Strictly Come Dancing 2008: On its way…

Hi Scott,

Thanks for that, was very interesting!

Do you remember who danced with Matthew Cutler during the pro jive demo? Would like to know who his new regular pro partner on the show will be now Nicole's gone.

Oh no I'll miss the first episode because I'm at We Will Rock You Cast Change! Oh well that's what iPlayer's for iSuppose.

If he hasn't got two left feet Tom Chambers to win!

I think 16 couples is too many. I find even sitting through 10 in those first stages when a lot are rubbish is too much

I like the sound of Lisa Snowdon. There will be tears before midnight, but hopefully Brendan's!
Lots of ex-Eastenders there. Maybe they should start ballroomclasses in Queen Vic!

Well I'm hoping that Cherie is a good contended.. can you see where I'm going with this??? I know, I'm very shallow, but I wouldn't mind watching Mr. Jordan every week; and Ian and Matthew.
The Karen and Gary teaming I'm guessing will make very good viewing (and hopefully lengthy) both having a very precocious personality. And then I hope Jess and Darren last a while..

I'm glad Brendan is back, I was a little concerned he might not do this series. I do hope Lisa is good, so he stays in. See Auds I said it straight out.

This thread has now been co-opted for Loppies comments...

Thanks, Scott -- and welcome back! Hope you're well rested. Don't suppose you've got any Lee news you'd care to share?

weeee hhheeeeeee brand new sparkling (well slightly used) home. Thank you Scott, hope you had a lovely holiday.

Hello Scott, nice to see you back. DId you have a good relaxing holiday?
Oooohhhmmmsss for all in need and for the weather tomorrow. Forecast does sy it will be sunny and 19C so will keep everything crossed for all those going to PitP. Give GO a wave and a shout from me. Pleased he's recovered now.
Glad your Ploppy is OK. Why do men never think to leave a message?
Thanks for all the links, off to check now.

Oh Scott forgot to say, give our thanks to Scottella-Susan for looking after us in your absence. Can you believe she's never seen Himself? I did post her a link to a YT, felt I just had to add to her education.

No, no new Lee news to report, I'm afraid.

And I hope everybody enjoyed the SCD preview tonight -- as I predicted, I was onscreen for a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance during the brief clips from the press launch. So I'm guessing you lot all blinked at the same time... ;-)

Hello Scott, welcome home, hope you had a good holiday. We were well looked after in your absence.

Hello Scott, welcome home - we missed you, especially at Dublinfest (you weren't lurking around corners and spying on us, were you?) Hope you had a lovely holiday.
Tell Susan we said hi and that we'd still like to hear from her if she feels like popping in now and again.

Karen - glad to hear ploppy turned up ok, have you decided on an appropriate way for him to make it up to you?

Well, I've flopped into a chair just in time to watch Casualty. Spent the later afternoon up until dark out in the garden and got lots done but not as much as I could have when out the front due to prolonged chatting with my neighbours. Still getting plenty of fresh air though!

Got my up to date student id card - not as nice a photo as last years one, but as long as it gets me into the cinema at a discount that's ok.

Missed SCD, forgot it was starting tonight, will have to catch it up next Sat. Have we any hunks?

Oh Scott I saw the SCD press conference bit, but since I've no idea what you look like, I can't say I saw you. I'll go and have a Google to see if I can find a pic of you.

K2 - hunks - oh yes - check out Mark Foster and his pecs!!

Woohoo a new home, hi Scott welcome back, and thanks for not telling everyone we were on holiday together!! Just kidding, hope you had a great time. My thanks too, to ScottElla for taking care of the blog.

Like Jo4 I have no idea what you look like so I don't know if I caught you on camera or not!

Me, Google queen, has failed. Unless one of the 3 face book entries are Scott. 2 pics were too young, one was about right age. I have to go and pack for tomorrow. I'll check lists from previous 'home'.

Did find an interesting bit, IF Scott comes from Barnsley!!!

Thanks for the move Scott, welcome back and regards to Scotella.
Enjoyed the SCD preview programme though fear I blinked at the vital moment.

Also watched Maestro to see what the audience area looked like, were they sitting or standing? Standing I think, which will be fine so long as we can sit until concert begins.

Glad to hear your Ploppy has returned safely from The Mother Ship Karen, what is it with men and their inability to leave notes?

Whew home at last, and to a new one (thank you Scott) - missed SCD of course, but that's the price to pay for family get togethers I guess! Welcome back Scott, and thank you for the new home - please thank Scotella for looking after us during your (well earned) holiday. Had a somewhat hectic day - only been home for about half an hour mid day and out the rest of the time. Bad news is we have mislaid my waterproof bottom but are still looking! Karen, loved the idea of the IOU Brick from the Aliens! Has he come back with strange electrodes sticking out of his head? Maggie & Martin lets of ooooohhhhhhmmmmmmmss for your young one flying the nest and the country! Webcam is a good idea though! OK have to finish my service, so bid you all adieu for now (pooter playing up and it has taken me half an hour to get on the site!). Just think this time last week enjoying the tale end of the Poetic Pub Crawl!

Mmmm yes, have checked out the SCD website Karen and I have to agree about MF, clever wardrobe decision to put him in just a waistcoat, they know what works!

Right rucksack packed. Hope I've thought of everything.

I wonder if any of us will be lucky with our SCD ticket applications?

I'm off for an early night.
Nightlee night all, see some of you tomorrow.

Hello ladies, long time no post!

Lost trakc of the Blog - but the link from LMAS was useful in finding you again! Thanks for that!

I too watch SCD but am ashamed to say that I didn't find MF and his pecs that attractive!!!! A little too defined for my liking!!!!!

Just my thoughts!!!

Donna-Hi. I'm with you re MF.
Really am going now

Hi Donna - nice to hear from you

Have to head out now, putting on my taxi-driver's hat, to pick up PB & pals from the concert. Probably not back on tonight as I imagine it will be quite late depending on traffic.

Jo4, Eva and PiP loppies have a great time, looking forward to the reviews.

'til tomorrow then!

Thanks for the new home, Scott. Hope you enjoyed your holiday.

Enjoyed the SCD preview.

Maggie & Martin ohhhmmmms to you for your son going to Oz.

Karen, your Ploppy story made me laugh but I know how you must have felt. Mine's gone off without saying anything several times - hadn't a clue if he'd gone for 5 mins or 5 hours. Only last weekend I opened the front door to speak to Ploppy to see the car disappearing round the bend.

Just watching end of Proms and see there are a couple of screens up so hopefully they'll still be there tomorrow .... but there are an awful lot of people there. When Ploppy came home about an hour ago, he said it was very cold outside so PiPers bring warm clothing.

Hi Donna - lovely to "see" you again! Diana - I'm going for the layered look tomorrow .... probably resemble the Michelin Man! Sainsbugs were selling plastic wine glasses filled with wine....clever but an expensive way of buying wine! Anyway off to bed now so Sweet Meads all!!

Great to see you on here, Donna.

I'm off to bed shortly. Sleep well all.

Evening all. Nice to see we've got a new home. Thanks Scott.
Pauline2 - welcome back. Glad you had a nice holiday. Ari is sooo cute.
Geri & Jane - Situation Grave has got off to a fantastic start. Eagerly awaiting more from both of you.
Donna & Deanna - nice to "see" you both again. Ohhmms for your leg Deanna, I hope it gets better soon.
Maggie & Martin - Ohhmms for your scollop's move to Australia. Hope it all works out well for him.
Karen - glad you found ploppy &, more importamtly, the wine.

I missed SCD tonight so will have to try to catch it on iplayer,

Ohhhmms for the weather for all those of to PitP tomorrow. Hope it stays fine for you & you have a lovely time.

I've been working in the garden all afternoon and am rather tired & achey now so I'm off for a nice soak in the bath & then bed.

Ohhmms for all who need them, and plenty more for the bank.

Sweet Meads all.

Hi Donna, how lovely to see you again. Well I agree MF isn't a patch on Lee or even Ramps for that matter, but if I'm forced to watch him I supppose I will. I actually think he looks best in that all in one swimsuit, but that's just me!

Right off to bed myself now I think. Still feel a bit jaded! Will see some of you all tomorrow, I will be easily spotted as I will be carrying a suitcase so I have something to wear whatever the weather!

Night night all sleep tight.

SCD was great fun and of course I managed to record it so will be playing it back in slow motion to try and capture the Scott moment.....screen captures Scott! ...will I find you?? Did you read in the paper about that silly politician who wants to be on the show? He has been taking ballroon dancing classes forever....so obviously doesn't watch the show and know that the celebs are all beginners..just about sums up our politicians and their lack of contact with reality LOL I think I can claim the loppy gold for this thread.

Hi all, thank you for all the Ooommhhs, we had a lovely dinner out tonight with Daniel and his girlfriend (the ones going to Australia) and our other son and his girlfriend,
Haven’t had time to catch up on the old blog yet but will go back and have a proper read to find out about Karen’s Ploppy and the mother ship???? Looked for a photo of Scott and found this one (second photo)
http://www.mediabistro.com/content/party_photos/party_photos_allmedia_party_in_london_33615.asp
Thank you to Scottella for looking after us, and thanks for the move again Scott
Hope all our Ladies going to the park have a great day and that the weather is kind to you all.

Was looking for links about PIP and found this
http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7290000/newsid_7297300/7297345.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&asb=1&news=1&ms3=22&ms_javascript=true&bbcws=2
interesting to listen to it again.

Morning BHB, lovely day today - oh you are doing something this evening to do with your usual evening job? But it's a Sunday! Don't they give you time off? Think we ought to make up picnics today as I think several loppies may be interested in them, let's go into the kitchen and plan what to include. I see you started the breakfasts, my you certainly deserve that raise!
Scott forgot to say hope you had a lovely restful holiday and either went somewhere nice and hot or somewhere you could chill out - you've been working very hard this last year!
OK disappearing for most of the day but will post later!

It's a hi and bye from me this morning - lots to do before I go.

Nice to see Keith being loyal to his old employers but note reference to his CD being put back a week!
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/news/newsfeed/2008/09/14/keith-to-don-tesco-coloured-team-coat-78057-20736131/

Well done Maggie for the picture of Scott. I think it was him I found on Facebook, but Scott it was a weirdly posed pic (looming into the camera), perhaps that's what Facebook pics are like, it's not a site I look at much.
Maggie-I hope all goes well with the departure of Daniel, take lots of hankies. At least with the modern forms of communication you won't have to wait a month for a letter to come back by sea.

Hello BHB, Carol tells me that you are busy this evening, strange that I'm going out too. (I know, on a Sunday before a 'school day' unheard of.) Perhaps I'll see you. Just a dc and a fruit platter for me, you're too busy making picnic things? Oh dear self service for me again.

Morning all

It's dull and grey here at the moment but at least it's dry. Hope the weather's good for the PiP.

I've just packed Ploppy off an (another) golf trip so he's not back till late tomorrow night so I'm freeeeeeeeee!!!! Will be going out later myself and staying away overnight too so better get my own bag sorted. Not going anywhere as exciting as PiP though!!

Hope all PiPsters have a fantastic time. Can't wait to hear the reviews.

Thanks for all the links ladies.

Good morning, I hope it is just as nice a weather in your nick of the world as it is here. Glorious Sunshine!!! But very cold right now.
We have moved to a nice new house, lovely. Thanks Scott.
Yesterday my neighbour has been painting my front door. It looks great but it meant I couldn’t get away cause the door had to dry and could not be closed. That was a bit of a downer since we had a festival going on in town with lovely music and drama.

I read that more people have seen the magic of Freek, the next Dutch Joseph??. I think he is very good but I am quite open for the other boys. Just to clarify something. In Holland they are not looking for a Joseph among new talent but just for a good Joseph. So there were lots of professionals auditing. 8 of the 11 josephs in the live show have experience in musicals. Some are working right now. The other 3 are amateurs and they all made it into the next show.

Morning all, have overslept again!!!! Amazing, but am feeling in sparkling form, I wonder why. Might be because I'm doing something good later!

Mustn't linger, must get on. Hello BHB, you look happy today. Oh you are pleased the weather is good as you are working outside tonight. Know how you feel, so glad it's not raining! Mind that doesn't mean you get away without a snuggly cuddle, oh no, I'm owed a weeks worth, so here's my blanket and let's get snuggling!

Morning All, Hi Anne!
Grey morning in Dublin but no rain just yet. Hope it stays dry for PiP - have a great time all going.

PB was ecstatic about Nickelback concert last night, they were right up the front and he got to high-five the lead guitarist. Yes, he had quite a good time!

Lots to do today but all boring stuff, will have to put on some good music, any ideas?

morning... what a lovely blue sky we have today here in London. Bit of a breeze, but could be just right for the PiP tonight! Watching Proms last night, the sunset and twighlight looked delightful.. I did see some folk sitting in chairs, but as everyone was standing, which I'm going to presume is what will happen tonight, taking chairs shouldn't be a major issue (just the carrying of them)
Thanks for our new'ish home Scott. Hope you had a lovely holiday - thanks to Scottella for watching over us in your absence...
Now BHB, put Pauline down, that's enough for her today.. don't want to be overdoing it. Yes I know she's been away.. but don't let that sway you. I think a hearty breakfast is in order - got a long day ahead - waiting impatiently for our GO to serenade me and a few others this evening.. Oh, are you going to be working tonight as well? (why does he always get so tetchy when we talk of our GO - perhaps he's just jealous of all the attention and devotion we lavish on him? Doesn't he know that we love almost as much? Should we club together and send the BHB to drama/singing lessons - give him a little more self assurance??) after he's done his bistro stint of course.
Hello Donna - lovely to see you here. I wonder, will we see you later this evening as well?
Karen glad you found the Ploppy - only to dispatch him again today - but at least you know where he is this time.
Diana thanks for those links - thrilled to see we have the T**co Kid joining us tonight?????
Time to get the h*w*k out of the way before the excitement overtakes....

Oh what a beautiful morning, hurray, the sun's out and no sign (fingers crossed) of rain.
Good to hear from you Donna and thanks for link to ALW interview Carys, don't remember seeing it before.

Yes Auds, Hyde Park looked lovely last night with the red in the sky to the West but might be a bit chilly.

Have to pop out for a bit now, then it'll be back to make picnic, then off to HP for PiP.

Hello! Thank you lovely Scott for moving us!! I couldnt get on the site at all yesterday - it nearly killed my computer!! Thank you Carys and Diana for help and the link to here! Hooray! I too watched SCD and agree with Donna about Mark Foster! I rather thought the rugby player was kinda funny - will be fun to watch. Have a lovely time everyone going to PIP - lots of full reports please (especially where Lee sings in the line up so we are prepared for it when it comes on the radio!), what he is wearing, singing etc etc! Really wish I was going but the timing isnt good - I saw the stage etc on Maestro last night and it looks great - two huge screens at the side of the stage but wrap up warm!!

The sun has got its hat on hip hip .... Gorgeous day. Crawled in at 2am last night (sorry this am) after 50th birthday pary and now off to 60th. Gosh I hope I have their stamina when I am their ages:) Party last night lovely in marquee in lovley garden and lots of bubbly. Should be great tho chilly (so take lots of blankets to sahre pauline) fro PiP - have a great time.

Ok off to collect scollop. I know he passed his test but we forgot to tell insurance so he stil cant drive on his own.

Maggie - skype and webcam good. we used it when scollops cousins (and parents) moved to USA. Tho not the "real thing" still enables you to keep in touch visually. Next fest in Oz?

Watched SCD and with Donna and Jo on MF.

Still not caught up on all blog or links or story but soooooon.

Forgot welcome back scott, thanks fro new home and say thanks to scotella - hope she enjoyed her caretaking duties. BTW I blinked.

ooooooooooh very quiet on here today, I wonder why?????????????
just read this on another fan site

Txt from the Mead Crew is that Lee will be singing 4 songs Close Every Door, Any Dream Will Do , All I Ask Of you and Love Changes Everything.

Lucky Loppies .........reviews asp PLEASE

Very very quiet here - where is everyone. Have caught up on some links and went to read the new story on carys site but says i am only a visitor and need to register as member but have already done that and cant remember if I need password etc. I wouldnt remember anyway but after several glasses of sangria i def dont remember. Oooh if I dont think of a way of getting onto site soon - i might have to go and do i......g. help.

still lovely and dry tho sun gone in so PiPsters should have a good eve. esp if Pauline has brought her multi coloured blankets.

Thanks for that update Maggie. Four songs!! As you say, Lucky Loppies, indeed!!

Ok everybody, I'm going out for the evening and not back until tomorrow so hope to have some reviews to come home to.

Have a good evening everyone, even if you're not fortunate enough to be at the PiP.

PitP should be underway now. Wonder if they got to hear GO rehearsing? Looking forward to all the reviews and pics. at least it's dry for them all.
RL keeps getting in the way this week. Better go and do the ixxxxxxg.

Hi Ladies, quick report on PiP!
SueX tx me earlier to say she was in pole position (almost) and the weather is fabby, then 5 mins ago squeeeeeeeeal she rang again whilst our boy was on stage. Heard the whole song too, he sang Love Changes Everything and wow he sounded fantastic - the screams were deafening, our Loppies did us proud - again and what a star sis XXXX

Hello from rainy Dublin. I hope the weather is better in London. Looking forward to reports when the show is over.

This week has been so flat after all the fun and excitement of last weekend. I'm so looking forward to meeting everyone again in October. I actually have two tickets for the evening performance on 18th. The original one is in the upper circle but thanks to K2 I now have a better seat in the dress circle.

Dear Maggie and Martin - I understand completely how you must be feeling as your son sets of for Oz. My son left home for the first time ten years ago when he left college. He has been home again and left again so often I think he must have a boomerang on his back. Each time he sets off it is as heart wrenching as the first time. Still, as a lovely lady reminded me last year, we raise our children to let them go and we let them go so they will want to come back.

Jenny Dublop

Ooh LinX, you've made me really jealous now! Glad you got to hear one of Lee's songs. Almost makes up for not being able to go. Good to know the Loppies are also in fine voice! Hope the weather continues to stay fine for the remainder of PitP. Looking forward to hearing all the reviews. One of my work friends (a massive John Barrowman fan) has gone & has promised to try to get me some Lee pics.

Jenny, sorry to hear you've had a flat week, but look on the bright side - only 5 weeks to Octoberfest!!

Lin thanks for update - gosh you must have felt part of the excitement. LCE - I love that song - and with the GO singing even better. Looking forward to the full reports.

Jenny - this week has seemed quite flat here too but lots of good memories.

Our pc has just expired so 4 people fighting over the laptop so will just have to develop sharp elbows:)

Second PiP report, just heard JB singing, think your friend will be very happy Lindsey he sounds fantastic too - I have to confess I'm a huge fan but the GO is still at the top of my list!
There's a giggle of very excited Loppies waiting for our boy's 2nd number - Ploppy could not believe the noise (again)!
Sorry to hear you're a bit blue Jenny, I think we all felt a wee bit like that and it's not surprising after such a great, fun weekend, roll on Octoberfest X
Hi Fi, there's lots of sharp elbows in our house just now too - good luck.

3rd PiP report - mega squeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaal the GO's just sung CED!
OMG he sounds amazing and so do our girls!
You're right Fi it was very exciting to hear him live, next best thing to being there.
Woohoo now he's singing ADWD and my eldest scollop is singing along on the sofa, keep playing his CD's and she'll soon be converted hee hee.
Boy my sister can scream loud X

Linx your family are very talented, you're destined for the stage and Sue to be a roving reporter.
Jenny thank you for your post, it was very sweet, and thank you to everybody for their Ooohhhhmmmmmsssssss.
Not yet said goodbye to them, as we will be taking them to the airport on the 24th, but they have said goodbye to our other son and all their friends in our town.
I'm sure the girls at the PiP are having a good time, I will look in later tonight to see if our roving reporter has filed a report.

Hello all! Just popping on to say I'm home after a lovely weekend at our medieval show!

I haven't had time to catch up - but thank you Scot for the new home - hope you had a good holiday!

And I see Donna has been on - Hi there Donna!

I'm a bit tired to say the least so Good Night all!

Well it was going to be a quick hello from me, then I hit the wrong key and lost my post, so I'll try again.
We've been away for the weekend in the Derbyshire Dales checking out our new caravan, the friends we were with have walked my little legs off. Ploppy is snoring, and it won't be long before I join him.

Nice to have you back Scott, thanks for our new home it has certainly speeded things up a bit.

Donna, nice to 'see' you, you should drop in more often.

Jenny, we had such a good time last weekend, I can't wait for Oct 18th to see everyone again, not long now!

Lin, great to hear news from PiP. Lucky you to hear him live. I had a strange text from Sue earlier, something to do with an umbrella? I think she hit the wrong key on her phone. BTW what DID I miss last weekend? I gather congratulations are in order for the acting skills!

OK, snooze time, looking forward to reviews from PiP tomorrow. Nite nite Loppies. x

OOooo PinP sounds exciting doesn't it! Lucky Loppies! Thanks Lin & Suex for the reports!

Deffinately time for bed now! Sweet Meads!

Hi Ladies - PiP report no. 4!
Sue just rang on way home from what has been an amazing concert.
It began with one of the top producers welcoming everyone and asking the audience who they were looking forward to seeing, suffice to say when he mentioned the GO's name the place erupted, then he mentioned Jonathon Ansell and barely got a ripple - sounds like no-one was in any doubt that our boy is the star act! Needless to say the GO looked as good (thud, swoon) as he sounded and I think there are a lot of Loppies melting all the way home.
Maggie you're very kind, Super Sue managed to record, take pics and hold her mob for me to listen, talk about multi-tasking, must give her my agent's name!
Jane, welcome home glad you enjoyed your weekend.
Sue welcome home from the beautiful Dales, no you didn't miss anything on Sunday night we just sat around having a wee drink and a chat with some lovely music playing in the background!
Eva (via Sue) is asking me "Dahling, who's dead" - don't know what she means.
I'll leave the rest of the details to our lucky ladies who were there, this is your other roving (I wish) reporter signing off for the night.
Nightlee night Loppies XX

...I'm back and it was fantastic! Got to the park and joined the queue just after 3pm could see Sue's multi coloured umbrella and tried calling; evenutally managed to speak with Jo and she told us where they were going to head once we were allowed in. Whilst we waited we heard the performers do sound check runs with the orchestra, so heard the GO doing LCE and the ADWD. They let us in slightly later than advertised and we managed to meet up with Maeve, Diana, Jo and Eva (forgot to say this is a group of Ploppy, me, Pauline2, Auds and her friend Sue). Sat and had a quick picnic and then the show began. As LinX says the producer asked us who we had come to see - huge (and I mean huge) cheer for the GO and then he said JA, and a muted response!! GO sang more numbers than anyone - four. JB did 3, Duncan James did 2. Concert started with Joss Stone singing Superstar (think she was on something!!). Then we had a superb performance of Gethsemane by Steve Balsamo - my second favourite performance after the GO! Jessie from IDA sang "I Don't Know How to Love Him" - Ploppy's verdict "nothing out of the usual". Then highlight no 2 - the CO looking incredibly constipated sany No Matter What....I draw a veil over this! JB then sang "Oh What a Circus", Idina Menzel (from Wicked) sang Don't Cry For Me,and later on returned for Unexpected Song - big applause but I have not idea why. Thought she was really mediocre. Duncan James did Mr Mestophelees - liked him too. DvO was excellent with Take That Look off Your Face - and looked stunning. Of ghe others (apart from the GO that is) Jodie sang a very good "You Must Love Me", Dean did King of My Heart dressed in a white Elvis suit, Maria Friedman repeated the song she sang at the DB Concert "As If I Never Said Goodbye" (although I thought she was better at the DB concert). Lots of other song, but bed beckons I'm afraid! Wonderful fireworks at the end and ALW came on to thank everyone. (When he went off he hugged the GO) then they came back on to sing "Happy Birthday to Him" and the GO was our side so we all waved like mad and fondly imagine he knew it was us! Do hope they release a DVD as well as the FNiMN. Fantastic evening, but no interval and my feeet are somewhat aching after standing for over five hours!!! Sweet Meads all ......I'm off to dream!

Just got in. Concert was fabulous and Lee absolutely brilliant. He did more songs than anyone else. We heard and could see (just) him rehearsing Love Changes Everything. I got there first around 11.15, then Eva nearly an hour later, and then Suex, Brenda & Kirsten, followed by Jo and a little later Maeve. The entrance to the stage was an awful long way and of course everyone wanted to get to the stage first - out of breath by the time I got there. Me, Eva, Jo & Maeve got a spot about 7 back at the right side and were joined shortly after by Carol, Auds, Pauline, Rick & Auds friend. We had a brilliant view and some space so we could sit down if we wanted.

Denise sang Take That Look Off Your Face immediately before Lee came on. I thought she was very, very good, I was extremely impressed and she looked fabulous in a simple floor length black dress. Lee sang LCE first - I love his version. He looked well gorgeous! He came back a few songs later to do All I Ask of You with Hayley Westenra - loved that too. Might still prefer it with Connie. Just before the end he sand CED followed by ADWD. He and John Barrowman got the best responses of the night. At the end some of the cast came on again led by Lee and he came right over to our side so we were waving to him.

The one disappoint of the night for me was Idina Menzel. I've never heard her sing before but heard lots of good reports. Well she did two songs and neither impressed me at all. And I wasn't alone. I certainly won't be rushing to see her in anything.

That's a very quick review as I'm absolutely shattered and heading for bed.

Forgot to say took a few pics and videos and will try to download them tomorrow night.

Photos already on Getty site
http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-GB&family=editorial&assetType=image&p=andrew%20lloyd%20Webber's%20birthday%20in%20the%20park&src=standard#
I am going now! Night night

Been home a wee while but collapsed on sofa as me poor old pins aren't used to standing so long.

