Could You Do Anything? Maybe if you have training

Ooooh am I first? Thanks yet again, Scott. I read the article during lunch.

...and I'm second unless someone is posting as I type!!

And I think I'm third!!! Thankyou Scott we've been worried about you.

No 4..... Here I come!
Scott dear,- do you think we need some training, then? I would think that like Carol's Ploppy, we know how to behave( well, most of the time......all right, some of the time!) Thank you for our new home. We're getting so good at these housemoves that hardly any stress is involved. Believe me, having moved a few times myself, twice to foreign lands, I know all about that!
Martin,- thank you for your lovely words. As Pauline says,- it's good to know there are still some gentlemen out there, and yes!,- you are included, Scott dear.
I'm now ready for my afternoon snooze. See you later.

Have just read on the forum that Lee is not performing tonight and will probably not be back until after his holiday, so I think the man is need of some serious ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmms, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmm, ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmm.

No 5 - That is a bit of a worry and as you say Pauline2 - he does seem to have a bit of a weakness where his throat is concerned. Lots of oohhhhmmmmssss on their way

My Three & Out soundtrack is on its way but probably won't receive it until Tuesday as it's coming to the office.

Lots of ooohhhmmmsss to Lee for a speedy recovery.

I don't know if it's a weakness as it is par for the course of doing a show 8 times a week. Lee said he'd played Raoul at least 30 times while he was understudying, and Dean and the other cast members had to take off time as well. The pressures to take off when you're not feeling well can't be as harsh under normal circumstances as they are for Lee right now, not with everyone watching.

Lots of oooohhhhhhmmmmmmsss for him and for those going tonight and tomorrow who are going to be disappointed! All our worst nightmares!! Wonder how Carys is doing....

I had to cancel my order with Amazon for the Three and Out Sountrack as they said it wouldn't arrive until after I'd left for my holiday. I'll re-order it when I get home, unless I can get it at Tesco on Monday. I wanted to take it with me, so I was really pi***d off when they e-mailed me the delay in relase.
Ooooohh,- I had a nice snooze, not too long, just right to keep me going until bedtime! Feeling like a human being again now!

Oh dear, lots of OHMMMSSS needed. Poor GO! OHHHMMMM

And Ali's sis OOOHHHMM - Geri OHHHMM Poorly Loppies OOHHHMM

Have I missed anyone?

Oh 'eck yes! Carys!!! OOOHHHMMM!!!

Oh Ali,your poor sister. You dont expect that in a new house. Are you still catering for 2 families??

Oh manners - Thank you so much for our new home Scott. As Eva says, it is getting to be virtually trouble free.

Started a course of pilates classes this afternoon - felt good to be doing it again. First time since we have moved,and wont be the last.

Long days for Geri and Carys. Hope all is going well for you both.

Ringer - looking forward to seeing you soon. Finished
packing yet??

Karen2 - so sorry your exam was a shocker. I imagine all the upsets in your life did not help revision at all. Hope you did better than you thought.

Lots of OOOOHHHHHMMMMMSSSSS to everyone who needs them.

Meant to say - Eva I thought you would have the 3&O soundtrack bulk stocked in your local Woolies.

Oh how rude of me!

Scott - thank you for our new abode!

Nice new home Scott, and I'm off to buy the print copy later this evening when I collect scollop from Cubs.
Sis's plumber has finished installing the new waste pipes (apparently they had been put in at the wrong angle so the waste from the bathroom was being flushed uphill!) but she is now left with lots of big holes in some of the walls. They have been told the developers will make good in 4-5 weeks!! With a 2 year old boy in the house that is just not practical so she is in the process of taking photos to email to them and demand they come out asap. I was a bit concerned as we also bought a house on the same development but our bathroom has an outside wall so we should be ok!
It looks as if we may have reached a compromise re:the green/play area as well so fingers crossed.
I forgot to say at the weekend my young (17) work colleague actually admitted that she is now a Lee fan, and that I converted her! She has finally persuaded her boyfriend to take her to see Joseph in January. It took a while but I got there in the end!!
More ooohhhhmmms for Carys and the GO this evening.

Ringer -I got the impression that the 30 times doing Raoul included a regular matinee slot rather than covering sickness (as Fiona did as Narrator). I think its more a case of him trying to carry on when he is going down with something and aggravating it. Lets hope the holiday puts him back on track and fighting fit. At least with 'summer' coming there shouldn't be so many bugs around

Shirley,- are you thinking about my new friend in the local Wollies? I will of course check it out, and I'm sure if I don't find it, I'll point it out to her,- in the nicest possible way, of course!
Ali,- that sounds like an absolute nightmare. I would be camping out on the doorsteps of the builders office until they had fixed the kitchen.

Well, I'm not long home and I'm wrecked. Decided on a can of rice pud for dinner, which should give you some idea.

Thanks for all the ohms -- the audit went fine. We got about a 4.8 out of 5.0, which is as good as we could have hoped for.

Karen2, I know how hard you've been studying and I'm sure you did much better in that exam than you think. You set very high standards for yourself so you're probably not the best judge of how you did.

Pauline2, was it you who mentioned Luton Airport? Sorry, blood sugar's a bit low so information processing is off. Anyway, it reminded me of an ad that was on TV in the late '70s. Beautiful woman (Lorraine something) looking ethereal and besotted man says in adoring voice: Were you truely wafted here from paradise? To which she replies in the flattest voice, Nah, Lu'on Air Por'. Anyone else remember that?

Hello again, Ringer. I made you a promise about a month ago about finding a special bit for you in the new story. You'll be glad to know it's all planned out and just needs to go on paper (or screen). I think you'll like it. And speaking of the next story: this time around I'm keeping a notebook of plot lines, characters, and drafts of each chapter. When the story is finished I'm giving the completed notebook to Shirley so she can raffle it for Mildmay.

Ohms to Carys, Martin (it will be a pleasure, I'm sure), Karen2's appraiser & all the others who need them.

Lorraine Chase Geri, I was a mere child then but I still remember it, he he!!

Oh yes Geri do I ever remember that advert. It was Lorraine Chase in it. I thought it was really funny, until the 100th time of people finding out where I was from, it was the cue to repeat it and roll about laughing!

Oh goody soon have more Lee music to listen too. I hope you manage to get it before your holiday Eva.

Ali I meant to say earlier on that just having my kitchen done was a nightmare, what your poor sister is going through heaven alone knows,ohhhhhhmmmmms that the ****** builders get it sorted pdq.

Geri congrats on your audit that sounds great (says she not really having the least idea!) Light at the end of the tunnel? New story coming along nicely then? Woo hoo!

Voted, seen Sloppy (her birthday today) and off to rehearsal shortly. Hope everyone is starting to feel a little better, that Ali's sister sorts things out and that everyone in need has lots of oooohhhhhmmmmssss. Catch up later (I'm always saying that!).

Pauline2, I think the reason I remember the ad -- other than the fact that it was funny -- is that I did my psychiatric nursing secondment at Colney Hatch and Luton Airport wasn't so far away. Lorraine Chase -- that's it.

Don't worry about my keeping a diary of my visit to the Diva -- I'll need evidence for the trial...

Packing is done for the most part. Just a few odds and ends I need to throw in yet. (Breathe... remember to breathe!!!)

Looking forward to Sailsbury, Shirley! Should be a fun time--oh, and of course... educational :)

Shirley2, the matinee thing makes sense. And Lee is doing all his matinees as well. It's got to make that second show tough when he's under the weather.

Ali, good luck with doubling up. My sister and her family stayed with us a while back when her house was being built. We started arguing over the smallest stuff. It's funny now, but at the time...

Thanks Geri :) Can't wait to read it!

Anyone hear about Carys yet?

Just back from voting - sorry Carys but I couldn't find your name anywhere on the form to mark with an X.
Stupid weather - I left the office and the sun was shining and it had all the signs of a very pleasant evening - by the time I got to the bus stop I was dripping wet. So it's been a soggy ride home today. Didn't dare stop off before voting, otherwise I wouldn't have ventured out again.
Now to dry out then sort my dinner out - and I'll be back shortly.

No news yet Ringer. The polls here stay open until 10.00pm - then they have to get the sealed boxes to the count, verify numbers and then start the counting. So it will be the early hours before any results start coming in. The BBC usually have a good results service on their online news pages.

Another one who remembers Lorraine Chase well. Only thing I ever knew about Luton.

Just had a lovely chat with the red headed one. She is doing well, and will be at the Tearfest in June, but not the Sacrifice concert.

Geri that is a fantastic result. You must be so relieved. I know that no matter how well prepared we were it was always a huge relief to have it over and to have done well. Enjoy the rice pudding - my sort of comfort food! Only bettered by serving direct from the can, and adding chocolate.

Hi. Started another secondment at my "old" job today. Hmmm - interesting - we will see. I am hoping it is organised chaos there and not just chaos but.....

Done my loppy duty and voted but like you Pauline2 - no carys to vote for. Now breaking loppy rules and doing h.......k but needs must.

Just booked for jersey Boys in June - having a uni friends reunion - all the others coming from Scotland. not sure that ploppy best pleased at me having 2 weekends off "gallivanting" in june - hence the h.......k. Better try and convince him I have my uses - apart from spending money and "gallivanting".

Ohhhhhms all round fro ailments, audits, exams, etc.

Yep - also remember Lorraine Chase - at the time I thought it was weird that she was only famous for being in an advert. How times have changed!

Great to hear that Loppy Finn is coming to Tearfest Shirley!

Just to let you know Geri,The Graphic Dept is delighted to be back in employment!

Geri,- no need for diaries. My CCTV cameras will catch everything and so will my hidden microphones! You didn't think I would let you into my home, sweet home without proper protection?

Meant to say Scott - thank you for painless transfer.

Geri - what do you mean 4.8 as good as you could hope for - sounds as good as you can get. Fantastic result - well done. Rice pudding - funny way to celebrate but each to their own!

Fi, I had planned on a large glass of something red but had to go back on the antibiotics again today -- third time around. I have a pretty bad case of tonsillitis that doesn't seem to be getting better. If this lot of meds doesn't work I'm looking at some nasty tests so keep ohmming.

Eva, just remember those secret mics will catch your bad behaviour too - not that there'll be any I'm sure... (no, I'm not scared of her, loppies, but if I'm to sleep under her roof, it would be foolhardy to antagonise the...woman.)

BTW thanks for the new home, Scott. Are you all better now? You've been very quiet; I'm guessing you're working on a novel...

Geri,- what bad behaviour? I'm the best behaved Viking you know!
I'm trying to watch The Bill here, so stop with the insults.

Best behaved Viking? Now there's an oxymoron for you. It's like being called the sanest lunatic in the asylum...

Shirley, probably as much as you will ever need to know about Luton, except, oh it is famous hatting town, hence the local teams' nickname is The Hatters, and in fact Maurice Chevaliers' boaters were made here! (If that means nothing to some he was the older man in Gigi. 'Ah yes I remember it well'!!!!!)

Geri you poor thing. It sounds to me that you are run down, a lovely holiday with Eva is just what you need to recouperate. Anyway until then lots of ohhhhhhhmmmmmmms for you.

Fi it was Auds voting, we don't have an election this time round.

Geri,- I'll have you know I was brought up in a nicely furnished home! Asylum? How do you know I just escaped?
Shirley,- don't worry,- I'll look after her!
Oooohhhh,- The Bill was dramatic tonight, and with me away in Viking counrty next week, I might have to rely on you lot to tell me whether Emma was killed or not! I will try out ITV's new i-player. Maybe they are not as stingy with it's accessibility as BBC!

Mmmm, lovely sticky rice and thai green curry dinner in my tummy now. And then I was just going to sit down at the blog and blather, then remembered it's Heros now.. AND it's House, then it's Greys Anatomy and then its Mad Men (freeview).... wots that you say? Square Eyes!! whatever do you mean. Decisions decisions, which one to video... which one to watch.

Ah well - time for me to go!

Night night Loppies!

Auds,- you like watching telly, then?
Geri,- how is the rice pudding coming along?

Finally managed to get the laptop back from ploppy! I cunningly offered to finish typing something for him - he's a 2-fingered typist and was getting very frustrated - and once I'd finished I could then switch to the blog.
No elections here either Pauline.
Looking forward to the next story Geri, but get well first.
Ringer, fortunately sister's house is habitable and the kitchen usable, only the bathroom is completely out of bounds (but they have an ensuite and a separate loo) and a couple of partition walls have big holes in them,so I'm not having to host them.I would have done so, gladly, if necessary but I agree it would have stretched our normally very good relationship. Maggie, you and Maureen must have a good relationship considering she lives with you?

Oh wow wow wow this thread from the forum has some of the most fantastic pictures on it!

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/836138

I also did my duty and voted. Another one who remembers Lorraine Chase and the Luton Airport ad. We've achieved so much in 27 years!

I found a ADWD preview vid I'd never seen before earlier so went hunting and found a few more, including two BBC Breakfast interviews with Lee and co which I'd never seen. Also realised I'd never downloaded the Rear of the Year video. All because we didn't get broadband until last September. Wonder what else I've missed. Still busy downloading.

Lee's musicals and My Life in Music programmes are being repeated on Sunday and Wednesday on MTV and VH1 in case anyone missed them. Let me know if you want full details - I've temporarily (I hope) misplaced the piece of paper!

Geri, sounds like you need a good rest. Take care of yourself. Ooohhhmmms to you, oohhhmmmmmmmmms to himself, to anyone else in need oooohhhhhhmmmm, and a few for the bank ooohhhhmmmmmmm

Think I should turn in now, so a few Ooooohhhhhhmmmmms for the bank, night night and sweet meads everyone.

Pauline2, when I was little my nickname was Gigi (because my initials were G.G.)Maybe that's why I always like Louis Jourdan.

Cunning plan to get the computer, Ali. Your sister's situation sounds dreadful: pass on some ohms for her -- ohmmmm...And, Diana, wait till you see what other goodies are waiting for you on YouTube. Which reminds me: Happy Birthday, Internet -- 15 years old (public) today!

Scott-Thank you for our new home, so warm and cosy. I like the new curtains you've put up and the matching sofas.

Pauline-Good link.

Geri- Well done with audit. So sorry you aren't well still. ooooooohhhhhhmmmms.

Karen- Next time may be better.

ooooooohhhhhhhmmmmsssss for GO.

Thank you Scott for our new home and Loppies for cheering me up. Oooohhhmmmssss for all in need, especially GO. Hope all went well for you today Carys, they would be silly not to elect you. I see JB is comung to Bryn Terfel's festival in August, will you be going?
Thank goodness I've finished work for this week. THere's a long weekend to look forward to.
Hope Karen2 and Geri's exams go well this month, and any dollops/scollops doing A levels/GCSE don't get too stressed out.
I remember the Luton Airport advert too.
Night night all.

Meant to say, got email from hmv to say T&O is on its way, 3-5 days. I can't wait, I was thinking about it on the drive home.

No s*xy men, good song and some clothes to take us back, if we weren't 27 that is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EXRPxC-5bE

Ahh sweet little monkey on the news, Conchita.
http://news.uk.msn.com/small-but-perfectly-formed.aspx

sweet

Nightlee night

Jo I just saw the monkey with the bear - aahh! OOhhhmmmms for everyone who needs them. Friday tomorrow - yipee! Been really busy at work recently ....they obviously still don't realise I am there for the money, the lunches and the companionship - nothing more! Anyway off to bed now so Sweet Meads!

Another one bites the dust - well duvet anyway. Goodnight all. Sleep well. Thanks for all the links everyone. Forgot to say earlier I had a response from the BBC to my complaint about BH. Remind me to share it tomorrow. Hope all is going well for Carys.

Goodnight

My bed is calling me too. Sleep well.

Thanks for that Jo4, I think I must remember the vid from a previous life, being 27! But the cutest little monkey, and just love the baby piglets in the pictures. I've seen them on tv and they are a breed that are bred for pets and cost I think (don't quote me) about £1000 each!! So sweet though.

Ohhhhhmmmmmms for Geri and Alis' sister and anyone else in need of them. Ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmms for the GO!

Sleep tight all and night night

Jo4,- a lot of flower power there! Ah, sweet youth!
Hi Conchita!
It's bedtime in my humble abode too, and hopefully a better night than the last.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.
Carys,- when you come home after the count, please post so we know how it went.

Hello all
Back from visiting mum in hospital, she was a bit better today, ooohhhmmms must be working.
How people commute in to London everyday and back again is beyond me, young couple sitting opposite me still doing paper work and talking about work on the train leaving London at 8pm (the train was packed)
Just had a quick look at some of the posts ,and am laughing at the gentleman remark for Martin ,as this morning when I got into Cambridge and walked down to the next platform this man beckoned me to board the train first ,I said to him ooh thank you - first gentleman I’ve met today and he said I’m sure you will meet more today (sorry Mr Man but I didn’t )then I come home and had a quick read of the blog and there is this gentleman (ha ha )sitting at home
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms to Geri
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms for Carys
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms for Ali sister
Oooooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmmms for Lee
Oooooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmms to one and all

You’ve all gone to bed I bet?

Sorry Scot ,thank you for the new home again

Over-tired, over-stressed, and can't sleep. Goodnight, Maggie, Goodnight, Carys, Goodnight, John-Boy...

You forgot Grandpa & GrandMa, Mary Ellen, Erin, Jim Bob........too tired to think of any others

Just been gathering youtubes of Tyrone Power (my Mum's movie heartthrob from her younger days) which I can't wait to show her at the weekend, should cheer her up, I know she'll be amazed to find him on the internet.
Just to give you an idea -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84zu4pvF_ag

And so my Dad doesn't feel left out, a little Guy Mitchell, this brings back great memories of my Dad singing along to the records.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zqzvc7iyDg

Sorry, just had to show you one more - he may not be our IBY but I think she's "had a bad day"!!

Keeping fingers crossed for Carys, waiting to hear from you.

Goodnight, I'll never be able to get up in the morning!

oops forgot to attach the file
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLP7pzv0GY

now I'm really going to bed......

Bleacccc! Warn a person, will you, Karen2? My mum used to love 'She wears red feathers' and we kids would add our own ending, 'And she hasn't got a dress'. Mind you, it could have been worse, it could have been Jim Reeves. They say Leonard Cohen is depressing...

What, you can't all be still in bed. I had another hour of noisy drunks after I posted last night, so I was hoping there'd be someone to play with this morning? Ahh, BHB, coming to my rescue. We have plenty of time for a snog--I mean, uh, conversation -- before the others show up...

Not that long Geri, so put down the BHB! - don't worry dear I'll rescue you from the Lephry!

Ohmmmms for you - Ohhhmmmms for the GO - Ohhmmmms for Carys Ohmmms for Ali's sister and Ohmmmms for anyone else in need!

Thanks for the links Jo4

TGI Friday! Looking forward to the long weekend.

Morning all - what a beautiful morning it is here, the sun is shining, the sky is blue and it's a bank holiday weekend - oh well that's put paid to the good weather then!!

After my bad night and busy day yesterday it turned into a bad day and a busy night so didn't get here but have just skimmed through and I see the GO's ill. Oh dear - and do we have anyone going to see him?

Well, I have just waved my Ploppy off on his annual golf trip to Carnoustie. He's gone till Tuesday so I have the house to myself for five whole days! Whooooppppeeeee!!!! Don't get me wrong, I'll miss him (a bit) but I do enjoy the "me time", it's almost like a holiday for me too because the house becomes a h*******k and i*****g free zone and I usually shop till I drop at some point!! Actually, that sounds like a normal weekend in my house but you know what I mean!!

So, what do with myself!!?? Hmmm. Lets start with a cuddle from the BHB and then I'll go catch up with yesterdays events in Loppyland.

Ohms to all in need and to the GO.

Morning all, and feeling for all the insomniac Loppies. I would still be asleep now, but the gang decided they wanted out, and their dog bowls filled - takes me several minutes to get filled and them several seconds to empty them.

Havent found the individual seats on Ynys Mon yet, but this is the general story. Not sure if the independents loosing 9 seats was lost 10 gained one (Carys) or was a straight lost 9. Fingers still firmly crossed for Carys!!!!

The independents have retained control of Anglesey Council despite losing nine seats, five of which went to Labour.

Conservatives and Lib Dems each gained one seat and Plaid Cymru two.

One of the island independents to lose his seat to the Lib Dems was John Meirion Davies, who held the education portfolio on Anglesey.

Morning all. A beautiful day here to, but why is it still so cold in the morning? It's May, for heavens sake. Is anybody listening up there? That's a useless shout for a non-believer like myself! I remember one time when I was little (back in the Iron Ages) I once asked my Mum where the snow came from, and she said that Mrs. God was doing her washing and the snowflakes were soap spuds. I accepted this of course. After It had been snowing non-stop for many days, I remarked to my Mum:" Heaven must be a very dirty place with all that washing!"
Hello sweetheart. How are you? JaneE saved you from Lepry? JaneE is a brave woman! So what can you offer this morning? You've been baking again? Lovely,- some freshly baked bread with ham please, and my usual leaded. You sound as if you have a sore throat this morning, and why are you limping? You've strained a muscle at the top of your leg? Do you want a gentle massage? No need to run into the kitchen and lock the door. It was just a polite question!
Today my nerd is coming to put my pooter straight and do a lot of hard work for me. I want both the main computer and the laptop fit and running properly before I go on holiday. Does anybody know if you can take a laptop as hand luggage in addition to 1 other bag when you are flying? The rules have changed since I was last flying in September. I have read my ticket, but it doesn't say anything there.

I hear on the news that Labour was almost decimated in the local elections.(A small exeggaration, I know) I just read your post, Shirley. Hope Carys is all right. If not, it's their loss.
As a foreigner and from non EU country (Norway is only an associated member) I can't vote in this country of yours,- not even in the local elections. It's different from most European countries, where the rule is that if you've had residency for more than 3 years, you can vote in local elections. I think it's a good rule, because you do feel closer connection with a community where you actually have a say in the way it is run. This is one of my pet rants, because I've always been interested in politics. I still go up to London and vote in the Norwegian elections every 2 years at the Embassy. (General election every 4 year and local election every 4 year, in between each other, so every 2 year there is one or the other election. Confusing? No, it's very simple. really!)

The airlines vary now Eva, you need to check online for their allowances. The security will now deal with 2 carry on bags, but some airlines have stayed with just the one.

