your recipe Eva.

Loving your Startrek story Geri. Really made me laugh. Liked the song titles earlier too, especially Grandma got run over by a dreidel.
Didn't watch Spooks tonight, been listening to THE ALBUM instead. Can't decide on a favourite track as it is always the one playing at the time!
Have a good time on Thursday all you St.Pancras Loppies.
I see any chance of having tea at the Savoy when I go to see Jo the TDB in January has now gone. Ploppy heaves a sigh of relief!!!
Better get some sleep , busy day tomorrow.
Night all.

I just took some cold medicine (yes, me too),so I'm headed off to bed. I'll try to come up with chapter three of the Enterprise on Planet Loppy saga for tomorrow. By the way -- you did all see chapter one last night, didn't you?

Nighty night.

Ooh can't wait, night night, sweet mead dreams!!

Kathleen there must be another expensive hotel you can take tea, I've heard there is somewhere called The Ritz.
Nightlee night

Yes Geri, I saw chapter 1 last night, but as I said I have never seen any of the films, so it takes me a bit of time to catch up. I am a bit slow, you know!
It's late, and even without any bugs lurking I am tired, so I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Popped in for a late catch up, glad I did just love the Star Trek story Geri, longing to read the next part.
Thanks for that lovely link Jo4, how cute is he in his Santa hat? (sighh just having fantasy of Santa looking like that and coming down my chimney.....)
Sorry where was I, oh yes am also hoping to make StP, will be there unless sloppy problems occur. She is the only thing that will stop me!! Hope all these bugs come under control and all are feeling better soon.
Sleep tight all.

Good morning all you lovely loppies everywhere

Have been AWOL for a few days as, like others, real life, work and Christmas shopping taking up way too much time. I found myself yesterday wondering how I managed it all last Christmas and then had a "doh" moment when the penny dropped that of course none of this loppiness existed then and it amazed me, not for the first time, how fast things have moved and how much has happened in a few short months.

Anyway, just wanted to pop in and say Hi (no time with the BHB again for me, sob) so have not had chance to catch up with what you've all been up to but, as I've just briefly seen some reference to a Star Trek story I am reassured that you're all still as stark raving bonkers as ever (sorry Sctt, ever so slightly bonkers just doesn't cut it anymore!!) and that all is "normal" in Loppyland.

Hope you're all well and if we still have any ailing lopies hope you soon feel better.

Take care all and have a good day.

Morning all!

I thought I might me first in Loppyland this morning, but I'm pleased to se Karen's beaten me too it!

Hi there Karen! I'd been wondering how you're doing!This real life thing doesn't half get in the way!

I hope the poorly loppies are feeling better this morning.

Now then, BHB - what's on the breakfast menu?

My last morning in the office – hurrah! I would like to wish all Loppies a VERY happy, and healthy, Christmas & New Year and may 2008 bring many more Lee goodies our way. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your company for the last six or so months and am looking forward to meeting more of you during 2008.

I hope to pop in a couple of times while we're in South Africa, if the places we stay in have internet access or when we’re in Knysna in the New Year; otherwise I’ll be back here mid January.

Those at St Pancras tomorrow have a great time. I will be dashing out mid morning for The Stage and if successful will let you know!

Happy Christmas to all in Loppyland.

Morning all. gosh Karen and jane E you are up early. I have to say I have given up will to live re Christmas shopping and am now going on principle that will get lots of alcohol in and then no-one will know if present given was approp or if dinner cooked properly. Or at least if I drink it then I wont know - or care. Have told ploppy never to let me allow my conscience to take over as panicking about extra people fro Xmas dinner - seems to make a difference when not family.

Loved the JMM link Jo4

Diana - did i dream it or were you off to S Africa last month too. Not that I am jealous..

Scollop supposed to be helping me make an e-Christmas card but at scollop pace - it may be ready for next Christmas

Morning all. I see that both the chief and her assistant have abandonded us today, but never mind. JaneE has rolled up her sleeves (Forgotten all about her posh act), and cooked some nice fry ups and scrambled egg, porridge and plenty of toast. As per usual, BHB has been invaluable. Karen, Diana and Fi , you can't just sit there and eat. There are dishes need to be done in the kitchen. Me!!!! Not on your nelly. It needs younger hands.
Oh BHB, please a leaded coffee and some toast for me. Don't worry, they won't make you do the washing up as well. Are there anybody who has insulted GO lately? We really need some extra help in the kitchen!

Morning, sorry no early morning call, but at least the kitchen is up and running. No voice today, tomorrow's concert looks increasingly unlikely to have me in it! Would love to be at St P tomorrow but that also looks highly unlikely! Have done all the pressies except for stocking fillers for Ploppy and Sloppy (hope your's is still doing well Pauline2), which I was going to do Friday afternoon after we finish at the office, but I am not sure I will even make the office! Drinking lots of hot blackcurrent at the moment - yes as an indication of how poorly I am, I have had no alcohol for a whole day now! Diana have a lovely holiday.