Tha concert was wonderful as Carol and Diana have said, GO really was the star of the evening. It was great fun picnicing and chatting to Jo, Diana, Eva, Suex and later Pauline, CaroL, Rick, Auds and her friend Sue.

Too tired for anymore tonight, but it's been a fabulous day.

Hi all back as well. What a fantastic evening though my back is killing me from standing for at least 6 hours!! Worth it though. The GO looked so wonderful I can't tell you. There were two giant screens either side of the stge and the sight of him giant size was.....THUD!!!! All that and there he was right in front of us as well. To me he really was the class act of the evening and of course I'm not predjudiced! He really does look so pleased to see everyone when he walks on stage. He now has such presence and confidence. He's always been fantastic but he has just grown so much, I think mumbly bumbly Lee has gone for ever!

I think there were some other people did things, not sure! I agree with Diana I think Lee and Connie had better chemistry in AIAoY, but it was still lovely.

Think I'm babbling, oh will say there is hope for a DVD as it was recorded by cameras so here's hoping!

HUGE thankyou to our star Diana for getting there early so we had such a great view.

Must to bed will try to be more constructive tomorrow. Night night all sleep tight.

Fantastic reviews ladies, thank you. Diana, thanks for the Getty link, great pics. If the GO was looking that hot, Pauline2, I'm not suprised you didn't notice anyone else!!

Bed time for me too. Sweet Meads all.

Thanks for the link Diana, loved the reviews ladies, I’m sure all you will sleep well tonight!
my bed time too, night all

Good Morning Ladies! And what a pleasant thing to wake up to all those lovely reviews of PinP. It sounds like the GO was wonderful! I had a text from Eva last night - she's on cloud nine! You lucky Loppies!

Good morning BHB - you seem particularly happy this morning! Oh you had a good night last night eh? Well why don't we snuggle up and you can tell me all about it!

Hi all,

I was way at the back, so I had to watch the concert on the big screens, so I thought I may as well record what I was seeing on the screens, which just about filled my viewfinder on maximum zoom.

I got them uploaded last night, bit rough, no editing, and I am now away for a few days, but here they are

www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/CED&ADWD.wmv

www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/LCE.wmv

www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/AIAOY.wmv

www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/Dean.wmv

I also filmed Oh What a Circus and Sunset Boulevard by JB, DVO's song, Jodie Prenger, the other two songs from Phantom and the 4 Josephs and Nancys, but I you would like to see these it will be after next weekend.

I agree with Pauline that the raw material for a DVD is there if the PTB have the will.

Sorry, penultimate para should be 'if you would like to see these'.

I keep forgetting the http bit!!

http://www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/CED&ADWD.wmv

http://www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/LCE.wmv

http://www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/AIAOY.wmv

http://www.gilliangvideo.co.uk/LM/Dean.wmv

Morning everyone, still on a cloud after last night (well my feet might not be!), and in two days time I get to see Jo again! Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic is all I can say about last night - oh and I totally agree with Diana about Idina - didn't like her version of Don't Cry for Me but when she came on to do "Unexpected Song" which is so beautiful and one of my favourites she sounded like Minnie Mouse - it was horrendous! Like Diana I won't be rushing to hear her again! By the way Ploppy much taken with DvO!!! She really did look stunning and the most elegant of all the ladies (followed by EP who wore a beautiful sparkling black dress...more taken with the dress than the performance in truth!). Oh BHB you are looking a little tired - was that the evening job they forced you to do on your day off? Well come into the kitchen with me and I'll tell you all about the wonderful concert I went to last night with the GO, who was wonerful, (strange his face lit up and now he's gone into a sulk again!. Gillian thanks for the video links - I'll have a play when I get home! Ok Baby Boss back from Egypt this morning so work calls (well bellows really!).

Wow and thud. What a lovely way to start the week. Thanks for the reviews it sounded great. I had my fingers crossed all weekend for you all weather wise. Big thanks for the links Diana and Gillian. DVO did though it kills me to say it look very nice. Loved the dress. Connie looked very different in the pictures. Looks like she's vamping up to ditch the Maria image?

Ohhhhhms to Maggie and Martin. I'm thinking of you.

I only managed to see a little bit of strictly. Sounds like I saw the best bit, MF? Very nice but I prefer him clothed. That chest was a bit too much for me!

Morning. I feel a bit morning after the night before - didn't sleep at all well, wonder why. Good thing all the bosses are out at a meeting so have a bit of peace & quiet today and can catch up.

Minnie Mouse is a very good description of how IM sounded. Many thanks Gillian, I'll take a look tonight. Going to have another look at Getty.

MF - no thanks. As Alison says, a bit too much.

Alison - the lady in the red dress wasn't Connie - she was the girl who starred in The Beautiful Game - forgotten her name but it starts with an S!!! Also forgot to say the Rhyddian did the most peculiar moves to Music of the Night - he looked like one of the Thunderbirds puppets! So with him and with Ms Stone performing as if she was on the whacky baccie, we did see some intersting numbers!

Morning all

Working from home today but, naturally, had to take a break to read the reviews. And what fantastic reviews, thank you all. Linx - I loved your reports during the concert and what a star Suex was!! Sounds like it was wonderful. Unfortunatley, Gillian's video links won't play for me for some reason so I can't see the evidence for myself but thank you anyway Gillian. Not to worry, the reviews alone took me there.

Ok better get back to it!!

Carol - I'm on that cloud with you, could hardly sleep last night after such a stimulating event. Wasn't it all just wonderful - am just about to re-live it again via Gillian (thanks so much for doing them). The GO did everyone proud, and so nice for him to have 4 numbers, more than anyone else. DVO looked stunning - what a head-turning couple they make. Nice to meet up with everyone and we bumped into Jo4 on the train going home so were able to have a longer chat

Morning all. Didn't sleep that well for ages either! In my case though it was a lot to do with the fact I was bitten, which together with holiday bites now makes over 30! Gosh all that blood of mine flying around somewhere. Anyway the new ones are itching like mad, so kept me awake. Mind when I slept I did dream of the GO, just can't remember what about, but it was lovely!

Gillian thanks so much for that, I just watched LCE and it really took me back there, and he looked so gorgeous, yum.

Morning BHB, you do look a bit tired today. Oh you were working last night in London? What a shame, never mind come and have a snuggle in a blanket and we can have a chat all about it, and I'll tell you what I did yesterday.

Karen, the links should play on your PC unless you have a Mac, in which case I'd need to make them in a different format. If it's 'buffering' time, maybe right click the link, then 'save target as' and once downloaded, it should play normally.

...and keep forgetting to say there was an excellent "Phantom of the Opera" from the current Christine and Phantom....but they didn't have their names in the programme!

Yay, a new home (thanks Scott), and some housewarming guests dropping by too, nice to see you.
Thought I'd get away with a quick skim this morning but obviously not! Thanks for the wonderful reviews, I'll have to watch the vids later, but a big thankyou to you Gillian. I've got big and little scollop at home today, middle one has passed on his bug to them. They take after their father when they're feeling under the weather: grumpy, feeling sorry for themselves and hogging the sofa and remote control!! Ooh, doorbell...
...builder just called to tell me they are sorting out the hole in my garden, about time too! I was about to hang some washing out but I'd better wait till they've finished.
Re:SCD I was rather taken with MF, ploppy was looking at someone else's chest!!!!!! He's never been a fan before but I suspect he may watch the odd episode this time? Good line up this year, looking forward to next week when the dancing starts.
Right, got to go and catch up on some chores, work and other stuff took up my whole weekend. Looking forward to a relaxing night at home this evening, I'm out every night after that until next Sunday!
See you later

Morning All

Ohhmms for Carol's feet, Maeve's legs, Pauline's back and Diana's everything! Also for those of you who've suffered in silence, and we haven't even heard from Eva yet. Well done ladies, what a sacrifice and all in the name of the GO - bet it was worth it!

Great reviews, will have to wait until lunchtime to check out the video footage - thanks Gillian.

AND.... thank you Carol for reassuring me of my sanity, I've been looking at those pictures (thanks Diana) and the ones entitled Connie F were really bothering me, I couldn't figure how it was she looked so different, I even went searching to see some different photos! Shame the photographer couldn't get the name right.

Seems like MF's chest is not proving very popular, I didn't actually see SCD myself, and the website pic only shows him sideways on, must research the topic further on Sat, I should get to see the next show.

Ok, as with Carol, w**k is bellowing
ttyl

More pics from last night
http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=333951&nbc1=1

http://photo.wenn.com/index.php?ref=lloyd%20webber%20150908&version=int

OMG!!!!
To heck with w**k, couldn't help but take a look at one of the vids and just saw him singing LCE......... lump in throat, tears in eyes and legs gone weak, wow wow wow!! He was just FANTASTIC, the power in his voice has me in raptures and then that megawatt smile at the end - thud! Cannot imagine what it must have been like to see it live, you lucky lucky loppies! So totally proves what we all believe about his talent.
Will have to get head straightened now and try get back to work,
need to take a few deep breaths......

WOS review of last night
http://blogs.whatsonstage.com/2008/09/15/party-in-the-park-for-lloyd-webber/

You can tell I'm working hard!

Well I've spent my dinner-time trying to catch up on the blog - but there was so much of it this weekend! Sorry if I miss anything!

Thanks for the links - thanks for the video Gillian, I'll try to look at it when I get home, but I have the same problem as Karen (glad you found Ploppy KK).

PinP sounds absolutely fantastic! Jealous? me? YES!!

Pauline2 - I'll have to show you the blanket piccy when we meet next! Glad you liked the picture - in fact thank you everyone for your kind words about it!

If you think that was an exciting start to Geri's story, wait till you read chapter 2!!!! All I can say is -OOooooo!

I doubt I'll be around much today - it's our wedding anniversary.

So I'll just leave lots of OOOHHHMMMSSS for those that need them!

Gillian - thank you for the advice. It worked. Yaaayyyyyyy! What great videos, well done Gillian.

Yes I know I'm supposed to be w**king but, come on the GO or w**k!!!!! Guess this is why I don't w**rk from home too often - the GO calls to me too much!!

Re: MF - I said it before and I'll say it again - I was very taken with his chest, although I do seem to be in the minority on that one. At least that will mean less sharing at the next balloon party!! Then again, if he has two left feet, the chest alone may not be enough!

Happy Anniversary Jane and Ploppy. Enjoy your day.

Thanks for all the links to those scrummy pics, Diana. Not too sure about the WOS review though, oh well the world would be boring if we all liked the same things, and I do agree about DVO, she was beautiful and sang so well. Now wish I had seen her in TMOAS, I think she must have been excellent.

Oooh please JaneE, I'd like to see what my blankets got up to while I was away. Hope you have a lovely Anniversary today and get spoilt rotten.

Firstly Happy Anniversary to the hugely talended artist Lady Jane - enjoy! Secondly Diana glad you aren't snowed under like me and are able to dig out all the links, which for some reason the office IT system is allowing me to view today! Hooray! At least the Wenn photos have called Shona by her corect name and not Connie as all the others did! Can't believe the WOS review - trust me Indina was rubbish and Jodie was very good - sang the song beautifully; agree that Lee captivated everyone's hearts but not just at the end with ADWD but from LCE onwards! Now we know we were correct in our assumption of why DVO wasn't in the line up at the end - she was drinking champers!

Roro's added some photos to her Timeline and at last some of the GO all in black singing CED - Thud!
http://f1roro.co.uk/leemead/events/alwparty14sep08.html

There are also a couple of vids on the forum

Meant to say I'd also like to have seen DVO in TMOAS. I think the CD is still available - will put it on my Xmas pressie list.

Wonder why Connie wasn't there. She's still in They're Playing Our Song so is in London. I don't agree with a lot of the WOS review either. Hope this week's Stage will have something.

Happy anniversary Jane.

I want to go home so I can watch all the videos.

Competition to win tickets to Joe during anti-bullying week
http://www.independent.co.uk/student/competitions/Joseph-and-the-Amazing-Technicolour-Dreamcoat-competition-931294.html

Saggy's taken some more stunning photos
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/907478

Bit quiet on here this pm!

Just taking another break - why is it that when I work from home I always work longer hours than I do when I'm in the office!! I would normally be thinking of heading home about now but as it is, I reckon I have another couple of hours to do!!

Plopy has just rung to say he's on his way home from his golf trip. He was very chuffed with himself as he came second in the competition so he has to go the prize-giving at his golf club on the way home. I tried to be pleased for him, I really did, but all I could think of was, that means another trophy to d**t. Am I a bad wife!!?

Thanks for the links Diana - great pics. Boy does that man look good in a suit, or all in black, or in a bin-liner.....!

Thanks for your links from last night Gillian, who on earth were those people walking forwards and backwards in front of you, really some people how very dare they.

It was lovely watching Lee again, did any one else feel there was something missing during "All I ask of You"?
The Kiss! I missed Connie at that point because she's an actress, I wonder why she wasn't there.

I was looking forward to the Jo's and Nancy's but it was a long wait, almost the end and pretty unremarkable, none of them had a chance to shine.

Steve Balsamo from JCS, whom I'd not heard of was superb as was Maria Friedman and Duncan J. was good. John B. was very twinkly and energetic and kept things going at a spanking pace.

But, but, but the star was of course our own boy who looked as scrumptious as ever, sang like an angel and was the most applauded of all.

It's a long time since I stood for 5 hours for any reason, I didn't feel a thing at the time, just crawled home afterwards, still on a high!

Ah Maeve - thanks for your review!

Karen - I know what you mean about trophies - mine won a particularly ugly won as tournement champion this year!

Thanks for the links Diana!

And thank you to everyone for the anniversary good wishes, and for the card K2!

I've just had a bouquet of roses delivered! A little suprise from Ploppy!

Have a lovely evening Loppies, I'll see you tomorrow!

Happy Anniversary Jane & Ploppy.
Still haven't managed to check out the videos yet, may wait till scollops finish watching The Simpsons or I'll get moaned at! I'll at least go and look at the pics and reviews though.

Evening all, well had a lovely afternoon tackling the i****ng from my holiday, so that is where I've been. All jealous now aren't you, hah! Managed to do most before I went to see Sloppy, who wasn't too bad today, if only I could feel it would last.

After all that endeavour have treated myself to much reliving of yesterday. Oh Karen you are so right, he looks gorgeous in (or out?!!!!) of anything but the suit he had on yesterday was great and with a black shirt, wow. Wonder if I should get some black blankets.....

Oh thanks for all the links Diana, scrummy!

Have a lovely evening JaneE.

Evening all
Eva has sent a few pics from PiP, they are now on the Miscellaneous album.
Happy anniversary Jane and Ploppy.

Phew, finally finished for the day, but just had a panic - made thousands of changes to a spreadsheet today and then realised that I'd forgotten to save it as I was going along so clicked save at the end and kept getting an error message saying unknown command!! Aaaagghhh!!! Anyway, it finally worked so panic over. If I'd have lost it all the laptop would have been making it's way through the window right now!

Think I need to sit down now with a large drink and replay the vids from last night.

Eva - wow your photos are fantastic. You did a great job.

Best wishes Jane and Ploppy for a very Happy Anniversary.

Good pic.s Eva, on Martin's site.

You must have had a heart thumping moment or two Karen what a relief.

JaneE JANEE ! ! ! Did I miss you? HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! ! !

Hello honies! I'm home again. In fact, I have been home for a while, but it took ages to catch up here, send e-mails, download photos from yesterday (the aren't very good!) send them to Martin, unpack my little suitcase etc., but finally;
Scott dear,- thank you for our new home. We really needed one. Welcome back from holiday, and don't think I've forgotten what Scottella dear promised us: You would tell ALL about where you've been and what you've been up too. We've been waiting with bathed breaths, so come on,- SPILL! ! ! !
Btw. I know what you look like, but even I must have blinked! Sorry!

Are you all waiting for my review? The most important things have been said about GO, but I suppose it can't be repeated too often. HE WAS GORGEOUS, SANG LIKE A GOD AND WAS A STAR!

I was at the gates early and joined our Queen of the Queues, Diana. I had brought a proper camping chair with a back, so I was really comfortable. With beautiful weather, nice people all around us, and other Loppies joining us as the hours went by, it was fine waiting. When the gates finally opened, Suex and Diana were the front runners and bagged us premier places just to the right of centre stage. We settled down again on chairs, black bin liners, waterproof bottoms et all, picnics were eaten, wine drunk and we were waiting.
Finally the lovely JB jumped on stage and was bouncing about. He can at times be irritating, but last night he was doing what he does best, being an ENTERTAINER. He was really good, and kept everything rolling painlesslessly for over 3 hours, occasionally sending himself up when he fluffed his lines and retakes had to be done.
I've kept the program, but the running order wasn't quite as printed there. I'll do my best to get it in the right order:

Jesus Christ Overture by the excellent BBC Concert Orchestra. Beautifully and strongly played, then:
Joss Stone singing Jesus Christ Superstar. As Carol said, she was good, but slightly whacky, and I was also wondering what she was on!

Steve Balsamo singing Getsemane was an absolute triumph. I had never heard him before, but he tackled that difficult song beautifully. His is a name to remember!

Jessie Buckley singing I Don't know How To Love Him. I loved her in IDA, and thought she was very good here too. I think, however, she felt a bit overwhelmed, and was holding back.

Then it was CO! He really deserves his nickname. I love the song "No Matter What" from Whistle Down The wind, but wathcing him with one hand kept in a trouser pocket (Jo4 suggested why he was doing that, but it it too rude to repeat here!), sagging knees and crouching half bent down, he just looked plain awkward. And this is me being KIND!

JB was out next, singing Oh, What A Circus from Evita which he did very well.

Idina Menzel was new to me, but I heard some people talk her up in the queue. She was all right in this song, Don't Cry For Me Argentina, but the one she sang later, Unexpected Song from Tell Me On A Sunday, was downright bad. At times she adopted a "little girlie" voice which sounded silly. Why I don't know.

The Jellicle Ball from Cats played by BBC Concert Orchestra was jolly and fun.

Duncan James sang Mr. Mistoffelees from Cats, and did a brilliant job. He had everybody singing along in the chorus.
He then sand a duet with Hayley Westenra, I Believe My Heart from The Woaman In White. It was beautifully sung, but Hayley seemed a tad detatched, a thing I also noticed later with Lee.

I'd better split this reviwe up, or I'll get a slap on my fingers from Scott dear or the black box thingy!

Loving the review Eva, and your pictures are a lot better than the couple I took before my camera started playing silly b******s! Next bit please, it's like reliving it.

The review continues here:
Earlier than announced, the young boy from Britain's Got Talent, Andrew Johnston, sand Pie Jesu from Requiem. There was a collective AAAAAWWWWWWWW from the audience, and his voice is so clesr and pure. Lovely.

Joanthan Anstell sang Evermore Without You from The Woman In White. He was supposed to be Lee's biggest rival for the sexiest man's title? ? ? ? HA! He wan't a patch on our boy, neither voice wise or looks wise!

DVO. I've never liked her, and still don't so I won't comment on her perfomance.

Then of course it was the first highlight,- Lee singing Love Changes Everything. We cheered and jumped, cheered and clapped, and his voice soared! Even in the more serious moments, he couldn't hold back a delighted smile at his reception. (Just look again at Gillian's video, and you'll see what I mean.)

After this, things got a bit muddled, not only in my mind, but also in the running order, but I'll do my best.

Helena Westenra sang Whistle Down the Wind. Again superbly sung, but no emotions.

Then some orchestral numbers, Starlight Express, Variations with Julian Loyd Webber and Entr'acte/Masquerade from Phantom.

Dean Collinson was there with King Of My Heart from Joseph. As I said to Maeve: It was like saying hello to an old friend!

Then it was all attentions again:

Lee with Helena Westenra singing All I Ask Of You. Who can look detatched looking into those eyes, listening to THAT voice, but Hayley again managed it! She must be made of stone, resisting both GO and Duncan James! I really missed Connie at this point. Her duet with GO was so much better!

Then came the phenomenon that is Rhydian. He sang The Music Of The Night from Phantom. I can't make him out. He's got this powerful, lovely voice, but he distracts so much from this with his robotic moves on stage. He looks weird too. I don't know why, but I just don't like him! He gives me the creeps!

JB again with Suset Boulevard. Again a very good performance and the audience loves him!

Maria Friedman with As If We Never Said Goodbye was in my opinion one of the strongest and best female performances of the night. I heard the recording from the Don Black concert, and this was just as good.

Our Jodie from IDA made a very good presentation of You Must Love Me from Evita. She was so relaxed and smiley. There was a techie hitch before they could start, and after a small pause, she told us:" Just talk amongst yourselves for the time being". When she god the nod from the technician, she asked us:"Are you all ready?" We yelled back a YES, and she was off. Many new performers would have turned to jelly with that happening, but she was totally relaxed and a PROFESSIONAL. Well done, Jodie.

Ruthie Henshall did Another Suitcase solo and a duet with JB, The Perfect Year, which ended in a kiss! I'm not too hot on Ruthie, but that might have something to do with her and EP being bitchy about "reality stars" on EP's Radio2 show!

Our boy lifted our spirits again with CED in black shirt and trousers, seriously THUDworthy, and when he donned his Technicoloured coat and started singing, he had us all in the palm of his hand. We were swaying and singing our heart out for and with OUR Lee, and so were thousands of others. I think there were many new Loppies born there last night!

The group number with the IDA girls and ADWD boys came at the end. It was a catching number, and it was great to see them all again.( I had a sneak preview of Ben when I went for a hot dog before the show started. He IS good looking!)

The finale was Elaine Page with Memories. It is one of my all time favourite songs, and I plan to have it played at my funeral! (Now, now, don't start crying. I ain't planning to do it yet!) EP was EP and I loved her dress!

Then we all sand Happy Birthday to ALW after his short speach, and the fireworks ended a wonderful evening!

I was lucky and got a taxi to take me to Charing Cross after saying good night to all my lovely Loppies and Ploppy Of The Year, Rick, and my Shirley picked me up at the station. I was so tired, my back was screaming and my feet hurting, but OH WHAT A NIGHT! ! ! ! !

Read reviews of PiP - did everyone enjoy themselves? Watched the videos gillian - thank you so much. Cheered me up after a v bad day. Lost my diary, got caught in huge traffic jam, was late for very important meeting, was double booked at work, drove wrong way down a one way street (thought people were lovely, tho strange, waving at me from pavement:)) and visited friend diagnosed with terminal cancer (not close friend but mother of one of scollops friends). Gosh life can be a roller coaster.

Think i might have to go and look at videos again

Fi take some oohhmms, sounds as if you need them!
Lovely review Eva, only sorry I couldn't have been there.
Well I'm off as I'm shattered, I can hardly focus on the screen. See you tomorrow.

Oh Eva, what a wonderful review, thank you. You really did us proud there, just as if we there! I have to agree I thought the same about Hayley Westenra from watching the video - how could you possibly be so detached when the GO is staring into your eyes with such intensity!! I think I would lose the power of speech, let alone the ability to sing - I know she's a professional but she's also a woman!!!

Fi - so sorry to hear you had such a bad day. A large drink and watching the videos should help.

Fi poor you what a foul day, lots of ohhhhmmms and certainly loads of Lee for you, liking the large drink idea as well.

Eva, part two was just as good! I actually felt HW was a bit overwhelmed at the size of the event. Certainly Lee was very supportive of her, she even got a huge hug at the run throughs, lucky thing. We arrived stage side just in time to see it.

and loads of oooommmmms for me please.
After my chauffeur and companions dropped me home last night from the most brilliant PiP I spent the night and today crippled and in agony from a trapped nerve in my lower back - and I have not been able to sit for long periods of time, let alone walk easily until now.. but still have tingling toes....
So sorry for lack of review - it was brilliant.. HE was GORGEOUS....
I will have to wait to do a proper catch up - typing standing up just doesn't come easy.
Hope to see you later.

Auds no, that sounds hell. I know my back is suffering today from standing for so long, but you have just effectively stopped me feeling sorry for myself! Loads of Ohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmms, ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Oh Auds, poor you. Lots and lots of ohhhmmmmmmms to you. A few to Fi too.

Haven't heard from Geri - is she OK?

Just downloaded my photos & videos - photos sent to Martin. Haven't watched Gillian's yet but am about to. Must have an earlish night - almost fell asleep at my desk this pm.

Hello again, just received pics of PiP from Diana, new album PiP online.

Hiya, just been hours as IT support nextdoor!! We have decided as long as I'm in the room the PC works, as soon as I leave it plays up.
Just seen a couple of posts. It was a lovely, if very tiring, day yesterday. AliB says there have been lots of reviews, so I won't add my own, except to repeat Gillian's text after the show 'Who was the star of the show?' Mind she didn't hear the dodgy note in the warm up. I will tell you about the very interesting lady I spent ages talking to in the queue. But later.
I have a very early start tomorrow, so I have to get to bed. It's the Loppy taxi service to Cambridge again, but earlier arrival time required.
Ooohhhhmmmms for all in need. See you tomorrow.

Auds,- that sounds really painful. Be careful, will you?

Fi,- sorry to hear about your cr*ppy day. It helps to watch Gillian's wonderful videos, doesn't it?

Gillian,- thank you for the videos. Will they be on your end product?

Jenny Dublop,- you are sweet to say you miss us. Well, we miss you, Jean, Karen2 and Geri too. You all gave us such a good time in Dublin. Looking forwards to seeing you again in October!

Linx,- will you ask Gemma for me please: Who is dead? That's when she comes down off her high horse, of course!

I have asked my Shirley to join us at the RowA Fest in December. She was delighted to accept, so now she'll be sitting next to you, Jo4. I told her that if she got bored, you and she can talk about horses! Well, you have been known to fall asleep during Canaan Days, haven't you?

