Connie: ‘Andrew Lloyd Webber created a monster!’

Whee - am I first? Thanks Scott - you are a wonderful landlord!!!
Cx

Scott - we certainly are, people might think it was slightly bonkers!!

And I'm second! Thank You Scott for taking such good care of us!

OOh I've never been this near the top before!! Thankyou so much Scott, you are very good to us.
Just was going to say how sorry I felt for you AliB, nightmares are horrible, you better have a few cocktails to recover 1
Right I'm here and ready for the Tango lessons, bit early but wanted to be sure not to miss them.

Scott dear,- long time no see. How lovely to talk to you again! Thank you for our new home. Very easy move this time since we were already packed for the beach!
I'm just back from my pedicure, - lovely, lovely. I feel like I'm walking on air. Highly recommended as pampering tool.
I see the dancing class is up next. The queue is forming,- I'd better get over there. Tango with BHB!!!!

Scott dear,- I just read your little article at the top of the page. I have a feeling there was a not so little kick in our direction in the last sentence? But you couldn't possibly be sarcastic, could you?

Pauline2 and everyone - thank you for your kind comments - it was very traumatic for me but I am slowly recovering!! Is it the tango next? Oh count me in!! I must get up off this sun lounger - three and half hours is perhaps long enough to be lying in the sun!!

Hello, count me in for the tango too! The lurgy has finally gone and I'm just left with a slightly husky, dare I say sexy?, voice.
Ploppy was reading the DVO interview in The Sun on Saturday when he said "did you know Lee Mead is dating Denise van Outen?" durr?? After a brief exchange of words along the lines of "you never listen" etc. he announced his new found respect for GO at "pulling" someone like her!!
Thoughts are with your Kenyan family Shirley.

Sorry Scott, thanks again for moving us on so painlessly!

Ooh that was good timing - lunchtime here and I'm just in time for the move to our new home (thanks Scott) and for the Tango lessons. Oh goody!

So Eva, what colour toes did you go for? Something to get you noticed by the BHB during the Tango??

Just dropped in for the tango lessons....

I thought I'd repeat the video link from near the end of the last blog, so you can all get in the mood:))
http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/5044/An-overview-of-Koh-Samui,-Thailand

Karen,- they are now a dark red! Very sexy toes I've got now. All I have to do now is what Del Boy used to say,- jiggle them a bit!!

Hello and a belated happy New Year to everyone. Hope you all had a lovely time - Christmas seems ages ago. And Happy New Year and thanks for the new page, Scott.

We only landed this morning and came straight into the office so I'm feeling rather disorientated and not at all like doing w**k - unfortunately, there's lots of it.

I was only able to go online a couple of times while we were away and then briefly so I skimmed the latest news on LMAS and that's about all. Has anything major happened? I've just looked at the official site but it doesn't appear to have been updated?! I'm glad Lee's away as it gives me a chance to catch up a bit.

Welcome back Diana, apart from a Major fracas on LMAS when somebody attacked Donna, DVO confirming her relationship with Lee, our move on Holiday over to Thailand and, most important, the investiture of the Loppy Laureate and Dutch Ambassadress, don't think there has been anything happening.
Found this quite interesting, the ad for Joseph in the Daily telegraph theatre listings has removed "with Lee Mead", but have not replaced saying anything about BooHoo, I'd have thought they would want it advertised, as he must have had some people voting for him, mustn't he?

Phew, it's been a busy time with moving premises lately. Thanks for the new home Scott. Monsters eh? Well I think we're delightful and butter wouldn't melt... Besides, I find it very hard to imagine anyone being so obsessed with an IBY that it would take over their whole life.. that's just silly.
I'm sure one of us on this site hasn't done that, yet.
OK, can't remember what was on the schedule for this time; the Tango still going, or are we only to Salsa now - oh, I know I've posted this link before, but might I put a class of this up for consideration please?
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=l-TsqaS2ZPY
Oh, perhaps it's figure painting now. Let's see... who's figure do I want to paint?? mmmm. Thanks for offering LB, but I think I'm more atuned to the BHB for this task.
Oops, must dash - gotta play waitress back in world of w**k. :-) How lucky is that? Not.

Thank you Scott for our lovely new home - well I've read the article and can't think of anyone I know remotely like that!

Diana! Hi! Great to have you back! Did you have a good holiday?

I appear to have missed Tango lessons, but I think I'm in nice time for figure painting. Pass the brushes!

STRATFORD FEST
As we are near the top of the page I thought I would do another post re the Stratfordfest which is on Saturday 26th January. The plan is to meet at a designated pub (already selected) from about 11.30/noonish and enjoy a leisurely GO inspired lunch and then see how the rest of the afternoon pans out. Current protagonists are:- Me (+ Ploppy), Auds, Diana, Gillian, Jackie, Jane, Jo,Lindsey. If you decide you want to join us, please email me c/o Stage Loppies, as I shall be compiling a mobile phone list shortly so that we can all contact each other if we need to.

Thank you for our new home Scott.
Glad that everone seems better today, must be the location.
I see all Loppies have settled in and attending classes. I'm sorry I missed the writing and Tango classes. Can't paint or draw, but would like something musical. Fancy brushing up on guitar playing (am sadly out of practise) or Chinese Opera - attended a class last year at a multi cultural schools day, and found it fascinating. I'm sure the locals would show us some dancing, and DCM must be able to give us a demonstration from her experience in King and I!!
Thanks for the video Gillian. I see that Eva brought some fish with her, and was that Nana Jean I saw on that elephant?

Thanks, Scott for our new, tropical home. Yes, we are slightly bonkers, but since you keep enabling us, you know what that makes you, right?

Now as self-appointed Dean of this tropical school, I have to say I am shocked and appalled at the way you've all been wandering off willy-nilly. The poor BHB volunteered for a life-drawing class and no one did any drawing -- just sat with their mouths open ogling him. But for the fact that the yoga class was so early, we might have had a similar fracas, and the less said about that tango lesson the better. Please remember you are ladies. More importantly, remember the BHB can only dance with one of you at a time. I am also troubled about the level of commitment shown in the writing class. Your assignment was to produce a short story incorporating the elements of religion, royalty, mystery and sex. And what does Miss Eva come up with: '"My God," said the Duchess, "Who's touching my leg!"' Yes, I said keep it brief, but that's not good enough! I, on the other hand, have been earning my Loppy Laureate title and working on a brand new story. But you won't get to hear it unless you behave yourselves (and trust me, it's a corker!)

Eva (aka sexy toes) - I think you will have plenty of opportunity for jiggling whilst we're on the beach - no shoes (or wellybobs as it's pouring down here) required so the toes will be always on display - I take it it was your toes you were talking about jiggling!!!

Diana - welcome home. Hope you had a good holiday but I bet you're glad to be back amongst the loppies and the GO.

Just jumping in from the other time continuinum :)
Gillian! Great tourist video of Thailand! Feels like I've been there. Thanks.

Excuse me Geri! I think you will find that I deffinately put some paint on my canvas during figure painting class - admittedly it was a wee bit Jackson Pollock - but still!

And also I've just posted my square for Geri's project.

Hi Ringer! Are you enrolling for classes?

Good afternoon (is it?) ladies. Scott, thank you for our lovely new home. But what an odd notion that - letting an obsession take over your life!!! No surely not!!! Far more strange than Geri's wonderful sagas. Cant beleive that would happen in reality.

And then strange things start happening here. Nana Jean has followed us to our holiday hideaway!!! Why??? She should be sitting in as many seats as her butt will cover so BooHoo has someone to sing to. Unless of course she was persuaded of the error of her ways by the IBY. She certainly liked the look of his ROTY. Shock horror - you dont think thats why she is here do you? To be a Peeping Tom (Jean) at our life painting classes?? Disgraceful. I think we should post LD as a guard. She'll make sure the BHB is well protected.

And then, just to really freak me Ringer appears across the space time continuum. Hi Ringer - waves.

Kathleen, you have given me an idea. Carol, Sonja and I all sing - Carol more publicly of late, but hey a recyled rock chick has her memories. I think we should form a choir/backing group. How about Lee and the Loppies.

Good stuff this migraine medication. As you can probably tell by now. But thanks to it and the chiropractor I think I am finally winning.

Oh yes, and I loved that house in Gillian's video (thanks Gillian) - I think thats where we are staying dont you??

Well really Geri, don't you know that the first thing you have to do in art is thoroughly study your subject, and we did, very thoroughly.
Am off out to dinner this evening, one of my friends is off to Oz on Wednesday ( with Thai Airways via Bangkok funnily enough!) trouble is she hates flying! Longest flight she has ever undertaken, but her daughter emigrated last year so she has a huge incentive. Lots of Dutch courage will be required! Have a fun evening and see you tomorrow! Nighty night.

How rude of me, hi Ringer nice to see you!!

Oh my goodness what an awful afternoon I have had! Back in my parallel universe the internet went down at work from 2.00 onwards!! I hope it is fixed tomorrow! On a different note Lee's official website has finally been updated!! Nothing very exciting - nice new welcome message from Lee, the news page has been cleared of all old TV appearances (nothing new added!!) but most interesting is that the address to send stuff to Lee is now the stage door at the Adelphi rather than his agents!! What do you make of that?!

Nice new home, thanks Scott.

Welcome back Diana.

Carol, I did so want to come to the Stratford Fest, Ploppy had even agreed to bring the motor-home for the weekend, but the house move just has to be done.

Shirley, Lee and the Loppies, how cool is that?

Hi Ringer, nice to see you over here.

Hi Ringer,- nice of you to pop in. Are you joining us in Thailand?
Geri,- you told me to get to the point, and I did! There is no pleasing you! OK, I'll elaborate:" My God", said the Dutchess," Who's touching my legs? Good Lord (both religion and royalty), are you after my sexy twinkle toes?" Happy now? You are moaning about pupils not being attentive. I'm moaning about pupils not being there. In my introductory Norse Mythology class this afternoon, there was only my able assistant Lady Jane and myself, and she was slightly squiffy after pre-tasting the wine!!! We had all these plans for roleplay and other frivolities, but nobody turned up. I'll give you one more chance tomorrow afternoon,- but that's it. Poor Lady Jane,- she was crying her eyes out, all dressed up as she was as Queen Gunhild !!

Ringer (or should that be Q?), welcome from the continuum. Stick around -- the loppy water is lovely.

Loving the podcast, Scott. Hope there may be one with Lee in the near future. Loppies, in this current Lee-vacuum, I strongly recommend you take a listen. It'll give you a whole new insight into life in the Joseph house.

AliB, I noticed Lee's website had been updated, but it seems pretty sparse. And some stuff, like the media, was missing.

Geri, this homework is just so so hard,please can I go to the bar, there is a new group playing there tonight?????????????????

Shirley, can I join Lee and the Loppies?I have some experience. I;ve sung in a choir at the Albert Hall, was in the chorus of the Beggar's Opera at college and was once asked to be vocalist in a friends group. I refused and the next I heard was that Sarah Brightman's sister had agreed to sing for them!!!

Yeah Eva! - and I was wearing lovely blonde plaits as well - but I'm not sulking or I won't be after anothe couple of cocktails!

Shirley - don't forget I sing too - can I join Lee & the Loppies?

Jill -- treason! Oh, go ahead...I'll meet you there!

Jane, Kathleen Oh yes ladies, the more the merrier. All singing Loppies welcome. So what are we going to sing?? We're all going on a winter holiday??

Right, off for an early night. Hopefully a more normal night tonight. Sweet Meads all.

Perhaps the appropriate song would be One Night in Bangkok? Or something from the King & I -- Carol would like that!

Good choice Geri, I love that song!

Night night Loppies!

Phew, I finally found you. I thought Gillian’s video was the Sat Nav directions. My poor broomstick’s been zipping across the country so much it’s down to it’s last bristles!!
I’m very disappointed that I missed all the classes, but I have done my composition homework for Geri’s writing class. “Lee Mead [sex] wins Sir ALW’s [royalty] search for a star for JATATD [religion], beating Keef & BooHoo [someone voted for them??? That’s a mystery to me!!].

Hello, hello everyone, these cocktails are delishus. In the virtual world had a really bad day with London Transport - trouble on the way in, and then trouble on the way home, so had to rush in, eat and rush off to rehearsal - just back! Oh Sue so sorry you won't be with us for the SF, but perhaps we can organise something a little later in the year.
Actually I think, "Happy Talk" would be quite a good song to learn! Geri was going to do my homework, honest, but the paper seems a bit blurred - I'll try again tomorrow. Which reminds me I haven't done my square yet (do I get 50 lines?). Aunty Eva I'll have to come to the Norse classes tomorrow as I can't take any more of Jane's weeping - those plaits have all gone soggy, poor thing! OK just one more cocktail and then I think it's time for bed. Sweet Meads all.

Completely forgot to say that in the London freebee evening paper they have a little column where they ask various "stars" which of whatever thing they prefer. So it would be "Who do you prefer, Kylie or Danni?" - today the questions were being put to the CO!!! That was indeed one of his questions and the final question was "Joseph, Danny Osmond or Lee Mead?" - and his answer was "Neither - me"!!!!!!

Carol,- we all know that CO has bad taste! Glad to see you'll join Lady Jane and myself tomorrow. How about you singing some Wagner? He was heavily into Norse Mythology!
Good night all, sleeo tight, have wondeful dreams and wake up happy.

Just been on Donna's site, according to the forum Lee was seen on the Strand today. Ohh, and here's me thinking he's far far away from us.

Carol, another meet would be lovely, I know we're meeting in June, but I'll be with non-Loppy friends, and in October, but that's ages away.

What's everyone putting on their Valentine card? Not the message, the design, I'm a bit stuck.

Oh well, another day under the sun-shade to look forward to, don't know when I'm ever going to get all this packing done!

Nite nite all.

Sue,- I'll e-mail you the thingy I've made for the Valentine card, just to give you an idea.

OH Aunty Eva - will you email me too please, I'm currently devoid of ideas! That's a thought perhaps today we could find time between classes to do a bit of craft work? Good job we aren't in England - the weather this morning looks frightful - wet and windy and cold! I'll just have a nice chilled pina oolada and lie back on my lounger under the parasol to get myself ready for the strenuous day ahead! Aunt Eva - How's about Solveig's Song from Peer Gynt - know that one well and it would possibly fit in the with theme?

Morning Loppies!

Morning Carol - do you mind if I join you? I'm so glad you'll be coming to the Norse class today - and look! The plaits have dried out nicely.

Sue - how interesting that the GO was spotted in the Strand!
I took ages trying to figure out what to do for my square - mine's sort of Celtic-y. Unfortunatly I didn't think to photograph it!

Ohhhmmmm --- good morning. It's hard to meditate with all this chatter going on. BHB is in an almost trancelike state. Somehow he even manages to make that look good.

Psst, I'll try to do some photos of the squares I've got & post them on Maggie's site. Each one is different and they're all lovely. Some have buttons & beads, some use paper, a couple have glitter. There's no hard and fast rule; just go with what you like. Certainly, very few are going with an overt Valentine look, which is good, I think, since we want him to enjoy it year round.

Eva -- Wagner? Hitler's favourite composer? Surely not. And ladies, today's homework assignment is to write a short paragraph without any adjectives or adverbs. And, yes, it must be fiction, no passages from the tax code, if you please!

OK, must concentrate, BHB just opened one eye and doesn't look amused. Yikes!

Well good morning to all Loppies. And just to tune up for the morning a choral version of OOOHHHMMMM please. Followed by some more warming up exercises. Then straight into Oh what a Beauthaiful Morning......

Good morning LD - you doing the waitressing today? Yes, I had heard the BHB was doing some yoga. No one came to your 'Splits in 2 weeks class'? I wonder why not.

Hope everyone has a safe journey into work today. Wild, wet and windy night here (no Geri, that is not an entry!!!). And thank heavens for that offer of ideas for the squares. My brain has not even come up with a single idea.

LEE ALERT LEE ALERT - well, sort of!! Big interview with Denise in Heat Magazine out today!! It is almost all about her and Lee!! It explains how they are not going to see each other for three weeks while they are both on holiday!! I have only quickly read it as I am at work but its definitely worth reading!!

Morning all! I'm not saying it's good, because it isn't. Was still reading at 3.30 am and managed to oversleep. I have a doctor's appointment this morning, so I'll help myself to some coffee and fruit.
Geri,- I know all about Wagner and Hitler, but I thought the theme could go well. Personally I don't like him at all,- sooooo heavy and bl****y boring, even though I am a total opera buff, so maybe we'll go with Carol's suggestion of Solveig's song from Peer Gynt. Edward Grieg can gladden any heart, and since Peer Gynt is a fantasy, it should go down well. Since Lady Jane is also doing salsa classes, maybe she can do Anitra's Dance from the same symphony? Peer Gynt could move in time and space much as we do, although I doubt that he ever heard of Starship Enterprise.
Carol and Shirley,- I'll email you my artistic masterpiece. Have to run.

incidentally - not sure I place much credence in the "seen in the Strand" on the Celeb Spot Blog - no picture to prove it, just him in his Joe Coat, no mention of speaking .....could have been his double from the video of course!

I thought that the spotting in the Strand was very iffy too Carol. Why would he have been there in the Jo coat! Not seen by any Loppies who really know what he looks like. Perhaps it was a cunning plot by the GO to throw the press of their trail!

Geri - here is my homework.

"He cried. No-one had come. The seats were empty. He looked up, he saw a figure. It was Nana Jean. He cried. Nana Jean hugged him. He cried again. "It's not fair" he said "The theatre is full when Lee is here". Nana Jean looked at him "He has talent" she said. He cried again.!

Morning, won't say "good" as it's wet and windy and altogether miserable outside!
Would appreciate pics of squares too please Eva and Geri as I'm struggling too!
Have a good day everyone

Shirley, forgot to ask whether you got a response back re:the xmas pressie? or were we included in the thankyou on LMAS?

The rain is pouring down in London and the wind is howling. I am happy to be here in Geri's writing class in the sun by the sea drinking a glass of Carol's Bucks Fizz.

Maeve, I'm with you there! Weather is quite miserable up north too. Much rather be in sunshine, even though I'm having to look intelligent in Geri's class - not easy after all those cocktails (hic!)

Eva - I've only ever seen one Wagner opera - Rhinegeld - and I'm afraid it put me off heavy opera for life!

Oh, please Geri - I'd love to see pictures of everyone's squares, Shirley, I thought you'd be going for a pink theme (don't know why!)

And thanks for the (sort of) Lee alert Ali B

Sorry about lack of commas Geri!

Doing some i***g, just seen that "Craig and Friends" are going to be on "This Morning" at 12.20.

Hi all, later than usual this morning, apologies, but very late night followed by mini Sloppy crisis today. Anyway all sorted and am now ready to join classes. Have also a few new cocktails for BHB to make for you this evening (including non alcoholic ones for anyone who wants them), and we will be practising this afternoon.
Funnily enough I saw that Maeve while I was i***g, will watch but already a snippet of BooHoo saying he hopes to keep HIS coat, huh, so may end up throwing things at the screen!

Well fairly innocuous in the end qu ick word and a song from the album (Bee Gees no run to him), won't be buying don't think! But Craig did say of their concert that they have some suprise guests...you don't think , do you?!!!

....Pauline2 - I am still not understanding this "non alcoholic" - does not compute!

Pauline, I guess thay won't invite Lee as surprise guest, they wouldn't want to be reminded of how good he is!

I know Carol, but apparently some people like them! Please don't worry councilling will be available, along with plenty of alcohol!!

Hello, was going to say morning, then realised it wasn't.

Eva, thanks for your email, sorry you had a bad night.

Geri, thanks for the offer to put the squares on the photo site, I'm glad I'm not the only one who hasn't done one yet.

Carol, 10 out of 10 for your homework, it made me laugh.

AliB, thanks for the Lee Alert.

Don't know if I should say this, because on the whole I'm glad Lee is with Denise, I think she's lovely, and she will be good for him, and if I didn't, and if she wasn't, it's none of my business anyway, but is anyone else just a little bit glad to think they've gone on separate holidays?
Having said that I know you can't believe everything you read, and they could well be strolling on a beach together right now!!

What squares??? What have I missed?

Re Lee's holiday companion(s) it always seemed to me likely he was not on hols with DVO as I thought the holiday was arranged before they got together, and if so, it wouldn't be fair to whoever he was going with if he pulled out to be with DVO - which might apply to her as well.

Gillian and Sue - you are both right! Its all in this weeks Heat. Denise says that she is off to LA for three weeks (although the pictures were of her in the Maldives!!) and that they had both booked holidays before they got together and it was all very new etc so they won't be seeing each other for three weeks!

Me Me. I want a choice of non alcoholic cocktals. Thank you Pauline. I will be there to try them - yummy.

Surely BooHoo can keep his Joseph coat. And let's face it - he is never going to wear it out. Would anyone put money on his being asked to cover the GO's next holidays???
Not only can he not fill Lee's shoes I shouldnt think he fills his coat either.

Gillian,- about the squares,- I won't say too much here, but if you email Geri,- I'm sure she'll update you.
Lady Jane,- I can understand you going off opera if Rheingold is the only one you've heard. Try The Magic Flute (Mozart) if you ever get the chance. It's light and funny with absolutely lovely music.
Btw. if you are doing Anitra's Dance in class today, you'll need a lot of veils. Anitra is the woman Peer meets on his travels when he comes to Egypt and she dances for him to seduce him. She succeds too! It's not very Norse Mytholpgy, but at least the composer is Norwegian!
What a foul day it is. When I got to the surgery, there was nowhere close to park, so I had a bit of way to walk, or be blown! The surgery is down by the seafront, so you can imagine the wind and rain there. I was absolutely soaked when I got there, and then had to sit and wait for almost an hour! The waiting room was packed with peolpe sneezing and couching, so if I didn't pick up a bug or two, it will be a minor miracle. Oh well, rant over!

Oh Carol - forgot to say I love your homework.

Hi all - another loppy here who would appreciate seeing the squares as, whilst I am brimming with enthusiam about this project, I am distinctly lacking in inspiration - and as many of you have said - so glad it's not just me.

Weather here was horrendous this morning but after weeks of wearing boots I decided, like a plonker, to wear shoes today so, of course, arrived at work with soggy feet - think they've just about dried out now. Hope nobody's suffering with flooding as anticipated on the news this morning.

Re: the sighting on the Strand, as you say Shirley2, perhaps a cunning plan - maybe one of us had already made a GO decoy to stop the press following him on hols!!

First and foremost wow Gillian, well done, you must be really chuffed with the amount raised (see Donnas' latest news letter).
Loved the homework as well Carol. Beyond me I'm afraid, have used too many adverbs and adjectives for years to break the habit.
So sorry for all the damp ladies, weather has been foul here this morning as well, but is looking a bit brighter now.
GO in the Strand? must have been a cardboard cut out, as sounds a bit fishy to me.
Now back to those cocktails.

I don't know about left out Loppies but I feel like a left behind Loppy at the moment. I don't know what to do first! Tip - Those of you who signed up for Google alerts might want to cancel them when you're on holiday!

Sorry if already mentioned, this week's Now magazine has a 2 page spread on what the 12 Josephs are now doing. Seamus - "I was asked to be a backing singer for Madonna and Mariah Carey at Live 8. But I'd already said I'd sing at a wedding that day!" Oh yeah

I know Shirley and Eva got additional copies of The Stage issue with Lee but if anyone still wants a copy, I've got a spare - please email me.

...well the Norse Mythology class is going swimmingingly - many more people today. Of course that could have been the presence of the BHB - mind you he looked a little startled when Jane did her Anitra's dance and started shedding veils, still I think he will come round shortly as long as we give him a little space. I'll just dab some sal volatole on his temples, that should do the trick!

Here is a link to the DVO interview scanned for those who can't bear to buy Heat!!

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/766894

Sorry I haven't commented on my Norse class earlier, but half my garden fence blew down, so I've been a bit busy. I'm so glad Lady Jane was such a success with her veils, and BHB soon recovered after his faint. You know he's used to being the one on minimalist dress. If there had only been a loin cloth in sight, he wouldn't have blinked.
AliB,- thank you for that link. My, she's a classy lady!!!!!

Look! I claim to be a singer not a dancer! I did my best you know.

Eva - sorry you've had such a horrible day - but hey! At least more people turned up for the class!

Thanks for the update on Seamus Diana and for the link Ali B- now I'm off to check this latest news on LMAS.

I have a meeting to go to tonight - and then minutes to write - what fun!

Oh Eva sorry about your fence. Did you get it sorted?

I have just been reading a thread over on the Forum started by Shirley2 about Jo 25-27 June. It is now confirmed that Lee is not onstage those nights despite originally having been scheduled to be so.

The suggestion is that it might be because of ALW's birthday concert(s) at the Royal Albert Hall. If they do announce something big like that we need to be in a position to book immediately. I am happy to do it, but we need to decide if we want to go Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, we can sort that out here but once we have agreed please contact me to let me know if you want me to get you tickets - but only if you are a definite. Those dates may be nothing of the sort, but if they I think most of us will want to be there and we will need to move fast.

And can RAH regulars tell me where the best places to sit are please.

Shirley and JaneE,- thanks for your consern. There isn't a lot I can do about that fence now as long as the wind is as bad as it is, but at least I've managed to get all the loose bits inside the garage. I am sure the insurance will cover the damage, and my gardener will do the work. It's just all the hassle !!!!!!
Shirley,- please put me down for a ticket if there will be any going for the end of June. Any day is fine with me.
Lady Jane,- I should have said. You made a beautiful Anitra. Edward Grieg would have been proud of you!

Carol, you get full marks for being the only one to even attempt the homework. Unfortunately, both Full and Empty are adjectives. It's harder than it looks, isn't it? You could try something on the lines of:

Lee stood waiting for Graham to announce the winner. He could hear his heart beat one-one thousand, two-one thousand...Beside him, Keith shifted from foot to foot. An eternity later, Graham chirped the result -- he'd won!

It's all in the active verbs.