Oh and that lovely little monkey is on the telly this morning cuddling its teddy bear. So sweet.

About to head off to B&Q. What an exciting life we do lead.....

Morning.

Post on form that Denise said on Capital this morning that Lee has Spastic Bronchitis and is pretty poorly and in bed.

Karen, I know exactly how you feel about your Ploppy and golf trips. It's lovely to have a few days to yourself to do what you want when you want - if you don't feel like cooking, you don't have to; if you want to eat at midnight you can. Not too long though - 3 nights is about perfect. Mine's got one coming up in a couple of weeks but unfortunately it's mid week.

Eva, it depends on the size of your laptop, which airline you're flying with and which airport. Gatwick had different rules to Heathrow when I last looked a couple of months ago. The general rule is you can now take a handbag and another bag i.e. two bags. As my laptop isn't one of the very small ones, when we flew to SA I had that and a large handbag. Check online with the airline you're flying with to see what they say.

Morning everyone - another brilliant day on the Met Line (not!). Need a nice strong as I like if coffee please - think the BHB should be sitting down resting and we can serve ourselves - he's already gone beyond the call of duty in bread making (BHB you did follow my recipe didn't you??) -that's fine then some nice fresh bread then with some scrambled eggs (a la Carol). Aunty Eva when do you actually go away? Will we be without you for very long??? Maggie - in a world where depressingly gentlemen are in short supply (you only have to commute to London each day to notice that if anyone offers a seat to a standing pregnant woman it is usually another woman!!!), so make the most of your home grown one!! Lots of oooohhhhhhmmmmmsss for everyone in need. Better open the post now!

Ok, not a good start to the day, I've already managed (unintentionally I must stress) to depress Geri and it's not even 9am. Sorry lepry, I thought they were quite good clips and only wanted to share.

Other than that, good news about the bad exam, spoke to my lecturer in what was our last class last night and she had the papers already marked, when I quipped that I didn't want to know, she said it's ok, you passed. Well my jaw dropped and when I said "what?!!" she just quietly said "as it was you I was feeling generous" - really gobsmacked, that's not right really and I feel a little guilty but also I don't think I care, I have worked really hard and she's seen that I'm always up to speed on the work she's doing. So slightly better going into next weeks exam with 12% earned already.

Still dying to hear how Carys fared, ditto to what Eva said, if they didn't vote her in it is their loss.

Thanks for the clips of Conchita, Jo4, very cute!

Ok better get some w**k done, it's sunny outside and my office buddies and I have just decided we'll probably lunch al fresco today.

WARNING - if please avoid my links above if you don't want to be depressed like Geri, but have to say the third one did remind me a little of "Bad Day"

Morning all, oh well done Karen2, that is no more than you deserve I'm sure, so with lots of ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmms for the next bit you'll be fine! By the way the links? My Mum had a crush on Tyrone Power, so she would appreciate that one. Least said about Guy Mitchell the better I think!

Poor Lee sounds like a recurrance of what he had before. He probably got it from pushing himself too hard when not well. Lots of ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms for him, at least he has a good time off, though I'm sure he didn't want to be ill through his holiday!

Eva if you want to be really sure about hand luggage ring the airline to clarify.

It's a lovely morning here so I think a coffee and chat is called for. Hello BHB you do not look well. Just sit down here and we'll tuck you up in a blanket, that's it. Now I think if you have a bad throat and chest you could do with a rub on your chest, I just happen to have some very good stuff here. I promise it won't hurt at all.

Morning all. No sun here - just hope it stays dry for my washing. I know sorry but still doing h....k. Friend phoned last night and she had just finally got divorce papers through and feeling full of mixed emotions so now she is coming fro weekend and friend whose husband died coming for day on Sunday as her family away for weekend so not much "me" time here. However will be fun but better get spare room looking presentable.

geri - gosh you are under the weather. Hope this lot of anti b's works.

Ohhhmms fro one and all in need incl Lee.

BTW - is Dublin on a diff time frame from Uk - as seemed to have Irsih contingent posting in middle of night. Just thought I should know for our Sep trip:)

Just a thought Geri about your stay with Eva in June, way back on the blog Eva mentioned she had a "moses" basket for you to sleep in, well you know what happened to Moses????????
I do hope it is good news for Carys.

Fi,- no, Ireland is on the same time as UK (as far as I remember, anyway.)
Karen2,- your tutor obviously knows a good student when she see's one. Don't feel the least bit guilty. If you work hard during term, I think it's good if your tutor has the possibility of rewarding that.
Cheer up, Lepry. It was very tempting to post some Jim Reeves links just to tease, but as I never could stand the man or his voice, I didn't. Wasn't that good of me?
Pauline2,- how comes that every time I suggest some gentle ministration to BHB, he locks himself in the kitchen, but when you suggest the same, he never does? Is there something you're not telling?

Jill,- you've let the cat out of the bag now! Is this revenge for your canal dipping? I have to revise my plans now! I had this image of Lepry gently floating towards France in the Moses basket.(The Channel is the busiest shipping lane in the world!!!!!!)

Karen - fantastic news. Well done you - see I told you we had every confidence in you!! I think maybe I could manage a glass at lunchtime to celebrate with you!

Oh dear Fi - sorry, there's me banging on about my "me-time" and it sounds like you have an emotional weekend coming up. Sending some extra special ohms your way.

Geri - you said you had another hour of noisy drunks last night - did you have another DubLopfest?? (Ducks to avoid flying objects from Dublops - sorry guys!!).

Well would you beleive it!! I was just telling Karen2 about 10 mins ago, that I'm at home waiting for a new mobile phone to be delivered and I've now just had a phone call to say they can't deliver!!! Grrrrr!! . I wouldn't mind but I orignally went into the Orange shop in town to buy it but they didn't have it in stock so they said they would deliver it to my door at no extra cost and now they can't even do that!! I would be well pibbed off if I'd taken the day off specially for this delivery - well they don't know that I didn't, so I've just given them an earful anyway!! Grrrrrr again!!

Sorry Karen2, should have said "well done"I sometimes think exams are a bit unfair, your Tutor obviosly recognises that you have worked hard all year, so good for you.

I tried to check out the hand luggage situation online, but the airline's(Norwegian) web site didn't really answer my question. After a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, I found a phone number i London, and it was good news. As long as the hand luggage doesn't weigh more than 15 (!) kilos, they'll accept lap top separately. With the limit on checked in luggage set at 25 kilo, they are really generous, I think. Ryanair is the direct opposite. I foresee the following scenario for future flights with Ryanair. You pay no extras if you check-in online (only one handbag and no added luggage) and if you're starkers. Tick in box for added clothing: knickers (yes) £3, bra (yes) £3, top (yes)£4(it's bigger than a bra!), trousers(yes) £4, socks(yes)£3, shoe, left(yes)£3, shoe, right(yes)£3, coat(yes)£5. So when you're decently dressed, you have to add £28 to the ticket price!

I just had a knock on my door, and when I opened, there was this guy with flowers for me! I checked the name to be sure,- and it was my name.
CAROL,- THANK YOU THANK YOU I am really touched. A lovely bouquet with a card saying: Eva Thanks for your brilliant card scheme! Love Carol XX
I'm a bit choked up here. Thank you again.

Ah Eva I do have a cunning plan, I lull him into a false sense of security, and lock the kitchen door so he can't get in there!

Funnily enough the guy I nearly married (very close run thing) loved Jim Reeves. That's what made me realise I was making a huge mistake. The idea of having to listen to him all the time...ugh!

Karen,grrrrrrrrr for you. As I sure I have previously mentioned being stuck waiting for things is a pet hate, when they don't turn up....... that is off the scale!

Oh Eva that is lovely, you really deserve them.

Carol thankyou for doing that. It really is a lovely thought.

Ooh Eva how lovely and well deserved, a lovely gesture Carol!
Congratulations Karen2, well deserved I'm sure.
Shirley, you asked to be reminded about the response to your letter to the BBC re:BH, well I'm reminding you!

Thanks for the update on the Anglesey elections, Shirley. Still thinking of you Carys!

Well Done Karen2 ! You've worked hard and you deserve that result!

Karen that is so annoying when that happens! I would be fuming!

Hope your weekend goes OK, Fi!

Better send some more OHHMMMSSS in the Go's direction - it sounds like he's proper poorly.

...got a bit panicked when I realised you were going away Aunty Eva.......glad they arrived safely - Enjoy!!! Karen well done on the pass! Geri hope you day improves - Fi lots of ooooooohhhhhhmmmmmss by proxy for your guests! OOOhmmmmss of course for the BHB (Pauline, you are smothering him with that blanked!) and for Cerys whatever the result (fingers still crossed)! We finish here at 4pm today, which is great but means everything needs to be done with an hour less.....hopefully I will get out for the obligatory alcohol intake at lunchtime (worked through yesterday!!!). If Shirley is at B&Q is she buying new outside furniture for the Bistro?? Old lot looking a little shabby. Pauline I think you had a lucky escape there!

......AND CHOCOLATES TOO !!!

Wow Eva! How lovely! Carol, what a thoughtful Loppy you are!

Friday so I become a lady that lunches! Hope you were elected Carys, if not they are missing out.

Ohhhhmmmmmmmms for all who need them.

oooh do you think we'll get new outside furniture? I'm sure that it will be lovely, nice if there is a double sun lounger......

Catch up later!

Morning all.
Had a scare last night. My modem stopped working. After fussing with it for two hours, I finally let it go, resigned that I needed a new modem cable or something... but this morining, I woke up and it was working find ???
Don't understand why

Hope things wen't well, Carys :)

Lots of love and healing vibes out to Lee

...think the girl did good!!

Ok, so I've been checking about going to see 3 and Out tonight and I find that whereas last week it was on in most places, it's now gone from most Dublin cinemas and the couple who are showing it, only have it on at awkward times, seems it's been a miss rather than a hit, partly to do with the subject matter.
So having resigned myself to just buying the soundtrack, I phoned my local HMV and they only had one left!!
phew, she's holding it for me until tonight.

Well done Carol, and totally deserved Eva, hope you enjoy them!

Eva - laughed at your description of Ryanair's charges, hollow laugh though because you're not too far off the mark!

Ringer I hope your modem starts to behave itself, maybe it's trying to tell you that it wants a holiday to London also, there might be a little boy modem over there that it wants to visit!

Fi - hope your weekend with your friends goes well, they must think highly of you if yours is the place to find some comfort and refuge, women friends are great for supporting each other. Rent some girlie movies maybe?

Karen - me time/lee time, funny how similar they are? Has your other delivery arrived yet?

Ok off out for a little lunch and some fresh air.

Nooo! I want to see Three and Out in the theatre!!!!
Hope it's still playing in two weeks!

A little boy modem???

Ringer I'm sure it will still be playing somewhere in London then!

Aaaaw this site and all who take part in it are the BEST, nice one Carol. Eva now you know how touched I felt when the door bell rang and there was this lovely basket of flowers from you when Martin was in hospital.

Oh shame! I was hoping to hear from Carys before I left for my weekly sojourn pub-ward!

Hmmm - And I was hoping to get to see Three & Out as well, but it sounds as though it's not promising!

Bye bye Loppies, have a nice evening!

Carol, so close! Next time you decide to choke Eva, can you make sure it sticks? No, just kidding (sort of) -- job well done, it was lovely of you to think of it.

I'd say you had a narrow escape, Pauline2 -- a lifetime of Jim Reeves? Shudder!

Eva, have a lovely trip (down the stairs...) And I don't mind a Moses basket, after all, he turned out OK, didn't he?

Karen2, well done on your results, but what do you mean nicking Ireland's only copy of the Three & Out soundtrack? The Dublops will be expecting visiting rights.

By the way, usually-mean boss was in a brill mood today because of yesterday's audit results, and let me leave work early. Good thing too, because after the night's sleep I didn't have I need some rest before I hit the books. Mind you, I did stop at the bookshop on my way home. I even got too books not on any of my courses!

Carys?

Eva - what a lovely surprise for you but you do deserve it and Carol, how lovely of you to do it.

Karen2 - yes my other delivery arrived so I shall be enjoying that later this evening. What a shame about your plans for the cinema! Still, at least you can listen to the soundtrack!!

Geri - if y0u were in the book shop I'm thinking of you should have said, I'd have met you where we did last time for a "medicinal" bevy

No, Karen2, I was in that sphere of academe, Hodges & Figgis -- OK, I admit it, I did go to pick up a book for my course, but I came away with more than that. I certainly would have called you if I'd known you were in 'bevvy' form!

Karen - yes, with any luck the soundtrack will be playing loud and clear in my house tonight, and of course I'll share with the Dublops.

We'll probably see another movie or maybe just rent one.
If PB gets to choose, it'll be a zombie one, so if you can't see me later it's cos I'll be hiding behind a cushion.

I'll just have a small moan here:
WHY CAN YOU BUY THE SOUNDTRACK TO THREE AND OUT IN IRELAND ALREADY WHEN IT ISN'T RELEASED HERE UNTIL MONDAY ???????
IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!! Moan over.
Geri,- so you won't mind if I release you into the tender mercies of the Channel shipping traffic then? Or are you planning to do a Moses and part the seas?

Well Eva, I'd just have to say it's because we're much more special and cooler and prettier and more fun and................... well just - we're Irish, what more can I say!!

Geri - for future reference, it's pretty much a safe assumption that most days I'm in bevy form, I was actually hoping to apply for the role of Irish lushloppy representative, I've been training hard. Can you help me convince the chief lush loppy?

Evening all. See we have been having a fun day. Furniture from B&Q?? _ water butt more like!!If we are going to have virtual outdoor loungers I recommend these. This is my favourite, but you can pick your own lounger from the catalogue. They will be delivered in good tine for the sun. Suggest you leave a towel on yours so it is certain to get nicked.

www.indian-ocean.co.uk/epages/indianocean.filereader?481b40cb0057cea027410a022f0105a5+EN/products/2155

Ali, thanks for reminding me. Here is my reply from the BBC in response to my rant about BH. I find it interesting that they dont even bother trying to defend him

Thanks for your e-mail about 'I'd Do Anything'.

I can appreciate your concerns regarding Barry Humphries and his comments to Samantha.

Barry Humphries brings a unique insight in to the role of West end musicals as he played Fagin in both the West End and on Broadway.

I'd Do Anything is a live show and we always try to ensure that the judges comments are a fair assessment of the performances they see before them. However, we're fully aware that some of his comments were not wholly appropriate for a programme transmitted at this time and we will be addressing this for the future shows in the series.

I apologise if Barry's comments have caused any offence as I'm sure they were not meant to offend any of the girls or our viewers.
Thanks for your interest in the show and I hope you enjoy the rest of the series. I have registered your comments on our audience log.
This is the internal report of audience feedback which we compile daily for all programme makers and commissioning executives within the BBC.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us.

Regards

Kerrie Hasselby
BBC Complaints

Carol, you are a star - and Eva you deserve nothing less.

If Jane hadnt gone already I would have wished her a good evening - but knowing where she has gone (the pub) we know she will have.

Geri in a Moses basket adrift on the Channel - heaven help the ships!!! - My money is on the Lephry.

Eva, have you never heard of the luck of the Irish? Applies to your comments about the soundtrack and my chances in the channel. So there!

Karen2, if you need references to convince Christmas of your lush loppy abilities I'll be happy to supply them.

Not sure why, but this just disappeared.

http://www.anglesey.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/82/electionresults200812345.pdf

Sadly the voters on Anglesey did not have the good sense to elect Carys. OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMSssssssssssssssss and hugs Carys. Good job you have something very special to look forward to in the near future.

Shirley,- the reply from BBC sounds word by word identical to the obe they trotted out after the first wave of complaints about him. They probably knew his good behaviour wouldn't last, so they saved the reply for further use!
Shirley,- I agree with you. Before I push Lepry out to sea, I'll warn the authorities!
Carol,- the choccies were delicious. I know I shouldn't have, but I did!
Did my nerd show up as he promised? Did he heck!

Carys,- sorry the burghers of your constituency didn't have the sense they were born with and voted you in. As was said yesterday,- their loss!

Eva, your nerd is even now floating along the channel. Sorry, but some things cannot be allowed to pass.

Ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Carys. You have the loppy vote, shame others aren't as smart as we are.

Sun out - and on a bank hol weekend. Better not speak too loudly in case it rains all day tomorrow.

Carys - sorry. better luck next time. Gosh on the brighter side think of all that extra Lee time you will now have.

Karen 2 - well done on your exam. Yes it is nice to be a part of a supportive friends network - my friends have supported me in diff times and now my time to repay. Have to confess that not all hard times - a lot of imbibing usually involved in support too:)

Eva enjoy flowers (i see you already have enjoyed the chocs). You are so thoughtful carol.

Off to pub now - we dont make such an early start as jane e but I am sure we catch up somewhere in the eve.

Evening all,back home, had a lovely lunch that lasted a very long time!

Carys, hope you are not too upset about the results, sometimes the electorate just don't know whats good for them. Lots of Loppy love and hugs for you, we know your true worth here!

Been looking at the loungers Shirley, I like the Monaco Pavilion! Looks very comfortable and room for two!!!!!

The fact the Beeb have a standard reply shows they have had quite a few complaints I would think!

Geri don't worry about being afloat in the Cannnel I'm a good swimmer (remember Eva pushed me in the Canal)I'll be on Lifeguard duty.
Karen2 I'm writing your references as we speak, you showed us a Eva's party what a good Lush Loppy you are.

Sorry Carys, but at least you have your Jo tickets to cheer you up :)

Very glad it's finally the weekend and a long one at that. Three mornings when I can have a lie in - bliss. Not that I'm likely to get up that late but it's nice to be able to get up when I feel like it. That's assuming Ploppy doesn't have early golf tomorrow or Sunday and I get woken by his radio.

The Murder in Mind episode Lee is in is on ITV3 tonight at 9.00 pm. Don't miss the beginning else you'll miss Lee!

Carol, that was lovely of you. Eva, I agree about the soundtrack - not fair!

Sorry you weren't elected, Carys.

Here's what I think is the sexiest song ever recorded. Now imagine a certain curly-haired Adonis singing it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo1npZWR5qk

Well on my first Ploppy free day I have been well and truly in the Joseph/Lee zone - DVD's, CD, photo album - what a way to spend the day! Have just finished watching The Winners Story and it just struck me that I keep forgetting that I've only actually seen the show once!!! I've talked about it so often and watched the clips so often and lived it vicariously through all of you it feels like I've seen it a lot more than once! Roll on tearfest when I can make it visit number two!

Geri - you have just taken me even more into the Lee zone with that vid. Oh boy can I imagine him singing that - pass the fan please!!

Diana - thanks for the tip off about Murder in Mind. Will have to check that out!

Ploppy just rang to say he's arrived and they've had their first game of golf of the weekend during which it rained and hailstoned!! Didn't have the heart to tell him it's been glorious sunshine here all day!!

So, he's had his first game of golf of the weekend, I'm about to have my first (of many) bottle of wine of the weekend. Cheers!!

Geri,- I'll give you this: you do have a very good taste in music. The sexiest song ever? Yes, maybe, but I wish, oh I wish he would record "Miss you nights".
Karen,- I see you take your job as LushLoppy seriously. Did you see Karen2's application?

Yippee three days out of the office!!! Got home early but had last week's ixxxxxg to do! Ploppy now gone for a take away. Oh Carys - it's their loss! Karen2 on the recommendation of Geri of course you can be the Irish Lushloppy representative (ably assisted by the Lepry of course)! Glad you enjoyed the choccies Eva! Now someone pass me that wine bottle - no choir practice, no rehearsal - it's feet up time!!

Geri that is such a fab song, only thing wrong with it it's not long enough! Picture the GO singing it, oh lummy pass the fan Karen!

Ooo is the wine bottle going round as well? What a great way to spend a day Karen, beats going round a golf course in the rain in my book!

Karen2-Not caught up yet, just got to your links. When I was little I loved Tyrone Power. I thought he was very handsome and was always in such good films, I was very little. I've just Googled him. He was born the same year as my dad!! And had already died when I was watching his films, just in case you think I saw them when they were released.

Eva - I certainly do take my Lushloppy status seriously. And yes I saw Karen2's application and I support my Chief's choice (try saying that when you've had a few - oo I just did!!)

Carol/Pauline2 - bottle (and fan) coming your way.....

I've got it... I've got it.....I've got it.....!!!!!!!

I had to open it immediately and put it on in the car
and he sounds great, the same but different if you know what I mean, Somebody help me is a very catchy song

Karen2-Love Guy M song, heard it so many times, never seen what he looked like.

Also, was very pleased to see an added sticker to the front that says "Featuring New Recordings by Lee Mead" - they obviously know what is going to increase sales.

Listening to it now, You've got a Friend is a lovely slightly different version.

Carys, not long before your London trip. The thought of that should perk you up. All your hard work too. At least you've put some of your ideas about your area.

Karen2, turn up the sound so we can hear it, pretty please.

Thanks Karen, slipping down nicely!! Oo Karen2 - wonder what you'll be listening to this weekend! Weather forecastlooking good for the weekend (believe it when it happens).

Sound is right up for you Jo, have to admit I haven't listened to any of the other tracks yet,just no 2 and 20.
Will get around to the others later.

Carys, sorry to hear you didn't make it, don't feel down about it. It's to your credit that you care enough to try to make a difference.

Love the Springsteen Geri, very sexy indeed.

Ok, I have my glass, could someone please pass the bottle?

Looks like Boris might have won, but count not finished yet

Karen2,-Consider the bottle passed. I'm having a glass of red, so if you want to parttake, you're welcome!
Tyrone Power,- dear me, well before my time. The only thing I remember about him is what David Niven wrote in his biography. They seemed to have a very wicked time of it!

Back again, waving glass in hope. Just saw MiM and there Lee was looking very young, no gorgeous curls, but still quite cute!

Thanks Eva, prefer a white really or maybe even a V&C. It is Friday night after all and I have to get my courage up for the movie we've rented for later.

I'm watching Have I Got News For You with Brian Blessed as guest presenter. It's hilarious!

Ahhh Pauline2, have to take your word for it. Only 4 channels here.
I've just been on Youtube looking at TP. A few clips from my favourite Alexander's Rage Time band. I'd forgotten about, thanks for reminding me Karen. I'll have to see if I can get the dvd. Last year I got all the Road to films, had a great couple of weeks watching them and singing along.
It must be nippy tonight, I've just got covered in cats. Makes typing really difficult.

