Nancy goes to the Queen’s as Jodie joins Les Miserables

Ooooh, I think I'm first, that was a surprise, just having a final look at blog before bed. Doesn't seem to be anyone else here so I shall now thank Scott for new home and take my leave for tonight.

ok I don't get it, is there some sort of clique that talks in the comments of these blogs?

I think it's a good move from t'old Cam Mac to put her in LM before she gets her big role. I wonder if it means she might last a little longer than Connie Fisher who seems to have faded from Musical Theatre already; though she lasted longer than most of the X Factor winners... Let's see what becomes of Lee Mead after Joseph or if ALW does another show next year...

I’m second….. Well moving at this time of night and in me jammies as well!! (Neighbours are giving me a funny look)Are we doing moonlight flip? Do we owe rent? Thank you Scott for our new home
Maeve being first you get the Gold (well done)

Thank you for the new home Scott.
Had to run to catch you all up. Didn't want to be left behind.
Pleased Eva and her friends enjoyed the show. Aaaahhh! Aftershave and DNA.
Good night all.

Good morning, all, thanks for the new home, Scott. Poor Michael -- doesn't he know Connie's already at work in her second role? OK, the reviews have been iffy, but she IS working. As to luscious Lee -- well, he's only just begun. Aaargh! I must be tired -- I just quoted The Carpenters! Bleuch! Hi Maggie, congrats on the 'Gold', Maeve. Karen, hope your night was dreamless -- or at least that you got the tickets this time!

OK, BHB, breakfast time I think. A coffee and Danish to go, since yesterday's was so good. And the walk to the bus stop would be very welcome. I'm not in quite such a rush this morning, so we can amble.

Good Morning all!

Thank you Scott for the new home (it was a bit of a moonlight flit wasn't it?) the old one was start to run slowly again.

Michael - yes, you are exactly right - we are a clique that chats on these blogs. Can you guess what we chat about? I have to agree with you about Jodie - CM made a wise decision there!

OOooo so it sounds like Eva enjoyed the show despite giving up her good seat for that terrible on front stalls!

Jo4 - well done! I know who to come to next time I have teccy problems!

Karen - any dreams last night? Hope you are feeling better today lass!

Geri - it's a deal! (I've tried telling her helping young men into their hose is much more fun than helping them out of them - she won't have it!)

So BHB - is it time for breakfast? and a big HUG!

@Michael: Connie is currently in They're Playing Our Song opposite Alistair MacGowan at the Menier Chocolate Factory -- and generally the reviews have been positive about the actors' performances, and less so about the musical itself.

Morning all. That was a surprise to find we'd been moved. Thank you once more, Scott. I think it's a good idea for Jodie to get some more experience before Oliver.

ooo, lovely new home. Eva's late!!!!!! where's that review?

Oh yes, card it pride of place and destined to be there for a long long long time.... My name. His name. MMmmmmmm. (oh, I sounded like Homer Simpson then).

Lovely weather today - wonder if Eva will notice? Just a quick coffee to go my lovely.

Oh and.. tnk CM very wise putting JP into real training before going on to Oliver. Although it doesn't seem as if CM has as much nerve as ALW. I mean, the gamble he took with ADWD - the wrong person could have won (I know, sounds ridiculous of course.. but who wasn't cr*****g themselves waiting for GNs announcement).

Ok, really must dash now. Hope to see you later.

Hello! Just quick!

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896108

Here is a thread from the forum which has a couple of scrum photos from the night I went!! You get a hint of the shirt in the first one! Its very weird but from the angle I think the she must have been standing next to me as I was right by the tall blonde woman in the pink that you see in the first one!!!

Thanks for the link, AliB. Having read it, I've just realised I've never noticed when Lee's footwear is removed! Must remember to look out for that next visit .... ooh not long!

Morning all, and what a lovely new home, thankyou Scott Dear, it is lovely and fast as well at the moment too!

I absolutely agree that Jodie is doing the right thing by gaining experience on stage etc. It can only improve her performance and give her a bit of confidence hopefully. You are right though Auds, they didn't have the luxury of time with Connie or Lee, and I was doing that very thing during the hour or so it took GN to announce Lee, what do you mean it was 20 seconds, felt like an hour to me!

Hurry home Eva we want a review, I know you are on cloud 9 but no excuses.

Morning BHB, yes you are right it is a nicer day today, maybe too warm for the blanket? Well yes but we can still go outside and sit on it while we have a coffee and maybe a quick snuggle now, just for luck?

Morning (yawn... very late last night and very tired this morning)

Metallica was very good, thanks for asking, I know you'd all have loved to have been there - will give full review later

Thanks for the new lodgings Scott, not sure about Maggie running around in her jammies though

Phone is ringing, talk later
xx

Good to hear Eva had a lovely time, as if she wouldn't.
Just a thought Scott, do you not sleep, the old thread was closed at after 11pm and ou posted on this one before 7.am ???????Kathleen did you hear the fireworks last night???

Morning, having a heck of a day at wxxk so far, so forgive the lateness! BHB has done the brekkies though I see. Thank you Scott dear for the new home. Think it will only be to Jodie's benefit doing some work with Les Mis before she opens. Apart from anything else should boost her confidence before she gets to do Nancy, and get her used to working with other people on stage. See GB have won another gold - woo hoo - go Team GB.

Oh I thought I'd lost you for a minute there. Scott thanks for the new home.

It's very quiet without Eva. You don't think she's run off with a young man?

Belated happy birthday Auds. Hope you had a good one.

It's a good idea Jodie getting acting lessons/experience.

Karen loved your dream. It really made me laugh. I sometimes go through periods of dreaming really odd dreams. I've had a fair bit of stress at w**k recently which led to lots of dreams. In amongst the horrid odd ones I had one involving the GO. We were at school/uni and i was the student and he was the headteacher/dean and we were having a bit of a flirt in the classroom.

Karen2 Metallica. No I don't wish I was there really.

RL is interfering with my loppiness in a big way at the moment. At least this week I've managed a quick peek here. The last 2 weeks were horrific. Better next week as I'm going to Cornwall for a few days but the downside at best I'll probably only be able to peek here once or twice if I'm lucky. At least then I'm only back at w**k for 4 days and then it's DUBLIN. I'll catch up with all the gossip then.

No news from Eva? Wonder if Eva is still floating on cloud 9 (maybe trying to sort out the weather while she’s up there? She’ll be gone for hours then!!)

Sorry K2, forgot to ask - How was Metallica?

Alison - enjoy your time in Cornwall, amd then Dublinfest! Hurrah!

But before that I have a VIL (Very Important Loppy) coming to stay on Monday - and then the show Wednesday!! Looking forward to seeing some of you then!! (Jill - did you get my e-mail?)

Now come on Eva! Maggie and I are waiting!

Afternoon. Caught up on 'old' blog and realised you'd moved so I've run to catch up. Thankyou Scott, poor Michael hope he wasn't put off?
Fascinating Aida were brilliant on Tuesday night. I did wonder if some of the audience really knew what they were letting themselves in for! Particularly liked the song about a Brownie Leader called Alison and her problems with Health and Safety (wonder why??)
Had an exhausting day in London yesterday. But I did wander down Maiden Lane around 5.30ish just in case... Dean was outside chatting to a couple of fans and looking very relaxed and smiley. There were quite a few children waiting who had just seen the show so we didn't hang around as I thought it a bit unfair, but we did stop nearby for a drink hoping a certain person might walk by (he didn't!) Scollop was hoping to thank him for the birthday card, which incidentally is still sitting on the shelf in the living room!
The Lion King last night was excellent too. We had seats just left of centre and about half way back in Royal Circle, I would highly recommend them as I think we had a perfect view of the stage.

Well what an exciting morning, not! Had to do some w*****g and h*******k yuk, still hoping it gives me an easy weekend!

Ali shame himself didn't turn up, but glad you enjoyed LK.

K2, Metallica, er no thankyou!

off to Sloppy now so will see you later when I hope Evas' report will be in.

Ali glad you and scollop had a nice time in London
Eva …..Weather here is lovely, come on down from cloud 9 and please tell all

Just found you all again. School holidays is such a busy time, so blog gets left out! Took dollop to see Wicked yesterday. Had good seats in the Circle which gave a central view. Enjoyed it, but dollop found it rather long at nearly three hours. I think I should have bought the soundtrack beforehand to familiarise us with the songs as we only really knew "Defying gravity". Still taking scollops and dollop to see Lion King next week so hopefully that will be a hit as per Ali's scollop.

Skimmed through to see I'd forgotten the DB concert last Sunday. Sounded great and I shall definitely listen tomorrow night. Is anyone going to the ALW birthday concert in a few weeks? Would like to hear all about that too.

Back to sewing name tapes in school uniform, think I deserve a medal for all this tedious effort! Still the rate elder scollop loses stuff I know it's necessary. Still can't quite believe younger scollop will be joining him at secondary school. Feeling my age... gosh 27 does seem old!

Jane E I did get our e mail thank you, and I have replied to it, so will expect another e mail from you, isn't life exciting.
Now I have some very very GOOD NEWS, we have only just come home and there was a mesaage on the ansaphone, to tell me I HAVE WON TICKETS FOR THE PARTY IN THE PARK, now as I said when the phone number was put on the blog we are away on holiday on 14/9, now Aunty Eva did ask me if she can have first refusal, so will see if she wants to go, if she only wants the one ticket , I feel I should offer it to whoever it was that put the phone number up, was it Diana or Pauline, can't remember, other than that I am open to bribes???????????????????????????

Oo, a new home, thank you Scott.

No Aunty Eva yet? Keeping us in suspenders I see.

It occurred to me after reading Ali's comment, Maiden Lane must have been one of the busiest streets (apart from the Strand) in the West End over this last 12 months, with the number of people who have "just wandered" down it!! I'd never even heard of Maiden Lane 12 months ago!

No news?

Ali - glad you enjoyed Lion King and Fascinating Aida

Jackie (Hi there! Good to see you again!) thanks for the review of Wicked. Hmmm it might go down my list of show to see.

Jill well done, lucky Loppy (I've e-mailed back!)

AND EVA!!!!!??????

Hello me dears,- I'm home again. And what a homecoming! I read my e-mail from Jill and couldn't believe my luck. How kind is she? Did I accept? Again the question: am I Norwegian? So you can imagine the answering mail I sent her. September 14th on my calandar already has a huge star on it!
Calm down dears, I'll write down my review, but first of all I want to say thank you to our lovely Scott dear for giving us a new home already. It was getting a bit grubby and slow, the old one.
Right,- after a lovely lunch at Shirley's (homemade shepherds pai and fruit salad), we had a little rest, did the last primming and pruning and set off for London's Theatre world. We arrived a bit early (!), so had a coffee at the caff on the corner of Bedford Str. and Strand.
I was trying to act cool because I had seen the show before (!), but to no avail. I was excited like a 27 year old on her way to meet her beloved! The other two weren't much better. In the lobby of the Adelphi we said a fond farewell,- they went upstairs and I trotted off to Row B, smack in the middle. The theatre filled up quickly, and two places to my left I saw Ro from LMAS, with Abs (I think) and someone I don't know. I got my fan out, and started up with some experimental fluffing. It worked!

The music started up, the children came running, Jenna came on stage, they did their thing and.......... the dry ice started to come out and from the left hand side Himself came gliding down! The cheering started, he raised his head and sent us all that heartstopping smile, and we were away!
One cast change was The Baker who now played Jacob. He did a fine job, but it was hard to see him as Jacob after having seeing him so many times as a brother and the Baker. He has rather prominent cheek bones, and was instantly recognizable in spite of heavy make up and a grey beard.
Lee was on splendid form. Dancing, singing and jumping about, looking as if he had a whale of a time (which I'm sure he had.) The audience was a bit slow to react at first, but soon warmed up and started cheering and laughing in all the right places.
I love the Potiphar scene, and it was funny as always. This time the bed slid away as it should, and Lee's first CED was delivered with his usual phatos. Beautiful it was. Nothing wrong with that voice, I can tell you. With "Ahead of my time" ringing in our ears, the curtain came down for the interval. Deep breaths and much use of fan. (Karen,- if your Ploppy had been there, he would have been worried!)
I had a few words with Ro,- she recognized the fan!

The second act offered lots of opprtunities to scrutinize Lee at close quarters! I didn't miss a trick. I saw the scratch on his back you mentioned, AliB, and can tell you there is another one, a bit smaller to the left! Plenty of hairs on legs, none on chest, navel where it should be, curls bouncy and lovely. He has definitely lost more weight and the beginnings of a sixpack can be seen. (I'm coming over all unneccesary just writing this!) The loincloth looked a bit loose around the hips, but no accidents happened.(Well, a girl can't have everything, can she?)
There were several incidents with DNA collection. When He sang to Pharao, and especially during the second rendition of CED. (I know you are a biologist, Jo4, but the DNA is mine, ALL MINE!) There was at this point some infuriating giggling from three girl sat in one of the boxes. It really disturbed us, but Lee, bless him, didn't blink, and gave it his all!

When he went up on the cherrypicker, I turned to look up at Shirley and her sister in DC Row A. I hadn't told them about this, and wanted to see their reaction. Joyce half rose up in her chair and stretched her arms out! I thought she would fall over the railings!

It was the usual raptous applause and cheers, and Lee was jumping about, shouting Thank You and looking gorgeous!

I'll get back in a moment with the rest.

(I had to make a phone call, sorry.)
Filing out of the theatre, I chatted to Ro. I asked for the best place to stand in the scrum, as I had a CD to get signed for Carys. Ro kindly gave me some excellent advice, and after a bit of a chat, we counted down the time with one of the doormen.(Don't know his name. It wasn't Howard or Del.) Lee came bouncing out with his huge smile. Curls damp from shower. He was dressed in a black jacket and a light blue(?) T-shirt, and started giving out the pre-segned photos. The scrum was very civilized. All the children got to the front, and there was hardly any pushing. When Ro had gotten her photos, she made sure I slipped into her slot at the front, and there he was! I held out the CD, said "Hi, Lee. Will you please sign this". He looked straight into my eyes, said "Hello there. How are you?" I could smell a faint waft of his aftershave. It was delicious! I don't know what I answered,- I hadn't expected him to TALK to me! He signed the CD, gave me a lovely smile and moved on.
Then I heard Shirley whispering in awe behind me:" He spoke to you"! ! ! !
I quickly got me and them out from the scrum to let others in, and we started to walk towards the station. Joyce had grabbed one of the signed photos, and the smile wouldn't leave her face. We were on such a high, I don't think our feet touched the ground all the way to Charing Cross. Both Shirley and Joyce are now card carrying Loppies, I can assure you.
I woke up about 7 times during the night, singing "One More Angel In Heaven". I'm getting greedy now; more Row B coming up in September!
I didn't get back here until nearer 5pm today, so I'm sorry you had to wait for my review.
Karen,- did you say November or/and December? I'm game!
Kathleen,- thamk you so much for the Cliffy link. I will download it when it is released. (Karen,- YOU LIKED IT ? ? ? ? ? ? )
Auds,- what can I say? Pheeeeeew comes to mind. So pleased you had your card. Enjoy!
Alison,- the blog has been quiet without me? Well, have no fear. As you can see, I'm back with a vengeance!
Jacki,- I thought of your scollop when they sang Canaan Days!
I got some halfway decent photos from the scrum, and I have e-mailed them to Martin.

OOooo Eva! Thank you for that review! Sorry! I should be shouting up to cloud 9! THANK YOU EVA!

FAAAAAANTASTIC Eva, and he spoke to you, wow sounds terrific. It's not greedy just sensible to make the most of the time we have!

Jill, see I told you it was worth a go! Now it was me that put the number up, and that is so kind of you and I am in a flipping quandry now, as I only get back from holiday the day before, at 6am uggh, also feel it's a bit greedy as I got tickets to the DB concert! Will email you anyway!

Wow Eva, it was worth the looooooooonng wait for your review. You had me laughing at your comment about not expecting him to TALK to you - I can just imagine you gazing in awe at him, in silence, mouth wide open, whilst he's trying to have a conversation with you!!!! Ploppy says, if only you'd told him you were going he would have escorted you to make sure you were okay (as he has vowed never to go again methinks he tells fibs!!). Yes Eva, poss late Nov - will keep you informed!

Btw Eva, don't tell everybody I liked Sir Cliffy's new song!! I have a reputation to maintain, dontcha know!

Will somebody please find out what his aftershave is - I know we can't really ask him that but if somebody could just recognise the smell, we could all buy a bottle and sniff it whenever we like!!

Had a fab lunch in Rules - we got there just before 1.00 and didn't leave till after 5.00. My head's still swimming! Had a good look around as we left and was tempted to hang around the stage door but decided I wasn't at my best so came straight home.

Congrats on winning the ALW concert tickets, Jill, but shame you can't make use of them. I've already got a ticket - at least I've bought one but it hasn't arrived yet.

Lovely review, Eva. Hopefully part 2 will be there when I click Submit. I've just looked at the clock - it's not taken me an hour to type this - been busy replying to w*rk emails.