OK, I'm going to have to wait till the weekend to photograph the squares, because I need better lighting & by the time I get home from work it's dark. What I can do in the meantime, is describe some of the ones I've received. This is random based on what I pluck out of the bag, so don't be offended if I don't mention yours:
1. Delicate pastel-coloured background in coloured pencil, with a gold border and a bright red flower made of tissue paper. The stem curls around the page along with the words, "Life is a flower of which love is the honey" plus the quote.

2. Purple cared with three flowers in coloured paper, in yellow, pink and orange. The quote is around the edges of the flowers.

3. Dark blue felt with small gold stars (plastic) surrounding a larger gold star with sequins around it and gold thread making a comet effect. Quote on the bottom on blue paper.

4. An oblong (can't tell some people -- guess whose this was!) of shiny blue paper. Two lovely hearts on the left and pearls on the right. The quote on the top, "With Love" in the middle on silver, and the loppy's name on the bottom.

I hope that's enough to inspire you. If you still need inspiration, look at postcards or greeting cards that you like and remember, there's no right or wrong way to do it!

Evening all, well Norse Mythology was very entertaining and impressed with the way you dealt with the fainting, those FA classes came in useful!
Cocktails that BHB has perfected for tonight are: Bellini, Black Velvet and Kir Royale, for those who enjoy champagne with a twist, Mojito and Zombies for the rum based but beware the last, heap powerful medicine. Shut your eyes and ears Carol et al; we have the Venus Cocktail(a mixture of apricot juice, peach nectar crushed strawberries and orangeflower water), St. Clements ( orange and lemon) and the appropriately titled On The Beach,(melon raspberries blended and mixed withorange juice, lime juice and lemonade with a splash of grenadine). These last 3 are all alcohol free.

Shirley I'll go on any of those dates. It depends how they set up RAH, but usually for these sort of celebrations the best seats will be ALW and guests but you need to be in front of the stage not behind. Best I can offer offhand! Have been in box there and was quite a good view, it was the first tier and it was opera in the round so a bit different.

Geri - the quote? Sorry to be obtuse. Is it essential? Just Jo related or everything concerning the GO?

Oh I have to have a Venus Cocktail. Can the BHB serve it to me on the beach???

Thanks Pauline - my memory is of the RAH having no raking on the front rows of seats? Would a box be a better option to try for? That could be fun. What is a box full of Loppies called?? A bounce??

Shirley,- I meant put me down for a ticket for ALW's birthday Concert,- any day will do!!!

Have to say the box was excellent, but I think you'd need to have one as near the stage as possible. The upper boxes can give you a nose bleed! We were served champagne, interested Carol?!!

....ok going to do one upmanship - been several times in box at Covent Garden for various operas and at the Festival Hall for concerts, as well as various things at the RAH - including a Last Night of the Proms - all with the obligatory champers, wines and canapes and sarnies - very civilised! Alas Ploppy left the firm that provided these treats! Sadly I shall be on holiday on the dates in June - don't come home until the 28th! Sob! Sob - I need a large cocktail to cheer me up now!

Pauline2,- can I have a Black Velvet, please? After my day I need some alcohol. Getting drenched twice in a day is no joke. I just heard on the telly that the Port of Dover was closed for most of the afternoon and the wind at times had been classified as Hurricane Force!!!! I think I'm grateful it was just the garden fence that was damaged!
Geri,- I just happens to like oblong instead of squares. You should know by now that I don't fit in the squares!!

Shirley, the original point of the poster was to give Lee a visual reminder of how good he is on those days when he doubts himself. That was the reason for the quotes. But if you can convey the same idea without one, that's fine. It's all about Lee, not Joseph. And count me in for any ALW bash...

Eva, since even nature can't fence you in, what chance have I? Seriously, though, glad you weren't hurt - fences can be mended, after all.

Sorry to be boring, but an Irish coffee over here, please.

Oh dear Eva - sorry about your fence. I hate these strong winds, they can be so destructive. We're in the middle of building work at the moment and there are all manner of building materials in our garden which we have tried our best to weight down but things keep escaping - I keep expecting to find half the contents of my garden in next doors garden!! Last time we had strong winds I came home from work to find our wheelie bin taking itself for a walk down the road - it looked funny but could have been dangerous if it had blown into the traffic - and nobody was around to take it in hand!!

Thanks for the link to the Heat interview AliB. Hmm, I do like DVO but I'm not sure about that interview - a little too much info divulged I think!!

Of course you can Eva, with all my sympathy. My fence blew down last winter, just had it repaired, more gale force winds and it blew down again!! Now reinforced but every time we get strong winds I'm convinced it's going to go again.
Oh Carol wretched timing, mind we don't know it's going to happen yet!

I can’t believe I missed the first part of the holiday. I have been lying in bed ill the last couple of days cut off form any thing Lee or Loppie. Finally I am able to sit up straight and read for a while without ….well I stop here. I don’t want to gross you out sitting on the beach drinking a cocktail (just a wild guess)

I have not be lying ill al the time. I came up with a clever plan to promote the GO. I have a DVD of a fireplace. What means that if you play the DVD you get a fireplace with natural sounds on your TV-screen. Combine that with a CD of Lee and you can’t go wrong.
Well I did just that last week and made another Lee fan. Solely based on his voice because she has no idea how GO he really is.

Geri, my square is on his way. It took me a couple of weeks to think of it. Well I did change my mind about 5 times but I finally decided. It is on yellow paper with red velvet flowers on it and a nice comment from me to Lee.

Shirley I read about you Kenyan family and I will think about them. About 17 years ago I had “adopted”
a boy from the Philippines. He is al grown up now but it was a great experience for me and hopefully for him.

I read the heat-interview. What is that for magazine? They really ask “strange” question. I thought that DVO was lovely though. I like her.

Carol, just for you: The Any Drink Will Do Drinking Game--
Every time John says the same word three times -- drink one shot;
Every time someone says 'Journey' -- drink one shot;
Every time DVO makes eyes or a suggestive comment about one of the Josephs -- one shot;
Every time Bill mentions Everton -- one shot;
Every time Lewis cries -- one shot;
Every time Keith acts full of himself -- one shot;
Every time Daniel says 'Thank You' -- one shot;
Every time Lee smiles -- one shot...
That should keep you entertained until he comes back from hols!

Likesh that game Sherry. Hic

OOOOhhhh, I go away for a couple of days and we have a new home.
Thanks Scott.
Not caught up yet, have to wait until tomorrow, got stuff to do. Just to let you know I've left a box (large) of Toblerone in the fridge in the bistro. Thought might be good to add some to smoothies, using some of the tropical fruit.
Had a good meeting, lots of delays in the travel arrangements, mostly due to the winds (so they said) and knock on effects. Absolutely kna**ered.
Hope ill Loppies are better.
Just Hi and Bye
Nightlee night

Geri, did you not see my attempt which I wrote at 10.42, actually in your class this morning?
It was rather short and easily overlooked.
Shirley, any of those three days would be OK for me.
Karen, I agree with you about the DVO interview, can't imagine Lee talking like that about her.

I did see it, Maeve, but didn't put it together that it was your homework. Well done!

Now for tomorrow's assignment: you probably know that "It was a dark and stormy night" is considered the worst opening line in history. Your challenge is to write one better. I mean worse. Come on -- how hard can that be?

Jo4,- welcome home. Hope you're ready for the riding lessons tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't take part. I'll take a bite of that Toblerone tomorrow, thank you.

Just got in - and getting my dibbs in quick. Any night 25-27 June for me. Immediate thought was that a Box would be brilliant..
Back to catching-up.

Geri,- I've done my homework already. Here goes:
It was a bright and sunny morning......

Righto Geri, will have a ponder overnight.

Quick! Someone pass me a drink! No I mean an alcoholic one, Shirley.

Very boreing meeting, followed by very boring minute writing afterwards.

Eva - pass that Toblerone - thanks Jo4 glad you made it back safe and sound.

Anne - sorry to hear you're poorly!

I'm a nearly deffinate for the concert, but need to check whether my boss is off - fingers crossed!

Geri - I never understood why - It was a dark and stormy night is such a bad opening. Sometimes it just is a dark and stormy night!

And with that - night night Loppies!

Geri - I lyke the waysh you are sthinking....another cocktail pleesh.
Homework:-
"The tears welled up in his eyes...."
Just back from rehearsal - lovely night to be out! Now off to bed so Sweet Meads all!!

just dashed back, June trip, YES PLEASE, I'M in.

Eva- horse riding all set up. DT says he can get my shire horse into his police box, so you can join in, just a gentle walk at first. The heat should slow her down so it will be safe. She had a 10 year old boy on her a couple of weeks ago, so it'll be alright. Loose fitting trousers will be supplied, I have the hard hats ready. Quiet horses have been located in Thailand, ready for any other takers. Very slow practise at first.

Oh Eva, you beat me to it - mine was going to be something similar.

So, instead, here it is (and I'm sure this is plagirism cos I'm sure I've heard it somewhere before but can't remember where so I plead ignorance!!) - He was a dark and stormy Knight....

Another quick hello - this is becoming a bit of a habit now, but I'm glad you're all enjoying your classes.
Diana, Jo4 and Anne - great to have you back.
Shirley - I would love to come to ALW concert if that's what the June dates are for) but would only really be able to make the Friday (to allow for overnight stay and travel home the next day). Hope that's not too restrictive.
Right, good night everyone, another long day or two of w**k beckon, unfortunately. Oh to be on a warm beach instead...

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

Sorry you are poorly Anne.

Welcome home Jo4 and please can I have some toblerone now. MMM thank you.

Ixxxing finished.

Homework

In the begining was the word. And the word was adequate ....

Nightly night all. And Sweet Meads.

Welcome back Jo4 looking forward to the riding lessons, especially if the horses are quiet!
So sorry you have this horrible bug Anne Have an ooooohhhhmmm to aid recovery.

Homework; Never had time seemed to pass more slowly.....

Night night all

Morning, morning everyone. Very busy this morning (ably assisted by BHB and LD) in decorating the dining room and house for a special birthday - yes it is Strawberry's birthday. So happy birthday to Strawberry. As this is a special day I am taking the liberty of cancelling courses so we can all have a barbecue/picnic on the beach in honour of the day. Strawberry is allowed to choose all activities and menu (although I do insist on alcohol). OK Loppies raise your voices now "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Strawberry, Happy Birthday to YOU!"

Good morning all!

What lovely decorations Carol! will there be cake too?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STRAWBERRY! 21 today!

(sings - very loud!) Happy Birthday to you - Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to YOU! Pass that bottle along, Carol, stop hogging. Lots of pressies today, Strawberry, in both this world and the other, more visible, one. Ah, so I hear you're 21. Again...

Jane - we have to stop doing that!

Morning all, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY!!!!
21 you say? If you say so!
Good morning sweetheart. I agree. Her hair looks lovely today,- pinker than ever!
I have an early appointment with the physio this morning,- 8am- so I'll have to join the festivities later.
BHB, can I have a very festive leaded, please. Yes, you can put one of those umbrellas in the mug. What's that? LD is leaving us? She's going to LA? These youngsters do get around, don't they?
No classes this morning? I'll sit here in this lounger and have an extra nap. You can wake me up when the party begins, will you?

Happy birthday Shirley. Hope it's a great one.

Happy Birthday Shirley. Have a good day!!

Happy birthday Shirley - now I know why I came on here before starting work:))

OH MY - and I suppose because they are singing Happy Birthday to me I should be grateful and gracious and not complain about the noise, but when Lady Jane says loud she means LOUD. And in chorus with the Diva herself!!!!!! And LD can hold a tune - fancy being that pretty and being able to sing. Why is she working as a waitress??? (Perhaps Geri will tell us one day?) But you know, over it all I can still hear the BHB - and to be fair he does have a not bad voice - maybe he should think of getting it properly trained - with a lot of hard work it could be quite special!!!! THANK YOU all so very much. It was such a kind thought, and the dining room looks spectacular. I just love all the tropical flowers, and their scent is glorious.

Right Champagne or Bucks Fizz for breakfast drinkies - a very special delivery made last weekend by the DCM from Fortnum and Mason - and what better occassion could there be to start the day with a BANG - oh I never could open champagne quietly.

Some of my Ploppy's favourite coffee for everyone - Hot Lava Java - that'll put hairs on your chest - and yes Nicki and Sonja I do include you in that comment. You'll just have to wax them off again later.

And having sat and wondered what fantasy breakfast would tick all the boxes for me I have opted for lovely fresh croissant with smur and dark dark marmalade with a generous splosh of golden rum. But on this very auspicious day there is everyones fantasy breakfast - have exactly what you would like best - and all calorie free. (Yes, it really is)

Activities. Well I think swimming and snorkelling in the lagoon. And a nice dive along the reef. I gather someone saw a shoal of squid there yesterday and they just fascinate me with their rippling colour changes - they go red and yellow, and green and .......

Er is er een jarig, hoera, hoera; dat kan je wel zien dat is zij.
Me singing a Dutch birthday song)

And now for the translation:

It is someone’s birthday, hurrah, hurrah; you can clearly see that it's hers! (Pointing at the newly 21 year old).
Looking really good for you age Shirley. Have a great day today.

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY Shirley - have a great day

Happy Birthday Shirley - Have a loveLEE day.

Anne

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY! Have a lovely day!!

Happy Birthday Shirley, have a special day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIRLEY, sorry I'm a bit late but hope you'll forgive! Hope I'm in time for a quick swim and then maybe a bucks fizz.
Cheers me dear!!

Have a WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY Shirley, its a very special day and will only come once!
Please add me to list for 25-27th June, I can make any day, will cancel whatever Wimbleodon tickets come my way. NO contest!!

I know I've said it already via email, but MANY HAPPY RETURNS SHIRLEY!
A definite maybe for June concert, but need to check with sloppy and sis first as they may want to go, sorry to be so awkward!! Shirley, as soon as you know about booking please pass it on.

Went to see Les Mis last night (with Carolyn). Have seen it several times (fav show other than Jo with Lee) before but not for 2 years and cast was completely different. Marius was tall dark and handsome and sang well but all the time he was on stage all I could think of was how much better the GO would have been in the role!

Just to let everyone know that a new blog has appeared on the official Joseph site!!

http://www.josephthemusical.com/blogs.php

Oh, I didn't know it was today, Happy Birthday Shirley, I wish you everything you wish yourself.
It's my grand daughter's birthday today too, so I'm hoping both of you have a lovely day.

Sorry to be late , But I have just been finishing the 500 lines I was given for going to the bar instead of doing my homework!!!!!!
Just like to add my good wishes for a lovely day Shirley hope you have a super Birthday, and the sun is shining (hope it is in your neck of the woods )
If I may I would also love to be included for the June Concert thank you.
Right so we are going to have a lazy day, swimming and snorkeling sounds good to me, hope you haven't drunk all that champagne at breakfast though????????????

Obviously a good day for birthdays as it is my sister's too!

Shirley - once you've finished looking at the pretty fishes can I tell you - Just checked the leave situation at work for 25th -27th June and despite one of the team being off, my lovely boss says she can manage on her own for a day - so I'm yes for a concert ticket!

Happy Birthday Shirley. You must be just a few days older than me 'cos I'll be 21 again soon too. Have a lovely day.

Back from physio and shopping. I can report from T***o that our boy now is in the charts there!,- no 51, so he is definitely going up in the world! He is still selling CDs, which is good. JB had disappeard from the chart.
What a difference it was being outside today. Nature looked slightly bashful, as if to say: "Hi, it's me! Yesterday was just a one-off." The sun was peeping out behind some light clouds and the temperature was mellow! Long may it last.
Scott dear,- do you remember you promised to ask Stephanie if she was willing to sell some copies of the wonderful photo she took of Lee for his interview with the Stage? (The big one inside). Have you asked her? If not, could you please do that and let us know?

I did, didn't I?

You can contact her via her website, http://www.stephaniemethven.com/

...that Scott is a treasure isn't he!

OK just checking on the BBQ and picnic. BHB has pulled out all the stops cateringwise. LD will serve. I will dispense copious amounts of incohol, ably assisted by my deputy lushes (and you all know who you are!). Pauline has been provided lots of wonderful cocktail recipes so we have a wide variety on offer - Scott would you like one??

DK whether this interview with John Alastair has already been linked but in case not:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecounties/content/articles/2008/01/04/john_alastair_joseph_feature.shtml

Rather than each contacting Stephanie about the photos, would it better if one person emails her on behalf of all StageLoppies? I am happy to do so.

See Carol - mention dispensing incohol and here I am, at your service!!! Of course, I need to test them all first!! The drinks that is, not the customers!

Thanks for the links.

Diana - don't think I had seen that interview before but I liked it. He had some very nice things to say about our boy and I always like to read that.

Thank goodness it's never too late to come to the party on this site.
Happy birthday Shirley... must say you certainly know how to throw a party. Copious amounts of anything and everything a girl could wish for - and not a calorie in sight!
OOooo Jo4, horse riding for me please. Can we do bareback on the beach - I've always dreamt of galloping along the beach, at sunset, bareback.. the horse's back is bare of course. Perhaps mine too... but only the back. There's no need to put everyone off their cocktails.
Talking of which, that jug full of fruit and umbrellas and cherries looks like it was just made for me... slurrrrp. Lip-smackingly good. Thanks Carol. Hic. Happy Birthday again, Shirley. And again, and again and again.

That BBQ smells wonderful! BHB certainly can cook and between him and LD the place is looking fantastic!
Thanks for the link Diana, and yes agree, I'm sure Stephanie would prefer just the one email, thankyou!
Auds I have emailed you, just wondered if you got it as I did find you languishing in my spam!

Happy Birthday Shirley. A glass of champers would be most welcome over here.

It's quite manic at w**k so I'm really only passing through. I had a quick browse on LMAS at lunchtime. They do make me laugh with their bickering but I don't think I'm meant to be laughing.

Scott dear,- aren't you just the best landlord. Thank you.
Diana,- please contact Stephanie on behalf of us all and hopefully get the details about how we can order.
Shirley,- still going strong I see. I admire you, after all that cheery drinking, I would be under the table by now. I'll have one of whatever all the others are having, please. Just had my lunch, so I nice drink is called for.
BHB,- you are looking more gorgeous by the minute. How good of you to stay here after hours for Shirley's sake. You are a treasure too, like Scott dear!

OK Karen and Carol I'm also here to help taste er I mean serve the drinks.

Diana that's a good idea, please do e-mail on our behalf.

And now I'm off for a night out with a friend - see you later Loppies!

Yes please Diana - do please email on our behalf, that would be great,

Just popping in briefly, yes please from me too Diana.

Thanks for the links folks.

Alison, I so agree about the LMAS forum, I try to read it when I can, they are so very earnest about it all, fortunately only a few rogue posters who are insulting.

May not get back later, if not 'see' you tomorrow.

email sent to Stephanie - fingers crossed for positive response!

Karen, I am taking my apprentice duties very seriously, I think you should let me help with the "incohol tasting"we don't want you working to hard.

Dear Lushes, in my capacity as Chief Lush Loppy I just want to let you know that I shall be absent for a while as our office Wine Society is starting up again and in the interests of the Lushes I shall be partaking of various wines which we may put in the Loppy cellars. It's a tough job, but I will do my best to cope, in the meantime please feel free to issue cocktails to everyone, and especially the Birthday Girl!

Hmmm think this beach is beginning to look a bit littered, oh, no, it's just a few loppies who have taken the celebrations a bit seriously. Never mind, a quick nap and they'll all be raring to go again, especially as BHB has promised to provide the musical entertainment this evening. Wonder what he'll sing?
Carol please, you don't have to suffer like this, I'm sure you could find plenty of volunteers to help you out!

Carol, I am very impressed. Your commitment to the job of Chief Lush Loppy is highly commendable. Please ensure you do nothing to damage you palate (or the palette?)- we want and need only the best. Talking of best.. The Birthday girl has been very quiet today - which always gives me some cause for concern. It could mean she's up to something (all for the good of the GO and Loppydom I'm sure) or... she's drunk herself into a stupor on those fruit cocktails (ahh bless). And I'm sincerely hoping it's not that dreaded M word that's kept her off the blog. Yooo hooo, Shirleeeeey..

Sue - got your email thanks. So I languish in your bins as well. I'm going to get a dreadful name for myself if this kind of behaviour continues..

Sundowners time now I think. Oh, isn't that the most glorious of sunsets... sigh.

Hehehe, whilst the cat (aka Chief Lushloppy) is away, we can play - come on Jill, of course you should help and how kind of you to offer. Glad to see you're taking your lush training seriously. Now, come on we don't want to let Carol down, do we, so we need to go through each of the drinks on the menu and sample them (forget the non-alcholic ones, I've no idea what they're supposed to taste like so couldn't pass comment anyway!!).

Did someone say the Chief Lushloppy is away -- I'll have one of everything...that's left. Agree with you, Karen. No point wasting taste buds on fruity stuff -- that's for sissys. Now, who's got the scotch?

Any red going? If not, what about a G&T? I'm rather traditional when it comes to drinking,- ie. prefer to get drunk on what I know. Then the hangover isn't so unfamiliar. What am I talking about? Hangover? What is that? See what you all do to me? Bad influence, my Mum would call it!

THE HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SHIRLEY SONG
(to the tune of Scarborough Fair)

Are you going to Strawberry’s Fayre?
Bring presents, good munchies and wine;
We’re celebrating the lass with pink hair,
(Her fashion sense is ahead of its time.)

Strawberry has a big birthday today,
She wants presents and munchies and wine
She plans to have fun, though the Meadster’s away,
She knows he’ll be back with a tan so divine!

Happy birthday, our Strawberry-Shirl,
We bring presents and munchies and wine;
If it’s booze that you want, then Carol’s your girl,
Soon she’ll have you feeling sublime.

Don’t overdo all the partying, please,
With the presents and munchies and wine,
A woman your age shouldn’t fall on her knees,
But a dignified loppy is no friend of mine!

And so say all of us!!!

I know it's late but Happy Birthday Shirley! I hope you've had a brilliant day so far & continue to enjoy the rest of it. If Eva hasn't finished off the bottle, I'll raise a glass of red in your honour.

Love the song Geri.

Hic!!

Happy birthday, Shirley - sorry to be late for the party. Hope you are having a great day.
Thanks for the link to the lovely interview, Diana, and for emailing re the photo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
SHIRLEY

Good night all. I'm having an early night, because my foot is aching after the physio this morning. I'll anestethise (?) myself, I think. Sleep tight, have wonderful dreams (well, you will after all that drinking!) and wake up happy.
Good night, BIRTHDAY GIRL.

Hic! I am back, although confess to being a little squiffy. Glad to see the incohol was flowing in my absence (thank you deputiy Lushes for flying the flag). Tasted some very nice wines, not too pricey, so will add to the Loppy cellars. I guess our Birthday Girl is busy celebrating, which is only right proper and as it should be. I confess I am feeling a little jaded, so it's off to bed for me - good night and Sweet Meads, especially the Birthday Girl!!

As riding lessons were cancelled today, due to the importance of the date, quite rightly as drunken horse riding is not recommended. I know I've done it! DT has promised to pick Megan up again specially for Eva. Eva when you see her you'll see why I've picked her for you. Auds bareback riding along the beach will be done, but only after assessment lesson. I have passed exams, which included lots about safety, so I need to check out the standard of the riders before we 'fly' along the beach.

Diana thanks for emailing about the photos, every day for a week I've remembered Scott's promise when I've been in the car. Completely forgotten when I got home.

Nightlee night

After a day that seems to have been devoted to alcohol, I feel my bed calling!!
Night night all especially Shirley, hope you had a wonderful day.

Hi Auds. Sorry, not had much chance to get online today. Lots and lots of phone calls from absent family and friends. I started typing that 2 hours ago - case in point.

Thank you all so very much for your cards, gifts, calls and best wishes. It has been a very very special day and it would not have been nearly so special without every one of your. A huge huge THANK YOU.

And I would love one of those non alcoholic cocktails please Pauline - whichever one is left. They were all just delicious.

And so to bed. Good night all and Sweet Meads.

Evening all! Bet you thought you could move house and lose me..lol Well I reckon I will qualify properly here soon having finally booked my tickets - can't be a proper stage loppy without seeing the show. May 13th and 14th I will be there:-) At last! Reading the above about photos are you all on Donna's mailing list? In my spare time I tracked down the photographer who took the tux pics and hopefully soon you will be able to get your mitts on a print. Sorry I missed Shirley's big day but I was definitely with you all in spirit as always.

Carys, nice to see you again! Are you excited about seeing the show? No I thought not!! Well I suspect there might be one or two tiny hangovers this morning so have been helping the BHB make pots of black coffee (and yes it is of the non alcoholic kind) and some peppermint tea. However, for those who subscribe to the "Hair of the dog" ....other drinks will of course be available!

Carys, you will always be a proper stage loppy to us!

Jo4 -- why are you riding a drunken horse? He does seem a bit unsteady...watch out for the poo--too late! Maybe the water will sober him up.

Glad it was a lovely day, Shirley. I hope it was all you wish. And another certain Lady has a birthday on Friday -- shh, don't say I told you!

OK, no yoga this morning. This beach is a disgrace, bottles and streamers and party hats and...good grief, whose underwear...never mind. Come on, loppies, let's get ths mess sorted. The BHB said he'd make breakfast -- he seems to think we're not up to snuff this morning. Not sure why...

Shirley, hope you thoroughly enjoyed your day. I'm a definite for end of June - any of the three days is fine.

Carys, you have got 2 dates with Joseph?
Wow, that is perfect. You need the second one just to be sure that your eyes and ears didn't deceive you. Yes, he is that gorgeous and sounds that good!!

Geri, I am feeling a lot better this morning so I am glad to help you with the cleaning of the beach but I have to tell you; I don't do underwear. A breakfast from the BHB sounds divine. I have not had breakfast since Monday so I am really hungry.
Euhh.. No sweetie, chilli is pushing it a bit. Lets stick with some toast.

