It’s ‘Making Your Mind Up’ time - Joseph or Maria?

Hi Scott
I've never addressed you directly before but thanks for this, the loppies always have lovely things to say about you.

You're welcome.

Loppies will appreciate this news report:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/mediaselector/check/player/nol/newsid_7250000/newsid_7250000?redirect=7250082.stm&news=1&bbwm=1&nbram=1&nbwm=1&bbram=1&asb=1

Scott, thank you for our new home and for the link. We missed you - have you been on holiday or ill? I take it you aren't a fan of Fearne Cotton.

Out of Simona or Rob, I'd definitely go for Rob. Hope he's got a good song.

Woosh landed on broomstick in new home. Thankyou Scott lovely to know you are still there, we were getting worried about you!Thanks for that link as well, anything with Lee in is gorgeous!

So taken with Lee I didn't read the heading properly, I'm with Diana prefer Rob to Simona, though that turkey will probably win! It sure won't be UK!

Scott, thanks for the new home and the report!! Will definitely be watching as I always enjoy Eurovision!! Its one of the funniest shows on TV and not for the right reasons!! I also think Claudia will be a good host and she was really funny on SCD It Takes Two. Its sad though that the song could be fabulous but its just so political we will never never ever win!!

Thanks for the link Scott and Hello from me too!

Ooo a new home - thanks Scott!

Alison, what terrible bad luck - lots of Ohmmms in the hope you can get your money back.

Deanna - thanks for your reviews, interseting how people perceive the same show so differently.

Suex - I hope your Sloppy is OK now - Ohmmm! Ohmmm!

What are Loppies and who is Lee? Nothing in the story about them.

I liked Simona and hope she wins over Rob in Maria vs Joseph.

Cheers

Oh thank you for the new home and the link Scott.

Thanks everyone for the good wishes. You're all lovely. I feel so much better now although still a bit off kilter. This may be because whilst I've been off they've laid a new carpet in my office which entailed moving all the furniture and I'm sure they've put the computer screen back at an odd angle which is making me feel peculiar. There is also a new carpet/gluelike smell which isn't exactly helping matters. I think I might knock off early tonight.

Hi Scott - glad you are ok, we were starting to worry! Thank you for our new home!! Have to agree with the others that I would prefer Rob (mind you a bit of a poisened chalice really to do the "Eurovision" and as you say come close to the, oh sorry you crossed that bit out!!).
Carol x

Stephanie has just dropped off the photos. Oh boy!! They are really fabulous. I'm going to be tempted to order more.

Not our Donna. Do we tell her?

Hi Scott, thank you for another lovely new home. Not with the majority on this one - I thought Simona was excellent - not Maria, but excellent. Agree with Scott absolutely about Fearn though.

Any photos been delivered yet Diana????? I have some good news on the photo front too. I have been in touch with Mildmay again today - Lee did that F1 Minardi drive for them, and when one of the photos was posted on LMAS recently I asked about them and their availability. I have been sent the small versions and there is one which is STUNNING the others are good but this one is truly thudworthy. I am having a cd sent to me of the high resolution versions and will provide them as downloads for £10 donations to Mildmay. I will send them one at a time so they dont crash anything. Huge thanks to Phil Singleton who has given them to Mildmay on provision of being credited with them.

WOW ! Thanks Scott - who needs youtube when we have you to keep us updated? Great little news item. So Rob the builder gets his moment in the spotlight - I do hope they have a decent song for him! Thanks for our new home let's see how quickly we all catch up:-)

Ooh, quite close to the top of a page. Thanks again Scott for our new home. Just back from a week's skiing and now depressed that both scollops can ski better (and faster) than both me and Ploppy! Even Dollop is catching up with us.

Haven't had chance to catch up yet (but Geri I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your story), but just had to tell you what happened in the playground at school pick up today. Collecting Dollop after choir and heard the word Joseph uttered by another mum. Moved into earshot to hear Lee Mead and so I butted in and asked had she been to see Joe? Well, talk about the dam bursting - she'd been in a box and shouted "Lee, Lee" madly at him when he rose up on the cherrypicker, then pushed her children out of the way at the aftershow to get a better view....

Another mum was listening and wants to go so I told her to book straight away, so she's off back home to go online. Then, Eva you would have been proud of me, I offered to lend my Lee Mead album to the first mum, who was still raving about dark curly hair and the let down after you're back home. Definitely a couple of Cloppies there I reckon!

Its all happening today then! I nipped out to post a couple of letters and turned the corner on my way back just in time to catch the M+S delivery van! My dining room is now teeming with black T Shirts, must say they don't look much without the :thud:
Just waiting on 2 more to arrive and then its off to the screenprinters with them.

Oh you've got them. How exciting. Are they all good??? Oh lots and lots of ?????s

That's excellent news, Shirley. Definitely count me in for the other photos. I'm off home to drool over Stephanie's photos.

Thanks Scott for new home and the link to Lee, how kind.

Geri, I've just read through AKWD from the beginning. As we're approaching the end (happy, Ihope) I thought I'd like to refresh my memory. It reads really well taken in one bite, it's just sad that it can't continue for ever!
I think you've said that you have another tale up your sleeve so hopefully we won't all suffer from withdrawl pains too badly.

Sorry Suex that was for Diana, not the tee shirts. Wont be excited about them until they have been THUDed. I think you must have enough of them in your room to open a shop at the moment.

Thought so Shirley. I can't wait to see the photos and even more on the way? Fantastic!

OK Strawbs what a good idea about the photo - I never got my act together in time for the Stephanie ones, but I loved the F1 piccie on the Forum, so I will definitely be a "yes" and all for Mildmay too - brilliant! Sue I have this image of you staggering around to the screenprinters with armfuls of tee shirts so that nothing can be seen of you except your feet!!

Hi - Just a little update re: probable sales figures for the "Dream On" album last week (I hope this is of interest - apologies if not).

The Buzzjack site: http://www.buzzjack.com/forums/index.php?s=b15c5b40913c4055597bf9d4e400f515&showtopic=63588

...lists selected sales figures for certain albums each week. This week the No.25 album (by Dionne Warwick) sold 10,783 copies and the No.63 album (by The Feeling) sold 3,874 copies. As "Dream On" came in at No.43 - it is likely to have sold about 7,510 copies last week. (The No.1 album last week (by Jack Johnson) sold 47,730 copies.)

I looked at the sales figures at the time Lee's album came out. I think it sold about 25,000 copies in its first week and slightly more in its second week (as nearly all album sales rose that week due to Christmas). I don't know the exact figures though as I'm only guessing based on the same sort of estimates that I made above for "Dream On". I think someone who has access to actual sales figures posted on LMAS that Lee's album has now sold 132,000+ copies.

Yvie B - that is of interest thanks! I am always interested in sales figures and viewing figures too! I can never work out that Buzzjack site though - its really confusing!! Dream On charted higher than I thought it would but still not very high.

Scott dear,- so lovely to hear from you again. You do spoil us. New home and that video-clip !( You're not putting the rent up, are you?)Oh, this new home is nice. The old thread was getting so sluggish it was hard to get to the bottom.
Shirley,- new pics! Lovely.
Jacki,- you deserve lots of Brownie point for your work today. Go to the top of the class.
Rob the Builder in Melody Grand Prix (as we call it in Norway)! We take it so seriously that they even televise the regional competitions!!! As the others have said, I really do hope he's got a decent song.

Hi Alison, bad luck about the holiday, same happened to me 18 months ago when ploppy fell adn cracked a bone in both elbows 2 days before departure. I went to Tesco's to get some straws so he could drink after A&E and met one of my colleagues who moonlights there, she asked what I was doing there at that hour and I ended up crying on her shoulder. So funny as I'm more than old enough to be her mum, and there she was doing the 'there there' bit:))

Now I'll go look at all the links....

A new home - thanks Scott and for link. I agree re Fearne Cotton and Claudia is such a character - even scollop will prob now watch eurovision. Wonder what shoes she will wear?

Pauline2 - forgot to say congrats on a) having such a lovley nephew and b) your role in big day - a bittersweet occassion I am sure but def a posh frock auntie moment.

SueX"sitting on beach" - heat obviously got to you. My back is getting better but my nack not quite so good!

Alison - sorry to hear about missing your hol but hopefully insurance will pay up and you can book again.

After work I went for gentle swim to ease back and so far i feel stiff still but not in such pain so hopefully on the mend.

My names Donna Palmer, not sure what you mean by your Donna.

I posted on the Stage blog about the Eurovision Song Contest.

What t-shirts do they have Eurovision singers on them? I didn't see anything about them on the Stage site.

Confused as to what you all are going on about.

Cheers

Sorry, ladies,- I forgot to change my name before my last post.
Donna Palmer,-you have landed in the land of Loppies i.e.the world inhabited by Lee Mead fans. Loppy ( Lee Obsessed People) was a fenomenon created by the television show Any Dream Will Do last year, in which Lee Mead triumphed as the winner of the role of Joseph in Joseph and The Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Our Donna is the creator of the Lee Mead Appreciation Society which has its own website.
I don't blame you for feeling bewildered,- we very often are ourselves.

D yer know - for one minute there I thought our Donna had been struck with amnesia.

Jackie, consol yourself on your skiing prowess with the thought that you almost certainly ski better than I do - but then there are probably haddock that ski better than me!

Yvie B - thats for those stats - very interesting.

Fi glad to hear your back is a bit better.

Ooo excited about those piccies Shirley - and about the T shirts Suex

Hello Donna P - we're very friendly and we don't bite - honest!

Scott! There you are! We have missed you. Hope you had a lovely Valentine's Day. Thank you for the new link.

Donna P., you're not going crazy, you just stumbled upon the weird & whacky world of the loppies -- that's Lee (Mead) obsessed people. Scott humours us by letting us squat here.

Loppies, brace yourselves: I finished it! It was a quiet day and I had so many thoughts in my head I just had to write it down. Next thing I knew I was putting 'The End' down. It's a bit longer than I expected, but I don't suppose you'll mind that. I'll post the next bit shortly. And please keep those tissues handy...

Evening all

Thanks for the new home Scott.

Oh Alison - so sorry to hear about your holiday - how awful for you. Hope you're on the mend and get another chance to go sometime.

Pauline2 - re Last Enemy from last night - I recorded it but as I am notorious for not getting the plot I don't hold out much hope for this one, after what you said!!

Hmm, Rob or Simona - think Rob for me. The only reason I watch any of Eurovision is for Terry Wogan's commentary - he has me in stitches!

Ch. 22 (cont'd)

He didn’t notice the muses coming to him, didn’t respond when they tried to get him to leave Boyz’ body, didn’t even see that they, too, were in tears. By the time he calmed enough to notice anything he was back in the tent. Sir Jack-wow (the third) had removed Lee’s helmet and put his sword carefully away. He bathed the tears from Lee’s face and spoke to him in a gentle voice, as a mother might speak to a child. Lee sprung up angrily.
“Why did I agree to this?” he demanded. “Why did I let all of you talk me into it – it’s barbaric.”
“You have to trust us, Lee—“
“You keep saying that! Why should I trust you, any of you? Why should I trust anyone ever again? I’ve killed my two closest friends! What does that make me?”
“A champion, a man of honour, a king. Lee, I know it’s hard to understand right now, and you’re right, there’s no reason at all you should trust me. But I’m telling you the truth when I say this will all work out all right. I’ve never lied to you. Well, have I?”
Lee shook his head. “Not that I know of,” he grudgingly admitted. “But you muses all have so many secrets.”
“Only temporarily. One last battle and all this will be over, then you will understand it all. I promise you, it’ll be all right.”
Lady Brum-hilde came in carrying a silver goblet. “Here’s some wine,” Lee. “Drink it, it’ll help you feel a bit better. Well, as much as anything can.”
He shook his head and she sat beside him. “Come on, you still have a battle to face; you need to calm yourself if you are to win. And you owe it to the others to emerge victorious.”
He could not argue with that so he took the goblet and drank without pausing for breath. “Let’s get this over with,” he said.
At the far end of the field, Sir Weepsalot stood waiting. He was in full armour, like Lee, with the visor down. He held a lance in his left hand and a mace in his right. Lee felt a sense of momentary dizziness, but it passed quickly, then he began, for the third time, to race down the field to meet his opponent in combat.
They sped towards each other in a timpani of hooves. Lee kept his lance level, but the dizziness persisted. He breathed deeply and drew almost level with his opponent. There was a crash and Sir Weepsalot’s lance splintered against Lee’s breastplate. Lee staggered, but didn’t fall, and the horse kept going straight with him just barely hanging on. “Keep your head, Lee-my-love,” sang his sword. “Whatever have you been doing?”
Lee rode to the end of the field, then turned and began back again. Again he drew near to Weepsalot and this time just barely ducked from the deadly mace that the other swung at him. Back again to the end of the field, then he turned and rode a third time. The dizziness and disorientation were becoming acute by now. “Keep your head, Lee-my-love,” the sword sang again, but he was almost beyond hearing. The thunder of horses’ hooves and his beating heart obliterated everything. He drew level to Weepsalot, the other swung his mace, and Lee fell.

He didn’t notice the muses coming to him, didn’t respond when they tried to get him to leave Boyz’ body, didn’t even see that they, too, were in tears. By the time he calmed enough to notice anything he was back in the tent. Sir Jack-wow (the third) had removed Lee’s helmet and put his sword carefully away. He bathed the tears from Lee’s face and spoke to him in a gentle voice, as a mother might speak to a child. But Lee sprung up angrily.
“Why did I agree to this?” he demanded. “Why did I let all of you talk me into it – it’s barbaric.”
“You have to trust us, Lee—“
“You keep saying that! Why should I trust you, any of you? Why should I trust anyone ever again? I’ve killed my two closest friends! What does that make me?”
“A champion. A man of honour. A king. Lee, I know it’s hard to understand right now, and you’re right, there’s no reason at all you should trust me. But I’m telling you the truth when I say this will all work out all right. I’ve never lied to you. Well, have I?”
Lee shook his head. “Not that I know of,” he grudgingly admitted. “But you muses all have so many secrets.”
“Only temporarily. One last battle and all this will be over. Then you will understand it all. I promise you, it’ll be all right.”
Lady Brum-hilde came in carrying a silver goblet. “Here’s some wine,” Lee. “Drink it; it’ll help you feel a bit better. Well, as much as anything can.”
He shook his head and she sat beside him. “Come on, you still have a battle to face; you need to calm yourself if you are to win. And you must win – you owe it to the others.”
He could not argue with that so he took the goblet and drank without pausing for breath. “Let’s get this over with,” he said.
At the far end of the field, Sir Weepsalot stood waiting. He was in full armour, like Lee, with the visor down. He held a lance in his left hand and a mace in his right. Lee felt a sense of momentary dizziness, but it passed quickly, then he began, for the third time, to race down the field to meet his opponent in combat.
They sped towards each other in a timpani of hooves. Lee kept his lance level, but the dizziness persisted. He breathed deeply and drew almost level with his opponent. There was a crash and Sir Weepsalot’s lance splintered against Lee’s breastplate. Lee staggered, but didn’t fall, and the horse kept going straight with him just barely hanging on. “Keep your head, Lee-my-love,” sang his sword. “Whatever have you been doing while Cric was sleeping?”
Lee rode to the end of the field, then turned and began back again. Again he drew near to Weepsalot and this time just barely ducked from the deadly mace that the other swung at him. Back again to the end of the field, then he turned and rode a third time. The dizziness and disorientation were becoming acute by now. “Keep your head, Lee-my-love,” the sword sang again, but he it was becoming difficult to hear anything. The thunder of horses’ hooves and his beating heart obliterated everything. He drew level to Weepsalot; the other swung his mace, and struck Lee hard across the shoulder. He dropped his sword and fell.
He lay on the mud, unable to move. The pain in his arm was intense and the fog in his mind made all thought impossible. He peered through his visor at the knight who loomed above him. Weepsalot took off his visor and Lee blinked. He was staring at his own face. The crowd cheered wildly as Weepsalot bent and picked up Lee’s sword. “I knew I couldn’t beat you,” Weepsalot sneered. “So I sat back and let you win – and then I became you.”
“Aus’s curse,” Lee mumbled. It was becoming difficult to speak.
“That and a certain potion made by Lady Brum-hilde and my Nana.”
“The voices—“ It came out muffled, but Weepsalot seemed to know what he meant.
“Yes, it was our voices you heard. Nana was dressed as Jack-in-the-green; she had a tail and green foliage to cover that stupid hat on her rear, and she knew you’d heard her. That’s why she’s been staying out of you way for the past couple of challenges. Brum-hilde, too, has been trying to keep a low profile. But none of that matters now. It seems strange to kill a man with my face, but it’s the only way I can take the crown. Bye-bye, Lee!”
And he brought Lee’s own sword down and stabbed him through the heart.

well then I will take my leave. I came on here to discuss Eurovision contest not Lee Mead.

Sorry been on tour in America for the last year not familiar with Lee Mead nor a fan.

I thought this blog was about the contest. Guess I must get caught up with what is happenin in the UK for the last year.

Cheers

Geri, Geri!! Come back ....what have you done!!! Where's the happy ending!! How could Brum-hilde plot against him (well I know she can be a bit rubbish, but really). Geri I have to go out to rehearsal in an hour!!!!

Donna P - feel free to post something about the Eurovision - we will doubtless all join in at some point, it's just that there will be other (and probably a lot more) unrelated blogging going on too!

Geri - I'm off now to snivel in my coloured tissues until I find that Sir Lee has magically been restored which he must I'm sure.

AAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! GERI

I don't want it to end but I want to know the ending, if that makes sense!!!

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, come back Geri you can't do this to us. Just you make sure that sneaky Brum-hilde gets her comeuppance, and as for Nana and Weepy well!!
Shirley fab, more photos and what a lovely man to let us give the money to Mildmay.
Fi ohhhhhhmmmms for your back, glad it's improving.
Alison you look after yourself as virus' can come back and bite you if you do too much too soon. Ohhhhhhhmmmmms for you.
Suex Tshirts getting closer yummy, can you still get in the house?
Way to go Jackie, between us we can conquer the world!
Karen, Last Enemy with a lot going on you need to consentrate, and I don't think I did and lost the plot! No comments please!

Claire has just posted this rather lovely and clever editing I think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXFbm-XyrsE

Forgot to say feel better soon Alison. Sad to miss your holiday, but there's only one of you so take care of yourself. Hope you're feeling better to, Jane and Karen2.

Since I have finished the entire story, I do have the next bit ready to post if you want it tonight. Or would you rather wait till tomorrow?

Tonight, tonight
We want this tale tonight,
Tonight we want to hear Sir Lees' fate!

Apologies to Bernstein, and this is what I want anyway, can't speak for the rest!

Bye Donna P. Nice to have met you. Feel free to come back.
Geri,- were you a sadist in your previous life? A giggle of Loppies sleepless and weeping all through the night! ( And don't even think of asking me to start up again the production of tissues!!)

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!

Do we want to wait until tomorrow Lephry? Erm No I think not!

Bye bye Donna P - nice to have met you!

Geri, what are you doing to us?? And no trustworthy tissue suppliers to deal with. Good job I have some spare from last night. Even if they were an overpriced con. And for some reason I am not distraught. My mind went immediately to an old Fairport Convention song off Liege and Leif - Crazy Man Michael.

He took out his dagger of fire and of steel and cut down the raven through the heart-o, the bird fluttered long
and the sky it did spin,
and the whole world did tremble and startle.

Oh where is the raven that I cut down dead, but here lies on the ground-o,
my true love so fair,
with a wound so rare,
where her lovers heart it did pound-o

- in other word he hadnt killed who he though he had.

Karen I watched Last Enemy too and it is really good, but as Pauline2 says it really is complex. Some bits made more obvious sense than others,but I enjoyed it anyway.

Can I beg lots of OOOHHHHMMMMs for Auds as well please. The galleon is proper poorly. In quite a bad way. But at least is smiling through her germs now. We have FINALLY been asked to suggest 3 dates when we would be available. And it has taken Paul at Mildmay such a huge effort to get any response he (and we) are keen to keep the momentum going. So already I am so excited I can hardly eat. And that is just for having been asked for some dates. What the hell am I going to be like when whichever date it is gets close??????

My you are an impatient lot. Haven't you heard of the concept of the serial? OK, here's THE BEGINNING of the next chapter.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Everything was foggy but he awoke at last to a lot of babble and cheering. “Come on, Weepsalot, wake up,” someone was saying. He tried to protest, to say, “That’s not my name,” but he was too groggy. He opened his eyes and the bright light hurt so he squinted at the shadowy shapes around him.
“Take a sip of this,” he heard Boyz say. “And you’ll be just fine in no time.”
“Boyz!” he would have sprang up, but it wasn’t it his power. Obediently, he drank the Mead he was given and within a few minutes his head began to clear.
“Where am I?” he asked. He looked around – he was in the stands, facing the field where the joust had just taken place. But who was that an on the field who had stolen his face?
“Weepsalot,” he cried.
“That’s right,” Charming said. “You’re still a bit confused – we all were when we woke up. But you’re fine, no lasting injuries. It’s great that Lee won, isn’t it? We always knew he was the one.”
“He’s not—“
He sat up and reached for his sword. No, he had dropped it when he’d been – what, killed?
“I have to get down there,” he said, urgently.
“Not till after the coronation,” Boyz said. He indicated the field where a page was bringing a golden crown out to where the Lee-impostor stood imperiously.
Lee (the real one) began to run down the steps towards the field. The muses were standing behind Lee (the fake one), with the Wise Wizard Webber and Gray’mm. Gray’mm was talking about the many challenges the knights had faced and how Lee (the real one) had been the finest knight anyone had ever seen. Loud cheers, applause and wolf whistles came from the crowd; even the ploppies got involved.
Breathless (because Weepsalot’s body wasn’t in anything like the good condition Lee’s real body was. I mean, as if!), Lee (the real one) ran to the ceremony.
“He’s a fraud!” he cried.
The fake Lee looked up with cold eyes. “You’re a bad loser, Sir Weepsalot,” he sneered. “Or perhaps you’ve just gone mad with the anger of losing.”
“He’s not Lee – I am!” Lee (the real one) insisted.
“Then why are you crying?” Gray’mm asked. “Uh-huh! Just a cry-baby as always, Weepy. Now go away while we crown the king.”
Impatiently, Lee (the real one) ran his hand across his, or rather, Weepy's, tear-stained face.
“That’s right,” Sir William the Gentle said, not very gently. “We’ve had enough of your behaviour, Weepy. Captain, arrest him!”

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMs for Auds. Straight into the bank for her to take out as she sees fit.
Geri,- posted my last post before I saw your question. Sorry, now I know you were a kind, caring, lovely person in your previous life! So, where is the rest?

Singing to Shirley -

Cazy man Micheal he wanders and walks
And talks to the night and the day oh
But his eyes they are sane - his words they are clear
And he wishes her were far away oh

Nah sorry Shirley, I don't know that song!

Good news about the dates! Excited for you!

Ohmmming for Auds!!

Thank you Geri! I can stop singing sad songs now! Coz we know our hero will over come!

Go get em Sir Lee we know you can do it, more, more , pretty please Geri. I know patience is a virtue, but did I ever say I was virtuous? Hummmm, maybe that's not quite what I meant.
Oh Auds no, loads of ohhhhhhhmmmmms for you. Do get well soon.
Shirley, woohoo, I'm excited and am not even going!!

Evening all, nice new home again Scott, thankyou.
Lots of OOOOOHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSS being deposited in the account for Auds, Fi and Alison (and all who might need them)
Good news re:October tearfest tickets, I managed to track down where I bought them and spoke to a very nice chap, they will be posted nearer the time and I've now got a reference number, PHEW! Shouldn't have panicked but previous tickets have always arrived within a week of booking.
Geri you can't keep us on the edge of our seats like this, surely there's more to come?

Geri,- I feel I'm in a parallell universe. Every time I post a comment to you, you sneak in before me, and I look like a prat! (Don't say it!)
I'm holding my breath now, waiting for the rest, but I suppose before I've posted this, you'll have posted yours!

Forgot to say, nice to "see" you again Jackie, hope this isn't just a flying visit?

All right, already! Here's the second last chapter. You have to wait till tomorrow for the ending. (mutter, mutter...)