So you enjoyed the show Eva.
DianaI can almost taste that lovely food that you have been consumming, while the rest of us are downing egg and chips?????????
got your e mail Jane and have replied, also Eva have recieved yours, really happy that it is all going to work out well.
My neighbour across the road had just phoned her OH is on night work tonight ( he makes sweeties)big factory in Slough, to ask if I she can come across with a bottle of wine, answers on a postcard please addressed to????????

So you enjoyed the show Eva.
DianaI can almost taste that lovely food that you have been consumming, while the rest of us are downing egg and chips?????????
got your e mail Jane and have replied, also Eva have recieved yours, really happy that it is all going to work out well.
My neighbour across the road had just phoned her OH is on night work tonight ( he makes sweeties)big factory in Slough, to ask if I she can come across with a bottle of wine, answers on a postcard please addressed to????????

Good evening all.
Eva has sent me 4 pictures of the scrum from the 20th, and I have put them in the GO album online.
I hope that everyone in Loppy land are fit and well?
well that's about it, Maggie is giving me the look , I think she wants to get online, so I'll say bye for now, stay well.

Jill - are you sure you haven't been on the vino already?? Or is it me that has and am seeing double?

Eva - those photos are wonderful - perfectly captured the damp curls, I can almost smell the aftershave from here!

Oops, manners Karen, forgot to say. thank you Martin - hope you're keeping well.

I'm not long home. Had to pick up some of that strange money you use on that side of the water, then get my hair done (the shade is, I'm told, called 'chocolate'. How could I refuse?) Only had a quick skim of the blog -- seems Eva had a passable time last night. Shame you couldn't muster up some enthusiasm, though, Eva! And Jill -- tickets? Lucky loppy! Think I saw Jackie's name there somewher -- hi, Jackie! So ohms to anyone who needs them; thank you's to anyone I owe them to (everyone, I should think!); way to go, sorry to hear that, wow! and yes, he is gorgeous! Have I left anything out?

Ah - just read Diana's post - I didn't realise you couldn't use the tickets Jill - sorry!

Martin - thank you for posting those pictures. I hope you're well!

Geri - you've covered everything but Happy Birthday - but we haven't had any today - so that's OK!!

Good evening Ladies
You had a good time then Eva? Pleased Shirley and Joyce enjoyed the show and GO. He spoke to you! Great photos too. How do you all manage to rake such fantastic photos in the scrum? Each time I've tried my hands shake too much.
Congratulations to Jill for winning the tickets. No, I didn't hear the fireworks last night. What good neighbours you have, bringing a bottle of wine.
Sounds like you had a good lunch Diana.
Hello to Ali and Jackie. Is Carol OK? She sounded very busy this morning.
Re the no show in Nov. Do you think the cast will bw at the TV gala for Prince Charles? Found this when I was reading all the gossip.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/royals/article1586959.ece

See you later, have to cook now.

Hi Eva, great review, so it's a loppies duty now to get up and personal for research purposes (I’m game)
Well done to Jill on winning the tickets (sorry you can’t use them though)

Bye bye Loppies! I'm going for the evening!

Evening all
Thanks for the review Eva, you seem to have covered everything, I loved Joyce's reaction to the cherry picker moment, it certainly sounds like she's been converted. Still have to check out your photos.

Hi Martin - nice to hear from you, we're all quite well, how are you?

Congrats on your win Jill, it's a shame that you can't use them yourself but very loppy-like of you to have entered knowing you could win and would share them. By the way I do like the sound of your neighbourhood, it sounds like a very friendly place to live.

Fireworks - now I did hear them, I know they were different ones but it wouldn't surprise me if you could have heard Metallica, the 30,000 strong crowd and the fireworks from where you are!
Was sitting in my car for two hours, parked alongside lots of other parents, on a road that was closed off after I arrived to collect PB at about 10.15pm not knowing what time it would end at. The concert was open-air in a very large park, and you certainly didn't need tickets to appreciate the music. I got talking to another mother and we had a good laugh comparing all the teenage concerts we were both at and reminiscing about our youth. Turned out we both went to the same first concert of our teens.
Anyway, when our respective children and friends arrived out it was nearly another hour before we could move the cars at all. And the crowd, I really would be here all night if I were to try to describe the appearance of them, suffice to say I wasn't really bothered how long it took to get home, I was just happy/relieved to know I had PB + pals safely in the car. Sorry, I know that I'm probably boring you all to tears but it was an "interesting" way to spend an evening. It was after 1.30am when I finally got to bed and needless to say I was wrecked when the alarm went off at 6am. Will be having a very early night tonight.

At last Eva.. What a lovely review. It was a foregone conclusion really that your friends would be 'won over' once they'd been in HIS presence.
I'm with you Kathleen on the photos at the scrum.. I don't how anyone can get a decent photo - my attempts are hopeless...
Love the task ahead of us though.. what's that smell??? Not chocolate?? Oh no, that's Geri's hair.
Have a good evening JaneE.
Well done Jill on winning those tickets. Pauline, you MUST. Just bring your blanket and a pillow, and we'll wake you at the appropriate time.
Hey Jackie, glad you could pop in.
OK, gotta get the beauty sleep... I'm cream crackered. Again.

Ooooh, a shiny new home, thanks Scott. Love the new curtains btw.
Not caught up, just back from weekly shop. Off to check Eva's review.

Phew (again) - really busy today in the office - like manic! Then had a 7pm rehearsal so hence the fact I was AWOL!! Well done Jill but such a shame you can't go - so good of you to offer the tickets though - true Loppy Sisterhood there! So Geri...will we recognise you with the Chocolate hair??? Aunty Eva, such a pity you didn't enjoy the show at all! Jusdt going to pop over to see the piccies. A hello to Jackie (keep sewing!) and to Martin before I go!!!

So Eva, you liked it then? Love the pics. Shopping to put away, back later.
Poor Michael, what did he think? I do agree good Jodie can have some acting classes before her part starts. I'd like her to havefun with the role and not be worried.

Jo4,- I've sent you a mail!
Glad to hear you fully appriciate my feelings last night, ladies!
Karen,- I have a feeling that your description of me (Mouth hanging open, staring adoringly at Him etc) might be spot on!
Karentwo,- your account of last night's concert reminds me of the first time I ever heard Sir Cliffy live It was when he held an open air concert in Bergen in the mid-sixties, I think. I was also sat outside the arena (no money), listening together with half the female population in Bergen! I am glad it was Cliffy and not Metallica!

I'm going to have an early night, I'm bushed trying to get everything done before my trip. Just one more day of work then I'm FREE!!! Auds, I don't mind you sniffing my hair -- it's weird, but I can live with it, but I really draw the line at you licking my neck!

Karen, so glad you liked Cliff! What do you mean, it's a secret?

See, Kathleen, I said he would be knighted -- isn't this the perfect moment?

K2: Metallica? Well, you're nothing if not versatile.

Right, bedtime. Goodnight, Loppies, sweet Meads and see you soon!!

Eva - lovely photos
Goodnight, oiche mhaith go leir

For all you Metallica fans, they are at Reading Festival this weekend.
I've still not put the shopping away, naughty me.

A very quick hello, puter says battery about to give up.

Great Review Eva

Thanks for the new home Scott, bit of a rush job late at night though.

Hi Jackie, good to see you.

Nite nite Loppies. x

...and I'm joining the list of Loppies heading for bed! Lovely piccies Aunty Eva! Sweet Meads all.

Loved the piccies of the scrum Eva, sadly all mine are still only fit for the Tate Modern, and that's not in a good way!

Actually a bit of a blow found out tonight my holiday is a day shorter than originally thought as the lady booking got flight times and days muddled! Now there's a thought, if I have an extra day maybe .....! Anyway Jill I have sent you an email.

To those that have tickets for the Party in the Park, do you know if it is seated or standing as at the proms?

Good night all. I'll retreat to my bed and dream about my latest (and REAL) UC&P with the Man!
Sleep tight all, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Forgot to say goodnight, but am off to bed as well, so sleep tight all
Night night.

Shopping all away. Treated myself to a Fentiman's ginger beer so lips smarting now. Not more than 0.5% alcohol, so doesn't let me into the LL club.
Nightlee night

Roro has a *new* old article about GO in Pineapple Poll, with a pic. too.

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896817

Carys has given advice about recording FNIMN.

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896696

in case you haven't seen them. I was wondering if I could record it this way Carys, so will try tomorrow.
Going to bed now. Night.

Google alerts are wonderful - the mere mention of Lee Mead and a message pops in my inbox. Thanks Scott for the new home and Hello Michael ...thinks you should look up loppy in the blog search.....Just playing catchup have square eyes from too much Olympics . I missed a birthday.....blushes...belated Penblwydd hapus i chi and move over those on fluffy pink clouds as I have just read that my CD now has a special embellishment - WOW! Recorder all set for later tonightand I hope the concert will be on radio 2 play it again as it is much easier to record from there. Now then BHB time to look at the sunrise so if you like I will whisk you away to my own beach in the Tardis and thanks to the wonders of time travel no one will notice you are missing:-)

Good morning, BHB, you look a bit windswept this morning -- what, Carys took you to the battle of Waterloo? Why on earth -- oh, she thought she was taking you to the Abba recording session of the song? Silly boy, you don't really think I'll go for that, do you? No, don't be upset, of course I believe you. I'm going to have a nice leisurely day today -- theoretically! -- so let's start by having an actual sit-down breakfast with French toast and maple syrup and some coffee. Why do you keep sniffing like that? Oh, yes, it's my hair - chocolate, you know. Well, you CAN lick my neck, but maybe we need to borrow one of Pauline's blankets first...

Morning all!

Waillll!!!!! I can't seem to get my sky box to record FNIMN and as Ploppy and I are going to another medieval show this weekend, I'm worried I'll miss out! (I followed your link Kathleen to Carys advice, but alas! I have no freeview now!)

K2 - glad you got PB safely from that concert!

Auds - thank you -it was a nice evening - Ploppy & I watched season 2 of 'Buffy'.

Pauline - surely your due for some compensation for the mess up!

Geri - have a safe trip tomorrow. You and Auds enjoy watching DT (full report please!)and I see you MONDAY!!!

OOoo then Wednesday I'll see lots of you! And himself!

SSSSSSSSSSSSSQQQQQQQQQQQQQUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAALLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Er sorry BHB! Was I too loud?

Ah no! BHB seems to be too busy with Geri chocolate hair!

Morning. This time in 12 hours!!

Jane, I tried to record a radio programme using V+ (Virgin equivalent of Sky+) a few weeks ago and got message that it wouldn't record radio. If you have a video or DVD recorder you should be able to record the concert direct to video/DVD - exactly as you would recording direct off the TV. Just need to ensure the video/DVD are set to correct channel to pick up digital rather than terrestrial broadcast - probably input select (I need to have A1 showing in the video screen to record off digital). Your Sky will need to be set to the radio 2 channel. Hope this works.

Pauline, not sure if seating or standing but think it's the latter (unfortunately). When I booked I wasn't given a seat number.

Morning all. Weather report anyone? Grey and overcast, but they have said the weekend is going to be nice, weatherwise, so here is hoping!

Hello sweetheart. What's that around your mouth? Traces of chocolate, methinks. Chocolate at this time of the morning? ? ? Geri offered herself this morning under the blanket? ? ? ? I'm sure she did, and she tempted you with chocolate? Well, I suppose it had to be a pretty good bribe for you to fall for it. You got hair in your mouth eating it? ? ? ? No, I don't want to know, but you'd better get that blanket cleaned before Pauline2 sees it. You know what she's like with those blankets.

I must say, you do look a bit tired today. Carys had you up at 5am watching the sunrise? No wonder you're yawning. You'd better crawl back under the blanket and catch up on your sleep. Just let me check that there is no Lepry lurking under there! The coast, or blanket, is clear, so under here you go. Me? I'll do the usual breakfast for myself, AGAIN! ! ! ! I'm beginning to agree with people saying you can't get the staff these days!

I'm not too grumpy though, because I fell asleep last night with the image of GO looking into my eyes and smiling! Lovely it was too. Unfortunately I can't remember whether I dreamt about him or not. I did feel quite chirpy as I woke up, so there just might have been a flash ot two during the night!
I'll have my usual leaded, please and some scrambled eggs on toast this morning, Eva. How kind of you to make my breakfast. Self service it's called, I think!

JaneE,- forgot to say I have set my Sky+ box to record the radio show tonight. I found the Radio 2 slot on Sky, pressed record and up came an invitation to set up a manual recording. Just fill in the blank spots and press record again. I have never done this with radio before, but hopefully it will work.

morning all - I thought that the blue(ish) skies last night might mean a sunnier day today (ever the optimist). Yay.
Pauline - it's meant to be my dear. I think it's standing (sitting - I imagining picnic style, but I've never done a concert in the park)
Geri- good that your packed and ready - don't forget your passport!!!! It's a good job they have electronic visas these days too.
Kathleen thanks for that link to Carys' instructions (thanks Carys) I'm going to give that a go for sure.
Right - off to face another silly busy day today... So I'll have a lovely hot kiss, er I mean cup of coffee to go please BHB (drifted off a bit there, I was just looking at my very special card..... That helps to start the day.
Hope to pop by later. Have a fab day everyone.

Morning all. Thanks for the review Eva. I had a vision of your friend toppling over the balcony in a GO induced trance. Are we all going to be sniffing the GO in the scrum now!?

Thanks for the link about recording tonight on digital Kathleen. I'm going to be out but will give it a try. I'm still planning on asking ye old father to be on standby with ye old cassette recorder. That's usually my most reliable source for recording off the radio.

It was tipping it down when I was driving in this morning but I'm not sure if it's not trying to brighten up. Fingers crossed.

I am usually at my brightest in the morning, but now I am beginning to doubt myself. In the paper today there is an article headlined:" Are you the new Carol Vordeman?" I can say emphatically "NO" to that straight away, but then they go on with a reem of tests for you to try on yourself. Never one to turn away from a challenge, I started going through them. I wasn't doing too well in the number section, but then we started in the Word section, and the first question is this: If you arrange the months of the years in alphabetical order, which comes last? My answer was very quickly September. But when I checked the answer it was October! ! ! ! When did the letter S come before the letter O in the English alphabet? Am I missing something here, clever ladies? Please help, bacause this is going to bug me!

...morning, morning - well looked gloomy here first thing, but now I can actually see some blue sky (just as well as I have high heel strappy sandals on (a girl has style!). Glad to see BHB has got the breakfast ready (he is a treasure, although why has he got chocolate around his mouth??). Yes indeed we want a FULL report of DT - by the way Lady J, have a good reenactment weekend and Geri have a safe flight (thought I'd better do that today in case I don't get to you before you leave tomorrow!). We finish an hour early today as it is before a Bank Holiday so that's not bad!! Means I can get in and start the ixxnxxg and get it out of the way! A propos the concert in the park, I am assuming it is a first come first serve type of event seating wise....I'm debating leaving Ploppy to Sloppy mind again but really need to have an idea of timings.....what time would everyone going be thinking of getting there (I am assuming a meeting up at some point so could sit together???). I need to have my ammunition in place before I bombard Ploppy with the information...l.... OK fortunately no bosses in today (hurray!) so should have a quieter time of it. Just heard we have won another gold - Go Team GB!!

Morning all, well just as I thought today would be a day when we didn't win anything, Tim Brabants stormed through and won the Kayak!! Amazing, it really has been an unbelievable Olympics and I think you'll all gather I have loved it!

Now apparently Jills' tickets are spoken for which I am quite pleased about as I feel I have had my share of luck in that department. So now I have to decide do I stay or do I go? Hummm got quite a taste for the idea I must say!

JaneE yes I will demand compensation from the lady that booked the holiday, it will come in bottle form!

Carol, re arrival time for ALW concert, as far as I'm concerned it depends on the weather. If it's dry it'll be earlier than if it's wet! If the weather's reasonable, I'm intending to get there by lunchtime. If those going wait together, it'll make the time pass a lot quicker and more pleasantly, as well as making it easier for toilet visits, getting coffee etc. I suppose if it's wet, we could have a rota - 2 wait in queue for say 30 mins while others sit in cafe. Suggest we discuss this during Dublinfest (sorry Pauline). Only 2 weeks!!

In case I miss you Jane, enjoy your weekend.

Pauline - go go go

Diana,well plans are possibly afoot, will keep you informed! Just one or two things to sort out first.

Meant to say Eva I think that O and S thing says a lot!

JaneE have a fab weekend in case I don't get to say so later, looks like the weather might be a bit better, but don't hold your breath.

No answers to my word question yet. Sharpen your brains, ladies!
The latest update on the Olympic medal list: Norway was just beaten by UK in Kayak! Did he have to do that? At least we got the silver medal, which so far takes Norway to 1 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. Holland is doing well: 6 golds, 5 silver and 4 bronze. Sorry, couldn't find Ireland on the list.
As to the Party in the Park, Jo4 is coming with me, thanks to the lovely Jill.
Diana,- I agree with you. Let's discuss tactics in Dublin. Those of you who are savy enough through experience, can lay on the strategy!
Pauline2,- that would be several bottles of wine!