Oh poo missed MiM as was on the phone!

Oo Karen2 - what's the movie you rented? Is it scary!!?

I saw that Murder in Mind clip a long time back through LMAS, I don't think it was youtube, but it is available somehow. Must search for it.
It's really worth watching, although he only had a small part, I thought his acting was excellent, really believable.

Good evening all.
Just been catching up with the days happenings.
I remember singing "She wears red feathers" BY Guy Mitchell when I was very small! I didn't remember what he looked like though. Geri - my Mum used to love Jim Reeves, but his voice had the same effect as nails on a blackboard to me!
Carys, sorry to hear your news, but it's their loss.
Just watched MiM and saw Lee. I actually saw it yesterday, but missed the beginning - didn't know he was in it.
Enjoy your weekend everyone in case I don't get back.
OOooooohhhhhmmmsssss to those in need, especially GO.

MiM is on ITV3 +1 at 10 o'clock if you missed it.

no, not on YT, just searched

Thanks for that link, Geri.

Lucky you Karen2. Just realised it won't be so bad going back to w**k on Tuesday as the soundtrack CD should be delivered!

Ok CLIFF alert! Just got round to reading todays paper an dfound this which some of you will love. Me? think I need more wine!!!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/portal/main.jhtml?xml=/portal/2008/05/02/ftcliff102.xml

Jo4 - I've gone back through old "latest news" on LMAS and found these screen caps of him in MiM, he and the other lad were being arrested for causing trouble in the chip shop but got to run off when the police had to turn their attention to a car crash, it's photos 5 - 9, he had a bold boy cheeky grin and I thought he acted it very well, oh and he was in handcuffs.... (be still my beating heart!)

http://www.lee-mead.co.uk/oldphotos.htm

Phew had trouble with the system as it kept telling me I didn't have a connection! I was watching Have I Got News too Aunty Eva - do you think BB was on someting??!! Wine having a very sophorific effect, so off to seek my duvet! Sweet Meads all!!

Karen - the movie is called "Disturbia", pass the cushions to hide behind and a stiff drink please!

Thanks for the Cliff interview, Pauline2. Snide as such things always are, even when they compliment him it's begrudging in tone. Still, I'd guess like Liberace once famously commented, he cries all the way to the bank.

I'm with you on Jim Reeves, Kathleen.

Oh, Tyrone Power, lovely, esp in Witness for the Prosecution, one of the best Agatha Christie stories, I think.

Don't get ITV3 so no MiM for me alas. Never mind, K2 and I have a hot date in the morning to go to a movie (only time we can get to it, & we need the rest of the day to study).

Another 2 watching HIGNDY,Eva, and crying. I think it was with laughter. Not sure what the dickens BB was on, but could do with some of it myself.

In the lieu of which I am heading off to bed. Cream crackered.

Early start tomorrow for the Heathrow run, so Good night all. Sleep well, except K2 who is going to watch a horror movie - this late at night???

Oh well,- it's time to go to bed. I've been trawling the Internet for good/luxurious holidays on Madeira. I plan to go next year in February. Rather big birthday coming up, and I've decided to treat myself. Found a few good'uns. Any of you been to Madeira?
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Pauline2-Thank you. I thought the article was one of the nicest I've read about Cliffy for ages and funny too (I'm not going to China, when our global meeting is due to go there I'm sending my PA!!)

Karen2-Thanks for the pic link (pre teeth fix shots).

Karen2 - not heard of that one. Cushions and a stiff drink? Sounds like a good one! Enjoy.

Geri and Karen2 - hope you have a good time tomorrow!

Eva, it's 3 years until you're 30, so I don't know why you are planning for next year.
Must go now.
Nightlee night

It's taken me all night to catch up, I'm at my old lady's and have been talking to her in between reading, first chance I've had to log on for a couple of days. Can't remember most of what I've read, (didn't have a pen and paper handy Jane!)

Geri, sorry to hear you're still poorly, do get well soon.

Diana, (I think) there are hills in Holland, don't let anyone tell you differently, when I rode a bike there, there were definitely hills!! Having said that I did get laughed at a lot by my charming godchildren.

Anne, thanks for the lovely links, you have a beautiful country.

Eva, much deserved flowers. Carol, bless you for the thought.

Carys, bad luck, but as everyone says their loss. Chin up and roll on the Adelphi!!

Jo, Pauline, thanks for the advice on youTube, Jo I can just imagine you draped in cats, I have the problem sometimes, only dogs.

Karen2 great news about the exam, I was going to comiserate(sp?)then I read a bit further.

Maggie, looking forward to meeting everyone in Dublin, so an added bonus to meet your sister.

Ringer, hope you have a great time when you get here. Are you able to make it for October? I'd love to meet you.

Ohhhmmsss for anyone who needs them, and especially for Our Boy.

Should be able to join in a bit more over the weekend. Nite nite all.

Just in time to wish everyone good night it seems.
Are you sure you want to watch 'Disturbia' at this time of night?? Guess you're prepared for a late night.. and a few numbing beverages to help..
Catching up on my videoing from last night - and now watching Graham Norton with the Harts. The questions from the fans - absolutely HILARIOUS! How he gets away with what he does (no the usual crude stuff - he's very clean)Stephanie Powers and Robert Wagner hardly said a word - but they enjoyed themselves...
Ah, never mind Carys - but now you can get back to the serious side of life doing all that lovely stuff GO.
Karen, sounds like you had the perfect start to the long weekend - long may it continue.
Carol, Pauline, Diana - Mopsy it is. He's sitting on my shoulder as I type - seems to quite like it. Perhaps I should call him Tweetie Pie instead.
Right, now to get packing for the weekend in Bath with my pals.. Then off to Norfolk for the rest of the week. Going to practice my OMing and painting. Don't know if I'll have internet access up there - so the iPod and charger is already packed. Perhaps also a photograph or two to put on the bedside table - to help with the imaging process you understand. Not sure it'll have the right effect, but I'll enjoy it I'm sure.
OK, hopefully I'll get to join you all for a spot of breakfast..

Ringer, I've been following your Weird Sisters thread this evening. Would love to know if that is Lee in those clips. I guess if there's another Q&A we should ask him about his role in WS. Ladies, what do you think? http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/837609

Right I'm off to bed too. Hope everyone has a great long weekend.

Looks like I'm the last, well except Karen2 who's probably somewhere behind the sofa right now!

Not sure about that Diana, it could be him, you're right someone should ask him.

Oh yes Auds Mopsy it must be. Have a great weekend if I miss you in the morning.

Night night all sleep tight.

Morning! night shift back to normal:-) I won second prize as the sitting member has been got rid of! All is not yet lost as my opponent broke the election rules and was duly reported to the police who are still considering their action - I refuse to be beaten by someone who has not complied fully with election law.

Carys - you tell them! Keep us in the picture and remember the Loppy sisterhood is beside you no matter what! OK Ploppy making my honey and chamomille tea as today we are taking Sloppy out for her birthday treat - shops this morning to buy her some clothes and then out to lunch and if the weather holds possibly a bit of historical housing! Catch up later but may not be until Dr Who and IDA. Auds have a fantastic time (must be a famly trait - that's where Cottontail sits too). Shirley hope the run to LHR goes ok - assume you are now losing Ploppy for a while? OK have a lovely day everyone - (whispers) it is sunny here!!! Oh Aunty Eva - 30??? Never! My parents went to Maidera some years ago and really enjoyed it, but that's all I know!!

Morning all
GOOD FOR YOU CARYS !!!! GO GET HIM!
A beautiful day here, so I'll probably go for a walk on the beach later. I'm meeting a friend for coffee in town too, and we'll probably have a wander. She is blind, and her constant companion, Teasel the Guide dog, is my favourite dog. She is a gorgeous golden retriever and the best mannered and best humoured dog I know. She loves her beach walks, and when I'm with her Mum, she let's go a little!
Hello sweetheart. You want to come with me? You're more than welcome, but I have a feeling the others would object. You know how jealous they get when they see how you prefer me!!!!!! It'll be a nice walk,- I promise to be gentle .........eh, walk gently!
But before that, I need a leaded please, and some savoury pancakes? You'll make them for me.? You are my favourite waiter in the whole world.
Auds,- have a good weekend in Bath. I've only been there once, years ago, but I remember that beautiful city, and I love Norfolk too, especially the coast. Enjoy !

Carol,- happy birthday to your Sloppy. I'm sure you and Ploppy will give her a lovely day to remember! Which historical house are you taking her to? Somewhere grand?
Jo4,- I suppose it's riding for you today? Give Megan and Rocky my love!

Morning All

A quick hello while I tidy the place up a little (no, not really h*******k, haven't got time!)
About the movie last night, not exactly my choice, but pizza and a scary movie are as a good way as any to stay in tune with your 16yr old.

So this morning he's gone to work and I'm going to the cinema with my friend, role reversal or what!

Major oooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmms for Carys, and also for anyone else in need.

Maggie & Martin - it arrived thanks, have emailed you

Hope you're up and getting ready Geri, see you shortly!

Will check back in tonight, have a good day everyone.

Finally made it. I guess it's time to get that "hard drive" - I'm really fed up now with my computer being so slow and shutting down on me all the time - and I'm NOT going to delete my downloads... I must get my nerd in to sort me out.
Carys - like your style. You keep nipping those ankles girl!
Carol - oooo, shopping.. even though it is mostly for Sloppy's benefit - I'm sure you'll encourage her in every way to spoil herself - perhaps by example!
Shirely - are you back yet? Hope airport shuttle service went smoothly.
Geri hope you're beginning to feel a lot better now.. Karen will take good care of you I'm sure (she'll drink your share in her bid to be ChiefDubLushLoppy. (Hope I remembered that right - that you were meeting up today..).
Must dash. Just a double shot capuccino and a muffin 'to go' for me please BHB - served with that beautful smile - sigh... "and I think to myself, what a wonderful world".
TTFN all

Auds have a lovely trip------------------------------ Bubs agrees, he just added all the dashes and some odd letters, which he then deleted, but carefully left the dashes, so they must mean something, so I've left them in. He has now gone to stare at the dog to move her off the new dog bed.

I'll just have a quick dc and fruit platter BHB. Oh, dear you still look very poorly, you should have stayed at home. What, you've been left on your own at home as your girlfriend has gone away for the weekend. Gosh, you have a girlfriend! Who would want to be your girlfriend? You have no time for them with all your jobs. What! is that a stampede I'd hearing, volunteers for the position, I guess.

Oh well busy weekend for me, must dash.
Catch up later

ooooooooohhhhhhhhhmmmmmsssssssssss for all, esp GO

Hi All, I've been up since 7:00 (late for me) and accomplished all sorts already. Had to do some studying before playing hookey with K2; couldn't have justified it else, not even for the GO. Anyway, yes, Karen2, I'm all set and ready to go.

But before I meet Karen2 I have to see to a small custom (or superstition): Every year before I sit my exams I have to buy a new pen. Now you should know probably like most writers I always have a stash. In fact, I once emptied a desk drawer and found I had 27 of them! On my desk right now I have ten pens, three pencils, and four highlighters... But for some reason I have to get a new pen before an exam. Me, OCD? As if!

Just popping in before I'm of Posh frock shopping again.
Eva we went to Maderia in 2005 in March and loved it, we didn't even hire a car which is unusual for us, the only thing was we stayed at the back of Funchal, and had to climb a very steep hill to get back to our Apartment, but there are plenty of Hotels in the Centre, if you do go I can recomend a lovely fish Restaruant, I didn't think you looked 30 Eva?????
We are being taken out to Dinner tonight, the Italain in your Village Kathleen, have you been there, it is very good, and then tomorrow off to Sussex to see Ploppy's Sloppy.
Hope everyone enjoys the Bank Holiday weekend.

Hi all!

Ooo a long weekend - and a birthday to celebrate - Ploppy's!

Oh, Carys a shame you didn't win, as everyone has said - their loss.Hope that candidate gets what's coming to him!

Auds have a lovely time in Bath and Norfolk!

Carol enjoy Sloppy's birthday, and Jill have a good time tonight.

Geri and Karen2 have a great time together. I'll happily vote Karen2 into the Lush Loppies - I have seen her in action!

Shirley, if I've not missed you, hope the run to Heathrow goes OK.

Still Ohmmmming for the GO!

Morning all, shhhhhh, it's beautiful here. See the weather forecast was right! proves there is a Tooth Fairy, and I always knew the Easter Bunny was real!

Happy Birthday to Ploppy and Sloppies as appropriate hope they all have a lovely day.

Carys, you stick with it lady, we're with you, and in fact well done whatever the outcome. We know you would be great!

Have a lovely day all whatever you are doing everyone. Me I am going to go for a walk, there is a bluebell wood just along the road from me so I am going to go and have a look at them, it is beautiful there.

Hello BHB, oh dear you still look a bit peaky. I think you better sit down in the sun and I am going to make you something for a change. No don't look worried I am quite good I promise!

Morning all - another beautiful day here. After my two really early mornings I had a nice lie in today - well, it helps when you've had several glasses of vino and have no Ploppy snoring like a raging bull beside you!!

Happy Birthday to Jane's Ploppy and Carol's Sloppy. Hope they, and you, both have good days.

Eva - Teasel sounds lovely. Hope you and your friend, and Teasel, havea nice time. Wish I need lived near a beach, sounds like a lovely way to while away some time!

Hope you all have a lovely day, whatever you're doing!

Me, I'm going to shop till I drop - well, while the cats away.............

Now, I can't think of a better way to start the day than, as Auds said, breakfast served with that beautiful smile - thank you BHB!!

Good morning. I enjoyed my lie in this morning. Still feeling sleepy though.

Everyone going away or out for the day enjoy yourself. We're going to my parents in Sussex but not until tomorrow afternoon. It's my Dad's 80th on Monday and we're taking them out for lunch. Today and tomorrow I must do some of the dreaded H word as not done much recently. Ought to do the weeding too but can't face both so garden will have to wait. Oh for a cleaner and a gardener!

Keeping my fingers crossed for you, Carys.

Sue, I believe there are hills in Holland but I think they're in the south. Where my friend lives is really flat.

Enjoy the film Geri & K2.

The beach was lovely and Teasel had some good runs. We went up to the North end, because there are fewer people there. The town was getting very packed as the morning went on. There must be a lot of daytrippers, because the central part of the beach was quite packed. There were even some Morris dancers having a good time!
The sun is warming up, and I think I'll take out a sunlounger and read my Saturday paper in the garden. Bliss!
Pauline2,- enjoy the bluebells. The bluebells meadows you have here in England are unique. I have never seen anything like it anywhere else.

Well Diana - I'm also doing lots of dreaded H word today. Ploppy and I have just had a fight over who gets to use the duster next - he won!

Oh Eva, I've not seen Morris Dancers in years! We used to go to the Rush Cart festival in Rochdale and watch them (naturally while imbibing incahol!)

Hello all. Heathrow run safely accomplished (I waved and said hi to Kathleen as I drove by on the motorway) - now all quiet and lonely. Had to stop at an M&S food thingy on the motorway on the way home for some breakfast so instead of the BHB's lovely smile that Pauline2 so enjoyed I had an overly chatty woman checkout person. Ungrateful I know, but I could have done without it. I was polite and pleasant though, you would have beem proud of me.

When I got home I headed straight for the kitchen and now have bulkloads of steak and kidney cooking gently in the oven. Very therapeutic - cooking.

Enjoy your weekend Auds, sounds lovely. And who is TweetiePie?????

Happy Birthday to Carol's Sloppy and to Jane's Ploppy.

Pauline I loved those pavilions too. Maybe we should get a whole load of them and set them out on the beach. Not the best option for sunbathing though. On one of the islands in the Grenadines they have flag poles at each of the cottages and if you want anything you run up the flag - maybe we could institute a similar service??

Hope Geri and K2 have a lovely lunch.

Me,I'm off for a rest. Feel like I've earned it.

Trouble with a lie in is the morning's flown by and I've hardly done anything yet, notably not the H word. Just finished a letter to my brother to go with his birthday present and two loads of washing and that's it.

It felt so warm when I hung the washing out, it was very tempting to get the sunlounger out and have a snooze but I resisted.

Hope you enjoyed your walk, Pauline. I love bluebells and when you get a swathe of them, it's so so beautiful. I remember when I was 6 or 7 going for a walk somewhere in a wood and there being a glade full of bluebells. Never seen anything like that again and even though I was so young, the memory's stayed with me.

Suppose I'd better get on with the dusting next. It does help if you do one horrible job and then have a treat so think the following "job" will be to put a photo of a certain person in the album.

Hi everyone, just popping in to say hello. Haven't caugt fully up, but congrats, commiserations and OOohhmmmsss to all to need them, including Lee.

In between the longest gardening stint we've done for a couple of years, I am trying to get my video making back on track. Have cleared out and finished a couple of projects that were hanging around nearly finished, so I can start on a wedding I promised a friend of my son's from last year!!

One of the things I've finished and deleted is the video of the last holiday, Langkawi, and I've uploaded some of it to a travel video website I belong to. Anyone interested can view it here http://www.travelistic.com/video/show/9194/Sights-of-Langkawi

I am not the least bit jealous Gillian! OK well maybe! A bit! Lots then!

Thanks for the good wishes for my Ploppy - his birthday is tomorrow but we're celebrating with friends tonight, then tomorrow it's the family's turn.

I really must go and get ready!

Oh Gillian, that Orang sanctuary looks so special. And all the wonderful sounds of the jungle too.

Enjoying the Cadfael weekend on ITV3. Sky+ is doing good business!! Not at all sure about JB's quiz - he gives it is all, of course - but dont really take to the format. But then who would shine in the slot before Dr Who - Oh you have some suggestions??? You must share....

Well I've had a very succesful day shopping - you know what it's like when you plan a mega shop, you usually can't find anything you want, but I did!! Went into Waterstones and two seconds later, over an hour had passed, if you understand what I mean!! There's something about the smell of freshly made coffee and books that just has me in a little world of my own.

Then I bumped into a friend in town so we went for a bottle of wine and sat outside the pub enjoying the sunshine.

Then I came home and spent a lovely ten minutes wandering aroung Langkawi, thank you Gillian. I really enjoyed that.

Then I had a bath and a V&T and a book and now I'm ready for IDA.

Am I missing Ploppy yet? Er.......yes of course I am (I know, I know - it doesn't sound like it!!!)

Hope you've all had a good day!!

Glad everyone has had a good day. I took my group past a very large expanse of bluebells today. They were lovely. We saw a red kite, pheasants (male and female), deer, rabbits, ducks, geese and lots of other birds. It was quite a nature ride. One chap had not ridden for 30 years, he really enjoyed himself and said he was going to come back.

pssssst Murder in Mind is on my list of 'projects' if anyone is interested......:-)

I've been trawling round a few sites and apparently Keith's album is due out very shortly. If I read it right, it will include a duet of ..... All I Ask of You ???!!! After Lee & Connie's fantastic version, I would have thought he'd want to avoid comparisons.

Also Tara is reportedly taking over from Keith as narrator, though no idea if this is true or gossip.

Evening all, what a lovely day, didn't quite go as planned as I got diverted gardening and now have a sore back to prove it. Haven't made it to the bluebell woods yet but I will! In a way although they are beautiful it is a bit sad as last year I noticed they have been infiltrated by the Spanish bluebell, which, while pretty is not that glorious deep blue of our native one. However saw loads of natives yesterday when out to lunch so they are still about in other places!

Thanks for the glimpse of your holiday Gillian it looks great and you must have had a fantastic time.

I think lots of pavilions would be great Shirley and I am liking the flagpole idea. Mind our service is so good not sure that it is strictly neccessary!

Carys a list of projects? I knew there was an up side to you having more time!!

Right ready for IDA, Ashley is going to have to play a blinder for her to get through, but who knows!

Auds, who is Mopsy?

Gillian, loved your video, wanted to watch more but not enough time. You have seen some beautiful places.

Jo, wish I'd been on your nature ride.

Shirley, I know what you mean when you wave em off and come home to an empty house. Fortunately I don't do it very often, and I must admit I miss his dog walking skills the most!! I'm a fairweather dog walker, and we've not had much of that lately. I do rain, and therefore mud only when I have to.

Carys as already said keep us informed. Project? Yes please.

Jane, enjoy the birthday celebrations.

Ohhhmmmsss for the GO, and anyone else who needs them.

Back later, I think.

Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine.
Our tiny front lawn is a mass of bluebells, I won't let Ploppy cut the grass until they've finished.
Jill I hope you enjoy your meal. I've never been there for a meal. Spices is supposed to be good as well, but I've not been there either.
Sorry I missed your wave this morning Shirley, didn't get up til 8:30.
Happy Birthday to Ploppies and Sloppies. OOOohhhhmmmssss for all the needy.
Sounds like you had a good day Karen, shopping and wine drinking.
Better go and get ready for IDA. Bye

Hello - waves! BAck safely all shopped out! In fact shopping and lunch took whole day! Sloppy (it was actually her birthday on Thursday but we had rehearsal) has new shoes and two new skirts. I have three new skirts, two pairs of sandals, four new tops and new suitcase for Dublinfest (!), Ploppy has new jacket, two pairs of shorts (for the hols), new shirt, two new polo shirts. Two bottles of very nice Pinot Grigio with lunch. Now watching Dr Who and getting read for IDA!

Talking about trawling sites Diana, did you notice that ALW has not posted a video blog after last weekends IDA? I have been popping over there to look for it all week to see what exactly the hissy fit was about, but nothing.

Ah Karen, so you been revisiting the site of the first yorkshire fest!

Ooo a Carys project - how interesting!

Jo, that ride sounds beautiful. Wish I could ride a gee gee!

Must go - my friends have arrived

Bye all!

Yes, Shirley, I've also popped onto ALW's site several times this week to see if there was an update. Oh just seen the time - we'll soon know if he's in a better mood.

Carol, I thought you were going shopping for your Sloppy!!

Back after IDA and dinner.