Unable to stop the tears, shaking with frustration, Lee looked around the crowd, trying to think of someone who might recognise him, might be able to speak on his behalf.
“Wait,” he said. “My sword, Cric – it knows me!”
“My sword!” fake-Lee said. “And if I draw it, it’ll be to kill you again. And this time you won’t come back.”
The Wise Wizard Webber raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. “Draw your sword, Lee,” the wizard said.
The fake-Lee hesitated. “Uh, maybe after the coronation. Come on, Boru – put that crown on my head. Let’s get on with it.”
The boy stood still and looked from one knight to the other. “I think we need to sort this out before we can proceed,” Dot said. “Draw your sword.”
“What does the sword say?” Lee (the real one) said.
“It doesn’t talk, don’t be daft!” fake-Lee said.
“Does it talk to you?” Dot asked Lee (the real-one).
“Yes it does.”
“Well,” said Weepy, “That’s all well and good, but no one else can hear it. You’re making it up.”
“Wait,” Lee said. “Someone else CAN hear it – one of the loppies, Finn.”
“This is ridiculous!” fake-Lee said. Tears filled his eyes and, though he tried to fight them, they began to spill down his handsome cheeks (I know – the only time in history Lewis could be called handsome!)
“Go get the loppy, Finn,” the wizard said, and Sir Jack-wow (the third) ran to find her.
“Assuming you’re telling the truth,” Sir William the Gentle said to Lee (the real one). “How do you suppose this happened?”
“Well, Aus put a curse on me the night of the masquerade ball. But I’m not sure it was that. I was given a drink by Lady Brum-hilde—“
At that point they noticed that Lady Brum-hilde was tip-toeing away. Maid Marryme grabbed her and dragged her back by her greasy black hair.
In the same instant, Sir Jack-wow (the third) returned with the loppy Finn. “Hello, Finn,” the wizard said. “I believe you can hear Lee’s sword when it speaks.”
“Of course,” she said, looking confused. “Can’t everyone?”
“Well, no, apparently not. You,” he said to fake-Lee. “Draw that sword.”
The fake-Lee looked around, but there was no help in sight. His nana was hiding under the minstrel-stand, Diva’s hat sticking up in the air from her rear, and she would not meet his eye. Lady Brum-hilde had problems of her own, and was held in Maid Marryme’s vice-like grip. Tears coursing down his cheeks, fake-Lee set down the scabbard.
“Now draw the sword,” the wizard said in a terrible voice.
Fake-Lee pulled and tugged, but the sword would not budge. Then, with a crafty look in his eyes, he began to sing.
“Oh give it a rest,” Sir William the Gentle said. “Now you try,” he said to Lee (the real one).
Lee put his hand on the sword and drew it easily from the scabbard. “Where have you been, Lee-my-love?” the sword asked. “That other boy is an embarrassment.”
“It’s all right,” Lee said. “I’m here now.”
The muses looked on in puzzlement. “Well,” the Wise Wizard Webber said to Finn. “Did you hear anything?”
“Of course!” Finn said, and she repeated what she had heard.
“Nana made me do it!” Weepy sobbed. “I don’t have any problem with Lee, but she said she wanted her grandson to be a king and she asked Aus to help her.”
“And I suppose killing Lee was just a bonus,” the captain said coldly. “How did Brum-hilde get involved?”
“Brum-hilde IS Aus!” the wizard said. “Lee heard voices the night he was thrown into the lake. He knew the people who attacked him were people he knew. Aus had polluted the Great Hall with his stench – it took eighteen gallons of Dettol to get the place cleaned – and with that and the darkness, he threw us all into confusion. He had put a curse on Lee that no one would recognise him – I heard that, and I cast a counter-spell. You might remember, there was a flash of light.”
“Right after the crash of drums,” Lee said, following the story.
“Exactly, the flash of light always comes after the crash of drums.”
“I thought it was a flash of drums and a crash of light,” Gray’mm said. “I’m so confused.”
“We’re all confused,” said Maid Marryme.
“But your counter-spell didn’t work, Dot,” Lee said. “Look at me!”
“Oh yes it did!” said the wizard in a snippy voice. “He knew it didn’t work so he had to come up with another plan. So he poured his essence into Lady Brum-hilde. She always had the hots for him.“
“Ee—oooh!” the others exclaimed together.
“And she’s been watching our every move, and made that potion so at the last minute Lee would be exchanged for Weepalot.”
“You do believe me, then?” Lee said.
“My dear boy,” Sir William the Gentle said. “Of course we do.”
“But what’s the advantage to Aus in having Weepy win?” Maid Marryme asked.
“A puppet under his control,” the captain said. “He knew he couldn’t defeat Lee, or manipulate him. But Weepy was another story.”
“That’s all well and good,” Lee said. “But now I’m stuck looking like him.”
“Oh, that’s easily fixed!” the wizard said. He waved his baton to the sound of the opening notes to Phantom of the Opera, there was a burst of golden sparkles and Lee was himself again. And so was Weepy.
“Ah, that’s better,” Lee said.
“Thank goodness for that,” the wizard said. “Now, let’s get on with the crowning.”
“Hold it!” Nana cried, running out onto the field, clanging as the helmet bounced against her behind. “My Weepy won fair and square. Well, he won, anyway. It was his hand that dealt the fatal blow. This boy,” she said glaring at Lee. “Wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for some trickery on your part, Mr. Wizard.”
“In the first place,” the wizard said. “It was, in fact, Lee’s hand that held the sword that dealt that final blow. In the second, Weepy cheated with your help, and with the help of Aus and Brum-hilde. In the third place, there was no trickery that enabled Lee to survive, but the goodness of his heart and the strength of his spirit. And in the fourth place, I’ve had enough of you nasty people!” He waved the baton again and with another shower of sparks—just like in a Disney film—Nana, Weepy, and Brum-hilde were transformed into spiders.
“Yeuch!” Maid Marryme exclaimed. “Did they have to be spiders?”
“Would you prefer rats?” the wizard asked.
“No I wouldn’t! And what about Aus?”
The dark cloud hung to the spider that had been Lady Brum-hilde. The wizard’s baton crackled again, bright green sparks flew, and the cloud became a cat. It stared menacingly at the spiders which began to scurry away. One of them left a trail of tears in its wake.
“Right,” said Dot. “That’s enough nonsense for one day. Let’s get on with the ceremony.”
Lee was placed on the throne and the boy came forward with the crown. But before it could be placed upon his head, Lee raised a hand and said, “Sorry, just one thing.”
“Aw, what now?” Dot said. “I want to go watch Mastermind. The history of musical theatre is one of tonight’s subjects. Besides, my back hurts.”
“I wondered if the other knights could come here and be part of the coronation,” Lee said. “It’s only fair – I wouldn’t have made it without them.”
“Oh all right. Make it quick.”
Within a few minutes, all ten of the remaining knights gathered together on the field to witness Lee’s coronation. The boy, Boru, solemnly came forward and placed the simple golden coronet upon the new king’s head.
The crowd went wild. Streamers and fireworks flew across the sky and the trumpets sounded loudly. Then the other knights lifted Lee up on their shoulders and chanted his name. And then he did cry – tears of happiness. Just like a little girl.

Anybody wants a tissue? I have a few spare. We love you, Geri.

Awe Geri, that is just fantastic. And happy too. Phew. Thank you for not leaving us suffering. I love that the sword identified the real Lee. Magic.

Sings to JaneE -

Now Michael he whistles the simplest of tunes
And asks of the wild wolves their pardon
For his true love has flown
and to every flower grown
And he must be keeper of the garden

WooHoo!!!!!! Me too - tears of happiness, like a little girl!!

Hurray knew he would win, fantastic (the Third) Geri. Oh and thankyou for slapping Brum-hilde, metaphorically speaking, a spider!!!!Hee hee hee! But that's not it? What else is there?

Just to clarify, there is one last chapter to come. Oh, and Karen2 is having 'net problems. Seems like it's as contagious as those germs...

Pass those tissues! That's lovely Geri! Thank you so much!

Shirley - we'd better not start on Matty Goves or we'll be here all night!

The photos are all packed up ready to post tomorrow to those whose address I have. The rest will be sent when I have your details. If any of you are going to Joseph on Saturday evening and would like me to bring your photos with me, let me know before midday tomorrow. The photos are actually 12 x 8. My favourite of those ordered is 0508. I hope you'll be happy with your photo(s), I certainly am.

I'll catch up on the last few hours shortly - I saw Geri had posted another part so have tissues to hand in case.

Jane / Shirley, your songs reminded me of C de Burgh's The Tower:

A great lord came walking through the forest
one morning with a weapon in his hand;
Rich was his castle, he lacked for nothing,
but killing was his plan;
When a white bird flew by she fell from the sky,
Nothing was found, only blood on the ground, she was gone;

Yes, I was wondering about the last chapter too. Oh of course, the colour has to come back to the Loppies, and we have to return to our rightful home - in the Kingdom of the Adelphi. Am I right Geri???

Ok then JaneE, not Matty Groves. How about my favouritestestestest..

I forbid you maidens all
who wear gold in your hair
to travel to Carter Hall
for young Tamlynn is there

Wonderful triumph Geri - had me calling out to my screen (and I've not touched a drop of the red stuff!)going back to read it again.

Oh my, I can go to bed happy now Geri, thankyou. Can't wait for tomorrow's finale!
Btw is anyone here going to the big Loppy meet on 18th Oct? There is a thread over on the forum saying anyone wanting a ticket (limited spaces) must look out for the thread tomorrow evening in order to sign up. Was that the plan, or are the stageloppies arranging their own thing? Sorry I'm a bit behind with all the plans!

Oh my, I can go to bed happy now Geri, thankyou. Can't wait for tomorrow's finale!
Btw is anyone here going to the big Loppy meet on 18th Oct? There is a thread over on the forum saying anyone wanting a ticket (limited spaces) must look out for the thread tomorrow evening in order to sign up. Was that the plan, or are the stageloppies arranging their own thing? Sorry I'm a bit behind with all the plans!

Sorry, don't know how that happened?

Oh Geri, you've made me cry again,
and more to come!!

Auds do get better soon.

Alison good luck with your insurance claim, hope you're better now.

That poor Donna P must have wondered what she'd got herself into!

Good news about the t shirts, and the photos.

Bedtime, catch up again tomorrow for the Last Chapter. Nite nite all.

What Shirley?

Is that because - Those that go to Carter Hall leave with him a pledge, be it of their mantles green or else their maidenheads?

We can't sing that one! It isn't Halloween!

Geri, I don't know that song, but it sounds a little like Famous Flower of Serving Men.

Ali, I was intending to go to the big Loppy meet, but if the Stage Loppies are arranging something...

Anyway, all this singing has tired me out. I'm off

Sweet Meads all

phew
Scott-thanks for new home and link. I knew you wouldn't forget us.
Donna P-Hope you don't think we're too mad. We can talk about Eurovision I'm sure. I always try to watch it, have done for years.
Alison-so sorry about your non hols. What a shame. Hope you get your money back.
GERI GERI-3 bits tonight and one tomorrow. I'll be sad to have the end, but pleased to know it all works out OK.
Deanna+KarenC-Loved the reviews, 2 sides to every story.
Shirley/Suex good news about the T shirts.
OOOOhhhhhhhhmmmmms for the sick.
Got to email Diana.

Yes Ali, I had thought I would go there, but if it isnt really Lee's last day not sure I still want to. Besides we can have much more fun out and about trampling children and really fragile old people.....

Does sound similar Geri, but Michael did not set out to kill anything, the raven taunted and taunted him.

Had a lovely chat with Sonja this evening. Her computer takes about 15 minutes to turn on and get ready to use, and just does not cope with the blog at all. Likely to be several months before she gets a new laptop though, so likely not to make it on here for a looooong time.

Shirley-count me in for the F1 photos. Dates woooooooohhhooooooo!!!!

Ali - thanks fro notification of loppy meet on LMAS. I had thought of going to it - what about everyoen else?

Auds - get well soon.Ohmmmmmmmmmmm

Geri - still love the little touches - the spider trailing tears. like shirley hoping forthe restoration of colour. What are you going to turn your creative talents to after this magnus opus.

pauline2, karen and Shirley - i too watched Last Enemy and enjoyed it but with reservations as was rather confusing.

My friend and i are going to matinee show on 5th March. Hope to catch the Russian paintings exhib at Royal Academy first. My friend is def not a loppy so will be interesting to see how she reacts to show.

Thanks Geri, wonderful ending, looking forward to tomorrow's tying up of loose ends, what a mammoth project.

Auds sorry to hear you're not well, oohhhmmms coming your way.

Shirley thank heavens you've heard something at last about your UC&P, how patient you've been, I feel excited just hearing about it,so can't imagine how you feel!

I'm not normally aggresive -honestly- but I would have delighted in Maid Marryme bringing around her other hand while she held Brum-hildes greasy hair and slapped her. REALLY HARD!
Thanx Geri.

JaneE, Love your illustrations and can't wait to see the 'hair grabbing' scene. He He

Shirley, so glad things seem to be moving. its so exciting, oh! just think, you will be in his dressing room!!! no sleep tonight then hey?
OHHHMMMMS for Auds hope the request for dates has given you a boost.

Goodnight,all. I hope you're mending, Auds. Take some ohhhmmms out of petty cash.

I'm happy to go to a big loppyfest in October, but I'd prefer something more stage-loppy specific. Apart from anything else, if there are limited places, some of us might not be able to get in. What does everyone else think?

Oh yay... got back online a short while ago and I rushed straight to read the latest on AKWD, can't believe it, nearly had to wait until tomorrow (was considering going to an internet cafe) and 3 installments tonight, brilliant twists Geri and we're happy again, tears of joy tonight, (don't need tissues)they're all ok and Lee is King at last.

Ok, deep breaths, calm down now and go read the rest of the posts and hope the connection stays on, I'm sure you're all happy too.
Talk later, xx

Geri, that's absolutely brilliant. Oh I'm so relieved it's ended happily - and another chapter tomorrow to finish off. Thank you so much!

Welcome back Jackie.

Snuffles, if you want to order one of Stephanie's photos, let me know - I can include with the forum order.

Poor Auds, OOOHHHHMMMMMMMMMM OOOOOHHHHHMMMMMMMMMM

Forgot to say, excited for you & Auds, Shirley.

I'm with Geri re October loppyfest.

I'm going to bed happy tonight. Sir Lee is King and all's well that ends well.

OK back from rehearsal and played catch up (sighs) only one last chapter to go, but yes our boy is through - loved the Brum-hilde bit; and I knew that Nan wasn't to be trusted! Auds lots of OOhhhhmmms and for Fi and Alison and anyone else in need of them! I put myself down for the bit Loppy meet (+ Ploppy) on the basis I thought the rest of us were all going.....if we do a stage loppy thing instead then I will withdraw! Diana, when is the order going in as I will have to decided between my final two! Off to bed now to dream of knights and damsels - Sweet Meads all.

Just read it again Carol and they clearly state that our 'registration' then was just to guage interest. I suggest we all keep a very sharp eye out tomorrow evening. There were some ambitious plans for a special guest - I dont think you need to be psychic to guess who was in mind - and its not BooHoo - if that has somehow been contrived then obviously we all pile in asap to try and get there. If not I am another one who is much happier to do our own thing.

And so happliy to bed. Been a GOOD DAY today. Lots of lovely surprises all day long.

Good night, Sleep well and have Sweet Meads.

I'm off to bed, big meeting tomorrow. May be tears again, and not mine!!
I've put my name down for the big Loppy meet, thought it might be 'interesting'.
Nightlee night

Just popped in again to say good night.
Diana,- brilliant news about the photos already in their envelopes.
I have put my name down for the big Loppy meet on 18th October on the LMAS thread, but if we decide to do something amongst ourselves, I'll be there. It's early days anyway.
So good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams( about King Lee) and wake up happy.

Ok, all caught up (sort of, lots of loopiness on here tonight, that poor Donna P. who wouldn't be confused!)

Mainly, oohhhhmmmmms to Auds, feel better soon, and to anyone else who needs them.

Geri - C De B The Tower, now that takes me back, haven't listened to that in ages.

It's late and all this excitement has me wrecked, night all, xx.

Well as I don't think Im going to be there on 18th not really entitled to put my oar in, but if the special guest is who you think I'll scweam and scweam until Im sick, and I can you know! But would he have time? No idea.

Anyway on that happy note I'm off to bed, so lots of ohhhhhhmmms for all who need it.
Night night sleep tight.

Just popping back to say Good Knight and sleep well everyone .x

Auds hope you fell better, it was probably all that mountain air on Friday that made you poorly.
Geri- thank you - off to rid my waste bin of the sodden tissues.

Well, this is getting to be a habit -- I show up and the place is deserted except for the ever-faithful BHB. Well, and Jane sneaks in the back door at the same time I'm coming in the front (that sounds a bit naughty; it's way too early for such things). Sorry, BHB, didn't mean to make you blush. Now, porridge is a definite must today, and Irish coffee -- the hotter the better. It's -5 degrees this morning & I have bus stops to stand at. All together now: Awwwww.

Hope Auds, Jane, et al, are feeling better. Have a lovely day, everyone.

Morning, another cold one, so lots of warming porridge already on the go (as opposed to the GO). I can't think the SG will turn up, will he??? It's a two performance day, so he'll be really really busy! Oooohhhhhhhhmmmmmms for those in need - including Ploppy who has twisted his back or done something and is hobbling around this morning!

Geri - I was here, but the computer froze so although I posted at 06.10, it's only just come up, as you will see we have started brekkie already!!

Really Geri, I do not sneak! Though I do have a tendancy to wait for you or Carol to open up before I come in - and on mornings like these, put the heaters on.

Thanks for the Good Vibes everyone - I feel like a bit of a fraud because after a couple of days coughing the cold seems to have abated. It must be the Ohmmms!

Hello BHB - can I have a big bowl of porridge please?

Ohmmming for your Ploppy Snuffles - Ohmmm!

Put the heaters on? Jane, firstly, the heat is ALWAYS on when the BHB is around and secondly, we know you're just trying to get another ten minutes kip! Anyway, glad you're feeling better. Enjoy the porridge - it's particularly good today.

Geri - brilliant happyeverafterendingafterall. Cant wait for the last bit.
I put my name down for the BLM as did Carolyn (who is offline at present). Is the special guest really going to be there - I would have thought he'd want to stay with the cast if it is the actual last night although I think he will be extending to Jan in which case he might make an appearance. So I suppose we should try and register our interest again anyway. If we decide to do a stageloppy thing later we can do so.
Diana - I missed the photo deadline so will come in on forum order.
Jill - you know you asked about tickets for finals day - well I struck lucky as did the friend I normally go with so there might be quite a party!

Carol, the deadline for orders for photos on forum is Wed 5 March. Details are on the for sale page on LMAS

Having arrived half frozen yesterday, today I'm boiling. The heating on the train was blasting out so it felt like a sauna and then I had to walk the last mile to the office - a bad accident has blocked one of the main roads through the city. There's going to be chaos if it's not cleared soon. Hope no-one was badly injured - there were a number of firemen, police and ambulances so couldn't see much, not that I wanted to look too closely anyway.

Hope all poorly Loppies and Snuffles' Ploppy are feeling better today - a few Ohhhhmmmmms to keep you going.

I'd be surprised if the SG turned up if it is the last show. Apart from the time factor, surely he'd want to savour the last day, be with the cast, etc? I think there's more chance of an appearance if there is an extension.

I was planning on having a day working from home this week anyway, but I'm sure you can guess which day I've decided on.

As usual lots to do, see you later.

Morning to all Loppies. Slept surprisingly well last night. Like the proverbial baby, and did not even wake up early. Amazing stuff.

A nice warming bowl of porridge for me too please BHB.

Cold and foggy here. Horrid. Birds down feeding already. The dogs are jealous - they are nagging to get let out to steal to feed. Horrors.

Morning all. Another cold day. I know the sun is doing it's best, but we still know we're in the middle of winter.
Hello sweetheart. You want to wisper in my ear? Oh, thank you, my lovely one. Yes, it ia my birthday today. Of course I'd like you to sing for me. Then you can give me my usual leaded and a croissant. I'm off in a few hours for another session with my acupuncturist, and I'm really looking forward to a good massage too. My limbs are stiff today. Later it's lunch with a friend. I'll see you all later.

Eva, Happy Birthday!!!

Eva, you kept that very quiet.

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday dear Eva
Happy birthday to you.

Have a wonderful day Eva. A little pressy whizzing its way over the digital system.

Brrr - cold here - so lovely porridge adn tea very welcome.

Eva - i never know when my leg is being pulled so if it is your birthday - Happy Birthday and have a great day - and if you dotn mind I ownt sing to you!

Snuffles - your ploppy and i could hobble tog as my back still very stiff - at this rate i might have to look into a phsio or osteopath session. Gosh i feel like a bent over crone (and trouble is I think i look it too).

I intend to put name down for BLM as thought it would be interesting to met everyone but I take your point Geri about not eveyone maybe getting in. perhaps we could see what happens and then arrange a stage loppy one as well as know I wouldnt necessarily want to spend all the time at the BLM

Oops must dash (as much as one can when hobbling along holding a wheat bag to one's back) to w..k.

Happy Birthday Eva - have a great day. Not clever enough to send anything digital over the system but thoughts are with you anyway!

Happy birthday, Eva. Enjoy your day.

Fi,- would I pull your leg when you are suffering like that? You can come with me today and have a lovely back massage. You sound as if a visit to the doctor is in order.
Shirley,- I've told you I'm a shy person, but nobody seems to believe me! Thank you for the preview. Those photos are seriously gorgeous.
Gillian, Shirley2,- thamk you.

Oh Aunty Eva - a Very Very Happy Birthday - you did keep that one quiet! Have a really, really lovely day (doing anything nice??). I imagine the SG is just pie in the sky at the moment - one of those "wouldn't it be good if....." scenarios! Told Ploppy if he is no better he must go to the doctor!

Good Morning everyone - hope you are all well.
Unfortunately I am one of the ones who have caught the dreaded bug ! Got a cold and a bit of a sore throat but am getting better slowly!

Happy Birthday Eva - have a LoveLEE day.

Shirley - Please can you include me in the F1 photo count - thank you.

I have put my self on the list for the Meet on 18/10 and I have booked for both performances.

Take care
Anne x

Morning all and HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVA! hope you have a lovely day.
Just spent a few minutes puzzling over SG then the light came on! Stupid me, but didn't sleep that well last night, my excuse anyway!
Ohhhhmmmms for the bad back brigade, and ohhhhmmmms for anyone else in need.
Not much time at the moment as Sloppy is on antibiotics, again, must go and administer!
Hello BHB oh that is so sweet of you to bring me a coffee to take away, so thoughtful you really are.

Geri

Keep meaning to say your Tale reminds me a little of Auden's "Lady" - one of my favourite poems - for those that don't know it:-

"Lady, weeping at the crossroads
Would you meet your love
In the twilight with his greyhounds,
And the hawk on his glove?

Bribe the birds then on the branches
Bribe them to be dumb,
Stare the hot sun out of heaven
That the night may come.

Starless are the nights of travel,
Bleak the winter wind;
Run with terror all before you
And regret behind.

Run until you hear the ocean's
Everlasting cry;
Deep though it may be and bitter
You must drink it dry.

Wear out patience in the lowest
Dungeons of the sea,
Searching through the stranded shipwrecks
For the golden key.

Push on to the world's end, pay the
Dread guard with a kiss;
Cross the rotten bridge that totters
Over the abyss.

There stands the deserted castle
Ready to explore;
Enter, climb the marble staircase
Open the locked door.

Cross the silent ballroom,
Doubt and danger past;
Blow the cobwebs from the mirror
See yourself at last.

Put your hand behind the wainscot,
You have done your part;
Find the penknife there and plunge it
Into your false heart."

Pauline2 - hope your Sloppy is ok! Lots of oohhhhmmmmms for those who are poorly. Anyone who has what I had last week has my total sympathy - I felt really ill and still haven't lots the bugs completely! Boss going down with it now (well I am generous to a fault!).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVA, hope you have a lovely day.
Shirley2, that is great news well done, at the moment we have tickets for the 1st Friday which the friend I always go with can't make as she has a Long Service Award Dinner, she is really fed up about it.
Geri love the ending although I undersatnd it isn't the ending (if you see what I mean).

My mail just came through the door with quite a few birthday cards and guess what:
A beautiful, signed card from LEE MEAD !!!!! Which of you lovely ladies is responsible for that? You could have knocked me down with a feather! It says:
To Eva
Happy birthday!
Have a great day.
Love
Lee Mead

Somehow I feel like I'm floating on air!!! Nothing could be better than this.

Morning everyone, I'm just popping in for a quick coffee before heading off for abusy day.

Birthday Girl, have a loveLEE day!

Shirley, got my dates mixed up and I'm near that M+S today so will nip in and let you know how I get on later.

Eva - what a brilliant thing for Lee to remember your Birthday!! No wonder you are floating.....

Eva, you lucky lady. I bet that's one card you're going to treasure for years.

Oh Eva can the day get any better? I don't think so!! You must be ecstatic, lucky you.
Jill, Shirley2 just stop it, yet again I've had nothing from the ballot, everything now resting on LTA, not fair (stamps foot).
Carol aka Snuffles, thanks for the thoughts, with Sloppy we lurch from one thing to another, I think at 93 when you have an illness, it is almost impossible to recover completely. It's an infection she has, not serious, but I'll sneak some ohhhmmms from the bank just in case if that's ok.
I just love that poem, I first did it at school but really didn't "get it", too young, but it still caught my imagination! You are right Geris' tale has the flavour of it.

Hello everyone! I've pretty much caught up on about a week's worth of blog - have got the joys of reading the final chapters to come.

Happy belated birthday to Geri - sorry I missed it!

Happy birthday to you Eva, although I know my greetings aren't anywhere near as exciting as a certain card you have received!! BTW, when I was at my parents last week I read my daughter some of Alf Prøysen's Mrs Pepperpot stories - I've had the books since I was a little girl - and she really enjoyed them.

Lots of oooohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmms to all those in need - sorry to hear so many are feeling below par.

I must get on and do some (well, lots) of that "h" word, but I promise I'll be careful and try not to injure myself in the process!

Have a lovely day!

Pauline2 - sometimes I have spare tickets for other days so may be able to help out - I wont know till much near the time though. Have just got through on the Stella Artois booking for Queens - what a shambols, Jill did you try - both phone lines completely jammed, online blocked too but did manage to get the Tues/Weds - but by 10.15 most tickets sold out!! Def not progress give me the old system any time. Off out now to a Pensioners lunch at comapnay where I sed to work. No progress there either - this year we have to PAY!! can you believe it??

Happy Birthday Eva - hope you have a lovely day!! A card from Lee - what a lovely surprise!!

Happy Birthday Eva.
Oooooohhhhhhhmmmmmssssss for all who need them and any left over for yhe bank.
It's a beautiful day here now. The sun is shining and there's a definate smell of spring in the air.
Thanks for AKWD Geri, I love a happy ending.
Been to hospital for final appointment for vertigo. Was out again before Ploppy could find a parking place. He was upset as he'd promised himself a bacon sarnie in the cafe. (Well they do smell good).
On holiday this week so off shopping later.
Byee.

Eva how thrilling. I am so pleased for you.

Do you think your friend Shirley got onto Lee? Dont think any of us here knew it was your birthday, unless you know differently??

I have already been and had my hair repinked already. The hairdressers I go to dont open on a Monday, so 9 on a Tuesday morning means the place has been closed and unheated since Saturday and it was COLD. Sat there with wet hair and I froze. Now sat here with a couple of wheat bags on my back. And a steaming mug of coffee. Much better.

Happy Birthday Eva - what a lovely surprise to get a card from Lee.
It is my Sloppy's birthday today and she is 91 and when her leg is better hopefully she'll be as sprightly as ever.
Lots of oooohhmmsss for everyone to feel well again. By the way can someone tell me when they have the time how ooooohhhmmsss came about?

Shirley2 I am hopping mad, like you couldn't ge on the site on line, so phoned at the same time only to be told they were sold out, this was 10.20, as my friend said how can they sell over 10,000 tickets in 20 minutes, we have been going to the Stella for over 23 years, so s.d em.
Re other tickets, I think it better if you e mail me, as you say nearer the time, I don't want to say too much on an open forum!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The official site has been updated again with a new message from Lee and new TV dates.

Shirley 2 sorry do you still have my e mail address????

Oo Shirley2, that would be fantastic!! Anyway haven't given up hope yet as LTA ballot is held in March, and has up to now had much higher success rate, however they have had a huge membership shake up this year, so not sure if it will make a difference. We'll see!!

Just found this bit of news that Micheal Ball is taking over Parkys' radio show on Sundays. Now I wonder what sort of guests he might have?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7251400.stm

Hi Deanna - a very happy birthday to your Sloppy - she is obviously very priviledged sharing with the Diva! Kathleen thanks for that I'll have a peek later!

Forgot to say - it sounds as if Donna had a fantastic night last night.

Sirley2 Also forgot to say, in 2006 we had 3 lots of tickets and because my friends Husband was so ill, she didnt want to leave him for 3 days so I went with my Husband on the Friday and handed the tickets for Sat and Sunday in for resale and they were never sold,I rest my case!!!!!!!!

Oh wonderful. We get thanks for going to see him at the AT show, and for our charity fundraising. How brilliant is that.

And he is going to be on This Morning on 29th. What a leap day treat.

Well I'm fed up now, done everything I can think of and Lees' site just shows the old updated on 14th Jan. I've refreshed and tryid to go through Google no joy. Why? and what am I missing!! Anyway thanks Kathleen!!

Happy Birthday Eva, what a lucky girl getting a card from Lee, someone was very clever organising that.

Loved the Auden, Carol, certainly has undertones of AKWD, or perhaps that should be the other way round!

Will look out for further details of the Oct.18th meet this evening, I suppose we can always arrange a Stageloppies get together as well or instead later on?

Pauline2, have you tried deleting cookies - go to Tools menu and Internet Options. I could see the updated news page but not the new message until I'd done this. If that doesn't work, also try delete files in same location. Hope it works.

Oh Pauline, how frustrating.

Kathleen lovely to see you, and have been meaning to say how delighted I was to hear your vertigo has been sorted.

Deanna - not sure where the OOOHHMMMs started but fairly sure it was JaneE and comes from the Ohm Mane Padme Hom (not a clue about the spelling), but I think it might have come from a discussion we were having about then about Sci Fi as well and Stranger in a Strange Land by frustrating.

Kathleen lovely to see you, and have been meaning to say how delighted I was to hear your vertigo has been sorted.

Deanna - not sure where the OOOHHMMMs started but fairly sure it was JaneE and comes from the Ohm Mane Padme Ohm (not a clue about the spelling), but I think it might have come from a discussion we were having about then about Sci Fi as well and Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein.

Blimey - How did I do that???

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVA!!! Oh Wow - a card from Lee!!! How fantastic is that!!!