Pauline2,- sorry, didn't see you there. Does it mean that I'm thick? The O and S thing?

No Eva it certainly isn't you that's thick! I think we can safely say that honour goes to whichever paper it was in! Unless of course someone switched our Alphabet around while I wasn't looking!

Diana and Eva - thank you both for the advice about the recording. What would I do without you lot! I think I've solved the problem - pretty much as Eva suggested. Not knowing the time of FNIMN I've record the whole bloomin' evening's worth!

Hmmm last time I looked O came before S, Eva!

Carol, Diana and co - is the concert one of those occasions for camping chairs? Ploppy and I went to a concert at Bleinhiem Palace and that's what we did.

Auds and Geri have a great time at Hamlet! (Auds don't forget to take that rail ticket!)

Thanks everyone for the good wishes this weekend. We are sleeping in the castle this time, so no tents thank goodness!

JaneE,- sleeping in a castle, are you? Going up in the world? Your Lady Jane personae will come completely natural there! Have a lovely time.
Pauline2,- glad to hear my brain is still working as it should. You know, in RL I do have those "senior moments" sometimes, and I was wondering whether this was one of them or not!

Well, I've missed being able to say good morning, so it's now good afternoon. Nice to see you back Carol, hope you have a better day.
I woke up late this morning, not surprising as I've been so tired but who cares, it's friday and Lee is on the radio tonight!!

Have checked my online countdowns and it's only 14 days to Dfest and 57 days to Octoberfest. This time next week I'll be in sunny (hopefully) Italy and in just 7 hours we should all be listening to his dulcet tones on the radio.
It's no wonder I have butterflies in my stomach, I don't ever think I've been so excited by a radio recording. It's nice to have lots of lovely things to look forward to.

Kathleen - thanks for those links, particularly the one about his time in Pineapple Poll, written by a real loppy or cloppy and oh so true! I just loved the first 5 or so paragraphs, lovely to hear him described in such an admiring fashion and what a cute picture.

Jane - sweet dreams of King Lee in your castle!

Eva - did you see that Ireland and Norway drew 1 all in their soccer match the other evening. How diplomatic of our national teams to realise it was best not to have an outright winner so as not to cause division in loppyland.

Karen2,- how considerate of them! I'm sure the Loppy Love has sneaked into their small minds (!) to make sure they don't upset anybody! Don't I like footballers? Not all of them, no!
You're off to Italy? You'll need time to recover from that before we descend on you. Are you going to train for your place in the Loppy Drinking Team?

..whee two weeks today we'll be in the Emerald Isle - watch out Dublin!! Jill - your place is booked at Stranded! Good news and thank you for the ooohhhhhmmmmmmmmssss - Ploppy's job safe! Hooray! Now we can celebrate this weekend, Wednesday, Dublin........ Well Diana we may be coming to the P in the P, and Ploppy may be coming, just have to sort out some Sloppy sitting, otherwise it will be me and P2 only - going to chat to Sloppy later (she's having her eyes tested at the moment) and then book our tickets. Perhaps the fact I am going to book her visit to Jo when I am at the theatre next Wednesday, did we mention next Wednesday? will make her feel special (it just that the concert is the day before the 2nd anniversary of my dad's death, so could be a bit iffy - need to speak to Big Sis (currently on hols in France) to see if she will have her to stay that day)), so as Pauline says plans are afoot!! Sun is shining here and all's right with the world!

Just popping in to let you know (because I know many Loppies are also Strictly Come Dancing fans) that the SCD press launch -- including the reveal of all the new contestants -- is happening next Thursday morning.

Entry to the ticket draws starts at the same time, so I guess we'll also find out when it starts. Last year it was the first week in October...

I'm digging out my score sheet templates as we speak... let me know if there's anything we can do to make our coverage more interactive!

Ooooh thanks for that Scott. Will look out for it. Only problem being if it is SCD time it must be nearly Autumn, where did summer go?

I think Carol says it all, the sun is shining and all is right with the world! Well except my poor Mouse is in hospital today having her traction rod fixed so she can pass her MOT. Which means of course I am house bound at the moment!

Love the lists K2, but can you add my holiday in there so I don't feel so bad about the Dublinfest please?!

Re Recording of tonights FNIMN I have Sky+ and did what Eva said and I think it has worked.
Re Party in the Park, I phoned the BBC this morning as when I entered the competition, I didn't leave my address, and in actual fact they didn't have my door number so good job I rang, but the chappie on the phone said they still had 200 people to contact re the tickets so will cross everything (well not quite) for you Pauline and Carol, wouldn't that be just lovely if you won tickets as well.
Jane have a lovely weekend the weather forecast isn't too bad I think.
Karen2 you are off to Italy, do you have our permission? Have a super time, I am sure you will.
Eva perhaps its the Irish alphabet they are talking about (he he)

Tut tut Eva, would those small minds be the ones referred to in Carol's lonely brain cell story!! I'm still giggling about that, as are some of the girls here in the office.

Training..........I don't need to train, I'm already an expert and I'm assured a place on the team, I do however enjoy the practice sessions!

On that very subject, you'll all love the conversation I had when fellow Dublop Jean phoned me last night. She's been very tied up lately with family matters and was looking for an update on DF preparations. When we had discussed it all, she had a question, "are they drinkers? they won't mind us having a few will they?" (ok, not an exact quote, some of the words might have been different) the answer "is the Pope catholic?" was what most sprung to mind but I couldn't quite get it out I was laughing so hard. Needless to say, Carol, your name came up in my reply.

Thank you Scott, I love SCD each year, had never even heard of Ramps before but he is definitely my favourite winner. Now if Lee were to be on it, wow!
I know his work wouldn't allow him the time but a girl can dream can't she?

Sorry Pauline - really glad by the way that you're having a holiday, you do deserve it and I hope you have a wonderful time

and Jill also, do I remember correctly that you have hols planned, although in your neighbourhood seems every day is a holiday what with neighbours popping up with bottles of wine all the time!
Now just what do you mean about the Irish alphabet, cheek!

That's great, Carol - about Rick's job I mean & hopefully ALW.

Whereabouts are you going in Italy, Karen2? Hope your car gets through this time, Pauline.

Today is draaaagggging. Keep looking at the clock and only a few mins have passed. The concert is being broadcast in 2 x 45 min slots with a 15 min gap in between. Ploppy's been told that he's welcome to listen to the concert with me but if he interrupts, especially while Lee is on ....

Hip Hip hooray for Carol’s Ploppy, good news about his job being safe and ooohhhmmms for those whose jobs are not
JaneE hope you have a good time.
Eva I saw this on you tube last year, even this man knows his alphabet (I laughed at the very end) http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVm-5DCjsU4
Talking about autumn and were has the summer gone, I went into the warehouse shop (bargain shop) and saw…….Christmas Cards on display!!!!

oops .....where

Oh Carol, just spotted the mention of Rick's job - don't know how I missed it before, that's great news, what a relief for you both!

I'm going to a cousin's wedding, he's marrying an Italian girl from a small town called Anzio, just SW of Rome, on the coast. The place sounds just beautiful and Anzio has a lot of WW2 history, quite an interesting place. We fly into Rome next Thursday and home again on the following Monday. It's going to be a very traditional italian wedding and the groom's' mum has to walk him up the aisle and give him away!

Reminder to self - take phones off the hook and lock PB in his room this evening!!

Great news about Ricks' job, wooooohooooooo! Missed you earlier mention Carol, but hope you know anyway that I couldn't be more delighted.

Karen your Holiday sound lumptious, one of me favourite parts of the world. Gorgeous to look at and all that scrummy food and wine.

Can hardly wait for the concert this evening, it will be magic I am sure, and will bring it all back again!

Sorry Carol I missed the post about your OH, great news, really really pleased, perhaps we could have a GLASS of wine to celebrate on Wednesday, oh s.d it make that a bottle.

Hello Everyone!

Eva - thanks for the review! Row B is fantastic isn't it?!! Just had to post this link

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/896788

Its a thread with funny scrum photos and the first one is of Lee's chest on the 19 August! Its the exact view I got that sent me into a trance!! Now imagine smelling the aftershave with that and well, I think you can guess the rest! I am off work sick today as woke up with a burning sore throat and felt rough! Texted this to my Dad who thought that the excitement of the week had been too much for me!! Dont feel too bad now but so glad its this Friday and not last Friday! Really looking forward to concert tonight, I am going to tape it the old fashioned way onto a cassette so that i can listen to it again (and again and again!)

Diana,- do I see a possible Ploppycide in that threat?
Maggie,- that was hilarious. I couldn't have done that sober! I wish I'd have known about the dance test when I was doing those sobriety tests in my time!
Karen2,- are you sure the mother will give the groom away? You've heard about Italian Mamas?
Scott dear,- I have a few ideas how we can make the interaction between the Loppy Jury, The Stage and SCD more immidiate and fun, but I have to think a little longer. I don't know if they are technically possible or not. Will get back to you when I've had a think.

Carol,- HIP HIP HIP HURRAYYYYYYYYYY for Ploppy and his job!

Now just went to have a look at the radio2 website about tonight and look what I found!! This was the first yummy outfit.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/musicclub/galleries/3691/11/#gallery3691

A few pics of DVO from last Sunday http://uk.popsugar.com/1874440

Hi all

I have been working from home (again!) today and how disciplined am I that this is my first visit into Loppyland today (well apart from a few emails to Jane!!).

And speaking of Jane - oh I say, sleeping in a castle!! Well, we wouldn't expect anything less for our Lady Jane! Have fun with all those knights!!! Do you need an extra helpless maiden who needs rescuing!? Me, helpless (hapless maybe) - well, I csn pretend!!

Geri - talking of chocolate hair, mine has burnt toffee in it so we'll make a good match on Wednesday!

Carol - great news about Ploppy's job. Of course that's a reason to celebrate - in fact I think it's a good enough reason for us all to join in!! Glasses at the ready!

Re SCD - I agree Pauline, that does mean Autumn's on it's way. Now, much as I know we're all wondering where the summer (what summer?) went, I have to say Autumn is my favoutie time of year so I'm not really feeling too down about the passing of summer (it would just have been nice to have had one!!).

AliB - major thud!!! To be that close to that chest and smell him too!!!!!! OMG, you lucky lady!!

I had another of "those" moments today. What again!!?? Don't know if it was a KK moment or a senior moment but I did some w*****g and then went to put it in the d***r, came back in the house then 20 mins later went back out to the shed, the d***r was merrily drying away and the w*****g was still in the basket!!!! Won't get dry like that will it??

Did somebody say "time for a drink"? Why not??

OMG Pauline, another major thud - thank you. That man can wear a waistcoat like nobody else!!!

Well done for spotting that, Pauline, I've been hoping and hoping for a pic in that outfit - one showing the ROTY would be great.

Nearly time to go home - I'm counting the minutes.

The last pic on the BBC gallery is a group shot http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/musicclub/galleries/3691/20/#gallery3691

Excellent news Carol! You need to do some serious celebrating with Ploppy!

Scott thank you for the SCD update. But as everyone has said does this mean autumn is upon us?

Karen2 - It sounds like your Italian holiday will be lovely! And ah bless Jean! We need to intoduce her to the rest of the lushes!

And now I'm on my way to that castle! Always room for one more lady Karen!

Byyyyyeeee!!!!

Lady? That rules me out then Jane!! Have a good time.

Just seen in the TVTimes that DVO is on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire tomorrow night - with Johnny Vaughan, sadly not with the GO!!!!!

Eva, check your email.

Catch up with the blog later.

Karen (or should I call you KK today?)
- just wanted to say, got your email and left it for a while to reply but since then gmail's been playing silly b*****s with me so I'm not ignoring you!

Thanks for the picture link Pauline, I had been very curious about that outfit, I see they named it "The Man in tweed" , should have been "The man who can look gorgeous no matter what he wears!" but now at least I can visualise him when I get to hear him later, which by the way, I'm really hoping will be possible, was not having much luck tuning in BBC radio 2 so although I'll try again, I'm hoping I can hear it online.
I may be on here later asking if anyone has it recorded???? (between sobs of course)

Eva - the groom's mother is Irish but have you heard about Irish mammies and their sons? Legendary, believe me!

HAVE FUN JANE!!!

OK K2 (sob!) No worries (sniff!) I knew that (sniff!).

I'm home late again -- had to make some stops along the way to pick up some trip necessities. Oh, didn't I mention I have a trip scheduled (not your kind of trip, I hope, Karen!) Like the idea of our 'sweet' hair. As long as Jane doesn't decide to spray us both with whipped cream!

Thanks for all the lovely links, mmm, new pictures of the GO looking delicious as always! Mind you, you'd think Auntie Beeb would be able to spell 'thoughtful', wouldn't you? I know, I know, pedantic as always... And not to be a naysayer, but I wonder if perhaps that outfit looked better live than it does in the photograph? It's not the best colour for him (ducks to avoid flying objects!)

Fantastic news about Rick's job, Carol -- the power of the ohm strikes again.

And since you've all been gloating about your various Olympic wins, can I just mention Ireland finally got a couple of bronzes?

Now Geri - you are leading me astray again - I am having a gutter related thought involving whipped cream and the GO..........!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Geri,- they didn't beat any of the Norwegians, did they?

Now Scott dear,- I've had my thinking cap on, and my thoughts are along these lines:
We all loved your premade score sheets, and I always printed them out. However, as they were, they were only for use in the home. Is there any way you could make out a score sheet we could fill in online and submit to you/The Stage ? That way we could send our scores and comments on the night and in an orderly (?) fashion. This way we would also not be dependant on your comments to find a forum for our comments. That would stop us hollering for your posting on the day. Your comments are always so knowlegeable (sp?) and wise ( although I don't always agree!), and of course we will also give a general comment to them, but if we can post on the day, it is much more spontanous and fun. Did any of this make sense?
Btw. Will the result show be the next day this year too?

Karen2,- are the Irish mammies as bad as the Italian Mamas?

Karen - stop it!! I'm home! Horray! Ploppy on way home - did I mention I lunched with that Married Man again? Anyway said MM is booking our tickets for the concert when he gets home! Spoke to Big Sis in France and asked her to have Sloppy, so that will be fine! Well down Ireland! There, that ok for you Geri - are you packed?? Are you ready??? Are you excited???? No I thought not! Oh goody Scott, SCD coming back - still whilst we are talking about autumn being here - did I not mention that Harrods opened their Christmas department two weeks ago?? Also last night of the Proms looming and that means Christmas is just around the corner. Think I read that Terry Sherringham may be taking part and Kate and Andre? Obviously if this is the case the BBC have probably decided they like the rivalry between Kenny and Gaby last year. Ooo yes please dust off the score sheets please Scott dear, they were great! OK going to see if I can work out how to work the recorder from the tv, so I can do FMIMN, but I may be another asking if anyone has been clever enought to succeed!

Carol,- just to be absolutely sure I don't miss a note tonight, I have set my Sky+ on record, my DVD recorder on record and will be listening to the radio at the same time.
I was reading through the DVD recorder manual earlier today and found a chapter about editing recordings. I might just get stuck into that one day I have some time to spare!

This next chapter must be told in a whisper. Shhhhhhhhhhh! Better put it in brackets:( I might buy a new car tomorrow! Don't tell Goldie. She'll throw the mother of all strops when she hears!
It wasn't my intention to change cars until March next year, but Peugeot has a super sales weekend coming up, with almost £2500 off the model I'm interested in! It will all depend on what they will pay for Goldie, of course. I will mention her royal connections and mighty ego (!) So I have an appointment tomorrow morning at 9am with the sales lady who sold Goldie to me. SHHHHHHHHHHHH ! ! !)

(Eva I am shocked, I thought there was an unbreakable bond between you and Goldie, she might never get over it)

My car came back beautifully cleaned and polished and well after her operation. She is now sporting her MOT certificate and is very proud of herself!

Geri, you're going somewhere this weekend? Well who'd've guessed it! (See you soon!!) Oh and well done to the Irish on their bronzes!

Oh that outfit? Believe me you'd would have loved it, the fit was perfect, just! May not be my favourite colour but oh wow did he look fantastic.

Carol please not the C word, I haven't had a holiday yet! Woohoo we're off to the concert, I hope!

Teste my DVD recording from the radio through Sky a while back, and it works beautifully, so the only thing that can go wrong is me messing it up! Believe me that is quite possible!

Ok, I'm home, phew! I've got radio 2 blasting from the computer and it's not getting turned off between now and 7.30 just in case something awful happened and I didn't get it back.
I'm not even attempting to open gmail until after the concert in case it messes up the computer.

Still cannot get it on any of the radios in the house, I can pick up what I think is BBC Radio One but very poor reception. So I won't be able to record it and will be looking for some kind soul who can to do me a copy, pretty please???

Well done on the car Pauline, and Eva oh no, poor Goldie,
I hope she won't be going to the big garage in the sky?
But even if she gets a new owner, how can you be sure their choice of music will suit her?

Now, whipped cream.....naughty K1!!

Just been testing recording R2 on Sky to DVD recorder, and mine works too. Snap Pauline.