Puff, puff, puff. Sorry to be late ladies. Was so tired last night I went to bed at 8.30. Woke at 1 with a stinking migraine, took medication and then slept forever, so just up. Hangs head in shame. Thanks to BHB and regular customers for helping out, and cannot better the menu so nothing changing, just adding some fresh fruit platters and smoothies for Jo et al.

Phew, the BHB is still here. Had me really worried reading Geri's wonderful Startrek story. Absolutely brilliant. And dont forget all the possibilities of prequels as well Geri.

Donna and Carys can get bored anytime they fancy - does anyone know how to set those things as screen savers??? Had a lovely chat with Donna last night and she is hoping to join us tomorrow too. Depends how her youngest is. Also coming are Sonja, Nicki, Auds and Shirley2. So excited. When I woke this morning I was in a panic that I had got my days wrong and missed the train. Not a prayer - I will be up well before crack of sparrows' fxrt tomorrow.

Diana - have a wonderful holiday, and hope to hear from you from time to time. And may the earth only move for you if you want it too.

Joanne, you poor thing. Fancy not being able to go the see the GO - hope you get a sensible price for the tickets. Two problems for me. A/totally skint after winning UC&P. B/Ploppy would have a fit!!!! Might even commit Loppicide - and how painful would that be!!!

Hi Karen, Bye Karen. Hi Madge, Bye Madge. (Oh was Debbie there too. Damn missed her again!!!)

My quest begins: To get Lee some airplay on the Dutch Radio.
Today till monday a big fundraising event starts on Dutch radio, it will also be televised and broadcasted on the Internet.
On the LMAS forum I already posted with a description of the fundraising event and where I am calling all Dutch Loppies to work together. Well I say all Dutch Loppies but I think there are in total 3 of us.
Basically you can do a request for a song to be played for money. I have done such a request for PiB.
Now the problem is that they wont have Lee’s version of the song. I offered to mail the song to them if they needed it. So I am glued to the radio and Internet. I will let you know if my quest is fulfilled.

Anne,- aren't you brilliant in your quest? I think another Ambassadressship might be called for here. I'll talk to GO ( He and I are SO close) and I'll se what I can do.
Diana,- have a good holiday, and don't get lost on the savanna( Is that spelt right), well you know what I mean.
Carol,- I am really worried about you. Only blackcurrant to drink! I'll pop over with some Coffee Doctor if you want.
Madge,- don't loose your pet again. We need her and her craziness to cheer us up now and again. I'm sure if you keep her on a leash and dress her in her feather slippers and pink dressing gown she'll be very visible.
OOOOOOh,- only one more day to THE INTERVIEW.
Shirley,- hope your migraine is gone for now. There is nothing worse.

I've got The Stage!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, thank you, thank you, Scott. Christmas has come early.

Front page is virtually all Lee - large pic of him and headline, plus small pics of Connie and Susan M & Danny B of Grease at the top.

Inside 1 full page int with Lee plus gorgeous smallish pic (my fav)
Opposite page full page close up of Lee

Connie has 1 page int and 1 page pic (really nice one of her). Have only skimmed her interview but she refers to Lee in it.
And similar for the Grease twosome

Scott did the interview with Lee but not the others. I won't say what's discussed in the interview - you can all read it yourselves tomorrow hopefully. Anyone who doesn't manage to get a copy, I've bought two plus have one on order so have a spare.

Scott, is it possible to order the photos that appear in The Stage (for personal use)? I would love the one on page 14 in particular. Thank you so much for the wonderful article. Happy Christmas.

Oh thanks Diana - The Stage sounds really good! Rather frustrating for me as I can't see it until Sunday as thats when I go round my Grandads. He gets it on subscription!! I wish i could buy it round here but nowhere has it!

Ooo Diana, that sound's so exciting - you really are good to us Scott! I so hope my newsagent manages to get it for me!

Have a fantastic time in SA Diana, and a very merry Xmas - hope you'll be able to pop back to Loppyland from time to time.

Anne - well done! Deffinately you should be the Dutch Ambassador for Loppyland.

Shirley - sorry to hear about the migraine - I hope it's all better now. (Your Ploppy contemplating Loppycide? And he sounds so nice normally - just goes to show!)

Eva - you are very brave tucking into my cooking like that!

Fi - I have the same plan for Xmas day - the one involving drinking loads!

Hope everyone going to StPs tomorrow has a brilliant time, basking in the presence of the GO.

Carol and Pauline2 hope you both can make it - Ohmmm - Ohmmm - Ohmmm!

My friend is coming to visit tonight - looking forward to chilling out with a bottle of wine and watching DVDs.

Catch you later.

O you lucky girl, Diana. I hope I can read and see the article online soon.

There has been a lovely encounter and a special moment shared between the GO and Another Donna on the LMAS-forum.
Jealous me?