Fiona - WARNING - do not read anymore of Geri's stories without tissues being handy!

Ohmmmmms for everyone who needs them and Ohmmmmms for the bank!

(Deanna, I'm not sure, but the Ohmmming may be my fault. I seem to recall starting it when the GO hurt his ankle and Geri was worried she might have to see Boo-Hoo.)

Maeve I like the idea of trying to arrange a Stage Loppy meet as well as the BLM.

Now I'm off to check LMAS to see if I can read Donna's news (I can't always from the office PC)

Thanks so much Diana have tried all that and zilch! Have always had this problem on Lees' site it really doesn't like me,sob. It usually sorts itself out ina day or two, and meantime I rely on you lovely lot to make sure I don't miss anything!

Pauline2 - I can't get it either!! I can get the new TV dates but not the new home page! As you say it does usually right itself - I am just wondering if its anything to do with the area we are in (servers etc) - do you live in the London area?!!

Ah Shirley - I think you're right - except I think the book would have been Dancers at the End of Time - the city Ommmms in that

Yes AliB I live 30 miles north of London but everything is London area. I wondered if it might be to do with AOL, as they do give me problems. At least you get the dates!!

Pauline2 - thats interesting - I have a feeling its something to do with the area we are in but its just a guess!

So exciting that Lee is going to perform on some more shows - I think they are trying to push the album sales again as it is coming up to Mothers Day!!!

JaneE - Thanks for the warning, I was planning to read 21-23 whilst big dollop is having swimming lesson but may rethink as laughing/sniggering to oneself in the spectators' balcony is one thing but sobbing uncontrollably might just see me carted away!!

...currently no email system - someone from IT sorting something out and suddenly I have an egg time permanently and am unable to access the email system - great! I did wonder if the GO being on GMTV on 22nd might possibly tie in with the winner of the WOS Musical? That's being announced on 22nd!!

Is it possible if someone who gets the homepage message could somehow copy and paste it onto here?? I am dying to know what it says!! Thanks!!

I tried the official site again via Favourites and got the old welcome. Going via Google I get the new one! I notice the Diary section isn't there any more (unless it's me), presumbly welcome page replaces it.

A little info about the Prince's Trust event
http://www.princes-trust.org.uk/Main%20Site%20v2/headline%20news/Celebrate%20Success.asp

Diana - no diary page for me either. Can't copy the page but this is what it says:-
"Hello everyone! Sorry I'be been away so long. We've been in the process of changing the running of the site.
I will be updated the home page every month and keeping you up to date with any events and diary dates on the news section.
Well I've been back from holiday for a couple of weeks now and the break was great but it's nice to get back into the swing of the shows. It was my first visit to Thailand and it was an amazing experience.
A big thank you to everyone who turned out for the Alan Titchmarsh show. I had a great time and it was lovely to see so many of you there.
I was amazed to get so many valentines cards, presents and letters I was very flattered. Also I'm so proud and happy to hear of the efforts of everyone involved with raising so much money for my charities, this has always been an important area for me and I'm thrilled that you've done so well". Lee

Carol - THANK YOU!! Didn't mean for you to type it all out but thank you so much!! Such a nice message and I am so pleased the website is finally being sorted!!

The event on 18 March is by invitation only. A big honour for Lee.

Ali B, Lee's site won't allow copying and I haven't got time to type it all out. I've just sent Pauline2 a screen print of the page but I don't think I've got your email.

Thankyou Diana and thankyou Carol! Just hate being left out. Agree it's good that they are doing something about the site, as it's bad it's been so neglected. Anyone looking for Lee would go there first and it really should be kept up to date. Do you think from that he got Geri Project!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVA!! A card from the GO. WOW. Lucky you.

Mega ohmms to Auds and everybody else who needs them!!

Afternoon all, whew it's lunchtime thankfully, missed breakfast today with so much w**k to be done.

Official site updated, that's great, nice to see a new message there from Lee and I see from the forum that Donna and Pat both got a hug last night.
Now, you see, that to me is the stuff dreams are made of, having not even seen him in real life yet I find that just mad, can't believe that it's soon going to be you two - Shirley and Auds, thrilled for you both, me, I would be in a heap on the floor!

Eva/Diva - Happy Birthday - Breithlá shona duit!
A card from the GO, lucky you! Have a great day, xx.

Hope all with painful backs/legs and other bits are feeling a bit better and same to all the snifflers.

Talk later I hope as long as the broadband at home doesn't do what it did last night!

Just found this on the forum from Roro - according to Fascination record label "You and Me" is to be released digital-only on 10 March.

Here's a link:
http://www.fascinationrecords.com/
Click on Artists and then on the arrows either side of Other Artists. Another gorgeous pic being used for the single artwork!

Diana - thanks for the kind offer but Carol has just typed it out!

I am in a jolly mood now - new Lee news and my Dad is going to book our summer holiday tonight - we are going for a fortnight to Torrox, near Mallaga in Spain!! The hotel looks lovely but the most important thing is (and this is very sad that this is what I was most concerned about) is that it has internet access!!

That's great about another single, You & Me is prob my fav track, but why digital only!

Ali B, that's not sad. Having internet access on holiday is crucial.

Pauline2 - OK, I took the advice on the forum and turned my computer off and on again and I can get the homepage now!! Try that!! As I am at work I had to lie and say my computer had frozen and thats why I had to turn it off!! Great news about the single but why is it stupid download only and I wonder why they chose You and Me instead of the non cover ones?

Many Happy Returns Eva, have a wonderful day up on cloud 9!
Can I ask a big favour of someone please? I have a Brownie meeting tonight and won't be able to get onto the forum, so if the general agreement is for us all to join the blm on 18th oct would someone put me down for a ticket too? THANKYOU!
Off to check out Donna's review quickly before school run.

Meant to say I had a flip through Heat at lunchtime. This week's 10 questions is with JB. Can't remember the details but his last mobile caller was Keith Jack saying he was audioning for Flash Dance (!!!) and asking for advice. JB told him to take some dancing lessons first. I nearly cracked up in Sainsbury's.

Thank you for all the birthday wishes both here and e-mails. Still on Cloud 9,- at least, and Shirley, you were spot on about who had arranged the card. When we were queueing for AT, my Shirley had overheard someone talking about how to arrange that, and the very next day she set her grandson in motion. He, in between fits of giggles thinking about his Nan and auntie Eva going barmy, had found the neccesary adress on the Internet. I've just spoken to her on the phone, and after saying Happy Birthday, she casually asked:"Anything exciting in the post today?" She was almost as happy about the result as I am. Mystery solved. I know I'm lucky, I have some wonderful friends.
Had a nice lunch with another friend at The Royal Hotel.(It's not only Auds who can do posh!). After I have checked out Lee's off. site, I think I'll have my afternoon snooze. I need it after all the excitement.

...re the big meet up in Oct - I'm with Geri - if we can't all get in I don't want to go - I'd rather we did our own thing. I'm out at rehearsal tonight so will see what everyone else thinks.

Pauline2, apologies I just assumed Shirley2 had put the wrong name in re the tennis, I didn't realise you were interested in going to Wimbledon, can you e mail me on my "private line", may have something to interest you"!!!!!!!!!

I think the single is little more than a plug for the album, and a reason for TV appearances plus they'd hardly sell a hard copy this time when the first one wasn't. Basically if you like Lee's songs, buy the album, is the message.

Apparently NEW magazine has a quote from DVO that she 'hopes to do' a new musical late this year, and 'they want her and Lee on stage together.' See LMAS thread.

I tried to set my Sky+ for the This Morning on Friday 29th Feb, and clearly I can't set more than one week ahead, so I won't be able to record this as I go this thursday late afternoon. Can someone please record to DVD and send to me, as I would like a good quality copy - ie not youtube - for the edited collection DVD I'd like to produce next xmas-ish on the same 'charity' basis that I did this year. I have set sky+ for GMTV this Friday.

Aunty Eva I am so glad you are having a wonderful birthday - enjoy the rest of it (well we have the final part of Geri's marathon to look forward to for starters!).

Here is the LMAS link to the thread Gillian mentions above -

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/789520

Personally, I really hope its not true as it would be odd to see them together on stage(I may go completely green with envy!!)

Re Loppy meet, someone from LMAS who I 'met' through the DVDs has offered to get me a place as I am out tonight, and I would want to go, even if I split my time between that and a stageloppy one, as I have chatted with a few of those ladies by email due to the DVDs, and would like to meet them in person, and also would record the event if possible.

I think I read somewhere that the venue holds 180, and on feb 6th 160 loppies had said they had tickets, so we should all get a ticket, certainly if we're quick off the mark.

Sorry Snuffles no offense, but getting through all this rubbish to reply today is hard.

This is more like a fan site than a discussion of Eurovision. One does not have the time to go through rubbish looking for what they want to talk about.

I am busy looking for a job on the Stage site too. Not to talk with fans about some guy names Lee. You like this rocker fine. I don't even know who the hell he is!

Cheers

Carol - thanks for the update - I'm also unable to visit the official site while at the office.

Ali B - I must admit, after a week in Austria I discovered that Internet Access is a crucial requirement on holidays!

Hey, POSH or what Eva, Ladies that Lunch at the Royal!!!!!!!!!!
A card from HIMSELF
and sorry I didn't realise a DI to boot, remind me to mind my P and Q's when we next meet.
Hope you are having a lovely day.
Ali I can do the ticket for you on Lmas as long as you can register before 7.15 ( dancing tonite)

Wow what a busy afternoon, nothing happens then it all kicks off.
Jill I don't have you personal email so will send via stageloppies, that's if they have you address! Sounds exciting!
Eva I knew Shirley seemed lovely and this just proves it, bless her heart.
Fab news about another single release, as we get the lovely promo! I'm not sure about Y&M but I do like it and in fact I remember when I got the album it was one I found myself singing a lot.
Lee on stage with DVO? could be interesting, and I would go whatever the show is!! Won't we all!
DonnaP you were warned we are slightly bonkers, and as you don't even know who Lee is I can imagine you must think us completely barking. We are quite harmless though, even if perhapsnot for you. Good luck finding a job anyway.

Ali really really sorry you can only apply for 2 tickets, and my friend is coming with me, we go as a pair nearly everywhere.

Eva, just logged on briefly as I'm out tonight, and I want a ticket to the Big Loppy Meet, but I see there are no details up yet. Just read the last few posts on the Blog, and realsed it's your birthday, and I wouldn't want to miss wishing you a very happy one.

Donna P,- If you are in the "business", I can assure you that you'll soon hear about Lee Mead. He isn't a "rocker",- he is the hottest thing in MT since Michael Ball was young and handsome.
Welcome home from America and good luck in your search for a job.

Thanks for the explanation about the oooohhhmmmsss ladies.

Gillian I can put This Morning on DVD for you. Let me know if you want the entire programme or just Lee's bits.

Pleased about another single release. Pity we are not going to get a hard copy. I think it is just to sell more copies of his album, which they may advertise as a good Mother's Day present.

Donna clearly had a lovely time - so pleased for her after her last cancelled visit.

Wouldn't we all love an enthusiastic bear hug from Lee but I reckon it is highly unlikely- the poor lad would be worn out if he had to hug all us loppies.

My daughter is coming over for Sloppy's birthday. She is a closet Lee fan so I'll have to drop lots of Lee birthday card hints for my birthday next months.

Have a lovely evening everyone.

Oh getting worried, can anybody apply for tickets for the BLM for Ali, and I think now for Sue?????

have only been out since 11am and so mcuh Lee excitment since I've been gone. Jill - the Stella thing was ridiculous, I think they will get loads of complaints. I'm going to even though I got tickets in the end, I had to keep logging in on-line and was just lucky I think. I got them about 10.10am after putting in my card details on previous times and then it crashing. The phone was impossible. I know people who have returned tickets before and they never got a refund although the Stella always say they are sold out (and there are always people queueing for returns). They just dont bother to refund which is very bad. I did mean Pauline2 earlier as she had mentioned it in a thread just before but I willl keep you in mind as well. Sometimes its only a day or twos notice although with Tim now retired we dont need to ensure that we are there for his every match, with both courts covered so it should be easier this year. My luck continued at the lunch I was at today as I won a prize in the raffle - in fact we were a lucky table as there was 7 at our table and everyone won something after the first 10 tickets pulled out. A friend from another table rushed over to sit with us as we were doing so well and amazingly his was the next ticket pulled out! (Everyone had one ticket). So I'm gong to buy a Lottery ticket this weekend just in case - something I dont ever do

Now I don't want to set felines amid feathery things, but doesn't it seem the GO specialises in sending cards to - what's the polite phrase -- loppies of a certain age? Explains why I didn't get one: too young!

Dear Diva, this is just for you:

I never thought I could be liking
Someone who is a bloomin' Viking!
But you are nothing short of charming,
(If from a race that's quite alarming!)
No need to thank me, I've had my say,
But must add this: Happy Birthday!

Final chapter coming up in just a few minutes. Just thing -- won't be able to say that again, at least for the foreseeable future.

Thanks for keeping me in mind Shirley2 appreciate that, I am waiting to hear from Pauline2, as I might have some news that will interest her.
I want to complain about the Stella tickets, I bet you within a few days a lot of tickets for the Stella will be up for sale on EBAY, although I know it isnt legal. I know its a few years ago, but it was fairer when the code at the bottom of your application form was indicitive of how long you had supported the tournament(big words there)but it makes my mad when you sit next to somebody who has no idea who they are watching.
Right enough moaning, great to hear your GOOD LUCK is continuing, gosh if you won the Lottery you could buy the Queens Club!!!!!!!
Good Luck

Deanna thank you, that would be great, just Lee's bits would be fine:)))

Eh up - the Loppy meet post is on LMAS!

Chapter Twenty-Four

Much later, in the wizard’s Irish castle, the party was winding down and knights, wizards, fairies, muses and loppies, were slowly dispersing. The sound of loppy laughter filled the room and it delighted Lee to see them so happy. Their pretty gowns were even more vibrant now that the effects of the evil Aus had been eliminated, and Diva, he was happy to note, had reclaimed her helmet and wore it with honour. Even the squashed bits of spider on it didn't seem to dampen her spirits. Lee had danced with every loppy present (there was quite a number), had eaten a large plate of steak and onions, drank rather more mead than was good for him, and had, at last, sank onto a bench outside Dot's Irish castle. He could see the lake in the distance, but it no longer held any fears for him. He was joined by Boyz, Charming, and the muses and they all sat in a companionable silence for a long time.
"But what I don't understand," Boyz said at last. "Is how we all came back. We were all lost, some of us in quite hideous ways. We shouldn't be here."
The Captain answered, "Well, you're right there was some very unpleasant violence committed to some of you. No doubt the author needs some form of therapy. But you're all here because, apart from the final joust, none of it was real. The desert, the Temptations, the tower, none of those things really happened. You were never really there, so you could never be really hurt. You believed it, of course, which is why you needed Dot's special brew to help you recover."
"But Boyz was hurt, and so was Charming," Lee said. "I'd swear to it."
"They were indeed hurt," Sir William the Gentle said. "But they had the advantage of some very powerful charms protecting them."
"What charms?" Charming (appropriately) asked.
"Well, you both cared about Lee, recognised him as the real king, and that was your first level of protection. Secondly, Lee was very reluctant to hurt either of you; he did so only out of duty, not malice. And that was your next level of protection. But the third level was the most important: Lee's tears. You might have heard it said that the hands of a king are healing hands. Much more so are his tears. Any harm you might have suffered was cured by his tears."
"And me?" Lee said. "There's no question Weepy wanted me to die. How am I still here?"
"Because you, too, were protected by the love of your friends and the love of the loppies. Not only that, but the sword Weepy used against you was your own, and it is bound to your protection. That sword will never harm you."
"Ohhhh!" all the knights said together.
"Does that tie up all the loose ends?" Sir William asked.
"Yep," Boyz said. "I've gone back through the manuscript and I think that just about does it."
"Excellent," Maid Marryme said, rising. "If your majesty will excuse me, I'm off to bed. Good night boys."
"Wait!" Lee said. "What will happen to Boyz and Charming? Don't they deserve some reward for the support they gave me?"
"Aw, I was almost out of here," Maid Marryme said.
"You go on," said the captain. "I'll answer the rest of the questions. All the other knights will do fine, though some better than others. Dentalfloss will do well on the circuit as an itinerant knight. He might even work for you, your majesty, if you need him in the future. Antnotdec will also have a promising career as a pop idol. It's a short shelf life, but lucrative enough. Charming here will become a Prince and will have a very fine career in an endless series of fairy tales. You're a bit of a jack-the-lad, Charming, but I
can't say I blame you."
"And Boyz?"
"Boyz will become the Prince of Avenue Q and your neighbour. Don't worry, Lee, your friends will be fine, and you'll see plenty of each other."
An hour later he was alone at last and he sat and thought about the weeks that had passed, the challenges he'd faced, and the journey to see his dream come true. There was a soft 'ahem' behind him and he turned around to see a group of loppies waiting to speak to him.
He rose and went to them. "Ladies," he said. "What can I do for you?"
"We have a present for you," they said. "Since our colours are even brighter now, and we wanted to put them to good use. So we've each taken a strip from our gowns (or pantaloons in Jodhpur's case) and we've made you a coat."
He tried it on and found it was a perfect fit. It was a dazzling coat of many colours. He spun around and looked, for the moment, like a swirling rainbow.
"Bless you all," he said, and he kissed each of them in turn, though it took a long time for they each got in line more than once.
And so he reigns, the boy who wanted nothing more than to win the Order of Joseph, who has become the greatest king the land of Adelphi has ever seen.
The new king has been greeted warmly by the noble DonnO, and has been introduced to some lesser royals, by the names of Wills and Harry. He still sees all his friends, the knights who had been his competitors, and they rejoice in his success. The loppies are content now, for they know their king is kind and honest and have nothing more to fear from the evil Aus, who was last seen being chased by Strawberry's three dogs down the beach.
And, as is the way in all good fairy stories, they all lived happily ever after.

Aw Geri! Thank you! Here endeth the story - happlily. It's been marvellous fun and we're all going to miss it!

That is lovely made me swoon at the thought of being kissed, more than once! Just love the idea of your dogs chasing Aus down the beach Shirley! Tha t was a masterpiece Geri thankyou for th e wonderful entertainment. Although I know you will need a break, please say we can have another story sometime.

Jill I have sent an email to you via stageloppies.

Aaaaah Geri, that's lovely!
Well done you, thanks so much for all the hours of entertainment, I've really enjoyed it and am full of admiration at the way you've kept it going although you've been so busy.

It's sad not to have a new instalment to look forward to but did you say you have plans for another saga? After you've had a well deserved rest of course, perhaps a fortnight in Thailand?

Fantastic ending Geri. Loved the "he kissed each of them in turn, though it took a long time for they each got in line more than once." As if we loppies would ever do that! Also loved the lesser royals, put them in their place why don't you!

Seriously, thank you for a marvellous tale which has moved and amused me in equal parts, (occasionally both at the same time) and which I shall miss catching up with every time I come onto the blog.

PS Sorry Eva, bit late but no less heartfelt HAPPY BIRTHDAY and so pleased you got the card!

Geri,- ooooooohhhhhhhh, thank you, both for the poem and for the end chapter. I sneaked 3 kisses from Sir Lee ( I think he recognized me the last time, but since it's my birthday, he let it pass!)

Naughty Loppies lining up for more than one kiss,
I love a happing ending Thank you so much for writing the tale Geri, I am so full of admiration for you, I still could do with more English lessons though!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am still a bit concerned about Ali's ticket for the BLM, is anybody going to apply for her?
Although Ali I see Donna and Pat are going to be online until midnight.
I am going out now so hope somebody can help Ali.

Jackie, I suppose I remembered I'm Irish...
I do have a story in mind, but it'll be a one-off short story (though a fairly long one). Tentative title is 'Ten Years After'. We're thinking of just making it available for a contribution to Mildmay, rather than posting it on the blog though, of course, that might change. Other than the concept, I don't really have a plot in mind yet, so if it looks like it might turn into another marathon, I might just post it. I'd appreciate any feedback on the idea: what would you all prefer?

Just arrived back on line. Had a lovely couple here. They are dog sitters and will be letting my gang out for me several times when I come up to London to see a certain show. So dont have to worry about dashing back quite so precipitously. And dont have to take them to kennels each time I come up either. Great relief, and the dogs loved them. Brillian.

Geri a huge huge thank you to you. I loved the last chapter, and thank you for mentioning the dogs. They had such fun chasing Aus - (Dogs revel in nasty smells). But even though I was sad that it was the end of the story I was still smiling and giggling at the jokes.

Has anyone had information back on the BLG - what is the story?? Still undecided here.

Ok, haven't read anything yet so sorry if you've seen it already but
GERI, MESSAGE ON LMAS ABOUT THE VALENTINE PROJECT, WOW CONGRATS AND SAME TO ALL OF YOU WHO DID SQUARES!!

Geri that is a bit of a hard choice! My better side (yes there is one) says it would be a fantastic thing to do a contribution thingy for Mildmay, but my baser self would love another marathon! Guess it should be what you would like to do and what you are happiest with.

Fab for your dogs Shirley, if they like these people that much they'll be sending you to London more often!

I do love happy endings. They are so happy!! Thank you Geri for this gripping story.
I enjoyed it immensely

Eva, great birthday gift you had in your mail today.
As you are so found of foreign language I give you a Dutch birthday wish.

VAN HARTE GEFELICITEERD!! IK HOOP DAT JE EEN LEUKE VERJAARDAG HEBT GEHAD.

Thanks for that reminder, Anne. I'll let one of the Dub-lops wish you a happy B'day in Gaelic, Eva, but here it is (phonetically) in Hebrew: Yom yoledet samayach!

Carol, I wasn't familiar with that Auden poem which is odd because he's one of my favourite poets. He seems so sweet and lyrical then you get to the bite at the end. Delicious! Anyway, I shall be remembering that poem -- it really is my sort of thing. Surprise!

Geri - loved the coming tog of the colours - and the loppies - at end. Also good to see you are an ardent royalist! Thank you again for your creativity - and time and energy.

Our fridge freezer has just broken - only 6 years old and so just spent ages putting food in boxes in garage and neighbours fridge. Did my back no end of good - not. Can I take you up on that massage now eva?

Congrats on real birthday Eva and Lee's card.

Jackie - I a sure Ali will get back in time to send email re BLM as a)tickets only booked when they receive the money thro post + b)have to send full address for each person getting ticket and I dont have Ali's. BLM (5pm-7pm) has room for 200 so am sure all who want a ticket should get one. My thoughts are that I would get ticket and then if we wanted we could have sep stage loppy meet before fro those not going to matinee.

Off to cancel online shop as no fridge or freezer to store it in.

Good Evening All
Especially Eva (aka Rita Hayworth)
Maggie and I wish you a very Happy Birthday and hope it has been a great one so far.
25 Today what a lovely age.
Maggie (working at the moment) has asked me to say hello to you all, but due to problems with the care (or lack of it)of her sloppy in hospital, she has been very busy on the phone and going to and fro the hospital in london, and not had time to check out the blogg.
had a quick look today before going to work and noticed Eva's birthday.
She also asks if Lee's last show is still October? (Rumours of extention) and if there is one then she needs to sort out a ticket.
She is off for the next couple of days, so will be catching up on the blogg and will no doubt be saying hi at the same time.

Happy Birthday Eva
I wish I could say I'd organised card, but I didn't. How lovely for you.

Again thank you all for birthday wishes.
Anne,- as I speak German I have translated you message as follows: Heartfelt wishes. I hope that you have a happy Birthday.
Geri,- Karen2 kindly sent me a Gealic wish ( That's what I hope it was!) but thank you for the Hebrew one. Again I have to take your word for it!
Martin,- you flatterer, you. Rita Hayworth and 25. That really is in my dreams!
Jo4,- it was my Shirley (you met her at AT show) who arranged it.

Eva-I read on and mystery solved, what a lovely thing to do

Oh Geri, a really happy ending. Love the bit about standing in line more than once and the swirl in the coat a nice touch. I'm going to read it all over again, but not tonight got lots to do prepping for tomorrow.

Thanks Martin - give our love to Maggie

Ooo Karen2 thanks for that! Well Done Geri - it arrived safe and sound Hurrah!

Fi - I agree with you about the BLM. Hopefully most of us should be able to get in - and we can always arrange a seperate meet up if anyone can't, as you suggested.

Did you see on the forum a mention of New Mag interview with DVO where it seems she says that they both sing around the house all the time - I'm really liking the idea of that, makes me think they must really be happy together. Mushy I know, but then I suppose we all just want to see him happy.

Martin send love to Maggie, must be very difficult being so far away.

I've got the info for the BLM and I'm booking a ticket.

OMG, heart-stopping moment! On the official site they have it that he is doing the Prince's trust thing on March 18th, the night we are going to the show, the panic set in before I read that it's an afternoon event so I suppose he'll have no problem being on stage in Joe that night, but I hope he's not extra tired.
Also, they have Thursday the 18th - some part of which is wrong as the 18th is a Tuesday?

Karen2,- I think someone checked the Prince's Trust website and the date is right, 18th, it's on Tuesday.

Thanks Eva - I was hoping it would be on the Thursday, do you think it will have any effect on the evening show?

I shouldn't think so. If he can do two whole shows in one day, he can manage a performance, probably one or two songs, and then sing his heart out for you later.

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburtstag, Eva.
Karen2, I'm going on the 18th as well, and I was worried, just like you. Fingers crossed he'll be on stage that evening.

Thank you so much, Geri, for AKWD. I've enjoyed it immensely, whether laughing or crying. I'm going to miss the "daily dose" but am really looking forward to seeing the finished illustrated version. And congrats on Lee's message.

My best to Maggie. And sorry about your fridge freezer, Fi.

Eva, that is a good translation of my birthday wish. I hope you had a great day today.

Got a wonderfully warm and fuzzy feeling now after reading the last chapter- must be the kisses! Thank you so much Geri for such a well written tale and I just love the Happy, Happy ending.

Oh Geri, that was lovely (especially as we got more than one kiss) loved the idea of the multi coloured coat!! Just back from rehearsal, so feeling a bit whacked as I had to take it tonight and we were setting a routine but we had five people missing through lurgies of one sort or another and as this is a very small production (only 14 of us) that was quite a big hole when setting things! Martin give our love to Maggie, thank you! OK of for sweet Meads now!

Still a bit of work left for the Graphics Dept - I'm really going to miss doing the drawings.

Good Night to one and all!

Eva hope your day has been a good one though I suspect we all know the highlight!
Martin, hope Maggies' Sloppy is getting better, and that she is ok as I know how draining all this milarky can be.
Fi I hope your back is getting better, if not get thee to a physio/chiro/ osteopath, whichever you fancy!
Auds hope you are feeling better.
Ohhhhhhmmmms for all in need.
I'm for my bed after a lousy night last night, so night night all sleep tight.

I'm off to bed too. May I add my good wishes to Maggie & her sloppy. Hope the hospital gets its act together soon for all your sakes.

How cool was Lee's acknowledgement of the Valentine? OK, not a signed birthday card, but I can live with it!

'Night all.

Geri- you so deserved Lee's thanks for the Valentine project - brilliant idea and then loads of work for you. And thanks so much for AKWD - I'm in the process of printing it all off so that I can read it from the start and immerse myself in it!!

I'll just say good night before I float upstairs to my bed. What a lovely day I've had,- thanks to all you lovely ladies,- and Martin, of course, Lee's card!!! and all the other cards, presents, e-mails and telephone calls I've had during the day. I am cream crackered (to quote Terry Wogan) so sleep tight, have wonderful dreams( I will !!!!!!) and wake up happy.