Quick hello from me as I've not bben home long. I'm sure others will have given full PiP reports by now (i'll catch up as soon as) just say at the moment IT WAS FANTASTIC! no surprises there then!
I left Kirsten uploading all our vids and piccies onto photobucket this afternoon. Only the ones that were not to wobbly - dont know why I couldn't keep my camera steady all the time!
O dear! Ploppy has spotted me on here, I'll have to catch up tomorrow. oooohhhhms for aches and pains etc. night night x

Martin , I will send my pics and vids to you asap.
Hope you guys had a lovely weekend with your son before he heads off down under,sending lots of ooohhhhmmmmms Maggie.

I've just collapsed in a pool on the floor. WOS have some photos from last night including 3 with Lee: 12, 20 & 29, NB 29 !!!
http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821221498509

Thank you Martin.

That should have read No 29. I was having trouble typing!

Gillian you are such a super loppy. Thank you for sharing your video work. It is just like being there. Well not quit but at least I know now were you all are talking about. He is gorgeous and that smile… swoon.

Oh Auds, how painful that must be. Oooooohhhhhhmmmmmssssss for you and for Fi and maggie and Martin.
Thank you, thank you to everyone who has put up a review of PiP and for all the pics and vids. I'm late here cos I've been watching them all so much. Isn't he just fantastic. He looks so confident standing on that stage in front of the huge crowd. Hope there will be a dvd.

I've just had to ask most humbly to become a member of Carys's site! When asked to give a reason for why I should be accepted, I said:"Because I belong!" This coming after I had to sign in to this blog for the second time in less than a week this afternoon, makes me feel slightly paranoid. Doesn't anybody love me any more? ? ? ?

Evenin' all. Thanks for all the fab reviews & photos. Nice to see that it lived up to expectations.

Happy anniversary Jane & Ploppy.

Fi, sorry you've had such an awful day. Lots of Ohhmmms that tomorrow will be better.

Auds, Ohhmmms for your poorly back. Lower back pain is just the worst. Have you tried standing on tip-toes & stretching your arms up as high as they'll go, or (if your back will let you get down this low) kneeling on all fours and arching your spine up & then down a few times. They're both things that my osteopath recommended to me when my back was really bad & they can often free up a trapped nerve.

Off to look at Gillian's vids now. I may be back later.

Wow thanks Diana, your photos are great, and thanks for the link. Agree No29!!!!! THUD....can someone pass a bucket and a fan please?

WOS forum comments on last night. "Lee Mead stole the show" - some converts yay!
http://www.whatsonstage.com/board/index.php?showtopic=3269&st=40

Eva, yes they will. Hopefully better. I will dub the sound from the radio I expect, and also a couple of people have offered me their footage as well to mix with mine for when I got a bit wobbly - especially at the end of CED when everyone stood, as did I, then I couldn't find the screen to focus on again.

Gillian,- thank you, pleased to hear it. I'm sure you'll do your usual brill work!
Diana,- as I said in my review; I'm sure a lot of new Loppies were born last night!

Hi home from rehearsal - didn't get on here before I went as I left my keys at home and had to wait in the pub with a bottle of Rioja for Ploppy to come and rescue me, then he suggested we ate there so I only had time to rush in and rush out! So oooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmss for anyone in need. Still on a high from yesterday, haven't had time to look at the piccies or links but will try tomorrow. A very very big oooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmm for Auds. Sweet Meads all.

Hi again, lots more pics from Auds on PiP album

Now this is pure speculation, but could answer something that has been bugging me! It seems that Connie is off sick from her play at the moment, so that will be why she wasn't there last night. I wouldn't be surprised if HW was a replacement to sing AIAoY. It would explain her nervousness and Lees' very protective attitude to her, plus the big hug after their rehearsal ended. If this is the case she did very well.

It has also come back to me that The two current leads of Phantom gave a cracking perfomance of PotO, amazing I am having recall of other things that happened!

Must to bed after an evening of wallowing in memeories of last night, so night night all, sleep tight.

Btw Eva of course we all still love you, how could you doubt it?

I'll do likewise, Pauline2,- not your bed, but mine!
Good night all, sleep tight, havve wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Pauline2,- AAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWW !

Wow Gillian, those vids are amazing. Can't wait to see the finished versions. You lucky, lucky Loppies to have been there to see it first hand. I think that's one of the best versions of LCE I've ever heard, it really suits Lee's voice. Far too many of the men I've heard attempt to sing it have had to really strain for the notes, but Lee just sang it so effortlessly. Lovely. And as for AIAOY...I got goosebumps. I see what you all mean about Hayley being a bit distant but, let's face it, if you had to attempt to sing that with the GO singing like that & looking like that just inches away from you, then I guess it would be a case of either distancing yourself from it as much as possible or just ending up a puddle of goo on the stage!!

Roll on Oct 10th when it's broadcast. Fingers crossed they release a DVD too.

Just about made it before the bewitching hour.
Happy anniversary Jane and Ploppy, hope you both had a lovely day.
Karen, glad you liked the reports, I was just sooo excited I had to share the moments with you all.
Ohhhhhmmmmmssss for Paulines bites, for Fi and for poor Auds.
Eva - Gemma says dahling so much has happened since whatshisname died and she's so over it! - She did mutter Barry or Harry or something like that, before she drained her wine glass!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the pics Diana, Eva and Auds, talk about gorgeous in black or anything - Pauline, yes please a black blanket just as soon as you can!
Oh bother, now it's past the bewitching because the stupid computer is on a go slow, I think it's gone to sleep which is exactly where I'm off to and will hopefully have sweet dreams of a certain GO dressed in black.
Nightlee night all XX

Great photos Auds, ooohhhmmmms for your back, hope it's better tomorrow.

That would explain why Connie wasn't there Pauline, wonder how long she's been ill as she wasn't listed in the programme.

Thanks to all for links, vids and pic.s lovely.

Sorry to hear about your mishap with keys Carol, how awful for you to have to stay in pub instead of going home to cook supper!

oops, should read - past the bewitching hour - I'm sleepier than I thought!! X

get your credit cards ready...http://wooller.com/default.asp?id=24277&page=10922 you can just click and buy prints of these gorgeous pics direct from the photgrapher - and more than on show at WOS

Morning all!

And thanks to everyone for the Happy Anniversary wishes - we had a lovely romantic meal last night!

Eva - that was a wonderful detailed review - thank you!

Auds, Fi, Maggie and Martin - OOOHHHHMMMS for all of you!

I think RL is interfering with Geri's Loppytime at the moment - missing you Geri! Which means it's up to me to comfort BHB this morning! Snuggle time!

Morning, it's bit nippy out, definite autumnal chill in the air.

Thanks for the link Carys. I nearly fell off my chair when that gorgeous pic suddenly appeared on my screen.

Morning all I am back from our hols.will read all in a while got 100s of emails to go thruogh hope we have the winner of ticket in it. Sounds as if concert was acomplete success. see you all later. Lost my phine in the Dordogne well not lost but gor soaked so cannot use ut anymore! .
xxxxxxx Lots of morning meads.!!!!

Morning all. Autumn is definitely here. Greyish and chilly. Oh well, I suppose the summer (what summer?) couldn't last forever!
Hello sweetheart. You look a tad lonely this morning, as if you are undersnuggled(?)! I see, Geri has gone AWOL, has she? JaneE did her best, you say? She should be in the mood, having had a romantic meal with her Ploppy last night, and Diana popped in, only to nearly faint at the sight of a photo of you? No, no, my love, that was a photo of GO at PiP. He is seriously huffy now! BHB, come back here. It's no good you locking yourself in the kitchen. You know you have to get out sooner or later. And I've brought a present for you! That was quick! I've brought back the blue blanket i borrowed for the PiP. It's been handwashed by Mrs. Bosch. Doesn't it look nice and soft? We could try it out before Pauline2 gets here. Yes? The coffee can wait!

I know I'm rather late this morning, but I had a little lie in. It doesn't happen very often. I have to get the house in order before I go to Norway. I've been so busy lately that the house is looking rathet messy and I don't like it. Then I have to go into town to see if I can find an extra wedding present for The Young Ones. They've had the main one, but I'm sure something extra will be welcome!

I still can't in to your site, Carys. I got a mail saying I've been accepted as a member (! ! !) but all I get when I try the link, is a blank page. I'm starting to get the hump!

Hi Chantale,- welcome home!

Morning all, a little tired today after first night back to classes and more to come tonight. Auditing and Management Accounting – yay!!

Auds – you poor thing, sounds very painful, lots of ooohmmmmmmmms and also oohmmms for Geri who’s not feeling the best just now.

Re Pauline's comment at 11.06pm - funnily enough, I was very aware of the way that Lee raised Hayley’s hand to the crowd at the end of the song in a way like "didn't she do well!"

Also re his outfit for CED, there’s something about the sleeves rolled up in a casual way that’s just gorgeous. And he seemed so relaxed and happy.

In case I haven’t said it properly, thanks for all the photos, videos and links. Really helps make up for not being able to be there, a dvd would be just great.

Hi Chantale, nice to see you back, sorry to hear about your phone.

Ok, work is calling. ttyl

Morning - very late on as not in the office today - had a headache, swollen neck glands and funny throat yesterday (none incohol related incidentally - even the medicial Rioja at the pub during the missing keys saga didn't cure me!) so Ploppy said I needed to stay at home today to make sure I am fit and well for tomorrow. As a result I didn't wake until 9am! Have just trawled through the photos (Loppy and non Loppy) of the PiP and relived every moment. Sighs. Aunty Eva you know we all love you, and if it is any consolation Carys' site doesn't like me either and even though I tried joining at the weekend it still doesn't like me enough to let me in (has someone been telling tales about me, is that why it's decided against me?). Chantale nice to have you back! One of the good things about being home today is that I'll be able to watch Gillian's lovely videos. By the way if there is another Park based concert with the GO, Ploppy says he will set up camp further back and mind all the bags etc and watch on the big screens so that we can go to the front and not have to worry about people trampling on our possessions!! See how well I have trained him?? Down side of being home today is that I have two weeks of ixxnxxg to do (on account of Dublinfest, and PiP!). Will while away the time whilst undertaking this somewhat mammoth task by watching ADWD (big kisses coming to Aunty Eva)! OK BHB I've prattled on long enough, time for the debrief in the kitchen before Pauline and the multicoloured blankets turn up!! Waving at all the Dublops by the way! Showed Sloppy our Dublinfest packs and she was most impressed, which reminds me perhaps after the dreaded ixxnxxg I might find time to download Ploppy's piccies of Dublin!!

Sending a bucketful of Ooooooohhhhhhhmmmmmmms to the bank for anyone in need to draw on, it looks as if there are plenty of people who need them at the moment. September appears to be a busy month for us all.
Carol, Rick is a true gem, please tell him (again) how much we all appreciate him.
Gotta go, loads of emails coming in which need answering asap. I'll try to get back later.

Morning all, another very late report! Think PiP must have worn us all out! Must say I haven't slept so late in ages since I came back from holiday, still not complaining.

Geri sorry you are below par, shouldn't talk about sleeping, forgot, sorry. Hope you are better soon and can come back as we miss you.

Had a bite count this morning I have 32 of the little b*****s! No wonder I am itching like mad. It is so lovely of Rick to offer to set up a base camp Carol, mind at another one I will be so smothered in anti mossie spray I should think it will set up a no go area around me!

Hi Chantale, welcome home! Glad you had a nice holiday, good luck with catching up, it takes ages!

Morning BHB, see I have bought a new blanket for us to try, oh yes it is black, I thought it might suit you for some reason. So let's see, oh yes that looks......thud. Sorry just felt a bit faint for a moment, oh that is lovely a snuggle in the new blanket with you, just what I need.

Phew, didn't have chance to get on here yesterday, LOADS to catch up on. Loved the reviews, thanks to everyone, I just so wish I'd been there.
Is it just me? I wasn't too sure about all the squealing while he was singing though, before and after, yes, but I just wanted to listen to his voice. I guess I've just been spoiled by theatre audiences.

Ohhhmmmsss for everyone in need. Auds, that back sounds awfull. Carol get well soon, enjoy the videos. Geri come back soon. Fi, hope things are going better now. Maggie and Martin, thinking of you, horrible saying goodbye.

Jane, glad you had a nice anniversary, it was mine on the 12th, and I had flowers delivered to work. Ploppy did say that at 21 years he'd have got less for murder!!

Diana, photo 29 is just gorgeous.

Gillian, thanks for the vids.

Must get on with some hxxxxwxxk, back later.

Well at last I've managed to see some of those photos from PinP - thank you Diana! Swoon!

Chantale - welcome home to Loppyland!

Carol you really do have to start up that Ploppy training course!

Pauline2 - those are the kind of souvenirs I always bring back from holiday! Best take some Ohhmmms

And still Ohmmmming for Auds and for Geri!

Welcome back Chantale.

Ooohhhmmms for Geri, Auds, Carol, Pauline and anyone else who needs them.

That would be a really good idea of Rick's for any future events, Carol, how kind of him.

You must be looking forward to your trip to Norway Eva, hope you have a great time.

I'm beginning the w...shing and ir...ing business for my holday next week. I'm a bit ahead of myself as I'm busy every day until I go.
The day before, I'm going to Bletchley Park, has anyone been there? I think it will be interesting.

Did you say you were going to Budapest Fi? Iwas there for a weekend in April, we had a lovely time.

This is all a bit of a muddle as I'm operating on only half a brain, the other half is still in Hyde Park thinking about Sunday.

After wedding present bought. When The Young Ones were here, they visited a new shop in town that only trades with Fairtrade stuff. They loved what was there and bought a few things, so I thought I'd go there and see what I could find. It's a lovely place, with all kinds of different things like clothes, bags, scarfs, different ornaments from all over the world. I bought a fish made from recycled metal from old cars (!) which is a lantern. It is very unusual and beautiful I know they'll like it!

Carol,- it's good to know that Rick will be there next time there is a park concert. He can be our rallying point!

Hope Geri, Carol and Auds are feeling better soon. Ohms going into the bank.

Sue1,- I had to admit to a bit of squeeling during GO's songs, but not very loudly. It is hard to contain oneself with all that gorgeousness so close! The atmosphere is quite different from the theatre one anyway. It's more informal and impulsive, I think.

Hey, blow the hxxxxwxxk, I just booked STALLS ROW A SEAT 20 for 16th Dec!!!!!!!

Hi Everyone! So excited at the moment as we have just booked a trip to Salzburg in December! I am going with my parents and brother for a long weekend just in time for the Christmas market! Has anyone been – is it nice? Do you think it will be snowy?? I also have a confession to make –I have a ticket for the Saturday mat of Joseph!! I must have got quite possibly the worst ticket going – Upper Circle – 0 (yes 0) 37!! Do you think I will be able to see sweat from there??! I have brought some new powerful binos especially. The only good thing about the seat is, its near the loo, I can make a quick getaway for the scrum and I can stand up whenever I like! I have not told another soul as everyone already thinks I am barmy to put it mildly - I can only say it on here. I would normally tell everyone but as I only went three weeks ago my bonkersness level is already pretty high. I will probably tell people on Sunday. Has anyone been in the Upper Circle? Is it really bad? I don’t have high expectations – just to see Lee from a distance and hear him will be good enough!

Sue1,- Attagirl! Way to go! You'll be in excellent company, I promise you.
AliB,- you are quite normal, I assure you. Ask any Loppy!

...still plodding on with the ixxnxxg! Aunty Eva - when are you off for the "wedding" - can't remember how long you are there for? Will it be a nice long family break? AliB sorry haven't been in the UC, but think someone definitely has.......

Thanks for the ooooommmms everyone. They worked a treat. And I'm so so grateful. Yikes, that was an awful experience which I hope to never have to have again.. the nerve that was trapped was from coxccyx to the big toe of my left leg. Spasm has eased, tingling has stopped but the muscle (back of thigh) is in recovery. Osteo gave me counsel on the phone and I did as told - on back at 90 degree angles at hip and knees with icepack on coccyx where it was inflamed.
I know that when I got home from PiP I was inflamed, but that was from the sheer excitement of the evening (sorry Sue1 but I was one of the squealers/whistlers during pretty much all of HIS performances - not while he was singing of course - that's sacrilege!!) Yay, you're there on the 16th!
Diana - Links Queen - Uber thanks for those. And to Carys for those photos.
Hey you guys, no-one's mentioned the homage to CR by JB.. during one of the 'set ups' he started to sing "Summer Holiday" and most of the crowd - where we were at least - started to sing along... mind, he did put a stop to that very quickly.
Which reminds me, can't remember which review I read, but someone mentioned that most of Lee's 'young' fans were at the front (so that really confirms it, we are crazy 27 year olds).
Gillian, thanks every so. Those videos are so great - we get to relive the evening through those - people walking in front of the vision and all **sigh** And also, I wanted to say thanks too for the dvd/cds which I won in the Dubfest raffle. I had to oppportunity to watch and listen to them yesterday while I was 'laid up'.. It would have been rude not to really!
JaneE - sorry I missed the WA best wishes, so I'm glad to hear to have a lovely romantic celebration.
And welcome back Chantale - sorry you 'lost' your phone (and good luck with the 1000's of emails....)
Sending oooooooohhhhmmmmmmmmms (they really do work!) for Geri, Carol, Fi and anyone and everyone else in need personally or for friend and relatives.
OK - lunch break almost over so better get back to the coal face.

Welcome back Chantale. Sorry about your phone.

Salzburg is my favourite European city, AliB, it's beautiful. Keep telling Ploppy we should go for a long weekend as he's never been.

A couple of Jessie fans' comments on the concert - note the bit about Keith
http://forum.theinternetforum.net/index.php/topic,32412.50.html

On the next page there are links to some photos - gorgeous one of himself

Interrupted in mid flow.

That's great, Sue1.

Ohhhmmmms to those feeling poorly and otherwise in need. I thought I was also coming down with a cold yesterday but touch wood no symptoms today. Glad to hear you're feeling much better, Auds.

AliB, first time I saw Joe I was in row M of upper circle and could still see the sweat without binoculars.

Diana - good to know, good to know!! I am just glad I will be able to see anything from there!

Auds, it was the squealing while he was singing I was objecting to, although if I'd been there I'd have been as bad as anyone. I prefer to hear a pin drop when he sings.
Oh it's a sign I'm getting old, I used to scream like a banshee at the Beatles and their like in the 60's!!

Had a few connection problems today, wretched thing keeps going off. Why does it do that?

Auds so pleased your back is feeling a bit better and the ohhhhmmms helped.

Have been trying to get the house back to some semblance of order, partially succeeded, still glad noones due to come here in the next few days though.

Alib don't see anything odd in buying another Jo ticket at all. I think just being in the theatre is great, mind I haven't a very goood head for heights, so would have to be a last resort to go that high....but I would for Lee!

Sue1 well done you, so how many of you is that in row A then that night?

Quote from Hayley Westenra's offical site forum "All I Ask of You is wonderful! I think Lee Mead is the best duet partner she's ever had for this song! His voice resembles Josh Groban's somewhat."
http://hayleywestenra.forums.umusic.co.uk/t/272.aspx

Plus the main HW site - reviews from this page on
http://hwi.proboards20.com/index.cgi?board=Media&action=display&thread=3966&page=2

I mentioned in my review Steve Balsamo who sang Getsemane. I haven't found a recording from PiP, but here is a link to an earlier performance. He is awesome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-rre_BXxC0&feature=related

Ooo lots of links! Thanks Diana and Eva! You must be looking forward to that wedding Eva!

Maeve - I've been to Bletchley Park, but I rather thought it had been pulled down. Pleased to know I'm wrong.

Ali B - I've also been to Salzburg and yes it is lovely, but very cold! Chance of snow in Dec is high. Oh and I saw the show from the UC on my first visit. The view isn't at all bad.

Sue congradulations on another row A experience!

Sorry Carol! I missed you out of my Ohhmmms before! Still Ohmming for you Auds, and Geri!

Oh and thank you so much Carol, Karen and Karen2 for the e-cards. I showed them to Ploppy last night, he was chuffed!

One of the Lovelees found this - thud warning!
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/showbiz/i158313/lee-mead.html

Evening all, Eva thanks for that link, have just watched it and it had the same effect on me it had at PiP, I feel stunned! He is quite wonderful singing that, so much emotion. Wow!

Lots of ohhhmmms for Auds and Geri, and for anyone else needing them.

OOh thanks for the links Diana and Eva - I had done some sleuthing on Steve Balsamo (Welsh mother, Italian father) and discovered he sings Phoebus on my Notre Dame de Paris cd - thought the name was familiar! He's excellent on that too - ALW apparently said he was the best JC of all - can believe it too!

Evening Loppies
Been following up all links and it has taken me ages. Had to watch some vids more than once, and drool over pics.
Ooooohhhhmmmmsssss for Geri, Carol auds and anyone else in need.
when are you off on holiday Eva? Have a lovely time and enjoy the wedding party. I'm sure your present will be loved.
Hope everyone else is OK. I see there's a lot of hxxxxxxxk, wxxxxxg and ixxxxxg going on today. Now you all need to sit down and watch a dvd or two. Have a good evening.

THUDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!

Evening all

It's pouring with rain and I'm freezing! Just thought I'd tell you! Is it too late in the day for a snuggle under a blanket with the BHB??

I feel like I've been chasing my tail today. As I was working at home yesterday I had emailed home from work the spreadsheet I was working on. So, last night when I'd finished I emailed it back to my work email. Got there today and there's the email but no attachment!! So I had to go into my home email and re-send it from my home email to my work email. Logged out of home, waited for it to appear in work inbox. It didn't! Went back into home email and realised that I'd emailed it from my home email to my home email!!!!! Doh! Then it wouldn't send because the two files were taking up too much space so I had to delete one and re-send the other. What a twit!

Anyway, I got home tonight to a lovely surprise. A gift from Fi and Ali from their Dublin trip. Thank you ladies, so kind of you. I've emailed you both but Fi I've had to ask you to forward it to Ali as my emails keep bouncing back from Ali's address.

I must share with you part of the sentiment that was written on the gift - "may trouble avoid you wherever you go". Can't think why that reminded them of me!!! It did make me laugh though - thanks again Fi and Ali.

Auds - major ohms to you. Sounds horrible. Glad it's a little better today. Just remember, long after the pain has gone, you'll still have your memories of HIM!

Carol - what a lovely Ploppy you have. I'm with Jane on this one - when do the Ploppy training lessons start!? Sorry you're feeling unwell. Hope you feel better soon. I think after all that i*****g on top of feeling unwell you need a very large medicinal (!!) drink!

Sue1 - well done on the Row A ticket - I like your style - h*******k or ringing SEE!!!! I can see (geddit) which would have the most attraction!

Pauline - oo poor you. I understand that Calamine (??) lotion is good for such things - particularly when it's rubbed on by the BHB!!!! Why have you suddenly started scratching even more........!!

Lots oh ohms to Geri and all who need them.

Sounds like some interesting links, thanks all. Will check them out after dinner.

Forgot to add this link last time.
WARNING!!!! It's about the CO.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821221565244

I don't think I'll be going, but I do enjoy the film.

....feeling lots better, so thanks for all the ohhhhhhhmmmmmmss - am now going to brave rehearsal (that will probably give me a relapse!!). At least theixxnxxg is done!

One more from the party http://www.rexfeatures.com/set/801726

Carol,- you've finished your i****g? Do you want to do mine? I've got a huge pile that needs doing before I go away! No? You can take it to rehersals, if you want. I'll caryy the i******g board!

I'm flying out Thursday night. The big party is on Friday, and I return Monday night, so there will be a few days to see the family. Really looking forward to going now. I've packed my suitcase in my head, (It always starts there) so
I'm halfway there!

Pauline2,- I think it might be a bit late for BHB to join you tonight, as I believe his evening job has started, but if you ask nicely, I'm sure he'll help you scratching tomorrow morning!

Eek Kathleen! a link about the CO!

Carol, me after Eva with the I**ning please!

Well I still can't seem to download Gillian's video - but I have a plan! Try using Ploppy's PC (he! he!)

What date is it? 16th September? There are chuffing fireworks going off here all over the place!! Is it going to be like this between now and Bonfire night!!! Oh, hang on a mo, is it Eid right now. Maybe that's what is it. I hate fireworks!! I'm jumping out my skin and each time I settle back down another one goes off. I need a drink!!

Roro has added some stunning photos of LCE from Snoo to her Timeline http://f1roro.co.uk/leemead/events/alwparty14sep08.html

JaneE,- don't push! My pile is smaller than yours!

Karen,- I was going to ask you What is Eid? Then I thought,- don't show your ignorance, so I Googled it. Now I know, and I also know that this year The Festival of Eid is at October 1st !

Kathleen,- as JaneE so tellingly says,- a link on CO, Eek! It's funny, but in all the reviews I've read about Sunday night, not ONE has anything good to say about his "performance". Several said they found it embarrassing! I told you my remarks yesterday was me being kind!

Oh I thought my itching was improving but I've had a sudden relapse! I know I will be itching badly in the morning now, what a lovely thought, being scratched by BHB!

I saw the CO on London Tonight talking about Pricilla, I of course made an immediate mental note NOT to go!

Karen think you are right it is coming up to Eid, in fact lots of fireworks from now on. Brace yourself!

Ah, thank you Eva – you see, you know more about it than I do.

Yes Pauline I think you’re right – fireworks from now till Ist Oct for Eid then fireworks from then until bonfire night then fireworks from then till New Years Eve. Better stock up on the Valerian and the Vodka and the padding (for when the cat sticks her claws in me)!!

Eva – thank you for that link to Steve Balsamo. Wow, what a fantastic performance. I can imagine how good he must have been live. His style – the way in which he relates song to story and the emotion he puts into it and into his acting reminds me rather of the GO. As I think somebody else said, definitely a name to watch out for!

Diana – thanks for the links – Yet more fantastic photos!

He is just so photogenic – wouldn’t you just love to be a photographer given a project to take hundreds of photos in different locations and different poses and different clothing (optional) and............sigh!!!!!!

