Square Eyes 12-15 January

Ooo am I first? Thank you Scott!
Ro - we could see you on phone, but didn't realise you were communicating with the boxes! We actually saw DVO in the Foyer too and exchange words with Tim Rice. At the end had to wait for Rick's scarf to be retrieved from upstairs where he had left it, so we ended up with all the family and friends waiting to go up to the party. Casey was right behind and I did turn and apologise to him at one point - he was equally (well almost) as charming as his brother!

Hi again, just put up photos into loppie Ladies 2 from Jill and Maggie

Martin - You may want to have a quick look at the Loppy Ladies 2 photos for 9 Jan! There is abit of a spelling mistake!!

Well, I thought it was more polite than shouting across the auditorium!!! It took us ages to get out from the boxes, saw the gaggle in the foyer waiting to go up, didn't realise you were part of it!

By the time we all managed to link up again outside we decided the middle of the road was the best vantage point - it certainly gave a good view of the sheer size of the scrum, but we did panic slightly every time he disappeared behind a passing bus that we would miss his final wave ... I'm glad to say we didn't, and he was kind enough to jump and wave over the 'first crowd's' heads to us before he went in!

Ah well Ro, we stood on the traffic island after the matinee. My husband was coming to join us and I couldn't see him (strangely enough) so rang his mobile and there he was in the middle of the road, so we joined him there for the afternoon scrum. We also had heart failure every time a bus hove into view, but fortunately they weren't around for the crucial moments!

Welcome home Diana, you were in our thoughts over the weekend with Carys too of course, your birthday dinner sounded wonderful.

Thanks for that link Chrissi/Pauline, those photos are great, I hope the mod.s won't remove them too quickly, as they usually do with photos taken in the theatre but will make an exception for them, also interesting to read Jenna's blog.

Anne, a lovely video, it is hard to hear what he says, I thought I heard something like "I can't say...." ( very helpful!)

Glad to hear you're on the mend Martin, off to look at new photos now.

The film Graig made on stage is now up on the official Joseph site.
It contains the whole speech of Lee and the group hug behind the curtains.
It is great seeing it up-close.

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

Thankyou Anne, but my heart is broken. My stupid computer will only play about thirty seconds of it and then it cuts off, sob. I am trying to be brave as I am very conscious of the fact that at least I was there....why don't I feel any better? I will just have to keep looking at photos.

Dear me the disappointment made me forget my manners. Thankyou Scott for our new home, the old one had done a sterling job but was getting a bit slow. Sorry I didn't mean to be rude but the brain is still scrambled from the weekend I think. Who said it always is?

Pauline - you can download the video with real player :-) I just did and will be burning it to a DVD shortly. I've been avoiding the blog and fansites for a while - too upsetting. Reading about it and seeing the pictures just isn't the same as being there. Oh well I can at least get busy with the techie stuff archiving all the videos etc. Thanks for the new home Scott.

Hi Carys,- good to see you. You and Diana were sorely missed over the weekend, and I can understand why it has been hard for you to read and hear about all that's been happening.

My computer has given up on the sound! I have no idea what happened or how to mend it. It was halfway through the Craig vid when it suddenly went silent. I have called my nerd, but he's in bed with the flu. He promised he'd come round when he was better. In the meantime I'll use the laptop when I want the radio.

I forgot to ask you earlier: Re the album:
Is it OK if I copy parts of or whole posts you've done in the week coming up to the Sobfest and to do the same with any reviews/comments you've made afterwards? I will mark the quotes with your names, of course.

Scott dear,- thank you for our new home. It is fitting that we're moving into a new home on this day; the first weekday after the Sobfest!

Hi all

I'm home!!!!! No, I haven't only just got home!

Whilst I was away the TV packed up and it would seem that Ploppy did a repair job which involved waggling the wires round the back of the TV!! Which also happens to be where the wires are for my wireless router. Now my wireless router isn't working!! Coincidence? Or Ploppy sabotage?? It does make me wonder. So spent ages on the phone with the manufacturer this morning and they told me I needed another cable so they could do a full check. I went out and spent a tenner on said cable, came back and have just spent another hour on the phone with them whilst they try all the same tests they tried this morning and finally said the router is faulty!!!!!!! They will send a replacement but only when I return this one to them and that could take 10 days!! What with the cost of the cable and the phone call, which will no doubt turn out to cost a fortune, it would probably have cost me less to buy a new router!! So, in the meantime I have had to run the cable direct from the modem all the way round the lounge and into the kitchen, which is as far as it will go, it won't reach into the conservatory, to plug direct into the laptop!

So I am now stood at the kitchen counter instead of sat in comfort and that's what I'll have to do for the next 10 days!! Modern technology! Grrrrrr!!

That'll teach me to go away and leave Ploppy in charge!

Anyway, glad to hear everyone arrived home safe, sound and happy. What a weekend it was. All three shows were special in their own way. Friday was my first ever Row A experience and well, words cannot describe it. The scrum that night was great too as I got right up to the front. The couple stood behind us were friends of Lee's father so when Lee came out he recognised the man and started talking to him so I had a fantastic view. Then he moved off but when he came back I had my ticket held out for him to sign and he put his hand under mine and then pen poised ready to sign started talking to the guy behind me, all the time holding his hand under mine!!! Thud!!!! Then after a short while he signed, winked at the guy he'd been talking to and moved on. It was amazing.

The matinee was a hoot and I have to say thank you to Eva for the loan of the opera glasses as they sure helped me to see more of the fun than I would have done otherwise, so thank you Eva!

Then the final show. Well, I can't add to what has already been said. It was simply phenomenal and when he said he'd see us very soon I was delighted. The view of the rest of the theatre from our vantage point in the box was truly a sight to behold and a part of the evening that I will never forget!

It was lovely to see you all again, you all made the weekend even more special and thank you to Jane for all the organisation of the meals and to all those who organised the treats and gifts.

I can't help feeling a bit sad that this part of the journey is over but so excited at what comes next, whatever that may be.

Thanks for all today's links. There are some stunning photos and videos. Brings back all the memories.

Can anybody help me with Craig's vid please. When I click on the link it goes to to website but the video isn't there! Heeeeeellllppppppppp!!!!!!!

Oh and Scott thank you for the new home.

Oops sorry about that - found the vid.

Aw that was lovely. Brought it all back and a tear to my eye!

Thank you ali.cb I must apologise for the error and I have corrected the spelling mistake (I must of been thinking of the rival footy team nearby in Norfolk)

Thankyou Carys, I think I'm stuck here, as AOL (I think) don't let me download to Real Player! I'm sure there is something about the Joseph site my pooter doesn't like as it wouldn't let me watch the Baker/Butler vid either. Hopefully RUG might post the video as I have no problem then! I really am not moaning as I am very conscious that you and Diana weren't there, it's just one of those things and there are lots of goodies around at the moment. Thanks again for trying though!

Karen pleased you are home ok and still living your 'moment'. Sorry about the router though hope it gets sorted quickly, as I'm sure you don't want to spend all your time dashing backwards and forwards to the kitchen.

Hi all, a flat day today.
Thanks for the reviews, links, esp Craig's vid. Can you see me? Right at the beginning, first my head and then a second later doing a little wave at him, next to Jo (from Lovelees) waving her arms above her head.
Off to do more pics for Martin (sorry they'll come one or two at a time again)

Ooops, manners.
Scott: Thank you for the nice new home. Much quicker. btw can you tell we had a good time at the weekend?

Hi all. Gloom and doom at work - first day of my third job (second job split in two) and it was ...foul! Spent first part of eve trawling job sites but have been cheered up by all the reminiscings and the links on here.

Maggie - spotted you and maureen twice in the Craig video - half way thro before he takes ALW coat off and right at end after his "see you soon". Gosh - co-starring in lee video:) we are mixing with famous people here on blog.

Anne - you made me smile. yes I did tell you Youtubing was easy. Did i forget to tell you that I havent even learnt how to download photos from my camera:) well i did want to see your vids again.

Ali - it did look like i asked what he was doing next but dont think it was me. i remember telling himself that his show was fab and he said thank you DARLING!!and then i told him we would miss him and he said he would miss all of us But think someone else asked what he was doing next - and i
dont think I heard reply.

Hi Ro. sad i didnt get to say Hi and thank you for DVD. saw you at stage door and then got distracted by some curly haired man coming up street and then lost you. So hi and thank you.

Hi Guys, I'm home. good to see most have made it back home by now. Linx is still en-route as Jenny will be.
We had a quieter family time yesterday afternoon, had a nice meal and then spent the night watching Winners Story and ADWD...great wy to end our extended stay.

Saw Jenny this morning and had a wobbly 'moment' after seeing the new posters up at the Adelphi. Must say we were pleased to see they appear to have sorted out a better wig for Ricky if the posters are anything to go by!

What afantastic weekend, great to see everyone and thanks for all the chow organising, pressies and such wonderful company!
Eva- I will try to gather my thoughts, piccies and memories for the project and get them to you.x

Welcome home Diana- missed you so much.

Thanks for the new home Scott.

TTFN x

Hi all, we've just returned from York, where Geri spent several hours trying to persuade me of the charms of R3. We have a lovely day wandering round the city and walking on the walls - not to mention the R3 museum.

How great to come back to a lovely new home - thank you Scot!

Eva - I have not problems opening word attachments and I think useing the reviews etc from the blog is a great idea. it'll be great to have a reminder of a fabulous weekend.

Diana - have a safe journey home and the same goes for Jenny & Linx. Glad you're home OK Anne, sorry you had such a bad journey K2.

Martin I hope you're better soon.

Karen - that does sound like Ploppy sabotage to me! Hope you get your router sorted out soon.

Pauline - if you want the video on DVD just ask I can copy mine:-)

Sorry Carol, Jane still has an idiotic notion that Richard was a villain. Some people just can't be told. Had a great day & loved R3's home town -- better than Halifax! Bad allergic reaction on the way home -- taxi driver was near a cat. Eek!

Great posts today but I'm having problems typing on Jane's 'puter, so will wait til I get home, except to say thanks for the new home, Scott!

New chapter to Jo & Carys tonight, but here's something in the meantime:

THOSE JOSEPH DAYS
Do you remember those days at Adelphi?
The loppies were endlessly keen;
That show was a fabulous party,
The finest the West End had see.
It's funny, but since Lee left Joseph,
We've gone to the other extreme;
No more sights of curly hair,
No tighty-whiteys anywhere,
And how we miss the sound of loppy screams.
Those Joseph days we used to know
Where have they gone,
Where did they go?
We all are in a daze,
Miss those Joseph days....

That is very clevery done Geri. I am trying to sing the new lines to the song rigth now.

oh, I feel so low... there are so many clever lyrics all over the place.. there are so many gorgeous pictures from the past few days, and so many fabulous reviews all over the place... each one bringing wonderful memories swimming back. Thanks for the link to Craig's footage. Brenda also has the audio of his speech.. from where ALW handed him his own coat. The LMAS sight is full to bursting. And so looking forward to Ro's timeline.
I so wished I'd had the wherewithall to confront the Wizard when I had the prime opportunity to do so to let him know how devastated we are, and what he's deprived us of by not filming the GO's Jospeh for posterity - actually he'd probably figured that out for himself by then. Those $$$$s going right down the drain..
But what a wonderful wonderful weekend it was... I shall just go a watch a couple of videos again, and then head to bed. Is it me, or has the temp dropped again.. I thought it was getting quite balmy at 8 degrees today!! Diana, did you forget to pack the sun?
OK, nite nite all... and sweet sweet meads.

Hi Ladies,

I'm finally back home! What a fantastic time I've had over the last 5 days. It was lovely to see you guys again and drink to absent Loppies.
I can't stay on long as my family really will think I'm beyond help!
Thank you all for the organising and pressies etc - much appreciated X
I had a dream on the train that our GO was offering me the arm of his (Joseph's) coat (he was wearing it) and asking me to feel the quality????
Really looking forward to reading your posts and looking at vids/pics etc but it must wait until tomorrow or I will be in trouble.