Got in late, after night out, had to catch up on the blog before the duvet called.

Just got time to say for the umpteenth time, OH GERI, I loved it, right to the last word. The bit that brought the tears tonight was the paragraph that began, and so he reigns, What a wonderful tale it was.

Jane E, forgot to say, love your drawings, they are exactly right for the story.

Must go, nite nite.

Oh Auds, hope you are feeling, lots better.

Geri,well deserved thanks from Lee. But still so exciting that he specifically mentions it. Guess it must have arrived OK!!!

Martin please give my love to Maggie too. It must be a very stressful time for her.

And another Loppy heading to her bed. Tired but happy. Goodnight all, Sleep well and have Sweet Meads.

Geri-I'm glad GO acknowledged the V card. It made all your work worthwhile. Thanks again for co-ordinating all the 'five year olds' and the artists who sent in squares (and an oblong). Also thanks for the story (making us all under 27 and getting us kisses and a dance.)
Graphics Dept-I just so want to see the finished article. Thank you for the work too.

promo for You and me on ebay already
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=310024738468&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=021

Can't find anything else interesting so....
Nightlee night

OK Morning, morning time to rise and shine on a day when there will be no more AKWD (sob), when Geri (and the rest of the "talent") can bask in the GO's thanks - ok so he must like 5 year old type art, and this is mine I'm referrig to not the rest of the talented bunch (grr), where the sun isn't shining (yet) but it is the middle of the week! BHB has waffles and pancakes on the go today in addition to the whisky glazed porridge - feeling as if my germs may at last be retreating, so I'll lend a hand today - oooohhhhhmmmmms for all the sick, ailing and poorly and their loved ones.

Morning All!

And well done Geri on the Valentine's Project - you must be so chuffed!

Porridge again for me please.

I've got a busy day today - colleagues retirment do at lunch time (I'll miss her, she's the other Lee fan in the office) and cinema this evening - going to see Jumper!

Catch you later Loppies!

Good morning all -- well it's a whole 3 degrees above zero which makes it a heatwave compared with yesterday's temp. And it always feels sunny and 26 degrees in the GO's presence. Sorry, yours too, BHB. Hot porridge (special receipe) and my special receipe coffee would be lovely, thanks. And thanks to all of you for your kind comments and letters about the story. Jane & I spent some time last night working on the formatting so it'll not only read well (I hope), but look pretty when we're ready to circulate it. And as with the Enterprise story, I will review it and possibly add a couple of bits, too. Writing in serial form gives me a whole new appreciation for Dickens! So, BHB, come sit by the fire and you can tell me what's new in your life. A special concert? Uh-huh. And a new single? Right. You know, there are doctors for that sort of thing...

Good morning to all Loppies. Hope you have the sense to be snoozing peacefully in your beds.

Finally had a late text from Auds last night. I think the text I had sent her in the afternoon cheered her up, when she eventually surfaced from her sick bed.

Geri, maybe you should set your next saga in Transylvania with vampire bats flying about. That would put a different slant on things.

Good morning BHB. It is cold and dark here. So a nice warming bowl of porridge please. And a large chamomile tea. I need something to calm my nerves.

Morning all. The world is still looking bright and beautiful, at least from my point of view! The good feelings from yesterday are still lingering, thanks in a large part to this blog and all who sail in her !
Hello sweetheart. You want me to come down from Cloud 9 and get some breakfast? It's hard, you know, with a card from GO, sitting on my bedside table during the night! (The card, not GO, unfortunately!)(Well, I couldn't leave it all cold and shivering downstairs, could I?) You know about the card,- you wrote it ??????? As Geri says, there are treatments for those kinds of things. Give us a hug now, and then I'll have some waffles, savoury ones, please and some of my unleaded. I'm shivering here in what Geri calls a heatwave,- it's +0.9 degrees outside.
Readying up for a day of leasure. Apart from having a bloodtest taken, there is nothing on the calendar. Bliss !

Morning - lovely warming porridge - thank you.

Pauline2 - have given in and phoned a recommended physio as lugging huge amounts of meat etc around last night obviously not good for the back. Left message so hope can get in to see him soon.

geri - you so deserve Lee's special thanks. Well done and thanks you.

Dont want a heatwave thankyou eva as fridge is now a box outside back door! Had to cancel online grocery delivery (couldnt all fit in box)and have to work out how to feed 8 guests on saturday. However your lamb chops now in preset oven ready for tonight Eva (well not your actual lamb chops - sorry - but your recipe).

maggie - lots of love and best wishes fro you and sloppy.

Off to w..k now tho what use I will be as didnt slep and virtually bent double but important meeting . Have a good day all

Morning All, not as cold as recently but definitely a porridge morning and a strong coffee - need perking up this morning.

Agree with you all, was so excited to see Lee's particular acknowledgement of the valentine project, well done all.

Ooohhhmmms for all bad backs/legs/sniffles etc. Hope you all start to feel better soon.

Kind of a downer now we haven't got AKWD to anticipate each evening but such a lovely ending, all wrapped up nicely, the baddies punished, the good guys rewarded, and the loppies all got a kiss (or two). Thanks again Geri.

What did you think of the New magazine interview with Denise
where it seems she says that they both sing around the house all the time - I'm really liking the idea of that, makes me think they must really be happy together. Mushy I know, but then I suppose we all just want to see him happy.
Also is it possible that they would be in some stage production together?

Morning all, well although late as usual, this morning I've already been on the anti-biotic run for Sloppy, who is responding well (fingers tightly crossed). Far to much activity first thing in the morning!

Geri not sure if I really said yesterday how chuffed I am for you to get your project on Lees' site!! No more than you deserve, but wow, and without being childish ya boo sucks to the one or two on LMAS who tried to say it was inappropriate and would embarass him!! Bet they all wish they'd joined in now.

Fi, so glad you are seeing someone about your back. All my problems now come from allowing the damage I did 20 years ago to "heal itself". Of course it didn't really and now will never be 100%.

Karen2 anything is possible, but I'll believe it when it happens!

Off to see South Pacific this afternoon, with Helena fron HDYSAPLM. Should be good. Oh hello BHB, what's that you want to sing me the track you are releasing? Well you know I love to hear you sing so yes please. (What is he on about today? I think he's been at Geris' coffee! Best humour him.)

Diana,- dear lady,- my mail just arrived and with it the GORGEOUS PHOTO of GO. My heart is doing summersaults here. Do I love it? YES YES YES A bit excited? Who, me?

Morning all

Another ailing Loppy here (again). Took to my sickbed at 4pm yesterday and have only just surfaced still feeling grotty. Have an horrendous cough which has, of course, led to the inevitable sore throat and pounding head. You know what, I don't usually get ill (thank goodness) but these last few months I just seem to have had one thing after the other. I need to make a large withdrawal from the Ohm bank please. I will of course make an equally large deposit for all others who need them.

Anyway, what a night I missed - The Ending! Can't thank you enough Geri - the whole story was just wonderful and kept us entertained for many a happy hour, through sickness and difficult times. So looking forward to seeing the real thing with Jane's drawing too. As someone else said, it truly will be a masterpiece.

Think I've missed the point about the Loppy meet and my brain is a bit frazzled. Don't understand about tickets - tickets for what? Can someone fill me in or have I missed the boat now? Ta v much.

Have now got new front page to Lee's official site, but the rest is still the same old stuff. This is so wierd.
Btw Geri I meant Lees' official thankyou not site but you get the drift!

Karen, not another one, you poor thing, have some extra ohhhhhhhmmmmmmms for good measure. The tickets they are all on about are for the Great Loppy Meet organised by LMAS, the debate being whether or not to go. The ticket list was opened last night. Get well soon.

Oh WOOOOOOOW you have got to see this fan vid. It's all in black and white and boy does he suit it. Need bucket and fan and thudddddddd.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y45wE-JpgSM

Morning all, sorry to hear so many ill Loppies,
ooohhhmmms to Karen, Maggie's Mum, Pauline 2's sloppy and everyone who needs them.

Feel a bit flat with no AKWD to look forward to Geri but still have nice warm feeling about the lovely happy ending.
Glad too, that you got a wonderful aknowledgement of the Valentine project, it's so good to know it arrived safely (minus a few squares!) and was appreciated.

Has anyone had a pneumonia jab?
I had one on Monday and my arm has not only been sore since but quite swollen and red, I'm wondering if this is normal, I feel perfectly well.

Maeve,- I had a pneumonia jab 3 years ago, and can't remember any problems,- except for the fact that I had pneumonia again in October last year!!!!

Morning ladies (just!) Unable to get back online last night as late home and ploppy had left a post-it note on the laptop saying I couldn't use it as he was doing something (?) overnight. I've sent an email asking for details of BLM but haven't had a reply yet. Thanks for your concern last night Jill, I'm not too worried if I've missed the boat as I rarely go on the forum and wouldn't know anyone there, to be honest I'd prefer a stageloppies get together pre-show.
Geri, so glad you got the recognition you deserve re:collage. I loved the finale to AKWD, are you having a bit of a JK Rowling moment now it's all finished? Can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve next!
Ooohhhhmmmmmsssss for all who need them, and there seem to be a fair few at the moment!
Busy day today so doubt I'll be back till tonight. Havea good day folks

Thanks Eva that's really cheered me up, not only sore arm but a dose of pneumonia to look forward to in a few years time!
Hope you weren't too ill.

Lots of ooohhhhhmmmmms for Auds, Karen, Fi, Maggie's Sloppy, Pauline2's Sloppy and everyone else in need! I still haven't cleared the cough or the sinuses, but at least I feel better in myself! Geri I have withdrawal symptoms already! How long were you suggesting until the next one????
Better get back to the wxxk sadly as very busy today!

THANK YOU GERI. AKWD was magnificent. I'm so sad it's over. Also well done with the Valentine. I wonder where the GO will put it? Maybe in his dressing room. Keep an eye out for it you lucky pair who will be having an UC&P soon.

Belated happy birthday Eva. Hope you had a lovely day. Certainly sounds like it.

Ooooooohhhhmmms for everyone who needs them. They certainly worked for me. I'm starting to dream of a glass of wine so I must be on the mend. I've pencilled in my first drink for Friday evening. That will be 2 weeks with no alcohol which is unheard of.

Re the BLM I registered interest when it was first mentioned. At that stage they were talking about tickets being about £10. I'll email my details in a minute and will probably get one if there are any left but if we decide to have a more exclusive gathering on the day I'll come to ours because I don't know anyone on LMAS.

Maeve the theory is that if you have that strong a reaction to the vaccination you are very susceptible to the virus and had you developed pneumonia you would have had it very badly indeed. So a good thing you had it, even if it is painful now.

Lots of OOOOHHHHMMMMMSSSS for all of you who need them.

Alison I got a reply back re:BLM In short you need to send a cheque for £10.00 asap in order to get a ticket. The venue is printed on the ticket and they've asked people not to discuss it on an open forum. First 200 cheques received will get a ticket. If anyone has any more info maybe they could email privately via stageloppies to help people make a decision?

Maeve,- sorry to sound like a wet blanket about the pneumonia jab, but hopefully Shirley's input will make you feel better. I was given the jab because I used to have pneumonia almost on a regular basis every year, so I wasn't too pleased when it returned. But I got over it, and now I keep fingers crossed for it not to come back.
Alison,- glad to hear you are feeling better. The thirst for something alcoholic should bode for better times!
Carol,- I know I don't have to ask you if you've tried anything with alcohol in it for your cough! Maybe if you try something without, it would give your system such a shock that you'll be OK again. Worth a try?

Morning everyone,

Geri the ending was superb really love HEA. The coat made from the loppies dresses so lovely and lining up for kisses more than once, brilliant and quite understandable I think.

Get well soon to everyone who is ill - lots off oooooohhhmmmmms - back to work now - I've got loads to do.

Dear Aunty Eva - what a novel thought, but thank you I think I will pass on that suggestion - incohol is the only thing keeping me going!! Regarding the Big Loppy Meet - I suspect that what most of us are going to do is get a ticket but arrange to meet together beforehand somewhere and go "en masse"! I will have Ploppy with me, but I can confirm he is very well behaved!

Carol,- I thought you might object to my suggestion!
We all know that your Ploppy is a poppet,- one of the best.

Ali I am certainly going. Sending my cheque off today. Shirley2 and Carolyn have already applied and so have Carol and her Ploppy. Oh and Gillian too. So lots of us planning to be there. I figure if the room is big enough for 200 we can form a huddle anyway. From which we can make forays to the refreshments, tampling everyone in our path with our hobnailed boots. And it gives us somewhere to put on our horned helmets, our ears, and desyncronise our multicoloured clocks.

Had a lovely post this morning. Some of the most fabulous photos of Lee that I have ever seen - thank you so much for organising that Diana. And a CD from Mildmay with the high def version of all the Formula 1 photos of Lee in his overalls. THUD THUD THUD. URGENT REQUEST FOR THE BUCKET PLEASE - Cooling Unit has been set to maximum. Damn its hot here!!!!

And then the last 2 tickets for Loppies for the original tearfest. At last. So Diana and Alison Hall, finally your tickets have arrived. I will get them in the mail to you today or tomorrow.

Eva, so glad you love your photo. Hope the others arrive safely.

Pauline2, if it's not too late, enjoy SP.

Karen, sorry you're the latest to succomb. Lots of oooohhhmms to you, Auds and everyone who needs them. Hope that's not me next as both my manager and no. 2 have colds.

I've applied for a ticket for the Big Loppy Meet and I agree with Carol's comments. I imagine that there will be various groups there anyway ie. those who've already met up will stick together, so we can always have a meet within a meet. I can vouch for Carol's Ploppy.

So pleased you're happy with the photos, Shirley - I'd have been very surprised if you weren't!! And great news about the Mildmay pics too. Let us know how you want us to go about paying for them. If you like, you can give me the ticket in person.

Pauline2 - interested in your review on SP as I am considering taking my Sloppy to High Wycombe to see it.... Shirley - good job you reminded me about the clocks - I might have forgotten mine! There, Ploppy can come in handy carrying it for me, thus freeing my elbows and enabling even more mayhem to follow in my wake! I wonder if he will wear flashing earrings for us ........

Ali,- I have applied for tickets to, for myself and Geri.
Carol,- we could do a Charge of The Loppy Brigade if we feel we aren't treated reverently enough!..I mean to say,- of course we should be first in the queue for everything!

Well we are the proper and original Loppies, Eva.

Shirley at last my ticket for the original tearfest. Thank you. I was gettng worried but didn't want to hassle you as you've been doing so much organising for fundraising recently. That's certainly cheered me up.

I'll get a ticket for the BLM if that's what everyone else is doing for October (assuming I'm not too late.)

Thanks Diana, will do. And Donna is posting a page on LMAS for the Minardi photos later today with all the ordering details. I have had time to look at the disc now, and the photos are STUNNING. Talk about THUDworthy

hey hey! I'm back. Oh boy, I'm so happy to be alive... even more so now that the UC&P date is in the diary!! sigh sigh.
And oh dear, I may have missed out on the Big Loppy Meet.. I've just sent off my email... so just cross fingers and hold thumbs. Also fear I'mve missed lots as I haven't caught up on all the posts since I went 'off line' but I have got the final chapters ready to read. I shall be brave, as I know there is a 'happy ever after' ending. phew. But how I'll miss the excitement of waiting on the next chapter.
I'm just to happy though to be back to normal - well you know what I mean.

oops, forgot to change the handle...

Good to have you back with us, Auds.

Hey Diana - firstly, I still have the cheque that I should have posted on Monday off to you for the picture. Now that it's the larger size shall I increase the amount, or shall I just bring the difference with me on Saturday?

Alison glad you're feeling a bit better.

Lots of Ohhmmmss for anyone still needing them.

I've also sent off for a ticket for the Big Loppy Meet - and agree Carol & Diana, we can always meet up before hand. Glad there are a fair few of us planing to go. (What about you Karen?)

Had a lovely lunch at colleague's retirement do and enough wine to make our Queen Lush proud.

Going off to the cinema soon.

Shirley, thanks for telling me about the pneu. jab, I'm now feeling very glad that I did have it rather than wishing that I hadn't.
(If that makes sense!)

I've also sent off for a BLM ticket, thinking that we'd all see each other there or beforehand.

Glad to hear you're feeling slightly better Auds, great that you and Shirley now have a date for the UC&P, are you crossing the days off, hope it's not too far away.

HI Auds (waves) glad you are back with us - if you go down with similar symptoms in say a month's time, I will be willing to stand in for you! If you get your email and cheque off pronto I think you should still be ok as it is on the basis of the cheques arriving that they are allocating tickets! Fear not though if anyone is left out we will make sure the Stage Loppies get together on that day in any event!
Shirley I await the contact prints with baited breath!

Hi Loppies
Hope it's ok (as I know I can't be counted among the Original and Best loppies, grovel, grovel) to ask can I join in on a Stage loppy meet on the 18th, booking a ticket anyway for the BLM but as I'll be meeting some of you illustrious, talented and interesting people in March, I'm sure the Stage Loppies will be where the real fun is at..!
(is that enough flattery to get me in??)

Auds, it's the same cost. Don't bother to post the cheque, we'll do a swop on Saturday.

Good afternoon Loppies.
Ooooohhhhmmmsssss for all who need them and the bank.
Maeve - I had a pneu. jab about 5 years ago and I had a small painful red lump for a couple of days. just like I get with the flu jab.
I've sent for tickets for the BLM for me and Ploppy. He's very well behaved, even if he does suffer from selective hearing sometimes. He's been out and posted the BLM request and has been doing the ixxxng and is going to cook tonight. Looking forward to meeting the Stage Loppies there and will bring my elbow sharpeners.
See you later. Bye,

Karen2 - I think that was a beautiful grovel! The more the merrier I say! Kathleen, glad to see the elbow sharpeners will be in action, and don't forget the hobnail boots!!! Ploppy just said he will take me for a meal on the way home so I don't have to cook......he is sometimes a real treasure!! Of course that means I will have to drink lots of red wine to wash it all down and still be home in time for Torchwood!

I have now sent a cheque off for the BLM, I am looking forward to meeting the people behind the names(does that sound right)??????
By the way has anything been organised for March 17th???????
Lots of Ohhmmmmmms from me for the Bank, this "thing"going round sounds horrible.

Jill, our Dub-lop representative, Karen2, will be there on March 17 (that's right, isn't it K2?) and will be bringing a St Pat's card from the Irish contingent. And quite right, too. I think Karen is still hoping to meet up with several loppies in the London vicinity during her visit.

Thanks again for all the kind comments about the story (and Lee's comments about the collage). Of course there will be another story, but I'm still waiting for feedback on the question I asked last night: would you prefer a serialised story on the blog like AKWD, or a longish short story that will only be available for a donation to Mildmay?
By the way, Pauline2, loved your comment about the naysayers on LMAS who were so disparaging about the collage idea. Hadn't even thought about it, but you're right.

and…… more good news, all the T shirts have now been delivered. I have arranged to take them to the Screenprinters on Friday ready to be THUDDED next week! I’ll hopefully get them back by the end of the week, giving me the weekend to pack ready to post on Monday 3rd March.

Thought it was lovely of Lee to mention the Valentines cards and gifts from fans but wonderful that he particularly mentioned the collage. Geri, he is obviously chuffed with your labour of love! Well done to everyone who contributed - yes, even the '5 year olds' remember, its taking part that counts!

Glad to see you’re on the mend Auds.
Maeve, ohhhmmmmsss for your sore arm, hope you get some relief from it soon.

I posted my cheque for the BLM this morning. It’ll be interesting to see the details as they are all so hush hush…….

Alas no AKWD to look forward to tonight, suppose I could go and sort 104 (hope that’s the number you have too Shirley?) T Shirts by size and drat it, they want me to cut the card labels off ; which is a nuisance because they would have been much easier to sort and pack with the size clearly showing.

OH, yes! think I’ll get out my Hobnailed boots ready for Saturday too!

Auds,- is that your head sticking up over the paraphet? Lovely to see you again. I suppose you're still feeling a tad fragile, so we'll be gentle with you.
Karen2,- when you are saying illustrious, talented, interesting,- who are you talking about????? Us ???? Of course, me dear, whatever you say !!
Jill,- conserning the meet 17th March,- we'll be doing the planning per e-mail to each other. Don't woryy, we won't forget you.

Geri,- hi there Lepry,- didn't see you there! I wonder why? My wishes re the next story: You know I'm a greedy so and so, so I would love a story like AKWD, but if that is too much work, a longish short story is fine.

Oh Shirley! I've just seen Phil's photo's on Donna's site......SWOOOOOOOON !!!

EEEEKKK! (Screams like a little girl): He's to be featured on a movie soundtrack -- his official site says so!!!!

Carys, I got the photo!!!!!!. And oh it is beautiful. Lee is so beautiful.
I am staring at it right now. THUDD!!!!

Evening all,
long time no see. I won't bore you with the details, but I'm having a bit of a rubbish time at w**k at the moment, was all ready to resign yesterday but have decided to try and renegotiate hours to make sure dollop and scollop still recognise me when I get home.
Anyway, it's good that there are some Lee-related distractions from all that.
Diana, the photos made my week - they are just too gorgeous for words. Thank you so much.
Geri- belated happy birthday and thank you for the beautiful ending to AKWD; I won't be alone in not having wanted it to end but can't wait for the next project, whatever shape it takes.
I've just emailed to find out about the BLM in October, may be too late I suppose, but I'll have to wait and see. I'd definitely love to be part of a Stageloppies meet-up of some sort.
Commiserations to all suffering loppies: Alison, what rotten luck, hope you get your money back at least.
Auds, glad to see you are feeling a bit perkier.
Excellent news about the new TV appearances - at least some good will come out of the single that way - and on Fridays, too, when I'm home (buried in marking, but home nonetheless). Maybe things are looking up...

Gosh, I sound a bit sorry for myself, don't I?
Must administer some phototherapy I think.

Geri I must admit I liked the serialised story, but being "new" I will go with the majority, now isn't or wasn't K2 a dog in Doctor Who, or am I having a "funny turn" again, Sorry Karen2

Have read all the chapters now.. Aww Geri - what a lovely happy ending. sigh... such a lovely tale. And we all got a kiss.. bigger sighs. Personally, I'd love the next to be as this one - chapter by chapter - with AKWD the chapters reflected (sometimes) what was current, which makes is more 'personal'.
Brrr - I popped out this afternoon after surfacing from my sick bed - yikes it's cold out there - and foggy!!! I'm sorry I told the office I'd be in tomorrow now.

Jill, that was K9 (canine, get it?) Oh, they are a witty bunch on the Dr Who scriptwriting staff!

Oops, just realised I congratulated the wrong birthday girl. Must be going slightly more bonkers than usual.
Eva, you won't mind me doing it in German then: Herzlichen (verspaeteten) Glueckwunsch zum Geburtstag! You must have had a great day, what with the extra-special birthday card.

Elisabeth,- thank you so much. Don't worry, we are all allowed some self pity now and again.

So that all of you can go a tad greener, I've posted photos of the card to Martin so he can put them in our album. Preening ??? Moi???

Geri, of course it was, silly me

Eva-hope could you, just to make us all jealous, I know.
I've posted my cheque for BLM.

Elisabeth - sorry you are having a bad time - lots of ooohhhhhmmmmms for you! Geri my head says yes let's do it for charity, my heart says another serial please.....I'll go along with the majority vote! Just off to wash my hair and get ready for Torchwood! Catch up later.

Auds, so glad you're much better, and just a bit EXCITED???

Ohhmmmss for all other poorly people,
and for Maggie having such a stressfull time.

Geri, how can we possibly choose, a serial or a short story. Nice to donate to charity, but a chapter every night to look forward to!!!
I'd go for whichever you prefer, you give so much of your time to us, we're Lucky Loppies to have you.

Just nipping over to Donna's, to see the photos, back in a bit.

Evening All, hope my earlier grovelling worked, and yes Eva, of course I meant you (sshh, don't tell the others)

Geri, saw the movie soundtrack mention, guess that'll mean cinema ticket sales will now also experience a surge! Can't wait to hear what movie it is.

And K2 is the second highest peak in the Himalayas.

Feel like I have been running up a down escalator all day. So just a quick hello. While I settle down to watch my favourite Torchwood. If it wasnt for that I would be heading to bed already. To tired to string two coherent words together.

So will wish you all goodnight sleep tight and have Sweet Meads.

DVO & ALW on the Brits now!

Ok, not mentioned by name, but DVO said something about the nominees auditioning for Oliver and ALW said
"well at least you won't be able to hook up with the winner!"
(I squealed out loud)
DVO then said you're very cheeky!
(More or less the exact words)

Geri, I go with what you would prefer to do. You've given so much time already, though I guess it's probably an enjoyable task.

Oooh that's wonderful re movie soundtrack. Can't wait for more info.

Elisabeth, sorry to hear about your w**k problems but glad the photos lightened your day.

Evening all, home from SP, and have to say it was good. Helena is excellent, in fact her accent was the best US accent, and Dave Willets who was Emile also v. good. I've seen him before and always good I think. Did have a Lee moment during Younger than Springtime, but remembered he would have to cut his hair for it and came to my senses!! Well worth a visit I think Carol. Main down side was the audience, average age 80, and not exactly vibrant, which does put a damper on it a bit!
Diana, THUD, that photo should come with a health warning, so glad I picked that one (0508) just fantastic. What with that and the Mildmay photos....gosh.
Auds, waving frantically, so glad you are on the mend.
K2, never knew we had a mountain amoungst us!
Ohhhhhmmms for all in need. Hope I've not missed anyone or thing out!, you go out for one afternoon! What on earth is it like catching up after a week?
Off to gaze at my photo now. Missed start of Torchwood so will watch tomorrow.

Gillian are you on hols tomorrow? Or have I missed you, if not have a good time.

Carol,- I think that you bad (or good ?) influence has finally reached me. Yesterday I opened a bottle of red because it was my birthday. Had 2 glasses and decided I had to drink some more today. We all know red wine doesn't keep very well once opened. So that's me drinking incohol two days on the trot! I might make it into a LushLoppy yet!

Just calling in to say goodnight, and wish me luck for tomorrow, I have a rendezvous at the hospital, with a camera, and I'd rather not bother!!

Nite nite all.

Did anyone else see that on the Brits?
What kind of effect does he have on me that I get so excited at just a moment where he isn't even mentioned by name just referred to in a quick comment? I think I left sanity behind quite a while ago...

Better head to bed, college tomorrow so a long day ahead. Enjoy your vino Eva, you know what they say, a little of what you fancy does you good!

Oiche Mhaith, xx

Gillian,- off on your proper holiday then? Have a fabolous time, and remember to misbehave now and again.
Pauline2,- talking about South Pacific. When the film was first released 150 years ago, I wanted to see it so badly, but I was broke. My sister and I wondered how we could persuade our dear Dad to pay for us, so we told him it was a war-film from WWII,- which it is of course,- in a way. He fell for it, and came with us. It took him only 10 minutes into the film to fall asleep, and he snored his way through it. Meanwhile my sister and I loved every minute of it, and I still can feel the tears coming to my eyes remembering when the two lovebirds had to say good bye. Oh, dear, sweet youth!! I haven't watched it since.

Karen2 nevermind, you know you're 'slightly bonkers' so you've just had it confirmed.
OOOOHHHHHHHmmmmms for all who need it.
Owen dead in Torchwood, oh dear, fancy being shot by Jim from Neighbours, something for the cv.
Off to check out the b/w vid link above.
Nightlee night.