Great about Ploppys job Carol. Are you celebrating yet? Hope the MM gets tickets sucessfully.

Eva (How could you do that to Goldie?)

My car passed MOT but didn;t come back cleaned and polished Pauline. Would complain to scollop but he might not mend it next time if I do.

Geri, are you going somewhere nice tomorrow? Hope you have a safe journey. Looking forward to your review.

Fancy Lady Jane is staying in a castle. Does that mean we'll have to curtsey to her when we speak?

Hope to be back after FNIMN.

.....snag 1 - I don't have a spare unrecorded disc to use!! May need to rely on one of you wonderful Loppies to bail me out (kiss, kiss). Auntie Eva - how will you break it to her??? Poor Goldie - she'll be distaught! Just mugging MM for his credit card to get three tickets for the Park! Yippeeee! Did Pauline say he looked lovely in that outfit?? No I thought not, but he did! He did! Listen out for the Loppie squeals!!

Kathleen,- we have been curtseying Lady Jane for a long time now!
(Shhhhhhhh! I haven't done anything yet. I'm only looking into my options tomorrow.)
Karen 2,- (I certainly hope not! There is plenty of life in the girl yet. Remember she had her first MOT ever last March!)
Geri,- are you packed yet? Stupid question, I know. When are you leaving tomorrow?

Aaaggghhhhh!!!! Just had a phone call from Ploppy - he's running late and then off for a pint, will be home about 8pm, will dinner be okay at 8pm!!!!!????? Nooooooooo!!!! Told him to stay and have an extra pint and get a taxi home (preferably around 9.30ish) as it's a Bank Holiday weekend!! Wot is he like!!!

Eva - poor Goldie - I trust you will tell her that it's nothing she's done wrong and that the Loppies will miss her!!

Ah K2 - naughty but nice!!!!!!! The GO I mean, not me, well me too (!?) but not with whi....oh forget it, you know what I mean!!

(Eva! Replacing Goldie! After she's been so loyal to you, I'm shocked)

Karen, I've had my dinner and left Ploppy's on the kitchen top so he can put it in the microwave when he gets in to reheat.

Geri, have a good journey, enjoy your first few days and see you soon!

Going to turn the TV and radio on now and check everything's OK.

Yipee!!! We have tickets for the Concert in the Park! It will now be graced with me, Pauline2 and Ploppy!!! Whoo hoo! Now that's what I call a celebration!

I'm all packed, ready to go. The flight leaves at 9:50am so I'll be there by 11:30 to meet you, Auds.

Forgot to say ta-ra, Lady Jane. Have a great weekend & I'll see you Monday!!

Right, have to get the digital radio set to R2 (Karen2, if you have digital cable you may get digital radio. It's the most reliable way of listening in when there are important things on!)

Karen, GO and Whipped Cream...just remembered to make sure my fan is in my carry on luggage!

Bye-bye, Goldie? It's the end of an era.

Back after the show.

WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! we are going to the PitP and the Go is about to come on the radio, is life good or what!

Unfortunately no digital in this house, as my son tells me, tv-wise we're in the dark ages!

Have a great time Geri!

1 minute to go! Get ready!

Hi folks, I've been playing catch up as usual. Sorry my post yesterday ended a bit abruptly, I'd forgotten scollop was playing squash and had to rush off. We went shopping for school shoes today, I wasn't looking forward to it but it was painless. Had a nice surprise myself as I bought a pair of jeans 1. a size smaller 2. in the sale for £6.00 3. the right length-short!! I couldn't believe my luck on all fronts. Nearly bought 2 pairs but decided I'd need a size smaller again (hopefully!) before long so I resisted. Not sure if I'm being too ambitious there???
Maggie I went to buy some citronella candles yesterday (they work better than flyspray and we're plagued by them this summer!) and found they've replaced all the outdoor stuff with christmas cards too.
SCOTT I really enjoyed your comments on last year's SCD, albeit a day late as I work on Saturday evenings. I can't believe it's that time again, I hope Eva's suggestions can be included if poss?
Great news for your ploppy Carol, congrats on the ticket win Jill, safe journey Geri, oohhmms to Goldie Eva!! And apologies if I've missed anyone.
Ploppy phoned earlier to say he would be working late, now don't get me wrong, much as I love him I was glad as I could listen to the radio in peace. No such luck, a heavy downpour put paid to their plans and he came home. He's now disappeared up to watch telly in the bedroom as I've got the monopoly on the laptop and the telly down here. I don't think I'm very popular tonight? On that note it's time to tune in so I'll see you all later.

Sky+ Radio 2 on, Sky+ recording, DVD recorder recording and............I'M IN HEAVEN ! ! ! ! !

Well done Carol, Ploppy and Pauline!!!!!!

Here we GO...............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aaahhh! Couldn't get the right channel, it would only let me have Radio4, frantically punched in a random channel number and got it just as it started. Then realised it wasn't recording, it is now, I think I need a stiff drink to calm myself down now. Oh I wish I'd been there, it sounds fantastic and we haven't even got to HIM yet!

Elkie Brooks - very good, always liked that song,
not long now!!

Deep breaths Ali, deep breaths!

Love "I'll Put You Together Again".

This is great just like being back there, wonderful, not the next but I think the one after. Keep breathing!

This was magical, I thought

Oo he's next isn't he?????? Got the picture from the concert on my laptop screen so I can gaze at it whilst he sings and imagine I was there!!!! Sigh...............................!!

I'm here, just!

I agree pauline, it was a really powerful performance.
Lee next.......gaze and imagine.

ooh me too Karen!

Here he comes!!!!!!!!!!

AAAAAH HE

AAAAAGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhhhhh

Been trying to play catch-up while waiting...

Ooo, think I heard the loppy squeeeeeels

Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh THUD!

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THUD!!!!

wow wow wow - oh you luck girls who got see/hear that in real life

AAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW I wish I could see him! He is sooooo goooooooood!

oh wow, he did it so well, and that accent!

lucky

My chuffin window cleaner came to the door for his money just as MP was introducing HIM. I normally have a chat with the WC but I shoved him out the door so fast he nearly fell over his own feet!!!!

OMG - that was just fantastic. Now I just can't wait for LCE!!

I love this next song too. Take That Look Off Your Face. Marti Webb has the right twang for it.

Oh that's another song I love!

Auds,- did you faint?

Just sent Ploppy to shop for some Caramac!

I was wondering what happened to Auds too Eva,
Auds, Auds,,,, are you ok?
someone get a glass of wather

Karen,- men can never get their timing right, can they? First your Ploppy and then the window cleaner. Did you send the last one off to the pub too?

Believe me I know how lucky I was, I honestly can say I don't know what I did to deserve it, but it is up there with one of my best nights ever. The whole thing can be summed up by saying it would have been great without Lee, with him? Beyond any words I have.

lol realise I just typed "water" with an Oirish accent!!!

WEll I caught up with everything - but it's all just gone straight out the window..
I like Raza's voice...
OOoo, I can't wait for LCE....

Just about picking myself up from the floor. Loved the accent!

What is Caramac??
It mustn't be alcoholic Suex or I'd have heard of it before

Caramac is a chocolate bar filled with caramel, soft runny caramel. Can't think what Suex is thinking but the gutter might beackon!

Bleaughhhhh! First bad memory!

1st round over: Some forgettable, most very good, some absublooming marvellous!

aaahh, either Suex is trying to improve an already perfect evening or she's just getting rid of ploppy for a while, or both?

Oh, I'm fine now thanks girls.... K2 Would that wather be laced? I feel even more wobbly now. And even more envious of you guys who were there.

Oh no, What's New Pussycat always reminds me of the night we went to see the film. We'd just had our dog put down and my Dad took us to try and cheer us up!!!! Needless to say it failed, my sister and I wept the whole way through it!!

sorry Pauline, different bar, that is a caramel. Caramac is a bar of pure caramel coloured chocolate.......... poured into its wrapper. ahem......now where did I put my fan???

I thought Caramac was a hard (oo er missus) caramel bar - then again I haven't had any for a while!!!!!!

Well that was spectacular - I can only imagine what it must have been like to be there.

And, in the words of the GO.......the best is yet to come!!!!

Jane sends the following message: SQUUUUUEEEAALLLLL!!! Scientists are now investigating a previously unknown medical condition called MIA: Mead-Induced-Aphasia. It is identified by a total inability to articulate sensible speech. There is no known cure.

ok, just done a headcount, we seem to have lost Geri and Maggie, can everyone look around for them, they might have collapsed

This has just been posted on YouTube. Lee's performance at Prince's Trust. Sound rather bad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOejOU6bB54

SueX - hehe, we posted at the same time but seems we were on the same wavelength!!!!!

oh, now I get it Suex, sorry, I'm a bit slow on the uptake when I have Lee on the brain. Poured into it's wrapper but Karen says it's hard.......oh dear, my fan is upstairs and I'm afraid to leave this spot.

Geri - there you are, are you ok?

2nd round.....and here we go.

Oh come on get on with it, JA signing SoM , oh good we are going back

This is it girls!

ooh we're back........yay

K2 - now you're the one being naughty,,,,but I like your thinking!!!!!!

Matt Rawle. Like it a lot.

Lulu. To Sir With Love. I remember the film. Blubbed a lot!

Well I hope someone caught it, I've just got back. I'll read blog to check

To SIr with Love, I loved this film and Sidney Poitier sp?
Before i was born I think.

I've just remembered listen again

Auds - funny enough Irish Whiskey in Irish is called "Uisce Beatha" which when translated literally means "water of life" see, there's a lot of sense in the Irish language!

TSWL... loved that movie. Like you Eva, cried my eyes out.
Anyone else thinking "I'm sure Lee would have sung this song just beautifully" on almost all the other songs?
Or was that a stupid question?

Phil Campbell,- never heard of him. He's not very good, is he?

Jo4 it's still on and the best is yet to come!!

MR forget it for me! Sorry. And who is PC Now breath!!!!

No, Auds, just another example of tellopathy.

ditto Auds, they could just have made it a Lee concert!

OK, I'll have more of that water thanks K2

Completely agree Eva.
Excuse me while I leave the room, can't stand Ben

Sorry I meant SC and agree Eva I think he was very nervous , now all block your ears!

eeeeeeuuuuuuuwwwwwwwww
GO would DEFINITELY have done this better??? especially in those tight trousers....

oh dear, wasn't fond of "Ben" before, but certainly not now!

Craig David,- too high for his voice. We'll pass that one in silence!

NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

Quietly having hysterics here,over that and all your comments. Tears rolling down my face.

ooooh oooh !!!!!!!!

melting moments

Wish i could see him, Making my toes curl!!!! Sigh!!

OH
MY
GOD

He is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.

Well?!!!!!!!!

OMG. I AM IN TEARS!!!!!!!

Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!

At the risk of repeating myself: WOW!

My heart stopped. OMG OMG OMG OMG
I can hear the Loppies in the audience cheering.
Hot flushes, hot flashes.
Dear me.

That was fantastic. I am still catching my breath.
OMG!!!!

Love him love him he is just wonderful, I think I did stop breathing!

Hello Anne. Having a good time?

Can't say anything, you've all said it, like Pauline I was holding my breath, eyes closed to just take it all in

It is so wonderful hearing his voice belting out of my PC.
(volume was on full) It sounds so familiar but also so new.
I am so proud.

Loppies, are your fans in need of a rest? I had booked tonight of work sometime ago soooooo glad I had .What a brilliant concert

Oh Hi Anne. Lovely to see you.

can you believe it!!! ploppy started talking!!! DIVORCE!

I'm still here! Wanted to wait until I'd heard LCE before chipping in. I've got goose bumps, and I've chewed one of nails!!

Suex - your ploppy likes to live dangerously????

The next song went past in a blur. Then it's
Born Free; Gary Barlow is very, very good. Powerful. Loved it. So did the audience!

GB does a good rendition... sure the GO would've done better.
Or are we just biased? Like the binding?

Hi Eva and all other loppies.
I have a great time here. It is funny to think that we all are sitting and listening to the same thing at the same time.

This was actually a bit special, GB really did this very well.

For anyone who didn't get it roro has it available for download here

http://f1roro.co.uk/leemead/events/lyrics17aug08.html

scroll down to lyrics by Don Black and follow the link.

Hi Anne!

Born Free - lovely job by GB

Oh and this? Maria Friedman after the GO one of the best things.

I'm sooo glad I've recorded this, I might just have to listen to one or two songs again. How does he do this to us?

Totally agree Anne, we rarely ever get an evening like this where we're all experiencing the same show at the same time, it's great.

Only just finished dealing with the animals, so thanks for the link Pauline.

Phew, I'm still floating - those of you who were there must have been so thrilled to have witnessed something so special.

I know it's already been said but I was sooooooo proud of him!!

I have to say I didn't like Ben - I was a massive Michael Jackson fan, back in the day, before..well, just before, and his version was so much better!! Sorry CD fans!

That was lovely, don't really know MF

Sigh, what a fab Friday night!

Loved Gary Barlow with Born Free.

Jo4,- I have hopefully recorded it all to DVD. If you want it?
Never Said Goodbye........Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Dazzlingly talented........???? Would we agree?

Hear hear Ali. What a fab Friday night.
Now to get on with preparations for the weekend.... lets see, theatre ticket, train ticket, hotel confirmation, iPod charged, camera charged.
Eva, EVA.... I need a list.. What should I pack??

PPPPPPHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEWWWWWW! ! !
I need to rest, catch my breath, I'll watch Poirot.

What an evening. Tears and hysterical laughter too.
Good speech too.

Karen I was never a MJ fan but I have to agree his version was definitely better.
I do hope HE will be in Billy as has been suggested.

you doin' somethin spec Auds? :)

I think you all get why we were a bit in heaven after Sunday. My only regret is that we weren't all sat there together! Magic, pure magic.

Sorry to lower the tone but I've been crossing my legs for the last hour, gotta go.......

Just downloaded the two songs, (thanks roro) and I am listening to it again. I can't get enough of it.

Good to see you Anne.

If you listen to Ro's recording - and mine - you can actually hear the sound levels go down at about 50 seconds in!!! Just as he is singing 'Love' Then it fluctuates a bit for the next minute. At 1.35 for a start. If I can correct it, I'll have to turn everything up. So infuriating!!

...that's better!
Right, I'd better go and talk to ploppy after he was exiled to the bedroom. Have a great weekend all those doing anything special. Sweet Meads - to sleep, perchance to dream.

Had to go take a bath right after he sang -- no, there's no connection between the two events, else I'd have needed a shower! No, just the last few touches before I go to bed. Alas, I missed the last 15 minutes or so, but I got what I came for...Is it just me, or did he seem AWFULLY well rehearsed with the Billy song? I mean, taking the time to study the accent just for one song seems to be taking exteme pains. So...what if his next album is the Billy soundtrack? There isn't one (that I know of) and it could tie in with the revival. Just a thought.

Got to book the taxi, pack my MP3 player & charger, print my boarding pass...

Wooowooooowww Thanks to roro I now have listened to the important bits. Also saved to laptop, so thanks Eva, I've downloaded from roro's file share, so don't need anything else.
I'm so behind tonight, so just some short notes, as I've got loads of stuff to getready for tomorrow (nothing special, so don't get excited).

Carol-Very very good news re Ploppy
Jane-HAVE A LOVELY TIME, sorry had to shout she's gone.
Geri- Have a good journey, see you next week.
Jill (and Eva)-Kiss kiss kiss
Pauline- Sorry, glad you're fixed up now
Everyone-Thanks for the links
Auds-add; charge and take phone
SueX-Caramac, not had one for years, bit sickly sweet for me
Scott-Love Eva's idea of posting at the time. (SCD, Hamster??, I do hope so)

Right off now back later

I'm exhausted, all this emotion is so draining. I think a little tv and then bed, between imagining Suex and her caramac bar and hearing him in my head I'll have very sweet dreams.
oiche mhaith loppies

Ali I had a small radio tucked in my bra so I wouldn’t miss any of the concert as I was in and out of the kitchen for awhile, and the stereo was on in the living room for when I came back in (Do you think we are all mad!!!!) Geri, safe journey and see you in Dublin

ok, I was almost gone but I couldn't leave that comment unnoticed Maggie - you had a radio tucked into your bra?That's hilarious! the lengths we go to for our boy, I know he's close to your heart but really........I'd love to hear Martin's take on that one!

Definitely goodnight this time
xx

My finger is sore!! From hitting the play button on the remote!! I can't get enough of LCE!

Geri - in case I don't get chance in the morning have a safe journey and a wonderful time - hope you enjoy Yorkshire and I'll see you at the station on Wednesday - I'll be the one carrying a rolled up copy of the Daily Mail!!!!! (note to self - remember the tickets, remember the tickets). Remind Jane to text me to remind me about the tickets!!!!!

THANKS Jo... forgot about the phone altogther... on charger now.

Karen2 …..He knows I’m mad!! Actually he tuned it in for me as I didn’t know where radio 2 was

Karen -- and Auds -- REMEMBER THE TICKETS!!!

Maggie, what a hoot(er?)! Bet Martin was properly amused. See you in Dublin!