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/750560

....Ploppy just rang to say he has collected my copy of The Stage for me - he's a sweetheart! Going to try the honey and run remedy shortly.....

Carol,- are you sure you don't want some Coffe Doctor? It's usually enough to scare off anyone, including bugs!

You can see a thumbnail of the cover over on our In The Paper blog. As you'll see from the list, there's a huge amount of other stuff in the paper this week!

Sorry, no plans for the interviews with Lee, Connie, Danny and Susan to go online at the moment. We may review that once next week's issue hits the shelves, though.

Ah, thanks for that Scott. Nice frontcover.
Too bad that the interviews will not be online but I am really hoping that the interview with Lee will be scanned on an other site.

Ok Aunty Eva - I submit ....Coffee Doctor here I come....

Hiya,
Thanks for the welcome back, and I especially want to wish all the ill loppies happy, healthy thoughts so they get better soon.
Not sure if it has been mentioned before (although I am sure you are all way ahead of me) but I read that there are going to be two 'GO' programmes over Christmas, one with Connie and a special one on the GO following his progress through the year (like the one they did for Connie last year). I kept finding notes saying that the programs are on 'over Christmas' but not specifying when, although one magazine said one of the programmes was on Christmas Eve but no times noted.
Is quite frustrating. Surely they would be placing Lee in the schedules first, then arranging all the other Christmas stuff around him?

Carol,- Carol, Carol, CAROL !!!!! Out for the count, poor dear. Have wonderful dreams!! Well, strong men have been known to succumb to that brew.
Scott dear,- I like! Had a look at the rest of the stuff in that edition, and looking forward to read it. Btw. More than 500 hits on the thread on the LMAS site. Good, or what?

Cara,- "The Joseph Meets Maria" is on BBC1 Christmas Eve at 7pm, the cookery program on Boxing day at 1100 or 1105 am on BBC2, and The Winner's Story is on Sat 29th on BBC1 at 5pm.

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Martin,- I've posted some photos for our album to Maggies mailbox. I have made comments to go with them too. Thank you!

ooo, can't wait to get my hands on The Stage. I shall trudge the West End if I have to to get it.. very clever move Scott - read the headlines "Matthewsman's cunning plan ensures staff get good bonus as Xmas sales soar: could there be a promotion in the pipeline?"
Diana - thanks for the tease on the interview and pics. Have a great holiday in the Cape - we'll compare notes when we next get together for a LondonLoppies 2008 drinkypoo, or two.
Carol - do hope you get better very soon. Such a shame you won't be able to sign (do you have an understudy??)Rick will just have to sing for the both of you.
Sue - how's the tootsies doing?
Shirley - I've never known anyone who's had so many migranes in such a short period of time. You mustn't have one tomorrow. You just mustn't. Did you get my email? Check your junk box. I hate the way your network thinks I'm trash!! Anyway, I'll see you, and other Loppies and LoveLees tomorrow around 9am.
Anne - go Dutchy... If the GO does go over to promote the D/ADWD (it doesn't bear thinking of how the translation will work!!) you know you'll have a lot of close personal friends looking for accommodation!!! The GO's support group - goes wherever he goes.
And now I have to go - lunch break over.. Wish I could join the 'banter' rather than just pop in, but I guess that's how the crumble cookies.

Cara / Eva - the Cooking programme is called Christmas Cooks and is actually on ITV not BBC2!! and in the Radio Times online it says that Lee 'offers his own Christmas receipe!'

AliB,- thanks for that correction. I was so sure it was said earlier BBC2. Teach me to doublecheck my facts, doesn't it?

Ooops - Carol signing? Perhaps not a bad idea.. you could do the next CiN signing for the GO's singing!!!

Auds - I'm happy to sign or sing for the GO at any time!!

Children are hilarious and always have an answer.!! I was just listening to Norwegian radio where some children were talking about the upcoming Christmas. The interviewer started talking about the Virgin Birth and asked if they knew what happened. They all agreed that God was the father, but weren't quite sure about the details of the conception, until one of the boys said:" Maybe she was English!" The interviewer asked why The Virgin had to be English, and the boy said:" Well, I was in England in my summer holidays and they do everything different there. They talk differently, they drive on the wrong side, so maybe they make babies differently too.!!! Maybe God looked down and thought,- I'll try in England!!" How the journalist managed NOT to laugh out loud I'll never know.
So now you know! Maybe history will have to be rewritten to: Once upon a time there was a Virgin in England ...... !!!