Now Eva who's been telling porkys????
I thought you told me at ST, you never drank incohol (so its only when you have a glass in your hand).
Sue all the best for tomorrow, if it is what I think it may be, the medicine is worse than the camera, but all good wishes anyway.
Gosh Karen2 first a canine and now a mountain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eva I loved the film, the only thing for me tonight is that during "Nothing Like a Dame" all I now see is Morcombe and Wise and the news readers, if that means anything to anyone of uncertain years! The bit tonight most touching was when Nellie tells Liat the Lt is dead, lump in throat, then piece of scenary descending from the flies came down a bit to quickly and hit the stage with a crash! Sort of broke the spell!
Owen dead!!!!!! I haven't seen it yet, really properly dead??????

I'm another SP fan. If you can, try to find the recording of Jose Carreras as Emile, Sarah Vaughn as Bloody Mary, Kiri te Kanawa as Nellie, and Mandy Patinkin as Joe Cable -- amazing voices. And you know the stage show was where Sean Connery had his first break (in the chorus). And for the REALLY old (Eva?), Lancer star James Stacy has a small part in the chorus of the film.

Yikes - Owen's dead!!! And Jim shot him. Interesting show afterwards though "Freezing" a sitcome with big name actors, keeping all their real names.. like hollywood gossip.. if only it wasn't on so late.
Ah well. Better make sure I get some sleep(???) now - gotta get to w**k tomorrow. Only 3 more sleeps! and I'll be germ free... hoorah!
Sweet meads one and all. Waves big HI and BYE to everyone. It's so nice being back. I might even be so excited that I get up really early tomorrow and join you all for breakfast.

Jill,- did I really say I never drank alcohol? I must have been lying then, because I do imbibe now and again. I love a good red wine, but my diabetes doesn't like it when I drink too much of it, so I have to ration myself.
Pauline2,- having only descended on this country 7 years ago, I never saw much of Morcombe and Wise, and certainly have never seen them do There Is Nothing Like A Dame. It must have been hilarious.

oops - sorry Pauline2.. giving the game away.

Just back from cinema - went to see Jumper. My advice, for anyone thinking of going - don't bother.

Karen2 - I thought I was a first class groveller, but I bow to the master, (mistress - you know what I mean!

Geri - I'm looking forward to your next story whatever form it takes!

Suex - good work with those T-shirts

Sue Good Luck for tomorrow - Ohmmms for you -

Ohmmms for Karen too - hope you can play out on Friday. And any one else who needs them Ohmmm.

Hope you have a good holiday Gillian.

Night Night all

Yes the M&W sketch was one of their best I think, very often repeated so you may catch it one day!

Auds think the gaff was well and truly blown anyway!!!

Pauline2, with respects, the dance with Cliff and buckets on their feet was my fave.

OK, bedtime, 'night all. Big ohhhmmms to all who need them.

Geri, as author, of course you must do as you wish with your next work but I really did love having the serialised, Dickens format of AKWD. We could all promise £10 or whatever you think to Mildmay anyway.

Eva, I remember going to SP, falling in love with John Kerr and watching the film round twice, you used to be able to do that aeons ago when cinemas ran continuous programmes!

Thanks for thoughts Suex and Kathleen, funnily enough I had no reaction at all to 'flu jab.

Maeve,- thank you for coming up with the hero's real name.John Kerr,- oooohhhh, lovely, wasn't he? I don't think I've ever seen him in anything else since. Have you?
The wine has gone straight to my head, so I'll better bid you good night. Sleep tight, have wonderful dreams( lots of photos to choose from ) and wake up happy.

Eva - I'm proud of you! Just sobbed over Torchwood so then had to watch next week's episode on BBC3 (if you see what I mean)! Pauline2 - thanks for that, Helena was the one we wanted to win in Maria, so glad she is doing well! OK off to bed now - Sue lots of ooohhhmmmss for you tomorrow. Sweet Meads all.

Have to say yes to that Geri, don't have one favourite, just lots of them. Claim to fame friend of mine used to live next door to EM, never met him myself but they said he was the lovliest man and exactly as you saw on tv.

Right time for my bed now as well so night night all.

Evening all
Just got in and found the E-mail from Eva with her photo's of the card sent to her by Lee for her Birthday.
They are uploaded to the Loppy Miscellaneous album.
http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

Hope it goes well tomorrow, Sue.

Karen2, if it's any comfort, you're not the only one.

Shouldn't admit to it but yes I remember that Morecombe & Wise sketch, Pauline2, and the one Geri referred to.

Gillian, in case I miss you tomorrow, have a fantastic holiday.

My bedtime too. Night night.

Martin,- thank you. You are a star, again.

Eva, I think JK was in a film called'Tea and Sympathy' but never saw or heard much of him after SP which was a shame, he was very, very scrumptious!

Martin,
I can identify a couple of loppies in the StP pics. Group of ladies in the street - far right is Kirsten and 5th from right Dawn. The loppy sitting with me in the pub is Lin. Cheers!

Eva, your card looks lovely.

Morning, morning all - Sue lots of ooohhhmmms for you and any other poorly Loppies (yes Auds that's you!). Breakfast already being prepared, BHB has been busy trying out new dishes, so plenty to choose from this morning. Weather report looks as if it might be a little warmer today but we still have copious amounts of whisky glazed just in case!

Good morning, all, ah BHB you've got a big fire lit (seems extraneous, given the natural heat the man generates), but I'd love to sit beside you and chat while we wait for the others to arrive. And you have my porridge and special coffee all ready for me, aren't you lovely! I see the ladies were talking about the lovely John Kerr. Reminded me of seeing My Fair Lady again in the early '80s and waiting to see the also-lovely Freddie. How surprised was I to see it was the fabulous Jeremy Brett -- I had totally forgotten he was in it. Shame they dubbed his voice, though, & it wasn't him singing On the Street Where You Live. Right, let's curl up under this blanket and you can tell me about your favourite movie moments, BHB...

Good Morning -

Ohhmmmm! Ohmmmm! Ohmmmm! Snuffles, Auds & Sue

Ohmmmm! Ohmmmmm! Ohmmmm! Karen (especially for Friday)

And a general Ohmmmmmm! for anyone who needs it.

Ooo I think it's still cold enough for a drop of whisky in the tea!

Eva - (shouting up to cloud 9)
your card is lovely!

Geri! It's not that cold! Get out from under that blanket - BHB has customers to serve you know!

Shh -- I think he's nodded off, poor chap...

well he can't be asleep now.. not when I've made it to bistro.. after my recent hibernation. Up you get out from under Geri's duvet. Geri! stop hogging the boy.
I'll have a large steaming hot cup of coffee please and a croissant, thank you.
Right now to face the day and three days worth of backlog at work. Time to put a big false smile on my face and 'go get em'. oo-er, it doesn't have to be a false smile -- only two more sleeps!!! Loppyfest and breathing the same air as the GO. sigh

Good morning all. I am really chuffed this morning. Those lovely photos of the GO in his racing overalls have made £200 already. Thanks to everyone for their generosity. And having seen the full versions you so will not be disappointed.

Good morning BHB, yes I suppose you do look a little like the GO, (with the eye of faith!!!!). A nice bowl or porridge for me again please. The ice has gone from the garden pond so it is certainly warmer than it has been, but still not springlike. I think we need to get our range of made to order juices going to get some serious levels of vitamin C into us to fight this aweful lurghy that everyone seems to be going down with - so I will have a white carrot and apple, with just a little root ginger in it to - well ginger it up!!!!

Morning all. Just as well I got here. I see I have to save BHB from a giggle of Loppies! Honestly, can't you see the poor boy is steaming under the duvet, beside the fire. Geri,- let him go, you pesky miniature!
Auds,- no, you can't take him with you into your office. I know you haven't seen him for a few days and have missed him dreadfully, but he stays here!!!!
Hello swetheart. I know,- they are a bit overentusiastic at times. May I have my leaded and some savoury waffles? They were delicious. Then you can come and sit here beside me and relax. Oh, never mind the others. They can go over in the corner and sulk.
So what are you up to today? A few hours off between the Bistro and your evening job? How do you spend all that spare time? Joking! I know you are a very busy young man. Well I've got my shopping for Syd to do today,- then it's pampering time, another pedicure.Do you like this colour for my toenails? ( Takes her socks off and wriggles her toes) You do? Good. I'll have the same colour again.

Morning. Definitely not as chilly this morning but roll on spring.

Those photos are very special Shirley, so most definitely worth it.

Oh double dilemma, can't choose between Stephanie's photos and now having a hard time selecting from Phil's - think I will go for the full length suited up one though (I am relying to Shoil to let me know as face partly obscured by the writing! Auds have as good a day as you can - I still have the remnants a week on, so don't overdo it!!

Carol you nutter you get all of the Mildmay photos. No need to chose. I will just send one in each email so I dont crash the internet. Or our mail boxes.

Do you think Carys has that terrible lurghy so many others have had. Just that she disappeared about the same time as Auds did - OOOHHHHMNMMss heading your way if you need them Carys.

I am heading out to the shops soon. Run out of Bovril and cannot enjoy my toast in the morning with some on it.

Shirley,- Bovril on your toast ???? I use it to make a stock! You English,- and you laugh at my smelly fish !!!!! I suppose it's like you Brown Sauce and your Marmate,- you either hate it or love it.

Isn't it funny Eva. Lots of people make a drink of Bovril, but it makes me gag just to think of drinking that. But love it on toast. Dont like Marmite either. How do we develop these preferences? Oh yes, and the Australian's have a different spread again Vegemite.

Morning all, I'm just off to post cheque for BLM, hope I'm not too late! Haven't been able to catch up with LMASyet or martin's pics, there just aren't enough hours in the day!
Hope to get back later but 11 yearold scollop wants me to help him research The Sex Pistols for an RS topic(?) when I was at school it was called RE with an emphasis on the "religion" bit, maybe some people would have paid more attention if they'd been able to talk about Jonny Rotten?
C U later!

...ok Shirley, call it a blonde moment! Yipee - just going to post my donation then!!! OOhhhmmmms for everyone - Carys hope you haven't got the lurghy, not something I would wish on anyone - ok maybe Sir Weepsalot and Nana!

Morning all, very late today, usual anti-bi run for sloppy then car needed petrol and air in tyres, so a busy morning so far!
Ali, the Sex Pistols and RS??!! Things have sure changed since I was at school.
If Carys has a lurghy attack just adding my ohhhmmms, hope you don't need them though.
Also ohhhhhhmmmms for anyone else in need. Fi how's the back doing?
Fancy missing BHB when he was getting steamy, life can be so unfair!

I love the idea of doing Sex Pistols as an RS topic, Ali - bizarre though it is!

Eva - I agree with Shirley - Bovril is yummy on toast!

Eek - Shirley! I forgot about the photos (how could I???) Am I too late?

Ohmmms for Carys (if she is down with lurgy)

Like the Sex Pistols RS topic Ali. Might get my 13 yeat old Scollop to suggest that to his teacher, well, maybe not...

Re the Marmite/Bovril debate. I always had Bovril on toast as a child, but Ploppy was a Marmite fan and he converted me (aided by the BSE crisis and concern for what small children ate). So now we all (bar one who hates both) eat Marmite on toast! Also younger Scollop had Marmite sandwiches all the way through infants, although now has expanded his range somewhat!

Saw the Dream On cd in HMV today. Didn't realise that Seamus and Johdeep were singing on it aswell as the five pictured on the cover. Suspect they were deemed less marketable sadly. Listened to snippets of the tracks on iTunes out of curiosity. Seems to be mostly Craig with the others doing harmonies. His voice is pleasant, but bland, lacking the depth and passion that Lee puts into his singing. I'll be surprised if the album does particularly well.

Marmite-yummy, the whole family love it, but only ploppy likes Bovril (as a drink)
RS teacher has given each pupil a famous person/group to research, as you can imagine scollop can't wait to stand up and say "never mind the bollocks" in front of everyone!!

I won't even enter the Marmite/Bovril debate. I'm sticking to my smelly fish, but not on toast!
JaneE,- I've come down from Cloud 9 now, but as I've just had my pedicure, I'm walking on air! I do hope BHB like the varnish colour!

Tonight I'm off to the theatre in Canterbury, seeing "Aspects of Love" with David Essex. I'm really looking forward to it, and will of course give you a review when I get back home.
I'll better start some lunch now, so I see you later.

Suex
Thank you for the name update, I have added them to the captions and hopefully are now corrrect, but don't be frightened to let me know if I've got it wrong, I also believe that you found a T-shirt for Maggie, so once again Thank you for the efforts from Shirley and yourself.

LEE ALERT For those who didn't sign up for Google Alerts - you can put a question to Lee for GMTV tomorrow
http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=28535

LEE ALERT!!! Lee is doing a web chat tomorrow!!

http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=28535

Just got the google alert!!

Martin, in the bottom left pic of Loppy Ladies, at St. Pancras meet, the three ??? between Shirley and Pauline2 are (I'm pretty certain)
from left, Kate, Joan and Angela, I remember talking to them on the day.

Beat you to it, AliB!

Diana - whats really quite weird is that we nearly wrote identical things!!!

Google alerts do have their uses although I really wish Lake Mead was called something else!!

Hi all. Just on for a minute to tell you I'll be off line until tomorrow afternoon. My "puter" is going in for a clean up,- it's sorely needed, and I just got hold of my "nerd" who said he'll do it today. Behave yourselves in the meantime.

Great minds think alike, Ali B, and I agree about Lake Mead.

I am really looking forward to tomorrow!! Lee on GMTV singing You and Me, then a webchat and then hopefully winning the WOS award!! Unfortunately I will be at work when all of this is happening!! I am hoping to secretly watch the webchat (with my MP3 headphones in my ears) but I have a feeling that work computers don't have that video format! Hopefully someone clever will be able to save it!!

Oh Aunty Eva - I hope you enjoy Aspects - will be interested in your review having seen it a few weeks back! Jackie - I think Bland seems to sum up most people's view of the CD/performance. Makes you appreciate the GO even more! Re the Bovril/Marmite debate - Ploopy has a taste for marmite and cheese on toast (I blame his parents!).

Thanks Diana and AliB I get google alerts, but they always turn up about 6pm. Guess this will mean he'll be on later rather than sooner tomorrow, as I'm sure they wouldn't have him hanging round the studio all morning. I'll still record it all just in case though!!

How does the video webcast work? I certainly chose the right day to work at home!

Maeve
Thanks for the info, picture caption updated.

Glad you asked that Diana, I dont know either.

Well I finally got to the top (or is it the bottom) of my mailbox. Phew. So tonight I can start acknowledging receipt of donations for the Mildmay photos.

Couldnt believe my eyes with the debate about Bovril/Marmite I wonder what it is about these things that make us so firm in our tastes. Only Jackie changed through the years (and her Ploppy's influence). I know Australians who carry nothing from home but Vegemite. Tried that one too, but didnt like it. I was a vegetarian for 20+ years and never found anything that really worked as well.

I haven't done a web chat before either so not sure what to do but think we just have to go back to that link at 9.30 and there should be instructions and we should see a video box in which Lee should appear!! In regards to the marmite debate - I love it and have it every (yes virtually every) morning on toast or english muffin and then have dairylea cheese spread on top!! I also can't stand vegemite but like drinking Bovril!!

Just had a look on LMAS and they are saying to log in earlyish as apparently when MB was on you couldn't get on at the right time. Amazing the things this guy gets me doing!
Love Marmite, like bovril, don't like vegemite. Aussies bring theirs' here I used to take Marmite out east, but they didn't like us taking it into Aus, so had to do without.

Hi all, thanks for the holiday wishes. I actually go about 6.30 this evening, 9.15 flight. The things I am missing tomorrow!!!

Shirley, over to you re stageloppies hotmail, and could you please text my mobile the result of the Whatsonstage awards?

Very resolutely refrained from turning the computer on today till now, as I had loads to do, and I knew I wouldn't get it done if I started Lee surfing. Now all packed, so I'm going to reward myself with a DVD. Last chance for 2 weeks.

Should be back early Friday 7th march, but we are still standby and the flights technically full. Still we are top of the list, and there's about 20 behind us who seem to think they'll get on as well. Confirmed in Club on the way out though so about 9.30 I shall be sipping champagne!:))

About to put some money to Mildmay for the pics. Am I supposed to email the receipt or anything? Probably won't get online again.

Gillian if I'm not too late have a great holiday, and good luck with the flights. Give my love to the crew!!!!

Its going to be a very exciting day for me tomorrow as apart from seeing Lee on GMTV (and hopefully being able to navigate the webchat thing which I have never in my life done before, I am also going to a certain theatre tomorrow evening!).
Gillian have a great holiday and raise a glass to us all tomorrow morning. We will think of you as we are tearing our hair out trying to get on-line to chat to the IBY. I cant see Lee being on before 8.30 tomorrow morning, more like 9am or later, as with a show the night before he's not going to get to the studios early. Auds - glad you are feeling better.

Gillian - have a wonderful time!

Have a great holiday Gillian! Hope you get Club class coming back too!

Glad I spotted this -

http://www.leemead.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=2210

Rumour of two appearances one at 7.30 (I can see this!!) and 9.00 (boo I am at work!!).

Thank you Ali B - very useful.

Now I want to make this clear, seeing as we're discussing this very serious topic - I do like both Marmite and Boveril. I didn't want there to be any misunderstanding there as I know how sensitive some people (MY PLOPPY) can be on the subject.

Evening all,
Thanks for the end of the story Geri, a perfect antidote to the wacky week I have had so far. My mother and I were booked to stay in London from Last Sunday until yesterday, seeing Joseph on the Monday (full hospitality package and row C stalls seats so even Mum, who is partially sighted, could see what was going on). Since we were going to be there on the Sunday we went to the 'Dream On' concert as well. I have to agree, I found it a bit bland and would have liked it to be a little less ADWD oriented but it would have been an agreeable evening if a woman in the row behind me hadn't insisted on joining in every song, off-key.
I was annoyed too by the fact that a lot of the people in front of us were too busy looking for celebrities in the audience to pay attention to the concert. Given they seem to be obsessed by celebrities, any celebrity will do, I have christened them Copies (celebrity obsessed people), not to be mistaken for a genuine Loppy of course.
Joseph was fantastic (of course) on the Monday evening but we didn't stop for the signing as Mum was feeling a bit shaky (she is 80 and has a heart condition). In the middle of the night she suddenly started wandering round the room talking to herself (only noticably out of character because it was night time). I got an ambulance out and she was taken into University Collage Hospital. At first they thought she just had an infection and could be released after being rehydrated and given antibiotics but, being my Mother, her blood pressure promptly dropped off the scale so she ended up being admitted with septicaemia (blood poisoning) and tachycardia with a temperature of over 40 degree celcius. She never does thing by halves. She went up the Acute Admissions Unit where we were asked what show we had been to. When we told them 'Joseph' we were told that the had had a lady in a fortnight earlier who had just been to see it, maybe it should carry a health warning!
I spend all Tuesday either at the hospital or dashing round London to get the things she needed for the hospital. I left the hospital at 6pm and decided I was too wound up and stressed to sleep. I still had to go home the next day and explain to my Father who is cat and flat sitting (my parents are separated) that Mum was ill in hospital. Dad is 81 and has a serious heart condition too. I decided I needed a pick-me-up and so dropped in at the Adelphi where I was luck enough to get the only available seat (upper circle this time).
I stopped at the end this time to see Lee come out. I did my Loppy duty (even though I am only a lurker) and grabbed a few photos. I got some really dirty looks from the people around me until I turned round to give them to some Kids at the back who couldn't get through the scrum.
I got Mum settled and improving in the hospital and got home late last night to break the news to my Dad only to find that he had had a fall (our neighbour downstairs is a nurse and keeps an eye on him when he flat sits). Fortunately he only has bruising but it was not a good evening.
I was back in London this morning and found Mum ready to be discharged so I have now got them both here. Mum is napping in bed and Dad is fathoms deep in the paper (he is the only person I know who can make a daily paper last all day). Tomorrow I have to 1/ take the cat to the vet, 2/ take Mum to the hospital here for checks on her blood (she is on warfarin and to top everything off, her blood clotting has gone haywire, if she cuts herself at all she might bleed out very quickly), 3/ take Dad to his home (60 miles away by car) as the district nurse is due to see him, 4/ pick cat up from vet, 5/ phone hospital for results of Mums tests and possibly then have a nice quite nervous breakdown.
Not quite the nice relaxing break I promised myself but that's life.

My goodness Pen I thought my life was stressful at the moment but phew, that is full on. I think you must need all the available ohhhhhhmmmms there are, so we better start banking them again! So sorry about both your parents, and hope things improve very quickly. Thank goodness you managed to see the show twice. I think you earned it!
Well done in the scrum, though really you do realise we push old people around and trample on children?!!! (Hope you have been reading the blog and know what I'm on about otherwise that might not read well!)
Alib thanks for the tip, Ive got a real problem in the morning, trying to work out when best to give Sloppy her anti-bi and not miss anything!!

Pen, lots of oooohhhhmmmmms - you really have been through it! Still on the bright side you did get to see the GO twice! Hope your mother and father are now well on the way to recovery - very worrying time for you! Hey ho, I shall be on the way to the office at 7.30 am and at the office at 9 am tomorrow, so unlikely to be able to watch GMTV! Grrr!!! I shall rely on you all for reports! Off out to rehearsal shortly (singing in a concert on Saturday + Ploppy) so will play catch up later!

Thanks folks. I will repay the ohm bank shortly I hope. Yes, Pauline2 I have been reading the blog. I used all my height and weight to add to the legend of course! All I have to do now is convince Mum that she was too ill to really remember the show and that we will have to go again. That shouldn't be very difficult considering she is a confirmed loppy herself.
It was interesting to see the show the second night from the upper circle. The magnatism was diminished a bit by distance so I was able to watch the rest of the cast when Lee was on the stage instead of only during the bits without him.

Wow Pen That is a serious break you had. I hope you can work it out and your parents will be oke.

It is all happening at once isn’t it? Yesterday I got the photo from Carys, today I have got the photo from Diana. And what a photo it is. It is gorgeous. OMG I keep looking at him and he is looking back at me in such a way!
I am probably going to get me another photo and of course am I going to get me those brand-pix too. It is quite a gallery here already.
And then tomorrow the GO on TV!! I can’t watch it of course but I might try think of a question to put to him.

Hi all

Pauline2 - my back much better after one physio treatment. I am going again on mon as still a slight twinge but i can walk uprigth again - yeh.

Pen - you have had a stressful time. But i did smile when I read comment about your dad and newspaper - as we have exactly same issue here. drives my ploppy mad as when he gets home in eve my father will still be reading same newspaper he started 9 hours earlier. We now buy 2 copies - keeps the peace.

fridge freezer still broken and I am having Burns Supper for 8 on sat night. Yes Iknow Burns night in jan but all the men have their birthdays in jan so we go out for meal then abd have burns Supper in Feb. Was going to make an icecream puuding that needs freezing so will have to think of something else.

i am afraid i havent even looked at photos yet and dashing off to bookclub now. But will try and catch up with real life, h.......k. cooking and all things Lee at weekend.

I wasn't aware we had ROYALTY amongst us,
My Ploppy had UKTVGold on earlier "Carry on Follow that Camel" and all they were concened about was saving LADY JANE,please can I have your autograph???????????????????????

Pen - honest, I really feel for you and the your folks (and your saga has given my sorryassedself a good shake up) but I have to acknowledge your tenacity as a Loppy, even if you think you're only a lurker-loppy... using any excuse to get to see the GO again, and again. Eva, that deserves some sort of medal doesn't it?
By the way, and just to be clear on this, the OM Bank does not "loan" OMMMMS. You do not 'pay back' OMs. You just take and deposit as and when. And if you feel the need for more, you beg blatently on the blog. We're a generous and greedy bunch when it comes to comforting.
And just to be sure there's sufficient funding, OOOOOMMMMMMs x 1000 deposited as of now.
Anne, what a shame you can't watch GMTV - but at least you're an hour ahead and can get on the video link at a decent time of day. Well, if you're not working of course.
Right, before I sit down to watch Ashes to Ashes I have a major task to complete. I'm way too embarrassed to mention what it is on this blog, as I've been here before... anyone guesses what it is, and they win a prize if they're coming to Saturday's show.. Shirley - you're not allowed (if you've got/read my email) to join in the game. If I'm successful, I'll come back and tell you.

Sob, now, sob I've watched it for myself, sob, and Owen got shot by Jim from Neighbours, sob.
Even knowing what was coming didn't help, gulp.

Fi, fantastic so pleased, would only be more pleased if it was my back!!

Karen how are you doing?? ohhhhhmmms if needed, and ohhhhhmms for all others in need.

Oh Auds, my boss does not like it when we are going online during work time so he blocked most off it. I will try though.
A Loppie can't be denied the GO!!

Pauline2 I've taped Torchwood 'cos I didn't want to blub before picking scollop up from cubs! I'll watch it later.
Auds, you haven't "lost" your tickets again have you?
Youngest scollop has had to write a poem about me for homework, ploppy had to help and needed something to rhyme with school and pool, scollop decided on "who think's Lee Mead is cool? My Mother!" He decided he couldn't fit the word Loppy in and "nobody would know what that meant anyway"

Oh Pen, what a roller-coaster! - and you're not really a lurker because you come on and say hi! Lots of Ohmmms for you Ohmmmm! Ohmmm! Ohmmm!

And Fi for Burns Night (I can say nothing- I've got a Christmas party to go to in July), and Karen, still needing those Ohmmmms! Shame I won't be seeing you tomorrow.

Jill - don't worry about Lady Jane - she's safe and sound.

Torchwood is recorded but I've not got round to watching it yet - nor will I be able to watch Ashes to Ashes. The Graphics Dept still has work to do!

Apologies Pen, Karen and all who need them, loads of oohhmms winging their way to you now.

Ali - you win....
But phew, I have found them. The pesky blighters were stuck in behind my famous March 15th tickets. I KNEW they were there. I went through them envelope by envelope...
Still can't quite believe it about Owen.. surely he's not really dead - Maybe they're just scamming us - and he'll pop up again later:(

Auds glad you found them!!

Wish I was coming too on Saturday, but I'll settle for your reviews and be sure to include sweaty chest etc! Roll on June when I can go again! May have to organise another trip between then and October?

Pen-I do hope you recover from the stress of your visit. You will have to try again to replace the memory. Hope parents are recovering.
Auds-You will really have to get a better system. Try mine, manky envelope with all tickets in (Jo and others), stuck in the same corner of a kitchen shelf.

Eva-Ahhh just seen THE card.

Oh Pen, you poor thing. Have you ever had a week of it. And tomorrow evening I prescribe a very large glass of your favourite poison (not userping the Queen of the Lush Loppies place, but she is out just now). After the day you have scheduled you are going to need it.

Fi, so glad you are upright and mobile again. Rosa Kreb no more.

Auds you idiot. Put them in your purse right now. Not that one, the one you are going to be using on Saturday. Says she who only just remembered to look for hers about an hour ago!!!

Well I hope to be here tomorrow morning. And will be watching GMTV and attempting to get through to that webchat thingy. Dont know what that is never mind how it works, but will be there cursing and swearing at the technology that I dont understand and drives me nuts when it doesnt work for me. And will report back afterward.

So what questions do I want to ask, in the unlikely chance that I get to put one. Suggestions please???

Now seems to me the OOOOHHHHHMMMM bank needs some deposit so lets have a big deposit - No Maisie that does not mean you.... OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

loving that 'suggestive' tension between Hunt and Drake in Ashes to Ashes. Think this series has a lot more enjoyable 'tongue in cheek' in it.

Yes Sir, Shirley Sir. Tickets in purse I'll be using on Saturday!!! Sir. Just as long as I don't change my mind on the outfit I'm wearing, I'll be fine.