Don't worry Pauline 2 I'm sure BHB is well supplied with calamine lotion for you in the morning!

Karen, I must admit I thought we were still in Ramadan, (that's the fast before Eid, Eva) and there haven't been any fireworks this side of the city!

OK I must go - Sweet meads loppies!

With all the ALW PIP stuff, I forgot to say my Three & Out DVD arrived today.

Don't think I'll bother with Priscilla either.

Denise is on Paul O'Grady Show on Thursday next week. About time our GO was on! Just seen that Idina Menzel is on Tuesday's programme - that's another I won't bother with!

I had a surprise gift tonight. I was going through my newspaper quickly (didn't have time earlier today) and there in the Night&Day section (gossip column to you and me!) there is a lovely photo of Lee with ALW at Sunday's party after the Party! AAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW

Thanx to all for the wonderful links. I so wish I could have been there. Looking forward to the radio broadcast particularly AIAOY. I hadn't heard HW before but I like the sound of her voice and the two together sounded powerful.

Haven't had a great week so far. Yesterday, the bridge toll people wrote to me saying I hadn't paid a toll on Sept 3. I didn't use the bridge that day and anyway I have a pass thingy on the windscreen. Silly b******s say I'll have to pay a fine if I don't pay up. Then today the police send me a notice for speeding (65k in a 50k zone) and I have to pay a fine and get two penalty points on my licence. Aarrhh.

Anyway, to cheer myself up I went online and booked row C stalls for a certain show on October 17th. So counting the show on the 18th, I will be in double figures!!!

Ohms for all in need especially our Loppy Laureat.

Jenny Dublop

Still haven't caught up, been getting Gillian's vids from the links and looking at other links. Thanks all.
Had to IT support again, all OK.
I have the info as to where the support for Idina M was coming from on Sunday. There were several women who are big fans, they go to see her whenever they can. One was the one who rather vocally (6============================= comment from the kitten) told us she had been there since very early. I think Maeve will remember her, you know the one who sounded like she was related to Gordon Ramsey.
Anyway I was going to tell you about the lady who I spoke to for about an hour in the queue. She was a JB fan. And a Cliffy fan. She saw him at Leeds castle. She also was very fond of DE. She said she couldn't really see what we saw in the GO, but could understand the facination of his performance in Jo. She told me of a Cliffy concert she went to, where a security man had to headlock a fan, she was trying to rush the stage and push the burly man over. My new friend said she must have been 60+ but very determined, made me smile. I felt very comfortable with this lady, she had a lilac rain coat in her bag too!!! Perhaps after the concert her view of GO had changed.
Oh oh, my row A (replacement) ticket came today.

What a lovely surprise for you, Eva. The only paper I'd picked up having anything was Monday's Evening Standard and that was more a pic of ALW and his family.

I'm off to bed shortly, I need an early night. Sleep well all.

Jo, are you referring to the IM fan who arrived at 5.30 am? She was immediately in front of me while we waited between the barriers. Suex, Brenda and I were ready to throttle her. Night (again).

Evening, a quick hello before I crawl under the duvet, finally got the hxxxxwxxk done, the thought of a row A ticket inspired me.

Eva, Steve Balsamo is something else, I would love to have seen him in JCS, I love the music from that show, and have never seen the stage show.

Jenny, after that sort of a day a row C ticket is just the sort of pick me up you need. Ohhhmmmsss for Geri.

Auds, glad the back's improved.

OK bedtime (31 sleeps to Oct 18th) nite nite Loppies. x

Jo4,- I remember her. She had a mouth on her like a sewer and she is a TEACHER! No wonder the kids are turning out bad with someone like her to set an example!

Jenny,- you found the perfect remedy for a cr*p day!

I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Home from rehearsal and feeling heaps better (could be the incohol of course and I now have a large glass of Merlot - from the thermos from Sunday!). Looks like I'll be able to go tomorrow after all!!! OOOohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmssss for the Little Lepry who is much missed at the moment. By the way Pauline2, I've had trouble with my email today too - so there may be gremlins around! Auds glad the back is better, fingers crossed no relapse. Eva and Lady Jane, I looked for you ixxnxxg but couldn't see it and now Ploppy has put the ixxnxxg board away - sorry! Oh Jenny sounds like one of those days - hope tomorrow is better. Karen - I am pleased to see my Deputy is calling is supplies of vodka - attagirl! Off to bed shortly so Sweet Meads all!

Good evening ladies, and no it's not Carol, it's Rick! May I just say what a priviledge and honour it was to escort so many looney (sorry lovely I meant)Loppies during the Dublinfest. I hope I will have the opportunity to repeating the experience again! Love Rick xx

Oh Rick nice to 'hear' from you. I still smile at the thought of the actor's face (during the litery pub crawl) when you were describing Loppyness. See you for your birthday. Carol is such a kind person to take you away for the weekend, and to see a WE show too, how very kind. (of you to go!!). Good to see you in the park too.

Yes, Sue/Eva it was her and her friends, such 'nice' people:-( 'If they don't f.....ing get out of my way I'll f....ing push them over, they won't like a f......ing 18 stone rugby player f.....ing coming at them.' Need I say more?

Nightlee night

Oh hi Rick! How lovely of you to drop in. You are officially a hero in my book as you have offered to be a bag minder at future events. A true star.

Jo4 that lady sounds a real charmer, very similar to the lady near us, who was drinking cider and wine and heaven knows what else!

Anyway, must to bed. Lots of ohhhhhhhhmmmmmmms for Geri and Auds back if still needed.

Night night all sleep tight.

Thanks once again Diana and others for all the links, I've spent a very happy hour watching everything.

I think the basic problem with CO is that he can't sing very well, and that's being kind.

I do remember the 'lady' in question indeed Jo and was somewhat surprised to realise that she was a teacher, when she screamed over our heads to a friend behind us that she'd not done her f..ing marking and she didn't care what the f...k the f...ing kids thought and she'd been there since f...ing 5.30am and she was f..ing well going to be in the f...ing front row, or words to that effect!

Ninite all loppies thank you all for the lovely welcome back. OOOOOHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMSSSSSSSSSS for all that need it will be in tomorrow for a bit longer but did not get much of a chance to all the catch ups here.
Sweet Meads alll xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Chantale

Good Morning all!

Oh dear Jenny! What an annoying couple of incidents. I hope you give the toll people a right good what for!

Jo4 - what a charming lady! And she spoke fluent Saxon! How clever of her!

Eva that was a nice suprise! But we missed out on Carol doing our i**ning - Humph!

Hello Rick! It was lovely to meet you again and have time for a proper chat!

Carol I'm glad you are feeling better - but I'm still Ohmming for you and Aud's back, and for Geri.

Hello BHB - yes I'm first in again this morning. I know you're lonely! Oh look - you've got a big tube of bite cream for Pauline. Bless you! Of course I'll come for a snuggle before breakfast!

Morning.

Yes, that was her. Not only was she foul mouthed, she also couldn't keep still. Another five mins in the queue with her and I'd have lost it. When the tickets were swiped, there was a problem with her's so the security guy wouldn't let her through. The other security person swiped mine & I took great delight getting ahead of her.

Rick, the pleasure was mutual. Glad you're feeling better, Carol. I'm feeling very cheerful this morning, just hope it is Lee this time!

We miss you, Geri. Ohhhmmmms to you, Pauline's bites, Auds back and anyone else in need.

Morning all. It's another day with a mist of grey skies with the sun struggling to peep through.
Hello sweetheart. Why the long face? Nobody loves you? ? ? ? ? Heavens, you sound just like me when I feel really sorry for myself. Of course we love you to bits! Carys can't come every night, and the Lepry is feeling poorly herself. I'm sure Diana will pop in any minute, and the others are coming all through the morning! You want some "you"time? (Where do they learn these expressions?) I tell you what,- let's borrow Pauline's blue blanket, make a nice cup of leaded, and I'll tell you all about my upcoming trip to Norway. Yes, we'll have some serious snuggle time.
You've got this scratching cream for Pauline? No, no, it's not meant to make her scratch even more,- quite the opposite, in fact. Do you want to practice on me? If you must. (Who am I kidding?)

I'm having another massage and acupuncture session today, I'm pleased to say. Fortunately my neck and shoulders are getting much better, so hopefully this session should clear that bit.

See BHB, what did I tell you? Diana did come!

A new fan
http://www.forgotten-smile.com/i-rent/2008/09/andrew-lloyd-webbers-birthday-in-the-park/

Morning everyone, feeling much better today - could it be the appointment I have this afternoon with a certain someone - oh, of course BHB seeing you too (now why is he looking hurt again). Oh, you have some cream for Pauline2, that's sweet of you. Not many people in so far? Well I am sure there will be a rush later, so time for the daily debrief methinks. What's that noise coming from one of the blankets? Oh, I see Aunty Eva came in for a cuddle and has fallen asleep, well if we just tiptoe away she'll be fine (firmly closes kitchen door).

...(pops head back from behind kitchen door) - sorry got carried away - ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmsssssss for Geri, for Auds' back, for Pauline's itchs, for Jenny to have a better day and for anyone else who needs them.

Good morning all,

Yes, I'm here mid-morning because I've been off sick from work undergoing the joy known as 'medical investigations'. Thanks for all the ohmms and e-mails, I really do appreciate them. It's been a very rough week with one thing and another so all the ohms have been put to very good use. Mind, I see that lots of loppies seem to have a need for our special form of psychic protection: Pauline, Auds, Jenny, & I know there are at least a couple of others who could use a few so I'll add more to the bank too.

Sounds like the PiP was, well, a pip! Thanks for all the links. Doesn't it seem like our GO's fame and adulation is spreading? Oh, if you go to YouTube and enter Lee's name then search on videos added this week, you'll find lots of additional footage of the concert, including the end with Lee being hugged (very energetically) by JB & then chatting with Rhydian.

Good morning, BHB, ooh you've already got one of Pauline's blankets at the ready I see. Aw, baby pink. Somehow it shouldn't look good on you but it does. Very. What do you mean, am I up for a snuggle? Mmmm....Dr Mead....

Morning all, gosh I get later and later! Not complaining as I love sleep, but I am getting a bit behind with things.

Hi Geri welcome back we've missed you as I think you can tell. Lots of ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmms that you will be better soon and the investigations successful. You are welcome to a blanket as a sick loppy (she said through gritted teeth)

Ohhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmms for everyone else who needs them, especially Jenny to have a better day today.

To all theatre goers today have a great time. Who am I kidding as long as himself is there, it is guarenteed! Wave and blow kisses from us please.

Morning BHB, what's that you have a big tub of cream to rub on my bites? Oh you darling, thankyou (aww he's blushing). Now I'll grab a blanket, hummmm looks like it'll have to be red or black, I think red, matches the bites! Now it's there and there and there and there......oh yes there is one there, what do you mean how did it get there? I wish I knew...oi you lot it's between my toes, keep it clean please!

Hello, I would say good morning if I felt that way but I'm sooooo tired.
It's going to take me a few weeks to get used to two 15 hour days in a row.

Ooohmmms for itches & backs & shoulders & feet & health in general &having a good day & wherever else they're needed

Due to have my Ergonomic Desk Assessment shortly so must say ta ta for now.

Karen2 - I hope you tell the 'Elf & Safety assessor that having the GO displayed prominently around the workplace is conducive to good posture, general well being etc. etc. Hi Geri nice to see you (although would rather see you well!) you've been much missed! Oh the PiP was fantastic (sorry not trying to rub it in, but was so glad we went!). Odd thing was that despite the standing for hours, it didn't seem that long, and my feet didn't ache until the journey home. Suspect it could have had something to do with Auds' bad back though! There were some very odd people in the audience - not only foul mouthed but very drunk and belligerent! I know!! Just going to have a go at downloading Ploppy's Dublin photos, but the machine is very very very slow today, so it may be they will make it by Saturday!

Thanks for the link Diana, she didn't like DVO did she! But another GO convert yaaay!

Morning all, good to see you Geri and fingers crossed that all the tests will end up being useful.

As usual I forgot to refresh last night, if I'd done so I would have seen that Jo had already given an adequate taste of the lady's language and wouldn't have inflicted any more on you. I never learned to type, which is probably perfectly obvious, and so it's a very slow two fingers business and often by the time I post, events have moved on and what I'm on about is quite irrelevant!

Ooohhms for those in need, good cheering today at The Adelphi for the lucky ones.

Hello Geri, good to see you back (even if you have nicked Pauline's pink blanket) Lots of Ohmmmms for those tests - we'll be thinking of you!

Oh dear K2! 15 hours per day must be exhausting - you'd better take some Ohmmmms as well!

Have a great time Carol and all you theatre going Loppies!

And I'll just leave a few more Ohmmmms for other Loppies that need them.

Now to check Diana's link...

Anyone off to the Adelphi today? Only joking,- you lucky Loppies! Remember your Loppy duties and blow him a lot of kisses from the Cinders!

Had a lovely massage today, and I'm definitely better now. He said I didn't need weekly appointments any longer. My bank card breathed a sigh of relief!

On my way in to Canterbury this morning, we met Poppy's identical twin! Poppy squeeled (She can outsqueel any Loppy!), and shouted :" Did you see her. Mum? My identical twin! We were separated by birth, and she is my soooooooouuuuuuuuul mate!. How could they do this to us? Why couldn't you've bought her too? You have no heart!" As you can see, she was working herself into a right state. I think I've landed myself a real drama queen here! I spent the rest of the journey to Canterbury trying to calm her down, explaining that mine wasn't a 2 car household, and my bank account wasn't a 2 car bank account! She tried to argue that this was beyong monitary considerations, her very soul was being jeopardized.(I wonder if she sneaks a read in my dictionary at night to learn all these big words!) I left her grumbling and moaning, but lo! and behold, coming back, she was cosying up to this silver Volvo (a Swede, I ask you!), her soulmate and mental torment clean forgotten! The fickleness of the young!

Geri,- I hope the medics sort out what is wrong. It's good to see you back.

Pauline2,- wasn't BHB good at applying the cream this morning? He practised (a lot) on me!

Mention and pic in today's Telegraph of Sunday
http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/908387

Glad to see you again, Geri. Ohhmmms for the tests.

Good to see some missing loppies back, oohhmms for you Geri.
Have a great time all those off to the show today. And the rest of you, don't work too hard!

Hello! Have a good time everyone going to the Adelphi today! Please pay very very close attention to the GO's overall well being and voice as I want him to be OK for Saturday!! I just have a weird feeling that he will have a caught a chill from Sunday! Glad to know the Upper Circle is not that bad and as you can imagine I am rather looking forward to going!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, still floating after having my bites rubbed with cream. You are right Eva, he was very good. Do bites take a very long time to stop itching..please?

Oh good that you don't need your neck massaged any more, is that more money for other interests then?

Poppy really! I thought Eva had brought a proper lady this time, and now you are throwing tantrums and then cosying up to strange cars!

Ohhhmmmmms for you K2 as it sounds as if you need them. 15hour days?!! I used to do them but they even gave us a break in the middle! Well usually!

S0unds like I'll need to have a little chat with that girl of yours Eva, tell her that her godmother is not impressed and her christmas present is at risk if she doesn't behave.

Should clarify P2, 15 hours includes work & night classes, unfortunately the only break in between though is spent travelling from one work place to the college.

Ok, off out for a little fresh air stroll to help keep me awake this afternoon.

Woo-hoo, I just had a lovely surprise drop through my letter-box! Cliff's new CD arrived from Eva -- great timing because other than Lee's latest CD, or either of those two men in person, I can't think of anything more likely to put a smile on my face. Thanks, Eva -- great timing!

Pauline, it depends on what's causing the itching. You could try calamine lotion or an anti-histamine cream & I'm sure you know not to scratch!

Thanks again for all the ohmms; have a great time tonight at the show everyone lucky enough to be going. K2, try to pace yourself and get rest whenever you can. That's a nasty schedule you've got, but at least your semester is fairly short. Ohms to you & Auds, Pauline, and anyone else I've missed.

I'm taking Cliff to bed now. Oh stop it, you know what I mean...

Geri,- taking Cliff to bed, are you? Down BHB,- he's harmless!
Karen2,- I'll tell your god daughter what you said. Maybe the possibility of no alloy wheels for Christmas will make her pipe down!

Hey! TomorrowTimes is taking predictions on who will win Strictly and who will be first to go on Saturday. Anyone can make predictions and you get points if you get it right. Make your predictions now at http://www.tomorrowtimes.com/strictly-come-dancing-–-who-will-be-the-first-to-go

Geri, thanks I do know I shouldn't scratch but....hangs head. Mine while I have BHB to rub cream in who cares!

My turn now. off to Chiropractor for back massage. Not always relaxing. See you soon!

Oooh I could do with a back massage, I have an ache between my shoulders today but I know it's just tiredness, meant to go for a walk but got chatting to my manager and now it's too late.

Just got a call from PB, he has a half day on Wednesdays and he's obviously feeling creative, has been rooting around in the kitchen and wanted to know could he use the minced beef in the fridge as he has found all the other ingredients for meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti, for which he found the recipe and wants to try to make it. So it sounds like I'm going home to dinner already made. Last night when I was at college he made himself a cheese sauce (from scratch) that he had with pasta twists. He also attempted ginger snaps which were difficult to describe except to say that they required a long dunk in hot tea before biting into them! Flavour was good though.
I'll give you an update after dinner tonight!

Eva - that young lady has expensive taste! try telling her that alloy wheels are out of fashion - totally last year!!

Karen2,- I'll do my best, but being French, she is very up on the fashion scene!
Ask PB if I can pop in for dinner too! He is a tresure!

Ah thanks Diana - I enjoyed that review! Another convert to Loppydom!

Now Eva - what are you going to do with Poppy? Surely she has more than one identical twin? You'll have to give her a talking to!

Ali B - I'm sure you will enjoy the show from the UC!

Pauline2 - I had some nasty bites last time I went to Cyprus. I'm afraid they itched for ages!

K2 - that certainly is a hectic schedule! You are a hard working Loppy!

Geri -enjoy being in bed with Cliffy! (What? I can jump in the gutter if I want to!)

And now I'm going - I have a friend coming round tonight and we are going to drink wine and watch DVDs.

Ohhhhhmmmmms for those in need!

Have a good evening - especially those lucky Loppies going to the WE.

Evening all, have just sen this on the forum and make no apologies for directing there. You have GOT to see this. Warning I nearly had a cardiac arrest! It is seriously gorgeous!

http://pub29.bravenet.com/forum/2462310622/show/908575

Pauline2,- who is that nice young man again?( she said as she tried to climb up from the puddle on the floor. Where is my blood pressure tablets? Oh, I forgot, I don't take any.) Heavens,- you need capital warning letters for that one!

Hi - lurking loppy here. I have tickets for Joseph in November and I am really looking forward to going along. It is thanks to you lot that I was lucky enough to get them and confident enough to go.

I know you all appreciate wonderful musicians who look seriously gorgeous and I know you will be watching Denise on ITV "For One Night Only" on Sunday this week. On the same show is my other musical hero and I think you will all be impressed.

Watch out for David Garrett.
He was at Hyde Park for Proms in the Park the day before the Andrew Lloyd Webber event and was SO super.

He is going to be doing two concerts in the UK next month. One at the Union Chapel on October 9th and the other in Birmingham Town Hall on October 11th. I think there may be some tickets left as he is not really well known over here.

Enjoy

I could dream of Lee and David appearing together....thud

Tabitha

Hi Hilary, and welcome to the slightly-bonkers world of the loppy. We'll keep an eye out for David.

Lee-Alert!: BBC's E-24 at 6:30 had a bit about ALW donating theatre tickets to people who had lost money in the bank crisis -- I think. Lee came on the screen doing his Coat of Many Colours and the brain immediately went into Lee-overdrive & I totally missed what they were talking about. It'll be on again between 9 and 10pm if you want to catch it. OK, it's only maybe 10 seconds, but it's still Lee...

Hi lurking loppy Tabitha! Nice of you to say hello and welcome to our slightly bonkers world.

Now I have to admit I couldn't bring DG to mind so googled him and found his website here

http://www.david-garrett.com/

Not bad! Of course my heart, well all of me really belongs to Lee, but I don't mind looking at other good looking men. I intended watching ONO on Sunday so will look for him then.

Evening all

When I win the lottery on Saturday I am going to buy a helicopter. That way I can get straight home through the rush hour instead of having to sit on a bus, which stops at every bus stop, where people spend ten minutes rummaging through their bags for the fare, when they should have had it ready before they got on (!!!Grrrrr!!!!!) and others who argue the toss with the driver about how much the fare is (Grrrr!!!) and then others who spend ten minutes arguing with the driver because he didn’t stop at their stop, even thought they didn’t ring the bell (!!!Grrrrr!!!!).

Aaaggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can you tell I had another bad journey home!

Of course, when I do win the lottery on Saturday, I won’t need to work so I won’t need a helicopter to get me home in rush hour. There you are, you see, I’ve saved myself some money already!!

OK, rant over. I feel better for that!

Geri – good to hear from you. Sounds like you still need plenty of ohms though. In bed with Cliffy?????? I’m saying nowt!! (Cos I can’t think of anything clean to say!!)

Pauline2 – it’s amazing the places where those little savages bite isn’t it (she said nodding her head knowingly!!!!). I bet you discovered a few more when the BHB turned up didn’t you!!!

K2 – lucky you, having dinner to go home to. Mind you, you deserve it after those 15 hour days. Good on PB.

Hi Tabitha – nice to hear from you.

You are so right Karen I have bites in places...well enough said!

The second part of 'BB Need for Mead' is up on the Joseph web site. Unfortunately I get half way through and it sticks, sigh. But he looks so gorgeous it's worth just watching the first bit a few times to look at him. Love the dead plant!

Hi all. Still not caught up on links, photos, story etc. RL manic at moment. Lovely colleague (who must be all of 2 yrs old!) sat down beside me today and said was I Ok cos i looked so sad and normally i chat loads. Had to explain life had gone into overdrive and I hadnt begun to catch up.

Talking of overdrive got home to youngest scollop saying had job interview tomorrow and could he take car to find barber. As it was 5.30 thought unlikley but too tired to remonstrate. as he is still not back suspect i may have been "had". Need the car in 20 mins to go out. hmmm.

Geri - is Dr Mead doing the investigations?

BTW geri and jane E. I bought 5 new autumn tops yesterday and they were all the same colour. Bet you cant guess which one. can i come to dublin again as feel i let the turquoise side down on last visit.

Ok off scollop (and car) hunting. He better have really short hair when i find him.....

Karen,- I'm sorry, but Saturday's Lottery jackpot is taken.......by me! I'll buy you helicopter rides to work AND home again for a year, though!

Fi,- I'd love to be a fly on the wall when you catch up with scollop. He sounds like a chip of the old block! Btw. if your autumn tops are all turquoise, what colour is your sommer, winter and spring tops? Ask a silly question......!

Pauline2,- than you for the info about The Need For Mead part 2. It's so funny, and his favourite colour is BLUE! I knew he is a man of impeccable taste! I'm not so sure about his favourite drink,- whisky and coke? ? ? Ugh!

Geri,- how was Cliffy in bed? What? I AM keeping it clean,- I meant to listen to, of course!

I have finally caught up with the blog. No call from neighbour .......yet for tech support, so I've been reading very fast.
Eva your efforts to get Cliffy to no. 1 have failed. BUT he is no. 3, so not too bad. I fear that all the fans will have pre ordered, so not confident he will go higher next week. (Sorry for my error last night, of course it's next Weds.)
Again thanks for all the links.
Ohhhmmmmns for the poorly.
Just to let you know the pink fluffy slippered one will be there on 18th.
Might have some time tonight to look at my photos, but I do have to do some paperwork first.

Just watched 2nd pt. of BB need for Mead, very funny, thanks for the heads up Pauline, hope you're not itching too much.

Eva, Cliff was very chaste. I chased him around the house, the city... No? I'm trying to stay awake for a couple of hours or I'll never sleep tonight.

Fi, from your mouth to God's ear. Dr Mead Investigates... I feel a story title coming on...

Thanks for the link, Pauline. BTW, if you download the video using real player you can watch it in full screen on the computer. Ahh, bliss!

Off to make some tea. Not allowed anything red for the foreseeable future -- is that cruel or what?

Can anybody help me please!!!!????? I've been onto the Joseph website and with the first video I only get the Butler and the Baker for about half a min - no GO!! And I can't even find the second video! What am I doing wrong? Heelllppppppp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh no K1!!
Are you going in through a "favourites" link? You could try just googling "official joseph site" and see if it brings you to the updated one, as far as I can see, the first BB isn't even shown on it anymore.

Karen,- I have downloaded both to Realplayer, so I'll e-mail them to you.

Karen,- I've sent them now. I hope it works.

Well done - Eva to the rescue! I wouldn't be able to do that on this old thing, Eva will you email them to me too, pretty please?

Have to report that dinner tonight was delicious, as promised meatballs in tomato sauce with spaghetti, all made from scratch and especially welcome as I had to stop on the way home to buy two of my college books so was later than normal. PB is getting very adept in the kitchen, quite the modern man.

Just watching Lost In Austen, it's very good.

Eva - would it be possible to email me the first one as that sticks for me too although the second is fine. Watching Lost in Austen and I must say I'm completely lost! Also did anyone watch 'The Children' on Monday - can you tell me WHO did it!! Many thanks

Shirley 2 and Karen2,- e-mails sent.

Thankyou Eva!

So funny, she made him do the water scene!!

Karen2,- glad the dinner was good. Any leftovers for me?
I do like the water scene in Lost In Austen, but he really isn't any good as Darcy.

Shirley 2,- I was a bit baffled about the ending of The Children too, but I think it was the mother of the baby who did it. My reasoning is that she was the only one at the end who wasn't shown in a possible killer scenario with the girl. The last we saw was her sitting at a table, crying and saying"Sorry,- I'm so sorry" (I think.) I don't know if this makes any sense.