Nightlee night Loppies and sweet dreams XXXX

Carys you are a star thankyou, I have emailed you, but to the dvd one as I know I have problems getting through to the other one!

Fab rhyme Geri and yes I've been singig it too.

You are right Auds I think it has gone cooler.

Caught up on CSINY, so Mac didn't die! Will watch a dvd thanks Eva and Gillian, and then hit the hay, well unless the story is up by then! So will say night night and sleep tight.

I've had a long chat to my Shirley. She rang and wanted to hear ALL about the weekend. I don't think she realised what she was asking for. I stopped to draw breath after 35 minutes, and she laughed and said:" So not much happening then?" She sends her love and wished she had been with us all.

Geri,- I've copied your poem and will use it in the album, if that's OK?

It's time for bed, so I'll bid you all good night, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

Thank you for our new home Scott.

Carys, I can see why you feel as you do about all the footage and reviews of the weekend. I was there, and I still feel I missed out on some of it when I see some of the photos, for instance in Maiden Lane.

Eva, feel free to copy anything of mine, although I’m not sure there will be anything you can use. I’m a bit like Pauline I don’t know the answer to your other question.

Isn’t Craig’s video lovely? Why am I still crying????

Karen, have you washed the hand yet??? I can just imagine how the theatre looked from the box, you have a brilliant view of everything from up there.

I saw you Jo.

Geri, love the poem.

Hi Linx, Ploppy thought I was mad last night, so I know what you’re up against. Check out the pics on the Forum when you get chance, for a few of you breathing the same air as the GO!!

Gotta go, up early tomorrow. Nite nite Loppies x

Oh Geri - brilliant - I've just sung it to Rick and he was in hysterics! Said you should send to the GO!! Oh dear, so you haven't managed to convert her then? How can she possibly think he was a villain???? Lady Jane - really! The man was a saint!! OK off to bed now - been out at rehearsal all evening (late home thank you Metropolitan Line!). Sweet Meads all.

THanks for the new home Scott.
I know I'm late, but fell asleep after dinner! I did NOT want to go to wxxk today, but stay cocooned in my own little world and remember the weekend! What an experience.
Glad we all seem to be home safely now.
I do hope that I get to meet more of you next time. Was going to come on Saturday on my own but Ploppy wanted to come and he got the tickets, so..... He is also having withdrawal symptoms!
Carol, when you were stood on the island in the Strand in the pm, Derek and I were sat outside Cafe Nxxo, just behind you. Didn't realise it was you or I would have come across and said hello.
Great excitement at work today as touring Joe is coming to Windsor. Plans are afoot to take at least 60 year 2s if not most of the school! Craig will still be playing Joe.
Thanks for all the links to photos and vids. Can't wait to see the results of your labours Eva, or the timeline RO. DId see you Ro in your box on Saturday evening. Also spoke to Ringer and signed her programme. Told her I would send her the link when Scott moved us on, so will do that next.
Loved the song Geri. How do you think of all your tales and poems.
Karen, hope your router comes quickly.
Karen2, hope your exams went well today.
Martin, don't go back to work too soon.
Here's looking forward to the new album. Goodnight.

Glad you like the lyrics, loppies. Of course you can put it in the album, Eva. You don't think he'll mind the tighty-whitey comment, do you??

Carol, I took a picture of Jane in jail in Richard's tower-- it seemed an appropriate punishment what with Halifax and the dissing of our beloved Dickon. (She claims she 'Only wrote in the guilty book'). Huh. People have been hanged for less!

I'm having problems accessing chapter 18, I'm afraid. It's on my e-mail, but that's down and Jane, still addled from the presence of the GO this weekend, went and left it on her e-mail in work. (Your tax pounds at work, folks!)

Glad everyone's gotten home safely. Lady J & I are planning an evening of DVD watching. Three guesses...

Karen, we forgot to mention our little project this weekend. I haven't forgotten it, though & I have an idea that could really work well. I'll e-mail you after I get home (and am actually able to access the £"&!! thing) and we can brainstorm, okay?

Hi all, still working on something for Claire. And found out that the 'keeper of the archives had missed a blog', so had to find it and retrieve it.
Geri loved the song, had a little sing to myself. Glad you enjoyed your trip to RIII land.

evening girls what a lot of souvenir stuff on ,I am so grateful DVDs very precious.
I have posted my meagre effort to Martin.
Thank you for our new room Scotty.
W"hat a lot of tears were shed today viewing it all again .What a lad he is.
Geri that is brilliant I love your rewritten lines.
Oh carys, if only i could have got an upgrade i would have willingly given you a ticket, I know the train was more a problem for you.,missed you though.
must go to bed I am shattered
ninite all sweet meads

I have written a little review about the 10th.
I have posted it on LMAS already so now here it is for you girls to read.

It was the coldest day since twelve years in London someone told me and I was quite happy to believe that. When I stepped off the ferry at 6:55 am that morning I was welcomed into England with bitter coldness, in the train it was no better, even in the tube it was coooold!. Coming out of the tube and walking on to Strand, by now my teeth were clattering, I saw the sign of Joseph. Forget the cold, that was the place I was going to be today.
I was to be meeting lots of Loppies in the hotel ( SP), in restaurants, at the box office and in the Adelphi. Strand was swarming with them, wherever you looked there we were. It was like we had taking over the West End.
The cold was no more to be felt. Warmth was surrounding me coming from all those people who have placed Lee in their hearts. We where all full of anticipation what was to come that day, and what a day it was going to be.
Time was crawling towards 3:00 pm but would of course fly by once the matinee started.

I was sitting in row D Stalls and again was surrounded by Lee fans. I was wondering if there were people in the audience who didn’t have a clue what was going on. I had a really good view on anything that was going on on stage. And there were lots of funny surprises.
One of the best moments that day for me, and there were plenty of them, was Joseph descending from above onto the stage. The whole Adelphi stood up and gave him a standing ovation. The expression on his face was priceless.

The cast really played a lot of tricks on him that it was really amazing that Lee almost got through the entire show with a straight face. Sometimes you saw him laughing about one of the pranks they played on him mostly with his back turned to us or giving them funny looks, throwing socks at them which they “forgot” to pull off him while he was lying on Mrs Potiphars bed. The beard thing was very funny but my favourite was the bit in prison with the butler and the baker. At that moment Lee was not able to stop smiling and he moved away from the lighting to compose himself a bit.
The matinee was fabulous to watch. There were so many things going on and the crowd cheered them all on. Far too soon it was over and we had to leave.

Coming at the front of Adelphi their was a massive scrum already. I joined them just to see if I got a glimpse of Lee. We were all buzzing from the show and people were talking about what just happened and the things we had seen. It was great being in that scrum. When he came out there was a lot of shouting and pushing but I managed to film it.

At the evening show I was sitting in row M of Stalls. A good seat but compared with row D that afternoon very far from stage. This show was played as it should be. Everyone on their best. The cast, the crowd and Lee.
I was watching it all but kept thinking this is the last time he is Joseph and I must say I got a bit emotional. I didn’t cry but was a bit sad. Which is strange cause I was quite all right with his decision to leave and am looking forward to his next project.

From the moments the brothers came to Egypt I thought everything had a deeper meaning. The moment he said he was their brother and they were hugging him, I was quite choked up cause it felt to me more of a goodbye.
When Joseph came on in his chariot was also a great moment. To me it was Lee standing their saying “ I am ready to move forward and beyond this theatre.” We all cheered him on but went dead quiet when the reunion with his father was there. When Jacob hugged him we exploded again. It was really moving and emotional for the cast, the audience and for Lee.
The mega mix was sublime. When Lee is going up on the cherry picker I could not see him anymore so I looked sideways and there were Craig and Ricky dancing and clapping with an elated expression on their faces. Graig was at one point standing on one of the chairs cheering us on. He was very sweaty but I learned later that he just threw a bottle of water over himself. Our eyes locked one moment and I wish I gave him a thumb up or something showing him my appreciation for all his performances I have witnessed. He does stand out on stage as a brother.
Far too soon it was all over. But their came Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, which I thought was a really nice gesture, saying he was the best Joseph ever! Now did I hear that right!!
We all knew this of course but if even ALW says it then it is official. What an honour for Lee.

I found myself back at the scrum, this time in row 3 if you can speak of rows in a scrum. In front of me their were two big guys with huge camera’s. The footage I shot is very wobbly and in two parts cause of them pushing and shoving for a good photo. They were probably paparazzi I thought.
It was Lee’s and my last scrum and it ended far too soon.

What memories I have got from this weekend. The two shows, meeting all those lovely people (not counting a very grumpy bus driver) and hearing all their experiences that day or that week.
It was a day to remember for the rest of your life. For us, the fans but mostly for Lee. What a great way to say goodbye as Joseph.

I am ending this review with the last words of Lee on stage: “See you soon!”
Yes Please!

I guess most of you have gone to bed now? I've been at a meeting and ploppy was re-organising the bookmarks when I got in and has lost some of them. I would say it was sabotage but he's lost most of his too!!
Thanks for the new home Scott, seems appropriate to move today.
Love the lyrics Geri, do send them to Lee.
Should get to bed but I think I'll just check out Craig's vid first. Night night

Nightlee night

Auds, after watching the videos, seeing the photos and reading all the reviews with the odd tear in my eye today I was thinking how wonderful it would have been to have a DVD of that last night's performance,( or any night's) there will not be a recording of "the best Joseph ever," what a opportunity missed by ALW.

Loved the verse Geri, glad you and Jane had a good time in York.

Just going to watch Craig's video once more before bed, thanks for all the great posts and links today, have made me feel sad but wouldn't have missed them for anything.

HE HAS LIFTED ME OUT OF THE MUNDANE
AND GIVEN ME ENDLESS JOY
AND HIS SMILE MELTS MY HEART

HE IS MY INSPIRATION TO STEP OUT
INTO A DIFFERENT WORLD
AND HIS SMILE MELTS MY HEART

I HEAR HIS VOICE AND I'M TRANSPORTED
TO ANOTHER KIND OF HEAVEN
AND HIS SMILE MELTS MY HEART

MY TEARS FALL BECAUSE HE'S GONE
BUT HE'LL COME BACK TO US
AND HIS SMILE WILL MELT MY HEART

Aw Anne that was a wonderful review! You expressed it all beautifully.

And Sue - your poem brought a tear to my eye - lovely!

Geri and I are going to say goodnight - hoping that in the morning Geri can access her e-mails, then she'll be able to get the chapter out.

Sweet Meads Loppies

Morning. Only time for a quick comment.

Thanks for new home, Scott.

Another piece about Saturday http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1113765/Any-tissue-Denise-Van-Outen-tearfully-watches-boyfriend-Lee-Meads-final-Joseph-performance.html

Thank you thank you thank you, Eva. Got my card from Lee.

Many thanks everyone for the reviews of Saturday and thanks for thinking so much of me. There are a couple of things I wanted to pick up on but can't recall off hand so will reread. Loved that ALW gave Lee his own coat. Haven't had a chance to look at the links, LMAS, Ro's Timeline yet - probably have to wait till the weekend.

Good morning fellow Stageloppies

Flight home was smooth and eventless which is more than can be said for the emotional journey from KoA to the doldrums. Dollop and her boyfriend collected me from the airport but they don't understand Loppyism so we talked about mundane things like the weather and exams. Then I heard that Scollop is being let go from his job on January 23rd and is now talking about returning to Brazil earlier than planned. His girlfriend went home last year and I knew he intended going to live there eventually.

I am not back at work until this afternoon. I have a Special Olympics coaching course this morning. I coach two wonderful guys in the Motor Activities Training Program.

I am still trying to put my thoughts and feelings about last weekend into words. I am working on it Eva and will email you soon with my contribution to the album.

K2 - hope yesterday went well and good luck for today. Then put the kettle on. I feel the need to 'share the feeling' and reminisce.