Morning all. How nice with some unexpected guests.
Carys,- a proper Stage loppy? No one is more proper than you! It shows in the the sure way you found our new lodgings and never hesitated to follow.
Anne,- good morning to you too, your Ambassadress. How is Holland this morning?
Hello sweetheart. Yes, it's a disgrace the way they left the beach last night. Just as well our Irish Lepry was here to instill some order this morning. You know what those nurses are like. Want everything spick and span. My usual leaded, please and some fruit.
Jo,- thank you for the photo of Megan. She looks lovely, calm and collected, and the poor animal is supposed to carry me around the beach? If you are going to assess our standard of riding before we set off down the beach, I'm afraid it'll end up with ME carrying the horse!
I'm off soon for another morning of fun. I have an appointment with the dentist!!!
See you later.

Good morning to all Loppies - and thank you for throwning such a fabulous party for me last night. (All said in a whisper - and moving very gently). Large leaded coffee for me please BHB. Been tidying up the beach, have you? Was it really that bad?? Oh yes it was wasnt it. And those pants had a phone number attached to them?? Jockeys or boxers?? Naughty JB. I thought he was busy last night protecting us from aliens.

Hi Carys - always lovely to see you, and of course you are a real and Proper Loppy. You will though be a much happier Loppy when you have seen Lee in person for yourself.

I am loving the idea of those special photos. Thanks for doing that for us both Diana and Carys. A week on Saturday I will be seeing some unpublished photos of the younger Lee, and might see if I can beg some copies. I will let you know.

And I can tell you there is another real treat coming your way soon. Geri is up to chaper 3 in the next saga, and it is hilarious. I saved it to read yesterday - what a treat!

Right, that coffee seems to have helped lots, so a nice glass of fruit juice please and a nice warm croissant.

Oh yes, I meant to tell you about my breakfast treat yesterday morning. In the real world I made myself a lovely warm croissant with smur and some lovely dark marmalade. Carried it through to the dining room, whereupon the phone rang. Put the plate down on the table and had a lovely chat with Ploppy who was ringing to wish me a happy birthday. Went back afterwards to find an empty plate, and Solo looking entirely unrepentant but with crumbs all over his nose. Little horror. I must have been in a good mood though, because it just gave me the giggles.

Morning all, am I too late to help tidy up? Oh dear these all day parties are great at the time, but the next day!! I think a swim might be called for to clear the head, then horse riding, excellent, I have cushions ready for later.
Hi Carys, if anyone is a proper loppy surely it is you! How fantastic for you to go twice after waiting this long. Great month as well, May some very nice people were born in it:.))
Surely you don't think solo would eat your breakfast Shirley, how could you, just see how innocent he looks!

I'm back after a lovely visit with the dentist. Yes, I mean it! I came in, sat in the chair, opened my mouth, she(the dentist) had a look around, took a couple of x-rays, looked at them, gave my teeth a bit of a clean and said: "Right, that's it. Nothing needs doing. I'll se you in a years time". That's the kind of dentis's appointment I like,- no pain, exept to my wallet!
The riding went well,- by that I mean the horse, poor Megan, is still standing! What a patient girl she is! She is a credit to you, Jo4.
As it's grey and dull out of doors, I think I'll settle down with a nice cuppa and the newspaper.

Hello!

Well, that was some party yesterday - glad you enjoyed it Shirley! Aw, and what a lovely song Geri wrote for you!

Geri, I can hear you whispering, you know!

What? Am I too late to help with cleaning up duties? Oh what a shame (she said with some relief)

Thanks Queen Lush for that arduous wine-tasting on our behalf!

Hi Carys! As everyone has said - of course you're a proper Stage-Loppy! What would we do without you? Fantastic that you're finally going to see the show - good idea to go twice!

Glad you had a great day Shirley and Carys, I look upon you as one of the rocks of the Loppies, youi do so much for us. You will have a wonderful time and as someone else said the second time will give you time to draw breath and really appreciate it as the first time you will be blown away!

Shirley, why, and where will you be seeing photos of a younger Lee, a week on Saturday?????

Just got in from work, an early finish today as ploppy and I are going to see Phantom tonight. No sooner as I taken my coat off ploppy rang to say he would be a bit late - he's supposed to finish 2.30 at heathrow. I think he was hoping to finish a few minutes early and let a colleague do the handover, no chance now!! For those who haven't seen the news, one of the BA planes came down short of the runway, tore it's undercarriage off and stopped just at the start of the runway. Everyone got off it in one piece, thank heavens.

Gillian,- I heard about Heathrow on Norwegian Radio, so it's big news. I hope you can get to the theatre in time.

Gillian, saw that on the news as well. Thank heavens nobody was hurt, hate it as I probably know the crew. Hope you make the theatre alright and enjoy the show, one of my favourites. Just shut your eyes during the duet and imagine the GO on stage instead, thud!

I don't think his section will be actively involved, yet, at any rate, but the traffic around heathrow will be busy, I should think. Normally I expect he'd stay on and keep updated, but he should be home in time, whether we get a meal before the performance remains to be seen, but I'm sure we'll get there.

Actually Pauline the cabin crew obviously did great. The 'experts' are suggesting something like a large bird strike causing loss of power and the plane effectively stalled down onto the grass. I hope that's the case as then it's not a pilot or engineering fault either, and BA can take credit for a well trained flight crew.

And yes, I will have someone in mind at times tonight.

Thanks Gillian that's good to know. Although I says it as shouldn't always been very proud of the crew, these situations are scary (yes, I have had a close encounter..long story) and it brings out the best in most. The training helps a bit though, gives you something else to concentrate on.

Gillian - I hope all goes well for tonight, Ploppy gets home and you both have a marvellous time (Ohmmm!)

Glad to know everyone on board is OK.

Oh Gillian - hope you get away to see the show ok! I imagine it is chaos around the airport. All reports say how well the cabin crew coped Pauline2, so you can be proud of them! Really busy today, so haven't had much time to "blog", but Gillian thank you - my package was waiting for me when I got back from the Wine Tasting yesterday, so guess what I'll be doing tonight (Ploppy is out until later!).

He's just got in, we'll be off soon.

Gillian hope you enjoy Phantom.
I just thank God that a major incident has been averted,it sounds as though it was a close call, Well done to the pilot and crew, and to all the Ground workers.

Just watching the news now. What very lucky people. Seems the passengers did not even know they were in for a rough landing. Extraordinary. As you say Pauline2 BA can be so proud of their crew.

Gillian I know you have gone already. Hope you had a lovely night and enjoyed Phantom.

Providence was looking after those passengers, not to mention the crew. Well done to all. Enjoy the show tonight, Gillian. I hear the lead is a stud -- though not in the GO's league, I'm sure.

As Shirley said earlier, I've started a new story. I'm off to have dinner right now, but I'll post the first chapter later. I have a tentative title, but if anyone has suggestions for a better one, I'd love to hear it. Oh, and Jane suggests I post the following warning:
THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS A GERI-STORY

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO READ IF YOU'RE AT WORK AND YOUR BOSS IS FEELING GRUMPY

THE FOLLOWING POST MAY CAUSE UNCONTROLLABLE LAUGHTER AND A TENDANCY TO SPIT
TEA AT YOUR COMPUTER!!!

Ooommph, can't believe that, heaven alone knows what went wrong there, stupid me I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes! However old airline saying is any landing you walk away from is a good one! Think I need a drink...or three.
I'm hoping to be able to come to the show on the 30th, think I may be in need of ears, so how do I get hold of them please?

....you talk nicely to me!! Cx

Ok I'll talk nicely pretty please, Carol. I'll email you c/o stageloppies shall I? As Gillian is of gallivanting tonight it will not come through for a while!

Well if you are going on the 30th I can bring them with me?? Might be easier???

You see now that is just clever! and even if tragedy strikes and I'm not able to get tickets I will be around that day anyway so could reimburse you. Have sent an email but your idea is better!

Evening all - no I haven't just got up after yesterdays party, although Jill and I did sample quite a few of the drinks - well I had to give her some serious training in the Chief's absence and Jill is a very good apprentice Lush!!

Just seen the news about the plane - what an awful experience for those poor people. Glad they're all okay.

Gillian - have a fab evening.

Now I'm looking forward to the new Geri-story. Thanks for the warning Geri/Jane - must remember to put my glass down, don't want to be wasting good vino over the laptop!!

Hey, I'm here dont forget. I will forward it on for you Pauline. Just come up for air after acknowledging loads of THUD orders. And lots of address labels to write later.

Sorry Shirley, hangs head in shame, how could I ever forget you, thankyou so much.
Now anticipation builds as I await the Tales of GeriPLL.

Have a stiff drink Pauline2. But be carefull, as Karen says you dont want to waste it all over your computer, and I suspect the computer wouldn't like it either.

I went into town this morning and got a new mobile. And guess which silly cow got a parking ticket??? Also got my train ticket for 30th. And a brand spanking new rail card that I was not entitled to until yesterday. It was so funny. I ask for it, and the girl is counting decades on her fingers from my birthdate until now, meanwhile looking at me like she does not believe me. (Very good for my ego I can tell you) Once she had convinced herself it was right she started speaking to me more s l o w l y a n d c l e a r l y. It gave me an attack of the giggles. So now she thinks I am nuts as well as old.

b u t S h i r l e y w e A L L s p e a k s l o w l y a n d c l e a r l y w h e n w e s p e a k t o y o u - h a v e n 't y o u n o t i c e d ? ?

Hoping for Geri's episode to cheer me up - my uncle just rang (my Sloppy's baby brother) and he has been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer (which is what my Dad died of 15 months ago), so feeling a bit shell shocked at the moment. He's got to have scans etc., so we don't know what the treatment is going to be or what the prognosis is. He's going to tell my Mum when he goes to see her - she will be devastated as he has been really good to her since my Dad's death.

H E L L O S H I R L E Y!!! A r e y o u a l r i g h t d e a r? A L R I G H T - Y E S? Oh good grief! I can't keep that up! What a silly girl she was!

OK - waiting patiently for Geri's story, but I've promised Ploppy I'll try to be off the PC by 9.30 - gosh, anyone would think I was married to him!

Oh Carol, that is bad news, but try not to be too downhearted just yet. Exactly the same thing happened to my friend's Dad two years ago - and he's fine now!

Carol,- so sorry to hear about your uncle. I hope it will turn out all right. I know what a worry it is. My father had stomach cancer some years back, but fingers crossed,- he's still fine.

Carol, that is awful, my Dad had prostrate cancer, but it wasn't what he died from, he recovered and died when he was 86. Hope it goes well for him.

Carol, my thoughts and prayers are with you, I know its hard but try not to worry too much, there is so much they can do for Cancer these days.

I'm so sorry, Carol, to hear about your uncle. But, you know, this is a condition that can be treated very effectively if it's caught in time. I'm sure he'll be in all our prayers. In the meantime, I hope this makes you smile:

The Journey of Sir Lee and his Quest for the Kingdom of Adelphi

Chapter One

Once upon a time there lived a handsome youth in the lonely village of Sou’Sea. He lived with his family in a small cottage and as is the way in such tales, they were poor but happy. The young man longed to travel, to achieve greatness, and to become a knight of the Order of Joseph. He studied the techniques of all the great knights in the kingdom, such as Sir Michael of Ball and Lord Joshua of Groban, but it seemed impossible that a poor and humble youth could achieve the kind of honour he craved.
One day, as the youth wandered through the lonely Garden of Covent, a small man appeared with a sudden poof. He was wearing a pink tutu and a lime green jacket which, though jarring to the eyes, was not alarming to the youth, for in the Garden of Covent such strange sights were not uncommon. The garishly-attired man glanced at his clothing and tittered. “Sorry, I forgot to change!” and, with a flick of his wand, transformed his outfit to a lime green suit and a cerise silk shirt. “Sorry about that,” he said. “I hate to be flashy!”
“Who are you?” the youth asked.
“My name is Gray’mm, I am your fairy godfather,” said the other. “Your cries have been heard and I am here to help you achieve the deepest wish of your heart.”
“To become a knight of the Order of Joseph?”
“That, but much more besides. You have been set a series of challenges, which you must overcome. If you are successful, the knighthood of Joseph will be yours, and you will be crowned King of the royal Kingdom of Adelphi!”
“Wow,” said Our Hero. “That’s amazing!”
“Naw,” said Gray’mm. “It’s a fairy tale.” (at this point, he turned knowingly, as if he was looking at a camera. It was very puzzling to the youth.)
“What sort of challenges?” the youth asked. “Must I slay dragons, rescue maidens…?”
“You’ve been reading too many stories,” Gray’mm said. “There are very few dragons around any more. Most of them work as critics in disreputable newspapers, but they’re toothless. And maidens are more likely, these days, to do the rescuing. You’ll be told the challenges as they come up. And don’t worry, you’ll have help.”
“What sort of help?”
“Four trusted muses will be assigned to you. They will act as guides to see you have the skills you need to overcome any obstacles you may face.
“Four?” said the youth. “But I thought there were supposed to be nine?”
“Yes, but this is a cut-rate story. We can’t afford any more than four. Anyway, I will be here, of course, and then there’s Dot.”
“Dot?”
“Well, it’s the Wise Wizard Webber, in full, or WWW. We call him Dot for short. Come now, Sir Lee, (for so I dub thee). Are you up to the challenge?”
Sir Lee bowed his head humbly and said, “I am.”

Oh dear Carol - I'm so sorry about your Uncle. As you know my Dad has just got the all clear for what could have been a serious illness and it was a horrendous time so I know how devastated you must feel. Keep thinking positive thoughts and take heart from what the others have said about their positive experiences!! I did and it certainly helped me through it!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Hurray! The Geri-story! Thanks me dear, I love knights in shining armour!

......especially when they're dressed in baby blue snd singing "you once thought of me as a white knight on a steed"!!!

Carol, what awful news. My father also died of this horrible disease. Let's hope they caught it time for you uncle. They seem to have more and more success with new treatments every year.

Geri, It seems you are creating another masterpiece. I can't wait to find out what kind of challenges Sir Lee has to overcome.

Go Geri, Go !!!!!

Carol, your news is very sad. I feel for you all.

Geri, loving the story.

Eva, no worries with Megan, her last owner was 20 stone. Shires do come bigger than her, but she is big. Sorry the picture did not have me in it so you could tell how tall she is. I'll have to get some more taken.

Fantastic, I do love a fairy story especially when the hero is so good looking. Let's hope that Loppies can help him on his quest!
Thankyou Geri needed that, roll on chapter2.

Oh yes Karen, just imagining that particular young man in armour now - on a white charger. Oh dear I think I'm melting! Where's the bucket when you need it!

And on that note - I'm off.

Good night Loppies!

Carol, I am so sorry - you must be devastated. What a cruel coincidence that it is the same illness that took your Father. As many people have already said it can frequently be treated successfully and I hope that will be the case for your uncle. Big hugs.

Jo4,- that's a relief. She didn't look too worried when I approached her this morning. I'll have another ride tomorrow then. Better learn properly if we have to keep up with the White Knight on his charger!

Thanks everyone, Ploppy now home and has given me cuddles so I am feeling a bit better. Just have to wait and see what the scans etc. show and what treatment they decide upon.
Geri - love the story, but surely the GO has never been surly???

Oh, this is taking me back to a million months ago and my dream of the GO having a jousting competition with Boy George (if you weren't around then don't ask!) in which BG won and rode off into the sunset with me on his horse. I have now rewritten that dream with the GO as the White Knight (dressed in his all white outfit from CiN night - oh yes! - sat astride his charger - black stallion - definite oh yes!) and HE wins this time and rides off into the sunset with me!!! I much prefer the revised version of the dream!!

For shame, Carol, I'd never dream of calling the Golden One surly. And Karen, I think your subconsious knows best so you keep the Boy and I'll look after the dauntless knight (in white satin...)

Karen, I agree black horse, much better, white ones too difficult to keep clean.
When I was little I always had dreams with black flying horses with big wings. I used to fly over the village I lived in and looked down on everyone. Also must have been invisible as they never saw me. I was 6 or less as we moved from that village when I was 6.

Karen,- I remember that! I think it was one of the first posts I read on the blog and I was laughing myself silly. You kept on having those nightmares for a while, didn't you?

Thinking of you and your family Carol.
Geri loving the new story. Just watched Cinderella on BBC1. Are you sure you didn't write that too?
Just watched the news about the plane at Heathrow. Thank goodness for the brave and well trained crew. It could have been such an horrendous accident with all the houses and roads nearby. Living under the flight path,as I do, I gave a big thank you. Aircraft have been taking off this way today.
Only 11 more sleeps until I go to the Adelphi. Excited? Me? No, Not so you'd notice......

Eva - I did have them for ages and the ending was always the same with the GO handing me his signed photo and waving as BG rode off with me!! With hindsight it could have been worse - it could have been the CO instead of BG - at least I liked BG's music (well I was an 80's girl!!).

Geri - my subconsious knows jack s**t so I'll stick with my White Knight on his Black Stallion or my White Stallion.....er, sorry, gutter again!!!!

Carol, so sorry to hear the news of your uncle. Glad your Ploppy's home to give you hugs. Wish you all lots of strength at this time.

Geri, loving the new tale to bits already.. I'm all for black horses too. Was besotted with 'Fury' when I was a kid. Karen, I remember that dream too.. was happy that it wasn't me being whisked away with BG.

Karen!!! Behave.

Must put the shopping away now.
Nightlee night

As I don't know much about horses, I'll stick with Megan, and she is brown(or is there another name for it, Jo4?). You can have the white or black horse, so I'll have the knight then! I can see the gutter coming closer, so I'd better wish you all good night, have wondeful dreams (with or without horses) and wake up happy. See you tomorrow.

Carol, so sorry to hear your bad news, thinking of you and hope all will be well.
Have responded to your e-mail, very much agree another hol. needed.
Great stuff Geri, have been looking forward to your next 'oeuvre'. I'm saving the instalments this time.
What fantastic work by the B.A. crew today to avert a catastrophe.

Well, off to bed for me to sleep perchance to dream. Wonder what Freud would make of horses. On second thoughts, I think I know...Chapter 2 tomorrow. Oh, and don't forget to think of a title and character's names...

Eva- bay (brown) with dapples, the light splodges she gets in the summer.
bed now

I remember it too Karen. You may not have liked it but everyone else thought it was hilarious. And knowing what we know now we should be asking if you had had a bottle of a strong and not very elegant red the evening before?????

Am I the only one who prefers my fantasy men not to come ready canned???? (Sorry Lady Jane)

Well having been on my way off to bed a good hour ago when Ploppy rang I am still up and about. But heading off now. Good night all and Sweet Meads.

Monring Morning another birthday today so a rousing chorus please:-
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Lady Jane
Happy Birthday to you.
In honour of the occasion the BHB has been baking half the night (as he is on holiday from his evening job he is trying his hand at different forms of cooking) and there is a large rumcake, iced and candled. Fresh supplies of champs have been flown in and the morning will start with Champagne or Bucks Fizz if you prefer. CM has prepared a special breakfast menu and after the success of her own party earlier this week I think it might well be a bbq and picnic lunch later. All classes cancelled again today, so there will be lots of catching up to do next week.

Can the birthday girl please hurry up and start the party? There's a champers bottle -- I mean glass -- with my name on it! That rumcake is looking splendid, too. Happy Birthday, Lady Jane. You all realise, of course, that no loppy can ever age beyond 27 (the alleged ages of all three original Charlie's Angels)? So happy 27th birthday (again). Hope it's a great day, inspired with the best life can offer, and sees in the best year you've ever had.

OK, indirect Lee news. A couple of pieces on line about how theatres in the West End have improved revenue since reality TV started putting bums on seats. Lee and Connie are both mentioned. Here's a link: http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article3347992.ece

Morning Loppies - what's this? The Bistro all decorated again! And look at that cake!
Is that for me?

Ooo thank-you BHB - it tastes lovely!

Aw, thank you Carol - and thank you for your card - I'll have to open it this evening.

Shirley - it's not just my fantasty men I like to see in armour! But you're not alone in your taste - is she Geri?

Right then geri - pass the champers!

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday to you.

For she's a Jolly Good Loppy
For she's a Jolly Good Loppy
For she's a Jolly Good Loppy
And so say all of us.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE - MWAH MWAH

A little treat for you this morning Read it top to bottom. Warning to all prudish Loppies it is rude. But hilarious

http://www.kaagaard.dk/images/mordillo/love30.jpg

Breakfast?? Jane wants food?? I thought she was a fully signed up Lush. Oh well, if you are sure.....

Back imminently. Maisie is calling VERY urgently

Interesting comments Geri, thank you. Will almost certainly extend. Very interesting.

As it is Lady Jane's birthday a day of typical medaeval fare will be served. A small breakfast of bread and cheese at sunrise will be followed at noon with the main meal, dinner. Then, towards sunset a lighter supper will be served, consisting of bread, cheese and a small dish of stew. After supper, entertainment will be provided by minstrels and storytellers. Now I wonder where we can find a minstrel and a storyteller?????????????

Happy birthday, Jane E. Enjoy your day.

So sorry about your uncle, Carol. I do hope the prognosis is good.

I watched When Maria Met Joseph last night. Loved loved loved it. Got to see it again tonight. The duet with Connie was fantastic. What struck me was that Lee came across as so confident and comfortable.

This morning's London Metro has a small pic of Lee as Joe accompanying an article about the increased London theatre audiences in 2007 which they say was partly due to ADWD - an extra 1.25m visits to the West End.

The Independent also has article about increased London theatre visits due to reality shows
http://news.independent.co.uk/media/article3347992.ece

Morning all - flying visit to say Happy Birthday Jane. Have a good day lovely!!

Oh, and, you'd really think someone was placing appropriate adverts on this page on purpose wouldn't you - the one at the top - a Knight in shining armour!!!

Oh and another thing (yes I know I said it was flying visit) - I've just seen an advert on TV for Strawberry Shortcake!! Shirley??

Oops sorry Geri didn't see you'd put the Independent link. The Times online also has a similar piece.

Morning everyone - Happy Birthday Jane, have a lovely day, and belated birthday wishes to you Shirley, sorry I missed it. I am myself a January loppy (27th) still somewhere in my 20s, although pedants and my Mum would put me in my late 30s! Well, maybe not my Mum as she is currently facing the fact that her other baby (my big bro) will turn 40 later this year! Anyway, I wouldn't say no to a large glass of something celebratory and a little something to nibble on!

My apologies for not being around to help with the big move - real life and all that - but I did send helpful loppy OHMMMMMMs your way.

Carol - so sorry to hear about your uncle and, like everyone else, I hope the prognosis will be good.

Geri - loved the new first chapter and can't wait for more.

Have been watching GO courtesy of Gillian and may yet stun Ploppy by deleting a few bits off the Sky+ box to free up some space - as he likes to point out, it's mostly my stuff that's filling it up!

Well, time to go and get dollops ready for another day of school/playgroup. Big dollop's social life is rather busy at the moment - best friend here after school yesterday, going to a friend's after school today and another one on Monday, plus dancing, swimming, etc. Little dollop's not much quieter with 2 parties next Saturday, another one in a couple of weeks, various playdates and swimming. Oh to be that young and carefree again, especially as the fashions are somewhat nicer than some of the things I was made to wear in the 70s (dreadfully loud, paisley-patterned flared trousers spring to mind)!

Have a lovely day everyone, whatever the weather!

Yes Karen, I've seen that ad several times, always with a wry smile on my face!

Geri, love the fairytale. More please!

Morning all.
HURRA FOR DEG SOM FYLLER DITT ÅR, SE DEG VIL VI GRATULERE !!!!!!!
Hurray for you who's birthday it is,- we will congratulate you !!!
Lady Jane,- there you are, in Norwegian and the English translation. Have a very happy and nice day, my lovely.
Oh dear, another party. Well, who am I to complain. I see BHB and the others have done all the hard work, and since I don't have any exciting appointments today(no dentist, no doctor) I'll have a Buck's Fizz and rum cake, please. For you, lady Jane, anything.
I see we are having a BBQ later on, so I'll do my honey marinated lamb's rib. For once, I think it's something that you'll all like,- it's delicious. Just ask Fi, - she's tried it!
May I please just have a little ride on my bay(see, I'm going all professional here) Megan. I was really looking forward to that. It doesn't have to count as a class, just a bit of indulgence!
BHB, I almost forgot to say hello to you, but you've been so busy in the kitchen. I must say, you're really coming on well with your cooking. You want my recepe for the lamb's rib? OK, let's sit over here in the shade and I'll go through it point by point.

Hi all. Happy birthday Jane.

Enjoyed Phantom last night, but not as much as I thought I would, if that makes sense. Maybe it suffered from expectations. Les Mis is still no 1. The seats were awful, mind, dress cirle near, but not right at, the left hand side, as you look at the stage. As nearly all the non centre stage action occurs on the left of the stage, and you can't see the left front of the stage, never mind the wings, then if you can't get centre seats, get the low numbered ones!

Morning Everyone!

Happy Birthday Jane!

Heres abit of interesting news - only gossip at the moment but both forums are discussing it! Lee might have extended his contract until December 08!!

http://www.leemead.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2053

Happy Birthday Jane, have a great day!
Will pop back later- Oh well go on then I'll just have a quick BF before I go.
Yes, I saw that discussion last night AliB, am hoping it's not true.

Happy Birthday Jane.
Oh goody another party, I love parties but I won't be able to join you till late this afternoon, due at School at 1pm, so save me some champagne please.
Shirley I wonder if you know the answer. My B in L, said that in March all peolple of a certain age would get free travel on all forms of transport, do you know if this is true?
Geri how brilliant is that piece of writing, loved it.

At my old lady's last night so didn't get on the blog.

Carol, so sorry to hear your news, and your poor Mum will be devastated. Hope the prognosis is not as bad as you fear. You're all in my thoughts and prayers

Geri, loving 'The Tale of Sir Lee'.

Hi Gill, I know I am not Shirley, but I think this is what you are referrring to:-

"From 1 April 2008 people in England who are 60 and over and eligible disabled people will be entitled to free off-peak local bus travel anywhere in England. Local authorities will still be able to offer further benefits to their residents, but these will only apply for travel in the local area and not everywhere. For more information about the English National Concession please visit the Department for Transport’s website."
Cx

Re The comment from Jennifer: ?????????????????