Grrr...had just written long, witty (yes, unusual for me) post, which then promptly disappeared into the ether. Now, scollop safely collected from last day at school, I'll try again.
As you can all tell, I'm still alive after my evening in the JD fan's (aka my neighbour's) den, but if I ever have to listen to her account of her wonderful experience at the Palladium in 1991 or of how she wrapped herself around JD's legs in a local nightclub to get herself noticed, I think I'll lose the will to live. What a contrast to Another Donna's respectful behaviour in the face of the GO yesterday (thanks for the link, Anne). On a positive note, JD fan has agreed to babysit when Ploppy and next go to see THE show (yes, amazingly, he insists on coming with me again, not sure if it's to enjoy himself or to keep me out of mischief).
Diana, have a great holiday and thanks for the preview of The Stage - hopefully, Ploppy will find it in our local WHSmith's tomorrow.
Geri, I chuckled all through reading your fantastic script, so much so that dollop (who was having lunch opposite me) thought I had gone loopy (or should that be loppy?). If ALW doesn't come good with a fab new West End show for the GO after October, maybe you should send him a script - I'm sure we could all contribute a few ideas ...
Loved the MMJ trailer - how attractive Santa is looking these days! I think I'll revert to my German roots and treat Christmas Eve as the main day of celebration; hopefully, with everything prepared in the afternoon and Ploppy distracting over-excited dollop and scollop, I'll be able to put my feet up and enjoy.
Best of luck all braving the scrum at St. Pancreas tomorrow - I'm turning slightly green already, goes beautifully with all the purple around here.
Eva - yes, children say the funniest things. When mine were really little, Ploppy and I started a notebook with all the funny things they came out with but soon gave up because there were so many. One of my favourites remains scollop's exasperated 'When will this bug fly away?' when he had a particularly nasty cold.

Well we did have a virgin queen - allegedly!!!!

Auds I just found another of your emails consorting with undesireables. The other one today sailed through. I have a theory that some of them like it there. And your crumbling cookie reminded me of an old favourite reported to have been said to a medical friend of mine in North Wales describing a patient from Anglesey who always said 'Thats the way the cuckoo crumbles'. She must really have wondered about the English!!!

Scott I love the teaser. I consider myself well and truly teased. Now someone can tell me what's inside. And Scott, dear, (He He) what was the answer to Diana's request about us being able to buy the photos??

I'll have to wait until I can talk to Stephanie (the photographer) until I can provide any info. on photos...

Oh, forgot to say - Geri, am loving the ST scenarios.. looking forward to the next instalment.
Glad you got my email/s Shirley.
And I loved Another Donna's brief encounter. I loved how she took it to the extreme(almost) of his instruction to "shh" by not spilling the beans until the next day. Mind you, the shock of the encounter would have numbed me as well....
Scott - ask Stephanie what her favourtie chocs are, please... bit of bribery and corruption may help.

Now am going to try and be cool calm and collected, but.... Iam going to be able to make StP tomorrow wheeeeeeeee! Thanks Jane I think it was your ooohhhmmm that did it, lets hope it helps Carol too. Sloppy still seems to be doing well and I have to see social services in the afternoon, but told them I couldn't be there until 3 so should have plenty of time. (takes deep calming breaths.....no good, keeps dancing round the room!)
Great cover Scott, now all I need is a copy of the real thing, more excitement.
Sure I saw some people whizz through here? Hi Karen, Debbie, Cara. You have all my sympathy, know how inconvenient real life can be!!!

Hi All, glad you're all enjoying the Chronicles of the Starship Enterprise on Planet Loppy. I'm busily working on Chapter 3 & should be ready to post it later this evening.

Anne, I'm sure Scott would prefer we all purchased our copies of The Stage rather than commit copyright infringement. I don't doubt that any of us would be happy to mail a copy of The Stage to you when the edition becomes available to us. I seldom get it before Saturday, but I'll happily pick one up for you and mail it then. You can e-mail me c/o stageloppies with your address, or if you hope to get it a little sooner, either Scott's distribution dept. (sorry -- Scott's editor's distribution dept.!) or a UK based loppy might be willing to help.

Today I was doing what I hope is the last of the Christmas shopping in Waterstones when I spotted your favourite read Elisabeth, (only joking) the CO’S biog.. I couldn’t resist having a quick peep and opened it at a page in which he was describing the horror of singing ‘live‘. He thought his career would be over when TOTP went’ live’ and explained how he always mimed his songs as he couldn’t reach all the notes, they were added later to his recordings.
One has to admire his honesty and to be fair he was talking about a while ago pre Joseph .
No wonder he looks nervous and C. when singing with Lee!

Geri, I would have definitely bought a copy of The Stage if I was living in the UK but I am not and to go through all the trouble of sending me a copy and money being exchanged from euros to pounds this is going to be a very expensive copy.
I have got to keep an eye on my expenses these months. For some reason I spent the last months a bit too much on a particular man.
Thank you very much for your offer though.

Talking about spending money. I just received the calendars I ordered. They look lovely. The pictures are great up-close. It is going to be a great year with every day a bit of Lee-love.
Strange though that I got the calendars sooner than Loppies in the UK!

Anne, since I live in Ireland, I use Euros too, so currency isn't an issue. But if cash flow is a problem (and at this time of year, I wouldn't doubt it) I'd be happy to consider it a Christmas present. Let me know.