Geri - luv the verse and glad you got the opportunity to indulge in another of your passions!

Thanx again to everyone for making last weekend so enjoyable.

Good morning all. thank you Diana for that link it is now printedand safe with all other cuttings.
Hope your exams were ok K2. Sue1 needed tissues again because of your poem.
have to go and take Dixie for her walk .will see you all later. Don't work too hard.

Morning all. A grey day again, but at least the rain is letting up a bit. Yesterday was foul!

Hello sweetheart. You look ever so pleased,- why is that? Diana is back? I know, and you've had a snuggle? A loooooong one, because you'd missed her, and then Jenny Dublop popped in?
Well, I'm ready for my snuggle too, but........I might be coming down with a cold, so you'd better stay away from me. I know your evening job is over and you have time to indulge in a little sickie, but it's not nice, so we have to endure this time apart! (Dear me,- I do sound dramatic, but am still full of strange emotions from the weekend.) I think I'll huddle in the corner of the sofa,- bless you for lighting the fire,- have a leaded and some toast.

Sue1,- that is a lovely poem. It's already copied and in my album file. Who said I wouldn't be able to save any of her stuff?

Geri,- tighty-whitys, what is that?

Anne,- what a lovely review. You've caught the atmosphere so well.

Diana,- so pleased your card was there when you returned home. I know it's gone to a good home as have all the others.

I have to do my weekly shop today, because the fridge is empty again. Yesterday I didn't have the energy or the heart for trundling along the Tesco isles, consentrating on potatoes, broccoli and bread. If I'm really coming down with a bad cold, I need to stock up. I'm only glad nothing like that stood between me and the total enjoyment of last weekend.

Scott dear,- I don't know if you can help, but when Dean Collinson didn't do his Pharao on Saturday shows, there was a lot of talk about what was wrong with him. Some said he was suffering from DVT and was in hospital with a black leg! That he wasn't well, was obvious already on Tuesday, but even more pronounced on Friday night, when he hobbled out after the mega-mix. I'm not asking out of my usual nosyness, but with real consern. It's a dreadful thing to happen if it's true, and if he is in hospital, I'm sure he'd be pleased with a card from a Giggle of Stageloppies.

Ah Diana, Queen of the Links, is back! Thank you for that!! Sue - lovely! Geri - there is just no hope for some people! Doesn't she realise that as one author said - "the tragedy of his early death probably robbed England of one of it's greatest and fairest kings"?? OK just a quick check of the breakfast table - not quite so cold today (Anne - you are right about the temperature on Saturday - can't remember London being so cold!)so porridge removed from the menu. Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine and Eggs Portebello, Full English, Kedgeree, Toasted bagels with smoked salmon and cream cheese, grilled tomatoes and mushrooms, oodles of toast, platters of cold meats and cheese with assorted breads - savoury and sweet, danish pastries and fresh fruit. Usual range of drinks and today BHB (under my supervision) attempting his first Raspberry Bellini (sorry ladies I will have to quality test a few first). Think it best if we do this in private, so will just gather up our pink blanket and move into the kitchen with the necessary ingredients and of course the BHB!

...ooops meant to say glad everyone arrived home safely! Jenny, thank you for accomplishing your mission. It must have looked very strange - still if they have given Ricky a new wig it must have been due to adverse comments from the public! Karen2 - hope it went well yesterday; Martin hope you are feeling better. Some oooohhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmsss for the bank!

Jenny,- I was happy to read that Ricky has a new wig. When I first saw Lee on Saturday's matinee with the beard, my first thought was:" That beard is just as bad as Ricky's wig!"

This one was on Google alert:
http://www.show-and-stay.co.uk/theatre-news/lee-mead-finishes-as-joseph-20292.html

Morning All
Thanks for the kind thoughts for yesterday, tip for the future - 3 Joe shows in a row - not a good idea just before an accounting exam! It went fairly ok, but OMG - all yesterday morning while revising, the songs from the show were playing over and over in my head, not Lee funnily enough but Jenna,B/B & Pharoah. I was sure that my head would clear during the actual exam at 3.30pm but no, I sat there answering questions and still hearing the show in my head and thinking about it every so often - MAD! the main area I slipped up on was timing and I'm normally pretty good at that but I had to totally rush the last question. So - today to study and last one tomorrow - YAY!!

From then, of course Jenny - the kettle will certainly be on (I'll even use my new teacosy) and I'd LOVE to talk more about it all. I'll text you. Ohhms also for scollop situation, I know it's not easy for you.

Fi - oohmmms for w**k, hope things settle for you, same applies to a number of people, hope jobs are going ok and our loppies aren't getting too much strife - we're all a bit delicate now and don't need silly people upsetting us.

Roro - was that you waving like a mad thing from the box opposite us on Sat night? I think I need my eyes tested and couldn't see the person's face clearly enough just the arm waving.

Sue1 - your poem is beautiful, did you actually say the other day that you weren't eloquent? hello......?
Have to reiteratate, of a weekend of so many wonderful memories, a really biggie for me was watching from the box as you gave his Mum your red fan, when I cheered out loud you both looked up and I waved mine and she waved hers back, then to see her continue to use it right through the show and leave at the end still clutching it - what a thrill to have her as an honorary SL!

Martin - glad to hear you're feeling a bit better, thanks for getting the pics up so quickly, and thanks everyone for the pics/videos and links.
Jo - was delighted to see a bit of my hair in one of your Friday night scrum ones (photo 5 of 64) and I'd guess that it might have been the brief moment when I got to ask him my question.

Craig's video certainly brought it all back, I could see Jo4 and also Maggie and Maureen - how fantastic for you all. And Maggie - just to say it again, I am so delighted that you got those seats, your face was a joy to behold when you ran back into the restaurant to tell us all.
Martin - she was actually unable to say the seat numbers out loud, she had to hand them to me to read out!

Jenna's blog was great to read also, testament to the affection the cast felt for him and that was obvious also in their expressions during the last few moments and the way they reacted to him. I loved the moment in Craig's video when the curtain has gone down and he stands for a moment in the centre of them all with his arms triumphantly in the air.

Chrissie - Hi! Pop in to see us again!

Eva - hope you aren't starting a bad cold, once you've your shopping done - feet up and take it easy. Still intend to put together a piece for your project so please wait for me.

Speaking of feet up - Anne - thank you so much for your kindness when I went head first and feet up on Saturday. I really did go sprawling across that footpath, quite undignified! My knee is fairly ok now but I've needed to strap up my wrist and I've bruises all over, some in places I didn't think it was possible to bruise!!!

Linx - interesting dream..... seems to run in the family, eh Suex???

Diana - welcome home, glad you've had your birthday card!

Auds & Everyone - thankyou so much for the Good Luck card, as you may have spotted, I was at that moment already trying not to cry and of course that just finished me off.

Scott - thanks for the new home!
Any thoughts/opinions/juicy gossip about Saturday night...our boy...anything?

Ok, sorry this is so long but it will be all you'll hear from me today, need to focus now on tomorrow's subject and have had the radio on all morning in order to drown out the Joseph in my head!
ttyl, xx

Aw, what a lovely poem Sue1
Loved your review Anne - I just love being transported back to the weekend at every opportunity.
Hurrah! Queen of the Links is back... thanks.
Oops, boss back from meeting!

Morning all, still grey outside, I'm sure the weather is reflecting my mood at the moment! Though when I see pics and read about the weekend it all comes back in technicoloured dreams!

Diana thanks for the link, nice article and lovely pictures. Sounds as though he'll be away some time and I miss him already. Glad you got your card a nice welcome home pressie.

Wow Sue, poetry! I'm impressed, well done you. I couldn't do it I'm sure. Lovely.

Jenny, lots of ohhhhhmmmmms about your Scollop. It must be an awful thought for you I'm sure.

Eva lots of ohhhhmmmmms for you, hope your cold isn't too bad. Btw if I do happen to say anything of interest ( which would be a mistake I'm sure and highly unlikely!) please do use it.

Morning BHB, oh you look a lot better to day! Your head has cleared and now you want to go away on holiday. Oh dear I don't know about that, have you discussed it with the CM? No? Well I think you should. Oh I don't think we could bear to be without you for six weeks!! We feel bad enough as it is! Well I have the red blanket here so if we snuggle you can tell me your plans.

Diana - not much to catch up on on the Timeline - have struggled to put together something re Saturday night, is all too close at the moment, so have limited myself to press coverage for the time being!

K2 - if the mad waving thing was in the box directly opposite you, then no it wasn't me, that would be one of my five (shhhh! we sneaked an extra one in from the DC) mad friends in Box C waving at one of my four mad friends in Box A ... I was in Box D with last remaining mad friend and two guests!

Morning. I've still got Jo songs going round in my head, cleaned my teeth while humming Pharoah's story this morning, the cat gave me a funny look!
Good luck again for today K2, Seeing you open that card on Sunday set me off too! Oohhmms to you Jenny, your poem had the same effect on me on Saturday night in the bar! And oohhmms for anyone else with job worries right now, uncertain times for many unfortunately.
Eva, thanks for asking about Dean hope Scott or someone can update us. He must have been gutted to have missed the shows at the weekend. I was racking my brains on Saturday as to where I'd seen Michael Quinn before. A search last night revealed that he took part in the ITV programme searching for someone to play Danny in Grease (at the same time as ADWD was going on) I believe he got to the final 3. I was watching ADWD of course but did dip in and out.
Ok time to type up last night's minutes before I get too distracted. Back later

Oh dear it is now 11 AM and still reading blogs and looking at scrum DVD when i am supposed to have started these last 2 months accounts. Can't help it very reluctant to let it go. Wonder what He is doing right now relaxing or working? ooooooooo sun is just coming out.
it is going to take me weeks to recover from such a fantastic final to show sadfest included.
must work!!!bye for now

I'm back from my shopping spree (!), and glad to be. It's seriously foggy out there,- not only in my head, but fortunately Poppy knows her way to Tesco and back blindfolded, so we had no problems.

I don't have any firm plans about how to do this album, but scetches of ideas pops in and out of my head. I don't even know if some of them are possible to achive. I am no IT genius, so you'll have to be patient with me. Anything you want to contribute with, are welcome. I will use photos from Martin's album, so your faces will be all over the project!

Karen2,- I am amazed that you managed to string one coherent sentence together on yesterday's exams. Do you think the sensors would mind if you dropped a line or two from Joseph in between "Exemptions from income tax" and "Last yesr's netto income"?

Something odd here, mind it is the Sun, but it sounds as if they may have a holiday, come back then go to LA?

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/article2124122.ece

Hi all! Very late in today. Unfortunatley Geri still can't get on to her e-mail so she's re-typing chapter 18.

Welocme home Diana and Jenny - good to know you are back safe and sound.

Eva - that's a good idea about Dean - very thoughtfull.

K2 OOOOHHHMMing for tomorrow's exam. Hopefully you won't have a headful of music by then!

Pauline - the Sun article looks like a re-hash of the interview that was in Now; I seem to recall that interview imlplied that they intend to go to LA for a visit

What happened then???? That last comment just posted itself as I was in the middle of typing it! Weird!

Think you are right Jane, still I suppose it could happen!

Just got this from What's on Stage. Yum.

http://www.whatsonstage.com/index.php?pg=198&story=E8831231767437&title=Photos:%20Mead%20Takes%20Final%20Joseph%20Bow%20at%20Adelphi

Hello all
Sorry that I haven’t posted before now but have spent most of the time in bed since coming back. I’ve had a temperature and kept falling asleep and was feeling like ****
(Eva, hope I haven’t passed this on to you)
Just incase anyone… DIDN’T….. know.. when I went to pick up our tickets from the Box Office they were for Row A .What a great surprise for us to have our first row A tickets on a very special night
Thank you all for a great weekend and for the little gifts, and to Jane for a great choice of eating establishments
Diana welcome home.
Geri and Sue loved your verse and poem
Karen2 I’m sending good luck your way for the rest of your exams
http://everythingfamily.net/images/luckclover.jpg
Scott thank you for our new home. We will need you now to be our eyes and ears on all Lee related news (It’s your mission should you choose to accept it!!)
Oh Eva… your link (show and stay) is the agents I used for the 10th Jan

I just read on LMAS that Michael Quinn had told that Dean does NOT have DTV, but there is nothing about what is wrong with him.