Eva - thank you. Will go check those out now.

That was my interpretation of The Children too Eva.

Whee! I'm back! Saw Diana and her Mum in the scrum and actually took quite a decent photo (well ok I got one of the back of his head and one of his ear as well!). Strangely for a matinee we had Jenna instead of Fiona. We also had three swings in. Lots of school children in today, so a fairly subdued audience until near the end. GO slipped when the brothers were chasing him to put him in the well, but was obviously unharmed. The brothers had a lot of interplay today too! Now as for CED - today it was PHENOMENAL! Best I have heard from the GO, absolutely wonderful - very very powerful - the bars shook when he grabbed them! Stunning! Nice glimpse of the tighty whities incidentally and Auds not as much sweat as normal (cooler in the auditorium too!). In the Pharoah scene GO got the giggles with Dean, and had to turn his head away from the audience. Also The Butler and Jenna was playing games with each other as they sat on their chairs on opposite sides of the stage! Caanan Days was brilliant (Adam forgot to put his moustache back on!); today I cried when Joseph picked Benjamin up from the floor and hugged him (whereas normally it is when Jacob and Jo embrace). Oh and Pauline2 and I now have tickets for A row on 17th December! Sloppy loved it all! Just watched Lost in Austen - really enjoying it now!

No pictures done. All bills paid though. Looks like my HBOS shares have crashed, hey ho. My dad always said, don't put money in shares unless you don't mind loosing it. So, I can still buy show tickets.
Just watched Poirot's Who do you think your are, very interesting. And the new Butler Baker vid, oh so sweet. He can share my dc anytime.

...forgot to say spoke to GO in Scrum and told him how much we enjoyed PiP and he said "Wasn't it a fantastic night", so what's a girl to do but agree?

Sorry Eva, no leftovers but I'll ask him to make more next time! Thanks again for the interviews.
Totally agree about Darcy, he's not a patch on Colin Firth, just thought it was funny that they threw that in.

So relieved Fi, that you've taken up Turquoise again, hardly recognised you when I saw you at Dfest wearing all those alien colours. Yes, you'll definitely have to come back and we'll do it all again in the right colour this time!!

Ok, bedtime for me, but first just one little peek at LCE video from PiP - is anyone else finding it difficult to go 24hours without watching it again?

Aunty Eva, pretty please could you let me have the vids as welll? i never did see the first and the second one sticks for me half way through, sob.

Carol it all sounds fantastic and we now have the Row A experience to look forward to..twice wooohooo!

Yes Carol, I agree with you both. There was a lovely singer who did 4 songs, must find out who he is.
Nightlee night

Geri, what's E24?

Joseph was great this afternoon. Lee was in absolutely top form. I don't know if he's had a boost of confidence from Sunday but he sang brilliantly. As soon as I got to the theatre I checked the board and was so relieved to see HIS name at the top after last week's disappointment. The audience was a bit slow but the longer it went on, the more they applauded and a number stood up at the very end. There were quite a few empty seats - four in front of us were empty so we had a great view. Neil & Ricky were missing but there were 11 brothers this time; Fiona was also not there again. Despite supposedly seeing the rest of the show last week with Ricky, I still saw a couple of things tonight I'd never seen before! Jo, this time I saw Benjamin lifted up! My MIL enjoyed it very much and was keen to wait in the scrum afterwards. She agreed that Lee is even better looking close up and thinks he's very humble. I found out afterwards that she'd grabbed about four of the photos Lee handed out!! BTW my MIL is 80.

Met Carol and her Sloppy in the scrum and there weren't many waiting this time so we had a great position. I had my fan for Lee to sign and as I held it out and asked him to sign, he clearly recognised it and looked up at me as though he recognised me as a loyal fan and I think said hello. My brain had kinda gone at this point but Carol told him how great Sunday had been and I echoed her. Lee said something alone the lines of "You enjoyed it then?". I think I got a couple of decent photos but haven't looked at them properly yet. That man is GORGEOUS!!

We went to the Greek restaurant The Pad in Maiden Lane afterwards and I'd recommend it. Normally we avoid Greek restaurants other than in Greece but this was one of the best Greek meals we've had. Nothing fancy but tasty Greek food - hot. Ploppy now knows how many times I've seen Joseph - he took it well but thinks I'm mad. He doesn't know I've got a few tickets for the next three months!

Evening, I've had one of those days, we've got workmen in refurbing our bathroom and as much as I'm excited about a new wetroom, I HATE workmen in the house.

Rick, lovely to hear from you, and it was lovely to meet you in Dublin.

What a charming person that teacher was!!! A real let down to her profession.

Geri, nice to have you back, ohhhmmmsss for whatever tests you're having, and WOW to this new tale.

Jane, more lovely pictures.

Eva, I'm afraid your Poppy sounds a bit of a floozy! If I don't get on here until late tomorrow have a safe journey, and a lovely time.

Karen2, you have a young chef in the making there, it was lovely to meet him in Dublin.

Pauline, those photos of our boy are something else!!!! Ohhhmmmsss for your itches, I'm the worlds worst when it comes to scratching an itch, and have the scars to prove it, so you have my sympathy.

Karen, have a few ohhhmmmsss for the journey tomorrow, sounds like the best reason for working from home to me.

Fi, you have a few ohhhmmmsss for RL, you sound as if you need them at the moment.

Carol, glad you're feeling better. What a lovely Ploppy you've got.

Duvet calling, nite nite Loppies. x

Diana, glad you had a good time and MiL enjoyed it. Fancy telling how many times, no wonder he thinks you are mad. Are you going to tell him each time you go from now on? He may send the men in white coats. Glad you got your fan signed this time, although the RFFD is very upset that all the fans get scribbled on, after all their hard work.
Am really off now

Oh dear, I'm having hysterics, just watched BB2. Brilliant!! Love the Times/Sun bit especially. Thanks for the heads up, Pauline.

December 17th is turning into a ROW A fest, Yeahhhhh!!!

Pauline2,- e-mails sent.
I'm off to bed too. Glad to hear His Meadness was on brilliant form today. I'll be there with Jo4 in 6 days! Have I told you it's RowB? (Ducks to avoid flying objects!)
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Sue 1,- I thought you were going with us on December 16th? Have you booked another one?

...we are Wednesday 17th cos I can't go on the 16th (Society Xmas party and as Chair, I can't not go!), so Pauline2 and I decided to go the night after all of you, but still in Row A. Young man at the box office offered me G row. I politely enquired if there were anywhere nearer the front, like Row A!! So that's what we have! Off to bed now to dream of.......well fingers crossed! Sweet Meads all!

Thankyou so much for that Eva, I have now seen part one, sadly part two still sticks for me when they say to him favourite actor! Obviously my computer can't cope with that much gorgeousness in one go, sigh. Glad you all enjoyed it anyway!

Thanks for the review as well Diana, next time for me isn't until the 18th, it seems ages away.

On that thought I will to bed. Thanks for all the good wishes for my bites...doesn't sound right, but I'm sure you know what I mean!

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmms for Geri and Auds and anyone else in need.

Sleep tight, night night.

Just remembered something - when Joseph has his back to the audience on the bottom of the stairs with the brothers in front of him, someone (possibly Lee) had said something cos Michael (?) was desperately trying not to laugh.

Sorry about your shares, Jo.

Jo, forgot to say that when in the scrum I saw Debbie & Woozie. They came over for a chat afterwards - they were going to the evening show.

Pauline, my next one is 18 Oct too and as you say it seems ages.

Downloaded my photos and yay I got some good ones - not fantastic but pretty good and have sent them to Martin. Looking forward to seeing your's properly, Carol, looked like you'd got a couple of beauties.

Really must go to bed. Wish I could have a lie in tomorrow. Night all.

Sounds like you saw a great performance Carol, Diana and your Mums. I see they are offering top price seats for £29.50 now, must have started to be a few empty seats I suppose.

Jo, I think GO likes Jack Daniels in his!

Yes 'The Children' had a very enigmatic ending but I'm sure you're right Eva, Bon Voyage for tomorrow.

I'm really into 'Lost in Austen' now, how will it all work out? I'll be away next week so I hope I remember to set the video.

Pauline it was Johnny Depp.

Yawn...Yawn.. oh sorry BHB,did I wake you? Oh what a lovely big hug hmmmmm yes, I've missed you too but I spend all my time these days spinning plates between two full time jobs and barely make it home - no I haven't taken up work in a circus! Yes, yes, I miss chatting to all my Loopy friends, it was nice to see some of them again at a fantastic concert on Sunday. Why dont you make us one of those lovely hot chocolate drinks, then we can snuggle up and you can tell me whats been going on here and how everyone is doing.

Good morning, all. Glad the loppy contingent had a fun time last night at the show (was there ever a doubt). Seems like our GO is really starting to realise how good he is, yet, oddly, still manages to be as humble as ever. Utterly adorable!

Diana, E24 is the entertainment portion of BBC's 24 news channel. It's on at 6:30 and, I think, 9:30 daily (except Friday). I usually watch it in hopes of a glimpse of the GO. In fact, the day after Lee won ADWD I kept the station on all morning because they had footage of his win on every hour. Pathetic, huh?

I'm glad you're enjoying the story, Sue. As you know, I was concerned because it's so much darker than the previous tales, so I'm relieved that you like it.

Off to the hospital for some lab work, then back to work for a few hours. Since I don't have anyone to replace me, my work piles up when I'm not there so it's just not worth staying off for any length of time.

Never mind, GO, how about a hug and a snuggle. This nice soft dark green blanket is very cosy -- mmmmmmmm....

Eva - thanks so much for Part 1, it jumped when it got to the normal sticking place but then played on perfectly. Wonderful.
And as for 'The Children', I saw the mother of the baby at the end but missed what she said but that makes perfect sense. I thought they were showing us all the scenearios to show that anyone could have done it (and leave it up to us to put anyone in there) while making the point that any one of them could have done it and who really suffered in it all was the children with the adults all putting themselves first.
Sounds like a great show last night Carol and Diana but its a bit worrying about the cut price seats. I can't belive the theatre is not filling every night now. Were there many empty last night? I'm in Row A in November too but at CiN night

Morning all. A beautiful day here with blue skies, but a bit chilly. Perfect blanket weather!
Hello sweetheart. I see you've had visitors this morning. Geri is back, is she, and is trying out new colour blankets? Well, with all the colours there are, that means a lot of blanket cuddles in the days to come. Suex stood in for the usual nightshift? Wanted the hot chocolate? I believe it's a popular drink with the night shift? And Shirley 2 has been and gone? That's not bad, so why are you still looking a bit down in the mouth? JaneE? Oh, but I think she had a DVD and wine session last night with a friend, so she might have a bit of a head (!) on her this morning? I'm here, which is the most important thing, so get that smile back on your face. As soon as you've made me a leaded and scrambled eggs on toast, we can try out the blue blanket for the snuggle factor. Oh, btw,- did you know that GO's favourite colour is blue? It's yours too? Now, what a coincidence! It goes to show who has good taste, doesn't it?
I'm off to have my feet done after breakfast. I think a wedding party calls for twinkly toes of the best quality, don't you agree ladies? Now what colour should I go for on my toe nails? Decisions, decisions!
Glad I could help you with the Need For Mead. I'm glad I saved it.
I just heard on the radio that my bank has been bought up by Lloyds Bank, a bank I left some years back because of their poor customer care! I'm not very good at chosing banks, because Northern Rock is where my mortgage is! To be honest with you, I have never been afraid they won't accept my mortgage payments!

Morning all, managed to be a little bit earlier today, not much I know but it is a start!

Hi Suex how lovely to see you again. Sorry we missed you on Sunday, well we did see your brolly! What a good buy that was.

Looking forward to the pictures, we can never have too many of those!

Thanks Maeve, if he likes JD, great taste!

Not itching so much today....oh hello BHB oh you have the cream , yes oh they do still itch really badly, if you could just rub the cream in for me (what?. Oooooh that's lovely thankyou, no don't stop, if I just pull this blanket round us like so....there a snuggle and cream rub all in one go. What more could a girl ask for!

...boo - did a really long post and then lost it! Morning everyone, come back to a nice large pile of wxxk, but still floating on cloud 9 so that's helping! Have the thought of five more planned Jo visits to look forward to, and two of those in A Row! Had a nice surprise yesterday as Pauline2's raffle prize (the one she donated and the one she won) finally arrived at my house (having been held hostage by Royal Mail as I was out when they first tried to deliver it). The bunny is gorgeous and has his own blanket, as well as a multicoloured nightcap on! Anyway, he was released from his prison and given a cuddle, and then P2 said I may keep him! The bunny population is now growing in our house, we have the new sleepy bunny, Chenin, Reuben, Rebecca and Cottontail. The bears in the house are starting to get worried! OK better do the wxxk! Did I mention the GO spoke to me yesterday? I did??? Are you sure??????

Pauline2,- you made me jump! Liking JD? For a moment there I thought you meant CO and then it clicked! Phew! I think I need a holiday!

Morning loppies, Oh Pauline2 what ever has happened to you? I go away for a few days and all sorts happen here.
So far Jo and Eva Have answered to the winning print there should be one more.Have had the prints (giclee done) they are much better tan the others still not perfect but then it is very diificult to get the exact exact tones they will be posted this week end girls. Enjoy.!
ok got to do some work now. I still have not caught up with all the blogs since I left they are hundredod they boy you have been busy.Will let you know of my funny adventureswhile we were on hols.
see you all sooon Sun Sun Sun. Mornin BHB missed youas well as my loppy friends.

It si also my Ploppy's birthday today i did ask him if he wanted to go to a redtaurant..... never heard Nicky answer so quickly and assuredly NO.... with horror on his face I think it means he was well and truly st.... during our French stay, poor love. still we shall do it later, something to look forward to.

Eva, oh no, as if!! Sorry I've got so used to thinking of CO as the CO I never thought about the possible misconception, sorry!

Carol he spoke to you? You never said!

Hmm half price tickets eh? Ploppy was only asking this morning what to get me for my birthday, think I may have the answer!
K2, middle scollop is following PB's lead. My boss is starting up an after school cookery club and scollop has signed up. So far he's the only boy. He doesn't mind! Some of the other boys tried to take the mickey but he just told them that all the best chefs are men and named Gordon, Jamie etc. and pointed out that my boss is an award winning chef himself. I'm proud of him for not giving in to peer pressure.
Worked till midnight last night but I'm surprisingly aake this morning, must be the lovely weather. Got to take nephew to his music class now but I'll be back after lunch sometime.

Good Morning all
I have had some pics in, Diana sent in some from the scrum on the 17th and are now in the GO album.
Suex sent in some from PiP and they are in the PiP album believe it or not.
I hope everyone is well, Ooohhhmmssssssssssssss for Geri and Pauline, get well soon, and of course the same to anyone else who is not feeling too good (inc Maggie who seems to have a cold or flu)

Morning all! Just!

Aw BHB - we're you missing me this morning? Eva was right I had my friend around last night, but it wasn't a hang-over I had honest! Just that I had to leave the house early to get a lift with her.

Right! I hope I don't miss anything, here goes:-

Tabitha - Hi! Nice to meet you!

Karen - would you mind giving me a lift in your helecopter when you get it?

Geri - Still Ohhmmming for you - hope the investigations go OK today.

Carol and Diana - thank you both for the lovely reviews (ooo did he speak to you Carol?)

K2 & Ali - how lovely having budding chefs in the house

Suex - Sorry RL is interfering with Loppydom - do you need some Ohmms?

Sue - very glad you like the story and pictures (I really enjoy doing them)

Carol - lucky you winning Pauline's gorgeous bunny!

Chantale - Happy birthday to Ploppy.

Phew! Is that everyone?

Right move over Pauline2 - I think it's my turn for a snuggle!

Hi again, is there something wrong with Carys's site, everytime I try to get on I just get a blank white screen, if the problem is only me could someone send me or add on blog the link.

Martin,- I've had the same problem for days, so have given up.

Carol,- who spoke to you? Naaahhh, you're kidding!

I won £10 on Thunderball last night. That was just a warm up for the jackpot on Saturday! Sorry Karen!

My toes are now twinkling happily again. Same colour as my velvet trousers.(I took them with me just to be sure!) I wonder if I should do a barefoot flight tonight, just to show off, you understand!

I'm leaving the house in a couple of hours, so I'd better start packing. I know what's going in the suitcase, so there is no panic.
JaneE,- no hangover? Is that a proper girlie night out?

Eva have a lovely weekend, your toes look beautiful, such a good match.

Martin I get that problem sometimes but , so far, if I keep retrying the website (not refreshing) it works. No idea why! Now I've said that it won't I bet!

Just going to check the pics.

Ali oh I think you should, go on!

Hi all, I'm home again after being poked and prodded & finishing a little work -- just enough to keep it ticking over.

Jane, I think Karen will let you use her helicopter, but you might want to take parachute lessons for when you want to get 'dropped off'.

Marin, Carys is working on the security of her site at my request. I think we may need to have everyone re-apply to enter, but this time I'll keep a list of passwords (if that's okay) since so many people seem to be forgetting theirs. I'm sure either Carys or I will keep you informed.

Off to get something to eat, then I'll have a proper gander at all the blog stuff I've missed. Still ohming for the Kar'ns, Pauline, Auds, & anyone else who needs 'em.

Sorry, I forgot to post this, the top five 'beautiful people' in the West End. Guess who made the list... (hope it hasn't been posted already. Apologies if it has): http://blog.show-and-stay.co.uk/2008/09/top-five-west-end-beauties/

Martin and Eva - Yep me too with Carys site - It's just my computer at home though, I can get on it OK at work.

Glad to know Lee is still OK - thanks for the reviews. I am in for a good night tonight as I am going round my parents house (they are away in the Isle of Wight) and I am going to water their plants and go on the internet!! I will finally be able to see all the videos from PIP (whose are the best do you think?) and the second part of the Joseph video. So I shall be a happy bunny - its very frustrating having a computer myself but its so slow that youtube loads a video two seconds every three minutes!!

Have a lovely weekend, Eva.

Just taken delivery of some fabulous Lee mousemats, key rings and coasters which I ordered from the Lovelees. If anyone wants the details, let me know, they weren't expensive.

Loppies, we're famous! We've made an encyclopaedia reference:
http://www.nationmaster.com/encyclopedia/Loppies

Diana, the goodies sound great. Do you have pictures you can post on Martin's site?

Forgot to say thanks Martin and ohhhmmms to Maggie.

Below is a link to Lovelees page with ordering details for mousemats etc. Scroll down to the collection of photos - took me ages deciding what to have. I've got Ali's email address if you want to contact her - obviously don't want to put it on here. Just realised I forgot to order a fridge magnet D'oh ... on 2nd thoughts maybe it was a good thing (Ploppy!)
http://lovelees.co.uk/index.php?topic=472.0

Thanks for that link, Geri.

Job posted link to this article on the forum http://news.pinkpaper.com/Feature.aspx?id=384

Oohhmms Geri, for the tests, and to Maggie, for the cold/flu.
Haven't tried to enter Carys site since last week so will give it a go. Just been to do a few errands and bought some fresh peas for dinner tonight, not sure there will be many left once we start shelling them though!
Eva have a lovely weekend, safe journey.

Ok about to shoot out to the bank to deposit a lovely cheque that arrived today. Great timing. It is in fact a refund, but doesn't feel like that somehow, so can pay for the boxfest and row A!

Ohhhhmmmmms for Maggie and her cold/flu.

Thanks for the links will peruse them later, though I always knew we'd be famous Geri!

Ok managed to get on Carys site but had to keep refreshing. Just watched BB2, very funny! Hope there's going to be a part 3 (and 4 and 5 and...)

SCOTT ! ! ! ! ! ! I had to sign in again. What is this nonsence?
Goodbye all. I'm off to the land of the brave Vikings. I'll check in tomorrow morning some time.
(I suppose I'll have to sign in again then too!)

Phew snowed under here at wxxk - but wanted to catch Aunty Eva before she goes (please don't say she's gone!). Have a lovely time Eva!!

Oh dear have I missed Eva? Bye Bye for now! Have a lovely weekend!!

OHHMMS for Maggie!

Thanks for the links Diana & Geri!

Credit to Becca F for seeing this - watch the video!
http://schoolmusical.sky.com/news04.html

Hello! Goodbye!!! Off to rehearsal - catch up later!

Evening all, thanks for that link Diana, we are being spoilt at the moment, long may it continue!

Think that blur was Carol wasn't it?

I think so Pauline2 - hard to tell - it ran so fast!

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's Superloppy!

Can't play the vid in that link, Diana, but thanks for trying :(

Evening all

Aw, I’ve missed Aunty Eva. Bye Eva – have a safe journey and a good time with the Vikings.

Btw - a barefoot flight!!! I misunderstood at first and was having images of you as a ballerina flying elegantly through the air wiggling your toes at everybody!

Geri – hope today went well. Still ohming for you. And for anybody else who needs them.

Thanks for all the photos. I just luurrvvve that man in a waistcoat. Well, I luurrrvve him in anything (or out of it!) but waistcoats do seem to show off his strong, muscular arms – shall I say that again –strong, muscular arms..... and his ROTY (remember Leave Right Now!! Nuff said!) ,.

Jane – of course you can have a lift in my helicopter when I (that’s me Eva, me!!!) win the lottery on Saturday. I’ll even provide the parachute in case Geri’s worried! Oo, just had a thought.... what about parachute lessons strapped, as they do with training jumps, to the BHB! Never wanted to do a parachute jump before but I could be persuaded in those circumstances.

Hi. Didn't get here yesterday as I had a migraine. Better today.
Thanks for all the links and pics. Diana and Carol, you didn't say he was wearing the waistcoat! Wonderful pics.
Ohms for Geri, Maggie and anyone else in need.
pleased you had a good holiday Chantale, and lovely to have you back.
Eva, hope you had a safe journey. Would you believe we have a boy at school who speaks Norwegian?
Am fasting for a blood test in the morning and I'm already needing a drink. Only allowed water.
See you all later.

To all the girls who are going to see the GO, you lucky girls. Have a great time (of course you will).
It is not so long anymore till 18th October and than I get to see him after a whole year.
Am I Looking forward to it????? Maybe.
Pauline thanks for that super link. That is a fantastic photo. Still catching my breath here.

I have framed my birthday card from Lee tonight and it is now hanging on the wall on a prime spot.
Horror, this week one of the josephs is going to sing Paint It Black. That cannot be good. It is already perfect the way Lee sings it.

Lots of ooooooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhms for the sick and the poor and anyone who needs some.

Thanks for all those lovely pictures of the GO! Yummy!

Kathleen - it sounds like you could do with a few Ohmmms yourself Ohhmmm! Ohmmm!

Oh dear Anne - I feel for the poor Joseph trying to sing Paint it Black!

OOoo Karen - now you've got me thinking about strong muscular arms and tandem parachute jumps....oh dear!

I think I'd better go before I fall headlong into the gutter.

Good night Loppies!

Good to see you, Anne. Do let us know how PIB goes - he's got a lot to live up to.

Ploppy's in my good books. He just gave me today's City AM (which I never get) saying there's a pic of Lee inside. It's a fairly small one in relation to ALW giving free tickets to the banking people who've lost their jobs.

Been downloading some of the ALW PIP videos from YouTube. I was surprised how many there are. It's lovely to get the different angles. Liked one of ADWD from well back which shows the crowd.

What was that splash I heard? Oh, it was Jane taking a very unladylike nose-dive into the gutter. And for once Karen didn't push her...

I don't envy anyone trying to do PIB now, Anne. How does anyone match Lee's version, much less improve on it? Foolish boys!

Diana, there's certainly no shortage of footage on YouTube of the concert &, as you say, it's interesting to see so many points of view.

I found out today that my distance education provider has cancelled all tutorials for the year in Cork. No word on what's happening in Dublin yet. I did receive my manuals -- the students are calling the one for Lit5 (one of my modules) 'The Yellow Pages'. Yep, it's that big!

Oh, and Cara tells me Daniel is on Radio2 tomorrow night.

Message for Fi, did you get my e-mail re Budapest yesterday?
Only I've just had agroup one I sent tonight bounced back from you.

Yes, I fear GO has made PiB 'His Own' never to be sung by any other.

Phew had a long conversation with my friend the dog adopter! She is a bit fraught as she is trying to organise the money for the care of Ari to the vet. Appears his bank details were a bit odd or something, I told her it would be easier to take the money back in person! Still she has no regrets which is great.

Oh I do like the idea of a tandem with the GO, not sure about jumping out of an aircraft though, is that bit obligatory?

How about being cast adrift on a desert island? Much less dangerous than falling out of helicopters & such. Mmm, him Tarzan, me Jane... Uh, am I running a fever again, or has it suddenly gotten warm in here?

Hi all.
I can't get to Carys site either. Says page not found, may have been moved or deleted. I was using a favourite link, so don't know if that was it.
Hope poorly Loppies recover quickly.
Pauline hope your friend finds a way to get the money out there, Ari is so cute.
Even with GO I would not jump out of an aircraft!!! Might manage the London eye though as I wouldn't be able to look out of the windows as my eyes would be drawn elsewhere.

Geri - I think your fever is catching, I am feeling rather hot and bothered myself - Him Tarzen, Me Anybody he wants me to be!!!!!!!

Don't worry Jo4, I know my friend she is determined and will take the money out there herself if neccessary. She has already paid half, so b&b is ok until January anyway!

Could cope with a desert island, might even manage being rescued by him. Although scary that helicopter winch thing, is done face to face isn't it. Don't think I'd notice anything else....fan please.

Phew - back! Did you miss me??? Oooooohhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmsss for all those who are feeling poorly (or bitten)! Sorry we didn't mention the waistcoat (did I mention he spoke to me - might have forgotten that too (as if!!!)). Ohh Geri like the idea of a desert island........Tarzan outfit almost as good as loincloth....Will try and download my couple of pictures over the weekend, or possibly tomorrow. Ploppy not well this evening - now has a nasty dry cough so I'll pinch some ooooooohhhhhhhmmmms for him too if I may. Off to bed now so Sweet Meads all!