See you soon, Jo4 and all the others coming to the Gerifest2 -- how many are there now? Scott -- care to make a guest appearance?

Maggie - you have had me in stitches - the thought of Martin tuning in Radio2 while the radio is in your bra. Love it!!! Hope you both had fun!

That was brilliant. I've replayed him twice already - well I had to check it had recorded. Goosebumps!

I spent today battling a bout of vertigo. Got home, took my medication and settled down to listen to Friday night is music night. I'm still floating but now it's a nice feeling!!! I would luv to have seen Lee perform the Billy number. I bet it was a humdinger. I can just imagine him putting his heart and soul into it.

I have been a Michael Ball fan for a long time and I luv his version of LCE but sorry Michael, you've been surpassed. I've listened to Lee sing it several times now (thanx Roro) and it sounds better each time. His diction in both numbers was superb even when the backing singers were a little too "fronting".

Geri - safe journey tomorrow and enjoy your holiday.

Karen2 - how do you say safe journey in Irish - shame on me, I can't remember.

Good night to all and sweet dreams. Even though I don't post very often, I read the blog every day and I feel as though I know all of you. Getting really excited about meeting some of you in a couple of weeks.

Jenny Dublop

Well I sometimes tuck my mobile in my bra but a radio Maggie???

I/m pretty exhausted reliving it all, off to bed to dream ....

Will deal with my chatty ploppy tomorow!

Sweet dreams x

Maggie,- you have me in stitches! Radio in your bra! What cup size do you take?
Jo4,- I'll have to check out Ro's link too.
Auds,- list? Of course, me dear.
1. Tickets to performance
2. Operaglasses
3. Fan
4. Tissues
5. Badge
6. Blood pressure tablets
7. Scarf to sruff into Lepry's mouth when she starts screaming
8. ....................
What? You're not going to Adelphi? You're seeing something of this Shakespear bloke with DT in it?
In that case,- remember your tickets. Thank DT for loaning us the Tardis when we need it, and look after Lepry. She isn't safe out on her own!

HI Geri we are nine now (possibility of one more but won't say any more in case not). Well, you didn't like the concert then? Ploppy in hysterics at True Grit and Ben - I did warn him before they sang!! So you can see why we had a wonderful time and why I am eternally grateful to Pauline2!!! Maggie loved the idea of you with the radio down your bra! I have now finished the ixxnxxg - hooray and we are watching Poiret (but I am still at the Palladium mentally!!). Geri safe flight!

Eva - cup size? Are you politely asking Maggie whether the radio was a handheld one or a ghettoblaster!!!!??

It’s ONLY the size of a match box; maybe a bit longer (the radio) gives or take. I’m getting a complex now!!!! (not really)

Karen,- of course. I know how to be discreet!
Geri,- have a lovely time with the lovely Auds. See you Wednesday.

Maggie I love that, maybe you should patent it, a bra radio!

Geri have a safe journey if I miss you and will see you Sunday. Enjoy DT.

Have listened to it loads now and think it just gets better.

I'm back again. Ploppy is now engrossed in a programme so I thought I may as well have some intelligent (?) conversation. Maggie I'm loving that image. Years ago I used to stuff money in my bra for a night out when I didn't want to carry a bag or purse. It provoked a few comments at the Student Union bar hen I fished it out to pay for the drinks!!
I heard MB sing LCE a couple of weeks ago and loved it, but I'm afraid he has been pushed back by GO after tonight. I wouldn't mind seeing them sing together though, I'd definitely need the fan then!

Carol I definately agree with your Ploppy about True Grit and Ben.
I put my mp3 player down my bra once when I went to cook dinner and when I turned on the tap and held the pan underneath I deafened myself - accidently managed to activate the volume control.

Typo When not hen, W is sticking again!

Right I really need to go to bed now, night night ladies

Just carefully placing my new DVD in a padded case.....sound quality is much better than the recording done by computer...may try again with the important bits on listen again. Now to make a backup of the DVD and save the files to my external hard drive as well, then I know it is safe.

Is the consensus, then, that Lee out-Balled Michael? Alas, I wasn't able to record it. Maybe some nice loppy will take pity on me (hint, hint).

I had a patient one time who used to refer to her bra (in heavy German accent) as a 'Schtoppem-floppen'. Even when her Alzheimers had taken most of her memory, the use of that phrase could still make her laugh. I do like the idea of a musical bra, though. You could put the antennae in the straps -- not sure where you'd put the volume control, though.

Hi Jenny, sorry you're a bit under the weather. Mind you, Lee makes me dizzy too!

Still up on cloud 9

The full list of songs, writers & performers now up on Radio 2 site http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/shows/fridaynight/playlist.shtml

In case you haven't had enough (!) here's a new YouTube: Lee live at the Princes' Trust. Sound quality isn't great though:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOejOU6bB54

I keep replaying those two songs, again and again. I'd better get myself to bed. Have an early start tomorrow.
( Sssssshhhhhhhhhh. Might be selling my daughter to the highest bidder!)
Good night all, sleep tight, have wondeful dreams and wake up happy.
If you insist on talking in your sleep, do it to the tune of Love Changes Everything!

Back again, shoes and boots polished, packed lunches made, washing up done, 2nd round of tablets done, saddle cloths in a pile ready and ....oh I had my tea. Don't you all wish you had such a fun evening, I remember you did. You all heard a concert on the radio. (Even if it was bra-rad. I used to thaw frozen ampoules of cells in my bra at work, many, many years ago, such a useful garment.) I was never a big fan of MB, thought he was good, but GO is much much better. We all knew that didn't we.
Carol, there is a possible secret attendee next week? Not your married man?
Got to check links....

...No Jo he is safely tucked up at work! Earning the money to keep us in incohol! Well floating off to bed now, to relive last Sunday....Sweet Meads all.

Well I'm off as well. Still floating up on cloud 9. Lovely evening.

Night night all, sleep tight.

I'm headed off too; need my beauty sleep for all the fun I plan on having over the next few days.

Very mysterious, Carol. Our mystery guest isn't Lee, is it? I can hope...

'Night, loppies. See you soon.

My bags are packed and I'm ready to go, taxi's waiting, he's blowing his horn (!!)
Well, the first bit is true. And as I'm the taxi, probably the next bit is true too (just a tad early though)... but I ain't blowing nobody's horn mate.... no. don't go there.
Thanks for the list Eva - I forgot the tissues.
Maggie - you wear matchboxes????
Kathleen, your story had me really LOL. Only because I've done something similar.. I must have jumped a thousand feet in the air and I turned around to see where the noise was coming from - I was outside when this happened. I'm sure no one even noticed or heard, but I felt such an idiot.
Given the recent conversation, when Carys said she'd put the DVD safely away, I read 'bra' instead of 'box'. I thought "eh oop. there's a brave lass".
Now to download this evenings performance. Sigh. That means I get to listen to them several times more.
So I'll say nite nite.. no need to tell anyone to have sweet meady dreams...

Safe journey to travelling Loppies....and be good!!
Nightlee night

Incase anyone is interest in the small radio (as talked about tonight!!!!!) here is the same model http://www.johnlewis.com/230164790/Product.aspx
Hope you all have sweet dream

oops too much of the red stuff tonight, should read in case anyone is interested.

Hey Maggie, says it has BELT clip, not bra clip!!
Really off now

Good Morning BHB, yes I'm whispering so as not to wake anyone up, I've never been first here so I'm going to take "advantage" of having you all to myself. Now I've heard enough times about you cuddling up and having a nice hot beverage with other loppies so lets grab one of Pauline's blankets and have a snuggle, never mind the tea, we'll have that later, now isn't this cosy. Yes it's definitely too early to be up so it would be nice to have a little snooze.........

Oy, BHB, what's this? Canoodling with other loppies? I thought I was your early-morning-beneath-the-blankets-gal? Oh, sure she was just keeping your toes warm. Thank you, yes, that hug helps a little. OK, liking the kiss...keep going...mmm, great kisser, that boy!

Well, I'm packed, just finishing breakfast, and I'll be headed off to the airport in about 20 minutes. DON'T FORGET THE TICKETS, AUDS AND KAREN! I plan on buying a Daily Mail at the airport just in case! See you in a few hours, Auds, and in a few days, loppies! (Has anyone figured out who the mystery guest is? Scott?)

Morning all. Goodbye all. I've overslept. HEEEEEEELP !
Hello swetheart. Kiss, kiss, hug, hug. Gotta run. See you later. Going to..... SSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

Oh, they rushed in and rushed out did they. Saying they had places to go. I wonder what they are doing that is more urgent? What, one is left snoozing under the blanket, you've just left her there because she snores! A gentleman shouldn't tell. Thank you a fruit platter and a dc all set up for me.

Morning all. Auds, safe journey and enjoy.

Some of Us and Love Changes Everything on repeat play in my head.

A reminder that Connie's album is due out in a month. Here's the listing http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/3560179/From-Connie-With-Love/Product.html
Three & Out DVD is also out in September.

The sun is shining and it's a long weekend! Have a good one everybody.

Roro has added the whole concert to her timeline as well as cleaned up versions of Lee's songs.

Need to get going, see you later.

Morning all, whoa been a bit of a whirlwind through here this morning! I know you've gone Geri but have a safe journey, and see you very soon.

Eva we won't tell but I hope G*****e doesn't find out what you are up to!

Morning BHB and yes isn't it a lovely day! What happened to my blanket? Why is in a heap, oh I see it isn't a heap at all but Karen2 sleeping! Oh yes we'll leave her be, I have a lovely red blanket here so we can use this one and have a coffee and a snuggle, you'll sing to me? Oh that would be nice, LCE? Well alright but you have a tough act to follow you know......actually he's very good, certainly brings back memories, oh that's a different song.

Getting busy here now, so you won't be lonely. See you all later.

Morning all

No I haven't just got up, I've been up for ages, honest!!

Not quite as long as K2 though. Hey K2, it's coming to something when you have to get up in the middle of the night to sneak a cuddle with the BHB.

Geri - I know you'll be well on your way now. Have fun. See you in a few days. Tickets? What tickets?? Put that paper down!!

Eva - (ssh, good luck).

BHB, what have you being doing to Pauline, she's got a rather far away, dreamy look on her face? That seems to happen to a lot of people you meet? Does it really? What did you do? You sang to her? Yes, well, as long as that's all it was!!

I have just got Skys' monthly magazine. There is an interview with DVO in it about her mew show. She doesn't say anything new about Lee except this:

Q: Do you get recognised alot?

A: Yes, I'm used to it because I've been doing this for a while, but for him it's still new.
Thankfully he doesn't have lots of girls throwing themselves at him while I'm there- Lees fans are all really polite.

Yaaay we're thought of as polite, now isn't that great? Just what we try to acheive!

The picture of them is tiny and the one of them at the Capital Radio awards.

Think that should be her New show!! Doubt if there are any cats in it!

Hi, I'm back and I'm much, much poorer!
( Ssssssshhhhhhh Goldie has been sold, but I haven't told her yet! I'm collecting my BRAND, SPARKLING NEW CAR on September 1st! That was fast, wasn't it? In addition to the discount, I was given petrol money for the first 1000 miles, road tax for the first year and a digital radio/CD player! The new car is RED, and I can't think of a name for her.(Of course it's a girl!) So I thought I'd invite you all to a competition: New, fitting name for a new, fit, red car! The winner gets..........wait for it......my sincere thanks and the responsibility of being godmother to the car!
I have to tell you that Goldie wasn't happy when i woke her up just after 8am this morning. "Hey", she said, "it's Saturday, and I was having a nice lie-in. So is Herbert, so we shouldn't disturb him". (Herbert is next door's car. Goldie is rather sweet on him, because he is a strapping 4+4 Ford, blue and rather nice natured.) I said I had some people to see in Canterbury, so then she had a moan about that, of course. When we got in to the garage, I told her a nice man might come and take a look at her,- then I fled before she could have another go.
After the deed was done and I came back out to the car park, she was in full flow:" That man who came to have a look, wasn't nice. He was a dirty old man, opening my hood and having a peek without so much as a bye-your-leave! Did he ask permission? He did not! Did he say thank you when he'd finished? He did not! It wasn't even a slam, bang and thank-you-Ma'm. HMPF ! ! ! ! Can we get out of here now. I wanna go home! Put that nice Lee on the CD player so I can calm down a bit!"
With her in that mood, I didn't say a word. I know I'm a coward, and I'll probably cry when I say goodbye, but I'll break it to her gently, I promise.)

Hello Everyone! Have we all recovered from last night??! Now you know why we all came back high as kites!! Listening to it again (several times) he was even more magnificent than i remember. Just heavenly.

I have to say at this moment in time I am feeling rather gutted. I went to get my photos developed and not one of the them came out. The roll of film was completely blank. I was expecting rubbish photos, I wasn't expecting no photos at all! I know its not the end of the world but I was so looking forward to seeing them as I had thought they might actually be good. Oh well, not much I can do about it now.

( Oh Eva poor Goldie, what's she gonna do? Mind the new car sounds fantastic, so I'm sure you'll get over her and she'll soon find another nice owner. Not as nice as you of course, well they might not play the same high standard of music to her. Names, well it might be obvious but I quite like Scarlett, mind she was another lady with attitude, so maybe Ruby if you prefer?)

Poor Goldie! I have to admit I was rather sad to see our last car go, but we sitched to a diesel and it has proved far more economical. A few suggestions for a name: Scarlet? Ruby? I'm already a Godmother 3 times over so some parents obviously think I am a fine, upstanding person with high morals (do you think they confused me with someone else??)
Ploppy's just been called into work and scollops are playing outside so I may just replay last night's concert while I do the dreaded i***ing!

Great minds Pauline! I was obviously typing as you posted!

Hi Ladies, Martin here
For those who do not have access to the Sky magazine article about DVO, I have put it on the Miscellaneous album for you to read, you might find it easier to rfead if you download it to your desktop and view it using windows (like you did with Jane E's COD pictures.
just click on picture and select download on the right hand side)

Pauline2 and Ali,- thank you for the suggestions. I like both, but my friend, Kari, has a dog called Ruby, so I think that's out!

Maggie,- thank you for that. Do you know, last night after I'd gone to bed and was reading my book about murder and mayhem (my usual bedtime reading!) in NY, I suddenly had this image in my mind about your bra-radio, and I had a long giggling fit!

Btw. Norway has got another GOLD, this time womens handball. They beat Russia, which makes it extra special!

Better get on with some h****w**k. I've spent a lot of time on the phone today. Had to let the family know the good news. My Mum said" So I'm now the proud grandmother of a red car. It's the only kind you're going to provide!" Mums,- don't you just love them? So tactful!

You could alays call her claret or merlot if you want a lush and a red theme Eva?
Right, the i***ing is not getting done with me sitting here chatting to you all, and I've still got to go and air my sister's house and put a few provisions in the fridge for her return from her holiday later today.
Enjoy DT all those going to Stratford, it should have been me too but I couldn't manage it (ploppy changed jobs after I got the ticket and it made it very awkward!). I look forward to your reviews in anticipation of my turn in January!

Oh Eva that is so exciting a brand new car, what make is it if you don't mind me asking and is it an automatic?????
I have a name to put into the ring so to speak CARMINE, it means a vivid red, now arn't you all impressed with this new found knowledge I have ????????????????????
Sorry Ali who did you say had fine upstanding morals?????
Better dash we are having all the Neighbours round tonight, hopefully we can all sit in the garden.

Afternoon all - yes I finally woke up, I couldn't believe how wide awake I felt this morning, typical, the one day you can have a lie-in and your body won't let you! However after I had done a little h*******k and had a cuppa while replying to K1's email, I felt sleepy again and had a great further 4 hours until nearly 11am.
So now it's another rainy saturday and I'm think it'll be a h*******k in PJ's day.

Here's another one who needs to put a colour in her hair later on, although it doesn't have a "sweet" name like toffee or chocolate, just natural medium brown, very boring I suppose. Then I think PB and I will go to a movie tonight.
The X files movie is out and we both want to see it.

Eva (congrats on the new car, just whispering so goldie won't hear me)
I was thinking about a name and so far have come up with Poppy, I know you can get poppies in other colours but what comes to mind are red ones. And it is a girly name.

Jill,- she is a Peugeot 207 SW S (that's the estate model).
Thank you for your suggestions, but I think Karen 2 hit the nail bang on the head, although I don't think she realises. My surname which you know, actually means Poppy in German, so I think Poppy it is! Thank you Karen2,- you are now the proud godmother of Poppy the First!

Oooh now Poppy I like, wish I'd thought of that. Well done K2 I do hope you take your resposibilities as a Godmother seriously.

Congrats on your (Norways) gold Eva! We just got another in boxing, woohoo Team GB! Think that is it now though! It has been great to watch them, I think that makes just one day we haven't won gold, I'm staggered!!

Darn it, I started typing a message, clicked on a link by accident and when I clicked back there was nothing in the comments box. It wasn't anything earth shattering!!

(Poor, poor Goldie, hope she goes to a good home. Her replacement does sound rather special and I like Poppy.)

Thanks very much, Martin, for the scan.