Oh all you Hamster fans out there Top Gear just starting on BBC2.
Anne - very jealous. Cant wait to see my calendar.

Geri, you are too kind, I am touched.
I didn't realise you are in Ireland and used to Euros.
I will think about your offer and will mail you at stageloppies. I just wanna say now that I don't expect you to pay for it.

Got my little Smart car back today. Having waved it off on a low loader yesterday I was delighted to get a call this morning saying it was ready to collect. So kind of them to fit it in - even garages are rushed off their feet at this time of the year. As they did not have a driver to bring it back they sent a taxi for me - at no extra charge. Very impressed - I like that sort of service. And they had cleaned the car. Inside and out. Like that sort of service too. Anyway I now have a fighting chance of getting to the railway station in good order in the morning - touch wood. Oh I am EXCITED. Just the fog to worry about then.....

Hope Gillian and Carol both recover sufficiently to join us. Going to be a fun - if cold - day. And who knows we might even find a copy or 2 of The Stage to buy. Oh and that reminds me. I bought another couple of copies of THE CD for 2 more lucky friends - from HMV - then discovered that buying it through the RUG site is about £2.50 a copy cheaper. GGGRRR. Adn the assistant in HMV felt it necessary to ask if I knew I had 2 copies of the same disc. No prizes for guessing my response!!!!

Good evening ladies
First things first, Maggie has asked me to say hello and she hopes everybody is well.
She says sorry for not doing this herself, what with Christmas, work and being a touch unwell, she hasn’t had the time recently.

I received some pictures from Eva today and I have put them on the Loppie ladies album for you to view,
http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4
Eva’s words “Just thought it would cheer us all up on a cold winter’s day”
The 1st two photos’ are of the beach where all you Loppies “cavort” in the warm summer months,
The third is the fabled Bistro, which has been cunningly disguised under a different name and lastly Eva? Skiing past Maeve’s house, and she claims she was perfectly sober!

Fi I have played with your photo’s and will shortly be sending them to you via e-mail

Anyway Ladies and Scott if I do not speak to you again before Christmas I will take this opportunity to say have a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous new year (you will need it to keep up the visits to Lee and the Joseph show

Thanks Martin. I think I speak for all the loppies when I say we think you're the king of the ploppies! Have a great holiday & our love to Maggie.

OK, Chapter 3 of the Adventures of the Starship Enterprise on Planet Loppy:

Captain’s Log Stardate 191207: For three days we have been marooned on this planet. The transporter has been destroyed by Rhydian and we cannot leave. The people of this planet, the loppies, are slightly bonkers, but troubling is the strange force their king, L’Mead, exert over my crew? All of them are affected – even my logical First Officer, Mr Spock.

Kirk: Can you explain, Spock? Why is everyone under the influence of L’Mead?
Spock: Your question is illogical, Captain. Haven’t you seen him?
Kirk: Of course I’ve seen him! What’s that got to do with anything?
Spock: He is an exceptionally handsome and charismatic young man. Though I, being Vulcan, am, of course, immune, I have observed the effect he has on everyone – except you, Captain.
Kirk: Why is that, do you think?
Spock: Frankly, Captain, I believe you are jealous. L’Mead is so beautiful, so kind and talented – he looks handsome, he looks smart – he is a walking work of art -- perhaps he challenges the respect and affection you feel should be yours alone.
Kirk: Hmph! What does he have that I don’t?
Spock: His own hair?
Kirk: This is not a wig! It’s a transplant!
Spock: Whatever. If not hair – though his is lush and curly and makes you want to run your fingers through it…where was I?—Yes, if not his hair, perhaps his voice? Have you heard him sing, Captain? He has the same effect on the human physiological system as a tribble.
Kirk: A tribble?
Spock: His voice is both soothing and thrilling. Fascinating.
Kirk: So he sings, so what?
Spock: So what? Haven’t you heard Paint it Black? Stronger? New York, New York? I had to physically restrain Mr Sulu when L’Mead sang the last song.
Kirk: Sulu? He became violent?
Spock: Not the word I’d use. He kept using the word “trouserness” – whatever that means.
Uhuru: Can I speak to you, Captain?
Kirk: Of course, Lieutenant, what’s up?
Uhuru: I wish to resign my commission, Captain. I’ve decided to stay here on Planet Loppy.
McCoy: Me too.
Sulu: That goes double for me!
Kirk: Have you all gone mad? Spock – talk to them, reason with them!
Spock: Sorry, Jim. I’m afraid I’m a loppy, too. Did I hear L’Mead is giving a concert this afternoon? Hope he sings Mack the Knife… See ya, Jim-boy!

Captain’s Log, supplemental: My crew have abandoned me. They’ve fallen under the spell of the Intoxicatingly Beautiful Youth called L’Mead. They have decided to join the Loppies and stay here. How am I to win my crew back? How can I compete with paradise? I must think of a way to break the spell of that Amazing Technicoloured Dreamboat – whatever it takes!