Maggie,- I admit I was thinking of you when I felt the tickle in my throat this morning, but it was worth it! Don't worry, after that weekend, I can cope with ANYTHING!

Afternoon all. I'm still on my little cloud. When I fall there is going to be one almighty splat I think.

Thanks for the new home Scott and for letting me know the High Life is on BBC4 this evening. I used to love that so I'll have to try really hard to remember it tonight.

Welcome back Diana. It's quite tropical this week compared to how it has been.

K2 good luck for the remaining exams.

Geri and Sue I loved the verse and poem.

Eva and Maggie hope you feel better soon.

Craigs video kept jamming on me but I have just about watched it all although it took a while and was quite frustrating. I still loved it though.

I have only just been able to get online, Diana saw your link and scoured the Mail on the way home, now I realise the article was only in the online version.
Karen2 all the best for your exams tomorrow, we will all be rooting for you.
I think one of my abiding memory of the weekend was when Maggie came running into the resteurant with the Row A tickets,it was lovely to see her so excited, I did try to steal the tickets, but my conscience got the better of me.
I still can't play Craig's video either very frustrating, might have to go next door.
Sue what a clever Lady you are on the quite, we all know Geri is, but so many of you Ladies have hidden talents.
Kathleen when is Jo coming to Windsor, I am on the mailing list and have got the productions till May, I am not suprised as BK owns Windsor Theatre.

I think that someone on the Forum (a few days ago, so cant find now) said they were at the show on Friday? and that Dean turned his ankle near the end and hobbled off and that he might not appear on Lee's last day.
Jill - Joseph is advertised in the latest mailing list, mine came on Saturday - its for one week in May - 11-16th but Matinees EVERY day

Geri - if your email is playing up try using www.mail2web.com - you can read you emails that way and forward etc.

Ah Maggie - you and Maureen so deserved that row A experience! How wonderful for you!

Thanks Eva & Shirley for the news about Dean - I hope it is nothing serious.

I have my friend visiting tonight - Geri and I are going to try and convert her to Loppydom - but I have the feeling that we'll be as sucessful as Geri was with me and R3 yesterday!

Have a good evening Loppies!

Thanks for the info Shirley, not sure at the moment whether I would want to go, but perhaps see nearer the time.
I was thinking we need a spy at Heathrow to let us know if Lee and DVO catch a plane, any offers ??????

OK, how weird is this... have just been involved in a project at w**k and one of the film titles included is "Joseph: King of Dreams"!!!

Your comment Jill about spy at Heathrow reminded me of she of pink fluffy slippers and thought about her at weekend and that she wasnt with us. She works at Heathrow - at VIP lounge if I remember right.

Maggie - sounds like you are pining for Lee - either that or the bendz after too fast descent from Cloud 9 (AKA row A)

Like Alison i am still on my litle cloud. Despite work trying to push me off I am resolutely hanging in there. Had fab lunch out with my 2 scollops today and thought of mrs M - - being able to keep up good relations with ones grown(or growing) up scollops is always dicey but brill when it happens. Eldest scollop is very worried about me going into a decline in the lee drought - bless:)

Chapter 16 is now ready to read at the blogspot and I have added a little extra something - if you like it I will add more of the same............pictures for the story will be added shortly

Thank you all for your kind words about the poem, I haven’t written any for years, I have to feel something huge before I write.

Karen 2, I had exactly the same thing happening to me, all the songs in my head but not ADWD or CED, strange or what? I’m so glad I didn’t have an exam yesterday, it took me all my time to function in a half normal fashion!!
Good luck for the last one.

Jenny, sorry to hear about your Scollop.

Maggie, sorry you’ve been poorly. Thanks so much for sorting me out with that taxi. Your excitement on getting that Row A seat must have been on par with mine when I realised I was sitting right behind Jo Mead.
We really did have a wonderful weekend didn’t we?

Good to hear that Dean has not got a DVT, I may have inadvertently started that rumour, because I heard in the ladies someone say he’d been taken into hospital in the early hours with a suspected DVT because his leg had turned black! Hope whatever it is he’s getting better now.

I had a thought which might be laughed off the blog, but I’ll say it anyway. I wondered if anyone would think about going to see Jo on the closing night, to say goodbye to the cast. I don’t know if I could bear to see GG in the GO’s coat, but it was just a thought!!

Good afternoon all
I have just put up more pictures from Jo4, Just to remind you, if you select a picture and pass the curser over the faces in the picture, you will see the names(if I know them) if I have made any mistakes or you know a face that I don't, please let me know and it will be sorted.
Sounds like there is a lot of bugs about at the moment so lots of OOOOhhhhhhmmmmmsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss to all those who need them, I'm slowly recovering, Maggie is feeling a bit rough, do you think I should put up a warning sign on my front door?
Take care all and be well.

Hi all

Geri/Sue1 - thank you for the verse and the poem. I love them both and will print them off if you don't mind, to keep with me. Both brought a tear to my eye. As does the final speech video every time I watch it!!

Sue1- your poem is wonderful and clearly shows how much emotion you did feel and I think you've summed up the emotions we all feel, brilliantly. Here's hoping he moves you to such poetry again (and I have a feeling that he will!).!

K2 - good luck with your exams. I don't know how you've managed to concentrate at all.

I too have had the songs going round in my head, in fact, last night in bed, when I couldn't sleep, I think I sang the whole show in my head, reliving every minute! And today, Ploppy has been home (we've been out again(!!) looking for kitchen sinks and cupboards!) and I've lost count of the number of times I've started a conversation and then drifted off half way through into my own little world!

Anne - thank you for the wonderful review.

Sue1 - no I haven't washed the hand yet and I keep stroking it with a dreamy expression on my face as I remember it. Sigh!!!

Geri/Jane - I love chapter 18, but then you already knew that! I was very privileged to have a sneak preview on the way home on Sunday, along with the discussion that went on too. I laughed so much that the train journey just flew by, so a big thank you to you both for that (and to the train announcer too!!!).

Sue1 - I think that's a lovely idea to go support the rest of the cast on the last night. I agree I'm not sure I could face seeing GG but, at least we will have had the album by then and should be looking forward to the GO's next role, which might make it marginally more palatable!

Evening all, just read Chapter 18 and I love it! Poor Throb, I think he could be aptly named! You are a tease though Geri, talk about leaving us in suspenders! The picture is fab too JaneE and I just love the list of vacancies, I suppose I would be greedy if I volunteered to be Royal Masseuse? I'm sure I could manage it while attending to my towel duties? Sigh had a feeling not, but worth a try.

Sue it's an idea, but as I don't think they'll be the same rush on tickets, we could think about it for a bit I dare say. Will seem an anti climax after the last last night I think!

Another one that keeps singing the show tunes!

Oh yes while I think of it. Dean apparently stepped on the edge of the 'book' and turned his ankle badly, not sure how bad, but that is why he wasn't on.

Not as good as others but here you are
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=W4854wtcIMc
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=fcEK9Fe2IsE&feature=channel

O o o another cliff hanger, exciting. Love the too tall Ben bit, unfortunately had to clean the screen again though. dc is a very good screen cleaner.

So the Head banger has joined the cast in the story! Poor Throb,- torn trousers and sore "bits"! I couldn't find the picture, JaneE. Is that on Carys' site?

Sorry I haven't been here posting, but I have been busy reading back a week and a half worth of posts! You do go on! I'm not finished yet,- had to take a break.

Re the last night in July Sue1, I'm not sure I want to see anyone but Lee there in the role. I want to remember Joseph at the Adelphi just how it was with his posters outside and all so I think I'll give it a miss. I'm sure it will be full and the cast supported anyway without me. Of course if ticket sale re that bad it may well struggle to stay open till then.

I just came across an online-interview with Renee van Wegberg, she is the narrator in Joseph.
They asked her about the Dutch Musical Award last year and she mentioned that she found it very special that she performed with such a great star Lee Mead! "It was amazing meeting him." "He was very relaxed and normal. That made me feel very at ease."

Hey, found you again! (Thanks for the heads up :)

Still haven't made it home yet. Got stuck in Philidelphia last night as it was snowing in Chicago. I caught a direct flight to St. Louis this morning and went straight to work to sort out my emails.

Haven't gotten my luggage back either.

Just have to say, it was ALL WORTH IT!!!!

Saturday was just an amazing day!
Nice meeting up with you all again

Evening everyone, late on as usual for me and must catch up. Back to earth with a bump for me today, I’ve been preparing the church accounts for an annual audit on Thursday. Keep asking myself why oh, why didn’t I get my act together and sort it all before going away – however, I was helped considerably by the GO on my Ipod so not all bad.

Sue1 – I was moved by your poem, really sums up our feelings–big hugs.
GG last show? Would like to think I could for the cast but at this point can’t consider it.

Geri- loved your reworked verse too – you are a talented Loppy , I love it.

K2 – Good Luck in your exams tomorrow, hope you get some sleep tonight.

Have a good evening Jane and Geri and good luck with the conversion, you will have a nice time trying anyway!

Thanks for all the links ladies, I’ll check them all out shortly.

Oh, and Karen …….me dreaming? YES!

Hi Ringer and Anne. Good to see you again.
Ooohhhmmmsssss for anyone feeling poorly, Martin, Maggie and Eva.
Loved chapter 18 Geri and the song, also the poem Sue1.
Good luck again tomorrow Karen2.
Perhaps we could have a little celebration for the end of your exams. I have a new pencil sharpener here.
Just going to watch a vid or 2 before bedtime.

Calling for a photo

Has anyone got a pic of a signed ticket? I need it to set off the thingy. Now I mean a ticket to Joseph signed by GO, not a Cliffy ticket or any other valuable item. Send asap, please.
Oh ps I have the Cliffy tickets, sorry you'll have to wait too busy to sort at moment.

Kathleen - now thats a good idea...which one? well both of course! do enjoy your vids - I'm watching one just now myself.

Hi Ringer, Hi Anne (waves)

Jo I have a signed Jan 10th eve ticket I'll take a pic and e-mail it now.

The London Paper has a great pic of the GO and another of DVO clapping for her man on his final night as Joseph!

Sue1 - I checked out the Forum, great pics and yes, I was very happy to be breathing the same air as the GO ;) There are some amazing pics and reviews on there.
Nice idea Sue about seeing the last show, I don't think it's for me though - I'm hoping we will all be engaged elsewhere! Love the poem X

Scott - thanks loads for our new home X

K2 - hope you managed to get through your exam. Like lots of others I've been singing Jo tunes all day and woke up a few times in the night with them in my head! Dreams......shhhh.

Geri - loved the poem and sang out loud when I read it.

Jenny - glad you got home safely, pity Sue and I didn't know you were still at the SP. After eating (and drinking) we happily watched DVD's on Sue's trusty laptop, I'm quite sure you would have enjoyed the DVD's as well. X

Anne - love your review, thanks X

Ali - I thought I knew Michael's face - thank you X

Alison - I fear there will be a collective Loppy splat ;(

I must admit Sue and I got quite emotional (not the first time and won't be the last) when we saw the pics of the GO's speech and Craig's video is just fantastic.
Sue and I were privileged to see the last 5 shows and they were brilliant, however the last show was so special and I'm so happy that (thanks to clever people) we can watch it over and over. Thank you clever people XX

Auds - yay, your vid shows Sue and I giving the GO a special package X

Ohhmmss for poorlies XX

Nightlee night, I'm off to watch a certain video and look at a pic or two! XX

Photo received, back to cut and pasting. Thanks

Oh Sue, that's even better. Sorry P2, yours was good but 10th jan better

I've had a little non dc drink!!