Hi all and HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jane. So sorry I'm a bit late but as usual I blame it all on my Sloppy!! It's true but realise it's beginning to sound feeble! Anyway hope I'm in time for champers and bbq, those ribs sound great, and I know the rum cake is lovely. So here we go again, I could get used to this!

Haven't caught up on links yet, but if Lee does extend again, I might get to a last night yet!!

Jennifer ???????????? or have I missed something?

Hi all - thank you for the Birthday wishes!

I'm off to lunch now with my team - see you later!

Glad you got to see the show Gillian

Hi Jennifer - as Eva says ??????

Just had a cocktail on This Morning called Eva!! It is mandarin juice and Prosecco, sounda delish consider it included in the cocktail list. So nice of them to name it after you Eva!

...off the wall I think!! Perhaps misdirected through the ether?
Oh Jane enjoy your lunch! Pauline I like the sound of that - we should certainly add it to the cocktail list - I'm quite happy to be a guinea pig - you know me always happy to help!!

Karen the strawberry shortcake ad is on, I snigger everytime I see it but it really isn't worth trying to explain why to ploppy!
Thinking of you Carol.
Geri, roll on chapter2.
and last but not least HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANEE!

Just so you can see the evidence, food looks quite good too!
http://www.itv.com/Lifestyle/ThisMorning/Food/GinoDAcamposDinnerParty/default.html

Oh thanks Pauline2 I've run off a copy of the menu, that was my sort of meal (apart from the lack of alcoholic content of course!). It being Friday I am now off for a large glass - can't be too bad though as singing this evening for a Baptist Church Ladies' Circle!!

The Stage also has piece on 2007 being a good year and pictures the man himself
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/19582/musicals-help-set-new-record-as-470m

Pauline2,-Isn't he the one who appeared at Christmas Cooks with our boy? He must have thought all the cheering he heard from me was for him!!! and that's why he called a cocktail after me. What is Prosecco?
Carol,- since you are the expert,- and Karen and JaneE and Jill,- you'd better try it out and let me know.
Jennifer,- are you a squatter in our house? Our lovely landlord won't stand for it, you know, especiall not from someone who talks about BRIBING people!!!!!!!

That cocktail they gave Lee to taste on 'This Morning' had prosecco in it. It's a sparkling white wine.

Sulkily - No one offered me a bribe. Not saying I would have taken it, its the being offered that counts!!!!
And then Eva gets a fabulous cocktail named after her (yes please Pauline - I would love one) and I get an add for some ghastly childrens things plagiarising my name. Really loud and stroppy SULK. (Well you wouldn't expect me to sulk quietly would you???)

Thanks to everyone for the links. Lots of interesting stuff there. I suspect the next extension Lee is offered and accepts will be the last one - for no good reason other than it will be at a more sensible time of the year, and it gives time for all the plans and preparations to be sorted for the next vehicle which will for sure be being created for him. ALW is not going to risk loosing Lee at this stage. We would have to have been blind and stupid not to have figured out who is filling the seats at the Adelphi - and he is neither.

Yes you're right Eva Gino is the chef from Christmas Cooks, so of course that's where the idea came from! As Gillian says Prosecco is an Italian sparkling wine and jolly nice it is too, so this would be a sort of bucks fizz but I would think even yummier!
I keep looking at Jennifers' post and wondering what on earth LdkdggkrCB means, the mind boggles!

I think it's highly likely Lee will continue until Dec 08/Jan 09 if for no other reason than I can't understand why he'd have a three week holiday from 15 September and come back for only two weeks. I just hope they announce it very soon. We usually book our flights for Christmas holiday by mid Feb to get the dates/times we want. I so don't want to miss Lee's last night, whenever it is.

Diana - I had the same thought but in the end succumbed to the mass Loppy outing on the 18th - it will be fun anyway even if it is not the last night!
Keep meaning to say I am going to see "Aspects of Love" with David Essex as Uncle George next Tuesday at the Wycombe Swan with big Sis (Cloppy) - playing truant from rehearsals, but will of course report back!

I have solved the cryptic offerings of Jennifer:
Let dog knock down garage ghouls. Kamikaze raid coming,- Bulletin!!!!!!!!
Shirley,- come out of your sulk. You can have an extra helping of Eva !!!!!

Oh I see Eva now it all makes perfect sense! Silly me not to work that out for myself.
Carole, I went to see DE in Aspects last year when it was at Milton Keynes. I thought he was very good, once I'd got over the shock of seeing how grey he was! Didn't really go for Matt Rawle who played Alex, but maybe just me! Best bit for me was the two ladies sitting in front of me who obviously had no idea it was a bit raunchy, you could see them getting more and more shocked by it and they didn't come back after the interval!

Finally.. I can post.
Each time I've caught up and ready to add my tuppence-worth, I get some work to do.
So firstly - Happy Birthday Jane-E.
My heart did a little flip this morning on the way to work when I unsuspectingly turned to the page in the metro, and there HE was!! I think I even blushed.
The 'Eva' also contained Vodka I believe. And I remember that the GO enjoyed it very much.
I'm concerned for Jennifer.. (do you think she's taking this 'slightly bonkers' tag a bit too far??) Do hope things settle down soon for your dear...
Well,l I started this over an hour ago.. 2:10 to be exact... but at least I've managed to get onto the site. My home pooter is contstantly arguing with the server these past few days, so my internet access has been very sporadic. I think I'm doing well, send a few emails, the 'pfut' my computer shuts down. Dang nuisance really.

Eva - I thought it said - Lost Directoire Knickers, Daft Girlish gigle, Keep Remembering Completely Bonkers.
...but you could be right!

Thank you Carol I appreciate the information. My problem in living where I do, is that at the moment I can only go to Slough or Uxbridge with my bus pass, so come April goodness where I might end up?????????
Eva have tried the cocktail, lovely it was too, how come they names it after you???????????????

Jill - the world could be your Oyster!

Lots of catching up to do.....Carol, I'm so sorry about your Uncle and echo everyone's good wishes and vibes for a complete recovery but a very worrying time for you all.
Re Lee's extending again, it made no sense to finish mid Oct unless he was hoping to do a concert tour on the back of the album sales but perhaps thats looking unlikely now with the farce handling of the single etc. Don't blame him for staying in till something fabulous comes up (also keeps him close to a certain ladyfriend?).
I'm going to see Aspects of Love at H Wycombe next week too but Thurs Matinee as that was the only day I could get good stalls seats. I only rang up a few days ago. David Essex is 60 now apparantly...(isn't that the new 40?)

Shirley2 - that's the new 29!!! I saw piccies of DE on the promotional material and wouldn't have recognised him - no dark curls, as you say just grey hair!! I actually saw Aspects years ago with MB in it - he was very good!!

I've had a lovely - if alcohol free lunch with my team, and am looking forward to a special dinner tonight with Ploppy - am I spoiled or what?

I'll happily volunteer to try an Eva cocktail - sounds yummy

And thank goodness the enigma of Jennifer's post has been solved!

Ali - I also keep sniggering every time I see the strawberry shortcake ad (sorry Shirley).

Auds - Ohmmms for you PC!

I probably won't be back tonight - thanks everyone for the party and your birthday wishes - I feel like a very lucky Loppy!

If 60 is the new 29, what is 50?

The new 29!! That's good news for me! I've never seen AoL so am really looking forward to it, and if its raunchy so much the better!
Thank goodness Donna is coming down hard on those morons on the Forum. If its not one thing on there they are sniping about its another..

Diana - it's the new 21!
Shirley2 - music is lovely to AoL, in fact it is my sister's favourite ALW show!
Jane - how can you have a lovely ALCOHOL free lunch?? The two just don't go together! I have other plans for you next weekend!! Enjoy the rest of your day.

Great excitement - my tickets are here! jumping up and down! LOL good thing I am no athlete or the ceiling would be dented...Happy Birthday Jane - my birthday treat is delayed but for a very good reason. All the contract extension talk must be a bit of a disappointment for everyone who is going to the 'last shows' (2 of them now) but not for me as if he stays long enough I might just get to go again!

Carys - there is nothing like the thrill of opening your post and finding your Joseph tickets!! As you say the longer the show goes on the more people get the chance to see it (or see it again, and again). Gives me another excuse to try and tell Ploppy we are going on the last night (again!).

Carol, Auds & other London Loppies - apparently there's something in tonight's London Paper as well - presumably on 2007 theatre audiences.

Hi all

I see the rumour re the extension has arisen again (if it ever went away). Not sure what I think about that other than I'm not sure how many more "last nights" I can justify re-arranging everything else around. If it is extended, October may be doubtful for me as the 18th is my Mum's birthday and we always do something really special. I have some serious grovelling to do if it is the last night to explain why, this year, I have taken myself off to London instead but I know she will understand about the last night. Not sure I can say the same if it's not the last night!! Not only are RUG making a fortune out of us but there's all the extra expense for those who have hotels to pay for as well!! And, for those of us, me included, whose Ploppy's just don't understand why we would want to see the same show over and over again - how many times can you say "well it is the last night"!!!!

Jane - how can a lushloppy have an alcohol free lunch?? I don't understand that concept. Carol - I see you have some serious training to do in Stratford!! Sorry, I can't be with you to help - my loss!!

Oh dear, what have they been up to now on the forum! I'll try to take a peek later. I've said it before and I'll say it again - all the sniping that goes on over there is exactly why I prefer to stay here amongst you lovely lot!!

I'm calling it a day and heading homewards. A good weekend to one and all.

Happy Birthday Jane E. Only another year on Monday and i will be able to get a bus pass!!!
Well, if Lee does extend his contract til next January, I'll just have to go to the last night performance for my birthday present. Can't be bad!! See you there Carys.
Jill, you must live fairly close to me. I work in Slough
only 10 more sleeps to Joseph.

Eva, thanks I would love an Eva, and the taller the better - can one have a tall cocktail?? Well I am definitely without couth so I just will. Not still sulking honest. Just had to have some nurophen and a snooze after my chiropractic treatments.

Oh whats been going on on the forum. Havent been to look there for days. Found it getting too prurient and argumentative for me. Shame mostly lovely ladies there but lots of people who need moderating these days.

Jane have a lovely evening out with your canned man!!!

Auds, lovely to see you. Joining in the OOHHMMSS for your computer.

Carys - see you have not even been and you are already planning the next visit - happened to us all. And I just bet that you will check again, and again and again that you have those precious tickets safe, and in your bag when you set out. I remember the total panic that I might miss the train the first time I went.

Thanks to everyone for translating Jennifer's message. Dont know what it really meant but dont think for one minute it can be half as good as your options.

About time Marks changed their food add. Dont like fish cakes however posh.

Oooh, Carys - you should be more than over the moon excited... It seems amazing that you have yet to see the GO in the flesh... after all the brilliant work you've done ... there's nothing that'll prepare you for the utter joy you'll experience. And I for one am not bothered as to how many 'last' shows I attend.

Agree it's about time that something was done about he sniping on Donnas' site. Hope her post does put an end to it.

Carys amazing how just getting the tickets can make you so excited isn't it?!

Now think I'll just test a couple of Evas' to make sure they are ok.

Yeeeuch! Just had item on London Tonight about the increase in theatre going and who do they interview? you guessed it BooHoo!!! He is apparently now starring in Joseph living his dream and people are going to the theatre cos they know him and want to see him! No mention that he is just covering for GO, and just think it would have been him if he hadn't been on holiday. The ego on BooHoo is sure there though!

I must admit I feel sorry for Loppies that have booked Hotels etc for 18/10/08 if it isn't indeed the LAST NIGHT, My Ploppy couldn't understand why I was going twice, I have yet to tell him about June and October tickets!!!!!!!!!!!
Kathleen where in Slough do you work? I live in Iver just near the Red Lion, I wondered where you lived when you said you were on the flight path.

Pauline2 I too was thinking that it would be Lee being interviewed if it weren't for his holiday. That would have been a nice surprise.

Jane, a bit late but: Happy Birthday. I hope you had a lovely day.

Just looked at the forum and whilst I haven't looked at the sniping comments I have seen Donna's post and I just think it's awful that not long ago, when she was attacked for her contact with Lee's Mum, she was wondering why she bothered with the site at all, and now she is having to consider closing down the forum! People are not only showing a distinct lack of respect for Lee and his family but for Donna too, after all the hard work she puts in. It upsets me a bit too that Donna only set the forum up for us at the Stage in the first place, and thanks to Scott, many of us don't use the forum and now she finds herself in this position. I agree Shirley, most of the loppies over there seem like nice people and it always annoys me when the majority suffer as a result of the minority!!

Sorry but I just had to get that off my chest.

Anyway, forgot to say earlier, if Eva's got Vodka in her, sorry I mean it (doesn't feel right calling Eva an it - that's an it, not a nit!) then it's definitely a drink for me - I am partial to the odd V&T (just in case I've never mentioned it before!).

I agree that getting the tickets is exciting - it makes it all seem more real and closer - even if it's still months away! I was getting excited yesterday when Jane was booking the hotel for us for tearfest. Actually, I must tell you this - Jane rang me about booking the hotel and at the time I was going through the checkout at the supermarket so I was juggling the shopping, my phone, my card, trying to remember my pin number and concentrating on what Jane was saying. Talk about multi-tasking! Later, I was emailing Jane and suddenly remembered that I'd asked for cashback but, as I said to Jane, I couldn't remember how much I'd asked for because I wasn't paying attention and I just shoved it in my bag when it was handed it over - so in the bottom of my bag screwed up with the receipt was £70.00 - I'd only wanted £20.00!! Why £70.00? - The cost of the hotel room!!! As Jane had said to me "it's £70.00" I must have just repeated it to the checkout person!! Definitely in the Lee zone!!!

Right, off for an Eva!!!

Chapter Two

 “How do I summon this wizard?” Sir Lee asked.
“Oh, you do not summon him,” Gray’mm said. “For he is lofty and far above the affairs of mortals. You’ve heard it said, Do not interfere in the ways of wizards—“
“For they are subtle and slow to anger,” Sir Lee finished proudly. All his years of studying had paid off.
“Well that’s nonsense,” Gray’mm said. “At least as far as Dot is concerned. There’s nothing either subtle or slow about him. Though the anger is true enough. Word to the wise – don’t irritate him. He’ll start singing (very badly) at times, but pretend he’s a wonderful singer and his music is the greatest you’ve ever heard. One poor knight made the mistake of saying he preferred the Wizard Sondheim’s music, and the Wise Wizard Webber was not amused.”
“I’ll remember,” said Sir Lee.
“One other thing before I go,” said Fairy Godfather Gray’mm, glancing at his Rolex watch. “You are not the only knight on this quest. There are eleven others, but only one can be dubbed with the Order of Joseph and wear the magical coat of many colours. These knights are your comrades and your allies, but they are also your competition.”
“Where do I meet these noble knights?” asked Sir Lee. “How do I begin?”
“Get thee forth to the Bank which lies on the South of the River. There in the mystical palace of Auntie Beeb will you meet these stalwart knights and the Wise Wizard Webber, too. Nine o’clock, tomorrow. Don’t be late.”
“Wait,” cried the youth. “Before you go, I must ask – why are you called Gray’mm?”
The Fairy Godfather smirked. “Because I’m Mm-Mm good!” he said, and vanished with the same poof that had heralded his arrival.

My ears are burning. I have never been so popular in myself! I never knew I needed a drink called after me, but heck! I'm not complaining.
So where is Jennifer? Maybe she is a ghost from Bletchley Park trying to send us coded messages?
I'm going to panto tomorrow night to the Marlowe in Canterbury. They are showing Aladdin, but I can't remember any of the cast. The tickets were booked nearly a year ago, and I had forgotten all about them Lately another theatre show has been uppermost in my mind!! I'm sure I'll enjoy it. I love panto! It is so English!

Just fell off my chair laughing! Love it Geri!
Eva who needs Panto with this? She's behind you!

I know! She snuck in when I was writing my post!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE
Sorry I'm late, visitors, don't they know I've got important stuff to do.
What's been happening on the Forum? I was over there last night, either I missed it or I'm an insensitive s*d, probably both.
Geri, love the installment.
Jennifer has a witty turn of phrase.

Geri,- I'm laughing here and already impatient for the next installment.
Jo4,- I think Jennifer is a bit of an Enigma! (Get it?)

Am I the only one who sits and weeps her way through Elephant Diaries. I just love them.

Karen I LOL at the picture of you at the check-out.

I'd like an Eva too please. But hold the vodka. And Eva when someone tells you 'She's behind you' you are not supposed to be able to see her. Dear me you do need educating into the principles of panto's!!!!

Isn't Geri's new Saga brilliant??? I laughed and laughed. Printed off the VERY limited edition hard copies of the Captain Kirk Sagas and they look so good. Really pleased with them. Just have to wait for Lee's approval to see if he is happy to sign those for prizes.

Eva-Yes I'm old enough to get it, I mean I've seen the film, I wasn't there at the time.

Hello everyone!

First things first - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE! Hope you're younger than me for your sake.

As I haven't been on here for yonks I obviously haven't got the foggiest what you're all on about but have just cottoned on to the most important bit about Lee extending to January!! Will this carry on ad finitum (or however you say it?!). I was wondering whether to sell my July tickets and book for October but maybe I'd better hold fire. Is that for certain?

I have a confession to make - my two dollops have been going on about seeing Hairspray but have showed little interest in seeing Joseph unfortunately so the three tickets I bought as a surprise in April will, I feel, be a tad wasted (as I can't afford both shows). To cut a long story short, I am thinking of selling them so I can rebook for Hairspray. I have my next visit in Feb to keep me going until July/Oct/whenever at least. Anyone interested? They'll be £49.50 each and the date is April 4th. E-mail stageloppies if you're interested. I'll have to find the tickets but they're in the Dress Circle, Row C I think.

Don't like the sound of all this carping on Donna's site. There's really no need for it all (she says, not having read any of it).

Had my third dream about Lee t'other night. It makes going to bed sooooo much easier. Unfortunately I can't remember what it was about now.

Btw, where's Sonja these days? If you're there Sonja - HELLOOOOO!

Cheerio for now.

No Shirley you're not I adore ellies, and in fact sponser one who is now a big boy called Burra. He was in a programme last week, he had a torn ear where he was caught in a trap.

Don't quite know how vodka sneaked into the Eva! Not in original recipe, but what the heck!

Jennifer who art thou? Was she a plant put there to confuse us?

Found out why didn't see the stuff on the Forum, I never read those threads.

I try not to watch animal programmes as they always upset me. I'm a bit of a whimp.

I love it when there's nothing on the telly on Friday - time to put on ADWD semi-f's and finals.... kick back and enjoy all those glorious moments. Being Ploppy-less has it's benefits.

Geri - splendid splendid splendid Chapter 2. One comment though, Aunty Beeb not on the South Bank but in the Bush of the Shepherd (er, trying to make it sound witty didn't quite come off??) where the stalwarts are to joust for the role.

Oh Karen, you had me really laughing out loud at your multi tasking tale. Definitely worth a couple of Eva's down your neck.

How's that skinny kid taking all the credit for getting the crowds to MT?? Cheeky BooHoo.

I popped over to the Forum - there's always too many threads that don't always contain what it says on the tin... and it doesn't take much for me to get confused - and I found Donna's note to the abusers to stop of suffer the consequences. It'd be a huge shame really as it's just a minority that continue to believe their opinion is what counts and should be obeyed.. Might we prepare ourselves for a few more visitors to the Stage???

Ooo, oo.. talking of the Stage - for those of you who love Life on Mars, read our Scott Dear's report on the sequel.. Ashes to Ashes.

Right - now to call Pauline2

Thanks for that Auds - I was a HUGE fan of LOM so that'll be interesting.

Is everyone going to the big loppy meet on October 18th first?

Shirley, I hope we get to know Lee’s reaction on the Captain Kirk Sagas.

BTW, I can think of a lot more advantages than that to be ploppyless...remote control control, sleeping on ones' own, no need to cook, less washing, tidy house, no Match of the Day, not having to listen to Radiohead at full blast, money to spend on Joseph....the list is endless.

Thanks Auds, interesting A2A.

I hope so too Anne, I will certainly be asking him to sign the prize copies after he has read his copy, so I guess that might be our answer. But we will see.

Debbie, it is very good to see you. Sonja, you will be amazed to know, is having problems with her computer. Takes 10 or 15 minutes for her just to get it wound up, and then it keeps dying. Had a lovely chat to her earlier and she is doing very well.

Oh Pauline I saw your ele the other evening. He must be the one who had been trapped by the snare. Wasnt that terrible. And isnt he a lovely boy now. Just flourishing.

Did you all see what the postman bought Donna today. Worth going over for a look. Very exciting.

Shirley, please say 'hi' to Sonja for me.
Can't see what you mean about Donna's pressie - am I going blind?

Debbie - I have the answer to your list - send your Ploppy out to work more to earn more money for your Joseph visits but also:

He won't be home as much so you get more remote control control

He'll be so knackered he'll fall asleep in front of the TV so you get the bed to yourself

He won't be home in time for dinner so bung him a sarnie in the fridge

When he wakes up after falling asleep in front of the TV it will be time to go to work again so he won't have time to get changed so less washing

He won't be home as much so no time to mess the house up

He'll be home too late to watch Match of the Day and you've been so busy making his sarnie you didn't have time to record it

Just buy a pair of earplugs - they'll also work for when he's whinging at you that he's working all the hours God sends to feed your Joseph obsession!!

Problem solved!!

Karen - I LOVE YOU!!!!
My husband, whinge? I didn't know you'd met him.

Karen, that's very naughty, poor old Debbie's Ploppy. Tee hee, Debbie a chap at work has some excellent headphones that really block out noise.

Anyone watching Ramsay at the mo? I'm worried about that woman burning her dangly bits.

On her Forum, Debbie. Thread is called a little bit of a boast. And boy does she have something to boast about.

Just switched over to it Debbie. Had been watching New Tricks but had seen it before so thought I would have a look at GR.

Hey who's doing the cocktails?? I need another Eva (what a strange thing to say - Eva is unique). But I am thirsty. And I think Debbie might like one too. Oh and its that Bloxdy M&S ad again. I usually love their food ads, but not this one.

Having said I don't go to The Forum much -there's a new thread
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/769461
should we just tell her?

Belated hello, all. A little pressie arrived from Auntie Eva (a certain TV show final that I hadn't been able to watch), so I've been enjoying that -- until the dratted thing crashed in the middle of 'Maria'. I think I'm jinxed. Too tired to fuss with it tonight (and CSI is on shortly), but hope to try again tomorrow.

Auds, thanks for the correction. I like Bush of the Shepherd, perhaps because it sounds a bit naughty -- on a par with Gray'mm waving his wand. And, for some reason, that reminds me of an extraordinary thing I heard on the radio today. An anthropologist was saying because society had become more liberal, gays don't feel the need to pretend to be straight and get married, which means they're not procreating. And, says the expert, since there's a 'gay gene' it won't be passed on to future generations, which will see homosexuality die out which will, in turn, decimate the arts! Feel like I should be running around encouraging all my gay friends to have babies!

Thanks for all the kind comments about the story. The next couple of chapters are all ready to post so expect another tomorrow. And, Auds, I'll correct my master copy to BotS. Perhaps, if Lee approves the Enterprise story, he'll sign off (literally) on the Fairy Tale, too. But we still need a title.

Thanks for the alert Auds. I just told Donna.

Debbie - no need to meet your Ploppy - he's a man and having plenty of experience in that department (er, that doesn't sound quite like I intended it to!) I can tell you, you just have to know how to handle them. In fact, man-handling is a skill we should all aquire. Man-Handling? Where's the GO when you need Him????

oh Shirley,I can't find Donna's news for the life of me!

In case you're confused (like me), woman with dangly bits is cooking along with Gordon*******Ramsay at home on a separate screen - she was naked (uggh) but has thankfully put an apron on. You may see her at the end.

Pass the Eva...

Auds,- go on tell her ! She'll wish she'd never asked!
Karen,- your's sounds like a really happy, fullfilling marriage. I wish you had been around to give me advise when i tried it. On the other hand, because you weren't I know have complete control of the remote, have the bed to myself, only cook when I want to, NEVER watch Match of the Day etc. Bliss, really!

Shirley,- thanks for the tips of what not to do at panto. The first time I went to panto in Dartford a few years back, I went with some friends, and I had little Samuel, 3 years old at the time, sitting next to me. He really loved what was going on, and shouted with the best of them. When the curtains came down at the interval, he turned to me and asked:"Who turned the telly off, Auntie Eva?"

Flash of GO on intro to BBC news, going to do the story about increase in pop of musicals, is it due to reality tv?

and then there's this....
http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821200054342
(also found on the Forum - with the comment.. "remembering Tim Rice's comment when Lee auditioned...." something else to speculate on...

flash of the GO??

Ooer just gone and done it Auds!! So I will be going to the ball, should feel bad but no, I'm bouncing with excitement!
Is that woman on the forum serious? or maybe she needs glasses!
Like all this man-handling, are we having lessons? Karen you obviously could teach, maybe BHB would be your assisstant?

mmm 56 views and no replies to journo yet.

Auds, you're on fire with links today

Flash of 'leave right now', not flash of flesh Debbie

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/769296
Debbie click on that link. Knew you wouldnt be able to resist the flash. Welcome back, we have missed you.
Pauline is your excitement what I think it is???? Hope so.

Eva, what a lovely 3 year old. Did you tell him the electric ran out so he needed to put some more money in the meter?

Btw, Geri - I do apologise, forgot to say - loved Chapter2 and Auds, I too loved the Bush of the Shepherd, and for the same reasons as Geri - it did conjure up rather naughty images in my mind!!

Eva - you make a good argument there and sometimes I think I could be persuaded!!

Oh Pauline2, you lovely person - as you insist, I will happily give lessons in man-handling with the GO as my assistant on whom, of course, I will have to demonstrate in order to show you all what you need to do. When you turn up for lessons if the door is locked please form an orderly queue - I will be with you..............eventually..........when I've finished my preparation!!!!!!!!! Be prepared for a veeerrryyyy long wait!!