Good afternoon dear loppies .What a wonderful night last night .thank goodness for Roro got the recordings downloaded and video worked like a dream bless sky!.
Nice to be back here what a lot of reading , oh eve poor goldie.!!!
Well girls show was absolutely brilliant never thought it would turn out like this even managed to sell 11 tickets for CKF so the total will be up sometime by 110 pounds. yipee.
Avery sad news though to mar our good for tune is that Dad will be permanantly placed in his carehome mum cannot cope anymore poor dad but he does not care a hoot it is us that find it painful to addapt, but a small consolation prize is that I am finding mum again she is much calmer and now we can at last talkwhere as before i was begining not to like her at all as I could not have any civil response to anything at all. we were for ever fightingall due to nervous state at home.
Had a brilliant day yesterday really blue sky yes it still exists!!!!! such a spirit lifter.
So girlies are you ready for the dublinfest and are you ready dear Geri now long now.
Ok better leave it at this see you all later if |I can .xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx missed you all so much.

Chantale, I'm so sorry about your father. Lots of ohhhmmms to you and your parents.

...quick hello before I rush to the cinema (sorry going to see the Mummy) - Aunty Eva - poor, poor Golide - how's about Rosie as Ruby as gone, or Rowena (Rowan Berry red in case anyone asks!). OK off I go - hope to be back by the Choir! See you later.

Excellent suggestion K2, Poppy the Peugeot, got a ring to it. I confess I misread it at first and thought you'd suggested 'ploppy' and was about to say that is in use already, doh!
Chantale, I'm glad things are working out for you and your family, it will just take a while to settle into your new routine.

Well, it's just taken me three days to get back from town!! Well that's what it felt like anyway - the local football team are playing at home today and the bus goes right past the football ground so the traffic was horrendous and it was so hot and stuffy on that bus. I think the man sat next to me really wanted to sit on my knee, he got that close to me! I'm sorry I know I sound like a snob but public transport is always full of well, the public!! And some of them are strangers to soap and water!!!!! And they always want to sit next to ME!!!!!

Eva - poor Goldie. The end of an era! Poppy sounds lovely though and well done and congratulations to K2.

Chantale - sorry to hear about your father. Lots of ohms to all of you.

I'm just listening to James Blunt and he has just sung "One of the Brightest Stars" which I can't listen to now without thinking of the GO. One of my favourite YouTube fanvids is set to that song and it always makes me feel proud and brings a tear to my eye - soppy Loppy that I am!!

Right, off to unpack my shopping. Bought a new pair of reading glasses today, you know those ones you can buy in stores, rather than from an optician, as I broke my other pair, or rather, I took them off and only one half came off, the other half stayed attached to my face. Don't know what happened there!!

(Congratulations on your purchase Eva) Whispers so Goldie won't hear. Do you think Poppy will be a Loppy when you play the CD in her player?
Oooohhhhhmmmmsssss for you and your family Chantale.
Couldn't get to sleep last night as LCE was going round in my brain.
Hope Geri has had a good journey and will enjoy her stay.

Oh Karen I know what you mean, I spent a very unpleasant tube journey with my nose practically in someone's very sweaty armpit a while ago, yuck!

Oh thank you Eva - I'm truly honoured, I've one godson already but not a god-car(?), I will absolutely live up to my responsibilities as godmother (I'll have her spoilt rotten!)
Poppy the Peugeot/Poppy the Loppy & Poppy for your surname -definitely turning out to be quite an appropriate name.

Karen & Ali - my trick for that particular problem in winter is to discreetly give the scarf I'm wearing a quick spray of perfume and move it up closer to my face, a man who was also suffering a fellow passenger's odour noticed me doing this one time and was grinning at me and trying not to laugh.

Karen- your reference to JB and that song, omg that's totally me!! I know that fanvid you mean, I watch it regularly and when I put on JB I always play that song first because it reminds me of GO. Definitely a Kar'n thing!

Karen,- You must be one of those persons who attracts disaster! Either you accidentially fall, bump or drop something or you come across someone awful. And you such a nice person!
Kathleen,- Lee is going on the new CD player the moment we start on our first journey. You know what they say: Give them to me when they are young........ And she will be a mere babe in arms!
YOHOOO,- Norway has two more medals: GOLD in javelin (?), men, new Olympic record and SILVER in Taekwondoo, women. That's 3 new medals only today!

Karen2,- you snuck in there while I was writing. I'm so glad you will take on the resposibility. I'll send you a photo of your new godcar as soon as I get my hands on her!

Here is a link to the website where you can see one of Poppy's sisters:
http://www.peugeot.co.uk/Showrooms/ModelRange2/?target=2&Model=1PA7&GrBodyStyle=5DOOR_SW

Look forward to seeing the photo Eva.

I was just replying to an email from K1 when another meaningful song came on the radio, Take That - Rule the World which of course brings to mind Lee on stage at the end of The Winners Story with that beautiful smile on his face. Reminders of him can be found in so many places.

K1 mentioned taking pictures in Dublin and it reminded me of something. Martin - there's going to be so many DFest photos you may have to open a special folder!!!

Ok, gotta go do something about my grey hair (most peculiar at only 27) and then PB and I are going out to dinner and a movie. So it will be very late or tomorrow before I'm back, have a lovely evening everyone
Bye!

...oh I like Poppy and it sounds close enough to Loppy to be a winner! Spent some time today trying to find a suitcase that is 55cm x 40cm x20 cm for the Dublinfest. Success in the end (not sure I will be able to cram everything into it so may have to economise on the packing - or put my stuff in Ploppy's and cut down on his!). OK LCS just coming up! OOOOHHHhhhhhhhhmmmmmmms for your Dad and Mum Chantale (and you of course).

Oh Karen I do so agree about the public thing! Then there was the man I sat next to at Spamalot who had not shall we say a certain aura about him! Yueeeww.

I also agree about the Brightest Star vid that KazMiller did of Lee, I just love it. Always brings a tear of pride to my eye at the words and now when I hear the song it just gets to me.

Right LCS on now so will watch that.

Talking about pongy people, there's a man who often gets on the same bus as me in the morning - I'm not sure when he last washed! He has sat next to me a couple of times and I squashed myself against the window, tried not to breathe in and couldn't wait to get off. I now sit further back in the bus specifically to avoid him and if he heads my way, I move.

Reminder that Denise is on Celebrity Who Wants to be a Millionaire this evening on ITV - 8.30 I think.

The first choir ACM Gospel Choir is sooooo good. You want to get up and dance along.
Next Ysgol Glanaethwy; they are so versatile, and the sound is brilliant. Just listening to them, you wouldn't believe that they are so young.
Only Men Aloud ; It's such a lovely song, but they seemed to "disappear" now and then. Arrangement not good?
Revelation; what can they do today? Another song to dance to, but are they adding something more?
The standard is so high now, it's hard to choose.

Hi Eva, I see you have already decided on the name for the new car, Whilst Maggie and I were on the way to footy I thought of Elvira, (ElVirA) but too late, have fun with Poppy.

Been a bit preoccupied with RL for a day or two, have just had a quick catch up, congrats. Jill on the ALW tickets, good idea to have a go and then pass them onto other Loppies, I did so too but no phone call so far.

V. pleased to hear your good news Carol, what a relief for you both.

Thanks for directions to Roro's recording of the concert, I'm sure I heard Carol and Pauline hooraying at the of LCE.

Poppy sounds gorgeous Eva, hope Goldie is not too upset.

How disappointing for you AliB about your film, better luck next time.

Looking forward to lunch tomorrow Pauline, should be lots to catch up on from Geri's visit so far.

Second round:

ACM Gospel Choir; I think their first song was better.

Ysgol Glanaethwy; That was brilliant! The way they build up their songs never stops to amaze me!

Only Men Aloud; some messy harmonies, still not convinced me.

Revelation; That was absolutely beautiful.

I would like Only Men Aloud to go this week.

Oh Eva, poor Goldie. I was thinking Rosie, but Poppy is good too. I think there are some good deals around on cars at the moment, as people are being careful with their money.
LCS, I can't decide. Revelation are just missing something. ACM were they the one with the suspect soloists? (You can tell I'm only half listening, as I was doing the teas/tablets/horse washing/washing up.) I do like OMA,as I like all male voice choirs and they put some oomph into it. YG are very good. So thinking about it my favourites are YG and OMA.
I just had a panic my 2 grand nieces and 1 grand nephew are getting christened soon. Was it on 14th Sept? Nope all OK it's in Oct, oh sh*t is it 19th, .....just off to check. Double double phew, no. I'm safe, can do family stuff. There are few enough of us, it really shows when one is missing, reduces the count by 50%.
Chantale lots of ooohhhms for your family. Good work with the tickets.

Didn't here the 2nd round too well as having major panic over dates.
Did I hear we have Josh G AGAIN. Sorry really not my cup of tea. At least the results are today.

ACM didn't do anything for me this week with their first song - it was very samey and a bit boring (was quite pleased to hear Susie agreed with us!), YG did well, OMA were very good - Revelation - what an improvement on last week! Second songs - ACM (whom up to now I have thought of as a front runner) again disappointed slightly, YG good confident performance, OMA wasn't so keen n Luck Be a Lady as I would have like a little more grip in it. Revelation - another very good performance. Going to be tricky this week, but on the peformances I would lose ACM (which I am really surprised to hear myself saying!).

Oh me oh my, I have no real idea who I think should go this week. Must say I though Revelation raised their game, and AMC didn't blow me away as they have done, but really very hard to choose between them.

Should have said earlier, Chantale I'm sorry about the upset you are suffering with your Father. I'm sure it will be the best thing in the long run especially as you say he seeems happy there. Ohhhhhmmmms for you all.

Isn't it funny how we hear different things from the same performances? I disagreed with the judges quite a few times tonight, especially OMA. I don't know why, I was really off them tonight.
I voted for the first time tonight,- for Revelation, because I want them in the final. Overall though, I think YG has such a special sound that they'll win.

Chantale,- should of course have said so earlier. It's good your father seems settled where he is, and as you say, you can have your mother back, and she can start having her life back, but it must be so hard to have to make those decisions. I dread the day I have to do it for my parents.

Missed LCS tonight. Will catch up on results show.

Ploppy came home from golf earlier tonight and told me he's been asked to play in a competition on Wednesday afternoon and would I mind?? Would I mind? As I will be in the Adelphi in ROW C in the presence of his gorgeousness do I care?? Oh no, not me!!!

Well, it's getting dark, I'm feeling chilly, I've put the lamps on and I've lit the candles for the first time since last winter - Autumn is definitely upon us!! Sorry!!

Karen, lamps, candles? When I lived in Yorkshire we had electricity, but that was before they stopped mining coal up there!!!!
Packed lunches done for tomorrow, 2nd tablet round done.
Oh dear it is JG again and NO GO to add interest. Does he have any other songs?

So watching JG do You Raise Me up, anyone else thinking WHERE IS LEE!!!!

So Eva your vote worked!!

JG singing You Raise Me Up. Something or someone is definitely missing! I'm waiting for that lovely voice we all know and love, but it's not there.( It suits him to have his hair more trimmed.)
Yes! Revelation is through!
No! OMA is through. I can't believe YG is in the sing-off.
The judges MUST save them.

ACM singing Beethoven, jazzed up. I prefer the original! Well, they only borrowed the beginning.
YG: again something completely different and so rich in sound and emotions.
I really, really think they should be saved.

YES YES YES

...ah well judges agreed with me! Real feel for ACM because they have been so good, and I still think their conductor is the best of all the conductors. Next week is going to be very very tricky!!!

Now I'm going to watch The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and probably be well and truly miffed because of the way the title role is being played. A sucker for punishment am I!

Sorry,- meant "glutton for punishment". I can't get my English right all of the time, now can I?

Well I agree that YG were better, but am so sorry for AMC and I loved their MD, glad I wasn't wrong there Carol, thought he was great, I think he could make me sing! Next week will be great I think.

Going to watch DVO I think as Lynley makes me want to throw things at the tv!

...Aunty Eva I've getting irate at the tv too, but Ploppy hasn't read the books so is happy to watch (despite me muttering " this is wrong, he's not like that etc. etc." i the background!

Jo4 - Electricity? In Yorkshire?? That must have been in the good old days when things were modern!!

JG & Raise Me Up - someone was definitely missing!! And JG can soooooo not wear a waistcoat like a certain other young man we know!!

Just watching DVO - I wonder if the GO is one of her "phone a friends"!!!!!!!!

I am too Karen, now there's a thought!

£50,000!! Not bad!! Did I hear DVO say that if they got that last question wrong her and JV would run the London Marathon dressed as bunnies?? Methinks she has loppies on her mind!!

Some time ago someone on here had problems with feet. Today I received a cosyfeet.com catalogue in the post. They have pads put in shoes. (I love their socks) I know at 27, we shouldn't have these concerns, so it's just precautionary.
Well done DVO, I'm watching Insp L, and doing my post/bills, so not really concentrating on either.

How odd I just posted a comment pressed submit and it's not there! Oh well only agreeing about the bunny thing.

Wonder how they are enjoying DT, humm maybe I should rephrase that.

Jo4,- I think it was Ali who had feet problems.
Will you come and pay my bills too?

Been busy with a little project tonight but did watch Denise. Enjoyed her & JV - made me laugh. Yes Karen I think she did say that. Love your comment about Wed! Kinda sounds familiar!

Eva-if it wasn't her, and she has not read the blog, she'll be surprised by the link I've just sent her! And no, pay your own bills!
Karen-Did your Ploppy really think you'd mind considering what you would be doing. I think he was just being nice.

..well off to bed and to read my book (Sepulchre) - so wish you all Sweet Meads!

Inspector Lynley wasn't too bad tonight, although the solution was a bit "thin".
Now what can I do? I've hardly listened to GO singing his new songs today. Have been to preoccupied with spending a lot of money. I think I'll have a listen or two before I turn in, so I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I'm also playing Lee's wonderful new songs. Short thread on WOS re Don Black concert - interesting to read to get non-Lee fans' reactions http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=4607

Well I decided to watch a recording of this programme you all might like. I was inspired by JG singing You Raise Me Up earlier and wanted to watch the 'real deal'. So now very happy teddy.

Thanks for the link Diana I will check it out after I've posted.

Carol don't give anything away that is the book I am taking on holiday with me!

Sleep tight all
Night Night.

Watching that program saw last week on 60s pop music. Strange it is all so familiar, yet I wasn't born yet. They were a bit rude about Cliffy at the beginning.

Now they're into the 70's. Strange how I've seen most of these bands live. (Suzi Q was great, but so tiny.) Looks like it's punk next week, so I'll give that a miss.
I too better go, early start tomorrow. New horsey to ride as Megan is still poorly. On the mend though.
Nightlee night

2nd time today I've refreshed the page without posting Doh! I am listening to himself though so rather distracted!

Been having a trawl through some other sites re Don Black concert and the Jonathan Ansell fans have been looking at Lee's fansites for reviews of his & HW's duet - look what's on this page!
http://jonathanansell.forums.umusic.co.uk/t/1089.aspx?PageIndex=7
It seems there are one or two videos floating around but no mention of any vid of Lee sadly

I also came across a recent interview with Michael Ball in which he says is doing another album which will be out in ..... March! I've lost the link but will see if I can backtrack and post it.

Here's the MB interview http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/I39m-having-a-Ball-.4336299.jp

Found another pic with Lee from the concert on Take That forum! I'll see if I can find the original ... http://bb01.sov.uk.vvhp.net/takethattv/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=25472&start=1185

Here it is - the BBC added it after the others. They must have a load more photos - wish they'd publish more http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/musicclub/galleries/3691/21/#gallery3691

Yes me again - Lee's songs can also be downloaded from here. Roro says they are vg quality http://jonathanansell.forums.umusic.co.uk/t/1261.aspx

Look what I've found!! You have to scroll down a bit http://jonathanansell.forums.umusic.co.uk/t/1224.aspx

Don't think this has been posted before - about Don Black http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article4477893.ece

A hint about Lee and Billy (about two-thirds down) http://westend.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=975634&boardid=3

I really ought to go to bed .... Carys, are you around, I could do with some company?

Yoo Hoooo! here I am:-) had some technical probs today and couldn't get online til very late but OK now. Been busy reading all the links etc. I re-recorded the show from iplayer and if anything it sounds even better on there. I hope everyone has a recording now. Did you all enjoy the interval? Mr Tom Jones and Julie Andrews? Sometimes the originals are best! Glad the choir results agreed with me and there was definitely something missing from the guest spot. I am a very happy bunny today, sitting gazing at a black squiggle on a CD insert........now then BHB as I am here early tonight we can have a nice cuddle before you go to sleep and the sunrise can look after itself.

Hi Carys. So pleased that the choir from Bangor got through. I missed the results show.
Thanks for all the links Diana.
Oh, doesn't the BHB look beautiful when he's sleeping. I'll creep out now and leave him in peace.
Good night/morning all.