Jo - I have a pic of my JAN 10th TICKET SIGNED. I'll forward it to you shortly.

Been watching the new CSI. Very emotional as Warrick was killed, shame as he is quite nice!

Ringer you poor thing, do you ever have a straightforward journey here and back? It was lovely seeing you again as well. Oh yes I'm sure it was worth it!

just back from sculpture class so doing quick catch up. back in a bit

I'm square eyed after sitting in front of the pooter for hours, so I think I'll retire to my bed and rest my eyes by reading a book! Does that make sense?

Hi Ringer! Poor you,- not home yet. I hope your luggage turns up soon, even though it will be too late.

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

Jo no problem! I don't mind being cast aside in a good cause.

Found this link about Daniel Boys:
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/23085/any-dream-will-dos-boys-to-perform-in-lloyd
Scott dear,- any idea about the touring schedule and where they will perform?

Shirley, I feel the same as you about only wanting to see Lee in the role, but I do love Craig, Russell and Adam.

Hi Ringer, glad you’re home safe.

Linx, has The London Paper got an address we can write to for a copy?

Jo, by some strange chance I have TWO 10th Jan tickets signed, but I’m glad someone else has sent you one, I’d probably have to send you mine snail mail!!!!

Duvet calling, hope I sleep a bit better tonight, Ploppy is beginning to think I have a problem!! Nite nite Loppies x

Phew - couldn't get on earlier. Kept telling me I had no connection (who with???). BAck from rehearsal now and hey presto - I have connection! Ringer, sorry to hear you had problems on the return journey too!! It's quite chilly out tonight, but nowhere near as cold as the weekend! Jenny sorry to hear about your Scallop - think we are going to have another round of redundancies in my office in a couple of months time. Lots of ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmsss for Maggie, Martin and anyone ailing or in need! Off for an early night (still feeling a little tired, think it is emotional drain!). Sweet Meads all!

Sue1 - can't find an address but there is a web site www.londonpaper.com

If anyone is around London - it's a free paper I picked up in the train station.

Good luck XX

Chantale is tired and going to bed! Maggie I hope you get better soon loads of ooooohhhhhms.
I don't know about you girls but I find it difficult to go back to normal.
Sweet meads all
By the way Nicholas really enjoyed seeing you all again he says we are a lovely ever so slightly mad bunch, but love your company! Sorry he did not get a chance to speak to Rick a lot.
till tomorrow.

too late to be of use to Jo... oh well, at least you got your pic.
Stupid move tonight - printed out Ch.18 and read it on the bus on way to class. On the upside, no one seemed keen to sit next to me. Loved the appearance of Too-Tall Ben. And poor old Throb..
Ringer - sorry you've had an interrupted journey, but as you say, it was all so very worth it... hope you get home soon though - with your luggage.
Anne that was a lovely thing that Renee said about our GO, and it's just what we've come to expect of our GO.
I must have watched Craig's vid about 6 times throughout the day... just to bring it all back. It's so lovely to see our SLs cheering. I can spot me, but you have to know where to look - DC - and be very very fast.
My eyelids are dropping.. so I'm off. Sweet meads all.

HI it's me again, just checked the paper again and there's an e-mail address if anyone wants to order one - luke@thelondonpaper.com dated 12th Jan.

Just finished watching Graig's video AGAIN - it's fantastic. Just read my last post and should have said the clever people who recorded the GO's speech ONLY and that's what we watched - wouldn't want to give anyone the wrong idea!

Nightlee night XX

Geri, you are a tease, loved chap.18 but just when I thought much was going to be explained, it wasn't, good jokes too which made me laugh, about Too Tall Ben and poor old Sir Deeply John.

Lovely verses Sue1, sums up my feelings beautifully.

Poor you Ringer, still not home, your journeys to and from T'Adelphi have not been easy but worth it all I'm sure.

Still feeling a little fragile, must go and get a fix of some photos and a certain video.

Off to bed as well, so ohhhmmmms for Maggie and Martin if you still need them. Ohhhhhmmmms for K2s exam tomorrow.

Night night sleep tight.

I really will away now. Sent out proof, Chantale has brill suggestion to add a little pic of THE painting, which I will do on revision. On inside I think. btw I will bite the bullet and work v late one night to print on card.
ooohhhmmmns for Ringer and her travels, Chicago caught one of my chaps a few years ago, he spent 3 days in the same underwear!! He kept us graphically informed by phone updates, not nice.
Sorry not been reading in detail, cardy things to do!!
I used both tickets.

Hi all. Managed to track you down again!

Well wasn't Saturday terrific. I'm still gutted that I couldn't stay for the evening show, but also in some ways I'm quite glad about it. As I only managed the matinee, my final memories of the show are of vitality, exuberance and sheer fun, without the tinge of sadness that the evening show brought. There's not much I can add to what the rest of you have already said. For me the best thing was the very tangible sense of love that flowed to Lee, not just from the audience but from the cast as well. I loved the way that whenever Lee was on stage but not performing, whichever cast members he was closest to would give him a quick squeeze or whisper a comment. You could really tell he was having the time of his life through the whole performance & I just felt so honoured to be able to witness it.

Thanks to Jane for organising lunch. It was fantastic to meet up with so many of you all again. After having been away from the blog for so long, it was lovely to just pick up conversations again as if I'd only chatted to you the day before.

Thanks to everyone for all the pics, links & reviews of the final show. Walking back past the Adelphi to go & get my train home, knowing there was still one more show to go was so, so hard. I've never felt more of a CinderLoppy than I did then. But thanks to all your reviews, and Craig's video, I can imagine I was there.

Still, chins up ladies. The album's out in March & that's only 6 short weeks away!

oops
Nightlee night

I know most of you are probably in bed by now but can some kind loppy please put up a link to Carys' blogspot and Martin's photo album as I still haven't managed to retrieve all my bookmarks. Thankyou. Sweet dreams

Hi Lindsey, sorry I didnt manage to chat to you on Saturday but the call of Maiden Lane was strong and I had arranged to meet my Scollop midday for a coffee.

Its a wonder the Joseph site hasnt gone into meltdown with all the Loppies watching and re-watching Craigs video. I must have played it quite a few times tonight too ! Melts my heart too Sue1.

Ooooohhhhms for Eva, Maggie and Martin.

better take myself off to bed and try to sleep, got real work tomorrow!

NightLEE night and TTFN x

Hi linx, I see you've been on LMAS too. I agree, lots of great clips there. Love them.

Ali, sorry but I'm useless at links - I havn't managed to find the link to Cary's site for you. I've not picked up latest chapter either. I'll see if I can e-mail it to you from our googlemail ac.

Here's Martin's

Trying again....told you I was pants at this... :)

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

This is Martin's site, Ali

http://picasaweb.google.com/thefatcontroller4

and this is Carys's

http://stageloppies.blogspot.com/

Hope they work OK

Thanks Sue, but don't worry as I did a search and found both sites fairly easily after all. They're now safely bookmarked once more! Great chapter as usual Geri, but I can't work out who the cat really is, it'll bug me now until you reveal all, in a manner of speaking, in chapter 19!
Ploppy was watching Jaws but has now fallen asleep next to me so perhaps it's time I did the same. I've had too many late nights recently and have managed to function ok up to now but I suspect I'll struggle before too long if I don't get back to normal (whatever that is!!)
Btw, Eva thanks for the link re:DB, jogged my memory as the show is coming to Norwich and I did wonder about going to see it, finances permitting.
I REALLY am going now, night night.

The LondonPaper piece is on the Timeline - currently the 'online' version of the print edition but I will be getting my mits on the hard copy tomorrow and will switch to a scan of that when I get back to my scanner at the weekend.

In the meantime, I've also put up a page about Saturday - not entirely sure it does what I wanted it to, but it is what it is ... LINKY THING

Ok I lied! Just had to come back to say thankyou Maeve and Sue. We were all posting at the same time. Can't the pair of you sleep either?

Gosh can see all the late birds but where are the earlybirds. Very very cold and frosty this morning. Ooh poor BHB the bistro not even open - everyone away on their hols or tucked up in bed. Well you just snuggle down here under this turquoise blanket I "borrowed" from P2 and tell me all about your exciting weekend......

Morning all. Not a good one for me, I'm afraid. Head full of cotton wool, and a bad cough, so it's back to bed.

Hello sweetheart. No, you have to keep well away from me. I'll blow you a kiss. I see you've had a snuggle with Fi, so you're not suffering withdrawal symptoms!

Ro,- thank you for the link. You sum it up so beautifully on that page. You are right, of course, it's not the end, and as Lee said:" See you again soon!"

Morning Loppies, decided to go into w**k later today as there's dense freezing fog - I'll let others warm up the roads for me first!

Ro - love what you've written on your timeline, I agree with Eva, you sum it up so beautifully.

Eva - sorry to hear you're feeling yuk, hope it passes soon. X

Good luck K2. X

Ohhmmss to poorlies. XX

Morning BHB, you need another cuddle? Bless, he's feeling a wee bit lonely. Think we may need a couple of blankets as it's so cold, just as well I've got some extra time this morning ;)

Morning, morning - nice and foggy here in London (strange it's been so grey here since Saturday!). Ro thank you once again for your sterling work - much appreciated and of course uplifting to read again that he said "See you soon" so we'll have to be content with that for now! Ringer hope you make it home soon! Been watching the speech video again too - have seen Maggie and Maureen and Jo, but haven't caught you yet Auds! Will keep looking. Ooohhhhhhmmmmmms for Maggie and Martin, for K2's exam and for anyone else in need! It was lovely to see you again on Saturday too Lindsey! OK need to get myself motivated, so will take the BHB off to discuss various matters in the kitchen, yes it's time for our daily debrief and to test how he is coming along with the Raspberry Bellinis. Cold and hot buffets already prepared and ready for you all. Please help yourself as the BHB may be some time. I'll just take the pink angora blanket and off we go...

good morning all
Lucky are those who have chapter 18!!!!! as i have not recieved the chapter yet sobbing hard now!!!!.

Morning all, very foggy one it is here as well, but I think it is trying to clear now, I can see a glimmer and I mean a glimmer, of sunshine.

Lots of ohhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmms for you Eva. I hope your cold gets better soon. Ohhhhhhhmmmmmms for Maggie too, hope you are feeling better.

Thinking of K2 and ohhhmmmming for her exams.

Ro thanks so much for the Timeline summary. You say it all and it has a lovely flavour of the day. Roll on the day when he is back with us, though I do want him to have a really lovely holiday, I do. Just not toooo long!

Morning BHB, you look a bit rumpled, oh I see Linx has been here. Honestly, two blankets! She just has no shame that lady! Now we will take the azure blanket and sit sedately by the fire and snuggle, you know you are in safe hands with me (snigger)

Aunty Eva - very remiss of me not to include you in the ohhhhmmmmmmmsss - blame the intervention of wxxk! Read the latest chapter and now like Ali, I am trying to work out the identity of the cat! Mr Mestopholes probably! Did like the too tall Benjamin, though! Brought back some happy memories!! Is it today the Lepry goes home to the Emerald Isle, if so - safe journey. If not, just put it down to one of my blonde moments! By the way Scott Dear - are we having a crit on Dancing on Ice.............or do we only do Strictly??

Morning, my head is full of cotton wool too (oohhmms for Eva) but it's my own fault as I didn't turn the pooter off till gone 3am. I've been searching for an old film that I watched on tv as a child with my Dad. It has stuck with me for nearly 30 years and I've never been able to find the title, until now. I found it in chapters on Youtube and watched it again. The sensible bit of me said it'll still be there tomorrow but of course I couldn't wait!
Ro I love the Timeline, you manage to put into words what we all experienced so well, thankyou.
Think I'll take it easy today, time for a cuppa and some paracetamol I think.

Good morning all - just!

I'm just back home from seeing our Lepry off at the airport. She should be winging her way back to the Emerald Ilse as I type. I think we can safely say we both had a grand time. Failed to covert my friend to Loppydom, but at least she now agrees that the GO isn't scrawny - so there is hope.