Yes it is Shirley!! Just emailed you.

Keep seeing bushy shepherds, back to JATATD?

jumping up and down and clapping her hands for Pauline2. So pleased you'll be at the Ball. Row D?

Lewis on London news, as seen by others before. He didn't seem too big headed to me. Just very happy he is playing Joseph.

Eva!!!! didn't know you auditioned for Spam-a-Lot in Swedem.

forgot to comment re Donna's special delivery. Jealous? Moi?
Debbie, have you found it yet.. Donna's message not the remote?

Good night everyone. Sleep well and Sweet Meads. Nice that Auds and Pauline are joining the party. (Goes of to bed conger style)

I just caught Lewis on BBC London news. Ooooh made it seem HE was Joseph!!

Debbie, I saw the start of Ramsay too .... but then watched WJMM again. It was even better second time and he is sooooo gorgeous.

Yes Auds row D!! I've even got the ticket as it was printed on line! WooHoo!

I read it that way too Diana, just thought that if any didn't happen to know that Lee had won you'd have thought it was Lewis! But must admit at the time I was just miffed that the interview wasn't with Lee!

Will attempt bed and sleep though got a feeling LII might kick in tonight!

Night night sleep tight.

Oh Geri I love The Journey of Sir Lee. Can't wait for the next chapter.

Off to LMAS to see what's been happening.

Auds,- there is a lot you don't know about me. I'm full of surprises.
I'm having a break. GO is singing NY NY in the final!!!!!
Oh, dear, I think I'll vote for him. He said he wanted it!!! Anything, sweetheart!

I'll have to watch the rest another day, because I'm tired. Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams( about full control of the remote!) and wake up happy.

Oh flip - my . has dropped off!!!

Sorry, er how to explain - let me think.....okay here goes.. oohoo, uzzy ee, um, oh, I know...De ie. So, until I can fix it I'll have to use * so please don't think I'm using profanities!!

Re Donna's news - fantastic and even more reason why she shouldn't get too downhearted at what goes on over there!

Was intrigued with the dangly *its (now that does sound like I'm *eing rude) so switched over *ut must have missed them!! No dangly *its in sight!!

Just had to stamp on a mouse, one of my 'dears' brought it in out of the rain for a play. Back leg was broken, so I could not release it, as I usually do.

Geri,- just had a thought for a title:
The Chronicles of Joseph

Hello, hello Debbie (waves) - nice to "see" you. Back from singing at a Baptist church in Ruislip (not too far from you Auds) - one of the "girls" had a "0" birthday on Sunday and was taken to see Jospeh and is now completely smitted with Lee. I told her he had kissed my cheek and she nearly fell over - I think she is about to become a full time Loppy. Also finished our programme with Any Dream Will Do, so was able to mention the GO in the introduction! Geri, loving the saga. Just going to catch up on the links now, so I'll say Goodnight and Sweet Meads! Love to Sonja if anyone speaks to her!

Or The Joseph Chronicles?

Hurrah for Shirley! Found it at last (after walking Madge). Lucky lucky Donna. Still, people like that who do all that hard work and get things going deserve something for their efforts.
Not sure what's dropped off Karen. Hope it wasn't painful. You really didn't miss anything in the dangly bits dept.
Hi Carol (waves back).
Haven't had a chance to catch up with 'the Chronicles' Geri but you really should be a professional writer. Your talents are endless.
All my dreams have come true (well, not ALL of them) and ploppy has gone to bed as he's up at 6am tomorrow. Now where's that remote? Still velcroed to his trousers no doubt.

On the same line as Eva's Chronicles....... The Joseph, The *itch and The Lord in a Ro*e!

(Remem*er the missing letter)

More like ADWD *ut who knows where this story is going!!

Doh! I've finally caught on Karen!

Nightlee night all

To mousekiller

May they take revenge by crawling all over you like a night in the I'm A Celebrity jungle.

far too much violence going on tonight - mousekillings, B droppings, (Karen, the itch I'm presuming refers to that bit rubbish person) I'm off now...
nightlee night all.. sweet Meads.

Ah, it was nice to be back in the asylum again for an evening. Not sure when I'll make it again but I'll try not to make it so long next time.
Byeeeee!

De**ie - in the words of the song - "don't stay away too long"!!!!

Auds - you are correct - I did of course mean ZT as the *itch!!

I am at the moment watching some woman writhe around the floor in Tommy on the TV. Did the GO really do this!!

Karen - I'm half watching Tommy too. Just to see what it is like, now i know.
Jill - I work between the Red Cow and Co-op roundabout in Slough. Ploppy and his family are from Iver. They used to live in Love Green Lane, next door to Sparrow's farm when i first knew him in 1874! have you lived there long?
Must go to bed now, before I fall asleep here.
Night all.

Morning all rise and shine! Surveys the scene - not too much clearing up from yesterday, BHB and I should manage to get this cleared up before the lazy ones get here! Still a smidge of champagne left so we'll use that for Bucks Fizz. BHB has been making the new Cocktail....I've been trying it to make sure it tastes ok.....verdict yes!!

Yipes. Good morning DCM, I posted hours ago. Had not noticed it did not register.

Well having been sitting chatting quietly with the BHB over a mug of very weak black earl grey its now all hands on deck to get ready for the breakfast rush.

Fruity porridge now simmering nicely in the bain marie - lashings of fresh cream, and Demerara sugar to go on it.

Been bread making again so a choice of lovely breads - Cinnamon ripple, walnut, banana or for those of you who prefer their bread savoury some Keens Farm cheddar and some finely chopped organic onions - the BHB gave me one from a string he was given at Christmas. Yummy.

Geri I had a couple of ideas for the book title

Canned Heat

Twas a Dark Surly Night

Morning CM - didn't see you there, only tripped over you when I was sweeping up! Breads sound scrummy - is that Solo I see lurking in the corner?? Bit windy here - quite different from last Saturday's sunshine! Just off to collect Sloppy then off to the shops. Have a good day all!

Morning all. Sorry I'm late, but it was a bit hard going coming here on my broomstick this morning. The wind is really fierce, so I had to dip down for a cappuchino as I passed over Italy!
It was a long journey though, so I could do with another coffe, leaded please, and some walnut bread with Cheddar. Sounds yummy, sweetheart,- did you bake the bread? You are really coming on as a cook/chef. You'll be like a yummy mummy before we can blink.

Good morning, all. I'm loving the titles -- keep 'em coming. And I'm still looking for the perfect names for JB and BK (I've had a few suggestions, but nothing has wowed me like the ones I have for DVO and Boohoo. And that's the last time the words 'wowed' and 'Boohoo' will ever appear in the same sentence).

Karen, say it with me: *H*? No? How about Paint it *lack? Look on the *right side - at least your name isn't *ar*ara!

OK, I have a lot date with Othello and a class this afternoon. I'll be back (sorry, should that *e *e *ack?) later.

Morning sll

Oh Shirley - you would have to *ake *read when I can't even say it!!!!! The cinnamom ripple sounds lovely though, washed down with a mug of steaming coffee - just the way to start the day!

Geri - stop taking the p**s (and no they're not *'s!).

Right *etter go try fix my *!!

Have a good day all.

Ow!- she said, staggering onto the beach much later than normal. Headache this morning, I wonder why that is? Could it be anything to do with making up for the lack of alcohol at lunchtime but imbibing a serious amount last night? Nah!

Thanks everyone - I had a lovely day yesterday.

Ooo Karen, so sorry about confusing you at the till - I'm still laughing about the £70. Oh and by the way - look what I can do - bbbbbbbbbb!

Hi Debbie! Sorry I missed you last night - hope you'll be back on the blog soon!

Geri - the story is brilliant - keep 'em coming!

Carol - I have every intention of demonstrating my creditials as a Lush next weekend!

morning all.. perfect day for the beach - just need to manouver the puddles and mud and try not to get blown over by conditions this side.
I notice that we have a seriously ancient Loppie amongst us. I'm very impressed that Kathleen knows how to blogg at her age - unless of course she's got a bit of the DT's about her? Maybe her Ploppy IS the doc?
Hmmmmmm (lifts nose in the air, closes eyes and breathes in deep) that freshly baked bread sure smells good. I'm a savoury girl, me. Shirl, when you do the next batch, won't you just add some tomato and black olives to the mix... just a sprinkling over the top... yummmy. Oh, and just because I have something to celebrate, I'll have a bucks fizz. Pauline and I are going to the Ball.. hip hip hoorah! Dancing shoes for the mega mix, non of these silly glass slippers (a thought Geri, given it's a fairly tail - couldn't you throw in a few pransome hinces and a rindycella that slopper her dripper??)
Shirley - a question.. are you refering to the GO as being surly? ... how about SULTRY (in my little dictionary is says this refers to weather, but the description is "hot & close". Sounds ideal...... *ucket, *ucket - quick I need the *ucket.

Oh Karen, do you have to fix your BBBBBBbbbbbb. Its so much more fun without.

Surly is using the homophone of Sir Lee, Auds. But if I have to explain it don't work. But olives and sun dried tomates added.

Jane you are cruel to tease Karen. Serves you right that you have a headache. Now lets see - glass of tomato juice, squeeze of lemon, good splash of hot sauce and L&P, well mixed together and a raw egg dropped into it - that will sort you out. Don't be a baby. Hold your nose and swallow - do you the world of good.

Morning, here late as usual! As anticipated suffered from LII last night and consequently overslept this morning, teach me not to sort GO related affairs in the evening.
Lovely to see you De**ie, hope you can come *ack soon.
Kathleen you are quite wonderful for your age, seriously impressed. May*e she has the philosophers stone?
Right now is a good time to taste the Eva cocktail.... yummy ready for anything now!
Karen hope your * is sorted soon, just to help here is an oooooohhhhmmmm followed by bbbbbbbb, hope it helps!

swish, wooosh, crash, arrgggh. I'll never get used to landing with cross winds. It's lucky on a Saturday I have my hard hat and back protector on. It's a very sexy look, new fashion perhaps. Hello BHB, you're looking very relaxed, holiday doing you good then? Yes, my usual please. No alcohol, thanks.

Karen I lost a key some months ago. One of my 'dears' removed it. Luckily it was ALT GR, so I've not noticed its loss. I tried to reattach, but no luck.

Debbie, I had no dreams from mouse revenge. It was the only thing I could do. I never like having to kill any living thing.

Auds, liking sultry.

Got to dash, see you later

Forgot to say, failed in my attempt to convert step sister. Sent her a copy of the cd for Christmas, with a little review from me. She sent me a letter today, no mention of the cd at all. I'll have to give her a ring to see if she has actually listened to it. She is a step sister so no genetic link, perhaps that is it.

I think Shakespeare is having a good influence on me, I've finally come up with the perfect title -- you'll find out later tonight when I post chapter three. The quest continues for JB & BK names, though.

PS: Kathleen has a Philosopher's Stone? I know a medicine she can take for that...

Jo4,- you know they say you can choose your your friends, but not your family. I don't know if that goes for "steps" or not.
Josh Groban is singing "You raise me up" on the radio, and I keep waiting for GO's gorgeous voice to join in. It doesn't happen, and I have to say, it's not the same without him.
I have to reply to a letter from my former IP saying I owe rhem money, which I certainly don't. After all the aggro I've had from them, this is the last straw. I'm going to send them an e-mail, being very rude, but in a polite way. Does that make sense? I'm very good at sarcasm.

Well -I've recovered from Shirley trying to posion me with raw egg and tomatoe juice (yuk!) I must say the hangover is abaiting - I NEED tea though!

Pauline2 and Auds - congrads on going to the ball!!

Eva - if anyone can be politely rude it's you (and my mum funnily enough!)

As I abstained yesterday, no need for Shirley's hangover cure thank goodness.
Time to try an Eva I think please.
Good to see De**ie found the party yesterday.
Geri how about Wise Grey Knight (WGK) for BK and Handsome Smiley Squire (HSS) for JB?

I feel soooo much better now. The e-mail to AOL sent, and boy! was I polite ! Then I h*****d the upstairs and changed the bedding, so now I deserve some me-time with an Eva and the Saturday paper.

Kathleen we have lived in Iver for over 40 years now (and it dont seem a day too long)Love Green Lane is about a 10 minute walk from my house, my Butcher lives there.

Oh I am so glad you all had a good old laugh at my expense this morning, you rotten lot!!

I twiddled with my * for a while, to no avail, so I got fed up and went shopping instead!! You know the saying - "when the going gets tough the tough go shopping"! And *efore any smart alec asks no I didn't *uy a new *.

And now my email's gone kaput again as well. I hate this IT stuff!!

Right, off for another twiddle!!

Oh dear Karen! My sincere and heartfelt sympathies over your B crisis (snigger!)
And Ohmmms for youe e-mail! Ohmm! ohmm!

Maeve -You did well to avoid it. My advice to the Lushes - avoid Shirley if she starts following you around with something that looks like tomatoe juice!

It was for your own good - she said sanctimoniously.

Hi Karennnnnnnnn. Giggle

Hi all *ack from shopping - *ought a couple of tops in the sales (well to be truthful Ploppy *ought them for me)! Geri waiting with *ated *reath for the next installment later - still trying to think of names for J* and *K but inspiration has left me (shopping does that to me!). Catch up later - going to sit with Sloppy for a while.

*ack again,*een trying to think of names Geri, not very good at this *ut may*e J* could *e The Cheerful Costermonger and *K Sir William the Gentle Of Everton. Told you wasn't much good *ut hey I try! (there are a lot of **s in that)

Here's more oooooohhhhmmms for your computer problems Karen.

Am I sick of looking at all this rain!!

Oh very funny you lot!!!!

Still not fixed and you won't *elieve what I've done now (can't *elieve I'm gonna tell you this knowing how you all like to take the p!!). I noticed Jo4 had lost Alt Gr and hadn't needed it so thought I most likely wouldn't need it either so I slowly peeled it off whilst looking *ehind it to see how it was attached and now I can't get that *ack on either!!!! Alt Grrrrrrrrr indeed!!!

Now I undertstand why De**ie thought I was *londe!!

My key*oard is starting to look like a rather toothless grimace!!

I give up, I'm off for a relaxing *u**le *ath with a V&T and the GO!

Hope you enjoyed your *u**le *ath, Karen. It's a good thing you didn't lose the e or a!

I was so pi**ed off last night re Lewis' interview on the **C (he is NOT Joseph), I forgot to mention that the Standard had a half page piece on reality shows helping West End theatres which included a large pic of Lee. So kind of them.

Outlook keeps crashing and I've had to restart at least three times. The PC is going back to Dell on Thursday for testing which means I'll have no internet connection from home for a while so I hope it's returned quickly but most importantly I hope it's repaired!

I see ER is on tonight so at least there's something decent to watch on Saturday evening.

Looking forward to the next chapter, Geri.

Karen,- I've got plenty of B's and b's. Do you want me to send you some leftovers? Taking the p**s? Never !!!
I'm getting all spruced up for going out tonight, and Shirley, I have been practising NOT looking behind me all day. I'll be a panto Dame yet!

Here come some Ohmms for your PC too Diana Ohmmm! Ohmmm! - but what does pibbed off mean?

Ooo I think I like that worm! I think I'll start using that expression!

Eva - have a great time tonight - just a bit more practice for you - HE'S BEHIND YOU!!

I'm off out again this evening for a second birthday celebration (I know I'm just plain greedy) If you don't here from me tomorrow morning it's because I'm hiding from Shirley's concoctions.

Oh and Karen all the Best for your Blooming keyBord!

Before I disappear for the evening -

Karen - after taking the pibb out of you so mercilessly I think I need to be nice. Ploppy says we have a spare keyboard. If you want it, you can come and pick it up.

Bye now!

Home from class and getting ready for dinner (dollop is cooking). Had to pop in to mention: Karen, is Fate punishing you for twiddling with your *s? You know, there are some things nicely *rought up ladies never admit to.

*ack later with the next chapter.

OK, here it is, Chapter Three of...wait for it...
ANY KNIGHT WON'T DO

Morning dawned bright with the promise of adventure, and the youth made his way to the magical tower of Auntie Beeb. He soon found the Fairy Godfather had misled him and the tower was not on the Bank on the South of the River, but in the Bush of the Shepherd. He found it at last. It wasn't too difficult as the building was well known amongst the would-be knights of the land. All spoke of the strange and wonderful lights and music that could be seen and heard within. Yet, it was said, everyone who entered the building left it changed in some way. Sir Lee had some trepidation at the thought, and he lingered a long time outside the golden walls. At last, seizing his courage in both hands, he walked up the steps and the glittering doors opened before him as if by magic.
A slender woman with pink hair greeted him. “Hello,” she said. “Are you here about the knighthood? You look the type.”
“I am,” Sir Lee answered boldly. “I was told to report at nine o’clock by—"
“By that odd little man who calls himself a fairy godfather?”
“Calls himself? You cannot mean he intends to deceive?”
The pink-haired woman shrugged. “Takes all sorts, I suppose. He wants to call himself a Fairy Godfather it’s no skin off my nose. You can call me Strawberry. Follow me.”
As she led him into a small strange room that shot them upwards to the upper chambers, he said, “Excuse me, Maid Strawberry. Do I know you? You seem very familiar.”
She appraised him. “You do remind me of an Intoxicatingly Beautiful Youth I knew in an alternate universe, once.” The magical room came to a sudden halt and the doors swished open. “We’re here” Strawberry said.
The youth found himself in a small room with several other would-be knights. Two of them came forward.
“Hello,” said one with friendly smile. “I’m Sir Charming. This is Sir Boyz of Green Witch.”
The three young knights shook hands gravely. They were each aware of the enormous challenge that lay before them. These were his competitors, the Fairy Godfather had said. Despite that, Sir Lee couldn’t help but like the two cheerful men who stood at his side.
In the room before him were several other young men. One sat in the corner weeping uncontrollably. “That’s Sir Weepsalot,” explained Sir Charming. “We haven’t really heard a word out of him since he arrived. Scared to death, poor thing.”
“And that rugged looking youth in the corner?” Sir Lee asked.
Sir Boyz said, “Oh, that’s Sir Throb the Thatcher. Sorry, that name always makes me feel like I’m lisping. Left a promising building career to try his luck in the field of knighthood. Very willing, but not much experience.”
As the minutes passed, the youth was introduced to the other young men. There was Sir Fondofhisownvoice, who sang everything very loudly but incomprehensibly, Sir Shaymustberight who spun around in a bright green cloak and told all the other knights what they were doing wrong, and Sir Deeply-John who had run away from home to try his hand at knighthood. They each bowed in the prescribed manner, and appraised him. Sir Lee stood his ground, aware that he, who had worked a little as an apprentice knight, must be causing some consternation in the group. “Don’t worry,” Sir Boyz said to him. “I’ve worked as an apprentice knight, too. We have just as much right to be here as these others.”
At that, the doors opened suddenly, and a small man in a golden jacket and boots entered the room. Two women stood with him. One was tall and blonde, the other also tall, but dark and with a disapproving frown.
“Pray silence for the Wise Wizard Webber!” the blonde proclaimed.
Silence fell as the wizard gazed around the room. “Welcome, would-be knights,” he said. “Welcome to the Order of Joseph Challenges. I am the Wise Wizard Webber.” Indicating the blonde woman, he said, “This is Maid Marryme, one of the Muses who will act as your guides, but also as your judges.”
The brunette interrupted. “And I am Lady Brum-hilde. I expect you to work hard, otherwise I’m just wasting my time.” One of the knights snorted. Sir Lee thought it sounded like Sir Shaymustberight.
Dot continued in a rather disapproving voice. “The other muses will be along later. There are a great many challenges awaiting you, and you must overcome each one if you are to be named a Knight of the Order of Joseph. Fail, and all hopes of knighthood are gone. Succeed and you will be rewarded beyond all your dreams.”
The Wizard waited for the excited whisper that buzzed around the room to stop before he continued. “Sit down, good knights, and I will tell you the unhappy tale of the land of Adelphi, the evil king, Aus, who currently reigns there, and his unhappy subjects, the loppies…”

More more more, please. This is great stuff Geri just snorted over my wine! I know you did warn me, but I managed to avert disaster, I didn't waste any wine!

Geri-great, had to read it 3 times to get it all. Looking forward to the next chapter.

*rilliant,*rilliant, *rilliant!!!! And Straw*erry is 'slender' - I love you Geri!!!!

Just *een out to Ho**y Craft. This morning the postman *rought me a lovely surprise. Angela Owens has sent me a print off her lovely portrait of Lee - the one she had at HMV - mine is num*er 6/100 - so I took myself off and got a nice matt and frame for it, so *efore the evening is out it will *e framed and hung on the wall. I know they will be for sale on LMAS soon, and I cannot recommend them too highly. I am just thrilled with mine.

So Jane is off for another pibb up is she? I will have to see what I can come up with as a hangover cure for the morning!!!

Well saved Pauline - you nearly committed a cardinal sin there - wasting wine will not *e tolerated.

Geri - that was fantastic. I am in awe of your talent! (*tw, they are mine and I'll twiddle with them if I want to!!!!)

Jane - please thank your Ploppy for his kind offer. If you can plug a key*oard into a laptop I must just have to take him up on it. I'm still trying though - the card*oard's out now (was Sonja the queen of the card*oard repair? perhaps she could give me some tips!).

Am loving this new word pi**!

When I was shopping today I *ought some stuff for Geri's project and, even though I'm not in the least artisitic I'm really excited *ut the plan is to do it tomorrow while Ploppy's out golfing and I can do it uninterrupted, except Ploppy announced tonight that the weather forecast is so *ad for tomorrow he might not *e playing!!!! WHAAAAAAATTT!!!! He never misses his Sunday morning golf - rain, hail, shine, fost & frog - nothing stops him - yet tomorrow when I want him out of the way...!!!!! How can I create my masterpiece with him hovering around taking the pi**!!

Easy, Karen, send him to Jane's to pick up the key*oard!

Well I missed my weekend golf today, doing boring stuff like tax returns:)) while the other computer is burning DVDs. Going to an amateur film show tomorrow, a friend and I have an entry. Somehow I seem to have got myself manning the box office as well.

Running out of DVDs....could only get 50 today at the exorbitant price of £25, so ordered some more onlne much cheaper but I have to wait for them. I was so staggered at the price locally that I forgot to buy some plastic wallets to put them in, and I need them for the DVDs I have left.

Working 4 days a week this month instead of three, but I'll get it back in days off later.

Roll on February (and 30th Jan:))) oh, and the stratfordfest"!!! Only downside to february is I'm on holiday for half of it, and I haven't got a laptop yet.

Geri, what a good idea although I suspect he may find something much more important (he thinks) to do, like washing his *alls or something - GOLF, *efore anyone tells me off!!

Geri that was just *rilliant! Is the title of Loppy Laureate not enough for you? Are you also set to *ecome the *ard of Loppyland? May*e a nomination for a *ooker prize?

Geri, I'm crying with laughter. That is absolutely brilliant.

Gillian, you are working hard, at work and on the dvds. Thanks.

I've just spent the last 2 hours getting some very large photos off the work's network on to my laptop. Took ages just to email one, so used (illegal) memory stick, and it took seconds.

Got to work, proper work, tomorrow. At least I'll be out of the weather, just getting eye strain from data inputting.

Oh that's good Lindsey!! Impressed.

Spent the evening mounting and framing the print. Dont know how many possible ways there are to do it wrong, *ut I certainly explored most of them. *ut it is finally up on the wall, and it looks *loody great.

Wonderful Geri, I love the names, very clever.

Well done Shirley. Where have you put it? Somewhere easy to see?

I've been meaning to ask for 'a while' but have a feeling it's a very stupid question, what does LOL stand for and also does THUD stand for anything or is it just what one's heart does at moments of high emotion?

Dear rather *ewildered ancient loppy, not a stupid question as I for one have *een *ewildered at times! LOL is laugh out loud, and THUD is the sound a loppy makes when hitting the floor after encountering the GO in person or pictures or on screen or well, anywhere really. This last was started by Ringer over on LMAS. Hope this helps!

Just heading *edward. Hello rather *ewildered and ancient Loppy. LOL is laugh our loud. THUD is the noise our heads make as they thud down onto the desk/table/floor when we collapse after seeing or hearing a particularly exciting Lee picture or anecdote.

Good night and Sweet Meads to all Loppies - ancient and modern.

I have been remiss I have not reported Loppy stats for a while. I'm usually late with the monthly reports at work too, not quite finished December's yet.

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 = 85
10 Dec - 24 Dec Posts 820 Days 14 Posts per day = 59
24 Dec - 14 Jan Posts 1199 Days 21 Posts per day = 57

I have updated the graph, but have yet to find a way to post it. I did do a jpeg, for Martin to put on the pictures site, but it was not clear.

.THUD is what happens when near anything Lee related - just a reflection of his gorgeousness! LOL - laugh out loud!
Geri another *rilliant jo* - loved the names! Tried to think of suita*le names for J* and *K, could only come up with Lord Jack of Torchwood for J*. In response to your tale of the key*oard Karen, IT once told us to take the letters off to clean out the *ase. Took the letters off and then had to try and remem*er the QWERTY key*oard to try and get them *ack in the correct places - that part was ok, *ut the command keys were another matter! Never did it again! Off tp *ed now, so Sweet Meads all.

Thanks for your help, knew that Loppies were a kind and helpful bunch.

DT with PiB
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk4AmScFR58

Geri - just FANTASTIC, FANTASTIC, FANYASTIC - more very soon please

Pauline - SNAP

I'm off too
Nightlee night

Exactly Shirley! *ed for me yoo I think. Wonder if the **s will reappear?!
Thanks for the link Jo4, sooo wish there was a proper video for Pi*. However nice to hear him anyway!
Heading *edward too
Night night all, sleep tight

Me yoo?? too! think a cat got in there somehow!