Carol,- are there anything left in the shops? Blimey, you really do it properly, don't you?
Jo4,- that ride sounds so beautiful, and doubly so on a day like this. I went for another walk this afternoon, and the beach was a bit quieter. People were starting to go back home.
Gillian,- what a wondeful video. Clever you, who can put together something like that.
All right, getting ready for IDA. Will have to leave this site and set up a Word doc. as usual, so see you later. If Ashley isn't booted off today, you'll hear my screams of fury.
Karen,- next time you do an outing to Waterstone + coffee, give me a shout, will you? I know exactly what you mean! That is my kind of shopping!

Dr Who was really exciting, couldn't watch, eat tea and read blog at same time. So all ready for IDA.

Joe,meant to say that ride sounds very special. Not surprised your client thinks he will come back.

Suggest everyone reads this- a salutory lesson

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/831048

Carol - who exactly was it you were shopping for??? Glad you had fun!!

Enjoying IDA - much better this week. Does a week working with with ALW really make that much difference????

Jessie-Wow, loved it. Tingles up arm.

Jodie, excellent, but her diction was a bit clipped
Sarah - Brilliant - WOW
Rachel - Shouty again. Better but not the best by a long way
Samantha - Very good indeed

So far all the dresses have worked and the girls look fabulous - have they sacked the old stylist.

Niamh - Fantastic, but I still dont think Nancy
Jessie - WOW. What to say. A revelation.
Ashley - She was GOOD!!!

Best 2 for me this week still Sarah - just, and Jessie who was just fantastic.

Sing off? Rachel weakest tonight for me, and Niamh - not because Niamh wasnt just fantastic but not Nancy.

Evening all
Maggie (who is at work tonight) has asked me to tell you that the Ooohhhhmmmmmmmmssssssss for her mother seem to be working, a couple of weeks ago she was on a heart machine and looking like the end was nigh, but over the last week she seems to have improved, and tonight Maggie's sister has called to say that their mum looks great and is eating much better.
Need to keep up the Ooohhhhmmmmssssss though, her mum is going to be assessed Thursday or Friday for the care home, which should be more comfortable and give her a little more dignity, and will be much easier and cheaper for Maggie's dad to visit ( he currently pays about £100 to £140 per week in Taxi's)
I will be returning to work on Tuesday, on the strict instructions of the doctor that desk work only, NO going into the factory and getting up to my elbows in grease and humping machine parts all over the place, a condition I gladly accept for now, just to get out of the house and use my brain again (It's going a bit numb at the moment)
I hope all is well with everybody, and if not here are some OOOoooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmsssssssssssssssssssss for you all inc Maggie's mum.

Martin,- I sent you a mail yesterday. Did you get it?
Well, well, well, JESSIE IS A STAR !! She was undoubtedly the best tonight. What a performance! She was followed by Jodie and Sarah, and the bottom two for me was Ashley and Niahm, so no surprises there.

There’s something about the way Jodie sucks in air that sounds like she’s over dramatising things… now that's all I hear.
Sarah, hmm, love her but don’t like the arms. Still too sweet.
LOVED Rachel tonight – even with that squeek. That was fabulous.
Samantha – SPOT ON.. She’s my girl tonight.
Ooo…. Niamh – liked that very much. Maybe she’s my girl tonight.
Ooooo – Jessie – didn’t even notice the mouth tonight. Lovely rendition. WOW
Ashley – Tonight, she’s NOT my Nancy.. She's in my sing off with .... uum, Sarah.
At last, a competition.

Oh Martin what good news - on 2 counts. Brilliant to hear that you are getting back to work - isnt it funny we all wish we didnt have to go to work every day, until we cant.

And what a relief for you all that Maggie's Sloppy is making a good recovery. Hope she is deemed well enough for the care home.

So a huge deposit of OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS to keep up the good work.

First things first - oooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmsss for Maggie's mum and all her family. The ooooohhhhhmmmmss for anyone who needs them.
OK my IDA View
Jodie, did well with a song which isn't written for a lady - but wasn't convinced by her moves, and her notes weren't pure.
Sarah - loved it - very difficult song and she interpreted it beautifully.
Rachel - felt she was a bit screechy and didn't do it for me at all.
Samantha - moved beautifully, looked stunning, managed to sing well whilst dancing, BUT not my idea of Nancy - think she would be excellent at Lois in Kiss Me Kate!
Niamh - looked stunning but there is just something about the timbre of her voice I don't like - don't see her as Nancy.
Jessie - wow! Now I remember why I liked her during the audition rounds - and proved you don't need to screech to sell a song!
Ashley - better than before but found the actions a little embarrassing! Again, she doesn't float my boat.

Just doing my bit for the economy ladies!!! Trying single handedly to stem the recession!

Well I keep going on about Jessie singing out of the corner of her mouth but after tonights performance - WOW - the mouth is no longer a problem. That was a stunning performance! I actully liked them all tonight, even Ashley, and find it more difficult now to choose one to go!

Martin - good news for both Maggie's Mum and for you but sending more Ohhmmmmmssss your way for good measure.

Ohhhhmmmmmms to Maggie's mum and everyone else who needs them.

OK, first a question: when did ALW become an actor? Is he the right person to guide potential Nancys -- or anyone else? Not to underestimate the man's unquestionable talent, but, really, wouldn't an acting coach be a more appropriate choice?

Jodie, I agreed with John that she strained at the start and, frankly, I like the Joseph's version of the song better, but she did fine.

Sarah, a little too-careful enunciation, I thought, but otherwise did a great job and really acted the song.

Rachel, if they ever make the Sandie Shaw life story she'd be perfect, but Nancy? Oh, and did anyone else spot her 'phantom' necklace?

Samantha, loved her curly-haired dancer (like a young, slender Seamus). She did well but I don't love her as much as the panel does.

Niamh, sorry but I still can't warm to her. There's something too self-consciously aware about her that bothers me. A pop singer, but not Nancy. (And if she was blonde, she'd make a passable Marilyn Munroe)

Jessie, great performance. Loved the loppy ears her family wore! And though I still don't warm to BH, kudos to him for referring to the novel of Oliver Twist.

Ashley, on the plus side, her best performance. On the down side -- still not good enough to keep her in I think. Must mention the symbolic pipe...

So I suspect the odds are Nancy will be a brunette.

Shirley-scary story. I did think of trying ebay for tickets once, but then the holiday block were released.

Everyone on IDA was better this week, but I still think Jodie is Nancy for me. She always shines in the group songs from Oliver.

Yes everyone, it was a lovely ride today. The man came with 2 rider friends of his. They said they loved the more gentle ride and would ask for a walk/trot ride again!! They said it was more relaxing. I could not ride Megan, as we had to take a certain horse for the man. Can't have this horse on the ride with Megan if there is another horse. The other horse attacks any horse that gets near Megan, as she loves Megan and has to protect her. Rocky was on the ride I did not want him attacked. Megan went out with my friend on another ride. Carrots were given to all with kisses from Eva.

Martin, terible shame you have to go back to work, but as you seem to want to, it's excellent news. Good Maggie's Sloppy feeling better to. OOOOHHHHMMMsss for continued recovery and passing assessment.

That's brilliant news, Martin. So pleased for all of your family. Just remember not to over do it!

Wow that was some show. Thought Jessie had lost it after last week but she really pulled it out the bag. Andrew's definitely got his eye on her. Another strong performance from Sarah, enjoyed it very much and a good performance though not amazing one from Jodie. Samantha also impressed me tonight though not a favourite. Still not keen on Rachel, she doesn't move me at all, I just don't connect with her. Niamh big improvement on last week but she's not Nancy. Ashley reasonable performance but think she's the weakest. My sing off would be Ashley and Niamh. Jessie's back as my joint favourite with Sarah, followed by Jodie.

Well that was the best show so far. As with every one else Jessie blew me away and yes reminded me why she was my favourite.
Racel still doesn't do it for me. I can see she is good but I just don't warm to her.
Ashley still bottom of the pile for me, though she was much better this week.
I think it is getting interesting now, and agree Geri was pleased to see BH refer to the novel about Nancy.
Oh yes and pleased Harry is through!

Martin - that's great news about Maggie's mom. She must be feeling much happier, well all of you will be.
Just knew you'd have a good day at the shops Carol.
Mopsy (aka TweetiePie because it sits comfortably on my shoulder)is my computer screen cleaner: Diana has Peter, Pauline has Flopsy and Carol has Cotton-Tail. Can you guess what they look like?
You may be wondering why I'm still here and not already in Bath... we'll due to a slight hitch, we're going tomorrow instead - bright and early. I was being really brave about missing DW and IDA - and then I didn't have to! Yay.

IDA - Jodie, not as good as she has been, but still up there. Sarah, very good, but not exceptional. Rachel, she was in my top 4 but didn't do anything for me tonight, didn't intereact with the dancers at all. Sam, moved very well, but for me, overemphasised everything. Niamh, just doesn't work for me. Jessie, best tonight, fantastic, she always was in my top 4, proved herself tonight. Ashley, tried hard, but it showed. Jodie, Jessie, Sarah my top 3.

Martin,- good news both about you and Maggie's Mum. I'm sure you'll be sensible and not overdo it at work.
Diana,- your judgement toningt is exactly like mine. I keep wondering what people see in Rachel. I haven't really liked her from the beginning.
It seems BH has had another talking to. Let's hope he keeps it clean from now on.
Carol,- have yopu told Alistair Darling what you are doing for the economy? You could be up for a Damehood!

Its been a long time coming but IDA has finally got to me after tonight's show and I now CARE who wins! Nice to see ALW working with the girls and I thought they all did great performances and upped their games tonight but Jessie WOW WOW WOW - those who know me know that after Nancy Nancy left for Les Mis that Jessie has always been my favourite but she had seemed to stagnate until tonight and I was losing faith BUT - It was a real Paint It Black momemt, goose bumps and all - I was in tears - better than anything and everything that had been done the whole IDA series and its awakened my interest in the show (I had been losing the will to live rather). Now its just the acting to work on (I think she was the one DVO said didn't yet convince as an East End girl). As for the others - I dont care now although the standard is very high. Rachel and Sam could be clones of each other but Sam has more personality, Rachel seems bland to me. Jodie can be irritating and Sara is too sweet. Ashley & Niamh for the sing-off.

Well I enjoyed IDA tonight, for the first time. I liked Jessie and Jodie but wasn't too keen on Ashley and Niamh. I don't think DVO likes BH very much either.
Have a lovely time in Bath and Norfolk Auds.
Oooooohhhhhmmmmssssss for Maggie, her mum and Martin.

Ok, well I want to go horse-riding with Jo4, walking with Pauline to her bluebell wood, shopping with Carol and then bump into Karen and her friend for post-shopping wine outside a pub in the sunshine. What a nice weekend that would be!

Who doesn't love bluebells though? Reminds me of my teens (about 10 tens ago!!) when there was a small patch of a bluebell wood left at the far end of the housing developement near where we lived, it was nicknamed "Paradise" by the local kids and that was where you went, well, when you met a boy you liked, ah memories!
And compared to teens now we were SOOOO innocent!

IDA -
Jessie, fantastic tonight, agree with Karen, no mouth issues this week
Samantha, also great, and her dancer reminded me of Seamus too
Sarah was my no3 this week, thought she could also have been give a dancer to interact with

Auds-Jessica is sitting watching the blog too.

Has anyone noticed that BBC web site seems to have gone into melt down, or is it just me?

Hello Eva
No I have not recieved any mail from you so please try again.

Also with all these meets I here about, I have not had any pics?

About work, yes I know it seems daft to want to go in, BUT I'm stuck at home and cannot do anything, I need something to occupy me, when your fit and off work there is lots you can do, and places to go, but at the moment I am not allowed to drive (by law) so confined, but I suppose it won't be long and I'll be saying is it friday yet? or I want some holidays.

Sorry should of read All these meets I hear about.

Auds-Jessica is sitting watching the blog too. Have agood time away, when you finally go.

Has anyone noticed that BBC web site seems to have gone into melt down, or is it just me?

oopps sorry for double post, thought I'd not pressed submit

Sorry just read back on the blog and see fantastic news Martin, so pleased youare well enough to go back to work, but don't get too carried away will you. What great news about Maggies Mum too so loads more ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmms for her to keep it going!

Auds sorry (glad?) you didn't make Bath today, hope you have a great time tomorrow.

Karen2 I want that weekend too, sounds good to me!

Forgot to say earlier when you were talking about Bluebells there is a local tourist attraction not far from where I live called Shipley Glen, which is basically a little tourist area on the edge of Baildon Moor. It's got a small funfair for the children, nothing spectacular although it brings back many happy memories of days spent there with my grandparents. To get to the glen, if you don't want to drive there you have to either walk the public footpath or there is an old-fashioned type tram that runs up there through the Bluebell Woods. It's absolutely beautiful, especially on a summers day with the promise of the ice crean van at the other end. Quite idyllic really! It was so exciting as children!! Problem is, it's run on a voluntary basis and has been threatened with closure due to lack of funding so there's been loads of fundraising going on lately to keep it open. It would be such a shame if it closed, it's part of local history and tradition but sadly that seems to be the way of things in this modern age in which we live!!

Martin,- I've sent it again. Hope it works this time.
Auds,- I've got one of those too. Diana kindly sent me one. Mine is called Tessa and is sitting on top of some drawers on my desk, gazing down, and generally keeping an eye on me!

Forgot to say I was pleased Harry went through tonight.

Eva, I've not liked Rachel from the start either. If she gets to the final, I can see myself voting simply to stop her winning rather than voting for one of the other girls.

Jo, I've tested BBC and got on fine. Was it a particular page?

Jo4,- I've just tested BBC web site and it was fine. I checked out the IDA site too, and no problems there either.
Diana,- we are obviously two ladies of impeccable taste!

That sounds lovely Karen and really worth saving. The spot we called Paradise was next to an old churchyard but it now lies under a dual carraigeway called the N81. The only thing that marks the spot now is the remains of the church wall next to the road, maybe I'll get to show you in September.

Oh that would be lovely Karen2 - please put it on our agenda!!

Eva, I have recieved your E-mail and The pictures of the bouquet that carol sent to you, and I have put them on the Loppy Miscellaneous album.

Martin,- thank you!
I've just finished wrapping birthday presents for my family in Norway for the rest of the year! I told you I'm very organized! They come with me on Tuesday and I save on the postage.(See, I'm cheap too!)

Karen Shipley Glen sounds lovely.

BBC web problem is probably my BBC problem coming back then, thanks for checking.

Off to see pics. Didn't say before, Carol it was a lovely thing you did for Eva.

Eva, you house is very neat (well the bit in the pic), breaking the Loppy code in evidence!! Good bouquet.

Eva, it was my pleasure, and you are not cheap, I know what it's like sending parcels in this country, let alone abroad, you are just using your head (brains and beauty) is there no end to yor talents.
Have a good holiday, don't do anything that I wouldn't do, and that gives you lots of scope.

Shirley, I see what you meant about Brian Blessed last night. He's mad.

...off to bed now - all that shopping has tired me out!! Sweet meads all!

He is, isn't he Jo. As a hatter.

Just had a phone call from Ploppy to say he hasd arived safely - still broad daylight there. Not sure if it is already the midnight sun, but cant be far off now.

So now I am off to bed too. Goodnight all and sleep well. And if you cant have good dreams I hope you dont have any bad ones.

Got into iplayer and started to download, says a 70min programme will be 15 hrs. It started saying 48hrs, so I suppose that is an improvement. I'll leave it for a bit to see if it speeds up.
Got to get off now as up at 6 tomorrow.
OOOOOhhhhhmmmms to all.
Must be speeding up, says 12hrs now.
Nightlee night

Martin,- you flatterer!
Jo4,- I think the absence of cats, dogs, husbands, children, goldfish etcetera makes it easier to keep a tidy house without too much of the dreaded H-word!
I'm off to bed to watch Law and Order. It starts so late I'm usually asleep before it's finished!
I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Indeed Eva, quite so.

Just watched the extended repeat of Have I Got News - BB is totally doolally.

Definitely my bedtime too. Think I pulled a muscle gardening today, not unusual! I always get carried away and overdo it. Still going to hop in a warm bath then bed, so night night all sleep tight.

Eva, I hope that pristine housekeeping can withstand an Irish guest.

Still wide awake, so going to watch The West Wing at 11pm. Joy!

Night, night, sleepy heads. Carys, you want to play?

HI all. Had lovely day with friend - and must have exhausted her as she is off to bed so i thought i woudl catch up quickly here.

We watched IDA -and have not really liked jessie up to now but thought she was superb tonight.

Martin - glad to hear you are back on form and hope return to work goes well. Funny how we miss what we dont appreciate when we do have it (if you see what i mean). Ohhhmmms for maggie's mum.

Goodness me Carol - if only you had gone shopping last weekend you could have turned round the economy singlehanded and saved labour from its disastrous election results:)

Time to turn in as I am exhausted too - hard work chatting and drinking and chatting and....

Shirley2, my sentiments exactly. Jessie for Nancey!

Martin great news all round. more ohhhmmmsss as requested.

Karen2, I agree with your idea of a lovely weekend.

Auds, why does your screen cleaner sit on your shoulder??

I love bluebell woods, they are so special because their beauty is so fleeting, we have a small one near our new home where we walk the dogs every day.

I was going to say bed calls, but I'm already in it complete with laptop, Ploppy been to the pub so well out of it, snoring like a good un. Nite nite all.

Still can't spell NANCY!!!!

Waving - I thought everyone already had the Murder in Mind episode ...the BBC have issued it as part of a box set of rather expensive DVD's - if you just want one episode email me:-)

Good morning all. Not exactly sunny here today, but certainly not raining - wonder how long it will last. See, while my Ploppy was here he installed a couple of waterbutts for me, and as I now want it to rain enough to fill them I figure they will work like buying new sunglasses does - as in they will change the weather. Working so far. No rain for 4 days now and counting. If it continues today I will see if I cant get out and mow the lawn again.

Having woken me up the gang are all now flaked out and snoozing comfortably - the old lady laying on her back with all 4 paws in the air - so elegant!!! Oh yes, and the young madam stole chocolate coated nuts and raisins. Good job they are white chocolate. Little mare.

Carys, it is good to see that night shift back. Hope the legal challenge goes well.

I think a quiet lay down in one of the pavilions this morning to come too gently. Now I wonder who I fancy chatting to today ......... Any suggestions????

WAKE UP everybody.
I always think if I'm up everyone should be. I've spent too long with cats, I'm getting to be like one.
Eva-good point, no fur/hair to sweep up, no animal derived liquids/semi-liquids to mop up, no bits of dead animals to collect. Tell me why do I have so many animals?

Hi Carys, I'll get on to it today, can't have you sitting about can we?

I've still not continued with my dvd recorder. Must do it tonight.

Nice day at the moment, just been out to feed the birds, it's quite warm. Forecast is rain later.

Sorry for shouting, when you were up already Shirley.

I better rush, no time for chatting/breakfast.

See you leter.

I'm awake - just thinking of visiting the local car boot sale!

I mean 'later'

Heavens Jo, that woke me up alright!!! Agree about the animals. My 3 are still in full moult - and the work that generates is legion. Hope work goes well today.

Another bird feeder here, blackbirds, starlings, blue tits, great tits and pied wagtails all feeding young already.

Enjoy the boot sale Shirley. I am going to look and see where the big farmers' market is this weekend and then figure out if I can muster up the energy to get there and shop.

Morning, morning - nice cup of my usual coffee I think oh a a waffle with mushrooms and bacon - that will do nicely. Birds quite chripy this morning, must be the sunshine cheering them up - they obviously didn't see the forecast last night as I think we are in for showers later. Auds have a lovely time roaming the country - hope you are taking Mopsy for the outing! Cottontail is waving a paw. Not actually up at the moment - sitting in bed with Sheba and typing away whilst Ploppy makes the tea (told you he is well trained). Rehearsal all afternoon so no doubt that will be the sunny part of the day! Ploppy got into a bit of a panic when I said the show was only two weeks away! For some reason he seemed to think he had about another 3/4 to go...men! Keep forgetting to mention Stratfordfest Loppies that Ploppy uses his Loppy mug all the time (well ok it's a Playboy one but he knows it as his "Ploppy" mug) and the Loppy socks (ditto) are very popular!!

Yes, I'm up too. It's a rather grey and gloomy day today, but it was simply gorgeous yesterday.

Carol, should we be concerned that your ploppy seems to equate loppies with playboy? (Yes, bunnies, I get it. Still...)

But if we're not bunnies, perhaps we're cats, like Jo4? Or dogs, like Shirley? Shame Daniel's ladies cornered the kittne market; I quite fancy the image of spending my life alternating between snoozing and acting disdainfully.

Morning all. No rain here either, but a lttle overcast. I hope it lasts, because I have some w*****g I want to peg out.
Geri,- I doubt a little thing like you can untidy my tidiness!
My next door neighbour is the birdfeeder around here. She's got birtables and what-nots around, so all I do is hand her my stale bread and let her do the work. As you know I'm very good at delegating!
Hello sweetheart. How are you? This is your day off from your evening job? You're only coming here because you enjoy our company? Bless you. A hug will set me up nicely for the day, but that throat still sounds a bit sore. Have you tried hot milk with honey? You stay away from that Pauline and her rubbing creams and I don't-know-what. It's all a scam! No, you rest yourself here next to the Shirleys and Jo4 and I'll treat you. I baked some very nice walnut rolls last night, and I'm sure that'll go down nicely with a piece of smoked salmon on it.
I was awake early this morning, but decided to stay in bed and read with a mug of coffee. Well, it's Sunday, so I felt like spoiling myself. I didn't hear your shouting, Jo4, because the pooter is downstairs.
Someone is singing "You Raise Me Up" on Radio 2, just now, not as beautifully as someone we know and love, though.

Geri, that generates a VERY naughty thought as Maisie was licking my leg and wagging her tail as I was reading your post!!! I will not comment further......

Geri and Carol,- I see you snuck in as I was typing. Good morning to you too!
Geri,- surely you mean "in between snoozing and acting disgracefully"?

....forgot to mention whilst at lunch yesterday they played "Leave right now" and "Gonna make you a star" - sadly not by the GO!! Geri as you will realise at the Dublinfest, the Ploppy is a simple soul and probably doesn't realise they are anything other than what I have told him - special Loppy gifts for a Ploppy! Good morning Aunty Eva - are you gettting excited about your trip? Would you like us all to come with you - it could be our next expedition!

Shirley, you? Naughty thoughts? I can't believe it. Much.