Evening, no wonder I get my dates mixed up, going to see Jo on the 18th Oct the 19th Nov, and yes Eva with you on the 16th Dec. I've got that many tickets I'm confused, great isn't it?

Ali, well done your Scollop.

Diana, mousemats etc, me too. Lovely aren't they? Excellent quality too.

Pauline, I hope it all works out ok for your friend and Ari.

Wow! encyclopaedia reference no less.

Ohhhmmmss for Geri, Maggie, and anyone else in need.

Gotta go, nite nite Loppies. x

Ohhhmmmsss for Rick.

Hi

Ploppy and scollops away on a university recce(sp?). I have a free night and have ...written 3 reports for work. sad

yes did recieve email - thank you very much Maeve. Will think about Budapest on sat - we leave on sat!

bye

Lots of ohhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmms for your Ploppy Carol. That sounds nasty. Ah lovely, the season of coughs and colds is upon us once again!

Ohhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms too for anyone else who needs them. I think my bites have all stopped itching thank heavens. Mind if BHB has that tub if cream handy in the morning I could always have a relapse?

Night night from me too, so sleep tight all.

I'm off to bed fully dosed with my pills. I might rattle when I walk, but at least I get knocked out at bedtime. And I have a late start tomorrow because I'm teaching (assuming my voice holds out).

Ohhmss for Rick & anyone else who may need them. 'Night all.

Poor Rick, poor Geri. Hope you both feel better tomorrow.
It is really nippy out tonight. How do I know? Dog is going in and out of the back door. Hope she decides to come in soon.
Nightlee night all.

Hi all, first full evening of study completed. With four subjects this year I've got to keep up and what is it Geri about the textbooks, if they were smaller and more portable I'd read on the luas to/from work.
Anyway I hope you're feeling well enough for our night out tomorrow, ooohmms for a good sleep.

I see I've been missing a guttery evening, Tarzan thoughts and Desert Islands...mmm, if we tweak the story a little we could all be Janes!

Ok, I don't think I'm making sense and I'm too tired to think anymore, off to bed for me. Ooohmmms for Rick and all poorly loppies.

Did you miss me? All this talk of Row A and boxes etc has turned me a rather unpleasant green colour so I will just have to look forward to my second and last visit next month and row G - nearest I will ever get unless I win the lottery before January! lol At least it seems the scrums are quite small recently so my friend from France should get a good look at the GO. If you are trying to get to the holiday home using a bookmark please click on me and try that link - any updates at the site, including new pages, means that bookmarks get out of date. The new story is not stored at the holiday home it is being specially prepared at a seperate group due to the sensitive nature of the story line so all will have to apply to join there - the new place was open for a little while as a teaser so you could view the first chapter but is now completely private - Eva and Carol have already applied and been accepted so can see it, everyone else will have to apply for membership - hope to see you there.

Morning all!

Now I would just like to point out that when it comes to GO as Tarzan, I think you'll find that I am really 'Jane'!

Geri - have a good day OOOOHHHHMMMS

Rick - OOOHHMMMS for you too, and anyone else in need.

I hope all goes well with Ari, Pauline - and with your studying Karen 2

Hello BHB, you're looking pleased with yourself. Oh Carys has been in, and you've been missing her lately! How sweet!

Well I'm sorry I won't be around first thing in the morning now for a while. I can't use the shortcut in the dark, so I won't have time to pop in and see you before I go to w**k. So lets make the most of this early morning snuggle!

Right- lets see if I can register for Carys's site...

Good morning all, well I still sound like Donald Duck on helium so I should keep my class properly entertained today!

Karen2, you know the gutter will always be here waiting for you (that doesn't sound right). Even the smaller of my manuals is the size of a phone book. No chance at all of carrying them on the bus -- and that's where I have to do a lot of my studying. Protests being lodged by the students, but given how little attention we got about the tutorials, I'm not optimistic.

Carys, I know you're not alone in having very limited opportunities to see the GO. I'm ohming that you all get to see him a few more times while he remains in loincloth splendour. (Though you never know, perhaps he'll appear in Hair next...)

BHB, why are you dressed as Tarzan? Oh, Lady Jane's idea was it? Well, bless you for trying so hard, but I really think you could get rid of the monkey...

Morning.

Poor Rick. Ohhhmmmms to him, Geri & Maggie.

Have a great weekend Fi.

Carys, do we have to email you to apply for membership?

Roro has done some screencaps from Baker Butler 2. Watch the expressions on Lee's face and the way his eyes move - wonderful. I could sit and watch it all day but suppose I'd better do some w*rk! At least it's Friday and boss on holiday till Tuesday.
http://f1roro.co.uk/leemead/events/bbppart2_17sep08/screencaps.html

Hi all
Carys I have been trying for some time now to get to your site using your new link, when I eventually get to the bit that asks for me to apply it only gives me the option to re register using a new nickname and a new e-mail address?
I already have a nickname from before and it seems daft to have to get another e-mail address, there does not seem to be a section for existing members to apply I.e to log on then apply to have access.
could you please e-mail me an invite for me to try.
ipswich-blue@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks

Hello! HOT NEWS!!! A work colleague (hes very well trained!!) has just given me a snippet from the Daily Mail which says that Lee is preparing to tour Jesus Christ Superstar which Marianne Elliot is directing. Gethin Jones is replacing Lee and apparently 'rehearsing madly'!! What do you think of that?!!

Morning all. promises to be another lovely day - weatherwise anyway. Off to go round my new schools with new job and meet heads fro first time. Wearing my lucky colour so should be Ok:) Squeezing in lunch with Jules from LMAS - she went to PIP so looking forward to hearing her tales first hand and seeing her photos.

Ohmms for rick, Geri, maggie and anyone else in need

If martin (IT supremo) cant get into Carys site think i might just give up now:(

Last night weather in Budapest was forecast to be sunny and hot over weeeknd and now (12 hours later) say weather will be rainy. Eva - you wont believe this but Easyjet's case has to be smaller than Ryan airs so packing for all weathers is not an option. Will have to follow carol's maxim - wear all clothes as layers when travelling. Grrr

Ok better not be late fro first appt.

have a good day all

AliB - I saw the snippet in the DM this morning too. Still think it unlikely that the GO will do a tour - he's been down that route already, and would be like taking a back step. Also thought we were having the guy from High School the Musical as a replacement (if there could be such a thing?) - Scott Dear have you heard anything??
Rick still not too well but has gone to the office as has a problem he needs to sort out. We have that rare thing, a night in, tonight so he can dose himself with incohol - I gave him whisky, hot water and lemon before he went to bed last night and he did at least sleep through! - and go to bed early. No come along BHB you know that's not appropriate attire for the kitchen....what would 'Elf and Safety say? Come with me for our daily debrief (or should that now be deleopardskin), just close the doors whilst we discuss menus, likes, dislikes, etc. etc. Hoppy Aunty Eva has had a safe flight and is all set for a lovely weekend.
Fi, very remiss of me but I keep logging off and then remembering I haven't said a congrats to your scallop on passing his driving test! Now have 29 days to Octoberfest and next visit to the show......Young Lepry still no news I guess? Lovely sunny (but chilly) day here today - obviously late (very late) summer! OOOOOOOHhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmssss for everyone who needs them! By the way sleepy bunny now christened "Benjamin" for obvious reasons!

...Fi!!! SMALLER than RyanAir????? Remind me never to fly with them!!! Have a lovely time though!

Morning all, and a lovely one it is too! Maybe summer has arrived? Better late than never.

Hi Carys, will try the site in a minute and see what happens, though as has been said if it flummoxes Martin.... Sorry to be a pain about Row A etc. It is hard not to get excited though. All I can say is the price I pay for living near London is I am miles from beautiful beaches! Not much consolation maybe but I'm sure you wouldn't swop...nobody would!

Fi congrats to your Scollop. Hope you have a lovely, if severely underdressed, weekend! These airlines will stop all baggage soon, well they practically have already!

Carol I like the idea of a hoppy Eva, maybe that is while she is waving her beautifully painted toes at people?

Love the Benjamin name, it suits him.

Alib thanks for the heads up, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see, but it does seem a bit odd. Might involve a lot of travelling round the country !

Morning BHB oh you have the cream with you, weeeeell I cannot tell a lie, my itching has stopped. Aww don't look so sad you can rub cream in anyway, I don't mind at all! See here is my blue blanket, I know you like that one and it is one of my favourites too, so we'll have a snuggle and you can rub cream in anything you like.

Morning All
We have just finished decorating the desk of our accounts assistant who turns 30 today, streamers, balloons and a birthday muffin with a candle, she's on her way in and should be suitably embarrassed. Have also booked a table for lunch.

So, the Dublops are seeing Evita with Seamus tonight - really looking forward to it and very interested to see him in the role.

Uh oh, typed this ages ago and forgot to hit the submit button - TGIF!

Hi again
I'm flattered that you think I'm an IT wiz but nothing could be further than the truth, I am now able to get onto the (emergency blog) and read COD etc, but I am not able to fathom the new link, it want me to register a new nickname and won't let me use my E-mail address because another is using it. YES IT IS ME using it, just need it to give the option of an existing user to have access to the new zone, but belisve if Carys send out an invite in an e-mail, you don't need to go through this palaver.

Sorry about the mistypes (Sausage fingers)

I got into the holiday home this morning but couldn't see anything about accessing the new area. Carys, it would be helpful if you could provide instructions/link - perhaps send to the Google email for it to be forwarded to everyone?

Interesting "news" in Daily Mail. I still think Billy is more likely but I guess if that didn't open till this time next year, Lee might do a short tour in the spring after the album's released. Personally I'd rather he did a concert tour! As for Gethin taking over, can he sing? The PTB would presumably prefer ZE as he'd bring in a new audience, whereas Gethin probably appeals to similar audience as Lee. Time will tell!

Oh Dublops - full report on Evita - I liked Seamus in ADWD and felt he got "cast" as the arrogant one, where as clever editing can do an awful lot and I suspect in reality he was a lot nicer than he came over! I've seen some of his reviews in Evita and they have been great. I checked to see if the tour was coming anywhere near us as I would love to see it (and Ploppy missed Evita when it was on in the WE years ago!), but sadly it isn't.

Diana that is what happened for me on the holiday home as well. Left a message for Carys there as well.

Yes I'd like a report on Evita please. It is coming near me in 2 weeks and am trying to persuade Roni she'd love to see it!

Off out to lunch with a friend who lost her mother recently. She is a bit down so feel it is my duty to take her out and cheer her up.

Bacvk later.

Enjoy Evita tonight, Dublops.

Carys mentions on the blog 1:06 this morning about the new area and applying to join by clicking on her name (in red) no mention or link on her site

Thanks for the link Diana - Hmmm - personally I'd love to see the GO in JCS!

Karen - get out the train timeables - let's work out which cities we can get to!

I'm another one that can't get on to the holiday home. 'elp Carys!

Dublops have a fanastic time at Evita! Full report please!

Fi - have a lovely weekend in Budapest and cogratulaions to your scollop.

Eva, if you are about, hope you are having fun

Ooohhhmmms for Rick - Maggie - Donald Duck (Oh sorry, I mean Geri!)

I would like a review of Evita too as my friend saw Seamus and she said he kept posturing and posing alot and she felt this was off putting!!

I have spent most of the morning digesting the info about Joseph (much more fun than thinking about work!!

Whilst I am not saying these stories are true (like everyone I won’t truly believe it until it is officially announced!) all these rumours about whats happening in Joseph are very interesting. I wonder what happened to Zac?! I had no idea about Gethin until this morning and now suddenly there are two reports about it - both saying he is already rehearsing.

As for JCS, I personally don’t think it’s a step down for Lee at all as it’s a fantastic show. If it is true (which I personally hope it is as in either role Lee would be stunning) I truly doubt it will go in small theatres but the bigger venues and may only be a short tour until it transfers to the West End. I think its unrealistic to think that the West End is the only place that Lee will perform in. If Andrew offered him JCS then I doubt he would say to him ‘oh no Andrew I don’t do touring productions anymore!’. I think it’s the role Lee would be most interested in and not the venue.

The fact that they name a director, Marianne Elliott also gives it slightly more credibility. Forgot to say the article says – ‘which Marianne Elliott, one of the best in the business, is directing’. I doubt she would be involved if it wasn’t going to be a big high profile production. I won’t believe anything until the details are officially announced but its all very intriguing!! They must have to announce who is taking over as Joseph soon as they will want to extend the booking period.

I agree, AliB, a JCS tour wouldn't be a step down for Lee, especially if it was going to larger venues, and he would be more interested in the role than location. A tour would take him away from Denise but 3 months is feasible - that would also give her an opportunity to return to LA. Better keep some holiday aside in case! WOS have picked up on the Mail article though nothing added other than some info about Marianne Elliott.
http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=207&story=E8821221826729

I am psychic, I predicted that the episode of Hairspray with Lee would be broadcast on 28 September and Ro's just confirmed it. Can someone please please please let me have a DVD/video of the episode grovel grovel
http://www.radiotimes.com/ListingsServlet?event=10&channelId=248&programmeId=85307178&jspLocation=/jsp/prog_details_fullpage.jsp

Hi honies! Yes, had to sign in again, of course, but I'm getting quite adept at it now!

It's raining, and raining, and raining! Did I say it was raining?

Had a good(ish) flight last night, but we were delayed for 1 1/2 hours, so it was almost 1am before we were home. Was too tired to sleep properly (I know that sounds like a contradiction in terms), but still it was almost 8.30am before I showed my face this morning, to my sister's surprise. She's used to me getting up with the birds! She'd taken the day off work, so before long we were baking and talking to our hearts content. I baked heartshaped rolls(aaaaaaawwwwwwwww) and my special walnut rolls, and my sister is a master cake baker.

Later I popped in to visit my favourite aunt. She is 86 years old now and very frail. Her husband is in hospital after heartattack no 5, and they don't think he'll pull through. It was lovely to see her, though, and we had a long chat. Every time I visit her, I wonder if it's the last time I'll see her.

I see the gutter was populated with the usual suspects last night. I had to giggle at the thought of you all running around in loincloths with a top attatched (!), yoodling and swinging from tree to tree! Or was that only the apes?

I have a few hours to myself just now. My sister is off to have her hair done and my br.-in-l. is still at work. I thought I'd take the chance on a nap. It would be a bit embarrassing if I fell asleep into the salad tonight, wouuldn't it? I have offered to drive anyway, so the others can have a drink or 5. My usual ration of 1 glass of wine isn't worth a small fortune in taxi fares!

I might not get back here today. We are an hour ahead of you anyway, so in 3 1/2 hours time THE PARTY CAN BEGIN!

Enjoy the party, Eva.

LOL sorry to be so obscure.....Geri will circulate the link to the new story with the next chapter by email - we are not posting it in public at all. Apparently Microsoft are updating Hotmail so this leads to extra traffic through the servers so less bandwidth is available for the groups but please have patience it will be sorted soon.

Hi all, I'm home for a very brief period before I dash back out to meet the Dublops for dinner then see the other curly-haired man from ADWD (not the cute one, alas). Glad to report back on how he does. I saw Joe with Craig and KMcT at the same theatre, and our seats tonight are excellent (well done, Jenny!)

Carys, I can't get on the holiday home either. Can you e-mail the link to Jo4 & have her circulate it via the stageloppies g-mail account? I keep getting 'members only' message :(

Enjoy the party, Eva. Keep the gutter -- whatever gutters are supposed to be. I'll check in before I leave. TTFN!

Enjoy the party Eva! Have a great time!

Geri, Karen2, Jenny and Jean have a wonderful time tonight. No falling in love with the other curly haired boy though!

Diana, Maeve, Carys, my video is standing by for the 28th.

Lets hope the link to Carys's site works!

Well I have a pub to go to! Have a nice evening Loppies!

Hiya
Leaving work now to meet PB and then join the Dublops plus guests for dinner in Capt America's - some of you may know the place!! And then off to the show, reviews will be provided
Have a nice evening everyone.

Evening all, had a lovely and very long lunch, no change there then! It was such a lovely day, seemed a shame to move!

Hi Eva, have a lovely time tonight, I'm sure you will.

Whatever Lee does next is fine by me, as long as I can see him do it!

Evening all

Could somebody tell me where the week went! I can't believe it's Friday already!! Not that I'm complaining, it's just that the weeks seem to be flying by. Mind you at least that brings Octoberfest ever closer.

Carol - ohms for your Ploppy. I'm sure the incahol will make him feel better, or at the very least not care that he feels unwell!!

Eva - co-eeeeee!!! Glad you arrived safely, if a little late. Enjoy the party.

Dublops - have a good evening, Looking forward to hearing about Evita. It's coming near us early next year and Ploppy and I would like to go (although Ploppy doesn't know yet that he would!!).

Martin - I just love your indignation that somebody else (YOU) is using your email address!!

I would love to see the GO in JCS, it's one of my favourites. Saw it a couple of years ago at our local theatre and that particular production was fantastic. In fact, it was that that finally got Ploppy interested in MT.

Jane - train timetables at the ready. I'm sure we could probably manage most of them!! Imagine the GO being here with us (well okay, not with us exactly but you know what I mean!!) in Yorkshire - of course he'd come to Yorkshire, he loves the place - okay Geri maybe not Halifax - hey I bet you'd suddenly find a liking for Halifax if the GO was there wouldn't you!!? What do you mean it's got to have something going for it!!

Btw, Jane - tandem parachute jump - thank you, tandem was the word I was looking for last night when I suggested it but I couldn't think of what they called those jumps!

Well, with all these Loppies off gallivanting it looks like the gutter is going to be a little empty tonight - maybe I'll just splash around here on my own..........tandem parachute jump - strapped together........BHB......!!!!

OK, PG is calling me from the fridge - very insistent that I drink it. Who am I to argue - bottle being passed around if anyone wants one........

Yoohoo Karen, I'm here and so is my glass!

........glug, glug, glug, glug......no that's not me knocking back the PG, it's me filling Pauline's bucket, er sorry, I mean glass!!!! Cheers Pauline!

Yum, hic thankyou!

Hi Karen and Pauline2 (waves) I'm here! I'll just pop away to get a bottle of red and I'll be back to join you.

Been out for lunch with 'old 'school friends , one of them is over from Australia, we only ever seem to get together when she's here which is rather ridiculous.

In the same Google alert today were two messages about Lee's replacement in Jan. the first said it is to be Gethin, and the other said Zac, so none the wiser.

Thanks Jane you're a star, I'll be far away on the 28th and that will be something good to come home to.

...excuse me and I am here with the Merlot!!! Perhaps I could write to BK and ask him to bring Evita to Windsor (he does own it!....well the theartre, not the rest of it think HRH might have something to do with the rest of the Town!). OK let's raise a toast to Aunty Eva's family - hope they are all having a wonderful time! Weather forecast looks good for the rest of the weekend, hope it last until the next as we are taking Sloppy to France. Fairly relaxed weekend coming up compared with the last few! Have to remember to renew my Annual Oystercard tomorrow or I won't be able to get into the office next week, which would be a great shame! OK pass me the bottle!

Ooooh I think we are having a little party! Cheers everybody!

Bottoms up!!!!!

Thanks so much, Jane.

Busy weekend so might not be on here much - have a good one everyone.

...pass me another glass please! This is the life, large glass of vino, feet up, tv on (Wire in the Blood later), Ploppy coughing alongside me (no strike that last bit, time for more incohol for him I think!).

Cheers!

and, as I haven't been around much lately I'll also say congratulations, enjoy, awwww, well done, ohhhhmmmmms.

Evening, you'll all be pleased to know that after three days without, I now have a loo I can use!!! Having our bathroom refurbed and have had to use the caravan facilities, which is no fun at three o'clock in the morning!! Jill at least had the sense to go on holiday while hers was done.

More ohhhmmmsss for Rick. He sounds as though he needs them.

Karen2, it's lovely that we can picture where you had you meal tonight. Hope you all enjoyed the show.

Eva, hope your party is brilliant, I'm sure you will manage to stay awake.

Eight of us are off to London to see a show tomorrow, unfortunately Dirty Dancing, I'm sure it will be good but do you think anyone would miss me if I snuck of to the Adelphi??

May not get back till Sunday, have a good weekend all. 29 SLEEPS!!!!!! Nite nite Loppies. x

Any more please Karen? I find one bucket is never quite enough!

Sue have a great time tomorrow, you could at least walk past the Adelphi and pay homage at the Shrine! Three days using a caravan loo? My idea of hell I think.

Hi Suex, waving.

Aaaarrghhh - I've just done a long-ish post and lost it on submission. I knew I should have copied it!

What I wanted to say was, Sue1 - whilst I risk committing heresy, I really think you should stick with DD tomorrow as it is absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere in the theatre was wonderful as I should imagine most (if not all) of us are fans of the film. The dancing was stunning, the stage design brilliantly creative and the music wonderful. The girl playing Baby looks and sounds so like Jennifer Grey and Johnny was rather pleasing on the eye (particularly when dressed only in white boxers!!). MiL and I joked beforehand about the tickets stating Parental Discretion Advised, so she told me to close my eyes as the bedroom scene faded into the interval!

There was a huge cheer when Johnny said "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" and when they did the lift in That Dance. The audience were made to really feel part of the action and it really was like watching a live performance of the film with some extra bits added in. Needless to say I was up and dancing with many others at the end.

Now MiL is on a mission to get me down to Joseph before Lee finishes - she's got to work on Ploppy but says she'll sort him out. Mind you, he's making noises about me having to return to work if I want to go to the Adelphi - not sure I like the sound of that!

Anyway, hope you are all well and that you enjoy your various weekend activities. We're off to Howard Jones at the O2 tomorrow - a bit different to DD but sure to be just as enjoyable.

Take care. xx

News and speculation about Sarah Lark:
http://www.dresscircle.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4181&posts=3&start=1
http://www.dresscircle.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4187&posts=3&start=1

And on Lee:
http://www.dresscircle.co.uk/forum/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=4190&posts=12&start=1

Oh, and I raised a silent toast to the Loppies (particularly the Lush variety) with my glass of Kir at PJ's Bar and Grill where we had a lovely light(ish) lunch. Well, just cos I wasn't going to the Adelphi didn't mean I couldn't be a little bit loppy!

Ouch, just descended the stairs rather more quickly than I would like. Slipped half way down and came down the rest of the way on my backside and ended up in a heap at the bottom!! Ploppy rushes in to see if I'm okay and all he can say is "oh my God are you okay, you've lost a false nail"!!!!!! Guess he knows me well!!

Pauline2 - this is me you're talking to - of course there's more - there's always more!!! Here comes anothe bucket!

FionaJ - your MiL is obviously a woman of great taste and you should listen to her!

Ugh, Wire itb is not very 'nice' tonight, well they did give a warning.
off to catch up. I spend my life doing that, well my evenings anyway

Glad I had my meal a while ago! WitB, ummm, yes. Think I need that bucket! With wine in it I mean.

Hi Fiona, nice to see you again. Glad you enjoyed DD sounds a good evening, glad you managed to honour the lushes though! Cheers.

Kalamity Karen strikes again! Quick more incohol required Deputy Chief Lush - soften the pain of the (potential) bruises! Just watching Wie in the Blood which has been even more gruesome than usual! Not sure I'll sleep well tonight! Pass me more incohol! FionaJ - glad you had a good time - think you should take MiL's advice! Wonder how the Dublops are getting on with Evita!

Poor KK. I'll have to send you the slides from our safety training, maybe that will help. There are so many, if they are printed off you could leave them at the bottom of the stairs to soften the floor.
GO in Windsor, what a brill idea, could go lots. Well I can dream.

Oh Karen are you OK?

I do hope we hear soon what Lee's going to be up to after Jan. all this speculation is very trying, not good at being patient.

Hope the Dublops are having a good time at Evita and all those in the WE tomorrow enjoy their various shows.

Val McDermid is the most bloodthirsty of writers and Wire in The Blood always seems to have someone strung or chopped up.

I feel in need of Mead and am going to watch some ADWD.

....I've read a few of the Tony Hill books but have to confess I stopped reading them as they were so disturbing! Think I will retire with my book.......another one about murder, but not quite so bloodthirsty! One last swig from the bucket and sweet meads all!!!

Sorry KK I got a bit distracted I think, by WitB. Hope you are all right as I still have the legacy of when I tried alternate means of coming down stairs! No I hadn't been drinking. To this day I find sitting on a hard chair for too long uncomfortable.

Oooohhhhhmmmmssss for the poorlies.
Nightlee night

Going to watch JR in bed I think so night night and sleep tight all.

Thank you guys. Didn't think I'd done any damage but I'm a bit sore so I'm off to bed,

Night all. Sleep well.

Oh dear BHB, such a chilly morning. Here you are I've bought a lovely purple blanket. Have you got the kettle on? I'd love a black tea, oh you have some of my special tea bags too, how nice. Why so sad? You've heard that some of the Loppies that visit here are ill. I'm sure they'll perk up soon. Afterall they have a special day next month. You've heard about it have you? And are looking forward to seeing (and hearing) them. How is it you see them when they go out, we never see you. Ooops he's just puuled a face and disappeared into the kitchen, but he's taken the blanket, maybe he's just off to get my tea.

Such a lovely cup of tea, thank you. (He seems to be back in sorts now). No, I've no idea where everyone else is, perhaps having a lie in. I'll have to love you and leave you now, busy day. Very short staffed at the stables. See you later.

Morning all

I have that morning after feeling - no not from the incohol, from my dive down the stairs - my back is stiff and I have a lump on my elbow the size of a golf ball. There was a lot of oo'ing and aa'ing going on during the night - no, not like that! Every time I turned over I banged my elbow!!