Have you all gone to bed? I'm back from panto and loved it. Alladin it was with Shaun Williamson of EastEnder fame as the baddie, Abanazar,Stephen Mulhern ( from childrens TV) as Aladdin. It was hilarious, and I enjoyed every minute. I didn't look behind me even once. Shirley, you would have been proud of me!
Ger,- you get better and better. Roll on next chapter!
I think I'd better be off to bed myself(lots of b's in there, Karen!) Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Spent much of this afternoon/evening catching up on all - or a lot anyway - of the Lee stuff I missed while away. Thanks so much Gillian for the clips from WJMM - I can now watch AIAOY on the PC rather than wear out the video - and without annoying Ploppy too. Once more and then I too am for *ed. Sleep tight - though I don't find AIAOY very conducive to sleep! Wonder how the holiday's going. It's 7.00 am now in Thailand .....

Geri, that was fanta*ulous. *ooker prize winner for sure. I liked Pauline2's suggestion for BK - Sir William the Gentle of Everton. Does it for me. How about St.John Aurora of Glasgow or, or Baron Lou-Katme of Id, of Simeon De'Telli of Aldetime for J*? Sorry, it's late, I know. Thought maybe I'd hang out and see if I could catch up with Carys.
Good girl with the Stats Jo4. We were very busy in August & September... what on earth did we find to talk/write about.
Right - time for *eddy*yes

See the Forum for a chance to see Lee on the Alan Titchmarsh show on 5th Feb - unfortunately I cannot go that day as I have something else on that I cant really cancel but at least it will be on the TV

Have had a re-think re the AT show and applied for tickets. If they let us know in time and I get them I'm going to try and rearrange things and GO!!

Good morning, all. It's very dark and gloomy here, need a little Lee-time to cheer the day up. But as far as that goes, I swear I'm jinxed. You'll remember my first DVD went kaput right as Connie began to sing. Then Eva was kind enough to send me a set of discs -- only the system went into meltdown in the middle of Maria, and now the disc won't play beyond that point. Aaaargh!!!! And I so wanted to find out who won... (pouts, sulks, goes off in the corner to cry...)

Great news about another TV appearance, I can't go, I shall be on holiday, but I'll have to set Sky+ for AT all week, by the look of it. 1st one for the 2008 TV appearances collection:))

Morning gang! Well, I went to see Aladdin last night and he made me a member of his gang. I thought you should be memebres too!
Geri,- I'll send you another copy of the last disc. You must see the final. How can you bear the suspense!
Hello sweetheart. You are looking tanned and gorgeous this morning. Can I have my usual leaded and some fruit, please? I'm going riding on Megan later. Do you want to come with me? I'm sure Jo4 can find a right stallion (!) for you. We can pretend to be knight and blushing maiden. I'll be the maiden!!! I'll do my best to blush.

Now come on Eva, there is fantasy, and there is fiction, *ut you *lushing???? That really is stretching our credi*ility toooooo much.

Morning all. AT?? What?? Must go and check this out. *ut *efore I go a couple of little gifts, one of which is for the for the LushLoppy *rigade. A wonderful new marmalade -I found 'It's very dark' - seville orange and quince. Wow. A taste sensation.

Ears at attention LLs - an Apple Aperitif called Kingston *lack and is described thus 'Pure juice pressed from the legendary Kingston *lack apple *lended with Somerset Cider *randy. Comes very highly recommeded. Right AT here I come......

Aw, thanks Eva. I think I'll have to get a digital player just so I don't have to worry about the stupid computer eating my discs. I mean, I know the GO is tasty, but that's ridiculous!

I'm working on the next couple of chapters of the story and wanted to give you a heads up: don't expect it to follow exactly the same course as ADWD. Knights are not going to fail in the same order as the boys got voted off the show. In fact, there may be some quite radical differences...

Shirley, that apple appertif and the marmalade sound yummy. Think I'll have to try some of that.

By the way, those of us staying over for the June-fest are now up to a Magnificent Seven! And the first ever Dublin fest (with FOUR Dublin loppies) is happening the end of this month!

Aaaawwwwww Shirley,- how can you say such a thing about me. I'm a very shy person really (she says, lowering her (almost non-existence) lashes and blushing deeply). Stop laughing!
You know,- seeing that in print, it defies credibility. You're right Shirley. I have to dream up another fantasy, but I won't tell you about it. So there!

Sneaking into the bistro, trying to hide from Shirley - I just know she's gott something nasty waiting for me to try - and I did indeed get very pibbed last night!

Karen - Ploppy say's the key*oard has a plug rather than a USB (sorry US*)He thinks it might plug into a laptop. *y all means send your Ploppy over - we'll keep him talking while you do your square!

Thanks Shirley2 for the info about AT.

Geri - the saga is getting better and better! You talented Loppy you! Please note - if Sir Lee needs help with his armour I'm fully qualified to assist!

And I'm so excited! It's nearly time for Statfordfest and I'm going somewhere interesting on the 30th - can't quite remember what - must be the hangover!

Just back from applying for tickets to see Lee on the Alan Titchmarsh show. on 5 February. I applied for 6 - the maximum you can ask for. If I dont get an allocation and anyone else does PLEASE can I come with you????? All the details are on LMAS latest news. Oh and the tickets are FREE.

Ah Geri - sorry, I forgot to say - It looks like the magnificent 7 is back down to 6. Great news about Dublinfest though!

Morning all, well I just don't *elieve this, 5th Feb is the day I've *ooked with a friend to see the King Tut exhi*ition! So instead of looking at a gorgeous live Lee I'll *e looking at dead Egyptians! GRRRRRRRRR. Sometimes I think I'm jinxed. Only thing is I wonder whether to apply for tickets and if I get them could possi*ly let someone else have them (donation to one of the charities) or is this just too much like the WJMM de*acle?
Must go as having Sloppy to lunch today, things to do, *ut *efore I go I'll try that apple thingy Shirley, sounds great.

Good morning Jane - said she apparating from nowhere obvious. Pibbed again last night - hmmmm - well just to show what a nice kind Loppy I am you can try the hair of the dog treatment today. You can have some of that wonderful apple drink - ice cold. Purely for your kindness to Karen in her time of need - see good deeds really do pay off.

And then she was gone again. Or as Geri would say 'Pouff'

Ok I've done it, thought might *e a*le to make sure they go to a good home! Just thinking (dangerous I know) I wonder if they'll think the sudden rush for tickets on the 5th Feb is to see Roland Rat?:)

Application for AT done. Just love love love Donna and her wonderful website.
Am I in time for brunch.. didn't expect to be us this early (!! for me) today..... had a late late night. After saying goodnight here, I slipped under the duvet, only to find I could not sleep - so what's a Loppy to do, but watch the TVcatchup channel of WJMM and WS. When I finally did hit the sack - I was a very happy sack.
Right, need a good brekkie today - I need it to face the task I've put it off long enough now (well, been lazy about it) which can wait no more.. Tax Returns %-( eugh. It's easy really, but I hate hate hate filling out official forms. Stupid really, but hey.. I hate being fined more.
So some lovely home made bread please - got any of that yummy savoury loaf left? Yes, I know, I did piggy on it a bit too much yesterday. And a 'streemly large coffee - perhaps with a little squirt (no, I did NOT mean McTeef) of fresh cream.. just to build the up the stamina you understand.
Right - back to the tax desk. I know. I'll put ADWD on the telly - in the background of course, just to help me through my trauma. (Good Idea or Bad Idea? - answers on a postcard please.

Very *ad idea, Auds. It's going to take you all day to fill in the form!

I've applied for tickets too. I'm de*ating whether to apply in Ploppy's name too ....

Great news on the "Lee on TV" front. Now I never heard of the AT show.
Is this a BBC show? I hope it is then I get to see him too.
I gather they are not going to talk about gardening though. I bumped into Alan Titchmarch once last year at the Chelsea flower show. I just said hello and my sister took a picture.

Geri, great stuff. I love the name Sir Weepsalot. Sounds really good doesn't it.

OK Shirley - I'm trusting you here (takes applely drink - sniffs it - sips it) hey! That's really nice!

Pauline 2- I'm going to see the King Tut exhibition too - in May in my case. As you say, not quite as exciting as see the GO.

Best of luck with those tax returns Auds!

THUD TEE SHIRTS

Need some help please ladies. We can squeeze an extra 50p per tee shirt for Mildmay at no cost to ourselves.

Just posting this here to make sure no one who wants on misses out.

I had an email from M&S with a 15% off all online orders offer. It expires on Wednesday. I am going to order as many confirmed orders as I have on Tuesday night, Please can you email me again if you definitely want a THUD teeshirt - with details of the size in 12/14/16 etc format -

Sue has been to M&S and got a sample - link to picture attached. She is confident that it is shaped enough to suit those of us who want a semi fitted style but sized sufficiently generously that it will also work for those who wanted a relaxed fit. So please bear that in mind when you select your size http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/product/B000UOQK0K/sr=1-3/qid=1200830595/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&node=63156031&m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&keywords=&mnSBrand=core&size=9&rh=&page=

http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/sunday/2008/01/20/who-kneads-denise-98487-20292171/

Lee on the beach!!! It seems I might be first with this link.

Hi everyone, life getting in the way of reading all the blogs AND posting lately but thanks for the messages, you are all in my thoughts, lots of loppylove to stageloppies everywhere.

OMG Thanks Vali. I have stayed at Laguna Phuket about 6 times. It's a fab place with a beautiful long beach. I've not stayed at Laguna Beach Resort, but next door at Dusit Laguna but you can use the facilities of all five hotels. In fact I think Lee is using a Dusit bed - I recognise them and the mattress from hours on them myself! Google Laguna Phuket for more info.

Here's the link to Laguna Phuket
http://www.lagunaphuket.com/

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Afternoon, fingers crossed for later today as Uncle coming to break bad news to Sloppy.
Re Alan Titchmarsh I used to belong to BROS (Barnes & Richmond Operatice Society) and AT used to be a member, he'd just left before I joined, but he did say of and to me after he saw me in Salad Days that I was the next best thing since Jeanette MacDonald!!

Vali - thanks so much for the Mirror Link - hopefully with no distractions and no romantic link, Lee will be having the relaxing break he so needs. Sitting on the beach deep in thought means he has time to muse on his last 9 months and what he's achieved, so should come back very refreshed. How his PA can bear to be so close yet so far is beyond me though!!
Shirley - I bought the fitted t-shirt in M&S in 2 sizes to check (am returning them of course)size and they are nicely fitted. Anyone else can do the same if they hurry

The B's are back with a vengeance!

Hope this afternoon goes as well as it can Carol. Lots of loving OOOHHHMMMs coming your way, and a huge virtual hug.

Alan T didnt like your performance then? Rather an oblique way to tell you though. Didnt by any chance promise you tickets at any shows he might, at some indeterminate date in the future, be commissioned to make, did he??

Karen I see you got the *loody key fixed. Shame enjoyed that game. And the AltGr??

With the best will in the world I don't think I would have recognised the GO sitting on the beach from that photo. Good thing, don't want them harrasing him, but it makes you wonder how long the pap had been hiding and watching him to get that precise moment. But he hasn't got much of a tan has he? I was looking forward to seeing a nice tanned Lee on 30th.

Hi all - yes, as you proBaBly gathered I got my B Back (sorry to spoil the fun But you can stop taking the piBB now!!).

Got rid of Ploppy this morning and sat down to do my square but then got a call from a friend in need so still no square done and I know I'm running out of time. Will have to have a go tomorrow evening!!

Still, it was the friend in need who gave me Back my B, so that's somethng at least!

Shirley - have just replied to your email but am trying a new email system as my other one is still kaput so I don't if it worked. I think my reply might come at the end of your email - anyway, if it doesn't make sense please let me know and I'll have another go.

Thanks for that link Vali - if the PA needs a rest from rubbing in the sun lotion, I will willingly take over from her!! I agree Shirley2, it's probably better that he's there without DVO, to give him time to come to terms with everything that's happened to him in the last few months. I hope they'll have plenty of holidays to look forward to together in the future!

Carol - hope everything goes okay this afternoon. Lots of love to you and the family!!

I suppose Lee has to be a bit careful about the sun with the Loincloth in mind, he cant risk getting browner one side than the other or getting burnt and appearing as a peeling Jo

BBBBBBBravo Karen! It was exhausting talking to you while you were none-B-challenged!
Carol,- I will think of you and your family today.
Our boy looks a bit pale in that photograph, but it might have been taken at the beginning of the holiday. Want to bet that he'll look his usual gorgeous self when we see him on the 30th? No, I didn't think so. Everybody knows he will.
I have applied for tickets to the AT show, for 6 of course, so if I win, I'll be the most popular Loppy on this blog.

I'VE GOT THE TICKETS! - Just had an email which doubles as a ticket for 2 in my name!! (I wish I'd asked for 6 now, never thought). You have to check in by 2.15 for 2.30 start, finish by 5.30! Yippee so much more efficent than the last debacle. Nothing about it being oversubscribed and you may not get in etc

Holy Shbt!!!! I got tickets. Sits down with a THUD. I have the eticket already. 6 seats!!! Speechless.

Not only that but PRIORITY TICKETS. MEGA THUD.

Mine are PRIORITY TOO - what a great Loppie Day out we will have!

I'VE GOT 6 TICKETS, PRIORITY OF COURSE, so Ladies, get on to your puter and start mailing me. We'll be one big happy party.
Scott dear,- if you want to come, I'l be happy to include you.(I know, I know, it's grovelling, but it pays to keep the landlord happy!)

Well, it looks like we have two very happy Shirleys today - well done girls.

Oh Karen! I was having so much fun taking the pibb out of you! Very glad you're back on the e-mail though!

Hi Vali - nice to hear from you! Thanks for the link.
Erm, will I get the pibb taken out of me, if I mention that I like the 'interestingly pale' look, so I'm quite happy?

Carol - I'm thinking of you and sending Loppy Love for your family.

Jealous!!! Again!!!! Well done ladies (said through gritted teeth!!)

Hmm Shirley2, you have a point about the sun and the loincloth, especially with those long Bermuda shorts - tan lines below the level of the loincloth - so not a good look!!

Jane - pale & intersting is fine, tanned (all over) and gorgeous is better - orange is definitely out!!

I've got tickets too though mine aren't priority.

Thanks everyone - still waiting for uncle to arrive, feel awful knowing and my mother not. To make matters worse in Church today we had one of her and Dad's wedding hymns and then one of the one's we had at Dad's funeral, so she has already had a big weep today!
Karen glad to see you are Back in Business!

AAArrgghh Karen! You just made me think of Jess Conrad again!

Well Done Eva and Diana - I too am completely made up for you and not jealous in the least (she lied)

Carol, thinking of you and your family.

Carol _ I'm thinking of you too. Sorry about bleating on about the AT show which is so reletively unimportant.

Diana, I suggest that when we see if we have tickets spare - which we probably will have - we use the priority ones first, and email them back to say we dont want to others - after they have been offered to the Forum of course. Just reread that and it sounds bad, but I'm sure you will know what I mean.

Shirley, if ticket available, I could join you for the AT Show, E-mailing you now.

Vali, delighted to have you join us. Yes I do have tickets available. I have asked Eva to forward on any requests she cannot cover - but I now have you down as a definite Vali. Oh how great that you can come. Brilliant!!!

I have been reading some back stuff on the Forum. Some of the more astute ladies had been having a dig around to see if they can find out where the ALW birthday concert(s) might be. Someone had seen this.
http://www.theadvertiserseries.co.uk/mostpopular.var.1972619.mostviewed.olivias_dream_role.php

Thinking of you, Carol. Do hope all will be well for you and your family.

Carol my thoughts are with you at what must be a difficult time.
Firstly Geri where do I send my project piece.
Secondly, as I have been out most of today, I have just checked my e mails and I have got 2 tickets but like Diana not "priority" so would I be able to put myself forward for a priority ticket and then either get rid of mine or offer them to others whatever I need to do, Is this being a bit cheeky, I would like to go but don't really want to go on my own.

Now you see this is just perverse! Of course cos I can't go to the AT show I've got tickets!6 of them not priority though! Have to think what to do with them!

BBBBbbbbb ah I've missed you!

Oh to be Jaimie rubbing in the sun cream, sigh lucky lady.

None of this matters compared to your afternoon Carole. Thinking of you, ooooohhhhmmmms and hugs

And since your email Shirley - I have received an SRO email confirming 3 tickets (don't ask why I selected 3, I just did) came through - not priority ones though (as always, last to the trough).

Carol, thinking of you and your family today.

I've been trying to post for most of the afternoon.. bloomin' server grrrr. so hopefully this sorted. Made online tax return completetion a NIGHTMARE.....

Roro has done another fanvid, scrummy!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MYR0xMEGfk0

Geri , was it 4 x 4 you wanted "the squares"

Ooo Jill I can answer that one - 10cm x 10cm. I had to ask often enough before I remembered!

Chapter Four

The would-be knights sat and listend as the pudding-faced wizard spoke in a surprisingly plummy voice.
“Many years ago,” he began. “The most famous knight to bear the Order of Joseph was the great Sir DonnO. I'm sure you've all heard of him. He was so magnificent he was made king. However, the years passed and he decided to retire and move to the mystical land of Utahh. He left the kingdom in the hands of his steward, Aus. It was the biggest mistake of his life.
“King DonnO wasn't gone five minutes when Aus declared himself king. That was never DonnO's intention, but the new knight to replace him had not yet been found. Aus was never a great knight and was rather colourless. As years passed, what little colour he had has faded and now he is entirely black and white. Sadly, his condition is so terrible, it has affected the people of the land, the loppies, and they, too, are losing all colour. They are fading fast and eventually will disappear unless a bright and colourful Knight of the Order of Joseph can be found to replace the dreadful Aus.”
“That's awful,” Sir Boyz said. Somewhere in the back of the room, Sir Lee hears Sir Weepsalot sobbing.
“Can nothing be done to help the loppies?” Sir Lee asked.
The wizard smiled. “I'm glad you asked. As soon as the new king is placed on the throne of the Kingdom of Adelphi, if he is bright enough, all colour will be restored to the loppies.”
“I mean right now,” Sir Lee went on bravely, though the other would-be knights were looking alarmed at his boldness.
“It does seem terrible that they should suffer,” Sir Boyz agreed, supporting Sir Lee.
“Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do at present,” Dot replied. “You, as would-be knights, must complete your tasks as efficiently as possible. Any delay will put the loppies at risk. However, it isn't all hopeless. Many of the loppies have left the kingdom and have come to other lands. In fact, some of you met one downstairs – Strawberry.”
“The lady with pink hair?” Sir Charming asked.
Said Dot, “The loppies are so desperate for colour they will use it every chance thy get. Strawberry has turned her hair pink in defiance of the evil king Aus. You may encounter other loppies in your travels. They will help you where they can, but only the true Joseph will be able to enable them to return home. As you can imagine, they are dreadfully sad to be exiled from their proper land.”
“Now let's get down to business.” Two men in elegant robes entered the room. One was tall and dark with a mischevious smile, the other older with silver locks. Dot said, “Here is the Captain of the Muses, Sir Jack-Wow (the third), and Sir William the Gentle of Everton. They will let you know the first challenge.”
“The first?” Sir Shaymustberight said. “Why not all?”
“Because,” replied Sir Jack-Wow (the third). “You must be able to handle surprises. If you are to win the Order of Joseph, you must be able to react to all kinds of disasters – like revolving stages that don't. Revolve, I mean. Don't worry, though, you'll all be great-great-great!”
“I belived in you,” said Gentle William. “And Maid Marryme and Lady Brum-hilde believes in you.” (Lady Brum-hilde crossed her arm and looked anything but believing.)
“The first challenge,” said Sir Jack-Wow (the third). “Is to cross a river.”
“A river?” sobbed Sir Weepsalot. “I ca-ca-can't swim! I want my nana!”
“It doesn't sound like much of a challenge,” said Sir Charming.
“Ah, but it's not that easy,” said Sir William. “This river is the mighty Media and there are no bridges or boats. You must find your own way across. That's it. Off you go.”
And with that, the Wise Wizard Webber swept out of the room as fast as his short little legs could carry him, with all four muses following close behind.

Sir Jack-Wow (the third). brilliant!

Oh so fantastic and am I a proud loppy, much honoured that my humble offering for BK made it! Almost makes up for missing AT!

I see that some of you have received non-priority tickets. I think it might be an idea if we (Shirley and I) give you a priority ticket and that we fill these with Stageloppies as far as we can. Then the other tickets can either be offered on LMAS or returned. What do you think, ladies?
Geri,- Any Knight Will Not Do is compelling reading, and funny too!!!!

Glad you're enjoying it, Eva. And, Pauline2, it was such a great suggestion I had to use it.

Jill, I forgot to say, if you e-mail me via stageloppies, I'll give you my mailing address.

Geri - another exciting episode - will Sir Lee save the poor Loppies?

Geri - Fantastic, Fantastic, Fantastic!!

Thanks Shirley and yes I understand what you mean re tickets. My Dutch friend happens to be over that week so will be coming too (at least I assume she wants to come!). I may have tickets via Ploppy as well but won't know till tomorrow.

I read somewhere (Radio Times?) in last couple of days that there are going to be some radio events celebrating ALW's birthday. Maybe that BBC producer I wrote to re ALW Gala will be involved and remember me!!! In fact it might be worth dropping him a line if Lee is likely to be involved.

I watched the Winner's Story this afternoon. A wonderful hour. Still got to watch the cooking prog.

Geri - Blooming Beautifully Brilliant!

Now you see I have the lovliest friend, have just told her of the AT show thing, and she is going to ring tomorrow and see if they will change the tickets for King Tut to another day. She will then come with me to AT and you can all see what a lovely friend of a loppy she is! Not going to get too excited as my experience of these things is they don't like changing tickets but at least there is a glimmer of hope!

Go Diana never hurts to ask, that's what I say!

Karen, Brilliant? Blimey! Better believe Boo-hoo buys it before long...

The Sky Figh was fantabulous Geri and this Tale of Knights has me equally gripped. Always loved those coal black curls of Lancelot.
I hear the acidic Lady Brum-hilde is not appearing in the next 'Find a Nancy etc' for Oliver show because 'they are changing the format'. Incidentally, I have been told it was the BBC's own decision not to have a 'charity premium' for their phone-in votes in future and to cap calls at 15p. Shame, it was good to hear of CIN getting the benefit. Don't find the 'Look-alikes' as much fun as 'World's Best Elvis' but dear Graham was doing his usual best, when I dipped in, to give it a little warmth. It would be better if it at least had the charity aspect.

Diana, you'll love Christmas Cooks - he's so gigglely!

Pauline2 - what a smashing friend you have there - so nice of her to try to change them - you'd better have some Ohmmmms! - Ohmmm! Ohmmm!

Gerri, do you mean BooHoo is going to get his butt busted?? Better not be more obvious than that!! Dont want to break any confidences by the bye. I thought Captain Kirk was so good I could not like the next Saga as much, but I already love it more - it really is BRILLIANT

Vali - it isnt a CiN year is it? Do you think that is why?? Red Nose Day tends not to start so early in the year, but Sport Aid is making a big splash already, so it could have gone to that. I have tried to watch that Look alike show, but found it dire, and did not bother again. I am enjoying the Dancing on Ice though. Do admire anyone doing that. It looks both difficult and dangerous.

Geri-love the new chapter, I want to know how the Loppies are rescued.
Might not type too much tonight, as spent 9-5 (30mins for lunch) on data input at work. Don't want to fall into RSI.
Carol, my thoughts are with you.
AT sounds good. Better not tell a girl at work, I think she has a thing for AT.

Shirley, you wouldn't be biased because Strawberry is 'slender' would you? But I have to admit, there was a certain satisfaction in drowning The Voice and the Shay-must-be-Right...Watch out, Boohoo!

Tha saga just gets better and better, can't wait to see what happens next.
Eva that sounds a good idea re the tickets for AT I will just wait then to hear from either you or Shirley.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2007/12_december/30/competitions.shtml

This is the announcement about the BBC capping phone in voting. I personally didn't mind about the charity premium. Loving the Dancing on Ice - there are some super vids on Youtube of Dance skating stars like Annisa-Peizerat at the 2002 Olympics.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WKs08SGS0EE&feature=related

Annisa-Peizerat in fine form.

Thanks for the links. Pauline2- love roro's new video.

Jill,- I need your e-mail adress. Can you mail me via stageloppies@hotmail.co.uk please, and I'll send you the comfirmation there.

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/770462

This will interest you. Roro's post. Guess who is going to be on the phone at 8 in the morning???

Well,ladies I am back with you earlier than usual tonight. Sunday night is my night to get pibbed in the local with a group of friends. Was sat there having a laugh, Ploppy was in the other room playing snooker when my Dad came in and says Ploppy's got to go home - he's not well - he was in the loo at that moment throwing up (sorry can't think of a nicer way to say it). So Ploppy comes out looking rather pale (and not interesting Jane), Dad rang a taxi, taxi turns up, Ploppy has to dash to the loo again. Taxi not happy at having to wait. Finally get Ploppy into the taxi and half way home he had to stop the taxi to throw up! Eventually got home and Ploppy is now in bed with a bucket at the side of the bed! Looks like I'm on sick watch this evening. Hope it's juat an upset stomach and not this dreaded winter vomiting virus!

Better go check on him!

Why do I get a dejavous about this?! However nothing ventured!

Oh Karen poor old Ploppy, do hope it's not the dreaded virus. I think some ooooohhhhhmmms are in order for you both.

Karen, poor old Ploppy. Hope he feels better soon. Virtual hug, not to Ploppy (don't want to get covered in virtual stuff), hug is for you.
Just been over to the Forum, seems there are quite a few AT with Loppies, should be good.
Got to go now.
Good luck with your phoning tomorrow.
Nightlee night.

Oh Karen - sounds very unpleasant. Hope you dont get it too!! Adding my ooohhhhhmmmmmsss too.

Yes I know what you mean Pauline2, but we cant not try can we? At least this time we know not to expect to get any, and if we do it will be a big wonderful bonus.

Oh, Karen, lots of ohhhmmmms to you and ploppy. At least you know he's not pregnant! Sorry, not funny, I know. Hope he feels better soon, and you both get some sleep.

Do you think we might crash their phone lines in the morning? Could be revenge for the WJMM debacle!