Yes, Eva, I'm sure I can manage to act disgracefully as well as disdainfully, but I wonder who sets the standard of disgrace. Just because a person decides not to follow the crowd, is that the definition of acting disgracefully, in which case I confess. Mind you, I suspect the definition of 'loppy' could well be people who refuse to follow the crowd.

For some reason yesterday I was thinking about Tennyson's poem, The Lady of Shalott, and I thought what a perfect metaphor it is for loppies and all people who spend much of their time viewing the world through magic mirrors. I suspect the thought originated from some ideas I've been toying with for the next loppy story that I've started writing; I just haven't figured out how it fits in yet.

Certainly has a familiar ring to it Geri....

His broad clear brow in sunlight glow'd;
On burnish'd hooves his war-horse trode;
From underneath his helmet flow'd
His coal-black curls as on he rode,
As he rode down to Camelot.
From the bank and from the river
He flash'd into the crystal mirror,
"Tirra lirra," by the river
Sang Sir Lancelot.

Geri,- I'm sure growing old disgracefully is much more fun! I intend to try it, and I know being a Loppy makes it much easier!
Shirley,- you impress me. The only thing I remember from The Lady Of Shalott is:
The mirror cracked from side to side."The curse has come upon me", cried The Lady of Shalott.
This of course is greatly helped by one of Agatha Crhistie's novels being called The Mirror Cracked. It is a very good one, but I was unfortunate enough to watch a film of the novel starring Bette Davis and John Mills. JM was all right, but BD was just awful. She was a very, very heavily make-upped bag of bones who didn't move a muscle in her face. I can't remember who played Miss Marple in that film.
I'm off for a walk now. The weather is still very good, with the sun out, so I'll have my constitutional along the strand promenade. See you later.

Carol,- I'm going on Tuesday and will be away for 2 weeks. I had thought I would invite you to join me next Saturday, on the 17th May, which is the Norwegian National day. It is celebrated with childrens parades everywhere. Everyone is out in their finery, lots of different national costumes to see, bands playing, ice cream being eaten and so on. I haven't been home for the 17th for many years, so I'm really looking forward to it. Yes, I do have a beautiful costume from the Bergen area, but it was made for me at a time when I was much slimmer, so there is no hope of getting into it nowadays,- not even with the help of a crowbar!

Morning all, very late and very lazy today, but hey it's a holiday!

Impressed with the culture at this time of day! Geri that sounds fascinating, can't wait for this next story!

Not sure what to do today which usually means nothing gets done, however will try to pull myself together. I find Bank Holidays strange as for years I was usually working on them, so haven't yet learnt what to do with them!

Morning BHB, oh I see that you are still not really well yet, now come with me I have put lots of big comfy cushions in the pavilion so you just lie down, I'll pop a blanket over you to keep you warm, yes that's right now just rest your head on my lap and see if you can have a little sleep. don't you listen to Eva, I only want to make you better that's all!!

Morning all - another lie in for me today, I could get used to this.

It's raining here at the moment, it's just soft gentle rain but it's quite warm with a nice cool breeze. Rather pleasant actually. Better than the torrential stuff we had last week.

Now, think I'll sneak under this blanket and cuddle up to the BHB - ssh BHB, Pauline2 will never notice!!!

Good morning. I can never remember lines from poems. Practically the only line from literature that's stuck is the opening of last chapter from Jane Eyre and that's so famous of course.

I've read an unconfirmed report of this week's IDA result. I'm not going to say anything as don't want to spoil it - but don't miss tonight's results show. Unfortunately, I might not be able to watch it and certainly can't come online afterwards as my parents don't have the internet.

I should be doing some cl**ning but am struggling to make the effort. Must do something productive though.

Been meaning to say that as Lee's on holiday, there's a strong possibility he might be on IDA next week, if only in the audience. I mean Denise will obviously be in the studio so if he's not away somewhere .... fingers crossed.

Oh yes she will Karen geroff!

Diana you caught my attention with that so I went off for a snoop. Cant be true, surely?? Do you want the result texting through to you??

Karen if you truly thought that Pauline wouldnt notice that you need a reality check!!!

Sad and lazy person that I am, I am hoping it rains so I cant mow the lawn. I know, I know

I havent had time to watch IDA or catch up on the blog, busy morning and now off to Sussex.
Eva have a lovely holiday, I will miss you, might have to organise a trip to Norway, what do think Ladies????????
Shirley2 the Artois mess gets worse, they are allowing tickets to be sold on EBay this year, a pair of Finals day went for £331. I did e mail the person in question and got no repsonse, I also e mailed Artois but again no response.
My new tickets have arrived but they havent asked for the old ones back.

Shirley, that bit applies, but I think Tennyson had loppies in mind when he wrote:

And moving through a mirror clear
That hangs before her all the year,
Shadows of the world appear...

But in her web she still delights
To weave the mirror's magic sights
For often through the silent nights
A funeral, with plumes and lights
And music, went to Camelot...

Here's another thread that's being woven into the story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ge-Yr5vkYU

Diana, that's a lovely thought about Lee being in the audience of IDA. Has anyone heard how ticket sales for Joe are going while he's away?

With this sort of programe you can never be sure what's going to happen, Shirley. Thanks but I will video the programme so if I don't get to see it tonight, I'll watch when we get back tomorrow.

That's funny Geri, but doesn't give us much of a clue!!! Looking forward to reading it in any case. Maybe you are being kind enough to kill off the last incumbent of the Miss Marple role?? I wish......

Geri, I had a look a day or two ago at See. Anyone wanting to go, there are tickets available every night next week and you don't have to phone. Any takers? No, didn't think so.

I was going more for the tone than anything more specific, Shirley. Mind you, de-Marpeling Geraldine McEwan sounds like a worthy occupation. I'll give it some thought.

Interesting, Diana, to have such an option, but after mulling it over or .0005 seconds I've decided to pass. Surprise!

Oooh if that is the theme of the new story I'm going to love it!

Haven't chased the IDA hints as I don't want to know, though I think I know who won't be going now, arghhhhhh!

Oooh if that is the theme of the new story I'm going to love it!

Haven't chased the IDA hints as I don't want to know, though I think I know who won't be going now, arghhhhhh!

Well,- would you believe it? My nerd turned up !!!!!! Smiling and behaving as if he didn't have a clue I had been waiting since bl***y Friday! He came up trumps though, and all my stuff are now transferred to an external hard drive, new antivirus installed with promises of more to come. I wanted to kick him, but of course ended up saying "Thank you very much" instead!
All I have to do myself is to start delting a lot of gruff from my hard drive, so my pooter will behave.
Geri,- can I be The Lady of Shalott and GO or RA be my Sir Lancelot? No, I didn't think so.
The beach was lovely again today, but a lot of the hoi polloi coming in from god-knows-where and cluttering up the pebbles! Sounding like a right prat, aren't I? Or like a Grumpy Old Lady? Yes, Geri, I know you agree!

Hello Everyone! Yes I am still here! Just had good news from Amazon that they have dispatched my Three and Out Soundtrack so hopefully I should get it on Tuesday! I have it sent to my work address to give me something to look forward to at work! In regards to Bluebells, my back garden can best be described as 'wild' and I have noticed that the bluebells in the back garden are a darker blue than the bluebells I have in my front garden. I never knew there was a Spanish version so that explains it! I seem to have both!

Well, if you want you can be the Lady of Shalott, Eva, but she came to a bad end. You really want to end up in a barge with the GO or RA mourning you with, 'She has a lovely face'? Fat lot of good that'd do you. No, you'll like my version much better, I promise. At least as long as you don't accuse me of 'cluttering up the pebbles' next month.

http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/2008/05/04/i-told-you-i-d-do-anything-says-tara-bethan-91466-20858654/ WHAT??? (No, it's not a spoiler)

So that's going to be at the Adelphi from 17 July,is it??? Boy can journalists ever get it wrong!!!

Sorry about the double post last time, it said I wasn't accepted first time?????

I think that is hilarious, shows you can't believe everything you read in the papers!

Eva you don't want to just look at everything turough a mirror either do you? No and think of all that tapestry you'd have to do!

Oh and Ali at the risk of boring you stupid, this explains the plight of our lovely bluebells!

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/british-natural-history/survey-bluebells/bluebells-exploring-british-wildlife.html

Reality check Shirley? What's reality?? At least I should get marks for trying!!

Geri - loving the mystery theme vid.

Oh btw Shirley, if you want rain for your butt (waterbutt, that is!!) you should send it up here - it's absolutely bucketing down!!!

I hate to say it but I think I'd rather see Keith than Tara!

Hello all!

It's pouring down here! Good job I don't have to go out today!

Oooo Geri, I love all the Lady of Shallott references. Makes the thought of your next story even more exciting. Eva, you can certainly be the Lady of Shallott to GO's Lancelot, as far as I'm concerned - but in that case I want to be Dame Elaine! I've read Mallory! I know what she get's up to!

Martin - great to hear you can go back to work (well, you know what I mean) More OHHMMMS for Maggies mum on their way - good news about the home though.

Hi Ali B - I was wondering where you'd got to!

Ah Carol, memories of Stratfordfest! Nice to know Ploppy's mug is still in use.

Jill, have a great time in Sussex and Auds in Bath.

OK Karen and Pauline - out from under that blanket! Really, you two!

No rain here yet. A couple of spits when I was mowing the lawn, but nothing developed.
Dog had a 2nd walk when I got back from the stables, had a lovely sniff about. The walks we have now are sniffing strolls, rather than heart exercising walks.
Another early morning tomorrow.

Diana and Shirley you naughty ladies, you tempted me. I went for a litle rummage. If it's true, I say good.

On this occasion, we'll have to agree to disagree, Jo!

Oh you lot aren't half teases! I am not going snooping - I shall wait patiently!

Afternoon All, just popping in to say hi.

Eva - we would love to join you for Norwegian National Day, we really are getting to be a very well travelled bunch, aren't we? Great to experience all this culture.

Martin - great to hear you're on the mend, hope you are enjoying your last couple of days off, I'm sure time off work is sweeter now that you know it's limited again!

Off out this evening for dinner with family including my Sister's in-laws from Sheffield who're over for the weekend.

Will have to tape IDA, might be back on later.

As usual I'm ready but Ploppy has only just got in the shower! We are supposed to leave in 5 mins grrrr

Have a nice evening.

Karen2, Diana and any other Loppies going out for the evening - have a good time!

My Mum-in-law is about to arrive, so I too am going to say bye, bye for the evening!

Diana-I know, I'll be out of step with most.

AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHH just spent the last 90 mins trying to get my new dvd recorder to record from video tape. I've found out how to open the dvd drawer (repeatably, was hit and miss before), I've set the analogue channels, I can play a video, play a dvd, record to video, record to dvd (alright not using the timer, I'll leave that to later), got the player to 'talk' to the tv and set the easy format/finalising function. Every time I follow the instructions to dub from video to dvd it starts up and then stops after about a minutes without putting anything onto dvd.

I still have the end of month figures to do, but before that dog to walk. Still no rain here.

I'm not peeking, so don't breathe a word of how it's going, but as Diana and I are in agreement about last night's performances, I don't like the sound of it. Will I walk out in a huff like ALW last Sunday?
It's been a corker of a day here, and it's still warm and sunny. Will the rain come later or should I give the garden a splash of water? It's quite dry now, especially the pots, so I might as well get the hose going.
See you in a bit.

Phew, the site didn't want to let me log in, that was a scary few moments. Thought Scott hadn't received the rent cheque.

I had to run out to the grocery for a few minutes and, wow, it's gorgeous out there! Somehow Summer arrived when I wasn't looking. It's warm, sunny, with blue skies and no breeze, just beautiful. I should be at a beach somewhere working on a tan rather than slaving over a hot textbook.

Like you, Eva, I'm facing tonight's sing off with some tripidation. You're scaring me, Jo4!

Whew back from an afternoon rehearsing - just cooking dinner and then toots up for the evening (think I am owed that!). It was really muggy all afternoon - just what you need when you are cooped up indoors rehearsing! Ploppy just poured me a large G&T - it didn't touch the sides!! I await IDA with trepidation!

Hello ladies,

It seems ages since I, last posted, sorry by my life has been pretty chaotic. I just wanted to let you know that I'm back - more or less.

We go back from Dorset the middle of last week and I arrived home to lots of queries from my editor and US agent, so I've had my head down since then trying to catch up with stuff and I'm just about managing to get on top of it all but lots more to do.

Thanks in retrospect for all your kind words. Sorry to say I haven't caught up with all the posts yet, there just seems so many of them, so forgive me for that.

I just got word my Three and Out soundrack was posted out Saturday so it should arrive soon. Really looking forward to hearing Lee's songs again after only hearing them the once in the cinema.

Pity the movie did so badly. I read it took about £185,000 in its first week which is very bad news. My local chain VUE pulled it after a week and no doubt other chains have as well which is a pity for those who haven't seen it yet. It was lovely to hear Lee's beautiful voice in surround-sound in the cinema.

Denise said she and Lee planned to see it this weekend but if he is poorly that won't happen, which is a pity for him but no doubt if he asks they'll send him an advanced video copy but it isn't the same for him poor lamb.

It looks top me as though, because of him, the soundtrack will do better than the movie.

I do hope he recovers soon so that he can at least take advantage of some of his holiday.

Speak soon
Deanna
xxxxxx

It's been a funny day here weather wise, overcast but not cold, and spits and spots of rain so you weren't to sure what it was going to do.

Jo4 you have all my sympathy I hate it when I can't get things to work properly. I always feel it's something really simple I'm not doing.

All these teases about IDA, well, la la la la, I'm not l

istening!!!! Where did that bit disappear to?

Hey that's not fair - warm sunshine - it's poured down here all day!!!

I am intrigued now by the IDA result but will have to wait till tomoorrow to watch. I'm off out now and staying overnight at my parents so have a good evening all.

Forgot to say WOS are offering two for the price of one for Joseph next week - wonder why?? Deanna nice to see you back! Just watching the news - all a bit depressing really! Think I need another gin!!

Paulin2,- how did you do that? Do you usually submit in the middle of a word? You had me laughing!
Deanna,- nice to see you again. When you have waded through all your messages and post, we hope you have more time to post here. We always miss those who go away for alonger or shorter time.
Carol,- maybe I should try a G&T too? It's been a long time since the last one.
Jo4,- I have to admit my spanking new DVD recorder is still in it's box. I suppose I'll leave it there until I get back home.

Hi Deanna, good to see you back.

Dog walked, tribe fed, tea in front of me, all ready for results show. As I've never looked at a spoiler thread before don't know how reliable they are, no idea if it is true.

Pauline2-you are right it is probably something really simple I'm not doing.

No rain here.

Can't be true, can it Jo. No, dont think I believe it. If it is Eva you wont be the only one having a strop thats for sure.

Deanna how lovely to see you.

Please can I ask for lots of OOOOHHHHHMMMMMSSSSS for Suex who isnt very well.

OOOOO here we go.....

Blxxy Hxxl It was right. How pants is that.....

What the hell is going on here ????????? How could he? In a way I'm glad I'll be away for two weeks, because I am totally lost here. What is it with Rachel that we don't see? Oh, yes, I feel a big strop coming on.

TRAVESTY - Rachel may be 'solid' but I aint paying a penny piece to see her. Sarah I would have gone to see happily. GUTTED.

Well,the spoilers were right. I have to agree with ALW. Sarah has lovely voice, for me she always smiles when she sings, which does not get the emotion to me. I have never seen her as Nancy.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Haven't had a chance to catch up yet but just watched IDA and I have to say I disagree Sir ALW, I don't think either should have been in the sing off but I'd have got rid of Rachel, so there!
Back for a mammoth catch up now, I'm giving myself 25 mins as I want to watch Grand Designs, will that be long enough??

How come ALW walked out in a strop last week and not this week?? Neither this week should be in the bottom 2, and then he chose the wrong one.

I knew that everyone else would be upset about the result from the reviews of the shows.

No no no no no no no, but although not a big Rachel fan didn't think she should be in the sing off either! For the first time though I thought she showed some real emotion tonight, but Sarah was so good with the Olivers. However at least Jessie has shown she can act, so that for me puts her right up there.

Wish ALW had got rid of Ashley when he could though! If she wins I definitely won't go to see it!

Travesty!! Rachel does absolutely nothing for me! Sarah I really really like!! She could have been a wonderful Nancy and interesting that the boys chose her to perform with them! AND ASHLEY IS STILL THERE. This is the same Scottish vote that kept KtT in last year! All I hope is that she gets offered a lead in the West End in her own right (after all Daniel went at the same stage last year). I said to Ploppy they gave her a raw deal with the song - she did it beautifully but everyone else had big show stoppers. Can't believe it! Lost all faith in the show, in ALW - don't care any more!

As you say, Carol, it was around the time they let the 'Mighty Daniel' go, but his career hasn't done too badly, has it? Ashley really is a dire cross between KMcT and Boo-Hoo -- not a happy combination. But if the drippy Tara can get a job I'm quite sure the sensational Sarah can too. I won't go see the show, regardless of who wins, though if it had been Sarah I'd have been tempted. At least now I've saved a few quid.

I do agree that Ashley should go.

Geri - I'm with you all the way on that! Why oh why did he keep Ashley and much much better girls are thrown out?? Can't understand it! Liked Jessie but don't think she will be Nancy for me, and so like you I shall save some pennies by not going! By the way WOS are offering 2 for the price of 1 for next week with Lewis!! Just had a thought - of course it isn't a ALW show is it, so really he doesn't care who gets through!

I just dont see the point of the whole premise now. Its a farce. Sarah was mentioned as having done well in the acting task, she was chosen by the Olivers and did it brilliantly, she followed ALW's direction precisely - by his own admission. So what the hexl is the point of doing all those things. They clearly matter not one jot. ALW chose Rachel as his 'banker' in case the unproven Nancies show at some stage that they cannot cope with the pressure - so they have a 'safe pair of hands' to put through.

And yes, Carol, ALW has cast Lewis - shows he doesnt always get it right, doesnt it??? And although he may not be producing this show I understand it is in one of his theatres, and See will be making plenty of money sellng the tickets, so he is not exactly going to be out of pocket.

Maybe ALW doesn't want the best girl to win, so he can nab her for one of his own productions? I'm just trying to find an explanation of what is happening.
I was so disgusted I needed something to calm me down, so now I've got When Joseph Met Maria on again for I-don't-know-which-time, and I fast forward it to all the good bits. I think I'll find myself one of my Morse DVDs (I've got the whole series) and leave this dreary world for a little while. I've finished my piece for the IDA blog, so I'm just waiting for Scott dear to do his job.

...well this is one potential member of the audienc they have lost (I know, I know, I am only a drop in the ocean) still I will do my silent protest! Currently watching "Flood"....keep expecting David Suchet to speak with a Belgian accent!!! Just drowing my sorrows (no pun intended!) with a very nice Merlot!

Ah, the comfort of our Josephs. We were so young and innocent then. We selected the man of our dreams, swore at the screen when someone made rude ('bit rubbish') comments to him, and had a sense of 'God's in His heaven, all's right with the world' when the right, obvious, man one. I think I'll follow you into Joseph land, Eva. Wish I was done with this blo**dy antiobiotics so I could have a drink. Carol -- have one for me, would you? Consider it a chief Lush-loppy duty.

Friends all gone now - had a lovely relaxing day with them. Weather strange - very very hot and humid but no sun.

IDA - aaagggh. Sarah was my fav and cant believe she has gone. I understand what is said about her being very smiley but still think she could have been Nancy. I do think ALW is determined to get a total unknown and as Shirley said is keeping Rachel as back up safe pair of hands.

Sorry, won, not one. Too annoyed to type!

But thats the point Carol the audience is lots and lots of one little drops. And here is another one. And Geri, see a little puddle already. And thats just with the few of us here now. Enjoy your flood. I'm watching Grand Designs Live.

Geri - your wish is my command!

Oh well, it took a bit longer than I thought and I only skimmed the last couple of days but I think I've got the gist.
Martin, good news but don't overdo it, and glad Maggie's mum is improving.
Carol, glad your shopping trip went well, mine was not so good unfortunately. Ploppy got what he wanted, scollop got a rucksack and I got a couple of beach towels!! I never find what I want when a. I've got a little spare cash and b. I want something specific (in this case a black top) Sis then told me that a certain high street store she visited had some lovely stuff, typical I didn't go in as it was heaving!! I've now placed a large order via her catalogue instead, then I get to try it all on at home and send it back if I don't like it, should have done that in the first place!
Auds hope you enjoy your trip here to Norfolk, the weather is supposed to be good this week. Whereabouts are you staying?
Happy Birthday to Jane's ploppy,and thanks Jane - I followed your tip and took notes otherwise I'd never keep up!
Finally, I've decided I don't really care who wins IDA anymore, I thought Sarah was a safer bet than Rachel and the whole show seems loaded towards certain Nancys. I suppose I'll still end up watching but I certainly won't be staying up to see it in the early hours when I return from work as I have been.
Better post this now and call it a night, the poor old laptop is overheating as ploppy has been on it all afternoon researching cars???

Shirley, I've read somewhere recently that raisins and grapes can be poisonous to dogs, if I can find the info anywhere I'll send it to you. I think they have to have quite a lot.

Eva, hope you have a lovely time on the 17th.

Hi Deanna, nice to have you back.

Agree with all the outrage for Sarah, Ploppy gutted. Never have liked Rachel. Still Jessie for me.

Geri, I can't wait for this new tale.

Settled down with a brandy and coke to watch Flood, not sure if it's going to grab me though, might watch Raiders of the Lost Ark for the umteenth time if it doesn't pick up. Amazing what you can do with Sky+

I dont know who is voting to keep Ashley in but they are very misguided. I'm not surprised Rachel was in the sing-off as she does nothing for me but if she's not getting the votes she should go soon (in my view it should have been Ashley and Niamh). BUT as I said last night I'm delighted Jessie did so well and she was even (surprisingly) a hit with the acting mission so I'm a happy bunny. As long as she keeps going I dont care much about the others. I'm going as I've booked to go in March with the usual coach party but certainly dont want to see Rachel in it and now that Jessie's performance has made me CARE, its her I want to see. Not enough to spend money voting until the final, however, as I believe ALW will save her up till then if she's in the sing-off. I wonder if he got rid of Sarah tonight as he felt she was more of a threat to Jessie than Rachel!