OOOHHHMMMMsssss for Maggie, Eva and Ali - and OOOHHHMMMs for Ringer - I hope your home now lass! What a nightmare!

Hi Lindsey! Glad you found our new home.

Roro - thank you for the Link to your timeline. Hopefully I'll have chance to read it this afternoon.

I have to go and pack now - training for the new job starts tomorrow. Funny I can't seem to concentrate - still on a high from the fabulous weekend!

Hi Stage Loppies

Was so good to see lots of you on Saturday (over drinks at the Strand Palace !). Have lots of chat to catch up on from LMAS, but many thanks for the link to the final speech video - was amazing to see Lee and think I was there amongst all that noise and excitement....

What a strange no-man's land time we are going to be in for a while. Hope to see you all VERY SOON at whatever Lee does next !!!!

Owlie Sue, lovely to see you over here - an on Saturday.
Lindsey, don't be a stranger girl. We've missed you.
Assume there's no fog up your way Jane for Leprey's flight to take off. We can't see the next building down here in Chiswick!!
OOHHHMMMSSSS for Aunty Eva and Ali. Phew, you held out till after the weekend. And OOHHMMMSSSS for any others in need.
Chantale the chp.18 wasn't emailed, but put straight onto Carys' blog. (See Maeve's post at 12.24 today for link).
Ro - loved your review + pcs of Saturday. "His fans gathered in force and greeted him with great warmth and huge respect, both for the man he has always been and the star he has become." Perfect sentiment. Loved it. And the page in homage to THE day.
Ringer - hope you're home safe and sound.

Having a bit of a morning chasing around. My Sloppy was due a visit from SS today to deliver some equipment. They were supposed to come this pm to deliver, I got a call a 10am to say they are there! I suppose it beats waiting for someone that never shows.

Hi Owlie Sue, waving. Nice to see you 'over here!' What a weekend! here's to the next time.

Geri hope you have/had a good flight and get home safe and sound. Thanks for the last chapter. Just what I needed to lift my spirits.

Hello everyone. Ohhhms to all in need.

Lindsey nice to see you. Please pop in when you can.

Good luck with the new job Jane. They are lucky to have you.

Safe journey Geri.

Sue1 I wouldn't rule out going to the final show to support the cast. I can't get my head round it quite yet and don't feel the need to rush and try and get a good seat but would go if others are up for it.

I had a GO dream last night. I was at Charing Cross. They have had lots of Joseph posters up in the last couple of months saying Lee Mead leaving 10 Jan. In my dream I was trying to get the posters as they had been taken down. I was directed to lost luggage and all the posters were on the floor and they said I could have them. I bent down to pick them up and as I got up there was the GO. I felt a bit foolish but we had a little chat and he gave me a hug and a kiss. Only in my dreams I'm afraid but as dreams go very acceptable.

Hi all, I'm home from an absolutely fabulous trip. 90 minutes from Leeds-Bradford to my front door & only €8! Now that ain't bad. I can't begin to thank you all enough for making this past weekend such fun. It was great seeing so many lovely loppies gathered in on place and united in our adoration of that gorgeous man. Special thanks to Jane for keeping us all fed; putting me up (and putting up with me!); taking me to York; bravely wandering around the Richard 3 museum for ages (even though water was running down the walls. 15th century architecture just ain't what it used to be!); watching hours of GO-DVDs with me (what a hardship!); reading chapter 18 aloud on the train for Karen in her best 'Watch with Mother' voice; and waking me with a cup of tea each morning. You rock!!

Just had a card pop in my door. I have to admit I had palpitations opening it in hopes of seeing HIS handwriting! Lindsey, I'm sure you won't take it the wrong way when I say I was only slightly disappointed that it was a Christmas card from you. Not that I don't love you dearly!

I haven't checked back on the blog yet, but ohms to anyone who needs them. I hope everyone got home safely, too. Back in a bit.

Forgot to mention: I got TopSante mag at the airport because DVO was on the cover. Sure enough she mentions the GO -- they bicker, apparently, and he was the last person she apologised to. Tiny pic of them together, but otherwise it's not worth getting unless you're seriously obsessed. What, loppies obsessed?.....................

Aw Geri! It was lovely having you to stay - and any time you want to watch copious amounts of GO DVDs I'll happily keep you company.

Auds, believe it or not, it's beautiful blue sky op north. Cold though!

Alison - that sounded like a fine dream! Bet you were sorry to wake up!

Hi there Owlie Sue! Nice to see you!

Eva, thanks for the link, I’d love to see the show, hope our Landlord will respond to your plea for information. Sorry you’re poorly again, do get well soon.

Linx, thanks for the info, have emailed Luke.

Jo, thank you so much for doing ‘cardy things’

Lindsey, nice to see you, it was a pity you couldn’t stay for the final show, but as you say it was bitter sweet. Hope your Mum had a lovely birthday. Keep in touch won’t you?

Roro, love your page, I think it sums it up nicely. Trouble is what we all feel is so profound it’s nearly impossible to put into words. I agree with Auds the sentence that starts ‘his fans gathered in force’ is particularly lovely.

Ali, very late to stay up to watch a film!! What was it btw?

Jane, the very best of luck for tomorrow.

Owlie Sue, nice to see you, lovely if you could join us now and again, I think we need each others company more than ever at the moment.

Alison, I loved your dream, if only eh??

Better go and walk the dogs, while I still have the energy. Back later.

Sue it was a 1970's film loosely based on a true story about a WWII bomber that crash lands in the desert (Sole Survivor) It just fascinated me as a child and I could never remember the title.
I need some techie help please. Ploppy got a new laptop at the weekend and we are now on windows vista instead of xp. I prefer to use my yahoo mail, but while emailing a query via a website today I needed to change to windows mail???? My messages in my inbox are now in a windows mail inbox and no longer in my yahoo inbox. I've undone the changes to get yahoo back as my preferred mail but can't retrieve those messages, and I'm not sure if the email I wrote has been sent or not. HELP!!!!! In future how do I email via a website without changing all my settings and doing myself up in knots? I've tried the help pages but can't understand them!

Very brief post as need to collect Jack from school
Nice interview with Ricky where he mentions Lee and the 18th Oct when he had to go on in his place
http://www.josephthemusical.com/news/newsitem_rickyrojas.php

Working at home and really am so just popped in to say hi. Loved your timeline piece Ro - thought it was brilliant summary/overview of the day.

Ali - cant help with techy things sorry. we bought a new Ipod for home (instead of our old hi fi ) and cannot download itunes version8 so ipod now has to go back! Mind you even our "nerd" cant do it so not just us.

Geri - glad you had great hol in Suunny N yorkshire - sun always shines on the righteous! Still to catch up on chs 17 and 18 - will do.

K2 - hope exams going well. Scollop had first Maths A level exam yesterday - and he could answer 2/3 of qus so he was happy!!!

owlie Sue - hi - think I met you on sat too.

Lyndsey - it was great to see you again on sat and do keep in touch:)

jane - good luck tomorow

Ok really must get back to work

thank you auds have found it.
Brilliant yet again Geri but like the others I am now waiting impatiently to see who cat is.
Welcome home jane and Geri so glad you ahd a good time.
tried the whole afternoon to fix old computer with new belkin wireless adaptor but no good have hasd almost 2 hours with orange and another one with belkin that is going to be a small fottune.
See you all later.

Ah Roro - I've had a chance to look at your timeline now. Lovely job! I'm wiping tears from my eyes.

Thank you everyone for your good wishes. I'm really nervy about tomorrow and I appreciate those Loppy good-vibes!

Lovely to see you again on Saturday Owlie Sue and Lindsey, what a shame that you couldn't stay.

You've done a great job Ro, with the Saturday Timeline, very succinct but everything there, I'm sure it will be enjoyed for a long time.

Sorry to hear you're still suffering with your cold Eva.

Glad that you're safely home Geri and had such a good journey and time with Jane.

Very good luck Jane for the training starting tomorrow. I'm sure you'll find it a breeze and remember how lucky they are to have you.

Evening all

First day back at work today after THE weekend and what a downer it was! I was listening to the GO on the bus and ADWD came on and a huge smile spread across my face. By the time it had finished there were tears running down my cheeks so I arrived at work looking like Alice Cooper (well, more so than usual!!).

A friend from another department said something very nice to me though. The last time I saw her was just before I went off on hols back in November which was just before the period of sick leave. Knowing how stressed I had been at that time she quoted the line said by Billy Crystal's wife in the movie City Slickers - "Go find your smile". Today when she came to see me I was telling her all about the weekend and what a wonderful time I'd had and she said how pleased she was that although "this place (work) stole your smile Lee has given it back to you". How lovely is that! Brought a tear to my eye then and it does as I type it!

Then to bring things right back down to gutter level the conversation that followed (and I won't bore you with the details - hurrah, they all shout) involved one of the guys telling me that I should have got a job as a dominatrix!! Which brought the conversation round to the GO again!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, as you can tell I hardly got any work done today!!

Eva - so sorry to hear you're not well. Thank goodness the nasty bug waited until the weekend was over though!

Ro - your summary about the last day is wonderful and so well done. Many happy memories. Thank you.

Alison - love the dream. A hug and a kiss is fantastic, even in a dream!!

Geri - glad you got home safe and sound and that you were looked after with good Northern hospitality!

Aw GO and DVO bicker - imagine the making up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ali - thanks for the link to the interview with Ricky. Bless him, he said we were lovely!

Jane - good luck for tomorrow. You'll do brill, I just know it!

Evening All
Very very pleased to report that all exams now complete and I'm a very relaxed loppy tonight. Actually looking forward to getting back to the normality of w**k tomorrow, now if I could chose I'd have the weekend over again, but sadly that's not an option. Going to have an evening of guilt-free TV and then an early night. Wrist is still a bit swollen and achy, driving doesn't help.

Fi - good start to scollops exams, oohmms for rest of them.
Eva - ooohhhhmmmms for your cold.

Hello - to anyone popping in who's not here often.

Have probably missed other stuff - sorry, don't mean to ignore anyone, ooohhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmss for the bank and for anyone in need.

Have certainly missed lots of interesting looking links, off to check them out.

Evening all
Ooohhhmmms to Eva and others that are in need.
I heard they are calling this the boomerang cold ….you guessed it!! (it keeps coming back!!
Good to hear most Loppies are home safe and well
Are you home yet - Ringer?
I’ve got lots of links to check out yet and catch up on the next chapter, so I will say thank you and look forward to reading them later.
Ali and anyone else, you can just click on…. Martin or Maggie ….on the blog - it will take you to the Loppy Albums without having to type in the address
Good luck to Jane and Karen2
If Lee and DVO are not going on holiday yet? I wonder if he would be at the footie tonight, Southend take on Chelsea (his team) in a replay at Southend (it’s on the telly )and who ever wins, has our team Ipswich in the next round of the Cup

I just saw DVO on tv being interviewed at the premier of Oliver. No sign of Lee, though. : ( Maybe you're right, Maggie & he is at the footie. He deserves a boys' night out.

Sorry, Eva, missed that you were ill: feel better soon.

It's lovely that you found your smile, Karen! Might have guessed the Meadster was looking after it for you!

Thanks, Maeve, it was lovely.

Concur with everyone about the timeline, Ro. It brought a tear to my eye too.

Hope that wrist feels better soon, K2. Very jealous you're done with exams - I have two papers to start working on now. Read some Keats on the plane going home to get me started.

Sorry, Chantale, I don't know what happened with the chapter. I guess Jo was busy with other things & didn't have time to get it out. Lady Jane has two pictures with this chapter & you really will love them!

Evening all, had to rush round and eat when I got in as I have a fasting blood test in the morning, so am now on water only till then, sigh.

Watched the local news, didn't see Lee but if he is at the Chelsea/Southend match he is unlucky as it has been postponed owing to bad weather! He'd have been better off at Oliver! He may have been there of course, just keeping a low profile.