Thanks Martin and Eva.
Geri, you are clever.

Oh Geri, it gets better and better. Loving it. And mysteriously and magically the wonder that is L'Mead will appear at a rail station somewhere in London on the morrow. It is believed that he is to open a portal to a wondrous scene.

Eva, thanks for the photos. Agree with the beach, but that bistro is an imposter. Not my BeachCafe/Bistro at all. Although I like the idea of their hanging baskets. Might nick that next summer. The BC/B is timber made, and painted blue and white. If I ever see it's like I will take a photo, but not sure it really exists.

Martin - once again thank you so much. You are indeed a Ploppy amongst Ploppies. Give our love to Maggie and tell her to look after herself. Hope that she is feeling better soon, and hope that a benefit of working so hard right now is that she gets the festive season at home with you??

Geri,-if you keep this up, you might convert me to sci-fiction. Will I go into the Galaxy for L'Mead? YES YES YES.

Martin,- how could I forget,- thank you so much and many wishes coming your way for a Merry Christmas for you and Maggie.

Geri, thats grand, wish you could be with us tommorrow at St. P.'s to see the 'walking work of art' himself, we'll be your proxies.

Martin, thanks for all the good work you've done for the Loppies, Maggie is a lucky woman, hope she's feeling better soon and you both have a great Christmas.

All Loppies going to StP station have lots of fun and I hope you don’t get crushed trying to get close to the GO.
I will be thinking of you tomorrow. Say hi to him from us.
Hope that the poorly Loppies are able to go.

Wow Geri, am now completely hooked! What happens next? Does the dastardly Captain manage to wean his poor crew away from this wonderful place? Do tell!
Thankyou Martin for all your coordinating of these pictures. You have brought the loppy world a little closer. Hope Maggie is soon feeling fit again and you both have a great Christmas and New Year.
Now Shirley, a blue and white building, mmmm, sure I've seen that somewhere, if I could just remember where.....
Having an early night, places to go in the morning so sleep tight people.

Maeve, I'll be with you in spirit as the loppy brigade decends on St P. Hope there'll be a little coverage on TV.

Eva, the only galaxy I know anything about is the chocolate variety! Still, Sci-Fi can be very funny if you read the right stuff (Hitchhiker's Guide comes to mind).

What will the dasterdly Capt. Kirk do next? Not sure, but I bet it won't be good! Tune in tomorrow...

Martin - big kisses for you and Maggie just heading your way! Geri surely the slightly bonkers inhabitants will defend L Mead from the dastardly Captain Kirk? Feel there ought to be some appropriate music at this point!
Sweet meads all.

Oh, sorry Geri,- I thought The Galaxy was where all this was going on. Shows you how much I know. A chocolate Galaxy can't be bad though!
Will se you all tomorrow. For those of you going to St. Pancras, have a lovely day, and give GO LoppyLove from all of us who can't be there.
Good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Oh Geri I LOVE Hitchhiker. You could totally confuse things and have Ford Prefect causing chaos too. And Slartibartfast redesigning Norway - that should wake Eva up with a start.

Night all, another Loppy with an early start in the morning. Given the the CM, DCM, DDCM (the BHB claims he will be going too, Bless) are all elsewhere tomorrow morning the BeachCafe/Bistro will be operating a self service/honour service tomorrow morning. Just LEAVE THE PLACE TIDY. And DO YOUR OWN WASHING UP.

Sweet Meads all. Lots of photos to be taken of GO and Loppy friends - wish that was going to be together.

Gosh Shirley, I think that's going to be a very ambitious series! I'll have to see what I can work in.

Still got the sniffles, temperature and chills (they're multiplying!) so it's goodnight from me. Safe journey tomorrow everyone, have a great time & report back (with pictures -- Gillian, hope you're ready with the camera).

I've been away wrapping presents, might of missed those going to StP. Give him a wave from me. Lots of pics for Martin to load please.

And Gillian I have to do my second job on 26th, short of staff for some reason, people think it's a holiday, so I won't be able to catch Christmas cooks.......please!

Geri and Eva, my friend has sent it, ripped it open this morning (not waiting for 25th), front pic is lovely (white shirt), 2 topless Feb and July (not certain about Feb) but Sept mmmmmm.

Still waiting for THE calendar though.

Shirley-mini bistro 2nd pic from bottom of page!!???
http://my.opera.com/travelogue/blog/index.dml/tag/uk

Nightlee night

Morning Loppies!

It looks like I'm opening up this morning - so appologies to bistro customers want a cooked breakfast - I'm only safe to be let loose with the toaster.

No doubt Eva will bring a interesting fish dish to sample though!

Geri - loving the Star Trek story

Shirley - I'm another hitch-hikers fan.

Thanks Martin (king of Ploppies) for the piccys.

Shirley, Pauline and everyone else going to StPs have a wonderfull day.