Gosh Shirley you did that all in one breath, very impressive!
Actually think tomorrow morning will be quite funny, as an awful lot of people have never used a web chat (me included). Have this vision of loppies all over the UK and beyond sitting swearing at their computers at about 9.30.
Auds really! If you can't look after your tickets better than that, I could do it for you:)
Apologies to any who haven't seen Torchwood yet, but it didn't spoil it for me!

Oh Auds! What are you like (she said, casually glancing at the box where her tickets live and thinking - did I put them all in there?)

Just seen Torchwood. He looks pretty dead to me!

And I think I'd better say Good-Night!

Latest note from Donna on LMAS re GMTV tomorrow- Lee is on at 7.40am and again at 9am.

...well I won't spill the beans as I watched Torchwood on BBC3 after last night's episode as I couldn't bear to wait a week to find out what happens! My lips are sealed!! Did I cry??? you bet! Auds - fancy putting them with Sir Weepsalot's tickets! Sadly I only have two tickets left - June and October, and I know where they are, so now have to make plans for another visit before then! As you will see I am back from rehearsal, so off for an early(ish) night. Sweet Meads all and just banking some oooooohhhhhhhhhhmmmms for those in need.

Thanks for that Shirley2, that is early for me, so I think I'd better turn in!
Night night all sleep tight.

Rush rush rush so ooohhhhmmmmmmmss as required to bank.
Shopping done and put away, no sign of Dream On.
Train times checked.
BH pics donation done, Email confirming sent.
Tribe fed/walked/brushed as required.
Next hair to be done.
So Nightlee night.

Pen, what a week you've had. Hope all goes well tomorrow - take care.

I logged a question just in case can't get into the web interview. Plus I suspect if I do, I won't be able to think of anything much. Video set, alarm clock set - need to get a lot of w**k done tomorrow so early start so can have extremely early lunch break.

Night everyone and sleep well.

Oh goodie. Two interviews with Lee for the price of one. I havent got a single clue what questions to ask. Other than the horribly trite. Maybe something wonderfully stimulating and insightful will occur to me just as I am going to sleep (in my dreams) but in reality I will just go straight off to sleep without a sensible thought in my brain.

The only way to be sure it to go and test the theory - so I am off to bed too.

Goodnight all. Sleep well and have Sweet Meads. And see you all EARLY in the morning.

Just went for a last look at the forum on my way to bed - there are some new photos of Lee on holiday on his official site. How on earth am I supposed to sleep after seeing them.

Hi All
Found it hard to post tonight without telling what has been on my mind all day, forgive me but I feel like I need to unburden and to say that the emails I was getting today from loppies unknowingly helped to cheer me up, so thanks guys.
The day started with an email first thing from my sister in Minnesota, she, her husband and 3 children live in a tiny town called Cottonwood and we hadn't heard that there was an horrific crash of the school bus on Tuesday afternoon. She teaches at the school and their children all attend there, they are very involved in the local community. Her husband is on the school board.

Four children were killed, two of which were classmates of her youngest. Also her husband is a nurse and is part of the volunteer ambulance/rescue service as that's all they have in the locality, being so rural. Well anyway, he was called to the scene and is extremely upset now as he knew the kids so well. They have stopped classes for a few days and are doing all the counselling stuff but as you can imagine, all are devastated.

I just got such a fright when I saw her email heading "Bus accident", I immediately called my parents in case they heard anything on the news and I was fine until I started to explain to my friend in work and then I was suddenly in floods for no good reason really, but it's so scary when they're so far away. Checked it out on the 'net and it was really bad.

Sorry to bring the mood down but I find it's a good reminder that no matter how bad things seem there's always worse happening to someone else.

Oh Karen2 how awful. So sorry for your family and their community. These things are bad enough anyway, but when children are involved it is so much worse.

I'm back! thanks to all for the ooooohhmmmmms - I needed them but not for the lurgy, maybe one day I will reveal why but suffice to say I have had an adventure nearly as exciting as AKWD and probably just as dangerous but all ended well:-) Excitement here - just booked my train tickets for May and got a really good advance deal £33 return! Those Mildmay pics are very tempting....

Hi Carys, you still up?

Morning, moring, looks a little grey out there and apparently rain is forecast, so we have decided not to put the tables chairs and sun umberellas out this morning. Lots of nice pancakes, waffles and breads on the menu - BHB has already made the porridge. We are currently working on healthy smoothies to pack in that extra Vit C we all need.

OH Karen2 - just read your post from last night - must be awful for your family - lots to oohhhhhmmmms for you and them heading your way! Carys sounds intriguing but glad you haven't got the dreaded lurgy as wouldn't wish it on anyone! Auds hope your return to the office wasn't too stressful (no, silly me that was misplacing the tickets!).

Good morning and it is a good one.

Karen2, that's so awful. Those poor kids and their families.

Oh my! Those photos of Lee on holiday! How wonderful that he's shared them with us.

Morning all!

Karen2, that is terrible news - lots of love and virtual hugs to you!

Carys - well I'm glad the Ohmming helped - they're multi-purpose Ohhmmms, so what ever the crises they'll be useful.

Ooo nasty and windy out there this morning - think I'll snuggle up in the bistro.

It's not a good morning after all - the Whatsonstage results are in and Lee didn't win ... sob sob. Joseph won best musical revival but Hairspray walked off with everything else
http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821203624757&title=Full+List%3A+Your+Theatregoers%92+Choice+Award+Winners

Good morning all. Hi Carys - waves - sounds intruguing - a real life dangerous adventure??? Hope you really are alright and good to 'see' you back in any case.

Oh heck - the busiest morning of the year forecast here this mornng and I had a call from the BHB 11ish last night to say he wont be in this morning. So self service buffet being set up. Honest box out, and the DCM and I will be doing what we can to cover. We have gotten very used to relying on the BHB. He says he is on the Telly this morning - twice!!! I mean as if!! Anyway whatever I think I know perfectly well that we wouldnt have half the customers in here without the BHB serving us, so I will just shut up and get on with the work. Porridge bubbling gently on the bainMarie, Fruit all ready for the juicer - I particularly recommend the mixed berry one. Every sort of berry I could find this morning - Black, Straw, Rasp, gogi, Logan Bil, with a few black cherries and just a pink of cinnamon thrown in for flavour. Yummy

Oh Diana, BBBOOOHHHHOOOOO. The GO was beaten!!!! Oh heck. Oh Well.

Off to find that linky thing for the web chat.

According to Abby on LMAS forum, MB got 33.7% and Lee 33.1%. Think it makes it even worse to know the vote was so close. I'm really disappointed but all credit to MB and Lee must be thrilled that he came so close to MB.

LEE'S ON AT 7.20

Morning All, Thanks for all kind thoughts.
Oh its a nasty morning,good thing we've got a handsome face to look at so we can ignore the weather.
Sorry to be a bit thick, is Lee to be on the TV or the web?

Both Karen2 - he's on TV in a few mins and again around 9.00 ish and then on the webcast at 9.30

Both Karen. He is appearing on GMTV twice. Chat and singalong as they describe it, and then at 9.30 a webchat. And everytime they mention him or show a clip my heart flips. AAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHH

ooohhh have I missed, got to dash now, tribe going mad
Morning anyway, bye

Thanks, I've got the laptop and the TV on while I get ready for work and make up my late excuse 'cos I normally leave the house at 7.30 but I'm hardly ever late so not that worried.

aggghhhhhh - he's so gorgeous... Almost missed him.. but that vid is purring away now.

Ah bless, isn't he gorgeous. For those who can't watch, Lee said he & Denise are very happy.

Oh Auds - he was GORGEOUS - wasnt he. SWOON. And he and LoveyDovey are very happy. BRILLIANT

On earlier than LMAS reported looking as gorgeous as ever and says he and DVO are very happy together. Bless.... Hope he's not too tired tonight after this early start as we want him in good form - only 12 hours to go!

OMG I was so transfixed I forgot to set the sky+ - told you he turns my brain to mush.

AAARRRHGGGGG Its my favourite. You and me - Seems thats the new single.

own up - did you, like me, applause like mad at the end of the song? love it that they have the full orchestra for him to play 'live'. oh, isn't he just goregous. I always imagine him singing that song for/to DVO..
what a fabulous start to the day... sigh. sigh. sigh. ONE MORE SLEEP

You're not going to believe this - there was an emergency at work and I was on the phone while Lee was singing so only saw him out the corner of my eye! Thankfully have the video on recording the whole programme so will watch it again later.

:thud:

:thud:

:thud:

Morning all, bet you are wondering how on earth I'm up at this time of day???? Well you'll love this, get myself up, turn on tv, and he's on!!!!! Woke up rapidly I can tell you, just in time to here him say how happy he and DVO are (aawwww). Thought no probs its' all on dvd stagger downstairs, turn on tv to find I've set the wrong programme, aaaaarrrrgggghhhh. Anyway changed channel in time to get the song (aaaahhhhhhhhhh thud). This is all to much first thing. What did I miss??????

All put in perspective now oh Karen2 poor old you, and more to the point, those involved. I'm so sorry, huge virtual hug for you, terrible thing to happen.
Then Carys, nice to see you again, but dangerous!? adventures? Can you not tell more? Hope you are ok and ohhhhhhmmmms for you if needed.

Need to sit down and recover now in time for next treat. Oh he is so gorgeous, sigh.

I am a very lucky Loppy as I just managed to catch the 7.20 slot and the song at 7.40 - just gorgeous!! How am I supposed to concentrate at work when I have a big grin on my face?! Also just seen the delectable shot of Lee in the sea on holiday from the official website!! Please can you give us a report of the final 9.00 slot and the webchat as I can't catch them!! Thanks!!

Boo hoo! Has anyone done the decent thing and put on video for those of us who have to wxxk for a living! Oh fancy missing out by such a narrow margin in the Awards! Still Joseph did get best revival and that faced some strong competition too! Going to sulk in the corner now (after all CM and I have been working very hard in the BHB's absence!).

O girls, thank you for you updates. He is happy!! Well so am I. I am grinning like a mad cat. Co-workers are giving me funny looks.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHTHUD

He's on again now

He's singing again right now

Ohh this is (bleep) torture!! What's he singing??!!

You and Me - THUD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't his curls look particularly gorgeous - that just-washed look!

Missed it earlier but am banking on it being on Youtube pretty soon.

AAhhhh got that properly this time. Sang Y&M again but oh so lovely lovely lovely. Coming back on to chat they say soon, pleeeeeeaaaaaaasssssssse

He's coming back on for another interview in a few mins.

BTW - huge deposit of ooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmms for the bank, particularly for Pen and Karen2, so sorry to hear of your worries.

Phone woke me up at 7am, ploppy telling me LM was on GMTV, slightly miffed when I told him I already knew!
15mins later phone rings again-sloppy-"are you watching..?" I think I've been well and truly rumbled now!!
Practically dragged scollop to school, and didn't stop for my usual chat with other mums, in fact I kept my head down and (almost!) ran home, just in time for the song again, off to see the interview now

The movie is out in April - can't remember the title but with Mackenzie Crook. And the question about Denise running her fingers through the curls!!!!

:THUD:

Sorry, don't think any of that registered, will have to watch recording after the webchat

Oooh!!! He's doing the soundtrack for a film starring Mackenzie Crook, coming out in April. And did you see him blush when Andrew Castle asked him if Denise liked running her fingers through his hair? Aw, sweet!!

Shame the picture they had of Lee and Denise was a promo one from before they got together!

Ali, the mum at school who I've lent my CD to saw me this morning and asked if I saw him on GMTV? Looked impressed when I said "Not yet, but I've got it recording!" Couldn't watch it live with Ploppy annd children around!

Thud,soooooooooooo gorgeous, now try and work this wretched webcast thing!

OOOOHHHH and another chat to come before the end of the show....

Oh and I can see him onthe webcam

I've got the webcast BUT NO SOUND!!!

Help! How do you get to the webcam? Still got the same page as yesterday. Tried refreshing but no change.

Jackie me too, wish I knew what I was doing!!!

Help, can't see or hear, what do I do?

Wahhhhhhhhh!!! cant find the webcam

Me neither!! Where is it??

I can't find the webchat thingy. I did however find other previous webchats. So I think that you can watch the LEE chat also later.
Thank God, I can go back to work now.

Got there in the end! Was that your question Shirley, about the 2nd album? Wasn't he cute when the firm alarm went off? Don't you just love the giggles! THUD!!!!

Sound came on once the questions started thank goodness - mine weren't read out but I asked the same as you Shirley about a second album! Recognised lots of the names but who is 'congergirl' who Lee obviously knows well!

Don't know how but I got there eventually! He answered your question Shirley! I've got such a huge grin on my face now, and he mentioned the loppies too. Wonder if his Mum comes on here? Wouldn't it be great if she read Geri's story? Oh I'm gabbling now!!!

Wow that was fantastic, very interesting, cos he left it very open about finishing in Oct, didn't he. And he is doing a 2nd album WOOOOOHOOOOOOO was that you question Shirley?

OMG OMG How brilliant was that!!!!! A second album is definite!!! My question was asked first! I think they add their webcasts to the site but I filmed it on my camera - just checking it now.

Of course I meant fire alarm!

I got to the webcam by going back up to GMTV home page and clicking on the Webchat picture of Lee. But I missed the first bit. Will go back Anne and see if I can find the whole thing.

Grrrrr just found it in time to hear Lee say bye. Sooooo frustrating! Going to watch my recording now. Anne, can you let us know where you foubd previous webchats please?

OMG that was fantastic. THEY ASKED ONE OF MY QUESTIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AliB they asked yours too. And one from Kirsten. Oh lots and lots of names I recognised. He is SO CUTE.

My question was - Lee you said that if your album did well enough there would be a second one. It went gold - is that good enough? And he said YES. They have just taken up the option. He doesnt know the dates and details yet, but ladies all our efforts have been rewarded. We are getting another album.

Brilliant about a second album and the tour looks likely too now. His reply about the extension definitley suggests it will go beyond October. And confirmed his Mum reads the sites and tells him whats going on and menioned us the Loppies even thoughit was a question about the Lovelees. What else - I cant remember! He lookoed as if he was enjoying it hugely

I'm shaking like a leaf - anyone else the same? Film downloading from camera - I stupidly turned the camera off instead of stopping the recording so I may not have the end.

I am so annoyed!! No matter what I clicked on I just couldn't find it!! What webchat picture of Lee??? I clicked on the picture but there was no link to anything!! AAARRRRGGGH!!

I even switched off my computer and still it wouldn't bring it up!! I am at work so I couldnt hear it anyway but still!! They asked my question!!

Ok, managed to pick it up from the pets question, how funny was he when the alarm was sounding, shows that he really is a natural and unlike some, he keeps his acting to the stage!

Delighted to hear that some loppy questions got on - well done Ali and Shirley.

I saw him at 7.20 and 7.40 but I must have missed what came after on the TV, what was that Diane about Denise and The Curls, also did they mention the movie soundtrack? Thank goodness for YouTube!

I finally made it to my desk but I still haven't done any work so better get focused now.

I think this is the page for GMTV webcasts - hopefully Lee's will be added later
http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=24657&iframe=roo&channel=Webcasts

Yes Diana, definitely shaking like a leaf. Had a wander around the house asking myself how to get back to 'normal' after that start to the day!!!!

Ok I've composed myself now. I'll have to go back and watch it again as I only caught half of it.
DEBBIE - HAPPY BIRTHDAY! hope you get a chance to visit us today?
Ooohhhmmms to Karen2 and her family

It worked - I've got all 18 mins recorded!! So if the whole interview isn't available on the GMTV site/YouTube, I will copy it for anyone.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE - some new pink fluffy slippers again???

Just seen on the Forum that Claire successfully recorded it. She is just editing it and will get it onto YouTubes asap. She was the one who asked him about how he eats his creme eggs.

It really was amazing watching it and thinking all the time I know her, sure I know her, dont know her, THAT'S ME - THUD, know her, know her. WOW

Debbie, happy birthday. Hope to see you back here soon. Oh dear I've got to calm down and so some work - maybe a coffee first will help.

The film is called "Three and Out" and stars Mackenzie Crook (The Office/Pirates of the caribbean) it's about a Tube driver who has 2 fatalities and if he gets a 3rd in the same month he will be out of a job, looks quite funny, but didn't catch the title of the song - that was my webcast question!

Hi guys

Finally mamanged to surface from my sickbed, still coughing, spluttering and sneezing, but at least I'm out of bed. Thank goodness.

And just look what I've missed!! Sounds like it was amazing - can't wait to see it on YouTube.

Happy Birthday Debbie.

Right off to Docs, in all this wind and rain, just what I don't need!!

Btw, have a good lunch Jane & Louise - sorry I can't join you.

Happy Birthday Debbie, hope you're back soon. What a birthday treat for you today with that start to the morning.

Just been and watched the two performances on GMTV again. He was definitely warmed up more for the second which was beautiful. Interesting to hear that he had planned to take a year out of MT after Phantom to do straight acting in TV and film, but pleased to hear that his plan was then to go back to do another musical. Much as I'd love to see him act, I couldn't bear not to hear him sing!!

Lee is scheduled to appear at the WOS awards on Sunday - additional tickets available. Can't really go as I'm out all day Saturday - Ploppy would have a fit
http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821203675114&title=Ball%2C+Rigg+%26+Other+Stars+Attend+WOS+Awards+Show

Ok breathing again now, just! I now know I am a very bad daughter, have to confess I was so paranoid about missing more that I stayed glued and have only just done my poor sloppys' anti-bi run. Actually don't know how I got the car there and back in one piece!!
Well done ladies on getting your questions asked. I couldn't think of anything sensible to ask!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEBBIE!!!!! hope you saw all that, what a fab present, well it made my day, week, month even!

Little bit of info about THE film - according to another site it's scheduled to open 25 April. I think we'll all be going to the cinema for a change!
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/international/news/e3ica0ebb59d5d28e8c8044777747a0fedc

And now I really must get on with some w**k!!

More on the film http://rovingemusic.com/news.php

First interview on GMTV is on Youtube already
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBUPSCjz8No

Me again - there's a competition to win seats to the premier and opening party - see previous link

Thanks for all the links Diana - re the Theatre Awards I wonder why Daniel Boys is listed as performing for ADWD and not Lee? It should be Lee but he's only listed as attending, what a cheek. The £10 tickets being offered are going to be up in the gods surely so not a good view. Still a nice eveningout if you like celeb spotting.

I shall have to wait for a download to watch the pocast from GMTV, only having "dial up" I knew I wouldn't be able to see it live.
Very tempted to go the Theatre Awards, But the seats they are offering are Balcony seats, and I don't think the view would be very good, also as I went out last Sunday don't think Ploppy would be very pleased( out all day tomorrow too)
Karen2 I was really sorry to hear about your family, and too have involved children makes it seem worse.
Happy Birthday Debbie have a great day.
Shirley2, have you heard fron the Artois, I had a reply this morning, just saying there was an unprecedented demand for tickets, RUBBISH I think the tickets have been put out to agencies, if I have time I might take a look later, but after supporting the Tournament for over 23years , I feel its like most events Jo public counts for nothing.

Jill - I haven't sent my complaint message yet as I still have not received the email confirming my tickets. I emailed them re this and had a reply from customer services late last night(obviously working all hours) saying I should have had it within 24 hours but still nothing although they have debited my card I see today so I'm hoping it will be OK (first time I put in card details it crashed so was execting to be charged twice). I cant believe they went in 10 mins as it was only mailing list people who could apply this week and how many of them are there (and not all will have access to be able to book online). So I agree with you - I think a lot more may have gone to hospitality packages etc than usual. Lots of other regulars that I know didn't get anything either. I will put my feelings very strongly once I know I def have the tickets!

Crikey, what a stressful morning!! However I am still grinning like a loon and still trying to calm down!! I am chuffed they asked my question at the webchat but so frustrated that I havent been able to see it!!

AliB Kirsten on LMAS has done a linky thing to the webcast, only first half of it but it does include your question! Don't know if this will help
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/791984

Well done anyone who got their question answered. I only managed to watch the 2 slots before 8 on GMTV so looking forward to seeing the second song and interview. I'm sure no one will be surprised that I couldn't access the web thing me being Miss Technophobe 2008 (and 07,06,05 etc.) Still that was a very lovely way to start the day.

She has now posted whole thing, big file am waiting for it to download now! Same link as above.

Pauline2 - thanks for that - I am hoping that Clare (on the forum) will be able to get it up on youtube as file sharing sites kill my home computer and I can watch youtube at work!! Would be interested to know how long it takes to download?!

Alison - Its another Alison thing but I am in the same position as you - saw the first two bits on GMTV and no webchat!!

Right it only took moments for the first bit, the second file about 5 minutes, so not too bad. In fact you need both bits for the whole thing for some reason. I know from the forum Claire is having HUGE difficulties, i.e thinking of throwing computer through the window!! Hope you can manage to see it soon. I know the frustration, as i still can't see Lees' holiday snaps, and it took 3 days before the site fully updated for me before!!

Pauline2, little pressie on it's way to you!!!

Thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou thankyou.

Just back from battling the elements to see the Doc. And what a bizarre consultation that was. Nothing to do with my current sickness but got talking about the various lurgies I have been down with recently and his diagnosis was that I am suffering from....wait for it... life!!!!! What on earth does that mean?? Well apparently it means way too much stress at work, too much worry about loved ones, too many late nights, too many sleepless nights - basically what happens to all of us at one time or another - but he reckons I'm run down and susceptible to the lurgies. He said I need a tonic - naturally I asked if I could have a Vodka with it!! which amused him only very slightly! I nearly told him I have the perfect tonic at home, it's called Lee Mead!! So, if any of you have any suggestions for a pick me up, other than the GO I'd appreciate it.

Loved the interview on GMTV - not been able to see the webchat - hope that makes it to YouTube too - glad of some you got your questions answered - kind of makes it a bit more personal doesn't it!!

Not had chance to catch up from the last couple of days so hope everybody is well and ohmms to those who need them.

Stop drooling Pauline2. Its not dignified at the ripe old age of 27!! Now I saw those photos just as I was going to bed last night. And was then up for another hour. Not a hope in hell of sleeping after that.

When is is that Eva is back??

Thanks for that Shirley2, I still haven't had a reply to my second e mail,but at least I know I am not the only one to be unlucky although that is of no comfort to me, as you say how can over 10,000 tickets be sold out in 10 minutes. I will let you know if I find tickets at agencies sites, although I refuse to pay through the nose for tickets.
Karen, sorry you are poorly, but have you tried vitamin tablets, I always use to put my Daughter on them in the Winter when she was at Senior School, also how about Guiness, I know you might mot be able to drink it straight as it where, but you could make a Guiness shandy.

Here it is!!! Clare is a star!!

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/792174

Only watched the first bit but my question gets a funny face and a chuckle!!! So chuffed! Is that Connie Huq from Blue Peter asking the questions?!!

Jill - there is another booking slot 11th March but I'm not sure if thats for mailing list people only with your personal code but maybe worth a try. A friend got though to them this morning to complain (she did get some on Tuesday but in block B) and all they could say was 'unprecedented demand' as you were told - its obvously the line they are sticking to

Just watched the second bit - the bit with the fire alarm was soo funny!! I was watching it secretly at work with my MP3 headphones on and when the alarm went off, my manager suddenly said 'what was that noise? Was that you?!!' I pulled the earphones out and went 'no of course not!!' The webcast was fantastic!! Lee was fabulous. It puts paid to that daft rumour about him and Denise being in a show together. Good news about the second album too - good question Shirley!!

Shirley2 11/03 is when the tickets go on sale to the public, I was told in my e mail this morning to try then, but this Tim Hunt said demand would be high again.

Hurray AliB, so pleased you've seen it! Great isn't it. I remember when he was asked my question on the other thingy some time back, I almost felt he had spoken directly to me. I didn't stop grinning for days!

I didn't realise how much of the webchat I'd actually missed, thanks for the link

Pauline2 - I know, I am still grinning!! I really want to watch it again but I can't!! So much new info to take in.

As you can imagine work has been blinking awful today! Hardly got anything done - I wonder why!!

Ali B, you're not the only one. So much for "working" at home.

I revisited the WOS awards page and the final voting figures can be found here http://awards.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=493
Joseph got 42.8%

Plus comments from the winners on another page
"Joseph celebrates its fortieth anniversary on 1 March so it's really terrific that the show is still wowing audiences and winning awards.” – Andrew Lloyd Webber
Anyone going to Joe on 1 March?

..well as I can't view from the office I'm just not joining in!

Afternoon everyone. I 've only just recovered from all the excitement this morning. He was so, so gorgeous.
I never managed to log on the webchat - was dashing round the house trying computers to no avail. Thanks goodness for Claire.

So pleased some of you got your questions answered. Isn't it great news about the album going ahead? Re the remark about a tour in Jan it definitely gives the impression that he will be extending in Joseph again I think.

I'm going to the awards on Sunday, we've got stalls seats in row E I think (my friend has the tickets) I'll give you all a report as soon as poss. Will be craning my neck most of the time seeing if I can spot Lee in the theatre, but I'm hoping he goes on-stage with ALW to collect the Joseph award. After all it was Lee that made it so popular and he missed out by such a small amount on the best actor. I should have visited all the local libraries to vote instead of just the one.

Happy birthday Debs.

What a day! I've hardly been able to focus on anything at w***k for want of getting home to see the webchat, thank heavens for clever, sharing, Loppies who can find the right place to click and record!
Well done those who got their questions answered. what a lot of information we got hey? Just watched it all again and imagining the fan vids that will be created with the delectable footage ....something else to look forward to. Thanks for all the links guys - going to have a look now.

BROADBAND AT LAST - - - oh the speed of it!!! Unfortunately I've not got time to catch up, I have to be at my old lady's in half an hour. I'll have some time tomorrow though. Just wanted to say, wasn't he wonderful this morning? How can someone so perfect get better every time you see him?

I couldn't get the live questions, dial up was useless, is there a way to get a repeat of it?

Must go, catch up tomorrow.

Sue, glad to hear you've got broadband sorted at last. The webcast can be downloaded and is also on YouTube - see links from the LMAS forum. Received your cheque, thanks, and will post tomorrow - sorry haven't been out today!

GMTV has got You & Me video
http://www.gm.tv/index.cfm?articleid=24657&iframe=roo&channel=Webcasts

Reminder that Denise is on ITV late tonight re the Brits.

Hi everyone - how exciting for you to move home now and then. Do you ever get a holiday home too ? Wanted to say how exciting to hear so many familiar names on the web-chat this morning - I kept calling out - she's a Loppy, that's a Stage Loppy, and so on. Wasn;t it great Lee talking to US and not to an interviewer asking the same old questions ?

Better not send in any Ohms today, as I do have the lurgy - desperately trying to get better for tomorrow and my trip to the GO !

Where is everyone? I think eveyone is exhausted from all the excitement today. Then of course there is sittinginthecornerinasulk! Have you managed to see things yet? Feeling better now?

Karen, suffering from life??!! Aren't we all?I suppose 2 weeks in Thailand are out of the question on NHS? Been thinking and I feel your best bet would be to go to a health shop and ask for stuff to help boost your immune system. They are usually pretty good at giving advice. Oh and maybe a bottle of red a day!!!!
Welcome back Sue, must be great to feel connected again.
Ohhhhmmmmms for any in need and special ohhhhhmmmms for Karen2. Hope today was a bit better for you.

Jill - Guiness shandy - I am liking the sound of that!!!! Thank you.

Pauline2 - good idea about the health shop. Even better idea about the bottle of red a day - sounds like my kind of tonic!! Thank you.