Ah, all you wise women! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who's furious.
I've played WJMM twice now (the good bits) and now I'll settle down with one of the early Morse episodes: Service Of All The Dead. Anybody wants to join me?

Oh yes please Aunty Eva. That sounds great. I watched Grand Designs Live and they looked at a house in LA which was a complete nightmare for anyone with vertigo.

And now we have Roberty Carlyle staring on Channels 3 and 4 simultaneously. How jealous must JB be!!

...thanks Aunty Eva, but watching Flood! Shilrey and Geri as long as we are drops and not drips that's fine!,

Eva, I've often been tempted to buy the Morse videos, but seemed such a lot to spend, I so loved John Thaw.

Hear, Hear, Carol! And I might be a small drop but I'm still wet. (ooh, missus!)

Ooh, Shirley, who is this actor, Roberty Carlisle? Does he play historical characters, like Roberty Lee?

Eva, I'll gladly join you back in Oxford -- but after my ADWD fix. Just listed to a lovely rendition of 'Leave Right Now' sung by a young man I predict will have a fine future. I must say the atmosphere last year was much more relaxed and fun. They all seem too serious this year, and not as happy to be there.

Scott-dear? Where are you? Is someone administering oxygen? Are you having a fit of the vapours? Talk to us, Obi-Wan!

Watching Flood too. Carol. Eldest scollop just phoned to say he is going to claim watching it is part of his uni revision as studying to get into flood risk management!

Mind you Eva - will join you watching Morse another time. I keep thinking about treating myself to the Morse DVDs. Ploppy loves them too so perhaps I can buy them fro him (and me):)

Phew!!!! That G&T was strong, Carol! It's just what I needed. First corpse now duly autopsied (sp?) and Morse is ogling one of the witnesses. It's so nice with what you know and love!
Back to Oxford.

So agree, Eva, about what you know and love. Right now, poor Rob the Builder is singing Tell Me It's Not True...

Deanna, sorry, where are my manners? Lovely to hear from you again. Sounds like it's all been happening. Hope news from your US agent is positive.

Well been watching flood too. don't think the dialogue is the most scintillating! good special effects for tv though. Robert Carlyle with a dodgy London accent is very weird! The music is very annoying as well.

Still cross about Sarah, but as she wasn't my first choice but my second or third I will still watch to see how Jessie and Jodie do!

Flood finished, stuck with it, despite the pull of Indiana Jones. Quite nice tonight cos neither of us have to get up for w--k tomorrow, it's not often we can watch tv at tis time of night, and somehow when we record something often as not we never watch it.

A little supper snack now I think, and off to bed. Nite nite.

For those who are interested in such things: http://www.onlythebrave.co.uk/

Dear me,- McTeeth as a war hero! Where is that theatre? In Scotland?
Corpse no 3 has just been discovered. No 2 was a vicar who jumped from the church roof. Morse had to climb up there and promptly fainted. He is scared of heights!(I'd forgotten that one.)

(Tip toes in, very quietly, the non Sarah supporter is back)
I've done my monthly figures for April, and the ones I didn't do for March. Some people at work were a little cross. They are done now.
Not done Loppy stats for a while either!
I've watched the download from iplayer while I was doing it. The Heist from bbc4. It was slightly amusing. Then checked to see how Kris Marshall was, as he was in intensive care last week after getting knocked down by car. He is out of hospital and has been seen walking in Windsor.
I don't like flood/fire disaster films so I gave The Flood a miss.
Got to do the packed lunches for tomorrow now.

Sue1 - know exactly what you mean....we have videos from about 10 years ago that we taped and have never watched! Well I suppose we will watch Flood tomorrow to find out what happens. Ploppy said he thought Tom Courtney looked like Derek Jacobi as Cadfael! Liked the "If Anyone is worried about floods ring this helpline" at the end! Off to bed now so sweet Meads all!

ooh Geri, are you booking the tickets for us all??? :(

Thanks for that Geri, don't think I'll register though!

I remember that one Eva. It made an impression as I hate heights too!

Well in the absence of Scotts' report on IDA, (hope you are alright Scott, just very busy?) think I will go to bed and read. Just might have to take a leaf from Eva and Geris' books and sneak a look at himself to cheer me up!

Sleep tight all, night night

Well, a couple of points about KMcT: first, you're right, Eva, it is in Scotland, part of the Edinburgh festival, I think and at least he'll be able to drop the hideous pronunciation stuff that he does so badly, and secondly, at least it keeps the West End safe. Oh, and he's doing Peter Pan in panto first. If you care.

Sorry, Jo4, no tickets from me -- but feel free to go on your one and report back. Somewhere.

I give up on the telly tonight, didnt like Flood either. Just didnt seem to have a centre. So going to cheer myself up by starting a new book. Just finished a biography of Katherine Swynford which was very interesting, and just about to start another one to see if it has a different interpretation of the scant documentary evidence.

So goodnight all. Sleep will, andif any cats wake me in the middle of the night again by 'singing' outside my window I will not be a happy bunny.

mmmmm (thinks) do I want to go to Scotland to see Keith? Let me see...........NO NO NO.
OK that's sorted then.

Shirley, at least you don't have 'singing' cats in your bedroom or on your bed.
Nightlee night all

Jo, you are right I dont. And if they start that in the garden again they will be welcomed with a bucket of cold water.

Not going to Scotland to see KMcT either. Now a Loppy trip around a distillery and to one of the Lochs would be great.

Another from Kaz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51kY0E-mTYo

Thank you for that link, Jo4. Looooovely!
6 corpses in Morse tonight, and Morse lied in court! What is the world coming to?
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Can anyone explain the origin behind the term 'oooooooooooohmmmmmmmmmsssss' that I have seen constantly pop up in this thread. I'm guessing its used like a 'get well soon' message for working actors?

Thanks Jo, that is special.

6 Corpses Eva??? Thought you were watching Morse,not Midsomer Murders!!!

Hi Tom. Yes the ohms are used in just that way. Get well soon, cheer up, sympathy, thinking of you, hang in there, generally a sympathetic and supportive message. It started when (I think) JaneE suggested meditating to help someone calm down, and the Om Mani Padmi Hom (sp?) sort of got abbreviated and adopted.

Jane, I can't get my email system open yet, and before I forget on BBC4 at 9 tonight Michael Wood traces the life of Christina, a Medieval Woman.

And on the subject of ohms - a huge deposit for our very own Suex who's still not well OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS - thinking of you Sue.

Tom also see
http://www.spiritofangels.com/mantras.html

Tom PS
I'm a touch worried about you, as you've posted here before and so have read these blogs before. Not that you're aren't welcome, of course, just you seem to be a bit out of the age demographic of the rest of the posters here. Well done for sticking in though, we have seriously pi**ed off others who have dipped in in the past.
(Can't understand why, myself, as we have always been so welcoming.)

SueX, please get well soon. I saw Shirley's post, but forgot to send my best wishes yesterday. OOHHHMMMMSS to you.

Raining very lightly here this morning, forecast sort of predicted it might miss us. Hope we don't get too wet on the ride this morning.

Eva, how many times have you watched Morse? My Mum used to love them when they were on tv, she even stayed up late sometimes to see the end. This was very unusual for her. I liked them too, but sometimes now I find them a bit annoying, not really certain why. I suspect it is because they made such an impact at the time, I remember who did it. Although I can rewatch MidSM without being annoyed in the same way and I usually remember who did it in those as well. So perhaps there is another reason.

Oh just heard on radio that Cliffy was robbed by Franco plot in the eurovision song contest.
And there IS a fat gene carried by half of the UK population.
2 good facts in 30 secs of radio.

Do you always talk to yourself in the mornings Jo? Decided to help you out....

and now off to do some chores - might even start painting our bedroom - Did I just say that??? Need to go and lay down in a darkened room until the urge passes.

Morning all. Another beautiful day here in the South East. Sorry, don't mean to rile those of you with rain pouring down.
Hi Tom. My, my, another man on the blog. You are brave, but most welcome. Sometimes a bit of testosterone is all to the good, don't you agree ladies?
Morning sweetheart. Feeling better today, are we? Ah, not good enough to wait on us yet? You want me to do the waiting again today? All right, I'll do it for you, but the others have to do their DIY. I haven't got time to run around after them. They are nice and polite? Are we talking about the same people? Aaaaaahhhhhhh,- I know what you're up to. You want Pauline2 and Karen to join you under the blanket again today? Not on your Nelly! You go sit over there in the easy chair and I'll get you coffee and toast!
Shirley,- yes, it was 6 dead 'uns on Morse, and the silly s*d fell in love with a woman who was sent to prison!

I woke up at 5.15 this am because I was gnashing my teeth so badly it hurt. I was dreaming about IDA, and was yelling at ALW for sending Sarah off. He didn't like it one bit, and stomped off. I think that's when the gnashing started! I have a felling that a lot of people will have it in for him today because of that.

Shirley-I don't just talk to myself in the morning, I do it all day. The only way to have a sensible conversation!
Hope you manage to get rid of you urges.
Catch you later

Hello, Tom. As Jo4, says, well done for hanging in there. I'm sure you're made of sterner stuff than some of the, shall we say, more tentative souls who have ventured once into these hallowed halls never to be seen again. And BTW, Jo4, I agree the Cliffy was robbed. Bloomin' cheek!

Ohhhhmmmmmms to you, SueX. Feel better soon? Anyone else need 'em? Well, never mind, here's some for the bank: ohhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

I see you've been talking again while I was posting.
Jo4,- some series I can watch again and again. It doesn't matter that I know who the murderer is, because usually every time I see something new. I'm the same with books. I'll leave them on the shelves for a few years, and then read them again. I saw that about the fat gene in a headline in my paper, but haven't read it yet. Sounds just like something to make my day!!!!
Shirley,- urges like that can be dangerous! Better find something to distract you.

Suex,- where are my manners? Look after yourself, dear, or better still, let someone else do it. Hope you feel better soon.
Jo4 and Geri,- Franco has a lot to answer for! Apropos Franco, I went to his "mausoleum" some years back, and it was obscene! I didn't stay long,- it gave me the creeps.

Hi

You are wonderfully welcoming and just because we lurkers don't post everyday, doesn't mean we are fed up, not here, too old, too young or anything.

Sometimes it is just good to listen.....

Nice to read you, Tom

Morning all, well we've got the sun here this morning so hoping it's going to last!

Hi Tom, nice to hear from you, I agree Eva sometimes a bit of Testosterone is very good! Not that I have anyone particular in mind she lied!

Suex sorry you are not well, have lots of ohhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms and look after yourself.

Thanks for that Tabitha and hi again, waving.

Now Eva if BHB wants Karen and myself under that blanket with him we must let him. He is sick at the moment and needs pandering to. I for one would not wish to deny him anything that might help. I'm all heart!

Morning, moring - late I know, but it is Bank Holiday! Lovely weather here at the moment so planning to take Sloppy to Garden Centre later. All the irxxxxg done so feel entitled to a day without any hxxxewxxk! Hi Tabitha and Tom (waves). Geri I see it is only 24 performances, so the WE not safe for that long! Aunty Eva remember that episode cos of the fall from the tower - in fact there was another Morse where someone fell from the roof.....Have you been playing "Spot Colin Dexter"? He appears in a non speaking role in all the Morse episodes! In fact one of my reasons for late posting is that on ITV 3 first this they had a programme on the making of Cadfael - apparently Ian Holmes was first choice and accepted, then it took so long to get the programme to production stage (filmed outside Budapest!) that he was no longer available so they asked Derek Jacobi. When the did Cafael as a radio programme Philip Madoc was Cadfael....I wonder why he wasn't considered for the TV programmes? Having read the books I thought DJ was just how I wanted Cadfael to be. I think they are showing all the episodes on ITV3 at the moment. OK going to see what Sloppy is up to (caught her cleaning my hob yesterday.....). Have a good day all. PS still furious about Sarah!

Hi all, taking a break from studying drug and alcohol abuse. It's shown up every year of the last five in exams, so I need to get it down. So to speak.

It's not easy to concentrate, though, because it is the most gorgeous day outside. Sun is shining, sky is blue, and temperature is about 17 degrees. Never mind, eight days to go and then I'm FREE, well, for the Summer, anyway.

Hi Tabitha, nice to hear from you. Though, if I'm not mistaken, didn't you post before several months ago? I wonder how many lurkers we have & what they make of us all. Or maybe it's best we don't know.

OK, break over, back to booze-land.

Lots of lurkers, of course, because this is a fascinating site for anyone who even just LIKES Lee.

I did post a few times - when I think I have something to contribute.

And I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO grateful to you all, for info about tickets and phone numbers to book and all of that.

Keep up the good work, ladies.

Especially the wonderful fiction and especially all the fun and good-naturedness

I may not post a lot (I am VERY active on another forum - not GO related though) But I do like to stay in touch.

With love

Morning all - I see I'm just in time to dive under that blanket with Pauline2 and BHB - how nice of him to request our company. Budge up Pauline2 and let me at him, er I mean, let me in!!

Well, what a result last night. Very unexpected! I have to say though I have always liked Rachel (I know, sorry, that's not a very popular opinion is it!) however I do think Sarah was more suited to the role of Nancy. I will keep watching though as I'd like to follow Jodie and Jessie's progress (yes now I've got over the mouth issue with Jessie I'm warming to her!).

I had a really good time last. Another young male singer on at the pub but this week a complete contrast to last week. Last week was mainly songs from the shows which I loved, this week was a bit of a Bon Jovi tribute, and Bon Jovi is one of the other loves of my life (bit of a contrast between the GO and JBJ isn't there but variety is the spice of life as they say!!). I was rocking away like a good un!

Ohmmmss to SueX and all who need them.

Happy bank Hol one and all. beautiful weather and i am feeling bright and breezy - even if carol did threaten to dampen my spirits by mentioning the i.......g - which is spreading like a plague in my utility room as we "speak".

Hello to tom and tabitha.

Shirley - ploppy and i are off on a distillery and lochs tour in summer as going to wedding on outer isles and a cousin there manages a distillery. Ploppy and I were discussing holidays once scollop leaves home and ploppy announced that as long as he could get to a distillery or whisky festival (yes there are such things) once every 2 years (only!!) he would be happy.

SueX - ohhhhhhmms. Hope you are better soon. you sounded as if you had been working very hard recently and as a colleague of mine says your body tend to tells you when it is time for a rest.

Geri - I am thinking of going to Edin festival this year as a friend invited me to Edin but might give keith a miss.

Have a great day - and dont work too hard geri.

Hi Tabitha. Nice to see you back, and I'm sure you know that as long as you have a fairly whacky sense of humour and a love of GO, you'll feel right at home!
Geri,- alcohol and drug abuse? You do know how to keep yourself entertained. Have fun!
I'd better start to do some packing. Not that it'll take too long. I have lots of little piles already all over the place, ready to go into the suitcase. That's the way I do it, often starting a good week before departure. Everytime I see something I want to take, it goes into a pile! Of course I also have a nice little (or not so little) list to check too. See, I know how to amuse myself too.

I had to take a minute to track down a song that's been in my head the past couple of days. I loved Cliff's recording and Art Garfunkle's too, but you can't beat the original. Here it is, an oasis of peace, just for you. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AifhK4n_4gY

Needing some Loppy hugs and vibes!!!
My car broke down last night. The car's a ways from my garage, so the tow bill's going to be big. I did not need this before my trip!!!

I'm back from my latest child minding stint, spent most of the time helping with revision for levels 2 and 3 SATS think I might do OK!

I was v. upset to see Sarah leave IDA last night, she was one of my favourites, I think the song was terrible for her. I've never 'connected' with Rachael and couldn't see what the panel saw in her but was surprised she was the least popular with the public, it must have given her a shock after all the praise she gets on the programme. I would have expected ALW to have been even crosser than last week.
I thought Jessie's performance was fantastic, as has been said a real PiB moment.

Glad to hear you're ready for work Martin and get better soon Sue X. Hi to Tom and Tabitha.

Thanks for the link to PiB video JO4, lovely.

I quite often do go to The Edinburgh F. will make sure to give venue 37 a miss!

Oh Ringer poor you, lots of ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmms for you, and lots of loppy hugs as well. Just focus on all the fab things you are going to be doing and the fab 'thing' you are going to be seeing. Hope you get it sorted.

Geri you sure no how to have fun! No wonder you need a break. Lovely song, thanks...... strange video, a bit like a karioke video in places and then that very sad shot of Marilyn Monroe, I think when she had just come out of hospital and looking so fragile.

Ringer,- bad, bad car. Does it listen to a talking to? Hope your stay in UK is faboulous. No reason why it shouldn't be, with all the shows you've penned in.
All my small piles gone now into the big suitcase. Suddenly my bedroom and the guestroom look tidy again!
Scott dear,- are you having a day off?

OK, done for a few hours. I feel like this: pfffzzzzzzzzzz.....

Ringer, what a shame about your car. I miss driving, but I sure don't miss car problems. One good thing about living in the city is fairly-reliable public transport. I hope the problem is neither too time-consuming nor too costly to put right.

Eva, did you say you had piles? Ouch!

You're right, Pauline2, about the video footage that accompanied the song being odd, but there were some really great clips, like the ones from GWTW and from Sunset Blvd. Plus it's such a great song. May have to go listen to Cliffy's version.

Ringer - oh no - ohmmmmmsssss for your car.

Eva - as Geri said, ouch! And you've put them in your suitcase too!!

Ok that is quite enough gardening for one day! My back is now killing me, I must be mad. However lots of good things done, admittedly with lots of breaks!

At least your piles are small ones Eva, but be sure to pack the cream as well.

Ringer as well as talking to myself, I also talk to my car. Sometimes works wonders. Hope it gets fixed soon.
Hi again Tabitha, I remember you from before, nice to hear from you again.
Eva, I have books like that. Get a new view each time you read them. And sorry to hear about your medical problems!!
I read some Cadfael books before seeing DJ in the role. I always imagined Cadfael as a bit more hagard, but nearly as I imagined.
Pauline, you'll have to have a soothing bath.
Geri, thanks for the link. I'd love to go into my experiences of alcohol abuse, but it's a bit of a 'don't get me started' thing as 'he who must not be named' was an alcoholic. I try to keep my 'enabling' ways to myself these days, safer for all.

Jo4 was once married to Voldemort? Yes, that makes so much sense of the books now...

I just came back from the shops where I went to get a cold drink. This house has skylights, which look lovely, but which capture the heat in a very uncomfortable way. I know, just a couple of days ago I was moaning about the cold. I am woman, hear me vacillate!

Pauline2 - bet my back is stiffer than your back:( Why are there so many weeds? Only done half the front garden so out to do second half now - and then the dreaded i......g. Mind you the mid way G and T has helped revive me - that is alcohol use not abuse geri:)

Hello Everyone! Pauline2 - thanks for the link about the bluebells, very interesting. Unfortunately mine are looking abit dead now! Agree with everyone about the bizarre voting on IDA. I KNEW that Ashley would escape the bottom two (not because she was good but I think she has the Scottish vote and the sympathy of the public as ALW and the panel keep picking on her!) but I knew that Sarah was a possibility. Rachel however was a complete surprise!! Now the competition gets really interesting as it is anyones and everyone has a different favourite. However, the success of this production of Oliver really does not rest on whoever plays Nancy like it did with Joseph. Oliver is a large ensemble production with the part of Fagin and also the young lads who play Oliver more important. By the time the show comes on everyone will have almost forgotten IDA. Still, it livens up Saturday night and hopefully our Lee will perform at the final! Should get my Three and Out soundtrack tomorrow so looking forward to listening to that!

According to my Collins Concise Dictionary and Thesaurus a pile is: A collection of objects laid on top of one another,- plural : piles.
Piles: swollen veins in the you-know-what.
As mine aforementioned piles were scattered all over the house, only Geri could make them out to be of the latter description!

Nice to know you look such things up in your dictionary, Eva. I wasn't trying to imply you were a pain in the a**!

Hello, back from my parents. We had a lovely walk along the front to Littlehampton this morning followed by lunch in the country. Lovely to get out of London and see how green and fresh the countryside is at present.

Been looking forward to reading your reactions to IDA. Yes a travesty. Another Daniel. How ALW can have thrown a strop last week and not this week, I really don't know.

Ooohhhmmmms to Suex. Hope you're feeling better now. Lovely to see you again, Deanna and Tabitha. And sorry about your car, Ringer.

AliB-How sensible you are.
Eva-Thanks for sorting that out.
Geri-My 'he who must not be named' was very cute looking, brown eyes, with lots of brown curls, not as described in the HP books, JKR got the visuals wrong.
Dog walking time again.

Geri,- I looked it up AFTER your comment, just to make sure I'd gotten it right. Of course I am a pain in the a**e,- sometimes!

Hello all. What a lovely day!
Oooooohhhmmmssss for Suex and Ringers car.
Hi to Tom and Tabitha.
Been bust doing nothing here. Ploppy has been trying to mend the 28 year old tumble dryer again and has had bits all over the kitchen. It has turned personal now; he won't give up on it and is determined to get the better of it! Still it keeps him out of mischief and me out of the kitchen.
Thanks for all the links.
Eva, be sure to take that comfy cushion with you for your pxxxs.

Still no IDA review from Scott - maybe he's thrown a strop this week, he liked Sarah too. In the meantime, here's a link to another IDA weekly reviewer who I've been following http://colouredlights.wordpress.com/category/id-do-anything/

Good evening all. Can I enter the most achy back competition please. Did get on and paint our bedroom. The painting is of course the easy bit - its the moving all the furniture, taking down curtains and curtain poles, and then putting them all back. Totally cream crackered. And most everything aches. Still got the accent wall to paper, but need my Ploppy here to help me move the bed frame, and ?bed, so not right now.

AAAAAANNNNDDD I have gotten the spare bedroom all made up,cleaned and dusted ready for my aged aunt who arrives on Wednesday.

Hi Tabitha,good to hear from you again. Always welcome to drop in.

Has Scott done his review yet?? Wonder what histakeonitwillbe - damnseem to have crubsunder the space baragain.

Ringer OOOOHHHHMMMMMSSSSS for your wheels. Such bad timing. Did you have to get it towed??

Eva your packing sounds painful!!! Eachto their own though. Is it tomorrow you are off?? Hope you have a fabulous holiday in any event. Will miss you.

Diana, thank you. That wasa very interesting review. Agreed with pretty much everything she said. Just dont get Rachel.