Ohmmm Ohmmm (that's for you Carol - and for any poorly Loppies)

Morning all. Toast lovely Jane E and some tea please . Still full after our international christmas meal last night - interesting! tho Polish contingent said they ommitted the smoked fish dishes as that for christmas Eve (sounded just like the scandanavian ritual)

Have a fab time at ST P - have been so can visualise the stage but looking forward to the reviews and pics.

martin - thanks for all your work with pics. Have received your emails but no time to look in detail but will and then get back to you. may not be today as the hordes (oh sorry slipping into Jane E terminology - meant the family)arrving today after work.

Hope poorly loppies all on mend- keep up the ohmmmmming jane E - Maggie and I can vouchsafe fro its effect.

Look out for post office vans, ladies. My calendar just arrived.
Now I just have to stop myself from taking a peek as it's supposed to be my Christmas present. Thinking about it, Ploppy should be grateful really as he hates shopping for presents and he hasn't even had to do anything for this one.

Morning Beach Bunnies - sadly you will see I am not at StP - Ploppy put his foot down - it is very cold here - thick ice on the cars etc. and he said I risked being ill all over Christmas if I went, so I bowed to his command (doesn't happen often) and stayed put. Still on the plus side I might get my calendar if I am here.....although the Royal Mail have just delived and I got very excited thinking it was IT, rushed downstairs in my pjs to find it was Fortnum & Mason Hamper which friends send us every year......disappointed! Thank you for all the ooohhhmmms - they do seem to be working as I can now vocalise!! Sore throat much better, just left with the running nose - tres attractive!

Oh Carol, your Ploppy is much too sensible and probably right. Hope you feel better soon and have a lovely and healthy Christmas.
I know not getting the calendar and not being able to go to ST P today is a disappointment, to say the least, but getting a hamper from Fortnum and Mason would make me feel a lot better.
I love presents.

Carol, I think I picked up your bug (cough). Had a raging fever yesterday and have lost my voice today -- no obvious comments, please. So I'm home from work and having problems staying in a vertical position. I think we must be infecting one another through our keyboards; I don't remember a time when all the loppies were all healthy at the same time. And if it's not the loppies it's the sloppys or the ploppys, or whatever. Anyway, dollop surprised me last night with the OTHER CD (still waiting for the calendar, Jo4. Feb is my b'day months & he's topless? Ooh-er!), and a bunch of flowers. She's not bad, is she? OK, back to a reclining position. Have fun at St. P, everyone.

Carol - I'm not at St P either. Have been fighting off bugs all week which finally surfaced last night, so thought it was foolish to go and risk being laid up over Christmas too, not to mention giving it to other loppies (and Lee) but I'm so disappointed... hope those that did make it are having a great time. Waiting with baited breath for the postman now!

Ooh I hope its not coming through the keyboards as I doing my best to stay healthy (even though everyone around me is ill) as I am soo worried about having a cold for next Friday!! Whats happening next Friday I hear you cry - WHAT DO YOU THINK!! Alison and Jo4 - not long now! Just have to endure today, Friday and Christmas Eve at work and then its Joe time!!

Do we all feel like Cinderella when the others had gone off to the Ball?? Shirley2 that's what really made me listen to Ploppy - I'd never have forgiven myself if other Loppies had caught germs from me, and I wasn't going to get near the GO just in case! Sad when you get disappointed by an F&M Hamper cos you were expectig a calendar isn't it!!

Oh sick and pooly left out Loppies - forgot to say in you look on Donna's site Forum the lovely Carys has put a little jigsaw puzzle there ....might just provide some light relief from the germs!

Cxxx

SCOTT DARLING !!!!!!! I have just read through the interview and gazed into those amazing eyes. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Do you know what pleased me most? You treated him like an intelligent human being! So many of the other interviews have only talked about his hair, his stint on the ferries and so on.
I have to run out again, but (whisper in Scott Darling's ear) I'm promoting you to editor-in-chief! Don't worry, I won't tell anyone. It'll be between you and me.
And please tell Stephanie that the photo inside is one of the best of Himself I've ever seen. Please ask her if we can buy it. I'll add to the bribes,- more chocolate, perfume, some smelly fish!,- anything.

Carol - I have tried that jigsaw puzzle and its really hard!! I gave up after about 20mins!! Good fun though!!

Scott - and I endorse Eva's remarks on the interview and the piccie!

The postman didn't disappoint - calendars have just arrived and they are GORGEOUS, Very classy and a fine tribute to Lee. Donna thanks so much for all your efforts, we are so grateful and to those who supplied photographs. Cant wait to see the Stage article and to hear about the St P expedition.

OH 'eck! Here I am stuck at w*rk and calendars are arriving. I'll have to wait till this evening. I'm not sure what will be worse -

Postman forces calendar through letter box, which might damage it.

One of those little red slips saying I've got to re-arrange a delivery.

Or nothing at all arrives.

Eeek!

So sorry you didn't make it to St Ps Carol & Shirley2 - but you're being very sensible.
Hope you and Geri, and all other poorly Loppies get well soon.