Morning, morning BHB, looks like we have the kitchen to ourselves, s why don't we just sit and ... chat for a while whilst the breakfast cooks. You are looking a little excited? You've heard some special people will be coming to see you on Wednesday during the evening job? Well that's nice! Now I've got a bit of a headache this morning so hopefully the customers won't be too noisy (I believe some of them are away) - oh how lovely, you'll give me a neck massage to help it go away....bliss! Smell something burning - oh who cares??

Morning all. My usual weather report: They promised summer over the whole weekend and it seems they were right,- it's bl***y raining!
Hello sweetheart. Sniff, sniff,- now what's this? The breakfast's burning? Carol kept you busy? Maybe she did, but obviously not with what you ought to be doing, namely cook me breakfast!
You've been busy all night? Diana refused to go to bed (!!!!), was insisting on getting a lot of interesting links, Kathleen popped in, but let you sleep, Carys made her usual middle-of-the-night appearance, and then Carol keeps you occupied? What about my breakfast? You'll make it now? Good. My usual leaded, a bagel (since Geri is away and we don't want them to go stale) with smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. That should set me up nicely for the day, don't you think?
With the weather like it is, I think this is one of those Sundays where I sit in my chair, read my Sunday paper from cover to cover with nice music on the radio. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday, I can tell you. You want to join me, BHB? Of course,- you can have the sofa all to yourself. All right, if you insist,- I'll join you from time to time to show you some interesting tid-bits in the paper.

Morning all, foul weather here as well and they promised sun! Hope it clears up as I am off to London today to meet Lepry and Maeve for lunch. As the Olympics handover concert is on as well in the Mall I am expecting it to be a bit manic!

Thanks for all those links Diana, nice photo and now we know where his shoes came from! Odd reading reports from a different fan base, and I don't know where one of them was looking but Lee was definitely in the line up at the end! If only they knew we bumped into (literally) JA on the stairs leaving the theatre and he spoke to us, really nice man but not my cup of tea, seems a waste on me somehow!

Right better get ready for my foray to the capital, have a great day and will be back later.

Morning BHB, yes it is a nasty morning so I think my blanket comes into it's own on a day like this don't you? Oh I know I have to get ready, but always time for a bit of a snuggle!

Morning and no I didn't oversleep, well a bit but I've been up for over an hour and first lot of w*shing sounds like it's just finished.

I think Michael Parkinson probably blocked some people's view of Lee in the final line up. Shame he doesn't appear in those end of show pics but at least there's that one good one. Have a good lunch all.

It's raining here too. Should have done two loads yesterday rather than one. Better empty the machine.

Good Morning - well I don't want to jinx it but we've a lovely sunny morning here for a change, however yesterday started like this but it didn't last long.

Diana - thanks for all the links, you really were working hard, interesting reading the JA fans stuff.

Pauline - (if I haven't missed you) enjoy your Loppy lunch!

PB and I had a lovely evening, we had dinner out which always means a good chat with him and then we saw "You don't mess with the Zohan", would not have been my choice of movie but the xfiles wasn't on until 11.50pm (and I couldn't persuade him that he'd like Mamma Mia!) so there wasn't much else, however we got our icecream (we didn't have dessert in the restaurant) and trotted in and I have to say I did laugh a lot, it was funny in a very twisted and naughty kind of way. I wouldn't particularly recommend it unless you were chosing the film with teenage company in mind.

Ok, gotta go shower etc. Going to a different church today as it's my Aunt's months-mind, can't believe the weeks have gone so fast.

Have a nice Sunday everyone, enjoy your papers Eva, ttyl.

Karen,- I can't think why PB wouldn't like Mama Mia! Oh, well, I suppose it's a film for us 27 years olds and older!
What is a months-mind? I realise it has something to do with your Aunt's death, but I've never heard that expression before. I hope you don't mind me asking.

Pauline2,- have a good one with the others today, and give them my love. I'll see you all on Wednesday!

I've just been on the phone with Syd. He has a nasty cold, but says he's fine. I said I would pop in, but he told me his son was coming later to see him, so if he needed anything, he would get it. I must say, it seems his family had a real wake-up call with Syd's scare in the A&E a few weeks ago. He told me he'd won £2 on last week's lottery, but he'd already spent it all!

Morning all

Sun shining here too at the moment, although it has just been pouring down!!

Diana - thanks for all those links - you were busy last night weren't you. I think you deserved a lie in!

Hope all the lunching Loppies have a lovely time.

I can't stop singing "We Belong to the Stars" and in a Northern accent too (strangely enough!!!).

Sorry, "Some of Us" not "We".

All right, BHB,- I've finally found some interesting news in the paper, so move over on the sofa and I'll read it to you: (From The Sunsday Express TV&Radio pages)
Also watch out for Richard Armitage who, later this year, discard Guy of Gisborne's leather to become the new spy in Spooks.
Wooooohoooooo! RA in Spooks! Goody, we can give him some new roles at our baloon parties then!
That was on page 71 and means I've come to the end of my paper.(The sport section is never read in this household!)
You want the sport pages, BHB? Is that just an excuse to get me to leave you to hog the sofa on your own?

Hello! Just watching the closing ceremony of the Olympics - its rather spectacular!

Gillian - I thought you said ages ago that you were going to Joseph on Tuesday 19 August? Did you go? and if you did I don't suppose you got any photos in the scrum did you?! You are my last hope really as I can't find any other photos from that night and as mine went wierdly AWOL (I still havent figured out how a whole roll of film cannot come out)I was just wondering if you had any you could post! Thanks!

Fantastic closing ceremony. Got so absorbed I forgot my lunch! It's going to be a tough act to follow, though the London 8 mins was good.

Ali, sorry, no photos. I was with ploppy, and he was far more concerned with getting the first available train so that we got back home before the takeaway shut as we had no evening meal!!

No one else who was there seems to have surfaced yet, but I can confirm DT was superb as Hamlet yesterday.

Please Ladies,I wondered if you can all help me my Mum has told me what nice people you are.
I think my Mum is up to no good, she took me to Canterbury yesterday, I thought oh goodie we are off on a nice day out, but she took me to this place that had a lot of my family there, she then went off with a Gentleman and came back looking very pleased with herself, she keeps whispering and muttering about different things, can you Ladies please tell me what is going on?????

Goldie,- WHO TOLD YOU YOU COULD COME INSIDE WHILE I WAS HAVING MY AFTERNOON SNOOZE ? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Really, ladies, you should see the state of my floors. Tyremarks everywhere! I think she has dragged in a lot of mud on purpose! I've just spoken to her in the driveway, and she just look heavenwards and tries to pretend innocense! She hasn't done anything wrong, and oh no, it must have been another car! When I asked her about the blog, she says it must have been an imposter. She says she don't know how to use a computer!
Aha, I said, and how do you work all the techie stuff in your engine, then? That shut her up properly. Now she is sulking and I am fuming. I'm the one who has to c***n the floor. I can't quite see her swing a mop, can you?

Oh Goldie, you're going to have to be a very, very brave girl. I'm afraid your mum prefers another. I'm sorry but it's too late now to help. But don't despair, you never know you might be happier with your new mum or dad. Good luck and go safely!

Diana,- thank you for breaking it to her so kindly. Now she won't talk to me anymore. except to say she's got a new best friend, Diana, and she might just be going to stay with her!

Oh Goldie, just remember that your Mum loves you very much, but sometimes families have to split up and be apart - but they will always be remembered with love and affection. Think you need to sit down with your Mum and just have a chat....

Carol,- there is a mini revolution going on outside! Goldie has now told all the other cars in the road that her Mum has sold her to the highest bidder (which is true!), and when I put my head around they all start bleeping, so there is a cacaphony of car horns splitting the Sunday afternoon peace. Even the neighbours are starting to give me dirty glances!

Well I'm glad my Mum is upset about the revoltion, I thought she was changing me for the Lee Mead person that she goes on about all the time, now I find she is exchanging me for a younger prettier model, I am distraught.

GOLDIE,- Have you been in with one of the neighbours and borrowed their computer? Really girl, get back into your own driveway and let us talk about this as civilized people.(What am I saying? She is a car!)

Goldie - much as I love a bit of rebellion you have to know when to just give in gracefully. I think that time has come.
Don't worry, the Loppies will always remember you!!

Right, pub night for me.

Have a good evening all.

Karen that sounds like a good idea, I shall open that bottle of wine I see lurking in the fridge.

Oh Goldie, Goldie - I am sorry you are so distraught. Now you enjoy that wine and just think even though your Mum might be exchanging you for a younger, but surely not prettier, model, you will still hold a huge piece of her heart (Aunty Eva think some fast talking is required here)! Just think if you move you will meet lots of new friends and maybe even a nice boy car!

OK Goldie girl,- wine it shall be, but I'm taking hold of the ignition keyes! No driving in charge of a drunken self, all right? Red wine? That's my girl,- knows the good stuff!
Of course the new model isn't prettier than you. There is only one Golden girl.

Evening all, I am back home after a lovely lunch. We were to meet in the lobby of the SP and I got there about the sane time as Maeve, so we had a bit of a chat and then there was Geri and Auds, so there were four of us for lunch. to the restaurant in Covent Garden we went to for brunch at the tearfest, as the sun was shining we sat outside and it was very nice. Now what did we talk about? Lets see, there was Lee, then Hamlet (which they recommend btw)then Lee, then..something else then Lee, then oh the DB concert which of course meant talking about Lee, get the picture? Anyway time flew past and I had to get home before the Olympic party let loose so we parted, but I am seeing Auds and Geri again, soon I think! Geri will be joining Lady Jane tomorrow so I think we may see her then!

Now Goldie, what is all this upset? You know that all children grow up and go into the world on their own at sometime. It doesn't mean you are not loved, it is just a new phase of your life. I'm sure you'll be very happy and forget us before we forget you!

Thank you for your help, ladies. What is it with children that they will listen to relative strangers and not to their nearest and dearest?

Just in case anyone needs it the Don Black concert is now available on a CD....

Yes it was a lovely meet up with Pauline, Geri and Auds.
It was great fun catching up with the news of Dublin, Stratford and the DB concert.

Poor, poor Goldie don't you want to go?
I'm sure your new life will be fine, pastures new and all that you know. Knock back some more of the red stuff and you'll soon feel better!

Sounds like a typical Loppie lunch Pauline and Maeve, glad you managed to find something to talk about.

Awww...Goldie, try to look on all this as a big adventure. Just think of all the places you've wanted to visit that your Mummy never took you to...if you put on a cheery smile your new Mummy may take you there!

I think your Mummy has been reading one of my favorite quotes

"Give your children just two things, first their roots and then their wings"

See, she has to let you go in order to help you experience all the world has to offer you.

Oh Carys yes please as I failed dismally to be able to do one!!! Pse email re payment etc. Goldie do hope you are feeling better now! Oh just think this time last week we were at the Palladium (sigh), still Wednesday is only three sleeps away!!

I have just seen this on youtube courtesy of Kirsten, don't think we have seen it. The sound quality for me was lousy but somehow I didn't mind.....thud. It is Himself performing at the Princes Trust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOejOU6bB54

I haven't caught up yet. Had to wait for summer guests to be picked up. All on way home now.
Had a terrible morning, Bubs was really quiet when I got up. He normally yells for his food. After a bit I picked him up to take him to his food. He fell over and had a small fit. I phoned the vet for an emergency appt. Every time he tried to move he had another small fit. He did not yell in the car. So I knew it was the end. He is now under the old pear tree, next to a couple of his friends who died in 05. It is so quiet here tonight, he was half Siamese, so yelled at everything. Dog is very put out as Bubs was the only one who had food on floor, so no tasty pickings tonight.

Oh no Jo4 I am so sorry, how awful, you poor thing. I have just emailed you and did so before I read this, so that's why I didn't mention it. Are you ok?

Oh Jo4,- I'm so sorry about your Bubs. Loosing a pet is like loosing a good friend. I'm sure he is fine in the garden.
Have you been to see Megan today? Is she still poorly?

So sorry to hear of Bubs demise Jo, hope you're ok. How old was he?

Oh Jo4 I had a lump in my throat when I read your post, Hope you are OK, really horrible losing a much loved pet.
Have been feeling really tired today, our guets didn't leave till the early hours last night

Jo, I'm very sorry to hear about your poor cat, hope you're bearing up. It's horrible when loved pets die, thinking of you.

Just caught up, my Diana you were very busy last night, thanks for the links. Love the pic of himself and suit.

Thank you for your thoughts. Bubs was 15 or 16, he had been in decline for some months with kidney failure and recently diagnosed with over active thyroid. He was responding well on the thyroid front, but kidneys are difficult. He was fine yesterday (fine as could be expected) had some roast chicken and the very best cat food (his usual!). I was expecting it, but not for a few months. (Poor old dog has just checked out the bathroom again, as that is where Bubs food was always put, nicely out of the way).

Watching M Clunes and dog prog.

Jo4,- I thought of you when Martin Clunes started on the telly!
It's not easier when a pet dies, even if it is expected. I am sure the dog misses him just as much too.

Oh Jo, I'm so so sorry about Bubs. Wish there was something we could do.

I believe Ro has a slightly better version of Prince's Trust video on her Timeline.

Just got here.
So sorry Jo. It's so hard when that happens. Bought back memories of our Tabitha.

Night all,
Jo, so sorry to hear your news, lots of ooohmmmms coming your way. It can be devastating I know, when you've had a pet that long they're a part of the family and you miss them around the place. Hope you're ok.

Carys - I'd appreciate a cd recording please, can you let me know about cost?

Eva - I hope that you and Goldie have made up by now after all the strife earlier. Did you say it's September 1st that Poppy arrives? I hope that you and Goldie get on ok until then and that you can part as friends.

You asked about months-mind, it's a tradition, not sure if it's a RC thing or if it's just an Irish thing, but anyway, one month after a bereavement, the family have a special mass said in rememberance of their loved one. That's all, so it was at 12oclock and we all went for lunch afterwards. Nearly everyone there today will be going to Italy this week as my aunt was the Granny of the lad getting married.

The great thing about that was that when they all heard about my Mum's fall, someone said about her getting a wheelchair for the airport. She wouldn't hear of it when I suggested it last week but I was delighted to hear her giving in when extended family started to nag at her to do it. So I've been given the task of organising that with Dublin Airport or Ryanair or whoever.

Oh Jo, so sorry to read about Bubs, but you can console yourself with the fact that you gave him a loving home, even if it was expected it still must have been a shock!
Karen2 - we had to organise assistance for my Dad the year he died - we were flying with BA and they organised for me. They told me they were only allowed to organise wheel chairs but in fact gave us instructions for Dad to go on one of those little buggies (think they are organised by the airport rather than the airline) - we were flying from Gatwick so he and mum and their luggage all went for a ride (ditto at Palma airport, although when we arrived he insisted he would be fine to walk with his stick - well we walked for about 20 minutes, so on the way home he and mum took the buggy again and Rick and I did the marathon walk!). I am off for another early night as book starting to get very interesting, so I'll wish you all Sweet Meads.

Oh Jo4 our last cat passed away with kidney failure, and he is in the garden, under a bush
Karen2 I was so delighted to hear your Mum is going to Italy with you, I am sure after the past few months it will do her the power of good.
Eva I hope you are going to be kind to Goldie and wash and polish her before she goes to her new home,I also hope you have hidden the bottle of wine you don't want her to be drunk in charge of a person.

Megan update. She has not felt ill for weeks!! Her treatment ended last week, there is still swelling, but less. Vet is coming Tues to do examination to see if she can start rehabilitation. Some gentle riding and then out in the field for some time. I want to make sure she is really better. She is a big horse, so don't want to rush it.

Karen, I remember problem with Ryan air and a wheelchair, hope you manage the arrangements, bet there will be a cost! Glad your mum has given into pressure, airport make you walk miles (or at least it seems like it).

Karen2 Ryan Air do charge for the use of a wheelchair, I'm sure you won't mind but just so you are forewarned! Much the best thing for her. Just out of interest, as cabin crew we used to make the decision to use the buggy or order wheelies. We were encouraged to order the buggy as it is quicker, and most people preferred it, in fact quite a lot tried to persuade us they'd need it when there was nothing wrong with them! We didn't charge, still don't in fact!

Glad Megan is doing well Jo4, bit of good news at least.

Thanks all for your tips, good to know. I've been looking at the airport site and the Ryanair site and there's a couple of phone numbers to use so I'm going to do that tomorrow.

Good for Megan, oohmmms for her to continue improving.
Til tomorrow, oiche mhaith go leir.

Jo4,- glad to hear Megan is almost back to her old self. Yes, best take it easy in the beginning.
Karen2,- thank you for the explanation about months-mind. I'm glad to hear your mother was listening to the other relatives telling her what to do. It seems it's not only teenagers and stroppy cars that won't listen to their nearest and dearest!
Yes ladies, I will be kind to Goldie. It's too late to hide the wine. She's already drunk the lot, but she'll be alright tomorrow, albeit with a bit of a hangover!
Of course she'll be washed, waxed and primmed before she goes to a new home! We do have our pride, you know!