Aww Karen, so pleased you got your smile back. That Dr Mead is a wonder.

Love the dream Alison, a hug and a kiss? Fantastic!

Ali thanks for the Ricky link. He sounds lovely, and makes me even more pleased we backed him.

Lots of luck for tomorrow JaneE, you'll be great, we all know that.

Rich. Hammond is on the One Show right now, on BBC1.

Oh Karen 1 - what a lovely thing to say to you!! Karen2 - glad you are free of the exams sure the GO brought inspiration whatever you say. Glad the Lepry is safely home. Maggie if its the cold I had before Christmas it is definitely a boomerang one and also a tennis one as Rick and I kept passing it back to one another! Ohhhhhhmmmmmmsss for Eva and everyone else who needs them. Ro agree with all the comments on the timeline - said it all, and beautifully! Owlie Sue lovely to see you on Saturday albeit briefly. Ditto Lindsey (although for a little longer!). OK time to feed a Ploppy! Back later!

Hi Lindsey and Owlie Sue - welcome, lovely to hear from you.

K2 - yay for you that your exams are over ;)

Fi - that's a good result for your scollop, tell him to keep up the good work!

Alison - love the dream - result!

Ohhhmmmssss for Eva, Maggie, Ali, Pauline and all others in need X

Ali - thanks for the Ricky link, he sounds like a good guy! Lovely to read that we didn't scare him ;)

Karen - what a nice story, keep smiling X

Welcome home Geri - glad you and Jane had a fun time. Good luck for tomorrow Jane X

Hope all Loppies are now home with luggage!

Should be a the gym but can't face it tonight, instead I'm going to have a cup of tea and put ADWD on ;)

Sorry Ladies
SOUTHEND 1 Chelsea 0

Evening everyone,

A very tired Loppy here. I'm determined to get some sleep tonight! So, I'm not staying around for long, going to snuggle up with my pressie from Eva and drift off.

Ro - thanks a million for the new timeline page , only problem for me is looking at it through my misty but happy eyes. Fantastic memories of a fantastic day!

Hi Owlie Sue, was great to see you again on Saturday, do come back and chat now.

Jane - sending good luck oooohhhhhhhmmmms for tomorrow, you're in good company in starting a new 'leg' in your career!

Ali- I see you have been sorted with links now, I must get into Cary's site myself tonight - I'm feeling quite bereft - not read chap 18 yet.

K2 - Hurrah!!! exams over - wonderful.

OOOOH Alison, you had a dream? I missed that. Must retrace my steps and look for it.

Linx - I'm shocked! You MUST be ill!

First day back at work after the trip of a lifetime. I don’t think I did a lot of work today. I keep watching my Joseph desk calendar and dreaming away back to the Adelphi.

Jane the very best of luck tomorrow.

Eva I hope you feel better soon. Lots of Ohmmmmmmms coming your way.

Roro your timeline is becoming truly a masterpiece. Thank you so much.

Hurrah K2! No more Exams.

Ringer I hope you finally made it home.

How nice of Ricky to say we are lovely.

Aw Karen! That work mate is lovely! Of course Mr Mead helped you find your smile!

Glad to hear the exams went well K2 - but OOHHMMMs for that poolry wrist - and OHHHMMMs for Eva's cold and Pauline's blood test!

Some how I can imagine you are right about the GO being at the footie Maggie and thanks for the result Martin.

I have to agree Ricky was very sweet when he mentioned Lee's fans.

Thanks again for all those good vibes Loppies, and for the e-card Carol. I'm sure I'll be fine tomorrow - I'll find a way of reporting in. Ploppy bought me a net book (early birthday pressie) so I can stay intouch while I'm away on the training course. Sometimes my Ploppy is a good guy!

I have an early start tomorrow, so Sweet Meads from me...

And OOOHHHMMMMs for anyone else needing them.

Not a result Jane, just the score at the time, tghought as it was Mr Meads local team and all that, now it's 1-1 with 45 mins to play, looks like Chelsea as expected are going to pick up and win to play Ipswich in the next round.
anyway I hope you are all well and if not I wish you well and say goodnight.

Quick goodnight from me, thanks for all the wonderful links everyone, loved Ricky's interview, esp the bits about the camaradarie between the brothers and how he felt about Oct 18th, glad he felt supported, and what about this bit "When my jamming partner Lee was in the show we started writing together and although he has now left I am sure we will continue" !! - can't wait to hear some of that!

Good luck tomorrow Jane and Pauline
Hope you feel better soon Eva

K1 - what can I say......I know we've talked about changing jobs but a Dominatrix? Seems the gutter is following you everywhere.

Carol - I'm sorry to say, I had to put a different CD on in the car en route to exam hall, just had to get some different music in my head, but the minute I got back in I put the GO right back where he belongs, and at full volume!

Oiche Mhaith
xx

Got chapter 18 Geri, thanks and lovely pics Jane.

Hmmmm that cat.....I have a theory .....involves a bag..... :) looking forward to the reveal!

Hello Martin - goodnight Martin.

Karen - you do have some interesting conversations in your workplace - nice that you got your smile back too!

Alison- I found your lovlee dream - nice!

I'm off to my bed, sleep well loppies and TTFN x

Ali, that interview with Ricky was lovely, thanks for finding it.

Karen 2, glad your exams are over, you’ve done really well to cope with them!!

Finally got round to reading the last chapter, thanks Geri, Jane. Who IS that damned cat???

Eva, I'm a bit concerned we’ve not heard from you at all, ohhhhhhmmmmmmssssss for the nasty bug to go away!!

Is it just me? I find myself with a lump in my throat at almost every mention of the GO, and I keep watching the videos and drooling over the photos. Ro’s piece had me in tears. No, I’m sure it’s not just me!!

Diana, where are you??

I’m for an early night, a bit like you Suex, I just want to drift away, and if I could have a dream like Alison's, or better still like yours, I’d be a happy Loppy.

Nite nite Loppies x

No, Sue, it's not just you. I was doing okay till I got home and then didn't have Jane to talk to me for hours about all things GO so now feel very sad. Fortunately, I have some good and tolerant friends at work who'll indulge me tomorrow, I hope.

However, Jane, Karen1 and I are trying to sort out a project that we can all participate in. If we can do it right it would give us something Meady to work on and would make a nice album-release gift for the GO -- assuming you all like the idea. We need to hash out some more details before we share it, though.

Sorry, sorry, sorry I did email it honest. Just emailed it to a very small group, not the proper group. Nevermind, all done now.
Ro, Oh how lovely, (sniff, sniff).
Eva, hope you get better soon. I think you may have sent an email to Gmail address as I saw your name pop up when I was card-ing, now can't find it, so sorry.
Geri, glad you got back safely.
Jane, best wishes for your new job.
K2, what are you going to do with your time now?
I've probably missed some thing, back to 'work', for a little while. Must get to bed earlier, lots of stuff to do tomorrow, so got to get in on time.

Ali, it took me ages to work the email on my new laptop. I spent ages/days trying to work out how to set it up. Then when I did it was really easy, so easy I felt stupid. Trouble is that was Aug 2007 and I have no idea how I did it, sorry.
Nightlee night

Cliffy on bbc 1 in 10 mins

Watched a lovely programme about elephants, there was a very new baby one, so cute. It was lovely.

Ali sorry I wish I could help you but as I am still on xp and really not too sure what you are talking about...well you get the idea!

Off to bed soon so lots of ohhhhhmmmmms for Eva and anyone else in need of them. Thanks for my ohhhhmmmms, only a routine blood test though...I hope!

Night night all sleep tight.

...and it's good night from her too! Sweet Meads all!

ooooohhhhhhhhmmmsss for Eva and her cold.
saw photos that ringer put on forum almost burst into tears not right not to see the Go where he belongs, he was so brilliant in that role. even the posters where vibrant full of life.
Eva posted donation for DVDs on the CKF site. Yes I did remember. It is doing great still!.
Oh bother late again!!! ninite all sweet meads all
A new problem in this household! car is playing up and they can't find the fault, it looses powere when it feels like it. xxxx Maybe it is feeling down like me!

Hi everyone - thank you all so much for your kind words about the Timeline - I really wasn't sure about the Saturday page, I've always tried to keep my editorialising to a minimum there but that didn't sit easily with how I felt about the day. So I'm relieved to hear that my thoughts strike a chord with so many of you.

Apologies, btw, to anyone who downloaded the audio and got the video, or vice versa! I had the links the wrong way round - now fixed - I blame that Mead guy, he's messed with my head!

Sorry for delay adding the pictures to the latest chapter - the HTML is such a long file now it is very tricky adding anything lol might just have to have both pics at the end of the chapter but I will get them right if I can.
Now then BHB why are you already preparing breakfast? Some of us have not been to sleep yet! Oh I see - you wanted to get it all done before I got here - what a thoughtful boy he is. Yes I have brought the duvet and extra chocolate buttons - thought you might need them now you don't have your other job.Snuggle time......night night loppies.

Good morning, all. Back to the real world today - drat! I would love to have stayed in loppyland a little longer. Mind you, I suspect I may find myself drifting back from time to time during the day.

Ali, I don't remember having that problem with my e-mail, but I don't use Yahoo. I do know Vista is a bit of a prima donna & likes everything its own way, all the same, there must be a way of overriding that default option. Perhaps if you open Yahoo and then go to options & select, 'set as default'?

I missed Cliff. Rats! Hope you took good notes, Jo.

Good luck today, Jane. I'm sure you'll do great!

Ohms to all our poorly loppies & ploppies, etc.

Shh, BHB, Carys is sound asleep so we'll just tiptoe into the next room so we don't disturb her. You do seem full of beans today, enjoying your rest, I see. I suppose you'd like a snuggle, would you? Thought as much. Well, that red blanket hasn't been getting much use lately, so let's grab that -- the blanket, silly boy! -- and we'll get to business...

Morning. I've had to resort to printing the blog each evening to read on the journey home as little time during the day to pop in.

Felt like bashing the woman sitting next to me on the train this morning. She was too busy playing tetris to get up and let me by. Missed the bus because of her and had to wait ages for the next. Hope she's sitting next to me tomorrow!!

Sue1, I've got a spare copy of the London Paper with pics of Lee & Denise from Saturday. Ploppy passed over his copy when he'd read it - didn't even have to ask him. Let me know if you (or anyone else) want it.

Will try to respond to other comments over the weekend but looks like I'll be taking a pile of w*rk home and also need to catch up with other stuff.

hi Diana would love to see a copy as well.
Good morning all. Well done Jo on card n:3 design, looks very good.
Geri and Jane chapter 18 is brill wonder who that cat is got an idea but am I right will have to wait for the next one.
Good morning BHB a double expresso please I see you have lavander blanket ready how kind lets have a quick snuggle. What are you saying ...? oh you are a bit bored just with one job now never mind a new one will soon appear you will have just to have to entertain us a bit more and you have more time to explore with Carys and tardis.
Warmer here today but nasty mist and wind! Heard that Oliver was well recieved and tht DVO was there but not our Go, surely he can't still be in bed relaxing!!!
going into reality world now see you all later xxxx

Morning, morning - glad to see the BHB has started breakfasts, he is coming along very well with the Raspberry Bellinis by the way ...... I just need to continue quality control for a little longer....... Going to see if the IT system will let me read any of the reviews for Oliver or not! Probably not, but I'll give it a go. OK breakfast today is various cold meats and cheeses, breads from around the world, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, muesli and fromage frais - yes we are going on a health kick. BHB says he wants to retain his perfect torso and now he has packed up the evening job, is anxious not to let himself go. We have however compromised and the usual speciality coffees and incoholic drinks are still readily available. He has also asked if he may take some holiday shortly - this will of course require serious negotiation in the privacy of the kitchen. I feel the discussions could be protracted. We will of course take the pink blanket for snuggling whilst we enter into the negotiation period. Closes door firmly.