Just back from a nice evening out. I went to the local Greek, lovely food, and after that to the local theatre.
We had a lot of laughs; it was a real fun evening out. I went with my mother and sister. My mother (a sloppie if I am correct) is going to the hospital tomorrow and will be operated on on Tuesday. She gets a new knee.

So I am going to be very busy the coming 4-5 weeks helping my mother around the house and to the hospital, got to cook and keep her company after work.
But I think the on-going story from Geri is going to keep me sane(?????)

I see that you got a lot of tickets to the AL show. What great news. I am of course very jealous but I very happy for you that you can all go. Lee won’t no what hit him. Almost all his proper Loppies in da house!!!!
Diana, glad that at least the Dutch will be represented.

Shirley, success tomorrow with your quest for tickets.

Hi troops - just a thank you for all the kind thoughts and for Geri in making me giggle with the saga. I do know I still have my square to do and will get it done this week - promise! Karen, I hope you are wearing a surgical mask whilst tending your Ploppy? You don't want to put yourself in danger of catching the lurg - I know a couple of people who had it and it is very nasty! Off to bed now as feel a little drained, so Sweet Meads all.

Just got in from a film show - judges are just stupid:)))

I can't go to the AT recording, sob sob, I'm on holiday, but I will be back by the 10th....but I will be at work by 8.00 tomorrow, can anyone please request a ticket on my behalf?

No, blow it, I'm doing extra hours, how can the boss complain. I'll ring myself. After the last fiasco, we need as many to try as possible!!!

Ooo Karen, poor poor Ploppy - Ohmmm! Ohmmm! Ohmmm! Hope he's better soon.

And Ohmmm! Ohmmm! Ohmmm! for Anne's Sloppy - I hope the op goes well.

And more Ohmmmms for all those Loppies phoning for tickets!

I'm off to finish watching Dancing on Ice, then it's bedtime - so night night Loppies!

Anne, I think that's the first time in history anyone has ever accused me of keeping them sane! Anyway, glad the story is helping you and Carol. I'll have to write special parts for both of you...

I went out today and bought a new DVD player, one that would play computer downloads on the TV. On impulse, I put on the final episode of ADWD, and it played -- for about fifteen minutes! Died just as JCS was about to start. At least I got to see Lee sing PiB, so it's not all bad.

Did anyone catch Psych on the Hallmark channel tonight? Tim Curry as a Simon-Cowell type of reality TV judge. It was a hoot (though I missed the suspenders and black stockings!)

Jill, all the emails sent to you seem to be bouncing back, but we are trying....

If anyone has Jill's e-mail address can they ask her to e-mail me, please? My e-mail to her has bounced back, as has Gillian's. Thanks.

Jeez, we're re-enacting the Exorcist here - projectile vomiting - I'm following it around the bedroom with the bucket!!! Much prefer the other use for the bucket!! If Ploppy's head starts spinning round I'm out of here!! Sorry, I shouldn't make it light of it, he's really not very well but as usual it's humour that gets me through!

Thanks for all your kind thoughts - Carol, hope everything went as well as it could today.

Maybe it was Jill's e-mail bouncing back at my computer so hard it made the flipping thing crash again. GRRRRRRRRR!!! I am sick and tired of this thing.
I think I'll close her down for tonight. Oooooooohhhhhhmmmmms for the telephoning tomorrow, for Karen's Ploppy and for Anne's Mum's knee.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I'm going to follow you off to bed, Eva. Uh, maybe that didn't come out right...'Night all. And swift recuperation to all the loppies, ploppies, sloppies, etc.

Just got in and caught up with today's news.
Loved chapter 4 Geri, keep it coming!
Stand well clear Karen, sympathy to your Ploppy.
How great about the AT show.

Oh Karen your poor, poor Ploppy, but that is the second huge laugh this evening, thankyou, and where would we be without a sense of humour. Really hope he feels better soon, or let us know if you need the priest!(for exorcism purposes of course!)
Bed for me too, night night all sleep tight.

Whew! Caught up at last.

Geri, I just love the new saga, the names are genius, can't wait for more.

Shirley, and all who have tickets, you lucky people, just wish I lived a bit closer to the action.

Carol, hope your Mum's OK.

Will try to get back tomorrow, really busy at the moment, trying to pack, and clean the house, never moved before, didn't realise how traumatic it would be.

Nit nite all.

Even nite nite all!!!

Glad you corrected that Sue, could have been a tad itchy otherwise. Karen, so sorry for your Ploppy, but I was LOL too. Do you have a spare room you can move into for the night??

Boy are the Beeb in for a shock in the morning - as Pauline says I shall think of it as revenge. Gillian I like your style - you tell him/her!!!

And so to bed. My level of excitement for next week is getting to the level where it induces LII, but at least going to try to sleep. So goodnight all, sleep well and Sweet Meads.

OK Rise and shine - lost lots of time from the daily lesson schedule last week due to various birthdays etc., so lots of making up time this week. The BHB has already done the breakfasts this morning (he was up extra early) - but it will be self service to speed things along and enable everyone to be prompt to their first classes.

Yawn, yes, classes. We did get a bit lazy last week what with all the festivities going on. Still, it's very restful here to have the view of the BHB and the lovely beach and lovely BHB...Ohhhmmmm...Oh, better make good use of all those ohhmmms, so sending good vibrations to all those sick, sad or otherwise suffering (animal as well as human).

OK, today's homework assignment, though it occurs to me I'm still waiting for the worst opening line, but maybe this is more to your taste: tell a joke. I know, it sounds easy, but there's a knack to delivering a punchline in written form. But if you'd rather do the bad opening line, you have that option. Oh, and as far as the joke goes -- keep it clean. Ish.

I've managed the rise - I'm not so sure about the shine!

Best of luck with your move Sue - it is traumatic, isn't it?

I'm just going to help myself to breakfast and sit quietly in a corner - hopefully a big mug of tea will help!

Morning. If I remember rightly, it's Kathleen's birthday today. Happy birthday. There seem a lot of us January Loppies.

How's your Sloppy, Carol? Hope your Ploppy's better this morning, Karen.

Good luck everyone phoning for tickets.

Sorry I'm late. Didnt think I was going to make it at all. Did the usual turning the computer off and going to bed last night, then this morning tried to log on - zilch. Could not get my emails or on here. Tried switching turning the wireless link on my computer and turning it back on again. Miserable failure. Unplugged the wireless things - disconnected phone line - nadda. So eventually powered down the whole digital set up. Cant usually do it due to the non break power supply, but that battery died over Christmas - and when I powered it up again there we were. Back in the virtual world. Nearly 1 hour later. But too relieved to be cross.

Geri - I am prepared to believe that my effort was not the best in the world, but lots of us gave in our worst first line homework. The least you could have done was to look at it. Dont feel like telling a joke now. Going to sulk.

Good morning BHB. You have been busy. Oh the DCM been cracking the whip has she? And you are missing LD. Ah Bless. You keep yourself busy and the time will fly by - and its only a few days until you are back together.

Down to single figures ladies. One or 2 of us going somewhere very special in just 9 SLEEPS. ONLY 9 SLEEPS and I am already suffering from LII.
And less than 15 minutes until the Beeb's ticket line opens and we ring to ask for tickets for the 10 February recording - there's your joke Geri. The fact that we are wasting our time in the belief that the BBC ticket office will be less incompetent than they were for JMM

Rude Shirley. Happy Birthday Kathleen. Loving so many of us being January Girls.

Oh well I've applied for 4 tickets but after the JMM debacle I'm not going to get too excited.

Oooh only 9 sleeps is it! Thanks for that, Shirley. After missing my December visit when Lee was ill, I am so looking forward to seeing HIM in the flesh again.

Well I got through, a lady said 'they are still accepting ticket requests'!! How long have they been available I wonder? Maximum of 4 so I asked for four, I said I'm sure I can find some friends to come with me, she laughed and said I'm sure you can:)) Now we wait.

The fact that I am away 2 - 7 Feb might be a problem, hope they do the 'draw' or whatever wierd system they have before I go.

Well I have spoken to the Beeb. Its that same silly lottery thing again. But they did take my details, and they did know about the recording so not a total failure. And the maximum number of tickets you can ask for is 4, so thats what I asked for. So its back to everything crossed time.

Morning all, don't faint with shock, yes I am up this early, and you all know why! Well I've done it! had to wait a little while, the lines were busy!!!! But got through and I'm down with, the lady said a good chance, I'll believe that when it happens. I asked for 4 tickets so should have spares if needed, we'll see.
Right now some breakfast I think, fresh fruit and leaded coffee please BHB. We are going to do the Heimlich Manoeuvre in first aid this morning, what's that BHB? you're happy to help again, but a bit worried about where Geris' arms might go. Humm, see what you mean .....does anyone have a box?
Jokes?!! I'm the worst joke teller in the world, help.

Teehee.
Rude Pauline, blame the early (for me) time.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHLEEN. Have a fantastic day.

Morning all. Cough-cough!! Woke up with a sore throat. Not again!!! I've done my time in the sick bay this winter! Oh, well, I'll sit over here, all by myself. Don't come too close, sweetheart,- the others will kill me if I give you ANYTHING, not least the lurghy. If you can put a big mug of the leaded stuff and some fruit on a tray, you can slide it over here. I'll blow you a kiss instead of the real thing. I know,- life can be hard sometimes.
Kathleen,- HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU.
Geri,- I think this time it's you who need to do lines as a punishment for not paying attention! I did my worst opening line several days ago, but for you I'll do it again:
it was a bright and sunny morning.......
Jokes? I'm not very good at them, but I'll try.
As you might NOT know, rivalry between Norway and Sweden is legendary and centurys old, so jokes about the Swedes are very popular in Norway.
Do you know why the Swedish police always patrol in three's? One can read, one can write and the third just loves to be with intellectuals! Any prices for that one?

Please miss as SS says quite a few of us did our last homework - might not have been brilliant, but we did try! Sue hope the move goes well, Kathleen - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRT5HDAY DEAR KATHLEEN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! So does this mean more birthday celebrations and fewer lessons today?? Hands up????

I've put my name down for 4 tickets for the 10th Feb as well (even tho I'm going to have problems with that day) but like JMM I expect they will be inundated.

Geri - my homework for today -

A circus owner walked into a pub to see everyone watching a little show. On the table was an upside down pot and a duck tap dancing on it. The circus owner was so impressed that he offered to buy the duck from its owner. After some negotiations, they settled on a figure of £10,000 for the duck and the pot. Three days later the circus owner returned to the pub in anger, "Your duck is a rip off! I put him on the pot before a whole audience, and he didn't dance a single step!"

"So?" replied the duck's former owner, "Did you remember to light the candle under the pot?"

Morning Everyone!

Ooh isnt it cool that more Lee things are starting to happen!! Hopefully Alan T show (can't go as I am at work!) and the ALW show on the Beeb!! I have applied for tickets too (can't make personal calls at work so had to hide in the toilets!!)for that but I dont have very high hopes given the fiasco last time!! Much as I love the song ADWD I really hope they will give him another ALW song to sing as well!!

Tee Hee! My google alert 'Lee Mead' comes up with the strangest links!!

http://www.chieftain.com/metro/1200898900/2

This is a bizarre one - spot the words 'Lee' and 'Mead'!!

I've just booked for me & Ploppy to see Sound of Music next week with the Get Into London Theatre offer - thought I'd better see Connie before she finishes. I had a look at Joseph tickets - the offer is only valid to this Saturday. Wonder why??!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATHLEEN! Another January Girl Hurrah!

Really Geri! We all did our homework - well lots of Loppies did. The dog ate mine.

Oooo 9 SLEEPS!!!! SQUEAL!!!!

I've been bitten by the theatre bug and have booked to see "Aspects of Love" with David Essex at the Marlowe in Canterbury 21st February! There was only the odd single seat left, so I was lucky. It'll be a belated birthady present to myself, because I deserve it! The Marlowe is a nice theatre to visit, because the seating arrangements are very good, so you have a good view wherever you sit. But having gone all upmarket since starting to watch Joseph, I opted for a seat in the stalls.

Hello all - Nurse Loppy here calling from the quarantine zone. Ploppy still in bed and I was up most of the night looking after him (well, following him round with the bucket!!) so I'm crackered too. Took a day's holiday from work to minister to the sick and thought I'd catch up on a few jobs too but seem to have neither the time (men are very demanding when they're ill aren't they!!) nor the inclination. Oh well!!

I have though managed to do my square but in between running up and down the stairs it's not quite the masterpiece I had hoped for - but it's made with a lot of Loppy love (and hopefully Geri, you can hide it amongst the more artistic ones!! - I'll email you for where to send it).

Fingers crossed for all of you who have ordered tickets!!

Hello all. I'm back from my concert and on a massive high! Still can't quite believe it but last night I performed in Symphony Hall Birmingham in a massed choir of 300 singers accompanied by a professional orchestra. Wow, if that's what Lee feels like after every show, I'm surprised his feet are ever on the ground!

It was such an amazing feeling singing your heart out to a packed auditorium. Friend's Ploppy has videoed it and is going to put it on YouTube so will post the link when I have it. My favourite bit was singing the Disney Lion King medley which lasts about ten minutes. It has beautiful harmonies and fabulous African instruments used by the orchestra. Just stunning!

By the way, what's all this about AT tickets? Is there another tv programme coming up? Haven't checked back on the blog so could some kind Loppy fill me in please?

Poor you Karen. I hope nurse duties are over soon.

Geri I'm loving the story. I can't wait for the next chapter. It's causing lots of snorting from me. I missed the first story over Christmas but I can see I'm going to have to find the time to go back and read it.

A quote from my mole at the Adelphi (child in the show/grandaughter of work colleague of my mum.) Boohoo is quite nice and friendly but "he sings through his nose." That made me laugh. I'm not sure if she came up with it herself or if it's the general opinion of the cast and she overheard it.

Very exciting news about more tv appearances for our boy. I hope there isn't the debarcle with the tickets that we had before. I'm glad some of you have tickets for AT. I can't do that day because of w**k and can't do the 10th because I'll be on holiday (well at the airport) but as I'm going somewhere rather lovely I won't moan.

I saw St Trinians at the weekend. I thought it was quite amusing. There is a nod to Pride and Prejudice. Colin Firth gets pushed into a pool and then emerges with a wet shirt and strides accross the playing field and Rupert Everett (in drag) swoons. It was worth the price of the ticket just for that.

I hate to say it but I'm warming to the CO. I'm watching Moving Wallpaper and Echo Beach and strangely I'm enjoying them despite the fact I can see the jokes coming 10 minutes before they arrive and the acting on Echo Beach is about as wooden as it gets. I didn't expect to like it and am quite disturbed. Am I alone?

Happy Birthday Kathleen.

WOOOHOOO my lovely friend has changed King Tut to March so we are hopefully off to the AT show!! Funniest bit was she rang me first to check if I still wanted to change!!!!!! Had to think about that for all of a nano second! We only have ordinary tickets though so who knows what'll happen.

Alison - no you are not alone!! I like Moving Wallpaper and Echo Beach and feel exactly the same as you about it!! I do feel sorry for poor Martine though as they put her in the most hideous outfits!!

Here is a link to a scan of the Sunday Mirror pictures of Lee on hols. There is an extra pic of Lee getting a professional massage which must have been taken a different day as he is wearing different shorts and is quite close up which is a bit disconcerting. however if you look closely(!) you will see that Lee is indeed abit sunburnt on his shoulders!! So those wishing for a tanned Lee might get their wish after all!!

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb151/f1roro/Press%20scans/SundayMirror20Jan08.jpg

Happy Birthday Kathleen
OOh 3 daysworthof posts to catch up on, and 3 lovely new chapters from Geri, love it even more than Capt. Kirk!
Karen, hope ploppy is feeling a bit better? Eldest scollop also vomiting today, thankfully not projectile!
Good luck with tickets everyone, as usual I can't make it, got a christening to sing at that afternoon.

Pauline,- so glad you and your friend can make the AT show. If you e-mail me via stageloppies, I'll put you on my list.

Happy Birthday Kathleen, if I sing loudly you might be able to hear me!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been naughty AGAIN, I havent done my homework, I have been watching the tennis in Australia and jolly good it is too.

Eva you are a star! Will do and thankyou!

Now have calmed down a bit, perusing the new mags this morning saw an article in Best magazine by Brum Hilde. She was talking about reality shows and is there any talent left to find! She was obviously in favour saying they find talent that might otherwise be overlooked. That it had made Connie and Lee into huge Stars. Then she says that it also discovered KMcT who is anenormous talent and going to be a huge superstar. Always knew she was sold on his voice, don't think she really saw passed it myself!
There is also an article in Now about the boy with scrummy picture of Lee, Roro has scanned it here:
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/770583

MMmmm Just got an email from Amazon saying that they can't supply my GMYAS CD single!! Oh well, I kept wondering why they said they could supply it when it clearly hadn't been pressed!! Now its official!!

I've just had confirmation from Amazon that I won't be getting Lee's single, what a surprise! They apologised for taking so long but say they were still hoping to have it until now.
Alison, I like Moving Wallpaper, very funny but Echo Beach is pretty rubbish, maybe that's the point? Jackie, how wonderful to sing in the Symph. Hall Birm.it's a lovely building.

Homework, Geri
Crr...ck! The bannister splintered, fractured and agonisingly slowly, broke, falling, together with Marcus, to the hall 30 feet below.

Sorry AliB, I went off in the middle of posting and didn't see yours!

We've got a new kettle in our dept - a Joseph kettle. It changes colour every few seconds - red, orange, green, blue, purple ...

Just noticed something rather curious, that the AT show is on ITV though recorded at BBC centre. I suppose they must hire out the studios.

Had a very frustrating day trying to get online. Managed to get on briefly this morning, and then zip. Nothing. Tried all the things that usually work. No chance. Tried again and again and again. Got a couple of second connection and a whole batch of emails finally went. Then that was it for another 2 or 3 hours. So I gave up and phoned our ISP's helpline. Well between her accent and her using words for bits of computer kit that I had never known the words for we were on a hiding to nothing. Anyway. All the things she suggested I had done before or they did not work. And then quite suddenly it came back - so their flipping service anyway. GGGRRR.

So glad we are using all our priority tickets - I even bought my train ticket this morning. Going to meet Vali on the train, and we are then linking up with Shirley2 in London and will travel out to White City together.

Thanks for that Link Pauline - loved the contrast between Lee and the others. He is described as a 'major recording star' and they are all getting together to do the Dream On album. I have to pop out to the post. People keep sending me cheques - and I have finally plucked up the courage to bank the first batch. I have checked and double checked that I have all the details I need. Would hate to get anything wrong

Just caught up on AT show. Have people booked tickets via BBC website because I found a link to a ticketing website that gives you up to six tickets if anyone is interested
http://www.sroaudiences.com/
Sounds a fun thing to go to - is it broadcast live on Tuesday 5th Feb?

Hi all. just back from dentist - whee i had the fairly major surgery (opening up gums etc)which couldnt go ahead 2weeks ago when my sedation didnt work. Had to have anaesthetist in and he obv was making sure I was "relaxed" as I was totally zonked and 3 hours later still fairly out it - so much so that scollop making me tea etc without being asked!!!

Thnak you for my lovely e-card carol -much appreciated as was really nervous this time as have had so many times when sedation and anaesthetic dont work on me. However dentist pleased with result. I am in lots of pain and very very wobbly but just off to bed to recover. Have a huge meeting with a major national employer tomorrow to try and persuade them to work with our organsisation - not sure I will be able to string 2 coherent words tog - so should prob be oK then!

Carol - hope your sloppy Ok from yesterday and your uncle bearing up.

My friend's partner heard on Friday that he has inoperable and uncurable bowel cancer which they reckon has been there fro 4 years invading diff parts of his body. Diff to know why not caught but as he is very overweight think doctor tended to dismiss his symptoms as due to his weight.

Lots of TV appearances but not able to attend any - however will look forward to seeing you all - and lee- on TV.

Anyway off to bed now - scollop making another cup of tea. When ploppy went to Sainsburys now for all the soft bread, eggs etc -all I can eat fro next 2 weeks - drinking not a prob luckily!! I asked him to pop TV with DVD in basket for bedroom so could watch ADWD again (still lookig out for Gillians DVDs but hopefully soon)- -but he didnt so will have to watch daytime TV instead. A good reason to get better soon.

Well, what a fun afternoon! Sent home early because of flooding in Leeds. Fortunatly my bus wasn't too badly effected.

Karen & Ali - I'm ohmming for your Ploppy & Scollop. My boss didn't come into work today because her youngest has the same thing.

Fi - so sorry to hear about your friend - hope you recover from your op quickly.

Jackie - that concert sounds like a fabulous experience! Well done you!

Oops! Manners Jane! Thanks for the links girls!

Got some bad news girls, according to the forum the ALW show on 10 Feb has been postponed!! I thought it was all abit quick!! Oh well, just the AT show to look forward to!

Chapter Five

The room faded and suddenly there was a bright light and a thunderous noise. The would-be knights were startled to find themselves on the steep bank of a fast-moving river. The boys stood huddled together staring at the torrent of newspaper headlines, T.V. reports, and radio stories that raged by.
“What's that strange yellow stuff?” Sir Dental-Floss asked, pointing to a bilious tide that splashed through the rest of the surf.
“That's yellow journalism,” Sir Shaymustberight said. His voice sounded mildly contemptuous and Sir Dental-Floss flushed a deep red and tears came to his eyes. Sir Lee squeezed the boy's shoulder gentley, and Sir Dental-Floss gave him a look of gratitude.
“That stuff is highly toxic,” Sir Boyz added. “You can't get anywhere near it.”
“Surely we can swim?” sang Sir Fondofhisownvoice.
“No,” answered Sir Boyz. “If any of us try to get across on our own, we'll drown beneath the massive Media. Our only hope is to stay apart from it, and to stay together.”
“Well, aren't the Muses supposed to help us?” said Sir Throb the Thatcher. “Where are they?”
Sir Lee had an idea. “Gray-mm!” he cried. There was the now-familiar poof! and the garishly-dressed Fairy Godfather appeared.
“I was just sitting down to watch Corrie,” he whined. “Oh, it's you lot. Well?”
“Can't you help us, Gray'mm?” Sir Lee asked. “You're well used to dealing with the Media.”
“I am,” the Fairy Godfather said. “And I can tell you from experience, you don't want to drown under that lot. Look what happened to Princess Britney.”
All the knights fell silent and bowed their heads. Even Sir Weepsalot stopped sobbing for the moment. They all knew the story of the pretty little girl who had thought to face the awful Media alone and how it had led to her destruction.
“So what should we do?” Sir Charming asked.
“Ask the muses,” Gray'mm said. He flashed his wand and Sir William the Gentle of Everton stood before them.
“Well, lads,” Sir William said. “It's a dreadful sight, that river. I suppose you want some help.”
Sir Weepsalot wailed loudly, “I want my na-na-nana!”
“What can we do, Sir William?” Sir Lee asked. “We daren't try to swim across or we would drown beneath the tide. But there are no bridges.”
“It's a tough challenge, boys. I can't do it for you, but I can give you a little advice, if you'll take it.”
“We will, Sir William,” said Sir Charming. “What should we do?”
“Find a reputable vehicle to carry you across.” And with those cryptic words, he was gone.
“Thank you!” called Sir Boyz to the ether.
Sir Lee, Sir Boyz and Sir Charming stood together and looked at one another in puzzlement. They were joined by Sir Dental-Floss and Throb the Thatcher. Sir Fondofhisownvoice and Sir Shaymustberight huddled together. They evidently had a plan, but weren't about to share it with the others.
“Can they do it?” Sir Throb the Thatcher asked.
Sir Boyz shook his head. “Not on their own, I shouldn't think. But I could be wrong.”
Aware they were being watched, Sir Fondofhisownvoice and Sir Shaymustberight disappeared around a bend in the river. The rest of the knights gathered together.
“A reputable vehicle,” Sir Charming said. “What do you suppose he meant?”
“Well, not all parts of the Media are destructive,” Sir Lee said. The difficulty lies in identifying which you can trust.”
From behind one of the bushes there was a psst! A beautiful young woman in a scarlet cape stood there. Sir Lee said, “You're a loppy! I can tell by your bright clothing!”
The loppy blushed as he spoke to her. “Oo-er,” she said. “My, I hope you win. You have my vote!”
“Can you help us cross the River Media?” Sir Lee asked.
“My name is Carry S,” she said. “And I know the perfect vehicle to carry you across. Take The Stage!”
“Of course!” Sir Lee said. “I should have thought of that. Thanks, Carry S. It's nice to know the loppies are looking out for us.” He winked.
She fanned herself with a crimson coloured fan. “Ooh-er,” she said again. “'Snothin'. All the proper loppies take The Stage. Good luck!”
Sir Lee kissed her on the cheek and she floated away on a big pink cloud. He watched her with a bemused look on his face.
Suddenly in the distance there was a loud cry and a splash. The knights ran to the river bank and looked in. There were Sir Fondofhisownvoice and Sir Shaymustberight in the waters.
“Oh no, they tried to swim --they'll never make it! We must help them!” Sir Lee cried.
“We can't,” Sir Boyz said, holding him back. “The Media has them now.”
“What will happen to them?” Sir Dental-Floss asked.
Gray'mm's voice said overhead, “Sir Fondofhisownvoice will be swept on the tide up north and become a wandering minstrel. Sir Shaymustberight will never amount to anything but a poor squire, I fear.”
“I wish we could do something,” Sir Lee said.
“They were never going to make it,” Sir Boyz said. “I'll bet even one strong glass of Mead would have seen them fail...”
There was a rumble and a stagecoach arrived. A fair young man sat in the driver's seat and looked down at them. “All aboard to cross the River Media!” he said.
The would-be knights climbed aboard. There was, surprisingly, enough room for them all.
“What is your name, good driver?” Sir Lee asked.
“I am Deputy Scott-dear D. Magnificent. Hold on, it'll be a bumpy ride!” And the magical Stage flew them high above the river.

Oh Lord Geri, that is classic. Cheered me up no end.