Sorry AliB really disagree with you. Not interested any more. Dont like to be manipulated and it really is getting pretty blatant. And this Loppy certainly wont be putting her hand in her pocket to go and see the show now. We dont see nearly enough of any of the Olivers to care enough to go to see them, and not paying to see Rowan Atkinson as Fagin either.

Hi all, update on the car.
I left it where it was overnight to arrange the tow today, but the tow truck company needs me present to tow the car. Good news is I've got a second chance to get it started, so keep those ohmes coming. I'll be fiddling with it about 5:30 my time, which makes it 11:30 GMT.

Dosen't help that I'm doing a play tonight as well! the Towing company my repair shop recomended is 24 hours, so if it dosen't start tonight, I'll have to get it towed after the play and just forget about it for 1hr 45min.

Ohms back at all you gardners to mend your backs :)

Hi back from lovely day - did garden centre, shops (!), lunch at pub - then went and got new tv for the kitchen, home and friend came round so had to open bottle of wine (impolite not to), now sitting with feet up and large G&T!!!
Ringer - that's really bad timing, hope you get it sorted and it's not too painful! Ali another one not going to see Oliver now! Sloppy just announced she has misplaced her door keys so I'd better go hunt!

In case I forget or miss you, Eva, have a safe journey and a lovely holiday. Hope you don't have any problems logging in while you're away. Unfortunate for you but nice for us, it sounds like the weather is going to be lovely this week.

Good luck with the car, Ringer.

Diana,- I have just spoken to my sister and the good weather is stretching across the North Sea for all this week and over the weekend.
You can all stop crying because you won't miss me! You didn't think I would leave you alone for 2 weeks, did you? My laptop is coming with me, and I should be secured wireless access where I'm going to stay.
I'll bypass all the comments about my packing with a dignified silence.

Evening all, well had a bath back now not quite so bad but I still can feel it. However I will gladly let either you Fi or you Shirley win that competition!

Carol, more shopping? Hope there is something left when I go again.

Thanks for the link Diana, it is a very good round up, though not 100% in agreement (re Rachel) I do think she sums it up very well.

Now can I be bothered with Flood tonight? With any luck they might all drown! It might be interesting to see how many more cliches they can pack in.

Back still aching but have to admit didnt do other half of gardening - friend called round and we did it other way round to you carol - started on G and T and am now moving on to wine. However have to do i.....g as scollop only has one pair of school trousers and they are at bottom of i......g pile and much as he would like any excuse not to go to school I am not going to give him one.

Pauline 2 agree re Flood - have told eldest scollop not to go into flood management - looks too risky tho obviously soem stunnign looking women in this career area so perhaps he will ignore me.

Ringer - good luck with car

Eva - have a brill hol whenever you go. Knowing your tendency to prepare way in advance you are prob not going until next month even tho you are packed now - but have a wonderful time whenever.

Ok i......g calling me

Eva-Have a lovely holiday, especially your national day, sounds fun.
Franco/Cliff
http://news.uk.msn.com/Article.aspx?cp-documentid=8234313

..well we are going to give Flood a second chance and see how we go! Well Fi I did my ixxxxxg Friday and yesterday, so I felt I deserved a day off!

Particularly good scrum vid, especially good of Howard (watch in high quality, click instruction below bottom right corner).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVIdIWdRRfw

Well I've spent far too long on the internet the past 2/3 weeks so I'm going to turn the PC off and have a couple of hours reading/watching TV.

Don't forget Denise is on Ready Steady Cook tomorrow - must set the video. Night all.

My e-mail is acting up, so apologies if anyone has sent me a message & I haven't responded. None of the usual stuff like re-booting has worked yet. Fingers crossed I can get it sorted.

Geri,- glad to hear it. I thought you didn't love me anymore!
Fi,- I'm going tomorrow, but as you say, I started preparations a long time ago. Be prepared, you know. I was a Girl Guide.

OK, think I got it sorted. Rats! Missed most of a fascinating TV show about the Vikings in Ireland. You've got a lot to answer for Diva -- I shall expect restitution next month.

Anyone heard from Scott? Has he taken the weekend off?

Aunty Eva - safe journey and a wonderful trip. Lots of oooohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmsss for those in need as I have been a bit remiss today! Just getting ready to see if London survives the flood! I was watching last night just in case I saw my office go under!

Just a very quick catch up.

Eva, have a safe journey, and a wonderful time. Great that you can keep in touch.

Suex, Ohhhhmmmmsss. Do get well soon.

Hope all the industrious Loppies recover from their aches and pains, I had a very lazy weekend!!

At my old lady's tonight so have recorded Flood, remains to be seen whether I get round to watching it.

Catch up for longer tomorrow, nite nite.

I've just been round to my gardener. He'll look after my house when I'm away,- take in the mail etc. I took your lovely bouquet, Carol, and gave it to his wife. There was plenty of life left in it, so I hope that's OK with you.
As I didn't watch Flood last night, I have tonight free to watch what I want. I'm going to record Waking The Dead tonight and tomorrow night, so I thought I'd find another goodie from my Morse collection.
How about "Deadly Slumber"?

I amso tired. Going to my flea pit. Eva, have a wonderful holiday if I dont see you in the morning, and glad you are taking us along.

Good night all. Sleep tight.

Have a wonderful holiday Eva and we'll see you on your National day.

Have a lovely time, Eva. I hope you got my e-mail ok. Stay in touch if you can.

Have a wonderful holiday Eva, glad you'll be keeping in touch.

Went to see the new Mike Leigh film today, 'Happy go Lucky', anyone else seen it? The main character is a young woman called Poppy who though a 'good' person, I think I would want to slap as she was unremittingly and irritatingly cheerful.
What an old grump I am!

Just happened upon this. You need to go to the end to get to the good bit:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/bizarre/celeb_interviews/article1127373.ece

Watching Flood, bit better tonight but still not fantastic!

Just didn't want to miss you Eva as you know I'm no early riser! Have a fantastic holiday and hope we hear from you regularly.

Ohhhhhmmmmms for Ringers car and for Suex.

I meant to say Eva, my favourite episode of Morse is 'The Masonic Mysteries' where Morse was in the r4zvq6choir of The Magic Flute and came under suspicion himself.
Ian MacDermid was a marvellous villain.

That was one of my favourites too Maeve (could have something to do with the fact that I love the Magic Flute) - always liked the ending when Lewis & Mrs Lewis (a rare appreance) went to see the performance and Morse sat outside in the car and saw them come out early! Perservering with Flood...haven't seen the office though!

Bon Voyage Eva, looking forward to your posts from Norway.
What a gorgeous day, a toss up between gardening or a day at the coast, guess what we did? Started off in Aldeburgh then went onto Thorpeness. Scollops were particularly impressed with "The house in the clouds" a former water tower with a house built on top. Just applied some after sun gel to my neck as I got a bit pink, even though I applied suncream!
I take my hat off to those of you who did garden or paint, I really should have but I knew Ploppy wasn't keen so... I guess it'll be down to me to finish it?
Think I may go to bed and read for a bit, night all.

Geri-I can think of worse reasons to have an early night.
Maeve-I've not seen the film, saw an interview with the director, sounded very over the top. The clip they show each time I've seen the film being talked about (driving instructor) left me unmoved to see the film. Being happy all the time ugh. I'm a grumpy person too.
Bit depressed by the first part of Waking the Dead too.
I'd better get going, back to 'school' tomorrow. That's what it feels like.
I think Scott must be having some time off.
Nightlee night.

Eva, safe journey and have a great holiday.
Ooooohhhhhhmmmms for Suex
Ooooohhhhhhmmmms for Ringer’s car

Maggie, there you are! How are things with your mum? And is Martin ready for his big return to work day?

Got my e-mail fixed, or more accurately it apparently corrected itself. Either way, it's working.

Jo4--not only a good reason for an early night, but reason to spend whole days in bed.

Hi Maggie hope all is well with the household - and that Martin is raring to go back to work tomorrow! OK off to bed,Flood is maing me nod off! Sweet Meads all.

Just checking in briefly - Eva - have a great holiday if I dont get another chance to say goodbye. I'll join in with the aches and pains after doing loads of gardening today - gorgeous weather here.

Stuck with Flood till the end but kept falling asleep so missed bits but don't think I missed anything if you know what I mean!!

I've had another Lee filled day enjoying my last day of freedom before Ploppy returns home tomorrow. I've enjoyed having time to myself but I'm looking forward to having him home.

Eva - have a wonderful holiday and a safe journey. Looking forward to your roving reports.

Jo4/Geri - what a lovely thought to end the day with.

Night all. Sleep well.

Well, stuck with Flood but as it made me laugh a lot don't think it rates as a classic!

Martin take care at work tomorrow, hope Maggies Mum is still doing well, more ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmms for you both and all who need them.

Night night all sleep tight.

Geri, Mum was quite good when I saw her last Thursday, she has been eating a little with the help of the nurses, Maureen or myself .Hopefully she will keep on eating and get stronger.
Martin is good and looking forward to going back to work, he normally drives the works mini bus from outside our home, picks up the other lads in our town and drives them all to work, but tomorrow I will drive him to one of the pickup points as he is not allowed to drive for 4 weeks (two more to go) hopefully he can sweet talk Ray the other driver to pick him up from home every morning until he can start driving the bus again, otherwise I have to take Martin to the pickup point every day, which is awkward, will have to finish work early to get him there on time.
So oooooohhhhhhhhmmmmmms for sweet talking Ray please

Have you all gone to bed? I enjoyed my Morse. Only two dead ones tonight and he didn't fall in love!
Thank you for all the good wishes. I won't be leaving till about 11 am tomorrow, so I'll see you in the Bistro tomorrow morning.
Martin,- hope you have a good day back at work!
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Good morning world it's a brand new day.
Eva's packed her bags cause she's going away

Beautifully sunny day here. Might even get the grass cut today. Painting yesterday, gardening today - guess I can declare myself fully recovered. YYYYAAAAYYYY.

Maggie, lovely to see you last night. Hope all goes well at work today Martin, and lots of ooooohhhhhmmmmmmmsssss that Ray is helpfull.

OOHHHHMMMMMSSSSS for Suex, thinking of you good lady. Hope one half of the giggle sisters is soon back on form. But in the meantime take it easy.

Eva, have a wonderful holiday, and enjoy your National Day. Love the idea of you being our roving reporter. Hope that doesn't conflict with your Loppy Ambassador role.

Help needed please - can anyone remind me of the pub near the Adelphi we have been meeting up in recently, and that lovely Italian Restaurant we went to at the GeriFest? I am supposed to be meeting up with Barbi on Sat 17th for lunch, but now have Ploppy arriving at Heathrow so will probably not be able to make it. Barbi is coming with a group and they dont want to spend a fortune on food, and either of those places had lots of options for vegetarians and carnivores and within such a short walk of the Adelphi.

And I am getting repinked this morning. Happy days...

Hope everyone who is back at work today has an easy journey and a not too hectic day.

As I am out early I will have my breakfast early too, so a freshly baked croissant with Benecol Olive Oil light please. And some orange and quince marmalade. YUMMY

Morning, just took Martin to the pick up point.
Ooooohhhhmmmmms for him sweet talking Ray.
Going to book the flights for Dublin today, Maureen and I will most likely be on the 11.10 from standsted .Eva and Carol I think that is also your flight?
The sun has got his hat on again today
Eva have a good trip
Ooooooooohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms for Suex

Morning all. I can't believe we're having yet another gorgeous day here. Sun is shining, the wind has gone away and the birds are having hysterics. They started this morning long before sunrise, about 5am, and sounded as if they were on their way home after a night out clubbing! What a racket!
Hello sweetheart. Yes, I think we can safely sit outside today, so I'll help you to set up tables and chairs. I know Shirley and Maggie are already here, but Shirley worked so hard yesterday, she deserves a sit-down. You know, a lady of her age should know to take it easy! (Ducking to avoid flying objects.) Maggie has been on night duty and deserves a rest too, so let the two of us do some work here! If you start buttering the toast and make the porridge, I'll do the coffees. And I'll have a hug to keep me going, please! Oh, maybe I'll better have some more, since I'm going away! There will be no going under the blanket today. I've hidden it!
Maggie,- that's wonderful to hear. Ryanair won't know what's hit them!
Shirley,- thank you for the little ditty.

Morning Eva, today is one of my days off as I was working Friday Saturday and Sunday, it will be Wednesday night the next time I’m in to work (got up at 6.15 on my day off !!!!)oooooooooohhhhhhhhmmmmmms for Ray

Hi all, beginning to feel like a lurker here. Eva I see you are off on hols soon, have a lovely time.

No breakfast as I have to start work in one minute, coffee maybe.

Ohms to Maggie's Mum, and Martin for his first day back, and Sue, and anyone I missed as I hven't read far enough.

Morning - the sun has got his hat on - again. But unfortunately I am off to work. really must get my summer clothes down from loft or I will have missed summer totally.

Eva have a brilliant hol - we look forward to seeing you popping in and keeping us up to date on your escapades.

Flood - less said the better but have told scollop that if he does go into flood risk management just to tell everyone to go to top stories of buildings - would save a lot of melodramatic hassle.

Maggie - good to hear from you. Hope martin's first day back at work goes well

Good luck today, Martin, (I'm not worried about Ray) and bon voyage, Eva.

Maggie, glad your mum is doing better; any word from the nursing home?

Sorry, I can't linger, so can I pick up some pie with my coffee to go..?

Scott? Weekend's over, Scott.

Morning. I'm on a different PC temporarily so not logged in. Beautiful outside and I'm stuck in the office all day.

Shirley, All Bar One was the bar we went to last time just up the road from the theatre.

Morning all, well it is a stunning morning here as well, although it has been nice it has been a bit overcast as well, but now it's just fantastic. Do you think this is summer?

Maggie sending lots of ohhhhhhmmmmms that Ray co-operates and ohhhhmmmmmms for Martin 0on his first day at work.

Have a great holiday Eva, am looking forward to as many reports as you can manage.

Fi I thought that, why didn't everybody head for the top floor of buildings?

Morning BHB I think you are looking a bit better. What do you mean the blanket has gone missing?! It'll be Eva she's just jealous as she can't take you on holiday with her. Never mind it's probably too hot for a blanket anyway, lets just get some coffee and laze around on these cushions in the pavilion. Do you think you need sun cream? I'll rub yours in, then you can help me!!!

Pauline2,- I haven't left yet, so get your hands off that boy!!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!!!
It's going to be a looooooong day, before I'm landing in Bergen. I have an appointment for my acupuncture and massage in Canterbury at mid-day, and since it's too far to go there and come back, I'll find somewhere in Canterbury to lunch, do some last minute shopping (Me, last minute???), and then set off for Stanstead. The flight is at 8pm. but I have Goldie to park in a Long stay car park and then get on a bus to the airport. Do you know it takes me much longer to get to the flipping airport than to fly from Stanstead to Bergen! I'll be half dead by the time I can rest my weary body in a bed tonight, so don't expect any posts until tomorrow.
Scott dear,- are you having a holiday or what?

Morning, morning - Met Line did it's best not to get me here this morning ....perhaps it felt I deserved another day at home! Then the system was down! Anyway somewhat belatedly and if I am not too late, have a lovely time Aunty Eva! Shirley - All Bar One as Diana says, and the restaurant was Pasta Brown - there are two of them, but one is nearer the Opera House (that's not the one we went too) - I've been there a couple of time since! Pauline2, blanket! blanket - in this heat??? Let the poor convalescing soul don some shorts whilst we tend him..... Maggie lots of ooooohhhhhmmmmmss for Ray and Martin and ooohhhmmms for SueX and whoever else is in need. Can anyone that didn't fall asleep in Flood explain to me why Tom Courtney committed suicide??? Kept nodding off like Karen, so missed big chunks but loved the idea that Charing Cross station was almost next to the Bank of England!!

....Aunty Eva I have single handedly cleared out the shops this weekend - hope you find something left!!

Oh phooey Eva you are a spoilsport!

Carol sorry about your vile journey.

TC Sacrificed himself in Flood so that his son and daughter in law might live. It was a sad and dirty job but someone had to die to open the barrier and there wasn't enough oxygen to last until the chamber emptied. Oh yes the door locked after him as an anti terrorist device. Needless to say they were all gagging to go and die and while the others argued TC heroically sneaked out and did it! (Cue dramatic music and much angst.) Hope that is clearer!

Thank you Pauline2 - I think it was the music that was sending me to sleep.....or was it the pace of the action .....or the fact that it was so implausible?? Did you notice they were all dry at the end except the mother from Scotland who was soaking wet????? I am also bemused as in the first episode I thought RC was married to the dark haired lady with the baby (the one that was christened) - but then we never saw her again and I discover that he is married to Thames Barrier lady!!

PAULINE2 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can see you!
I'm off now. Bye!

Glad I didn't bother with Flood given your comments!

We didn't have a receptionist first thing so I covered until one arrived. It was so boring - not one phone call. I was very glad no-one rang as this is only the 2nd time I've used the equipment.

Bye Eva, waving. Good now she's gone where was I? BHB come here we have sun cream to apply.

Ah Carol that dark haired lady was his sister, making valient efforts to Reconcile Father and Son, more music!

Thanks Diana and Carol. I will get on and email Barbi with them.

Been repinked - fair vibrates in the sunlight. Wonderful stuff. Trying to must the energy to get the mower out. Still in the balance - feeling very lazy after my exertions yesterday.

Oh and got a copy of Woman's own on the way home. Nice interview with DvO.

Sorry I missed Eva's departure - dont envy her that long day. Like I said feeling v lazy today.

Pauline PUT HIM DOWN!!!! It really is too hot. Beginning to regret installing those pavilions. Should have guessed some people - you know who you are - would take advantage of them.

Nice try Pauline2 - Eva might have gone, but I'm back - and I see that Shirley is keeping an eye on you too - you naughty Loppy!

Shirley thanks for the post about Micheal Wood - Alas! I didn't see it in time and missed him. (Wail! Moan!)

Eva - have a great holiday!

Deanna - nice to see you again, and Tabitha and Tom - Hello all! Gillian, don't be daft you're not a lurker!

OHHHMMMMSS (Yes Tom, I think it was me that started them - Geri was the first receipient if I remember rightly) for Suex - and for Ringers car - and for Maggie's Ray - OHHHMMM.

Whispers - Jo4, I think you and I are the only two people on here that agree about Sarah (waits to be hit by various missles!)

Ok ok I'll be good, well sort of!

Thanks for that Shirley, got a copy of WO and it has a gorgeous full page picture of DVO and Lee at the Capitol Radio do, really good copy.

Jane, we are all entitled to our own opinions but you & Jo are in the minority on this one i.e. you're wrong!!

I just had a moment's excitment. The weekly Whatsonstage newsletter included Lee's name in their news headlines but it was only about the extension to 10 January.

I'm excited now! My Three and Out soundtrack has been delivered. There's a little red stick on the front saying "Featuring New Recordings by Lee Mead"! And the DVD will be out August 2008. Roll on home time!

Thanks for the heads up about Woman's Own, Shirley.

AARRRRGGGHHHH! To add to the currently crappy day I am having at work I have just found out that all the works post has been redirected to Birmingham!! Including MY Three and Out CD!! So annoying! I was so looking forward to listening to it tonight - its not fair!! Hopefully it will come tomorrow but there will be such a huge pile of post I just hope it doesn't get lost!

Ray said yes….thank you for the ooohhhmmms

Update on my car... It didn't start again yesterday, which actually was a good thing, sort of. The tow truck company wouldn't tow it without someone present, so I drove up there with my mom and she was going to stay for the play. She dosen't like driving at night and wasn't really familiar with the area. If the car had started, she would't have been comfortable. Good news was the tow truck driver billed the garage instead of me, so I don't have to worry about taking care of that bill till after the trip, YEA!!

The play went well. Everyone wants me back for next semester, so I obviously did something right :)

Obviously didn't get much done for the trip last night, AND I LEAVE TOMORROW!!!!! Still have to clean the house, get the bird food, pick up some socks, and get an emergency contact list together for the house sitter. EEEEEK

Ohmes for clear skies :)

Hope the holidays went well for everyone!

What a pain, Ali B. Hope the CD arrives tomorrow.

Have a smooth flight, Ringer. The forecast here for this week is very good - much warmer than it has been (at last) and fair amount of sun so you shouldn't need many warm clothes. I went out at lunchtime and it really is glorious.

New magazine also has a Denise & Lee double page spread - "I don't talk to Lee about marriage". Didn't have time to read it properly but don't think it contained anything new.

Diana, you sound like my Ploppy! His favourite saying is 'When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you!'

Glad the Ohhmmms worked for Ray, and for Ringer's car (well, sort of) More Ohmmmmms for your journey tomorrow Ringer - how long are you in Blighty for?

Scott's back: http://blogs.thestage.co.uk/tvtoday/2008/05/id-do-anything-week-8-with-video/

Been out in our jungle of a garden (well that’s what it looks like at the moment) and trying to mow the grass, boy its long! Read on the blog awhile back about employing a gardener is the BHB available?
Note to myself DON’T let the grass and weeds overtake the garden again!
Well no rest for the wicked as they say (out in to the jungle I go again)

Just quickly, dont forget Ready, Steady, Cook. Just starting

There are a couple of tickets for the Mildmay concert next month available on the forum if anyone's interested. As far as I'm aware, there's been no news on the guests or confirmation that Lee will be performing http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/839793

I've booked flight...... Dublin here we come

Way to go Maggie!

Sue - have you booked yours yet?

Evening all. More gardening done, although it was quite windy here and my hair kept blowing over my face, very annoying.

Ringer, the ohhhhmmmms seem to have had some effect then, if not the one we were aiming for!. Have a safe journey, and hope you really enjoy your time this side of the pond. Now what was the highlight of your trip?

Yaaay good for Ray, glad the ohhhhmmms worked there Maggie.

Maggie, was that a small earthquake I felt? Oh, it was just the city quaking in fear at the thought of another loppy hitting Atha Cliath. Anyway, glad Ray came through. How was your first day back, Martin?

Ohhmmms continuing for you, Ringer, and your jalopy. Have a safe trip and a lovely holiday.

Just finished mowing the back lawn. Completely knackered. Did too much really. Have to take it easy for a bit to try and get over it. Does look better though, and the birds are having a field day (evening??) decimating the worm population.