What's that BHB? You'll kiss it better for me, oh thank you - it hurts, here and here and here and..........oo yes there as well...........!!

Good morning, BHB. He seems in good spirits now, Karen. Uh, when you're finished doing...whatever you're doing, perhaps you'd get me some tea and a muffin. Not much appetite I'm afraid, but a little of that massaging that you're doing for our poor bumpy-Karen wouldn't go amiss. While I'm waiting for my breakfast, I'll tell you about Evita:

It’s only fair to start by admitting Evita is not even in my top ten favourite musicals. Where Joseph has heart in abundance, Evita has only a political tract.

The touring show highlights that with a particularly stylised approach to the staging. Rather than elaborate sets, the changes in scene rely on a few props – pillars, staircases and pictures of the First Lady of Argentina – and an exceptional lighting programme. In addition, some scenes, such as the one where Peron’s military background, is revealed by various soldier’s having their face covered and then being taken down stage to be executed. Oh, and the scene where they're on the bus heading to BA the cast rock around like extras in Star Trek. Hysterical!

An understudy played Magaldi and I was sorry I didn’t catch his name because he was very good. He resembled Leslie Phillips from the Doctor films, and played the role with a similar oiliness.

Overall the cast was excellent. Louise Dearman in the eponymous role has an amazing voice, as clear and as warm as cut glass which suited the part perfectly. I don’t know if she’d bring more tenderness to a warmer role, but I found her Evita to be a cold, grasping, selfish manipulator. To be honest, it was a relief when she finally died. That’s not to disparage LD’s performance; on the contrary, it takes guts to make the lead character so unappealing. Her ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ was outstanding and I doubt EP could do it better. Oh, and according to the program, she made her debut in Joseph at the age of 12!

Mark Heenehan as Juan Peron managed to make the dictator an insecure, whiny man utterly devoted to his wife. That the reason for their grand passion never becomes clear is a fault of the play, not the cast. ('I'd be surprisingly good for you' just doesn't explain anything.)

The ensemble was excellent but I have to admit the scene where the soldiers do their quasi goose-stepping routine to ‘Peron’s Latest Flame’ was gayer than Christmas and I wondered for a moment if they had stumbled in from a production of The Producers. If they’d started singing ‘Springtime for Hitler’ I would not have been surprised -- which is to say I loved them!

As to the man you’re waiting to hear about: Seamus Cullen (not Sean, Andrew!): I actually quite liked him during ADWD so I was prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. I didn’t have to – he was excellent. OK, his voice isn’t as powerful as the GO’s (whose is?), and he becomes inaudible when he joins the chorus and sings at either the higher or lower end of the scales, but he was pretty much note-perfect, and his voice is pleasant enough. That said, I don’t know how well I’d like him if he was to headline in a show without a strong support cast. But it was as an actor I found him most surprising. I should preface my comments by acknowledging the role of Che is as emotionally demanding as the narrator in Joseph; it functions in an almost-identical manner. That said, Seamus did absolutely everything required of him. He seemed to be aiming at a cross between David Essex and Antonio Banderas. I would say for the most part he succeeded. Yes, honestly.

OK, there was an inordinate amount of arms flung wide to emphasise a point, and he seems to have a limited range of expressions; however, he never stopped acting throughout the entire show, even when he was in the background and other things were happening up-stage. That block of wood, KMcT could take lessons. I will admit, though, this isn’t the role that gives a measure of the man’s talents. His Che, like most other Che’s I think, is essentially a Johnny-One-Note. There is little opportunity for nuances here. In Seamus’s hands Che is angry, charming and confrontational. Let’s face it – the part was made for him!

A couple of minor points: Seamus seemed to flag towards the end and started to look really tired during the last twenty minutes or so.

I must admit a nasty sense of amusement when he was beaten up on stage – I wondered if Rob would like to take on the part of one of the henchmen responsible!

The end where she dies (Oh, sorry, folks. She dies at the end. Didn’t mean to spoil it. Shouldn’t mention Titanic, then, should I?) When Che stands by the coffin, he managed to convey genuine distress – one of the few moments of real emotion in the entire show.

There was a warm reception, especially for Seamus & Louise, but no standing ovation. I’d recommend it if you like the musical; if you’re not a fan already, I don’t think this production will convince you. And finally, I’d definitely like to see both Seamus & Louise in other things.

Morning BHB, oh well done see you have sorted Jo4 out and have tended to Karen's aches and pains (hot soaky bath with radox or something whilst you sip pain numbing incohol seems to be what's called for DCL!). Lovely sunny day here - is it today Jill comes back or later in the week? Hope's she had good weather and leaves some for me next weekend. Also fingers crossed she comes back to a wonderful new bathroom! OK BHB think they will be in for brunch later. I've got some new recipes to try so come with me into the kitchen and we'll sort everything out (closes door firmly). OOOOOHHHHHHHHHHMMMMMMSSSSS for everyone - Maggie hope you are feeling better. Off to collect Sloppy (still raving about the show - think she preferred Row D to Row X!). Have a good day everyone.

...Geri thanks for the review - I actually love the show and music so interested as to what you thought. I saw the late Stephanie Lawrence as Evita and she actually brought some vulnerability to the role in places so it was very affecting when she died - her last song in particular I remember as outstanding (The choice was mine and mine completely). I was glad I didn' see EP in the role as (whispers) I have never been a fan! Off to collect Sloppy now.

Good morning all!

And thank you Geri for that very detailed review. Ploppy volunteered to come and see Evita with me - I'll show him what you've said and see if he still fancies it.

Ploppy also said (now this had me amazed) that he'd come with me to see JCS if the GO does go on tour with it!!!

Ow Karen!! You poor bruised lass! KK strikes again! Hmmm - I reckon we can get to lots of different cities from Leeds if we have a good reason to!

Sue - enjoy Dirt Dancing - it sounds fun!

Hi Fiona! How lovely to see you again! Thanks for the review of DD. And listen to MinL - she knows what she's talking about!

Morning BHB, why are you wrapped up in a purple blanket?

Morning all, just had to sign in again and has taken ages as I had forgotten my password! Grrrrr.

Poor Karen, think you need lots of tlc (though I see you've made a good start with BHB) and lots of incahol today. Ohhhhhmmmmmms for you.

Such a lovely day, must do some gardening and try and return my meadow to a lawn, will be covered in anti mossie stuff when I do though, can't be too careful!

Thanks for the brill review Geri. I would definitely like to go and see this. I like Evita and think the music fab so I think I'd enjoy it. Pleased Seamus is doing well, as I do think he was the victim of a bit of clever editing in ADWD and didn't show at his best!

Morning BHB, I see my blankets have been used already again, sigh. I suppose I should just get up earlier! Well the blue one is still here and it's never to late for a snuggle that's what I say.

Morning - lovely and sunny here - not sure about Budapest tho - off this eve.

Hi Fiona - (whispers never seen DD - not even the film! -despite scollop having a DVD he hides under bed!) Your MiL certainly sounds a treasure.

geri - thanks fro review. I have seen film of Evita - my mum grew up in argentina so alwasy interested in anything to do with that part of world. Tour not near here otherwise would have loved to have seen it.

OK off to squeeze quart into pint pot ie clothes + handbag(not) in v small suitcase - just have to i..n them first!

Hi and Bye, Fi! Thought of you yesterday when a woman all in teal from head to toe came and sat in front of us. Oh, and also forgot to say, under pain of death, Seamus should never, EVER be permitted to dance!

Maggie, sorry you're unwell; I must have missed that with all my brain-addleness. Ohms to you and Klutzy-Karen and anyone else who needs them. Pauline, how's the itching?

Morning girls just in for a quick hello as i am still in a mess here and what with taking mother left right and center i wonder when i willever have time to unpack. Oh karen hope you are ok not nice slipping down the stairs ! OOhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmsssss for Maggie and those who need it.
Thank you Geri for the review interesting about shamus.
On the ferry on the way back I wnet to see mama mia it was really entertaining loved it to bits. Nice finish to a holiday.
Got replacement phone but lossed a lot of mob. phone numbers as I did not put them on sim yet. I am clever like that. Dordogne was quite chilly in spite of the time of year! it has not put me off canoes but ploppy who is not a water baby and was not in the mishap but saw it all has been put off for life shame.
I wonder if there is any thruth in the go touring with JCSS?
thank you all be the way for all the links to ALW's party music in the park. the Go sounded fantastic.
I still have one winner missing for the print, so the mysterious one could please get in touch . they are done now and readdy to send off.
hard work to go back to long walks with dog! got to loose all that bl....d weight that took one year to loose and less then six weeks to put back on ggggggggggrr.
Sorry I missed a good party last night but after the 28th I shall be joining you in all of them!!! so be warned. xxxxx see you all later. xxxxx Chantale

Bye Fi! have a lovely weekend!

Chantale - I always find unpacking after holiday a major chore! You'll get sorted eventually!

Oh yes - and some Ohmms for Maggie - and KK and anyone else in need

Thanks Geri, my itching has stopped hurray, afraid still have nasty marks where somebody (!!!!) scratched them, naughty.

Ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms from me for Maggie, KK and Rick, and of course anyone else in need of them.

Byeee Fi have a lovely time.

Chantale if it is any consolation, I only finished unpacking the last few bits 2 days ago!

Morning all. Yes, it still feels like early morning to me. I didn't get to bed until 4.45am! ! ! At least the sun is shining here too, which is a consolation!

Hello sweetheart. Surprised to see me? I had to pop in to say hello, of course. DT lent me the Tardis for my Norwegian stay, so that I can visit here in the mornings (afternoons!) A strong leaded and some toast will be perfect today. A snuggle? If you insist (!). I have to admit to doing quite a lot of snuggling last night with my lovely, lovely nephew-in-law. At several times during the evening, I was having fits of giggles, watghing Juan being surrounded by all the aunties, nans and family (female) friend, all hugging , kissing and touching him. I was right in there with them. It was like a miniature scrum at times, and being a seasoned scrummer, I was at the front when I wanted to. I took some good photos of The Young Ones, and I'll send then to Martin when I get home.

As I said earlier, We didn't get back home untol 4.30am, so that should tell you that the wedding party was a great success! We were ca. 30 guests, all family and friends, and some of us only meet at big family occasions and have to try to catch up on the last 5 years or so, so the talking never ceased!
The food was excellent,- a proper Smørgåsbord! with at least 20 different courses, so everyone was well fed! We were shown a film from the proper wedding in El Salvador in January, so all the ladies had a good cry! I gave a speach for the couple in a mix of Norwegian and Spanish, but it ended up a bit shorter than I intended, because it's difficult to speak Spanish when you're all choked up and your brain turns to mush! Never mind,- the couple understood what I tried to say!

As I was the chauffeur, I had to stay to the bitter end, and was well tired when the last guest said his/her goodbyes. Today is going to be a totally lazy day. I intend to do some gentle shopping with my sister this afternoon, and then I think the three of us will spend the evening in front of the telly!

Geri,- thank you for the excellent review. It sounds like a very good production, and although Evita has never been my favourite musical, I wish they had put the South East of England into their itinery!

Kaøamity Karen,- dear, dear, we can't leave you alone for a minute can we? I read the bit about your Ploppy's concern about you loosing a false nail aloud to my sister, and she was a bit curious, so sat herself down and read some of the blog. Afterwards she said we seemed to talk in codes for half of the time (which is true, I suppose) but that it sounded like we had great fun (which is also true). She says thank you for all the good wishes for The Young Ones and the family.

I'd better go and help with unpacking the car. We brought a lot of stuff back with us last night, but were so tired when we finally got here, that everything was left in the car.

I'll see you all later.

Karen,- my apologi for the ø that snuck in to the Kalamity bit. This keyboard has got the extra Norwegian letters on it, so I do sometimes hit a wrong key. I'll demonstrate : æ, ø, å or Æ, Ø, Å, See, they can confuse anyone!

I've been a LurkerLoppy this past week ... With RL intervening that's all I've had time for (thank goodness for that otherwise I'd be confined to the computer for the day just to catch up - I don't like to miss anything).
Wonderful review of Evita Geri - sounded like you all enjoyed it regardless. I did see it with EP as Evita Carol. I clearly wasn't impressed with her as I adored Barbara Dickson - she was the mistress I think, and of course it was DE as Che then that was the real draw.
Glad you had a great party Eva - you have a lovely close family by all accounts. Well done for (trying to) the speach in Spanish.
Again, many thanks for the Oooommms for the back pain at beginning of the week (it seem aeons ago now). Turned out my my prirformus muscel was in spasm and pressing on the sciatic nerve. Once muscle relaxed, I was all better again. I was just very happy with that diagnosis, rather than having a pinched nerve somewhere more drastic.
Went to the Charles Strous 80th birthday tribute by BBC R2 last night. Most notable musical (for me) was "Annie". Six amazing soloists - and I wish I'd written their names down. I knew three of them, Paul Nicholas, Bonnie Langford and our very own Danny Boys - he does seem to 'just sing' where the others were definitely 'performing' though (but he does sing beautifully). He does quiet a lot of these shows it seems - and good on him. PN was delightful - he looks better in RL than on film - and BL so tiny. Bless him, CS did a little piano playing, he was a bit 'off' now and again, but he conductor & orchestra were very generous to him.. it was deeply touching.
SCD tonight at 6.10 ladies. - did anyone check out the link that TTerindoors left for us (miles up the blog now)? I'm going to see if I can find it..
And I'm going to check out the photos now - haven't been able to get to those all week.
I can't get into holiday home either... today the message is "Hmmmmm, can't seem to find the page you're looking for".
OK, time to go shopping - hope to pop back later to prove I'm not a Lurker..

the TTerindoors comment must have been removed... I can't find it any more..

Great review of Evita, Geri, glad you enjoyed it.

What a terrific party Eva, wonderful for you to see all the family, the nephew-in-law sounds quite something!

Hope you loosen up and feel a bit better soon Karen.

I've got a big family 'do' here tomorrow, ostensibly for my son and daughter's birthdays, tho' its a a bit late, their birthdays are only 5 days apart so we usually try to get together plus now of course the 5 of the next generation ages 8-14.

Monday I'm going to Bletchley Park for, I hope,'a grand day out,' then off on my hols on Tuesday, so I've lots to do today but had to have a quick catch up here.

OOo Eva - that sounds like a good party! (Anyone else think she's showing off with her posh keyboard?)

Hi there Auds! Nice to know your back is OK! It's those Ohmmms - they are so useful!

It's been a glorious warm day here and what have I been doing? Buying boots for winter!! Go figure!

Just had a long soak in the bath with a V&T and the GO and, although my elbow is still sore as h**l my back has eased so that's good.

Getting ready now for SCD and then Merlin. I just wish the SCD results show wasn't on Sunday evening because apart from the fact that I hate waiting for the result I'm out on Sunday evenings so I have to wait even longer for the result!!

Forgot to say, Eva - sounds like a good party - glad you all had fun. I bet your sister was impressed by my Ploppy's care and concern at my fall wasn't she!!!!

Auds - glad the back is better. Sounds like it was very painful.

Maeve - in case I forget, have a great "do" tomorrow and a "grand day out" on Monday.

I also forgot to say (sorry) - Geri, thank you for that wonderful review of Evita. You told it so well. I'm not sure if it's the same production that's coming here early next year, I'll have to check that out, but I'll definitely drag Ploppy along, either way!

Hello, long time no see, well not really I suppose but it seems like it. Lots of 'stuff' going on in RL and I made the decision to resign from one of my voluntary posts, so I hope to have a less stressful time as a result. Eldest scollop was out for the day today, middle one is at scout camp so I had a lovely day with youngest wandering around the local farmers' market, having lunch etc. The weather has been gorgeous, could this be an indian summer? I'm now relaxing before heading out to work again.
KK, hope the bruises are going down? take it easy.
Geri thanks for the review
Fi, no doubt I've missed you but have a great time in Budapest
Eva, my special card has arrived so thankyou for arranging it. I'm determined not to open it until Thursday. Had to give scollop some money earlier as he saw a card at the craft market and anted to buy it for me, bless! I suspected it was one with cats on but saw it was still there, so I'm wondering what he's chosen as he said it was something I love?
Had a lovely compliment yesterday, a mum at school said she hoped she wasn't being too personal but my bum looked smaller. I said she was free to tell me that anytime! Auds, those jeans that you had to unzip for me (don't ask!!) I can now get off without undoing!
I'd better set recorder for Strictly before I forget, back tomorrow night I hope. Btw, do hope the JCS rumour is true, I'm sure a tour should include a theatre somewhere in East Anglia, and I'd be able to show "our boy" off to my friends who haven't seen Jo.

oops, my "w" still disappears occasionally!

Ali,- I've got plenty of w's here on this fancy keyboard! (JaneE,- I think you're just envious!) Do you want some?
Btw. are you aiming for ROTY next year, maybe?
What a good girl you are, resisting opening THE CARD.

Auds,- good to hear your back is better. I know what it's like, so you certainly have my sympathy.

Karen,- my sister was well impressed. She said that if it had been her going bumpety-bump down the stairs like that, her husband would worry about the state of the stairs!

My sister and I did a gentle shopping this afternoon, i.e. she left me to my own devices in my favourite bookshop while she went to the local supermarked to do the food shopping. Very fair, I thought, and I only came away with 3 books this time. That must be a new low for me!

I take it the first SCD is almost about to start, and I'll miss it! I haven't seen Scott dear come up with any bright new ideas about how to make it more interactive for us, but maybe he will? SCOTT DEAR, DID YOU HEAR THAT ? I forgot to Sky+ it before I left, but I'll watch it on BBC i-player when I get home.

I noticed your remarks from last night about the grisly details in Wire in the Blood. Now that one I have Sky+'ed, so I'm really looking forward to watching it when I get home. You know I like a bit of murder and mayhem!

As I expected a night in front of the telly with a shared pizza is all we have planned for tonight. Just right after last night's partying. I never thought a 27 year old could be so totally exhausted after a night out, even a night without any incohol! Maybe that's why? What do the experts say? It seems we have the Norwegian series of SCD coming up shortly, so I'd better sink down in my favourite easychair and relax, so I can give my expert opinion.

See you later.

I'm having an easy day today trying to escape a blinding headache and a bout of vertigo.
Enjoyed last evening with fellow Dublops. Evita is not a favourite of mine either but I kept an open mind. Seamus, while not overwhelming, did not disappoint. He lacked the charisma of Antonio and when he started singing, in my mind I only let him sing the Weepy bits.

Chantale - I am the third lucky winner of the print. Apologies for not letting you know sooner.

Ohms to all ailing Loppies. SCD about to start. Talk later.

Jenny Dublop

Oh, I forgot,- JaneE,- this is for you only!:
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No. no. no need to thank me!

What a late night/early morning Eva, sounds like fun though.
Got to get ready for SCD.

Evening people. Had a good gardening day and as a result now have a stiff back! Never mind it had to be done.

Ohhhhmmmmms for Karen and Maggie and Rick.

Maeve Ill just say enjoy your lovely times that you have lined up including your holiday.

Ali, to quote JaneE, squeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaal! That card is so worth waiting for!

Eva what a fab party! you little stop up you!

Right now it's strictly, let's see how the men do. Just going to get myself a nice glass of wine and wallow!

SCD
http://blogs.thestage.co.uk/tvtoday/2008/09/strictly-come-dancing-week-1-you-be-the-judge/#comments
I'm off there now

...Aunty Eva - SCD about to start....will keep you posted. It's the men tonight......

message from AliB
Lee was FANTASTIC! The muscles were back! Best scrum too! On cloud 9!

.......Tom Chambers and Camilla up first. Cha cha - did a very good job, excellent hips, hands a bit awry, but would have liked him to connect more with Camilla. WE give 8 out of 10 (that's me and Sloppy). Len's just given an 8, Bruno and Arlene a 7 and Craig a 6.

And she (AliB) will be grinning for ages.

Phil Daniels and Flavia next. Waltz - not bad, posture - ok, rise and fall - fair, but just fluffed some steps. Our marks - 5. Craig 4, Arlene 5, LEn 6, Brunp 5.

Hi. all packed - my case surprisingly empty - well ploppy surprised as his full and he thought he didnt have much stuff. Funny that:)

Caught up on links today - thanks all. Loved seeing PIP.

off soon. seems scollops going out to party tonite and 3 friends and him coming back to sleep over in caravan. Hmmm better not to think about it.

maeve - ploppy always wanted to go to bletchley park.

Loved Tom in SCD. Phil Ok

Bye

Don (Rising Damp) Warrington and Lilia - Cha cha - doing not bad, shakey start - no hips to speak off. Light on his feet did reasonably well, but not brilliant. We give a 5. Craig 3, Arlene 5, Len 6, Bruno 5.

Fi - have a lovely time!!!
OK Austin Healey and Erin next - Waltz. My, My Not bad at all - good rise and fall and lines, elegant - liked it very much. Giving this an 8.5. Craig 7, Arlene 8, Len 9 (!), Bruno 8.

I've not watched Strictly yet (always record it so I can fast forward Bruce) but thanks for the commentary Carol!

Yes Eva thank you! How very clever!

Ali - I so want to ask! What happened with the jeans?

Karen my Ploppy wants to see Evita too - shall we try to go togther?

Fi - have a lovely weekend, you too Maeve.

Thanks for the update from Ali B, Jo4! Can't wait for her review!

OK I have to go - I have friends coming round for drinks soon! Byeee!

Mark Foster and Hayley Holt next - with a waltz. Nice posture. Lines not bad, Feet not quite right. He is very tall!! Sloppy gives it a 6. Craig 3, Arlene 6, Len 7, Bruno 6.

Lady Jane, sad to say Bruce hasn't improved! Gary Rhodes and Karen up with a cha cha now. Not bad, but not overwhelming. More hips needed. At least he is smiling but Karen doing most of the work. By the way don't know who has done the costumes this year but the ladies' are very odd to my mind!! Erin's was fine but some of the othes.......
We are giving that a 5. Craig ------ 1!!! Arlene 5, Len 6, Bruno 5.

John Sergeant and Kristina Rihanoff on now. She is looking like Marilyn Monroe - waltz (fortunately I feel) - sadly he is flat fotted, she actually has a lovely costume (just to disprove my earlier comments) - bit of rise and fall in now, but still too earthbound. Our score - 4.5. Bruno just said it was like watching Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, but endearing! Craig 5, Arlene 5, Len 6, Bruno 6.

Finally we have Andrew Castle and Ola up next. Cha cha. Hips not much in evidence, but looks good in spangles. Bit earth bound - think he's just lost is way a little. My score 5. Sloppy 4. Craig just said first GMT presenter with rhythm! Craig 4, Arlene 6, Len 7 and Bruno 6. Next we have the ladies' group performance. ON top Austin and Erin, bottom Gary and Karen.

Evening All
Just sitting down and turned on tv, forgot about SCD!!! only saw the last couple Ola & Andrew, so I've missed all the men, never mind I suppose there's plenty of weeks to go.

Ok, girls group dance.,...

OK ladies routine based on cha cha. Not as impressed as I was with last year's ladies' dance. Christine and Matthew stood out for me. OK that concludes the comments from the Hillingdon jury. Now off to feed Sloppy and Ploppy!!

Apologies to those using the printe scoresheets for my appallingly bad predictions at which couples would be waltzing, and which would be doing the cha-cha-cha -- once It Take Two starts, I'll be better, I promise!

If you've rated each dance yourself, keep your scores -- I may have need of them in a week or two...

Hello Scott dear, sheets saved if you need them!

Austin was very good. Being fickle, I'm waiting to see the MF chest in action!!

Jane - Evita - great idea, we could make a night of it - drinks, the show, drinks, a meal, drinks - maybe we could even find time for drinks!! Just mentioned it to Ploppy and he's well up for it but he did say "we don't have to talk about Joseph all night do we"!!!!! I told him your Ploppy would probably prefer other topics of conversation too!!

Scott I've posted my scores on your 19th SCD comments page. I'll keep the copy.
Geri Thanks for the Evita review. I sort of liked Seamus on ADWD.
Jane and Karen, perhaps I could just warn your Ploppies, 2 Loppies together and not talk about Himself, I don't think so.
Watching Merlin, OK so far.

Ok, been trying to get dinner on while watching Merlin, difficult. I need a tv in the kitchen!

SCD for me the best waltz was Austin Healy, and thought Tom Chambers showed great promise in the cha cha. The men were all better than I thought, but the bottom of the pile for me was Gary Rhodes. Mind the thought of John Sergeant doing the jive!!!!

Must eat! Back soon.

I'm watching the lovely Viggo in The Two Towers. He's very easy on the eyes and, as someone said, the dirtier he gets, the better he looks. Obviously that's something that only works in cinema, not in life!

I've been meaning to mention how cool it is that the ALW birthday CD includes Lee, Cliff, and Alice Cooper!

Got my airline ticket for the Octoberfest; I couldn't afford to wait till the schedule comes out, so now I'm praying I don't have a tutorial that day.

I know it's still early in Blighty, but I feel as if I've been up for a week!
Interesting to read your comments, especially since I can't see the dancers, but as Karen 2 says, they have a long way to go yet, or words to that effect.
I was wrong about the Norwegian SCD,- that was on yesterday while I was otherwise engaged, so I cannot give you the latest on them!
Next on the telly is a two year old episode of Heartbeat (it is that far behind here), and much as I love the program, I'll give it a miss. If you'll excuse me, I'll retire to my bed and (maybe) my book, but I will be good and report in earlier tomorrow morning. I'll keep the BHB warm (!) until you lot get there.
Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Been trying to speed read the blog and eat dinner at the same time, dinner for one tonight as PB is off seeing his girlfriend.

Karen1 (KK) hope you're ok now? what are you like??? I'm begining to think you should move to a specially adapted bungalow (ie no stairs!) with all sharp edges cushioned and no blades/glass etc, oh and no cooker - only delivery food......!

Hello! Here I am back from the Sat mat, still grinning and I am literally as high as a kite! I had planned to do some ironing when I got back – yeah right!!