I came back to report that having the same info on the LMAS forum I rang to get confirmation myself, and after hanging on for ages - all Loppies with the same idea I bet - it was confirmed. Postponed until later in the year.

Sleep well Fi, hope it doesn't hurt so much when you wake up.

Karen, I hope you get some sleep tonight, and that the bucket has by now reverted to its happier use.

Oh Jackie, your concert sounds wonderful. Are you doing more in future. I bet you dont want to stop now.

And we have got the tickets for the AT show on 5 Februry through that site, Jackie. The ones we are now applying for from the BBC are for a different show being recorded on 10 February. A TV special for ALW's 60th birthday. So after the Lee famine things are looking up no end.

Scott dear,- you are in the play!!!! as a saviour!!!!
Geri,- I bow my head in respect while chuckling away.
Jacki,- please tell us when your choir is put on YouTube. That must have been such an experience. We know about the tickets to AT show, and all of us here from the blog who wants to go, have tickets now.
Fi,- that dentistry op. sound plain awful. Hope you are feeling like a human being for work tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for your interest in my concert. I have now got the bug and an starting rehearsals next week for a local production of Oklahoma in the next village, which is being performed in May. I hope to do the Sing Live Central concert again next January, but won't be able to do the summer one, which is smaller scale because the rehearsals are over a similar time frame to Oklahoma. (Ploppy and family cannot cope if I do too much!) It was such a fantastic feeling and I still feel high even now!

Thanks also for filling me on shows etc. Afraid learning words took precedence over everything else last week. And I still have them flying around my brain, all jumbled up in a glorious cacophony of Latin, Swahili and English!

Eva, I'll put the link up when I know it.

Oh Geri it is brilliant. I am enjoying it so much. I wonder if Scott dear has seen it yet. Have you Scott??

Gillian thanks for checking that out - wonder what made them change their minds. If they had a transmission date they would have to film it promptly, so filming it later in the year doesnt make any sense. And yet the BBC ticket people certainly knew all about it this morning. All very odd. Like the single. Left and right hand communication breakdown again.

Oh Geri - how clever of you to put Scott Dear in the story - loving every minute of it! Fiona you take care and make sure they all look after you - relieved to hear drinking will not be a problem! So sorry to hear about your friend's husband. Sloppy still a bit hit for six - just spoken to her on the phone. Well off to rehearsal of small singing group tonight, so will bid you adieu for now and catch up later.

Geri, that is just wonderful, and Scott starring too!! This really brightens up a very grey wet evening.

Well yet another debacle at the Beeb, however after WJMM I am not at all surprised! Hey ho after all that activity early in the morning! I suppose ther's no chance they'd keep us on the list? No I thought not!

Jackie your concert sounds great looking forward to seeing you starring on U tube, a star is born!

Forgot to say, Fi hope you get over what sounds a horrendous experience soon. Oooooohhhmmm, for you, and for your friend.
Carole, hope your Sloppy bears up alright, thoughts are with you.
Karen hope your ploppy is getting better, recommend Dioralyte citrus flavour if he can manage them. Replace all his salts and minerals. Hope you haven't got the bug! Ohhhhhhmmmmmm.
Hope I've not missed anyone!

Geri, your story gets better and better. I love the way you written our Landlord in! Keep it up girl!

All the best for your Sloppy, Carol.

LUSHLOPPY ALERT !!!!!!!!!
In Brighton over the next few days is the European Championship of Cocktail Mixing Grand Prix (Very grand!) The winners then go on to the World Championship in Mexico.
Carol, Karen, JaneE, Jill,- are you up for it?

...but of course and Pauline2 needs to attend as our very own Cocktail expert!! In fact the BHB ought to be taking part as he has been on a long learning curve!

Hope you're feeling better, Fi, and hope all the ailing sloppies, ploppies, etc., are doing better too.

Eva, you found an odd single ticket? Was it only for odd, single people?

Glad you're still enjoying the story. I had lots of fun writing that part.

Oh wow I am definately up for that, and as you say Carole BHB is now so well trained I think he could win it easily. Do we want to go to Mexico? Because we'd have to go with him to look after him!

Geri,- of course it was. I ticked all the right boxes.
Carol,- if BHB is going, can I come too? I heard the news, so there should be some kind of finder's keeper's. I'll hold his shaker! No, I'm not going near the gutter.

Coming to the blog have cheered me right up. Great story Geri, love all those well-know people from Loppieland popping up. Very clever.

Brought my sloppie to the hospital today. Tomorrow she will be operated on. Although she had many operations in her life I am always scared that something is going to go wrong.
At least it is not a serious operation so I am hoping for the best.

Today I finished watching the complete ADWD series, with thanks to Carys. From Friday till Monday afternoon. Watching it again was great and very relaxing. I was seeing things I forgot or missed the first time around.
Great singing, great winner, great TV.

You poor thing Fi, that sounds horrendous, hope you feel better soon.
Congrats again Geri, loved the inclusion of Scott-dear.

Well it looks as though Ploppy has finally stopped auditioning for the Exorcist and, having surgically removed him from the bucket (yes, Shirley, thank you, I have reclaimed it for it's proper use!) he finally managed to fall asleep so I poured myself a very large V&T and settled down to watch The Phantom of The Opera (taped from TV the other night) and I got so immersed I didn't check on Ploppy for three hours (bad wife - could have been very unpleasant when I did get back to him!). I definitely have to see the show and, fortunately, it's one Ploppy wants to see too (unlike Joseph, I know, I know, I can't defend him on this one!). During All I ask of You, I was imagining Lee & Connie (bucket definitely restored to normal use!) and I agree with all previous comments about Lee & Connie for Phantom2.

Geri - the story just gets better. You really should print it and sell it for charity - you'd raise a fortune! It's an absolute masterpiece!

Fi - sorry about your horrendous dentist visit. Sleep well and hope you feel better tomorrow.

Jane - it has poured down up here today hasn't it - glad you got home safe. One advantage to living at the top of a hill - we might get awful snow, fost and frog but there's not much chance of flooding!

Jackie - another star in the making - a Youtube Loppy - can't wait!

Pauline2 - thanks for the advice and I too hope I haven't caught it - two friends rang today to see how he was and said I'm bound to have caught it just through touching him - as though he's contaminated, which I suppose he is but it just sounds awful. Made me feel like I should don a surgical mask and gloves before approaching!

What a farce re the ALW tickets. Good to know that you were all wise to them and didn't have too high expectations.

And finally, oh yes - Cocktail Mixing - count me in!!!

Oh and finally, finally, has anybody seen Sweeney Todd with that other Mr Dreamboat? I fancy going to see it but not had chance to check out any reviews.

Just arrived here –and I went to get a drink as I needed one after getting that slow boat to china, when I got to the bar there was this note, SORRY due to high demands - Morning -Noon and Night this bar has been drunk DRY !!!! (Thanks guys!!)

As you all know I went to London, but as sloppy wasn’t well I stayed till Sunday,
I have spent all afternoon catching up; you lovely loppies have had me in tears of laughter.

Geri I was also LOL reading your story, maidmarryme - love the name. Geri have you taken any photos of the squares? I’m also struggling with mine.

Reading my e-mails re the June and October G O’s last nights, my family live at Battersea in London so I can stay there, I’m all for going out or back to your hotels after for a drink or two.

A belated Happy Birthday Shirley, Happy Birthday Kathleen and to any other loppies who’s birthday it may be.

Fi hope you’re having a nice sleep and don’t wake up with to much pain today. And to all you poorly Sloppy’s and Ploppy’s ooohhmmm.

Good evening all.
Thank you very much for your good wishes. Had a lovely day at school with children trying to guess how old I am - apparently i'm aged between 16 and 99!!!
Geri- children in year 2 classes have got to the stage where they like jokes and make up their own, so I have heard lote of unfunny jokes today. Am loving the Knight's Tale.
Carol - thinking of you and your family.
Fi - hope you will soon be feeling better.
Hope all ploppies and scollops get better soon. It's a horrible virus to have.
Going to have a quiet night in, watching a video, which one shall I watch I wonder?
This time next week I shall be enjoying a night out, somewhere in the Strand. Forgotten where.
Might see you all later.

Karen, wow, that's some serious weather on top of the hill -- fost and frog? Sounds ribbitting. Great place for a loppy, though!

As to the squares, I had an idea & I'd like your feedback: I thought I could photograph the squares individually and post them on Maggie's site without an identification. You can then try to guess who made which square. I'll give a hard copy of the completed 'Any Knight Won't Do' manuscript to the person who identifies the most squares correctly (unless Shirley feels that would put a spanner in the fundraising works). What do you think?

Geri,-'m rubbish at guessing, so of course I'll go for it. Do I get one point if I guess my own?

Ooo cocktail mixing!! Count me in Eva, of course, I've got more experience drinking than mixing them, but what the hey!

Karen, I'm hoping that you disinfected that bucket before putting it to its proper use!! Hope your Ploppy's on the mend.

Maggie - it would be great to hook up for drinks after the show in June. There are a few of us staying over.

Anne - Ohmmms for your Sloppy - and Ohmmmms for all other Loppies, Sloppies and Ploppies in need of them!

Geri! Another great idea! You're just full of them aren't you!

Well, Lady Jane, I've been told I'm full of something...

Eva, I think it's only fair that everyone starts with one point for their own square. Bear in mind, though, that several of the squares come from LMAS loppies, which leads me to my next question: should I post the game on Donna's site? And, if so, should there be a different prize or a prize at all, since I haven't posted the story there. Help!

No, Geri, that sounds like great fun. I think so many people are or are caring for or about someone poorly that we all need something to cheer us up. And you never know it might just inspire some of us artistic no hopers.

Kathleen - your class are good. I mean you can't complain that they got it wrong. I am assuming you are between 16 and 99???

Phew, taken me an hour to catch up, let the dog in and out, in and out and in and out, stop my dears from fighting, wipe the sprayed boiled cauliflower off the computer (thanks Geri, story was very funny, too funny when you have a mouth full of cauliflower).

A late Happy Birthday Kathleen, 99 eh? our oldest Loppy then.

Karen glad Ploppy feeling bit better.

Thanks for links everyone.

Rushed into work this morning to rearrange all meeting for 5th Feb, appraisals (my group can wait), weekly quality meeting - someone else can go, dentist and hygienist rebooked. Not had the holiday approved yet, but who cares, Loppy duties to perform.

Sorry to read about Sloppy op, hope all goes well Anne.

Jackie, waiting for the YouTube debut.

Fi-take care, recover soon. Sorry to hear about your friend.

Geri, love the story, good idea about quiz for squares, it will be hit and miss.

Jo
Ploppy has sent you an e-maill regarding stats chart,
Hopefully it will be helpful

Geri you're really spoiling us - another chapter, loving it!
Fi get well soon
Ploppy has just phoned his friend and I overheard him say "enjoy your show in London, see you next week"
me: what's he going to see?
Ploppy: dunno, might be Joseph
m: oh no! quick tell him Lee is in Thailand and he'll get Lewis
P's friend: who's in Thailand?
p: Lee Mead, you know, the one that won that tv programme to be Joseph?
p's friend: how does she know that?
p: don't ask (rolling eyes) she knows everything about him, anyway what are you going to see?
p's friend: The Sound of Music
m: with Connie Fisher?
p: (to friend) with Connie Fisher?
p's friend: I hope so!
m: well at least it isn't Joseph, you must check to see when Lee is on holiday as you don't want to see anyone else!
p: (to friend) bye mate!
Ploppy then replaces phone on base, looks pityingly at me, shakes his head and leaves the room. Well I had to warn him didn't I? couldn't let him go off and see Boo Hoo, I'm sure his wife would understand?

Ali-quite right, his wife would be upset. Just remembering the conversation I had at the show with a wife when hubby went to loo. He had just told me he would be very upset if his wife 'felt the need' to be on the computer each night looking a pictures of another man. She asked for the address of Donna's site!!!

Maggie-I'll check my email now.

Oh Ali, that phone conversation was hilarious. Sometimes we just can't help ourselves can we - the other day Ploppy and I were filling in our diaries and I was giving hom the dates for my Joseph visits and he said "I thought you'd have gone off him now he's got a girlfriend" so I practically snapped at him "Why would I have gone him. It's not like I fancy him or anything (ok I lied, I'm a bad person!). "And anyway", I continued, "I like DVO". Ploppy got a far away look in his eyes, smiled, nodded and said "yeah, I like DVO too, lucky sod!!"

Geri - great idea - even though it excludes me cos I'm c**p at guessing games, but in true Loppy spirit will give it a go.

Geri great idea, although don't think my guessing will be up to much, should be fun trying.
Ali you would have been failing in your loppy duty not to warn him!

Just had a flash of inspiration for my square, sorry Geri it is 10cm x 10cm isn't it? Will have to pop up to little stationers tomorrow for supplies now I know what I'm going to do at last!!
Off to help ploppy compose a resignation letter, he's having trouble knowing what to say, he was offered a new job today.

Maggie-email with stats jpeg sent. Just a bit of fun, did I say I was 'sad', if I think doing excel graphs is fun.
Karen-fancy thinking you would have gone off him, they have a lot to learn about this Loppy thing.
Must do some work now.

Jo4 going off topic here but as a fellow cat owner can you advise me how to treat an aged moggy with halitosis? She's 17 and has very few teeth left and can only eat meat, not biscuit. Sorry, should have done this by email I suppose but couldn't be bothered to get off the blog as computer is being very slow tonight!

Short term memory loss meant to ask

Geri-do you think you'll get enough squares to do what you had planned?

Jo4 - you were warned - do NOT read Geri's stories while eating, or drinking - it only leads to trouble.

Ali - I thought that conversation was so funny. Reminded my that my boss's boss decided to treat his wife and mum, and bought them tickets to last Saturday's show. He presented the tickets to them, all proud of himself, only to get the reply 'What have you done that for? Lee's on holiday!'

You're right Jo4 - Ploppy's just don't understand - I think it's a jealousy thing but I don't understand it myself. I mean if Ploppy were to spend hours hunched over laptop drooling over pictures of DVO, some in states of semi-undress and replaying every TV/Radio appearance she had ever done, I wouldn't be jealous in the slightest! Much!!

Ali, Katen your conversations with your respective Ploppies had me hooting with laughter. That 'Lucky sod' comment has a real ring of truth to it. Oh and Karen - what does cbbp mean??

I cannot believe how sleepy I am. Hardly slept last night, and am paying for it now. So a very early goodnight from me.

When the time comes sleep well and Sweet Meads.

10 x 10cm for the squares, Ali. E-mail me if you need my mailing address.

Jo4, if I get all the squares I've been promised I'll be OK. I was hoping to get a bunch today, but nada. I really need to start putting the collage together next week, because I'll need to get it framed and then mailed (presumably to the theatre, unless anyone has his home address. No?)

Web site for Ali's cat
http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=halitosis+in+cats&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a

Fi, hope you have/had a good night and your mouth isn't too painful when the anaesthetic wears off.

Geri, it gets better and better. Ploppy thinks I'm going mad hearing my howls of laughter. Better not read it on the train!

Ali, that phone conversation is a hoot. Hope they weren't going tonight - I think it's Aoife on Monday evening.

So the BBC mucks it up again. What next!

Jane-Just think what you would say if you were given those tickets by someone who thought they were doing you a good turn. How embarassing would that be?

Ali-how are the few teeth she has left? Have they got plaque? My vet has done a quick dental (light sedation) for an old cat of mine in the past. That helped. Sometimes the bad breath comes from the gut, not just the mouth. I haven't looked at the Google search attached, in a bit of a rush tonight. And my computer is slow too. With another cat I just put up with it.

Ali-just looked at the Google. That is why nothing could be done with one, I'd forgotten, he had kidney failure. Drinking lots of water, lots of wee and got thin. Not diabetes, different smell. I could go into details, but (like Cliff details) not everyone can take the details of cat care. One of mine now has kidney failure, not the end stages yet.

Jo4
No e-mail here ?

Memory again.
Geri-If you are short, let us know, I'm sure we could rustle up a few more squares (different styles of course) to fill in gaps.

Nightlee night, got to try to get to work earlier tomorrow. As I have a day off next week, some special trip to London. What was it Tutankamun, Chinese warriors, V&A or some show? I must remember or I'll go to the wrong place.

Tonights posts are making my head spin! From squares to DVO to cats' teeth! Don't let anybody tell you that women can't multitask!!
I'm multitasking now,- sipping a glass of G&T while typing this. I needed a drink after watching Messias on BBC 1. Full of blood and gore,- loved it!
I'm happy to report that all my priority tickets have been alocated to deserving stageloppies and so have the other's. Poor AT,- he won't know what's hit him or his show on that day!!!
I think I'll follow Shirley's example and have an early night. So it's good night from me, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams (about cat's teeth if you must!) and wake up happy.

Maggie-I've sent again. Said puter was playing up. If you don't get it by tomorrow evening, I'll send from my other email address.

And another Loppy calling it a night!

Geri, like Jo, if you need more squares give me a shout, I should be able to come up with something!

And so to bed Sweet Meads all!

One of our dogs got halitosis in later life, trouble was he didn't realise it, and his affection became a bit difficult to handle! Hope you sort your moggy out Ali.

Gosh had a struggle with one square but will definately give it another go if you need it Geri, have back up stock left!

Bed too I think, shock of early morning activity kicking in now.
Night night sleep tight.

If anyone does have a second (or third) square, or fancies making some more, I'll be very happy to receive them.

The conversation about kitty breath reminds me of the film Dragonheart when Drago (the dragon, voiced by Sean Connery) has part of a knight removed from his teeth. Kind of in keeping with our various conversations tonight.

OK, the red wine has kicked in and I'm head a leaba (to bed). 'night loppies all.

Geri - I have been very remiss but have all the components for my square - I'll do it on Wednesday as I am at Aspects of Love tomorrow night, and post it to you on Thursday ...... if you would kindly email me your address! Please send to the office email as I'll be posting from there! It's a bit wild and woolly out tonight - nearly got blown in the front door just now! Off to bed now lots of ooohhhmmms for everyone's sick Ploppies, Sloppies, friends, animals etc. Aunty Eva, have you now entered us for the Cocktails Competition haven't you? Sweet Meads all.

Jo4, we now have both e-mails .Goodnight all

Another warning before reading Geri's Tale... don't do so on public transport. Well, not unless you can deal with the weird looks... mind you it also made a few commuters laugh - no, I didn't read it out loud, they were infected by my laughter (well OK,a they were sniggering at me).. so I see it as spreading the lurrv.
Wow, what a busy day it's been on the Stage today (11 pages worth of print out up to 5.30pm!!!). And hilarious.. It wasn't only the Tale that had me in tears of laughter. It made the madness that took over the office today that much more bearable. Thank you one and all.
Hi to everyone.... Fi, Maggie, Jane-E, Diana, Shirley, Jo4, Maeve, Carol, Pauline2, Ali, Anna, Eva. I want to address everyone, but heck, is there enough time .....
Heap big Ooooohhhhmmmms to all those in need. And thanks for all those links.
Geri - finished my card last night. I'll email you for your address shortly.
oooooo - 9 more sleeps!!!!! And I gotta get off to the first of those right now..
Thanks to all Loppies for making my world that much more brighter.

Hi all, have just spent ages catching up on everything that's been going on since I've been stuck marking endless offerings on the joys of using overhead projectors and such like. My goodness, you've been busy: knight's tales (fantastic, Geri), missing 'b's (got lost with those), lots of birthdays (Congrats, everyone!) and more ticket shenanigans (just in case anyone gets any for the birthday concert, please consider this my very humble begging request).
Right, best off to bed now, long day tomorrow, but hope to see you soon.

Sorry Geri, my square will be done this week. I'm not very imaginative though.
I've been laughing out loud reading this tonight and ploppy has been asking "What have all the Loppies been doing today then?" he likes to be informed!! Don't tell him everything, just what he needs to know if you see what I mean.
Getting very excited now, then think that by this time next week I shall be in the After Joseph Zone!! Already experiencing LII, and crossing fingers that he gets back from hols on time. Couldn't face seeing BooHoo after all this wait!! Hope Lee still does after show show as Ploppy is going to try to take photos for me - he's quite tall.
Must calm down now as it's really past my bedtime.

Jackie, I love the Symphony Hall, only been a couple of times for Christmas concerts, and missed this years because of my feet, but what a place, and to sing there, no wonder you were on a high!

Fi, hope you feel better soon, I've had enough problaems with my teeth and gums to really sympathise.

Geri, it gets better and better.
I will do my square this week, promise.

Ali, loved the conversation between you, your Ploppy, and his friend.

Bed calls, nite nite all.

Is anyone still awake? tiptoes in quietly to check on sleeping loppies.....nope they are all in dreemland. I can read the story all by myself:-) I hope you are all keeping up with events over at Donna's place.... tux photo of the GO is now available to order details through the mailing list or from me:-)

Morning everyone - sorry we missed you Carys, and thanks for the reminder. Don't always remember as office systems won't let me onto Donna's site most of the time, so I have to peep when I get home! OK, don't think there are any birthdays today and Kathleen's bash yesterday was very civilised so not much clearing up to do. Eva nd Shirley2 I'll try and do a quick review when I get back from Aspects tonight (leaving Ploppy to fend for himself as going with Big Sis). BHB is looking sad says he is really missing LD now (shame), so I've told him to sit quietly and I'll bring him his breakfast before you hordes shart arriving. Then this afternoon will be entirely instruction classes from Pauline2 in the art of Cocktail Mixing, so all Lushes are required to be present!

Good morning, all. Why is the BHB running up the beach away from Carol? Carol, what on earth have you done to the poor boy? Sadly he's running away from me, too! Maybe he's heard Eva's on her way. No yoga then. Drat! Well, just have to have some nice breakfast with bagels and danishes and fresh fruit and some good Irish coffee...As to homework, I give up! Only one joke (if you can call it that!) I'm beginning to suspect you're none of you very interested in any sort of learning. Well, not the kind most of us can offer anyway...

Morning all!

Aw poor BHB missing LD - never mind dear, Aunty Eva will be along soon, she'll cheer you up!

Well, Queen of the Lushes, I'm reporting in for Pauline2's cocktail class - what I'm early? Should we start practising?

Ooo was that Carys creeping in while we were alseep, talking about the GO in a tux? Must check out LMAS when I get home!

Auds 8 sleeps now!!!! Squeal!!!

Best wishes to all those on the sick list!

Morning all.

Thanks Carys.

Another comment from Denise in today's Metro: "Denise Van Outen recommends dating a toyboy such as Joseph star Lee Mead. 'I love him for his fun, young outlook,' she says." BTW Denise is on BBC1 on Thursday evening in The Empress's New Clothes.

I've been meaning to say, I knew Preeya was leaving Joseph but I thought it wasn't until later. Have there been any other changes in the cast?

Morning all. I had nightmares and I blame it on you! I dreamed about cats, cats and more cats. They were everywhere, grinning at me, with big teeth!
Hello sweetheart. You want a hug? Of course you can. Come here to Auntie Eva! Feeling better now? Good. Then you can get me my usual leaded and maybe one of those bagels Geri is going on about, please. I know what they look like,- round things like a doughnut, but not sweet, is that right? I can't face anything sweet in the morning,- exept you, of course! And I can have some smoked salmon to go with it? Oh, I know you really love me.
So what's on today? Cocktail mixing classes??? Those LushLoppies must have been inspired by the Grand Prix Championship, and want to try out the new recepies on us. Can I please wait until after lunch to start the tasting please. I see JaneE is well under way! I have my weekly shop to do at T****'s today, and I don't fancy walking there and back. Thank you.

I have forwarded Carys' exclusive GO photo to Gillian to be circulated via Stageloppies, but if anyone cant wait I will email direct. Carol and Pauline2 - its on its way.

Good morning all. Hey the wind dropped. And its not raining. I think I must still be dreaming. Never mind dreaming Sweet Meads, I was dreaming about sorting dozens and dozens of cheques, and paying them into the bank who were quizzing me about where I got them all.

Hi BHB. Been getting your exercise have you - you seem a bit puffed. What? Running away from Geri? Oh well, it should get the endorphins going and that will help cheer you up - shame you are missing LD so much. But its only a couple of days until you are reunited. Shame she had to go off to LaLaLand without you.

Was reading some vicious critisisms of Angela's portrait of the GO over on the Forum last night. It seems to have passed them by that a portrait is an artists interpretation of the subject - if they want identical they should get a photo - but even that is an interpretation. Philistines - said she in the snotty and superior manner she has been perfecting for YEARS.

Off to get shorn and repinked this morning. Got to look my best for next Wednesday. Seem to think I am going somewhere a little bit special in just 8 SLEEPS.

Oh and reading all the comments yesterday evening I came up with an idea for a product that we all need. A computer cover thingy so that when Geri gives us a fit of the giggles and spray our dinner/drink/coffee at the computer it protects it and we can just wipe it off. Only trouble is it has to be completely transparent (invisible++++) so it does not diminish the impact of the GO pictures we gaze so adoringly at - it needs to be closely moulded to the computer so it does not make it difficult to use and type on, and it must not make the keyboard or laptop slip slidey so we drop them - Hmm difficult - ideas anyone???

Plesae Miss Geri, we did our homework honest we did (well I can recall at least three of us!) and the time before! Now if today's homework turns out to be cocktail making for the inexperienced I am sure you will have lots of repsonse!

Morning all. Thanks fro good wishes - slept Ok but anaesthetic certainly worn off and as well they sent me home with pain killers. Still feeling woozy but hope to go inlater for meeting - tho if not boss will have to do - her job really so wont feel bad if cant make it.

geri - loving the saga. Will try to do square but no promises.

Gosh Shirley - the LMAS forum sounds so disappointing - esp for Donna. I wonder if people would really be so viscious in real life face to face with each other or if this virtual life allows people to vent their spleen "unseen" . It does spoil things for the majority.

Carol - will let you know Wed or Thurs re Stratford. Dont feel up to drving at moment but am sure will be much better soon so willlet you know. Cant eat solids fro 2 weeks (good timing as needed to start diet) but luckily no ban on drinking!