And with that I'll wish you all a good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Think I'll go to bed as well, feeling sleepy all that fresh air, we sat outside for lunch, I'm not used to being out side this summer! I was going to try and watch the rerun of the handover of the games, debateable if I'll last out, but will try in bed I think

Sleep tight all
Night night

Not had a very good weekend for blog reading. Caught up now though. My old lady was poorly on Friday night, and I was up half the night, then yesterday we had a 70th birthday bash to go to. Back on track now though.

Eva, congratulations on Poppy the Peugeot, I liked Ruby, but Poppy is perfect.

Finally managed to listen to the concert, he was just a bit good wasn't he? Yes please Carys for a CD. Will email you.

Chantale, try to stay positive about your Dad. You as a family will feel much worse than he will. If the care home is good, and I think you said it was, the benefit to you all will be immense, as you say you have found your Mum again.

SueX, love the quote about roots and wings.

Thanks Diana for the links last night.

Oh Jo, poor Bubs.

Bed calling, well more like Ploppy saying are you gonna be on that computer ALL night? He did admit that Lee sounded good at the concert though, and he has taken me to the airport for a trial run today, so can't really complain about him.

Nite nite Loppies. x

I can tell I'm not in my right sorts, I've been doing some h**vering, cl**ning, etc. Did remember to do packed lunches for tomorrow. Cooked some chicken for dog, to cheer her up tomorrow as she will be missing the tasty morsals she used to steals from Bubs.
Didn't do a new cd for the car, so that'll have to wait until tomorrow.
Nightlee night.

Evenin' all (almost good morning!!)
So far it's been a great weekend - and the best of all - there's another day of it to be had.. hoorah!
Inspite of being ready and prepared for the trip to SuA via LHR, I managed to be behind schedule and have to rush out the door - but still in time to pick up my passenger - and even better.. the sun was shining... so naturally everyone was out on the roads, and it took us nearly 3 hours to reach our destination. But we were seranaded by a certain young man all the way there - including the newest downloads... so it mattered not a jot. After checking in, we walked around the place, found a restaurant and had lunch. I made sure Geri saw all the relevant places of interest (well those that I knew of at least). Back at the hotel we unpacked and chatted and chatted - as you do. Again, in spite of being prepared we had to rush to leave the hotel in time.
Oh, and the birthday fairy handed over my pressie; my very OWN adventure with siryounowho (I'd share it with you but.... phew - perhaps not here)..
Hamlet was excellent. Met up Debbie, sans pink fluffy slippers - she says hi to one and all. The production was excellent IMO. JLP, er I mean PS was, as usual, good as both the ghost and the other fella. DT was brill. Geri thought he was looking a little scrawny - must be all the hard work he's been putting into the show... it's a very funny play really, despite the body count at the end (I was expecting Barnaby to walk through the door any moment). Now, what can I say, perhaps just blame Debbie for what happened next - or should I say what didn't happen - we didn't get to the scrum, so didn't thank DT for the use of the Tardis. Bad Loppies. But we were being decent Loppies really - we walked Debbie to her waiting cab instead, made sure she was safe and sound....
After a decent night's sleep and a light brekkie in Costas, we headed back to my place - which took just over an hour... then on into two by public transport to meet up the Maeve and Pauline. You've already read about that so I won't repeat here, other than to say we had a great lunch, and a very entertaining waitron...
And I should have been home long before now.. but got a phone call on the way home for a friend, and went straight on to her place instead for tea... and then dinner.. and then a night cap.. and now I'm exhausted.
Diana you sure were busy with all the links - thanks for the one to JA's site with the music downloads - I've put GBs song onto my ipod now as well - I enjoyed that.
Jo - sorry you had to say goodby to your old friend Bubs.
Chantale - mixed blessings really isn't it?
Goldie - Chin up pet. The saying goes "One door closes and another one opens".. Just think, you might not have to the share your next home with a noisy w*****g machine.
Right - it's definitely morning now... this took longer than expected... so I'll definitely only be back for brunch tomorrow - no early morning start for me... Think I'll ready MY story again... sweet meads ladies.

Morning all. Sunshine, beautiful sunshine today. So what did I do first thing? Started up Mrs. Bosch for a round with the bedding! Can't miss a good drying day like this.

Hello sweetheart. HELLO SWEETHEART ! Wakey, wakey! Yes, I know it's Bank Holiday Monday, and that's why you've been able to have a nice long lie-in. I started up my Mrs. Bosch, made myself a coffee and went back to bed for a good read. There is nothing like a good murder or three to start the day! But I haven't had my breakfast yet, so if you just let me have a croissant with some scrambled eggs, I'll be a happy bunny. Of course another one of my usual too!

I haven't spoken to Goldie yet. I'll let her have a lie-in too. I suspect there might be a bit of a headache going on there, but I really do hope she'll take all the sensible advice you've given her, to heart.

Hi Auds,- it sounds as if you had a good time with our Loppy Laureate then? And how did you recognize Debbie without her pink, fluffy slippers? Glad to hear there was murder and mayhem in SuA too, and that our DT didn't disappoint Maybe we should send Barnaby a mail telling him about the goings on there. I'm sure the audience wouldn't blink if he turned up!

Good Morning all!

I've had an excellent weekend - the castle was lovely though how medieval ladies managed spiral staircases in floor length dresses beats me! I certainly didn't get the hang of them.

I have only done a very quick skim read - but Eva and Goldie parting company??!!! The end of an era!

Jo4 - very sorry to hear about your cat.

Sue - good luck with that trial run (you'll be fine lass!)

I managed to record the concert on Friday, and just had to listen to the highlights. All I can say is 'wow!' Wasn't LCE brilliant!

Now I have to rush. I'm meeting our Loppy Lauriate very shortly and still have medieval gear spread all over the house!

Oops sorry!

Auds - thanks for the reoport back from Hamlet! It sounds like you and Geri and She of the Pink Fluffy Slippers had a great time!

Jane-years ago I always used to wear skirts to the floor. I developed a very non ladylike method if there were lots of steps and I was carrying something so couldn't hold the skirt up. I took the hem of the skirt at one side and tucked it in to the waistband. Sounds a very appripriate venue for a reinactment.
Auds-Sounds like you had a good time, and meeting Debbie, nice to hear she's still OK.
Goldie-Things change, perhaps your new home will be more exciting and you will have different music to listen to during your journies. psst how does your cylinder head feel after all that wine. In some areas of the world cars have alcohol put into their tanks to make them go, instead of petrol how do you feel about that?
Eva-It was sunny when I got up, now it has clouded over, what has our weather correspondant done to the weather?
Dog has refused normal breakfast, better debone that chicken I cooked.

Morning Ladies
Only 3 days in work this week - yay!! except my junior accounts person has just phoned in sick which won't help me get done all that I need to by Wednesday afternoon as I'll be stuck with all those annoying little queries that she would normally handle. However I've got reception to refer all incoming calls to my email so I can at least just deal with the urgent ones.

Auds & Jane - glad to hear all went well for you both over the weekend and that Lepry is enjoying her stay. Roll on Wednesday eh! - jealous? me? never!!

Keep meaning to say also that my manager who is on hols at the moment is visiting people in Wales and was going to be at the Faenol Festival with Jodie, Daniel Boys and JB (mentioned in above article) so when she's back and I'm back I'll be able to find out how it went.

Jo - hope the dog perks up a bit soon, it's going to be hard for him too.
When we were children we had a cat and dog, same situation in that the cat died first and for the longest time if you mentioned the cat's name he would get upset and whine while he checked all around the garden. Hope he eats his chicken - you're being very kind to him.

Ok, w**k to be done - ttyl

Oh dear chicken has been refused. I'll try a walk, see if that makes her feel better.
Catch you later, have a good day all.

Well, Jo4, I did try hitching the skirt up and tucking it in my belt - but with only limited success. And I sensibly changed back into jeans after the drinking started!
OOoooohhhmmms for your doggie. I hope she feels better after walkies!

I take it it isn't a bank holiday in Ireland, K2. Never ming - at least you only have a three day week. And don't be jealous about Wednesday - we're only going to see this show with the winner of a talent contest palying the lead. I don't imagine it'll be any good!

Text from Geri - she's on her way up north. It's nearly time to go and meet her. Bye for now Loppies!

Karen2,- I need to consentrate more when reading. I started on you post and suddenly thought: Wednesday afternoon? She'll surely be in London then ? I had to check back on the postee (is that a word?) and then it clicked. Hope you get everything done before you head out in to the big world outside!
Jo4,- don't mention cloudy weather, please. The weather gods might be listening and decide to get some of that down here. Still sunny and a nice breeze her! Have a good dog-walk. Maybe some new and different smells will perk him up.
Now don't go and give Goldie ideas of an incohol-filled future! I have to wake her up in a minute, as I'm popping up to see Syd, just to make sure he's OK.
Scott dear,- will The Stage have a review of the concert mentioned above? Would be very interesting to hear how it went.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! I don't know what is happening this morning, it may be my computer but the blog is taking ages to load and then when I posted it lost the page and my post!!!! So I'll try again and will copy it first before I post this time.

As I was saying, I had a nightmare last night and dreamt I'd lost the tickets for wednesday, woke in a panic at 5am (middle of the night for me!) rushed downstairs to check and phew there they were, all's well! Carol would never forgive me!

Jo4 I do hope your dog manages to eat something soon, so upsetting for you, lots of ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms for you both.

Hi JaneE welcome back, glad your weekend was good. I'm sure if you put lots of pictures of the GO around your VIP guest won't notice anything else!

Morning BHB, oh it is a little quiet, but it is a bank holiday. If you like I'll help in the kitchen today and we can do brunch, no I've no idea what we'll do.....I know we can have a snuggle in my blanket and talk about it!

Morning.

Hope the walk has helped and she eats something, Jo.

Glad you enjoyed your trips, Jane, Auds & Geri.

Pile of the I word to do so better get on.

....very late today, as had a LIE IN - 9am - wow! Never get lie ins usually as Sunday need to be up for church and Saturday to collect Sloppy! Have put some wxxhxxg on and phoned friends who moved and am now rewarding myself with a sit down with the laptop. Taking Sloppy out for lunch and a drive a bit later but don't know where! Hi Auds glad you had a lovely time - can't wait to see DT in January! Hope Geri has a safe journey eh up North, and is successfully collected by Lady J! Oh Karen2 didn't realise (blonde moment) that you and the Dubliners don't have a Bank Holiday when we do here! OK BHB I think brunch is called for - let me see, you've done the scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, also grilled bacon and tomato and mushrooms - you have been busy. Pancake batter and waffle batters already made, so just a case of cooking to order - by the way that reminds me if anyone is in Oxford Street and wants something light to eat John Lewis have a restaurant on the (think it is third floor) where they cook sweet and savoury pancakes to order - only down side no incohol, but for a quick meet and a certainty of a seat (it is one of those not well publicised venues) it can't be beaten. OK better go and check the wxxhxxg...........

This video is about London musicals and has some clips from Joseph, shots of the Adelphi, a short scrum clip plus few words with Daniel. It wouldn't play last night but is working now. Warning: it is a large file and took forever to download last night http://www.musicalworld.nl/artikel/musicalworldtv_nog_steeds_in_londen/

Hello All, hope you are all enjoying the Bank Holiday, (sorry Karen2) do you have a bh late on?
Hope the walk managed to perk your dog up Jo4.
Do you think Goldie will take Eva to Syd's she might take a strop and refuse to go.
Not doing anything special here.

Morning. Just had time for a quick skim before we head out. Condolences to you Jo, I suspect we'll be going through the same thing with our old lady before long, although we've been saying that for the last few months and she's still holding on!
Pleased that everyone enjoyed Hamlet, I'd forgotten Debbie was going, glad she's ok.
I put shorts on first thing as it was warm and sunny but now very overcast so I'm off to change as I don't want to inflict my legs on people un-necessarily!

Diana,- thank you for the link. What a treat; both Lee and Daniel!
Jill,- Goldie was happy enough to take me up to Syd. She loves him, because he is always saying what a great car she is.
He was fine, still a bit of a runny nose, but better than yesterday. We had a long chat. He wanted to know all about my Row B experience last week, as we've only spoken on the phone a few times.(Had to take a break there and run into the garden to take in the w****g. It's started to drip, drip, drip.) He laughed when I told him that GO had spoken to me,- laughed with me, not at me,- and said: " Of course he'd talk to a lovely girl(!) like you!" Is it any wonder I love the man!
WoooHoooooo!,- I've booked parking at Stansted for Poppy the Peugeot! It was strange filling in the car details; new reg. number, new model, new colour. I wonder what she'll feel about being left at the airport car park. Mind you, it's only for a few days. Better break her in gently! Now Goldie enjoyed her stays at airport car parks. She always had a good time, flirting with all and sundry,- but happy enough when it was time to go home!

Hi all

Had a busy morning so only just caught up from last night.

Jo - so sorry to hear about your cat. Hope your dog settles down soon. It's just as difficult for them as it is for us, isn't it.

Glad all the loppies who lunched yesterday had a good day. Geri should be amongst us Yorkshire folk by now. Hope her and Jane have fun. Btw, that reminds me - I asked Jane to remind me about the tickets for Wednesday (yes I'm still paranoid about forgetting them! snap Pauline!) so Jane gave me a very good piece of advice - put them in my handbag immediately!! Yes, well, that would be a good piece of advice if it wasn't likely that I would change my mind, probably several times, between now and Wednesday about which bag I'm taking!!! It would be just like me to put them in my bag and then take a different bag with me! Doh!

K2 - glad to hear your Mum's taking the advice about the wheelchair. I'm sure she'll find it a lot easier.

Eva - Goldie sounds just like me on holiday - "flirting with all and sundry but happy enough when it's time to go home"!!

Must tell you about my evening at the pub yesterday. I mentioned a while back about one of our regulars who was on x-factor a couple of weeks ago - I also mentioned about the singing coach who taught him and what a wonderful and inspirational man he is. The singing coach is also a regular in our local and he was the act on stage last night. He has battled through leukaemia three times and yet, wherever possible, he has never let the kids down that he coaches. His battles have given him a wonderful outlook on life and the philosophy he teaches to the kids is to live life to the full and follow your dream. It might sound like a bit of a cliche but he encourages them so much that they feel inspired to do just that. He himself is a fantastic singer and entertainer and his voice is so powerful, sometimes, on a particularly big number he puts his microphone down and sings without it and you can still hear every word. He did this last night and when we saw him put the mike down we knew there was big belting number to come and boy was there - Nessun Dorma!!! You could hear a pin drop and the look on the faces of "his" kids, who had come to watch and learn, was a sight to behold and brought tears to my eyes. It was truly magical!

Sorry to bore you with that, I just felt the need to share.

The weather can't decide what it wants to do today. One minute sun, the next minute dark clouds. It's quite warm though.

OK, lunchtime!!

Hi Karen,- thank you for sharing that. It is truly inspirational to hear about people like that. Too often we talk about and remember the nasty ones and forget about all the wonderful people that surrounds us.
Just a little reminder for those who might be interested: This afternoon at 5pm on Channel 4 is Terry Wogan new quizz show Wogan's Total Recall.
As Karen says: Lunchtime.

Did anyone listen to Michael Ball yesterday? Did he mention the DB concert at all?

Karen what a marvellous guy, it lovely to hear stories like that, warms the cockles of my heart!

Eva glad Syd is doing well. Oh and well done for getting Poppys' parking sorted. I'm sure she'll have a lovely time with all the other cars.

Sorry Diana I was out yesterday!

Was going to do so much today and it is disappearing fast. Trouble is I didn't have aplan, so just do a bit of this and that in the end.

Diana,- I was listening with half an ear, but cannot remember any mentioning of the concert. I might be wrong, though.

Hello, just dropped in to say 2 tickets for Oct 18th matinee are available if anyone is interested. Someone called Jenny on The Forum has DC C27 and I have DC E3.

Will catch up later.

Afternoon All
To answer the Bank Hol question, we had ours at the start of August.

Eva - you'll have to give me a guarantee that my godcar is going to be ok, I don't know about you leaving her with all those strange cars and she's only a baby. Perhaps you shouldn't come to Dfest, might be better to stay home and look after Poppy? [ok, ok, you can stop throwing stuff at me, I was only kidding]

Karen - that's the kind of person who makes the rest of us really stop and think about what we consider important and the silly things we moan about.

How is the dog Jo? sorry for calling her a him earlier, I tend to think of dogs as boys because my one was. Anyway, hope she's back on form and eating tonight.

SL badges all packed and going in post this evening, hope they don't take too long to arrive. If anyone hears from Ringer can you ask her if she still wants one. She emailed me ages ago to say she was interested but I haven't been able to get hold of her since.

Talk to you later from home.

Jo - Sorry to hear about your cat - its awful when a pet dies. I still miss my rabbit Fluffy and he died nearly 20 years ago!!

Gillian - Thanks for letting me know about the photos. I now have the really hard job of looking at subsequent scrum photos and seeing if he wears the same shirt and jacket again!!

Karen you didn't bore us at all, as others have said it is lovely to hear a story like that, I bet it was a magical moment thank you for sharing it.
Karen 2 I don't know whether you have already put postage on the Badge envelopes, if you haven't you can give me mine on 18/10.
Been watching the ho