As usual this may be a long report as its starts before the show! I got up to London really early and had nothing to do so went and stood by the stage door! I wasn’t going to speak to Lee or anything just admire him from across the road! I got chatting to a lovely Loppy who was wearing her LMAS badge and then about 2.00 I saw Lee striding up Maiden Lane! A few people tried to stop him but he was saying that he was late (which he was!!) and that he had to go in. By now I may have been standing in the middle of the road but I went over to the stage door just as he was very quickly signing an autograph, and then he pushed the stage door open but then happened to look back and he was looking right at me!! Our eyes just sort of met! I think I may have been beaming at him, anyway he then turned back round and disappeared through the door. I noticed that his hair was slightly wet so he must have just had a shower (he looked gorgeous!)! Therefore I was grinning before the show had even started!

The upper circle wasn’t as bad as I had thought – its very steeply raked and I could see the whole stage but I really was up in the gods and I did need my binos from the back row!! The show itself was fantastic as always – very enthusiastic audience up in the UC – hundreds of kids there – one at one point one said very loudly ‘I want to go home!’. I have to say that Lee looked wonderful!! He has put on abit of weight since four weeks ago and his biceps are back! He looked muscly rather than abit skinny. Good view of tighty whities on bed as long bit of longcloth wasn’t put back for a while but although lots of sweat on CED I missed most of it as my binos weren’t properly focussed! Rest of show just fantastic.

Scrum was brilliant to as I met up with my Loppy friend from earlier and another LMAS Loppy (wont say their names here but I expect they will review the show on the forum) at the front of the scrum (she heard us talking and asked if we were Loppies!!). Lee came out in the same blue with a pink stripe top and black jeans (from the stage door) and did the usual signing. He was very happy and smiley and when he saw me he said ‘hello!’ and he signed my ticket and I think I said ‘well done’ or something like that and again he said ‘thank you, thanks!’ (still looking at me by the way!!) I wouldn’t like to say if he recognised me from earlier but he might have done! He seemed to be out for ages and with a wave and a big smile he was gone! It was so fantastic to see him in daylight and so close for so long – he was just LOVELY!! In terms of seeing him close up I think that rates as my best scrum and for him to speak to me just out of this world! Afterwards met another two well known LMAS Loppies and we chatted outside the Adelphi for 25mins!

I can safely say that was the best £15 I have ever spent! I had a lovely lovely afternoon. Lee was just gorgeous, the show wonderful, the scrum heavenly and to share it with fellow Loppies just topped it all off. Yet again took a whole roll of film on a disposable camera but at least some other Loppies were there to take photos! It was fantastic - I will be doing that again!! I have to say it again - LEE WAS LOVELY!!

But AliB I'm not really clear from your review if you enjoyed yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11

where did those 1s come from
Off to make a thingy for somebody (well it is an open to the world blog)

AliB - what a great review, thank you, but you forget to tell us one thing - was he LOVELY!!!!??

Hi again! Now fed but still multi-tasking. Also watching LotR. I have said that about VM Geri but it is a quote from Miranda Otto on the commentary on the dvd. Must say I totally agree with her!

Alib thanks for the review, shame you had such a dull time of it, but never mind! Sounds great, but not surprising!!

Woohoo Geri, one step nearer, now fingers crossed that it all works out and no tutorial.

Scott have also kept my score from SCD if needed in future.

Eva - your celebration sounds lovely, looking forward to seeing the photos.

AliB - great review, sounds like an excellent way to spend a saturday afternoon and all that for £15, what a great deal!

Beautiful weather here today also, went to the college library from 10 til 1pm (ever so diligent!) and then met sloppy for lunch, that's where my plan for the day went awry. Intention was to have lunch, pick up some shopping and come home to h******k. However when I arrived to M&S to meet mum in the coffee shop, found her hiding behind a nearby clothes rack desperately trying to phone my mobile.

She had spotted my aunt, her only remaining sister since her recent bereavment and to say that this person is difficult to deal with at the best of times is to put it mildly. So she was trying not to be seen and to get hold of me before I walked in. She was so bothered about it that when she saw me and called me over she burst into tears and was literally shaking, she just couldn't bear having to cope with this person on top of all that has happened in recent months, we did have her in Italy, but only as part of a large group and then it was obvious her daughter was keeping her quieter than normal, and sitting next to her at all meals.

So I got her calmed a bit and into the lift to the carpark as quickly as possible, took her to a nearby hotel and got her a cup of tea. Well, we ended up having a lovely lunch but talked for so long that it was 5.45pm when we finally left! The thing is, she is missing my other aunt so much for the long telephone chats they used to have and the Tuesdays when the two of them always met for lunch, so it's hard to cut her short. Anyway, I felt that sitting there with her was far more important than h*******k.

By the time I'd picked up some shopping I only got home at 6.30pm, so that was my saturday! Tomorrow is going to have to be a busy day!!!
Casualty is just starting, byeeee!

Thanks, Pauline. I've decided I'm coming regardless; I'll just have to work extra hard if I miss a tutorial (though, obviously, I hope I don't).

Great review, Ali. I take it you had fun. What show was it you saw?

...oh great news Geri! Just watched end of LoR, now off to bed, so Sweet Meads all!

Well was in the middle of a lovely post when I got cut off, grrrrr. I was saying that I still love that film, I think it is my favourite of the three, and VM gets lovely and dirty in it!

Geri that is fantastic, but am keeping my fingers crossed still so that you don't have a tutorial and have to work extra hard.

Am off to bed now so lots of ohhhhhmmmmms for thse in need of them. Night night all and sleep tight.

Right done the thingy for somebody. K2, much better to spend time with your mum. The h word will always be there, mums are special.
AliB, on reflection, to prolong your life, you should stay away from excitement, so perhaps you should refrain from going back to the show. (Oh yeh, she's going to do that?) Yeeks, I'm talking to myself on the blog, better go to bed now.
Nightlee night

Oh geri so glad you are coming will be meeting you hopefully.
I thought that tom did very well shows promise. Men I think will be in a stonger position this year . i was not to impressed by the girls group Christine stood out for me, but I thought that last year they were stronger dancers in their group if I remember right.
Thank you Jenny will need your details so I can send you your print.
Sweet meads all. Hey Alli_b I think you liked the show!!!!! xxx ninite all ninite bhb.
By the way loppies can I have a blanket too please ? and what colour? or are they for elite loppies ?. go to bed Chantale.... yes I will....zzzzzzzz.....

Morning all from a lovely Bergen. Up late(ish) again,- for me, but fortunately the blog clock is an hour behind my RL, so maybe I can pretend. The sun is out here, and yesterday was an amazingly 19 warm degrees, so I think the Norwegian weather gods love me!

Hello sweetheart. Yes, I'm bright and early for a Sunday, but I know you won't mind. I thought I'd bring my own sandwiches this morning, give everything a Norwegian twist, with a bit of leftover Smørgåsbord (are you liking it, JaneE?). I'll make us both some openfaced sandwiches,- will thinly sliced roast beef, cured, sliced lamb and brown cheese do you? I thought it might. You can do the coffees. I'll have my usual leaded, please.
I see Chantale has absconded with a blanket! Ohooooo, what is Pauline 2 going to say?

AliB,- isn't it wonderful how the mere sight of Himself can make the soul soar and the spirit rise? Glad you had a wonderful Saturday afternoon.

Geri,- looking forward to seeing you on the 18th!

I have to admit to forgetting a Happy Birthday wish due to being away from my trusty calendar. It was last Friday, and the lady in question IS on holiday, so I might just have got away with it, but at least here goes:
BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JILL, in case you're having a peep.

It's going to be a very busy day, so I doubt I'll be able to clock in again until tonight. I'm having a morning/midday coffee with my middle sister, then I'm going to see the Young Ones' new flat, take them back here for Sunday dinner with my parents coming too. So it will be well into the evening until I can sit down again here.

Have a lovely Sunday all. I know the weather forecasts are good for most of Britain. See you later.

Good morning, BHB, it's shaping up to another lovely day here. I see Eva has waved over the waves (yes, I know, waaaay too early for that sort of humour). Aw you're waving back, how sweet. Now how about a snuggle, a pot of tea, and some scrambled eggs... Yes, of course the breakfast can wait. I definitely need a snuggle. Oh, you're glad I'm coming on the 18th, me too.

Belated happy birthday, Jill!

Chantale, I've e-mailed Jenny & asked her to contact you with her mailing address.

Off to spend an hour or two with William Wordsworth. BHB, you want to read to me? Well, I suspect that could be very distracting, but I'll risk it.

Just popping in, to grab a dc and I'll try a bit of brown cheese(?). I'm not too fond of Wordsworth, but read by BHB, might give it a try.

Hi Jo4, just imagine the GO's golden tones saying, 'Earth hath not anything to show more fair...' A whole sight better than those bl**dy daffodils!

I've long thought I'd love him to voice one of those audio books. It probably wouldn't matter to me which title.

Morning all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILL!!!

Ali B, sorry, not sure from the review - did you like the show??? (He! he!). She can't hear me anyway - she's up on cloud nine!

Ooo Chantale, you've nicked one of Pauline's blankets eh? Well she usually doesn't mind - just don't take the blue one!

Geri! YIPEEE! So glad you'll be at Octoberfest! Ohmmms that the tutorial doesn't clash!!!

K2 - my sympathies to your mum. I had an aunt very similar to that (though she was an in-law). It makes like difficult doesn't it!

Karen - I haven't broached the suggestion of us all going to Evita together to Ploppy yet. I'm ohhmming he'll be on for it!

Must get ready for church - afterwards I'll watch SCD (sans Bruce, eh Carol?)

Oooo GO reading poetry! Yes please!!!!

Morning All (except there's nobody here and Geri has BHB tied up with WW)so I'm all on my lonesome....would try a little of Eva's breakfast suggestion but fancy some fresh fruit today, maybe a sunday smoothie.

Weather gorgeous again, why oh why does it have to wait until I'm back to classes? For weeks it rained while my garden went wild and now that it's nice enough to get out and enjoy some pruning and trimming (or even, heaven forbid, sit out and enjoy the sunshine) what must I do today? Get 2 chapters read on auditing and solve an accounting question on incomplete records! - it's just not fair!

Great to hear that you've booked flights Geri, keeping fingers crossed about your tutorials.

I'm still trying not to get panicked about my potential January disaster. As I was telling the Dublops, row A on Friday 9th and then Box B with Jane & K1 for his last night - flight booked, hotel booked, all organised and then find out that exams fall that very week! Was looking at last year's schedule and one of the subjects I'm taking was actually a saturday morning exam, I just have this sinking feeling that the same will happen this year but I'm not going to know until November when the timetable is issued.

Ok, gotta get moving, that smoothie won't make itself!
enjoy the sunshine today everyone, ttyl

he he, once again, refresh before you post - was so busy writing I didn't see you slip in Jane - good morning!!

And belated Happy Birthday to Jill also - hope she's having a lovely holiday.

Oh K2 I hope your exam timetable is kind. Right I'm off, dog to walk, horses to ride. Garden needs seeing to, but that will have to wait.

ooops just sent post and heard washing machine go into fault mode, looks like I've just blocked the drain by washing a light summer horse rug, well it was covered in hairs. Better unblock it.

Jo4,- don't you have self cleaning horse rug, to stay in style with your self cleaning kitchen cabinets!

Karen2,- if ohms were ever neccesary, it must be now for your exam board, planners or whatever to pay sufficient heed of your Loppy needs! I hope your Mum is feeling better today. I know exactly what the situation is like. My mother's only sister is a psykopath, and has made my mother's life hell from way back to their childhood. To make a long story short, our side of the family avoid her like the plague whenever we have to meet (mostly family funerals these days). The aunt I visisted the other day is my father's sister, and a diamond of an aunt!

BHB, what's all this about you reading poetry? I don't mind. Telephone book? If you must!

Right, I'm off now for the coffee with middle sister.

Lovely day here today - that Indian Summer is here... for today anyway. Off to a Christining shortly - another big family do where an anticipated 15 children all under the age of 6 will be!
Oh I love being read to.. and like Jo4 says, anything by the BHB would be ideal..
Hurrah for Geri - oooommms for the tutorial schedule working in your favour.
Ali - that's really good news about those jeans... (JaneE, and lady never spills the beans....)
Fi, hope you're enjoying Budapest. Eva, you're still having a great time I see. It's so nice that you stay with us - or take us - on your hols.
K2 - a Saturday well spent I say. Far better to have that time with your mother than doing the boring shopping.
Thanks for the review AliB - when you get to see him that close before and after, it doesn't matter where you sit I guess.
KK - hope all bruises are not so tender today.. I'm with K2 on the idea of you being in a damage proof home - but that might resemble a padded cell... not a pretty image.
Chantale, the blankets belong to Pauline2 - she turns a blind eye when we use them (only because of why we use them and who with) as long as they're returned hand washed and still as soft as soft can be... we wouldn't want the BHB to be uncomfortable when he snuggles with us now would we? I don't think there are any elite Loppies either. We're all 27 and slightly bonkers - how can one be elite?
Jill should be back soon - to that new bathroom.... I can't remember if she got HER card before she left, it seems ages ago now.
Oh 'eck, look at the time. Gotta dash. Quick coffee and a toast to go please BHB.

Morning all

Lovely sunny day here too - trouble is I'm not going out and as my garden resembles a builders yard at the moment I can't sit in the garden either! I'll just have to admire the lovely day through the window!!

Geri - that's fantastic news about October. Hope things work out with the tutorial.

K2 - you already know I'm ohming like mad about January. That would just be too cruel if your exams clash.

Belated Happy Birthday Jill.

Now BHB, I need your help please. Come here, I need to whisper - oh yes it's okay if you put your arm round me so that you can get closer to hear me better (what do you mean why am I speaking so quietly!!!). It's like this you see - K2 and Auds are trying to lock me away in a padded cell. Yes I know, you're shocked aren't you. They say it's for my own protection. What's that? You'll protect me and if I do suffer any more bangs or bruises you'll kiss them all better!! Oo thank you, now I'm definitely not going in a padded cell!!!!! (even if it is where I belong!).

Morning all, very late again. Don't know what happened to me om holiday but my sleeping has sure improved since I came home. Not knocking it!

Chantale, now Auds has described it perfectly, you are very welcome to borrow a blanket, mind it can only be used for snuggling BHB, but they are mine all mine! Oh and I do have rather a soft spot for the blue one. He looks sooooooo good in blue, and red and black and, well anything really!

Oh no K2, lots of ohhhhmmmmms that your exams work out. Don't they understand you have more important things to go to?

Belated happy birthday to Jill, sorry we are late.

Right now speaking of blankets BHB where are you? Oh in the kitchen I see. I must admit Evas' brunch looks lovely. Still, can't think of food until I've had a snuggle, and I just so happen to have my lovely blue blanket here...

Oooohhmms for the timing of your exams K2, it would be a real disaster if the dates clashed, some positive thinking from the Loppies needed.

What a lovely idea to have GO read a talking book, preferably something a bit better than telephone directory.
I'm liking the idea of a bedtime story read in his dulcet tones.

Must go and h..ver before the hordes arrive.

Morning. Hurrah, logged in successfully. I'm connected via the laptop at present - in the middle of updating security, software, links, etc as haven't used it for a few months. I've also got the PC on copying some recently downloaded audio & vids to CD and keep using the wrong mouse and keyboard.

Belated happy birthday Jill - hope you are having a great holiday.

Glad you enjoyed the show, AliB - as if you wouldn't.

Enjoy today, Maeve.

Glorious day and like you K2, I'm stuck indoors for most of it as have lots to do pre hol - I don't want to come back to loads of the H word. Do hope your & Geri's tutorials/exams don't clash with Joe. Great you're coming in October, Geri.

Oooh yes an audio book with the GO - please!!!

Sorry if I've forgotten anything/anyone as only had a quick catch up.

Reminder that Michael Bouble & Denise are on ITV this evening.

Disc just finished copying so better get on.

Just found there are some videos with Lee on Wire Image but unfortunately you have to have an account to access them http://www.wireimage.com/GalleryListing.asp?navtyp=SRH&sfld=C&logsrch=1&nbc1=17&str=lee%20mead

Morning Everyone! Yes I am still grinning but rather nervous as I taking my photos to be developed this afternoon. I dont care if they are rubbish i just want them to come out!! Didnt sleep very well last night (I wonder why), woke up at seven, couldnt sleep and got up!! I have now cleaned the bathroom and toilet (used that Grotbuster stuff as well) hoovered the flat AND done the ironing I was meant to do last night! What is wrong with me?!! OOH yes its called Meaditis and I have a very bad case of it this morning!!

OK, I've been a good student and I'm done for the morning. Thinking about Lee reading a book & given what he says is his favourite book, maybe he should should produce a CD of him reading James and the Giant Peach, or any children's story, in fact. Mmm.

Ali, if you're done in your house would you like to come sort out mine? Once I get into study mode, the h****work goes to he££.

Ohming for your exam dates, K2, as well as for all the sickies. I finished my antibiotics last night so I could, theoretically, have a glass of red today...

Hmmm - well Auds, I think I may have to get you drunk to find out the secret of Ali's jeans!

K2- Ohhhhmmmms for your timetable (Don't these people realise we have a GO to consider?) Ohmmms for your time table too Geri! Seeing as antibiotics have finished you need to celebrate - and what better way than a small (A-hem!) glass of red!

OOoo Ali B - we were talking about Grotbuster with our friends last night! (That sounds rather sad doesn't it?)

Ok the horrid h word done for today, and before anyone asks I'm not doing any more!

I think a light lunch in the sunshine is called for as a reward. More my sort of thing.

Like others, got the h word done early this morning, back from church now and uggh this internet is so slow today. Time to get the books out and start into the slog, PB is doing the same so it'll be a quiet house this afternoon.

Thanks for the reminder Diana, didn't think about MB being on, going to sisters for dinner (poss BBQ if it continues nice)so will pop in a video to record it.

Appreciate all the oohmms for my exams, just hope they work!

Grotbuster? haven't come across that before.

Having the GO read James... what a great idea!
Oooh the idea of bedtime stories with the GO, might have to go and lie down in a dark room for a little while..........

...ok very late today, but by the time got everyone ready for church, checked out health of Ploppy (recovering slowly), gone to church, gone for a short work with Sloppy, cooked lunch, put the wxxhxxg on and now watching ADWD with Sloppy (thank you Aunty Eva). So first off, Happy Birthday Jill! Next ohhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmsssssssss for Karen2 and Geri and their exam/tutorial timetable. YOU HAVE TO COME!!! End of discussion!!! I'll write to the exam board if you like K2! Oh yes, the GO reading an audio book..........any book!! By the way got into the holiday home (hurray) but then it kept telling the page was no longer there, so couldn't comment or anything.....is it just me?? Well I wonder who will make the dance off tonight....

Couldn't get on here last night. Kept saying I had to sign in, couldn't remember my password so I changed it and even after all that palaver I still couldn't get here!
Ohms for Dublopd tutorial and exam timetables, Carol's Ploppy and anyone else in need.
Yes please for GO to read an audio book, especially a children's one, so I could play it at work.
Sounds as if Eva is having a wonderful time with her family.
Lovely sunshine here today.
See you later I hope.

Hi all,will have to be quick as I am using my host's computer in France.
Hope all is well in Loppyland and that you all enjoyed the PintP perhaps someone could summerise all the happenings for me, we get back on Thursday, it has been quite an eventful holiday, will tell all on out return, just hope the bathroom is finished when we get back.
I did recieve my Birthday card the day before we left,and had a nice Birhday, we are quite remote where we are staying, no TV and the radio only talks to you in French, look forward to "seeing you all" on Friday.
Jill xx

Hi Jill! Glad you had a nice birthday! Card from who?

Glad you managed to get back to us Kathleen! Horrible when you can't get on the blog, isn't it!

Well I was intending to have a lazy day but it hasn’t worked out like that. I’ve been busy all day and then unexpected visitors called. I’m crackered. Just having a quiet hour before I have to get ready to go out.

If any of you suffer, like me, from those “certain times” when hormones make you act totally irrationally you will understand what just happened here.

I was cooking lunch and I went to get a wooden spoon out of the drawer. The drawer is full of wooden and plastic spoons of every length and size but the one I wanted wasn’t there! And no other spoon would do!! Ploppy came in to see what all the banging of cupboard doors and slamming of drawers was about so I asked him if he’d used my wooden spoon. Now, that in itself is an irrational question, as I don’t think Ploppy knows what a wooden spoon is let alone how to use one!! Being either very brave or very stupid Ploppy then politely suggests that maybe I could use another spoon, which just infuriated me even more and. At this point, as I’m ranting and raving, PLoppy made a hasty exit from the kitchen. Very wise move on his part. So, I had to use another spoon but I’m convinced the lunch didn’t taste as good!!! See what I mean by irrational!

And then, to top it all off, I had a nose bleed!!

I need a drink!!!

Hello, back from the beautiful south, well south of here anyway. We were a bit disappointed with Dirty Dancing, not awful by a long chalk, but not as good as we hoped it would be, (we loved the film).
The dancers were excellent as was Baby, the scenery was well done particularly the water scene. I just felt that Johnny had no charisma, and there was no spark between him and Baby. Having said that most of the audience loved it, and the last half hour was brilliant.
We were walking to the theatre and passed the end of Maiden Lane just gone two o'clock, and I said there's no point going up to the stage door because Lee always gets in early, AND THEN I READ ALI B'S POST!!!!!!!!!

Karen (KK)hope you feel a bit better after you fall, I did exactly the same to my elbow when I fell in July.

Jane, I would love to see JCS, with Lee preferably, I loved the film and have never seen the show.

Need to go back in a bit.

Evening all, am watching Hairspray thing, rather hoping in the 'next week section we'll see Him! Sad I know. Funny how MB doesn't appear at all, wonder why not.

KK I know just what you mean although those days are gone for me, I remember them far too well! A large drink is what's needed.

Hi Jill waving in case you can see me! Hope your holiday is good and ohhhmmmms for your bathroom!

Busy night tonight, DVO at 7pm then SCD results, followed by Poirot. Phew got to fit eating in there somewhere!

Ali B what a great way to spend a Saturday, better than me at least. I have been painting all Saturday and today.
No GO in sight.
Although the allotment next to my sisters is vacant. So Lee being such a keen gardener (just seen part 2 of the need for mead) could move in straight away. I of course would help him out.
Tonight we have the third live show for the search for Joseph and two of them have to go tonight. And one of them is attempting to sing Paint it black. Oh dear!

Oh Karen! I know what you mean! I was in the same situation a while ago and Ploppy asked if I wanted a cup of tea - to which I replied in a shout 'Thats typical!!' Then realised what I was saying and replied @Yes - that would be nice' through gritted teeth!

Sue, shame DD wasn't all it should be. I think you would like JCS -even without the GO!

Anne,- have you picked a favourite already in the Dutch Joseph search?
Jill,- lovely to see you popped in to say hi and delighted your card - THE CARD- arrived before you left. I had a lovely e-mail from Gillian telling me that her card arrived in time for her birthday as well, so our GO is doing his best for his Stageloppies!

Have had a lovely day with the family. Spent a couple of hours with middle sister, and we're already planning my Norwegian holiday next June! They are going away for 3 weeks and have offered me their house to stay in again. I have accepted and have booked the flight. (Dusts off hands,- another thing to tick off the list of to-dos!)

I went to The young Ones's new home to view the flat and pick them up. It is a lovely attic flat high up on a hillside, so they have a wondeful view down a valley. Living room, bedroom, dining room/office, kitchen and bathroom,- what more can they want and I got to see what they had spent my wedding gift on. Very nice sofa and dining table with 4 chairs (second hand but good quality), which fitted their needs perfectly.
After the viewing we went back to youngest sister (where I'm staying) and with my parents already there, dinner was served. It was a very typical Norwegian meal to mark the unofficial start of autumn: Får-i-kål ! What,- you don't know what it is? It's lamb-in-cabbage! Very easy to make,- you lay layers of lamb and cabbage in a large pan, sprinkle in some whole, black peppercorns and plenty of salt on the cabbage, fill quarter way up with water and let it simmer for 2 hours. Serve with boiled potatoes. Very simple to make and tastes wonderful. Come on,- give it a try!

The guests have now left and peace is restored once more. We've had some good laughs, and trying to translate all the jokes and tall stories to Juan all the time makes it even funnier. I'm sure he thinks we're bonkers half of the time, but lovable with it!

How did it go in the result show in SCD? Not finished yet? I'll sit down to do some gentle TV watching myself.

Btw. I showed my sister and The Young Ones the video I made for the Stageloppies, and they were well impressed, especially my sister. She looked at me with awe! I quite enjoyed that!

What a gorgeous day it's been. Christening went really smoothly and fairly quietly. Buffet lunch wasn't at the house as I'd thought but at large child friendly pub. Have to admit to being a little in love with newest cousin; all because whilst in her mum's arms today she held hers out to come to me (awwwww) and then gave me the cutest of kisses. However, came home with a horrid headache (surely not from the sunshine???)....
ahhh Michael B doing his thing now... hasn't he got big ears?

Evening, all. Nice to see all the holiday people checking in. Thanks to everyone who responded to the mini questionnaire about the story. I've e-mailed chapter three to Carys for loading on her site and have also sent it to Jo4 so she can circulate it via stageloppies g-mail. Finally, I've sent a couple of Jane's stunning pictures to Martin so you see them in all their glory. BTW, we should have mentioned, there are some fun little clues and visual jokes in several of the pictures, but I can say no more...

Oh dear, Oh dear,
Roy just sang Paint it black. It was very dark and intense and angry and I longed for Lee. No comparison!
The big chief of the panel did say that in the English version the winner, Lee Mead, did also sang Paint it black and was instantly the public favourite and Roy would that be now too after his performance. I strongly disagree.