Ali B, Alison & Jo4 - keep yourselves well - we don't want you coming down with the lurgy for Friday.

OK - I think it's time for a cup of tea - don't worry Fi I'm making one for you too!

Thanks Lady Jane. Eva, Carol -- SirCliff is on Loose Women today. I picked the right day to stay home sick, huh? No, I didn't plan it!

Eva-- you don't bribe people with smelly fish! What are you thinking?

Squeal, Squeal - postlady just been - calendar has arrived, drool, droll, and it is GORGEOUS! Donna big kisses and thanks winging your way (germ free of course!). Jane E big "Do Not Bend" on the envelope, Postlady knocked - think it may be a red slip.....

Carol, on my envelope it also said "Do Not Bend',but mine postman or woman can't read or don't know any english because my calendars were bend!!!
Luckely only slightly so I am trying to bend them back ever so softly. I don't want to put pressure on the GO.

Geri,- poor you. Maybe the sight and sound of Cliff baby will make you feel better. I just turned the telly on, so will have a cup of herbal tea, read THE INTERVIEW again, and wait for the other dreamboat to appear.(Karen, Nicki, no need to make those loud retching noises!) I haven't had Cliffie's calendar yet, but strongly suspects it might be in my stocking on Christmas Day.
My postman had been when I was at WHSmith this morning to buy The Stage, so when I came home, there was a red note saying he'd been but I hadn't. I am expecting a parcel from Norway too, so will have to wait until tomorrow to see what it is. I did go into town, but couldn't find anywhere to park, so went back home in digust. What on earth are all those people doing out and about? Can't they stay at home?
SCOTT DARLING,- did I say I adore you ? !! I'll get around to the other stories in The Stage when I can tear my eyes away from GO's beautiful photo.
Geri,- some people have strange tastes foodways, so maybe Stephanie likes smelly fish!!

Aw, Eva, did you see our other hero? I wish he'd do that more often -- just him, a guitar, and a simple song he wrote himself. Magic!

Kept hoping those Loose Women would grace us with a clip of the GO, but noooo.

Anyone hear anything from St. P yet?

That's it - have not had a lunch break all week and so have decided to take one today and what do I find - calendars been delivered whilst I'm at work!!!! Brief nightmare thought - when I'm not in, my postman leaves parcels in my recycling bin and guess what - today is recycling day!!!! Now tell me, he wouldn't be stupid enough to leave it in the bin when it's out on the road awaiting collection, would he? Would he??

Sorry to all poorly loppies - hope you're soon on the mend - big medicinal loppy hugs coming your way!

Geri,- it was lovely, wasn't it? Shows him for the great artist he is!!
Yes, I was also hoping for a little glimpse of ROTY, but we can't have it all. I had another gaze at The Stage photo instead.

That's it!! All this talk of calendars and the Stage - I've got to rush home!

Carol - I'm almost hoping postie does try to force it through the letter box - the last time I got a red slip they lost of the package!!

Karen, I'm sure the Royal Mail can't be that dim surely! Betting it's a red slip for you too!

Looks like I'm first back from the StP mob. Aaahhhhhhhh. He is just so gorgeous and kind and lovely and thoughtful and beautiful and sweet and handsome and smart and gentle and sweet and kind and lovely and gorgeous... He loves his Loppies - he kissed and hugged two of them. Not me unfortunately. I was too transfixed. Singled out Donna. He took delivery of the Loppies Xmas pressie direct from the Pink Loppy (so you can guess who got the kisses). Gillian has some FABULOUS footage -and there are shedloads of wonderful photos to come.
It was also so lovely to meet up with LMAS Loppies/LoveLees and put names to faces.
Oooohh, he's so lovely. Did I mention that?
Carol, so sorry you couldn't be there, but it was the right move for you... we were quite frozen by the end of the affair - it would've definitely done you in for the Christmas hols.
I didn't manage to get hold of The Stage - I was a late Loppy (and boy, did you have to be early at the StP WHSmiths) and I got there at 9:15 - all sold out!!!

Oh Auds (sobs in her corner) I missed out! I missed out! By the way voice has now come back - hurray! I guess you were near the front in all the shenanigans??? Me green with envy? No, course not!

Well, as there were only about 40 people all told gathered around the stand.. even being at the back wasn't far away. I did get close at one platform at one point - right behind Him. He was dressed in his favourite brown leather jacket, his chocolate brown shirt and black pants/jeans. The locks were suitably greased and in place. He is so beautiful.

Wow am I next back? Great day, he is indeed so lovely, so glad we went, just a select group of us in the end, not a scrum, and it would have been really quiet without us. Uploading my film to computer now. I'll get it online asap. I only caught a glimpse of some of the still pictures afterwards, cameras were being passed around when we went for coffee, but they look great as well, looking forward to seeing them properly.

Auds - What did he do? and how long was he there for?!! More details please!!