Pauline2 in answer to your question - the hightlight of Ringer's trip will undoubtedly be the tour I am taking her on of some of the prehistoric and historic sites in Wiltshire - what could possibly surpass that????

Well done Maggie. Doesnt it feel good when the tickets are all booked. Really glad you are both coming. And we will get to meet Martin one of these good days. How was the first day back in work??

I see DVO is going to be on The One Show tomorrow. Thought she did a nice job mentioning 'my boyfriend' on Ready, Steady, Cook' today. Last year's winner was obvious? I'll say!

Grrrr I have just spent the last hour on the phone to my Internet Provider as I had no internet connection and it was coming up with an error message that I had to contact my ISP. So I did, and he has had me unplugging things, plugging them back in, unplugging them and plugging them in somewhere else and considering that my modem and wireless router are on the bottom shelf of a unit with not much cable between them this was no mean feat, I can tell you. I had my head inside the unit at one point trying to find the right cable and in the midst of all this with my head in the cupboard and my backside in the air, Ploppy walks through the door having just returned from his golf trip. What a way to greet him, eh!!!

So, after insisting it was a fault with my laptop they finally admitted there was a fault in the area, (even though the fault reporting line said that there wasn't a problem in the area) and that it would be rectified very soon!! Within 10 minutes of putting the phone down, hey presto, I have internet connection. They better not charge me for the call otherwise I'll give them h*ll.

Ploppy's gone to have a bath - he's had a hard weekend!!!! so thought I'd sneak on and catch up but no time now so hope everybody's okay and to those who need them - ohhhmmmmm!!

Good evening all
My first day back to work was fine thanks, I had a slight headache, but other than that no problems.
Got the usual backlog of work, as no one else knows how to do it, even though I have said many times that I need to train someone, and at 3:30 this afternoon ( I finish at 4pm) guess what? a job that needed me to do some drawings and then programming, for a product that is due out tomorrow (fat chance, I'm not working tomorrow, I have another appointment) so will have to wait till Thursday, and hopefully go out on Friday if the factory can get product made in time.
I'm glad everybody is doing their bit to feed the birds some lovely worms.

Hi Martin, glad you survived your first day back. You have to do the work you can and leave the rest, it will have to wait. So they may decide to give you a trainee, hope so.

I rushed in tonight, first thing (before opening back door for dog) put T&O cd in cr*ppy player. Quick look at tracks to play and then legs went all wobbly. Sounds good even on v cheap player. I'll have to copy tracks to cd for car, best sytem I have.

Hope Eva's travelling has no delays.

Hi Martin (waves): glad you took today easy and didn't cave under pressure. But how inconsiderate of your employers to not take your health into consideration. You want the loppies to come sort 'em out for you?

Another tidbit for your interest:
http://www.metro.co.uk/fame/article.html?in_article_id=146281&in_page_id=7&in_a_source=

Hi Martin glad the first day back wasnt too dire. And good for you not giving in to their pressure.

Oh Heck. Just been very pointedly reminded that I have not fed the dogs yet. Clearly too tired to think.....

AliB Check your email

How sad am I? Just spent minutes watching the little pic of Lee pop up at the top of the page!
Pleased your first day back at work went well Martin.
Managed to watch DVO on Ready steady cook then had to do the weekly shop.
Glad the ohms sort of worked Ringer. Have a good flight and a lovely holiday. I'm going to see Joseph next Wednesday evening, will you be there then?
Don't work too hard in the garden Ladies. Take time to sit in the sun and relax too.

Glad your first day back went well, Martin, and good for you for sticking to your guns. Maybe your employers will finally wake up.

Played 3&Out x 2 tracks repeatedly this evening.

Been struggling with a sort of headache and flickering eye most of the day - not a good day all round as my back's also been playing up. Heading for bed in a mo - night everyone.

Kathleen-That's not sad, I watch my pics on the little screen top right of desk top too. OK, it's sad and I'm sad.

OOOhhhms for Diana and Suex, OOOOOHHHMMMS for the bank.

I would like to announce: I've burnt a new cd for the car. Including the 2 new tracks. Not amazing you say, but I did it first time AND plays too. I'm amazed. And so chuffed.

Clear skies for Ringer too.

Just back from a church meeting; I've been very diligent and written up the minutes before coming on the blog. Mind you I have been imbibing - got to keep up with the rest of the Lushes!

Karen - our internet connection went down as well tonight - I wonder if we have the same provider!

Kathleen - be assured looking at piccies of the GO is never sad! Or if it is, I'm sad too!

Shirley, would you be planning on taking Ringer to Stonehenge by any chance?

Martin, glad your first day back at work was OK.

And Geri thanks for the link (aw!)

Forgot to say
Geri, Diana thanks for the links. That's one of the things I like about this blog. Lots of people on the look out for titbits, so each of us don't spend ages searching each night. We can concentrate on the important things like cl**ning, ir**ing and c**king, just joking!
Nightlee night all

PS Pauline I read what you were trying to do this morning with the sun cream, shame on you. Eva will be watching from her travels.

Hi all, had a bit of a traumatic evening as Sloppy has been in a bit of a tiz. Hopefully she is ok for now.

Anyway glad first day back went well Martin, but you see they can't manage without you!

Ohhhhmmmmms for all who need them, and ohhhhmmmmms for Ringers journey. Hope it smoother than the last time!

Night night all sleep tight.

Hello - back from rehearsal/committee meeting and here you all are (or rather are not) - gone to bed! Martin glad your first day wasn't too bad, you just take things easy! Maggie - that's great about Dublin! Ringer safe trip; Aunty Eva hope your journey was ok, and now I am off to bed! Sweet Meads all.

Thanks Geri, Jo4 and others for links.

DvO does seem to be in the news a lot at the moment or is she always and I haven't noticed before?
That's The Metro, Woman, Woman's Own and was it Bella I saw in Sainsbury's today all in the last week. I now peruse the magazines when I go shopping on the lookout for photos and/or snippets about the GO. She's a busy lady what with Capital Radio, IDA, RSCook and the Daz(?) mystery voice promotion. I suppose it means we do get a little secondhand news of the GO but it would be nice to hear more directly from him.

Glad you survived your first day back at work Martin, have a good flight Ringer, I hope you feel better tomorrow Diana and Shirley, always knew gardening was a dangerous occupation!

Eek! It's after 11! Time to go to bed!

Sweet Meads all!

Morning - just checking in for my nice hot chocolate:-) this time next week I should be tucked up in London trying to sleep after the show and looking forward to meeting up with Shirley and Ringer - I can't believe it is finally my turn. Got my CD today - love the new tracks....oh and good news on the computer front. All my special software has been re-installed so projects are go go go again.

Good Morning all!

Wow! Am I last to bed and first up? (other than the night shift of course! Hya Carys!Sounds like you'll have fun next week!)

Hello BHB - now before Pauline and Karen come along with that 'orrible scratchy blanket, would you like to come for a little stroll and a chat? You would? Excellent! See you later Loppies!

Sorry Pauline - I should have said - hope your Sloppy is alright now!

Hi Carys, it is so nice to have the night shift back on duty. Great news about the software. Does that mean we can look forward to our wonderful red fan badges? Will happily pay up front.

Oh and I have a fabulous fundraiser ready to roll. First prize a fantastic book of Kazzer's photos. It really is something special, and 2 second prizes of big signed Stephanie photos of Lee. Carol will tell you how lovely they are. Oh heck, have I told you this already. Elder moment if so. Elder moment if not. Going to be a match the numbers lottery type thing. I have 6 little photos of Lee that he has written a number between 1 and 50 on each and you have to try and match them. So start thinking of your lucky numbers.......

Yes Jane, Stonehenge is indeed on the Magical Mystery Tour. So is Avebury Henge, which I think is far more impressive - certainly more extensive, and without the surround sound traffic too. Haha, Hehe they're coming to take me to the funny farm....

Sorry your Sloppy isn't doing so well Pauline, hope she has settled down again now.

Have a safe journey Ringer, and see you soon.

And that will probably be it from me until after my aunt is safely tucked up tonight. Have a good day everyone, and a strong cup of Hot Lava Java for me this morning please BHB. Now just before I go let me give you a word of advice. Be very cautious around JaneE, Pauline2, Eva, Geri, Jo4, Karen2, Karen........... oh heck its everyone!!!!!!!!! I'd have to list us all - just dont get under any blankets with anyone and KEEP MOVING.......

Morning all - blanket on a warm morning like this? But then again Jane, if it's a scratchy one the BHB will need help with his itches!!!! In which case I volunteer. Move over Jane before Pauline2 shows up to "rescue" him!!
Have a safe journey Ringer.
Hope Aunty Evs arrived okay.
Have a good day all

Sorry Pauline2, hope your Sloppy's okay today.

Morning all - beautiful weather again so hopefully great day for flight over Ringer.

Carys should be safely tucked up in bed after her night shift - and ready for big week next week.

Glad first day went well Martin

I prefer Avebury too Shirley but Callanish on lewis still my favourite with absolutely no traffic and brilliant visitor centre and cafe too - but bit far to go I guess.

Carol - re Flood - least said the best but re the Sottish woman being wet 2 days after her flood and the others dry 2 hours later goes to prove what everyone says - Scottish rain is wetter!!

Morning all. Here I am, connected to the world again.
Hello sweetheart. Why do you look so surprised? They told you I had gone? Only in the "real" world,- not in this wonderful virtual one. So come and give me a hug, and I'll give that Pauline2 what-for when she gets here. My usual leaded please and some nice toast.
It was a loooooooooooong day yesterday, and boy was I glad to finally open the door to my parents flat where I'm staying until Saturday. There was no delay to the flight, so we landed on time. It was strange coming in for landing, it was 10.40 pm local time, and there was still daylight, so I could see all the small island dotted along the coastline. Beautiful it was. A bit of a restless night, as it so often is the first night in a new bed, and when I woke up this morning, there was, and still is, a thick fog. No flights landing at the airport. I am just so glad that didn't happen last night.
I'm lucky enough to have a car while I'm here, so I'm off out to do some shopping. My sister had bought the bare essentials for breakfast, and made up the bed, bless her, so the cubboards are still very empty. My parents only stay here from the middle of June until the middle of September. The rest of the year they are in Spain.
I'll venture out in the fog,- but it looks as if it's clearing up little by little.
Martin,- glad to hear your first day back to work went well, but be strong, and don't let them boss you about.
Pauline2,- I hope your Mum has settled down again.

Good morning, all. Just poking my head around the door before I head off to the university library.

Jo4, I'll very happily spend my days finding Lee goodies for you -- if you want to come take care of my i***ing, cl***ing, etc...No? You're sure?

Right, see you all later. Ta-ra for now.

Morning, morning - really busy at work at the moment so I am always late these days!! Bad news as all this wxxk cuts down on my Lee and Blog time, so I think I deserve a little quiet time with the BHB to make up for it! Carys......what is it you are coming to London to see?? Remind me.......Aunty Eva lovely to hear from you, glad you have arrived safely albeit after a very long journey!! The piccies that Lee signed for Mildmay fund raising are gorgeous (took all my moral strength to put them in the post to Shirley and not pretend they had got lost in transit!!). Ok move over ladies, my turn now!

Sorry forgot to say - Fi the only two times I have been to Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh) the weather was good (apart from one day in Glasgow!), so I thought it was just a myth until I suffered Flood (by the way in the London Metro today there was an article about flooding in Britain - wondered if they had been spooked by the programme!!!).

Morning everyone. Lovely to "see" you, Eva. Isn't modern technology wonderful - that is, until it doesn't work. It's another glorious day in London. Hope your Sloppy's OK, Pauline.

Hi everyone, I've crawled out from under my duvet - much too hot to stay in there but still feeling lousy. It is improving though so I shouldnt complain. Thanks for all the ooooohhhhmmmms and e-mails they certainly helped. Think I'll chill out on a lounger and catch up on the blog for a while.
CUL8R

Morning all, a quick check in as I have to get to Sloppys'. Thanks for all your good wishes for her, I'll see how she is today.

Suex good to see you are starting to improve, more ohhhhhmmmmms to get you on your way.

Peeps round the corner of bistro. Pssst, psssst BHB are they all gone? What do you mean they have told you to keep moving? I've been trying to nurse you better, oh yes I have! I'd better keep moving today I think Eva's looking for me!

See, I stop for a breather and she's at it again. PAULINE2 - BEHAVE. There Eva, see, I'm keeping up the good work. Lovely to 'see' you. Astonished and amazed that it is foggy in Bergen. Not. So how long until it is raining. When we were going there and Eva warned me about the weather I thought she was exaggerating - No - it really is that bad. But so beautiful.

Carol, I admire your moral fibre. Just how I felt mailing off the Echo photos and Lee's cap last year.

Fi, thank you so much for telling us about Callanish. Had not heard of it, and have sent a link to Ploppy - so hope we might get to visit it soon, but I think a day trip from here would be pushing it a bit.

Suex, glad you are out from under - the duvet that is!!! Feeling ill in the sunshine is always preferable when possible. Loads more OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSSSSSS to help you on your way.

Right - back to work.......

Shirley,- me exaggerating ? Never ! You wouldn't recognize the place today. The fog is gone and it's beautiful. Not as warm as England, but lovely. Thank you for keeping an eye on Pauline2. She thinks that just because she learnt some first aid as a TD (Trolley-Dolly) she has the right to administer anything to BHB every time he wears a pained expression! She should know by now that I have second sight and see everything!
I've done my shopping and I'm still in shock! The prices !!! Every time I come home, I forget how expensive everything is compared to England, and go happily around in the supermarked picking what I want, and then at check-out: Total shock and disbelief! On the upside: When I get back to England I think that everything is dirt cheap for a week or two !
Scott dear,- did you really have the concience to take a week end off when you knew we were sitting here waiting for your wise words? Tsk, tsk.
It was as I thought, I couldn't access the YouTube links you put up. I was told they were not available. I haven't tried BBC's website yet.
Now I'm going to take a chair and sit outside in the sun and read my paper. See you later.

Ringer,- need your help. You said you could watch IDA by going in to BBC website. But where do you go from the homepage? I've been looking, but can't find the relevant page. Are you watching it live?

Right back again and hopefully crisis averted for a while! What happened was my Mum couldn't find her handbag, not unusual, but then neither could I. I have sadly come to the conclusion it has been taken, that's the third time. Because it happens and she is very vulnerable I make absolutely sure there is only a little money and I keep all her cards and cheque book, so was upset but not worried, till we realised her front door key was in there. So have now had the lock changed, phew! Thanks for caring, it really helps when in the middle of a crisis!

Honestly I am being good, (hurt and wounded expression on face) I just feel it is only right to offer my help when it is needed, well by BHB anyway.

Eva nice to know that somewhere is dearer than here, well nice for us, not so good for you right now! Will now follow your example and sit outside and draw breath!

..Aunty Eva - you mean prices are actually higher than here??? Didn't think that was possible!!! Just off to share a bottle of chilled with a married man of my acquaintance (well I feel I need something to counteract all this wxxk!!!). Lots of ooooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmmss for SueX and anyone else in need!

Hello all. I've not posted for weeks and weeks. Real life is a bit hectic at the moment. I try to pop in and lurk every so often and pleased to see you are all still bonkers.

The reason for my post is to say THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU EVA. My card from himself arrived. It's not my birthday until the weekend but I couldn't resist a little peek and then I sealled it back down and will open it proper on Sunday. Can't wait to see my families faces.

I'll make a deposit of ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmms for anyone in need.

See you at the Tearfest. Not long now. I can't wait.

Glad your card arrived safely Alison. You are excused the peek!
Carol,- if you came to live here, you'd have to give up your LushLoppiness. A CHEAP bottle of plonk cost £7 and a bottle of gin at least £30! In addition you can't buy alcohol in the supermarked (except beer), but have to go to special shops run by the government. There is usually one in every suburb (Imagine the queues before the wekend and big holidays. Open on Sunday? You must be joking!), but there are also plenty of places in Norway that are "dry", and where you have to order your booze via mail!

That's awful about the handbag, Pauline, but glad your Mum's OK.

Nice to see you again, Alison. Hope life quietens down soon.
Hope you continue to improve, Suex. I think it's worse feeling poorly when the weather's lovely than when it's rainy.

Happy birthday in advance, Alison. Congratulations on both it and the card. (A week AFTER my birthday she decides to do this. Have I mentioned it before? Am I bitter?? Nooooo.)

Pauline2, does your mum live alone or is she in care? Sounds like she's starting to need closer attention and that's a lot for you to take on. Is there some help you can get for both of you? Theft of any sort is vile, but to steal from the elderly requires a special type of corruption. It makes me really angry. Anyway, P2, glad you can get a little respite here in loppy-land.

Hi SueX, sorry you're still feeling poorly. Lots of ohms: ohhhhmmmmmmmmmm....

Ringer, are you in flight yet?

So the weather's nice in Norway, Eva? It's 20+ degrees here with blue skies and only a light breeze. Like a good day in Florida without the scenery. I really enjoyed my walk to and from the university library, though I have to admit on the bus coming home I was sorely tempted to stay on board & go into town to do some shopping. I didn't though. Mind you, I did spend a little time sorting through my cupboard to rescue some Summer clothes. I have two lovely dresses that still fit and will do well for my June trip. Apart from that, guess I need to go shopping. Shame.

What Eva isn't telling you, Carol, is that there is a cottage industry in Norway, of distilling your own booze. And yes, everything does cost of fortune there. Never mind taking my Ploppy shopping with me, he thinks everything down here is free. Will find it very different when he moves to the States.

Hi Alison, and happy birthday for the weekend, though you already know it's a bit special.

Geri does help if you think you still have the card to look forward to (hopefully!)? No, didn't think it would.

Thanks Geri yes my Mum is alone at the moment and I am very aware we need help. Trouble is finding the right people, but I'm working on it! Angry isn't the word for how these little b******ds make me feel. That elderly people have to live in their home like it is some kind of fortress to keep them out makes my blood boil!

Ah Aunty Eva it is obviously a Scandinavian thing as I went out with a Finn once and he filled me in on their alcohol rules!!! I think at that point I decided a life in Finland was not for me! Shirley my dad had a go at making creme de menthe once - it caused even me to take to my bed!!! Geri, if you need any shopping advice - I'm your Loppy!!! Bitter? You? It never crossed our minds!!

Afternoon All

Sorry I haven't been around much lately.
I'm commenting anonymously because I'm in the college library using their computers and it won't let me sign in properly, don't know why really because I feel like it's a second home at the moment!
It also won't let me check my email so apologies for anyone who thinks I'm ignoring them, I'll check that tonight at home.

Not sure what the weather elsewhere is like but it's currently 23degrees here in my part of Dublin, perfect studying weather of course!!

I got here at 8.40am and apart from a few little breaks, have been hard at it all day.

Pauline - that is so sickening! I'm furious just thinking about it, what I would give sometimes to actually get a few minutes to talk to those kind of people, to ask them how they'd feel if it were happening to their elderly family members and to say a few other choice things!

Eva - good to hear from you and glad you made it over ok, enjoy yourself and don't forget to wear sunscreen.

Geri - just noticed that you commented on the weather also, isn't it just incredible, sooooo wish I could get out in the garden, and summer clothes? what summer clothes? next payday better come soon!

Ali - very happy birthday for the weekend, enjoy it and enjoy your card and see you at Tearfest.

Sorry if I've missed any recent significant happenings, ooohhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmms for the bank, will pop back in again when I have a chance.
ttyl

Pauline sorry to here about your mother, did she have her bag taken while she was shopping or did someone come into her home? The start of my mother’s problems was that someone came to the door and said they were from the water board, while he was in the kitchen with mum and dad two young boys (12-14yrs) were upstairs going through the bedrooms (he must have left the door open for them) You could try social services, they might assign a social worker for your mother or phone age concern and they will tell you the best thing to do or were to go for help.

Geri the nursing home phoned Maureen today and they will come and assess mum on Friday.

RE Dublin. Maureen and I are going to book an apartment in the city, as a treat to ourselves, it’s a one bed apartment which sleeps three, a double and a sofa bed, and I have no problem in falling asleep so I will take the sofa bed.

Geri,-so that's why you have been so crabby the last months?
Shirley,- I did tell you about our moonshine industry. Have you forgotten all those Coffee Doctors I've served you in the Bistro? Yes, Carol, both Finland and Sweden have the same state monopoly booze shops that we have, so now you know why we are such depressed people !
Pauline2,- contemptible isn't a too strong word to call those sort of people.
I'm off to see my youngest sister and her family, and to meet my niece's new husband for the first time. I can't wait. He's already been learning Norwegian at school since Easter, 4 hours, 5 days a week, so maybe I can give my Spanish a rest! I know he can already say"Can I have a kiss and a hug" in fluent Norwegian!
Behave while I'm gone.

I've been to the funeral of my 96 year old friend this afternoon. There were only 9 people there but it was quite a sweet, simple service taken by a woman vicar who had made some effort to find out a bit about Mary's life. She had been 'in service' as an under parlourmaid when young with Lady Harold Warrender of Holland Park and her life there sounded exactly like 'Upstairs Downstairs', another era altogether.

I was sorry to hear about your mother Pauline, how awful for her and what a worry for you.

Happy Birthday for the weekend Alison, isn't it a thrill getting that special card? Don't be upset Geri, your time will come (eventually!)

I fell asleep on the sofa -- heat, Shakespeare, don't know which to blame more.

Don't think I could manage to live in Scandanavia: daylight for weeks on end followed by dark for weeks on end, freezing cold, smelly fish, & now you tell me no alcohol either. Depressed isn't the word for it, Eva!

Pauline2, shame your mum doesn't have a nice big growly dog. They're ace for keeping troublesome people away. Maybe Shirley will loan one of hers?

Thanks for kind comments, Carol & Eva. And I am NOT crabby! So there!!

I'm really glad you & Maureen decided to treat yourselves, Maggie. Don't forget to e-mail Karen2 and me with details of flight & where you're staying so we can put you on our list -- it's beginning to look a bit like Santa's list at this stage, it's so long. Fortunately, you're all good girls (and a few boys). Well, almost all... Ohhmmmms, Maggie, that the assessment goes well.

Maeve, that friend of yours sounds like she had some life. I love talking to people like that; in fact, I suspect I'm gradually turning into one of them! No rude comments from the Norwegan front, please.