Have just watched the webchat - wow - simply fantastic. What a natural! What a star! What a man! OK feeling a bit better now!!!

No....train delayed not been in long, had to sort out music now off to Choir practice, so still haven't seen it!

Oh poor stillsittinginthecornerinasulk, but just think of all the treats in store for you!
I forgot the most important Karen, regular doses of Mead!

Just seen the web chat, the interview and the performance. I am quite overcome with loveliness. Adorable isn't he.
And what good news about a second album, a tour, Denise, his happiness!!
Loved the fire alarm.

Dear sittinginthecornerinasulk, I'm sitting in the corner really upset, I have just broken a nice glass, AND AND it was full of wine, now wine all over the keyboard and the carpet.

Evening everyone, Parents suitably medically assessed and all results better than expected. Cat delivered to and retrieved from vet and everyone back where they should be. In a fair world I would now be relaxing with a large glass of something alcoholic but since I react badly to alcohol anyway (I get drunk on a can of shandy bass - then get a three day hangover starting 10 minutes after I drink) and also have a malfunctioning liver at present I will be sticking to coffee (decaf) so please feel free to raise a glass of your choice on my behalf.
Thanks for the links, I completely forgot to set the DVD this morning courtesy of one horrible ginger and white cat called McVitie (because he is a gingernut). He is a stray who adopted us about a month ago. He just moved in, which isn't the easiest thing to do in a second floor flat with security doors. It turns out all the neighbours had been letting him in because they thought he was ours. Actually, I didn't want another cat. Our old Tosh-cat only died last October at the ripe old age of 22 (at least, he was a rescue cat so he may have been older) and I have two semi-ferals (they find me easier to catch than mice and then they get warm, tinned food) who live in and around the garden. I wasn't ready for another indoor cat but he had other ideas.
This morning he was due at the vets to be neutered. This meant that he couldn't have anything to eat after 7 last night. He is also upset because my Father has been cat sitting and his routine has been upset. Then he had had to stay in and use a litter tray! Finally no breakfast and then being hissed at to stop sharpening his claws on the furniture. It was too much for a cat to take. With Mum being so ill I have been sleeping in her room to keep an eye on her at night and that meant sleeping on the floor. This turned out to be a good thing. Gingernut marched into the bedroom, stalked over to my bed and used my duvet as a litter tray. By the time I caught up with him the litte devil was straddled firmly with an expression of part bliss and relief and part determination to squeeze out the last drop. As he is (or I should now say was) an entire male, the result was extremely pungent. All I could do was collapse laughing, he looked so triumphant. Dad came through to find me sitting on Mums bed and us both giggling away like idiots. Since he is very deaf and will not use his hearing aids, he still has no idea what happened and thinks we are both crazy. Every time he come to stay my parents both remember why they separated.
I have now bought a new duvet and McVitie thinks I got my revenge with the trip to the vets. He knows something has changed down there and he is giving me evil looks every now and then.
I am now going to settle down for some serious Lee watching.

What a day! I feel shattered after all the excitement, anyone else feeling like this? I'm desperately trying to stay awake for the last episode of "The Choir" but may set recorder just in case!!

Oh Pen I do sympathise, with you that is not the cat!!

Managed to see first interview and song live on GMTV and tried the Youtube webcasts but the youtube keeps sticking every 3-4 secs. Anyone know how to cure that as really want to hear all your qus and even more so Lee's answers but impossible to do so?

Happy birthday debbie. Stop hiding - even tho you are another year older you are still only 27(ish).

Karen - ohmmmmmm but as someone who has an immune deficiency and does "go under" physically when life gets overwhelming I recommend Vit C and zinc. Also echinacae at first sign of any lurghy/low time- has been invaluable to me as boosts defences. Not infallible but helps. i also have probiotic drinks - and G and T's - but cant say my homeopath recommended the latter!

Ok off to pub now - and not for my probiotic drinks.

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/792174
Try this link Fi, it worked fine for me earlier

Evening All,
thanks for all the ooohhhhmmss, it actually does help.
Sending some back into the bank for others in need incl my namesake Karen,
I'd definitely go along with the Health shop suggestion, there are a number of herbal sleep remedies including Valerian, which are very good and safe, also maybe calming oils and a few early nights, remember you'll be no good to your loved ones if you're incapacitated, you need to take care of yourself.

WOW what a lot of excitement this morning and it doesn't sound as if the loppies at w**k got much done, I know I didn't.

Poor you Jill, I'm sure you'll need a drink to recover, we'll all join you.

Dear stillsittinginthecornerinasulk - you know they say that half the pleasure is in the anticipation (or something like that I think!)

Anne, totally agree with your comments, as I said earlier, he's so natural and such a nice guy. It's great to see him so happy and his future is looking so bright!

Ali I am in exactly the same state. Sat here yawning my head off. Dont think I am going to be late heading off tonight.

Does everyone going tomorrow know where we are meeting?? Email me if not either direct of at stageloppies.

Oh Pen, I was laughing at you and your cat. And your revenge. If he has any sense he will never do that again for fear of what might go missing next time!!!

I had another really exciting piece of news this afternoon. One of the LoveLees who uses LottiB as her id has started painting amazing Andy Warhol style portraits of Lee. She has donated one for us to use with our fundraising. It is fabulous - based on that black and white photo he has on his official site. Well LotteB has done one for me too. I sent her my 4 favourite Lee photos and dont know which one she has used. She kept it secret. Well now it is finished, and we are meeting up tomorrow so she can give it to me. Lee has so many talented fans!!

OMG, nearly forgot to say about the holiday pictures, isn't there some kind of health warning that should go with the first one!

It literally took my breath away for a second!

Early nights all round then Shirley.
We're having another Dub-fest tomorrow so we'll raise a glass to you guys and you can raise one to us - cheers all.

Sorry Owlie Sue, forgot to say have a brilliant time tomorrow, I have no doubt you will.

Forgot to say earlier OwlieSue we often go on holiday! Watch this space.
Pen, hilarious, that'll teach him to cross you!
Funny thing I'm shattered too, this is what is called TLE!! (the Lee effect).

Hi there! I'm back after being off line for almost 2 days. I've tried to catch up, but had to do it very quickly.
Debbie,- HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRATULERER MED DAGEN You can take MH out of your closet for a minute to translate that one!.
My "puter" has been cleaned up and is now so spruce and quick that it's hard to keep track. I've had to re-install a lot of different software, so I've been kept busy for most of the afternoon.
And now I have a confession to make : I forgot to Sky+ the GMTV this morning !!!! Am I expelled from the Loppy Community? Since I couldn't get online this morning, I didn't have the usual reminders and it slipped my mind completely. I had to go into Canterbury early this morning, and suddenly in the middle of the High Street I suddenly remembered. I stopped and swore, quite loudly. People were looking at me oddly, but I was too upset to care. When I got home, I had to wait for my "nerd" to deliver the computer, and then there was all the software to install, so it was only an hour ago I could go in and read the blog and LMAS which finally pointed me to the whole thing on YouTube. Bless that website and the clever people who can upload there. "You and Me" is now safely downloaded to my computer now, ready to be looked at again and again and again and again.
Last night I saw "Aspects of Love" in Canterbury with David Essex, and to be honest,- I didn't like it at all. DE didn't do it for me and the bloke who played Alex was almost ridiculous. He hit so many flat notes that it was embarassing. DE might have been a big star once (sorry to DE fans) but his voice is not good enough for that role. How these two men were supposed to rise such passions in the female lead, is beyond me.(She had a very good voice). The stage designs was awful, dark and drab, and it was all one big confusion. Quite a few of the audience left at the interval, and I have to admit I was tempted myself. The applause at the end was polite, but that was all. There is one great song in the musical, the rest of the music was unremarkable. Sorry, ALW, but this is not one of your best.

I forgot to click on the "remember me" button.

Hi Eva welcome back. Gosh how awful, but if you read back you'll see I had an adventurous start to the day! At least you've seen it now, that's all that matters.
Your appraisal of AoL is about what Carol Shirley2 and myself all thought of it! Agree entirely that you couldn't see either men really creating a storm of emotion, and the Alex I saw went flat quite a lot and that was just the acting!!! We can't all be wrong.

Pauline2,- it was funny in a way, looking around in the audience. Most of them were people of mature age, like myself(be quiet, Geri!) and they seemed very excited before the curtain went up. And then as the show got underway, it was almost tangible how deflated the atmosphere became. I would guess a lot of the ladies were DE fans from way back, and it must have been a shock to see how bad the acting was and hear how weak his voice was.
Yes, I read about your calamities this morning. Our boy does have us in a flap, doesn't he?

Have to say it was a "mature" audience when I went as well. Must say that several reacted badly to the topless scene, which even I thought was gratuitous, but they were finished off by the Sapphic scene, and left at the interval!!

The news page on the official Joseph site has three updates, including another opportunity to ask Lee questions.

I'm feeling quite tired after today so think I'll be toddling off to bed once I caught up. Have a good weekend and sleep well.

Hi, well I did manage to catch the first bit on GMTV, and now I've been Youtubed and holiday pic'ed (wowoooooo). I'm a little stomach fluttery with excitement. Stand in sitter has been briefed this evening, don't know how he's going to negotiate the dog gate on the stairs with his bad hips and knees.
Karen2 terrible news for you yesterday.
Debbie Happy Birthday.
Pen, glad parents sound a little better. Love the cat story, that's why we love them!!!!?????
Shame about the theatre awards, so close yet so far.
2nd album WHEN
Well done for all the questions put today.

Hello all, I am happy to report that ploppycide was averted (just) in my house this morning. Having mentioned just a few times that I really needed to watch GMTV this morning and put everyone on alert to switch on DVD recorder / call me at the first mention of the GO I rushed around the house getting lunch boxes ready etc to come back into the living room with BBC breakfast on. Ploppy had let scollop watch a cartoon and then switched to his usual without thinking. I grabbed the remote off him and switched over to catch Lee smiling into the camera, having clearly just finished his performance. Ploppy saved himself by rushing off to work while I sat there dejected thinking I'd missed everything despite having arranged for my neighbour to take scollop to school etc. Imagine my joy when I got my second chance just after 9! How lovely to see Lee perform yet another song from the album (and definitely one of my favourites)! Not being very techy I didn't get anywhere with the webchat of course, but have now caught up thanks to the wonderful people who made it available to share.
So well done to all of you who had your questions asked and didn't we get some great answers? A definite second album, a new song for a soundtrack, more hints at concerts...It seems to me that the long and successful career Lee is aiming for is well and truly underway.
Not quite a perfect day in that he didn't win the WOS award but I think coming such a close second to Michael Ball, who has been around for so much longer, is very impressive.
Fab pictures, too - thanks for the link - LII must be better than the w**k-related variety.
Whoever is in charge of the oooohhhhmmmm bank will notice a few withdrawals this week but I thinks my w**k headaches pale into insignificance against some of the family /health / pet concerns some of you have had to deal with. So I promise to restock the bank as soon as possible - a few more viewings of this morning's recordings should do the trick.
And on that cheery note - goodnight all and have a fantastic time if you are seeing a certain show tomorrow!

Glad I gave AoL a miss. Think I would have been one of those bailing in the interval. I am not patient enough to sit through bad shows or bad films.

Anyway I'm off to bed, worn out after an exciting day today and looking forward to an exciting one tomorrow.

Good night all. Sleep well and have Sweet Meads

Knew I'd forgotten something: Happy birthday, Debbie! 21 again? Hope you had some lovely new fluffy slippers.

Got to do some computer back ups so
Nightlee night

Just watched The Choir - Boys Don't Sing. The final episode where they sang at the Royal Albert Hall, what a truly inspirational programme. Gareth Malone, the choirmaster is an absolute gem. If you missed it, watch it on iPlayer, a real treat!

Jackie, I agree what a wonderful programme, I did watch the first one when he took a choir from a School in Northolt to China, but it just shows how a positive attitude can bring out the best in people, and didnt Gareth do just that.
Loved the little "Lewis" and Cameron what a brave boy and an inspriation to others suffering from Cancer, to my mind puts shame on programmes like "The Brit Awards"

Hurray seen it at last! Now off to bed! Sweet Meads all!

Way to go nolongersittinginthecorner!!
Absolutely shattered.....why??
So night night all sleep tight.

Ali - I did use the link on LMAS for you tube of this morning webcast but that is one which sticks every 3-4 secs. Not sure what problem is but dont seem to do well with Youtube.

It's been a long and very busy day. Lovely to be back with you, but I'll bid you good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams (You and Me ?) and wake up happy.

Fi I think it does that when YouTubes is overwhelmed by certainly lots of others, including me, had the same problem. Just turn the sound off, do something else, then replay it when it is fully loaded. It creates a temporary file in your computer so the second, and as many subsequent times you want to play it, it just runs staight through. But when you close it you have to start again.

Good morning all. Guess who has LII. Been up and rattling around for about an hour now. Not sure if I was making the dogs restless or if they were making me restless, but between us we all woke up. Getting everything ready. Trying to make sure I dont forget anything. Doubt if I will make it back on this morning - lots to do before I head off.

Good morning BHB - heck you are yawning as much as me!! Had an early morning yesterday did you?? Thats funny so did we. Was your as exciting as ours?? Oh it was?? Oh not that television studios story again - we really must get that boy some help!!!

A lovely fresh croissant for me please with some lemon marmalade, and a large mug of Earl Grey. Scrummy. Tell me BHB do you enjoy swimming......?????

Morning all. Yes, I know. It's early for a Saturday morning, but it is a big day for this household. Hello sweetheart,- before I tell you about it, may I have my usual leaded and a nice walnut roll, please? You're going swimming???? In this temperature? Oh, that Shirley wants you to? Never mind, ignore her, she can be funny sometimes.
Well, to my news, (and I'll try to keep it clean):
My Goldie is going to loose her virginity today!!!! Yes,- she is having her very first MOT this morning. I know we shouldn't worry, but she is very apprehensive. She said yesterday:" Mum, it's not every day I let a stranger fiddle with my private parts!" I did offer to stay with her and hold a hand on her bonnet, but she said,no,- she had to face this alone. She is an adult now ( in car-life ), and it had to be done. I see you are nodding, BHB. You understand my consern. The first time is very important. I'll let you know how it goes.
To the lucky lot of you who are going to a certain show today,- have fun, don't faint and send him lot's of kisses from those of us who can't be there.

Morning, morning, oh dear the CM is already up and here - doubtless I'll get the sack! Before I forget those going today have a wonderful time! Just remember me slaving away entertaining - four solos, five duets, so finges crossed the coughing doesn't click in! Just watching a couple of grey squirrels chasing each other in the trees at the bottom of the garden - lively little things! Finally lots of oohhhhhhmmmmms for those in need!

Had a lovely time at the Adelphi last night. Saw no one one we knew and there was nothing outstanding to report about the show except Lee was his usual gorgeous brilliant self! Just a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the end of Row G. John Alexander? played Jacob/Potipher and we thought he was good, different but good and Jenna just gets better. 1 single girl near back of stalls stood through megamix but standing ovation by the end of the platform raising. However, The scrum was the worst I'd ever seen, even more so than 30 Jan when we Loppies all 'pushed and shoved with our hobnail boots and multicoloured grandfather clocks to get to the front and upset people who had been queueing for ages'. Must have been 200 people (lots of families but not too many children seening it was half term) and several young girls just pushing everyone out of the way to get the the front. Carolyn was in front just for photos but I think most of them have heads and other body parts in the way. I was behind her and just about got my Ebay disc signed and managed to say to Lee ' you had an early start this morning Lee, he smiled ,and said '5.30' with a laugh before he had moved on and I couldn't say more. Security had said he wouldn't be out for long and he wasn't. I expect he was tired after only 4 hours sleep.
Eva - as Pauline2 said I was very disappointed with AoL and thought the same as you about Alex & DE but my friend who is a big DE fan thought he was wonderful in it - takes all sorts!
(Will post more later when I've caught up with everyone from yesterday, just had a quick skim through)

Aunt Eva - as Pauline and Shirley2 said we thought the same. I did wonder if the bad lighting when we saw it (Wycombe Swan) was just teething problems with that particular theatre as it was their first night there, but obviously not! Alex had no charisma and as he opens the show singing Love Changes Everything, my heart sank as the vocals were definitely not good. Rest of the performance reinforced that and DE was a real disappointment. My ticket cost me £37.50 and I spent the night thinking "I could have bought a Joseph ticket instead". Off to collect Sloppy now, then shopping - have to get over to Maidenheard area for 6pm so it's going to be a hectic sort of a day, so will catch up much later - be good.

Morning all!

Was at w**k yesterday morning and missed out on all the excitement, but had a lovely lunch-time with Louise.

Hya Louise! (waives).

Karen we missed you, and raised a glass to you. So you're suffering from life eh?, Some doctors! I'm another one who recommends echinacea - it's worked very well for me.

Debbie - belated happy birthday!

Shirley2 - thanks for the review.

Hope everyone going to the show tonight has a fantastic time (Ohmmming for you Owlie Sue, hope you make it).

And Ohmmms for anyone else in need.

Ploppy took me out last night - which was lovely, but I was impatient to see my recording of GMTV. Bless him! When we got home he had the courtesy to fall asleep in the chair, so I was able to watch the GO - (he!he!). Oooo delectable! Going to see if I can find the webcast now - thanks for the links girls!

Morning all, just dashed on here before I do my morning Sloppy run to say to all going places today have a wonderful time (as if not) and report back asap.
Hello BHB, oh wow you've been swimming already this morning, in this weather? Come here my dear I have lots of warm fluffy towels to wrap you in. We can't have you getting cold now can we? Mind seeing you dressed(?) like that I can guarantee I won't be cold!

Morning. Hope Goldie passes her test, Eva.

Fi, I find YouTube is better in the day - probably before the US logs on!

My Ploppy also fell asleep very conveniently last night, Jane E.

Hi all, just a quick visit. I see others are rushing around got somewhere got to go somewhere have we. What's that BHB, 'you'll see me later'. I don't think so I'm going to a show in London, to see a wonderful young man singing and dancing and running around without proper clothes on. I'll just have a quick snack now, thank you.
Shirley2, maybe the scrum is worse now as it's not so cold. I know the least people I've seen was when it was raining. Or perhaps the weekends are busier.
JaneE, I loved the webcaste, funny at the beginning without the sound, when he didn't know the camera was on. The realisation when he was told. Then he switches to (what I call) star mode. I can't remember what Shirley called it, something like- he switches on.
Got my BLM ticket this morning.
Back up running all night, only managed 3%, at least it didn't freeze at 1% like it did the night before. Must be all those pics, vids.
Good journey to those travelling.
Eva-Thank you for the clarification was a bit concerned at the beginning of your post. Hope all goes well.
Carol- have a good time tonight hope the voice holds up.
oooohhhhhhhmmmms for the bank.
Dog wants to go out so bye.

JaneE and Diana, are you using certain medicines on your Ploppies in the evenings?

Hi all, just got in and wanted to wish all those going to a certain show tonight the best of times, jealous, me? YESSS.

Right I'll go back and catch up on the last few days now, think it may take a while cos I want to go back and check out all the links I couldn't see on rubbish dial up. 'See' you later, if anyone is still here!

Morning all

Thanks for all the suggestions for helping with the lurgies! I had a glass of red last night for the first time since Sunday (unheard of!) and it tasted awful. My tastebuds are clearly still in recovery. On the plus side, as I haven't eaten anything either since Monday I have lost half a stone!!!!! Now, considering doctors have been telling me for years that I can't lose weight due to a medical condition, this is a minor miracle, and makes me wonder. Bit of a drastic way to do it but hey, I'm not complaining. It'll probably all go back on the second that normal food passes my lips!

Hope all those going to the show today have a wonderful time.

Eva - fingers crossed for Goldie.

Carol - good luck with the performance.

Jane - glad you and Louise had a good time. Wish I could have been there. Good excuse for another meet up soon though (as if we need an excuse!!).

Hope the DupLops have a good fest today.

And hope everybody else has a good day too.

No idea who the Duplops are so hope the Dublops have a good time instead!!!!

Can't get the web cast vid to work! Waaa! (Screams! Stamps feet!!)

Jo4 , I use this wonderful thing on Ploppy called 'Lots of beer' - works every time - how about you Diana?

Ooo thanks for reminding me Karen -

Have a great time today Dub-lops!

Jo4 - you may well be right about the weather increasing the scrum. It looked a right mix of people - there were quite a few children at show it being half term and a Friday but they were not outside. There were some screaming girls who were just pushing everyone (but not us with our Loppie armour, clocks etc. There seemed to be quite a few older people inc men and I think at least one coach party as there was a coach parked nearby for the whole time we were there. I hope its better tonight for those going, not something that very enjoyable.
I got my BLM tickets today too.

No post here yet. Hope I got a ticket.

I downloaded some software yesterday and have been busy since downloading various vids from YouTube etc. that I've not been able to do before. Very tempting to sit and watch as each downloads but time consuming.

Ploppy falls asleep on the settee without any help. He has an annoying habit though of waking up as soon as I switch channels to something I want or put a vid/DVD in.

Dub-lops have a good time. Hope the singing goes well tonight, Carol. We'll raise a glass (or two or three ....) to you all.

Must start getting ready - shopping in Oxford Street before Joe.

Hello it’s me BIRTHDAY GIRL here, yes I’m 25 today, Well maybe if you reverse that figure it would be more accurate.
How are you all? I haven’t read the blog for some time and will try to catch up, but you loppies do write a lot you know.
Geri I still have a few chapters of Sir Lee to read and will have to find out what became of him (I’m sure you would not let any harm come to him)
Shirley and Suex thank you again for finding me that Tee- Shirt size (was I the only one to want that size? must start the diet then - oh no then it would be too big, better not start until after the 18th of Oct)
What is happening about the big meet on the 18th Oct? I sped read a few post just before going to work the other day and saw something about it, but didn’t have time to read it all
I will take some OOOOHHHMMMS from the Loppie love bank for Sloppy she is not doing too good at the moment and now has a feeding tube in.
Have we got any new loppies? HELLO if we have, just going to read about Sir Lee now so will catch up later.

hello hello hello

Just a quick post - wasn't yesterday a blast! Two live interviews, two live gigs, and a live webcam Q&A. Loved hearing Loppy names - and how much he loves his fans. Especially liked the brief interlude where he's unaware of being 'broadcast'. Awww..

Thrilled he mentioned Leann Rimes as a duet 'dream' - how about this one
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_UmF3iRrkU4&feature=related

DubLops have a great meet today - we'll lift a glass to you this evening as we prepare to pay our respects to the King of Adelphi.

Ooohhhmmmms aplenty deposited in the bank - and in the words of the Welsh crooner - "just help yourself".

Sue - good to see you back and in broadband. But I guess we won't see you for a while longer... there's a helluva lot of links to catch up on.

Carol - good luck for your performances today. Lots of honey (with perhaps a shot of whiskey)to soothe the throat.

Jo4 - see you later (in the new trousers I hope), and Diana, and Shirley, and SueX? And whoever else will be there.

Oooh, how ill mannered of me - belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Debbie. And welcome back Maggie and a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you too. Boy have you got a lot of catching up to do.
Glad I deposited those OOohhhmmmms now. Take shed loads for your Sloppy Maggie.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAGGIE!! Enjoy reading Sir Lee - but you have been warned right? Tissues at the ready!

Have a good time at the show girls - remember we need ti know ALL about it!

Ticket for BLM arrived! Hurrah!

Still no joy with You-Tube Boo!

Welcome back Maggie and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Loads of ohhhhmmmmmms for the bank before I forget, hope all sick and ailing are feeling better. Karen the weight loss great, but is it worth going off red wine for ? I think not.
Good Luck today Carol, hope your cough is well and truly gone by now.
Am liking that song Auds, gives me goosebumps thinking about the GO singing it with her.
If not too late, have a great fest Dub-lops,(oh and the dup-lops, whoever they are).

Phew!! Caught up on here at least, not checked Donna's yet, or all the old links. Tried to download the file from Claire, downloaded OK, but puter says Windows can't open it. Any ideas anyone??

Thanks for all the good wishes for my date at the hospital with a camera, no medicine Jill, just a little numbing gel, which had no effect at all when she took the biopsy!! On the whole not too bad though, should get the results soon, she said it didn't look like anything sinister though, so I'm not going to worry.

Oh Pen, what a week you had. Glad to get your second post to say things are on the up, even if the cat doesn't think so!!

Ali, do we get to see the poem? Sounds cute.

Karen 2, what a dreadful thing to hear, and as you say worse because they are so far away.

Debbie, a belated Happy Birthday, Maggie Happy Birthday.

Ploppy on a course today, he's a lorry driver, so courses don't come naturally to him,(something to do with the new driving regs) I'd better get some h----w--k done before he gets back, or there'll be trouble at t'mill

Goldie and I are back home, and is she proud of herself! Preening about like you wouldn't believe. You would be excused for thinking she was the first ever car to be MOT'ed. Purring like a cat she is!
Maggie,- GRATULERER MED DAGEN HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Hope you'll get a chance for a little celebration and to relax from your worries about your Sloppy.
To the Dublops,- unless you're already well into the third glass of whatever you are drinking, have one for me, please, and enjoy yourselves.

Sue,- do you have Real Player downloaded? If not, you can do it free from the website. That should open your file.(hopefully).
I had my Tickets for BLM today too.

Maggie - welcome back and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. What a birthday treat you have in store, reading AKWD. Hope you find a little time to relax and enjoy yourself today, you sure do need it! Lots of ohms for your sloppy and for you.

Pauline2 - you're right it's not worth it and when normal red wine service is resumed that will no doubt be rectified!!

Well done Goldie (have to say Eva, I've never seen a car preen but, if you say so.....)!

No BLM tickets for me yet but as I was in my sickbed I was late sending my cheque so if I miss out I will have my nose pushed up against the window watching you all, forlornly, cinderloppy once again....unless somebody can fit me up their jumper and sneak me inside!!!! What, no volunteers!!!!!!

Just a quick hello - Maggie HAPPY BIRTHDAY - do hope your Sloppy improves - lots of ooohhhhmmms for you, her and everyone else in need - Karen I know what you mean - when I had the lurgy I couldn't drink (of the shame and horror of it!). Sadly I didn't lose any weight as Ploppy kept leaving me flasks of hot Ribena next to the bed so that I could have a soothing Vit C drink - trouble is it's packed with sugar! Got my BLM tickets today and we are nos. 125 and 126, so fingers crossed everyone who applied got them. As it is between 5 and 7 pm, I imaging we SLs will meet up before that and anyone without tickets can join tobgether and have their own little get togther - we'll get organising that nearer the date! So far, cough has remained quiet, so I am hopeful for tonight!!! Just off to wash hair so I look (a little) glamourous this evening! Catch up later.

Happy Birthday Maggie and a belated Happy Birthday to anyone I have missed.
Ohms to all the Loppies and Sloppies who need them, my family are well on the way to health and can spare them today. I dare not call my mother a sloppy as I have been threatened with a fate worse than death if I do, no more trips to Joseph! She is feeling well enough to agree that we need to go again to see if the show was as fantastic as she remembers or whether that was just the fever she had (any excuse will do) so it is back to saving like mad for a while.
I have solved the problem of the cat and litter trays, he will not use cat litter but likes plastic carrier bags. Since they are free, it is quite cost effective. Explaining to visitors why there is a litter tray full of plastic carrier bags on the balcony is more difficult. Why do pets do their best to make their owners look crazy?

Ooo sorry Karen - I'm feeling guilty because if I'd realised how pooly you were I'd have got a BLM ticket for you. (Hangs head in shame!)I do hope you get a ticket.

Pen - your mum sounds georgeous wonderful and charming (will the grovelling help prevent the no more Joseph threat?)

Hello! Heres a link (I hope) to the webchat on youtube (well the second part).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv7UgpPdwzA

I am currently trying to watch it now but on my home computer it is loading about two seconds at a time!! If you have broadband its quicker!! As Shirley says, leave it to run and then go back to it. Have a lovely time everyone going tonight - full report on sunburn, mossie bites, hairy legs and sweat please!!

My wife is absolutely crazy about Lee Mead. she eats Lee, sleeps Lee,( not literally,!) talks Lee, and spends 24 hours a day on line studying Lee. As a result I have hardly seen my wife for about 3 months. If you see her, can you tell her that her husband loves her very much and is missing her -yours Jonathan B PS she goes by the name of Yvie B

I just watched the web chat again and I love the title they gave him in the beginning. JOSEPH SUPERSTAR You bet ya he is.

Sue you can watch the web chat with real player but if you don’t have that someone on LMAS has converted the files to AVI. You have to download them.
Part 1
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HHC7P98U

part 2
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XJWQ7PGR

Re You Tube i will let it run through and then go back and play it and hopefully that will work. thanks for suggestion Shirley and everyone else.

maggie HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Go on lMAS site for thread to Big loppy Meet on 18th Oct - hopefully there will be some left but you need to apply for them.

karen - glad to hear you are getting better - but you need to take it easy still - and lots of vits and echinacea.

Having 8 people to dinner tonight - and still no fridge or freezer! Loosely based around a burns supper - have cleaned house, made table decs, made soup and a sticky toffee pud (was going to be cranachan - rasps, cream and oatmeal - but as no fridge giving that a miss) and now off to catch, pluck and cook the haggi!

Also Scollop's first prom/ball tonight and he is going in dinner suit - had to be specially ordered as he so petite. he is still at work but due home soon to shower and change and be back out at 5.30 so off to bags shower first.

Hi there. I'm writing this from my BRAND NEW LAPTOP, and it's up and running. I have spent the afternoon connecting and downloading, and YYYIIIIPPPPPEEEEEE it's doing what it's supposed to do. Still have some more downloads to do, but all my Lee Mead files are safely transferred, so wherever I go, whatever I do, I've got Himself with me.
Did anybody say that this Lee Mead stuff is expesive?????
Scott dear,- if you have been working yesterday and today, have you seen our discussion about "Aspects of Love" and how we disliked it? Has The Stage done a review of this touring production? It would be interesting to know what the professional critic's take is on this production.

Hi there. I'm writing this from my BRAND NEW LAPTOP, and it's up and running. I have spent the afternoon connecting and downloading, and YYYIIIIPPPPPEEEEEE it's doing what it's supposed to do. Still have some more downloads to do, but all my Lee Mead files are safely transferred, so wherever I go, whatever I do, I've got Himself with me.
Did anybody say that this Lee Mead stuff is expesive?????
Scott dear,- if you have been working yesterday and today, have you seen our discussion about "Aspects of Love" and how we disliked it? Has The Stage done a review of this touring production? It would be interesting to know what the professional critic's take is on this production.

Aw Look! Eva's so excited she's repeating herself!

Fi - enjoy Burn's Night - are you going to pipe in the Haggis?

Jonathan - my Ploppy says he sympathises.

I'm going to some friends for dinner tonight, so I'll catch you lot later - and hopefully there'll be lots of lovely reviews to read.

@Eva: The touring version of Aspects of Love was reviewed by Mark Shenton in September:

http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/18205/aspects-of-love

Don't forget that there is a sitewide search box at the top right of this (and every other) page; once you've done your initial search you can limit results to News, Reviews, Blogs, etc. using the supplied links.

Scott dear,- thank you so much for that link. I see your critic has a very different opinion than the ladies on this blog. I agree that Rosie had a lovely voice, but disagree when it comes to DE. His voice is simply not strong enough to tell his story. The one who played Alex when I saw it in Canterbury was called Tom Something or other, so not the same.
As for the scene design I just found it dark and ugly, and all the changes highly irritating.
It is interesting that it is the ladies that find the love stories and passions unbelievable, i.e. the male singers/actors seemed unable to convince us that they could instill these feelings.
JaneE,- in my eagerness to post from the laptop I was a tad heavyhanded. Must get used to the fine touch needed there.

Hi - just to let you know my husband (Jonathan B) exaggerates somewhat. I don't obsess about Lee 24 hours a day - well not everyday anyway ;).

Fortunately he knows I love him dearly and I know he loves me too. He just wanted to wind me up.

I just got rather exited yesterday when Lee answered one of my questions on the gm.tv webchat - although hubby was actually quite exited by this too.

Jane - no worries my lovely, don't feel guilty. I'm sure there will be others for me to play with if I don't get a ticket!! And, if not, then I'll make you feel guilty at that point(hehe)!!

Jonathan - rest assured you are not alone, there are Ploppies far and wide feeling the same as you do - perhaps you should start a neglected ploppies blog where you can all compare notes on how obsessed your wife's or partners are.

YvieB - well done on getting your question answered (and don't let Ploppy wind you up!!).

Eva - well done on your new laptop - feels good doesn't it when it all goes according to plan!

Fi - thanks for the advice - I shall certainly try to take it easy, at least until Monday morning when I have to go back to work (don't think they'll be very happy at me coughing and spluttering over them all though!!).

Evening all, Fi glad to see you managed to catch your haggis as I know they can be slippery little blighters. Have a great "not" Burns night.
Pen animals wind us up because they can and I think they see it as their job!
Hi JonathanB you cannot seriously expect us on this blog to see Yvie as anything but the wise, sensible discerning person she obviously is. She has great taste, after all she married you! Right Yvie?
Eva glad your Goldie came through her first experience so well, always a nerve-racking time. That and a new laptop! You are obviously having a techie day!
Karen make sure you don't do h*****k, have you thought that might have been what bought this lurgy on?
Btw read that review, and think the reviewer was at a different show to me, and I saw the same Alex, he definately struggled with some notes, and had zero charisma for me. Ah well one mans' meat is obviously a womans' poison!

Hey Pauline2, you may have a point there!! It was last Saturday that I spent all day doing the h*******k and it was Sunday evening when I first started to feel ill!!! Hmmm!! When I am certain that I am fully recovered, I'll conduct an experiment - I won't do any h*******k for a month and if I don't come down with any lurgies in that time then point proven!! Do you think a month is long enough for the experiment though!!!!!!?

Talking of conducting experiments reminds me of the father of a friend of mine who was (and probably still is though I haven't seen either of them for a while) rather partial to the odd vodka or several and used to get a little squiffy (his word not mine). My friend used to go mad at him as he's in his late 70's and not steady on his feet at the best of times. One day she came home and found him gripping hold of the fireplace so she asked him what on earth he was doing and he said he was conducting an experiment to see of it was the vodka that made his legs go wobbly!!!!!! Bless him - I know it's not good at his age but the poor bloke had few pleasures in life.

Been to the daughter's again (she's going away far too much at the moment, next weekend too) so a lot of catching up to do. My grandaughter was off for an overnight camp for her Duke of Edinb. award and has to walk 15 miles with a pack on her back so heavy that I could hardly lift it, just hope she's not lying comatose in a ditch somewhere!

JaneE and Sue, Claire has put the web chats on the LMAS forum, you just to have click on the two parts.

Jackie and Jill, I do agree with you about The Choir, I loved the series and the previous one, really uplifting and Gareth Malone is fantastic, how he managed to get those performances was amazing, he's so charming and funny.

Talking of which loved yesterday's dose of GO,
wasn't he sweet on the webchat, so natural and unshowbizzy. I'm liking the thought of an album of the soundtrack of film with Lee singing title track.

Happy Birthday Debbie, Maggie and any others that we don't know about!

Jonathan, hope you've found your wife, I think she did pass this way.

I'm trying to watch some telly, but my eyes keep closing. It's been a looooong day with a lot of brainwork(!), and my eyes are square after staring at a computerscreen all afternoon and night. I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Has anyone else seen this rather nasty piece of "knocking copy" about Connie.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=517650&in_page_id=1773

There are lots of people in theatreland who can't wait to see poor old Connie fail, there must still be an awful lot of resentment and jealousy directed at ALW and his protegees.

It makes me worry a bit for Lee but I think there are a couple of differences in his case.
1) I get the impression that he is well liked by his colleagues in the cast.
2) He has 'paid his dues' by having 5 or more years experience in the business behind him.

Apart from the fact that he's just beautiful, talented and gorgeous and has hundreds of devoted fans!

JonathanB - your wife is a woman of wisdom and wit - so glad you love her dearly! Yvie B - our Ploppies have similar concerns but are learning to cope. On a previous page you may see that I offer Ploppy training!
Glad to say Concert went well with no attack of coughing in the middle! Just got back in time to see England beat France at the rugby - yes!! Scott I iterate the remarks about Aspects - really wasn't impressed by either of the two male leads and found the gloomy staging so dark it was impossible to see the actor's faces!! Karen - I think you need longer than one month to ensure the experiment has time to be proven! Dublops hope you all had a good time today (as doubtless those at the Adelphi today have!). Off to bed now as feeling tired for some reason....Sweet Meads all!!

Thanks for all you kind remarks. I've found my wife and she has promised to attend Leeaholics anonymous, and hopefully she will slowly be weened off
Jonathan

Since my last posting, my wife has said she has not promised anything. Unfortunately she is back into denial about her leeaholic problem

Ah Jonathan B - you will need to look after her and for the sake of her health ensure that she has copious amounts of Lee time. I am afraid there is no lasting cure for this conditions and any attempts to ween her from her very sensible, totally understandable addiction, the results could be horrendous. If you would like I can put you in touch with the Ploppy Self Help group - (Ploppy by the way is Partner of Loppy) - which has been formed to assist people with your problem. All I can say is the best way to treat Yvie is to be very gentle and pander to her every whim.

And quite right too YvieB!

Does you wife suffer from leeaholicism. Then go to www.leeaholicsanonymous.co.uk. Remember leeaholicism affects the whole family! Dont lose your wife to Lee!Get help now

Jonathan, Jonathan, you definitely need a session at my Ploppy training school - I have had wonderful results with my own Ploppy and he is a shining example to what can be achieved with an open mind, a little hard work on my part, and an acceptance on his part that there is no cure for Lee addiction!

Hi - thank you for your support Loppies. I fear though that my Ploppy will take some persuading to join - but I will keep working on him.

Maeve read that extremly nasty article. All it is doing is raking over very old news. The toast to Connie story is well over a year old as is the boyfriend story. Pinch of salt time I think.
Karen I like your friends' fathers style, sort of experiment I'd like to conduct!
Carol glad your concert went well and coughless.
Leealcoholism, I like that, two favourite pastimes in one word! No cure, sorry Jonathon B but you see we don't want curing! Just learn to live with it.

evening all!!

Just dropping in quickly just to say:
Karen - i Have received your ticket request and it will be in the post to you on Monday!!!
Aud's as well!!

Sorry can't stay have tickets to sort out LOL!!!

Well think it's time to turn in, in fact I think everyone has! Just in case I'll say night night.

Evening. Just got back from Joseph. Really excellent show - everyone on top form. John Alistair was Jacob/Potiphar. The GO was his usual gorgeous self - sang certainly as good the best I've heard before, possibly even a fraction better. I really don't see how he could improve any more. Jenna has really grown into the role now, she was superb as the narrator - she was wearing a different outfit for the first half tonight. No mishaps this time, not that I noticed anyway. Oh the loincloth had a mark on the left rear.

I was in the front row of dress circle at one side near an exit so literally ran out afterwards and was one of the first out the front - I wanted Lee to sign Stephanie's photo. Suex and I were right at the front with Shirley immediately behind so we had excellent position. I got Lee to sign and took some photos (probably the best I've taken, though still not as good as some people's). However, despite having thought of something to say to him, when it came to it I just went blank. Suex got a wink after mentioning his holiday photos!

Shirley, hope you caught your train and your journey home wasn't a nightmare. Hope everyone else gets home safely.

Hi All
Posted earlier and then pc crashed and it didn't go so here goes again;

Happy Birthday Maggie - hope you had a lovelee day.

Hope all at the Adelphi had a great time, I'm sure you did.

The Dublop fest - well, we all headed home after an 8 hour fix of adwd. We started with Champers (thanks Jenny!), pizza and various other beverages! Lots of laughter, squeals and plenty of singing, in fact, major thanks to Geri's wonderful dollop for her tolerance of behaviour that definitely wouldn't have been allowed in public. I imagine we'd have been asked to leave most respectable establishments!

Thanks to Geri for a great fun day, can't wait for the next one.

Really tired now and have to study tomorrow so night all, xx.

Home safe and sound... have been since 11:45 but couldn't get onto the site for some reason. What a great evening. Pleased to say it was very warm in the theatre tonight - loads of perspiration front - through unwaxed chest and almost down to the b.button, AND even down his back. Also dribbled down the breastplate... Up on the Dress Circle tonight (so I had my bino's to ensure I didn't miss those little thrills)and was up and dancing for most of the megamix. I had a really fab time tonight.
There was one clothing malfunction Diana - his prince of egypt belt with drape came off. Didn't see it happen, just realised it when I saw one of the handmaidens carrying it about while she danced.
Managed two scrums today - caught the matinee one and got a decent photograph and a little vid as he came out.. the 2nd one was a mega scrum - I could hardly get out of it.
Mosquito bites appear to have healed nicely, although still has a mark (too big to be a bite?) on his shin. Definitely no waxing there.
Lovely to see Nicki, Sonja, SueX, Jo4, Shirley and Diana (with my Stage Photo!!!! BUCKET BUCKET), and it was lovely to meet you Owlie Sue.
Catch you all later today now. Time for the sweetest of meads now.

Executive summary: bouncy, sexy, sweat, great night. Jenna excellent.
On time at rendezvous, had to have a change of plan due to the rugby, it was full. We did see a nearly naked man though, nothing to write home about. Went to the scrum after the matinee. My excuse I have to rush to get my last train after the Saturday evening performance, as it is earlier than in the week-work that out!!! Got some more art photos, nothing good-sorry.
Then back to another bar for more chatting. Thanks to Sonja and Nicki for saving our table, we had left bags and drinks. Bit of food and then it was time to go, go, go.
I had ‘my’ seat in the dress circle, A33. Wave to Diana at the other end of the row. Sat next to 2 American ladies ‘Is he the one that won the TV show?’ One asked the other. I nodded. The other said I watched some it. Tisk, my face must have said something, so I was asked have you seen it before? Is he good? Muttered something about good voice, fit guy, and half the show running around without many clothes on. I don’t really like to chat just before the show starts.
Then it was starting. Announced that John Alastair would play Jacob and Potiphar. He normally plays Reuben (head brother). Jenna is good and getting better. She has new clothes for the start and high shiny black shoes. They really caught the light from where I was. (Have to make the most of these details as when a certain person gets on stage everyone else disappears.) Then he is there!!! At the beginning I thought THE voice was a very very little croaky, but soon it was back to normal. Dry ice was at a very sensible level, so children were not covered.
Mark Oxtoby (usually Simeon) played Reuben – I think. Anyway it was the one that takes the lead in Canaan days. Both Nathaniel and Neal were there, shame I rather like Nathaniel doing Benjamin calypso. It was strange having a different Reuben, as Mark is not as tall so there were a few changes. Later when Jenna is picked up by Reuben it was done by another brother, Simon Coulthard (I think). He also stood by Jacob in Canaan days while Mark did his bit.
AliB, sorry no note on the leg hair, too far away. There was a mark on the loin cloth, looked like make up. CED, as always, phew. Yes, sweat, diaphragm heaving up and down. He’s lost that little bit extra above his waist, which I commented on in my last review.
Jenna’s Pharaoh’s story before the Dean bit, was truly amazing. She has really got it. It was brilliant. Touch concerned about the short glittery dress, every time she got up from the chair in the second half she had to pull it down.
I have solved my problem with not being able to understand the words of Dean’s first song. I do not have enough brain power to watch what I’m watching (guess) and translate the words of what I’m hearing into intelligible speech. He kneeled in front of pharaoh today. First time I’ve seen that since the ankle problem. Anyway I still didn’t hear the words Dean was singing. Back is so lovely, good muscle tone. I would go on but might end in the gutter.
On the golden cup saga. I saw a bit fly off and then on the forum there was a report of it breaking. This time he did not bang it to the floor as hard. There was an error!! Not certain what caused it as my eyes have priority over my ears, and I was watching a certain person. HE may have missed his queue to start singing, but a word was missed out. Should have been ‘Benjamin, you nasty youth’ but ‘youth’ was missed. All carried on fine.
Again I strained my arms clapping. Didn’t stand up until very end, due to being front row of a big drop. He was all smiles on the cherry picker, love that bit. Then it is over.
Can I go again please?
Lovely to see everyone. Big kiss to Diana for bringing the photos. I had to do review now as I’ve lots to do tomorrow (later today). Meet photos will have to wait. Packed lunches to make now.

Auds-yes I did have my new trousers (and boots)

Auds, my previous post took ages to be accepted so I think there was a problem on the site.

I saw that bit with the belt - one of the handmaidens took it off Joseph. I thought it was a bit strange. DK why it happened - maybe Shirley who was nearest can fill in. And the cup looked different tonight, a bit more substantial, though it could have been the different angle.

And excuse my bad manners not acknowledging fellow Joes, especially Owlie Sue, Nicki & Sonja.

Sweat meads is most appropriate tonight.

Jo4's write up reminded me about the lady I sat next to who was with her OH (I assume) and came from the North East. Virtually as soon as I sat down she asked if I would be dancing at the end - yep. I asked if she'd been before - no but she'd seen the touring version. I told her she was in for a treat as the whole cast as well as Lee are top notch. At the interval I asked if she was enjoying it - though it was pretty clear she was! I told her once isn't enough. As we were putting our coats on at the end, without any prompting she said they would definitely be coming back!

And I'm definitely off to bed now as mustn't be up too late. I'm coming down to earth fast tomorrow - lots of the dreaded h/w**k to do as I've been naughty and done very little for weeks and Ploppy even commented the other day. Hope this doesn't mean I go down with the lurgy. Night .... or should I say morning.

Thanks for the review Jo4 - meant to say that in my review for Friday that we were glad Jenna had ditched those awful shapeless trousers for a skirt!
I read the Connie article and although its mostly rehashed stuff there is an awful lot of it. It seems people really do have it in for her, trying to knock her off her pedistal and I do wonder if they will try the same with Lee once they have finished with her. I know Lee is in a stronger position, is loved by cast, has the background work to back him up + has DVO in his corner but it is still a worry. Such people are anti ALW doing casting by TV but wouldn't go for him directly so try the next best thing. I'm sure any chink in Lee's armour will be exploited by someone and much will depend on what he does next.

Good morning all. Dont know what the dickens I am doing here so early, and have caught up too.

Maggie Many happy returns for yesterday. Sorry I missed it. Lots of love, and sorry to hear about your Sloppy. Such a worry, and with all that travelling involved you must be worn out.

Before I set out yesterday morning I went to the TrainLine site to print out the train times and thought I had put my start and destination stations in wrong. Rather than an hour is was showning 1.41 and 2 hours. Engineering works. Oh great. So ran out of the house and got to the station 2 hours before I was due to be meeting Sonja and Nicki. There were no trains west of Reading, so bus to there. Wonderful. Anyway made it in time - 2 hours as predicted. Even had time for a dash up to Jo Malone - YYYEEEAAAHHH.

Lovely lunch. We sat and yakked for hours. Well I fear I yakked for far more than my share. I blame the medication - woke with a headache by lunchtime it was heading for a migraine so had to medicate it. Sonja had a headache, and Nicki was dosing herself too. Healthy little group - but happy and giggling. I was able to tell them about Lee's choice of swimwear - as neither of them has much access to the virtual world at the moment they have not seen them yet.

It was PACKED around Covent Garden. Heaving. But they headed off and found us a really nice pub to settle in. Much prefered it to The Porterhouse actually. What do others think??

The scrum after the matinee was fun. Using our hobnailed boots and sharpened elbows we stood at the front only to have a couple of women who had been standing right in the middle doorway force themselves in front of us when they were told to get off the step. There were a couple of littlies trying to get through and these 2 old bats would not let them through. Suex and I were really giving them grief about it, and eventually we managed to get the second little one through. When Lee came out he looked gorgeous, and his usual bubbly self. Another new hat and scarf outfit. I did get one decent photo and will send it off to Martin in a bit. Those 2 eventually moved away and Suex and I were at the front. Sue was chatting away to Lee, and I had printed out a set of the Minardi photos for a lady who describes herself as old and disabled so she cannot get to Jo. She had misunderstood and thought she would get prints so I had done a set for her and thought I would see if I could get one signed for her. Managed to get 3. Each time he came past I got another one done. Thanks Lee. I told him they were for an old lady who could not get there and he said 'Oh thank you'. Would hate him to think I was collecting them for ebay.

Managed to meet up with Diana and Owlie Sue outside the Adelphi, so we were all present and accounted for.

Anyway I will post this now as will spit if I lose it.

Morning all. What, what, what,- no management here this morning? Hello, sweetheart, I'm glad to see you're not letting the side down and was here to welcome Shirle2. I'd better start making the Coffee Doctors, and I'm sure we can find some nice bread in the freezer to defrost. Oh, they have taught you to make porridge have they, BHB? Good, I'll let you do that.
It seems they are all in a tizz after seeing a show last night. You were there too? You go every night????? Really, isn't that taking it a bit far? You don't think so. The show wouldn't be the same without you there? (Anybody know a good psyciatrist?)

Shirley,- my apologies to you. You must have snuck in while I was posting. I'll leave the kitchen to you then, and I'll sit quietly here in the corner and talk to BHB. He really needs someone to listen to him. His delusions get bigger every day!

Hi Shrley and Eva. Eva stop trying to sit in BHB, he has work to do. I'll have a fruit platter and a diet coke. While you get that I'll tell you about the show I saw last night as you seem to be very interested in the theatre. I know you already told Eva that you were there, if you were could you tell me why a word was missed? No, oh well, nevermind. I'll tell you about it anyway, just sit here (pats seat NEXT to one I'm sitting on).

Maggie, happy birthday, sorry I missed it.

Oh Shirley2 missed you in a corner, Hi.

Monring - sorry I'm late! Alarm went off and I went back to sleep! Glad you all had a lovely time yesterday (through gritted teeth!). Yvie B - perserverance, that's the name of the game - good luck!! Just off to church and then over to see friends in Enfield so will be gone for most of the day. No time for breakfast, so a quick kiss (on the cheek) for the BHB. Catch up later!!!

Had a lovely time chatting in the pub. You all know who was there now so wont repeat, but enjoyed spending time with you all. Diana had lots of Stephanie photos she was giving to their purchasers. So THUDS all around. They are very impressive those photos - expensive, but impressive.
I have given Suex all the address labels for the THUD teeshirts, all annotated with who gets what, so thats my part in them done and dusted - good luck with the sorting and packing Suex. I love that she is busy indoctrinating the lady who is doing the screen printing.

It was a funny audience last night. Some Lee fans in but not a huge number. At a guess I would say that most of them were first timers. The family next to me had come down from Cumbria on a coach trip, two sisters with their 80 year old mother. They seemed quite straitlaced, but the lady next to me was in tears from Lee's first ADWD. Lee was brilliant - what else. Not sure about John Alexander as Jacob. He was good but I am used to Stephen Tate and like him. Lee was getting generous and enthusiastic cheering and applause, but the audience were really generous to everyone. It was nice. Jenna was fabulous. I liked her new outfit too. Looked the part. CED was great - lots of sweat - lots. Then Dean was on great form too. It was nice being there when the humour was new to so many people. Lots of laughter at all the gags - even the sheep bones got a good laugh.

Did I notice the wardrobe malfunction - nope. Did notice something differnt with the Benjamin my brother - but had not clicked what - thought it was more movement orientated but Lee was pooring sweat in the breastplate. It was running down his face, his neck was drenched and the theatre was not as hot last night as it had been in January. PHEW. The lady next to me was joining in all the clapping along, and when the megamix started I glanced around and could see that Ro and her group were up half way back in the stalls, so I leapt up and bless her this lady was up like a shot. Everyone behind us came up, and we all stayed up until the end. But no one in the front to rows - not one. And to the right of me they were really late up. Neal Wright was working so hard trying to get he rest of them up that he didnt even do his wonderful bum waggling bit - just as he was moving into that bit Lee arrived onstage again. It was lovely seeing all the open mouths and popping eyes when Lee went up on his cherry picker. You could tell they had no idea that was coming. Bits of confetti being collected all over the place.

In the interval I had been found by Charlotte (LotteB) who has done one of her wonderful Warhol type paintings for me, based on my favourite photo of Lee in his dress suit and white scarf at the Variety Club awards. So having said that I would do the afternoon scrum so I could run off to catch the train where do you think I am??? Yes thats right in the thick of it again. SueX hoped up onto the step and got a lovely photo of Auds, Owlie Sue and I standing there waiting. Roro, and her group came out late and stood on the ramp - it really is back to normal out front now. They had the ramp closed off in the matinee scrum because there was a little boy in a big wheelchair there with his family - but clearly just to give them space. Charlotte had given paintings to Ro, myself and another lady I dont know, so Lee had some kept getting different things to sign. Diana had her lovely Stephanie photo signed, I had my painting signed. I saw Ro making Lee sign the back of hers so he didn't spoil the front. Lots of giggles from Lee.

So off Auds and I dashed for the tube. On the tube we had time for some 'what the hell are we going to wear??' planning. Suex, Owlie Sue and Diana, sorry we did not see you to say goodbye - BYEE.

Got to the station at 10.35 so in plenty of time for the 10.45, but the 10.45 last night was stopping at every blade of grass, so I waited for the 11.00 that was just Slough and Reading - where I had to get off and get the replacement bus. After a slow journey we eventually made it to Reading at 11.45 to be told that the next coach was at 12.20. Some people had already been there for 40 minutes - the previous coach had just not arrived. Boy would I have been mad if I had missed the scrum to stand outside Reading station for an extra 40 minutes. And at 12.20 we were told we had to wait at least another 20 minutes for the last trains which were running late because we were the last coach. Eventually pulled out at 12.45. Got to Swindon at 1.35 and then had to drive home. Drunks out everywhere, but they all managed to leap out of my way!!! So by the time I had arrived and had a drink it was 2.15 and I headed to bed. Tired but happy. Also happy not to be going into London again today for the Theatre awards. I could not do with another journey like that tonight.

Oh and thank you for the link to that article Maeve, I was sat on the train on my way home trying to read it as the chap in the seat in front of me was reading it - and failing miserably.

Morning all, well sloppy medicated for the morning, so time to catch up. Thankyou all so much, wonderful reviews. Makes up a little bit for not being there. Why all this sweat I wonder? I'm getting paranoid like the girls on LMAS, and hope it doesn't mean he is getting a lurghy!! Whatever it sounds a great evening, and worth what sounds to be a pretty stinking journey Shirley.
Oh , hello BHB, I see you have brunch going as it is Sunday, I think bagels smoked salmon and cream cheese looks lovely, and some leaded coffee I think. The others are all a bit over excited so perhaps we should just sit quietly together in the corner until they calm down.

Morning all

Thank you all for the reviews. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time as we expceted.

Karen C - thanks for the ticket info - sorry, I hadn't realised it was you that was dealing with it. I know your surname begins with a c and I should have made the connection - blame my lurgified brain. Anyway, I wasn't hinting when I was waffling on about it earlier, I genuinely am a numpty ed!!