Morning all, well been and had my blood test, which was an adventure as she couldn't find a vein, sorry if anyone has just fainted! Fortunately these things don't bother me, just as well really.

I see Eva is not around so she must be feeling very rough. Lots of ohhhhhmmmmmms for you Eva.

Ohhhhmmmmms for JaneE and her new job today.

Diana, some people are just ignorant. Hope you manage to catch up soon.

I see Oliver got a good review in my paper. Harry who was my favourite played Oliver and got good reviews,hooray!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturecritics/charlesspencer/4244331/Oliver-musical-First-night-review-at-the-Theatre-Royal-Drury-Lane.html

If you are interested.

Morning BHB, I know I am late, but I have been giving up a little of my blood, Why have you gone pale? Oh I see you are a bit squeamish, sorry! I think I feel a bit weak after my ordeal, so if I grab the azure blanket and snuggle you could help bring me round?

Morning, very dull here and chilly too.
I "sort of" solved my techy problem, I think it's going to take a while to get to grips with the new system. I left ploppy playing about with it last night and had to re-install my missing toolbar again this morning, honestly he does infuriate me at times!
Back later

Hi all, she croaked from her sick-bed! You're feeling sorry for me? Well, so am I, so you're in good company!
The throat is very sore, the fever is high and the headache won't go away. The biggest drawback is that my eyes hurt when I look at the screen, so I have to stay away from the pooter for most of the time. I know it sounds as if I'm close to death's door, but it's not quite that bad. I'm only playing at being a drama queen for all it's worth!
Thank you for all the ohms. I'm sure they will have healing powers!

I'm trying to keep up to date with my e-mails, so even if I don't appear here as often as usual, I will probably pop up in your mail-box from time to time.

Pauline,- thank you for the link to the Oliver review. That was very good, and so it was in the Express too. I'm so happy for Jodie. I'll never forget the frumpy face of Cameron McI when she won. She has shown them all!

That's all for now. I might be back later.

Oh poor poor Eva, you sound rough. I hope it improves soon, ohhhhhmmmmm.

Just done a huge pile of i*****g. Can't think why it had got to be so much, what was I doing last week?

Read a few other Oliver reviews, a bit mixed but the one in the Independant is just downright nasty. What a grump. Don't thinkhe likes reality shows!

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/first-night-oliver-theatre-royal-drury-lane-london-1366912.html

Well tough as apparently ALW said last night that they are doing The Wizard of Oz next to find Dorothy. This was according to Breakfast on the Beeb this morning.

Going to Sloppy for the afternoon so will be back later.

Oh Eva I am sorry but you made me giggle it was the thought of you being a Drama Queen, I now have visions of you draped over your bed all in satin???????but seriously hope you return to full health soon.
The reviews in the Mail about Oliver were good as well, they say the advance tickets sales are enormous.
RRo thanks to your link for Timeline , I think the way you have written about Saturday was brilliant, I tried to download Lees Speech but my computer told me it was going to take over an hour, so will have to leave it for now.
Love the story Geri, so Lee puts me to bed, and I get a kiss, I shall never wash that side of my face again. Suex I think you may be thinking what I am thinking about the CAT, they say great minds think alike??????????????????
Right off to School in a minute, I think its Science today.

Pauline, I had a look at Michael Coveney's review of Joseph to compare it with his Oliver review; he was much more generous about GO although, unlike some critics, not completely bowled over.

RL has kicked in with a vengeance, the company my son works for was on The News last night, it has asked for Bankruptcy Protection, which more or less gives them a short breathing space before the inevitable. It probably means not a penny redundancy pay as employees go to the back of the line of creditors, as he has worked for them since he left school over 20 years ago he had also accumulated share options which are now valueless.
With three young children it is a very worrying situation.

Maeve,- I'm so sorry to hear about your son's work situation. It seems to be depressing news in the papers every day about thousands of people loosing their jobs.

Jill,- does M&S do a line in satin nighties? Maybe I should try that next time!

Oh Maeve sorry to hear about your son's situation. It's a really frightening time for so many of us. I hope he finds something else quickly.

Eva ohhhms to you. Hope you start to feel better soon.

The Oliver reviews bemused me. How can one preson be so positive about Jodie and another so negative? I heard ALW on the radio this morning saying that he will be doing the Wizard of Oz casting next year and is giving the reality show casting a miss this year.

I was wondering with the football last night who Lee would be supporting as although he is a Southend boy I have previously read that he supports Chelsea so imagine he had divided loyalty.

Oh Maeve, oohhmms for your son and his family. My friend is worried as her husband is at the very least facing a pay cut, and possible redundancy. Another friend's husband and father were made redundant a few months ago and shortly after she had a day off work. Her daughter turned round and said "oh Mummy, you haven't lost your job as well have you?" A few weeks ago she then stopped her younger sister from using nore than 1 square of toilet paper as "we can't afford it now Daddy doesn't have a job!" Her mother reassured her that things were not quite that bad, but what a sad reflection of the times we are in when a 6 year old is making statements like that!
Eva, keep warm and take care of yourself. Have some oohhmms too.
Pauline as you've finished your i***ing maybe you'd like mine? No! Oh well, worth a try I suppose. I think I'll put that job off till tomorrow now, hmm that's what I said yesterday too!

Jane, hope everything is going well, have been thinking about you today.

Chantale, ohhhmmmsss for that car.

Diana, have emailed you. Sorry you’re so snowed under with work, I guess it’s what comes of going on holiday. I thank my lucky stars that I’m not in that sort of a job any more.

Pauline, thanks for the link, looks like Oliver might be worth a visit. Think I’ll stick with the positive review.

Oh Maeve, lots of ohhhmmmsss for your son, what a horrid situation to be in.

Eva, hate to think of you feeling so rough, do get well soon.

Much talk on the Forum about whether Lee was at the footy last night or in the background with Denise. I for one hope he’s gone back home for a relax and a catch up with his family and all his mates.

Not sure if I’ll be back later, Ploppy home shortly so we’ll walk the dogs and then have dinner, and it won’t seem like five minutes before I have to go to my old lady’s. I don’t know where the days disappear to, this time last week (is it really only a week?) I was beside myself with excitement and trepidation!! I can’t really get my head round the fact that there will be no more trips to London for the foreseeable future.

Bye for now.

Oh Maeve - I know how he must feel. I also wonder if his company is the one that is a tenant in a building Rick manages - he said the tenants have filed for bankruptcy protection....it is just such an awful time at the moment - we only hear about the big firms in the news but there are lots of small companies that have gone under too. Terrible time for everyone. Aunty Eva I hope you start feeling better soon! Also hope Maggie is on the mend! Geri hope your first day back wasn't too traumatic. Lots of ooohhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmssssssss for the poorly and the bank. I suspect one of the reasons why Oliver has taken so much money is that the tickets for the front stalls and dress circle are £62!! Ok better do some more wxxk. Sadly when I get home I will have some ixxnxxg to do - Ali perhaps we can combine our laundry piles and foward the lot to P2??

Something techy to occupy your time - download the LondonPaper reader thingy and you can read the paper online and also download a copy to read offline for 7 days - you can also print out any of the pictures.......

Maeve my thoughts are with you and the family, this really is a b...r of a time for so many people, and thats putting it mildly,and Ali's friend as well, thinking of you all.
Carol I can't understand why Pauline2 hasn't been to collect your i.....g some friend she turned out to be???????
Eva I think M and S might well do satin night wear I think blue satin will look lovely on you.
Fi have e mailed you about SG did you get it?????

Ohhmmsss to your son Maeve, here's hoping things turn around for him and his family X

Eva - ohhmmsss for you and a BIG thank you XXX I hope you do have satin to (hopefully) make you feel better. ;)

Diana - how horrible for you, well done for keeping your composure, sounds like she'd better watch out tomorrow.

Thought I might be sporting a black eye today, I was elbowed in the eye yesterday by a member of staff (a complete accident) but it hurt, a lot!

Pauline - glad all went well, eventually!

Got an emergency call from Ploppy at work today, dollop realised today was the last day for her UCAS application to go in and still hadn't written her personal statement!!!!!!! Raced home and helped and she send it off at two minutes to five - talk about cutting it fine!
I sent SueX a tx telling her adding 'this time last week....feels like a long time ago' I right there with you Sue1 ;( But we did have brilliant time ;)

Ohhmmsss to all in need, hope I've not missed anyone X

Chapter 18 - thanks Geri and Jane hmmm obviously Loppy Linx knows who the cat is and she's staying quiet.....now,now ladies I can be quiet when I want to ;)

ooer, just lost a post.... (not lengthy or really interesting or informative, but still a post)!
.... as I was saying...
P2 - I'll bring my stack of ixxnxxg along as well. Thanks, you're a star.
Maeve - how horrid for your son.
Mr C's review of OT sounds like he has a very sour life.
more OOOOHHHHHMMMMMMSSSSS for the poorly (Eva and Maggie esp)
K2 - hope you excelled in the exams
Jane - hope new job (training) is going well
Geri - hope your (almost) first week back has been gentle on you.
Diana - culture shock for you I'm guessing.
Lots of hoping going on here.
And now it's time to pack up and go home... Oooh, and it's a late TV night for me tonight.. More4 has it all for me from 9pm.
CU L8R :)

Hi all,

Today was my first 'real' day back at work & it all came falling down on top of me. None of the end of the year statistics or reports had been done and, naturally, Big Boss wanted ALL of them today. I decided he could bite me (not literally because he's very eeuuuwww!) and only got half way through the first one. I should tell you this is the man who walked into one of the clinical units and the accountant happened to be there. The accountant looked up and said, 'Hi, what are you doing here?' to which Big Boss replied (in full hearing of the nursing staff), 'I'm only here for the sex.' He's such a treasure. Anyone want him?

What awful news, Maeve. This is such a scary time, isn't it? I suppose I shouldn't whine about my job but just be glad I've got one.

Diana, sorry you're having a rough time getting caught up. Don't they know this is still a loppy mourning period & we shouldn't be required to, you know, WORK during it?

Sorry I missed Cliff last night, Jo. Did you take notes for me?

Hope you're feeling better, Eva, Maggie & Martin, and anyone else I might have missed. Blue satin, huh? Yes, I can see that. Don't forget the BHB to apply cold compresses to your fevered brow.

Had a text from Jane earlier: she said it's going to take her some time to catch up on the stuff she missed, but she's confident she can do it.

Hi all, here I am sitting a alone in my hotel room - but thanks to Ploppy, my wonderful early birthday pressie means I can still play with my Loppy friends.

Thanks for your concern Loppies.It was a very hard day. I've missed the first three days of the course (had something much more important to do - watching DVDs with Geri) and have been trying to catch up. My head's buzzing sssoooo much infomation. But the trainer is a very nice supportive guy, so hopefully I'll do better tomorrow.

Carys thank you for putting the piccies on your blogspot. I realise that they must take time to upload. So you've sussed out the cat eh Linx? Geri tells me that another Loppy has too...

Eva - poor lass, get better soon! Diva will be causing havoc if you're not around to control her!

Lots of OOHHMMMs for you son Maeve - what an awful thing to happen to him. And lots of OOHHMMMs for you too Geri - I hope tomorrow is better (your boss sounds like a real charmer - NOT!)

Have I missed anyone out with the OOHHHMMMSss? OOOHHHMMMM just in case

Evening all, first anyone that thinks I'd be thrilled to do their i*****g, might want to think again! Much as I'd of course love to haelp out I couldn't possibly deprive you all of the satisfaction of doing it yourselves. In other words fat chance.

Maeve so sorry about your Scollop, this is all just so horrid and worrying. Lots of ohhhmmmms for him and you and fingers crossed he manages to come through this alright.

Glad the training was ok JaneE I'm sure you'll catch up in a flash. We know you can do it.

Linx, you being quiet? well I suppose it might happen, about as much chance of me being quiet I think.

Geri, think we all know what you can do with that charming boss of yours. Somehow I'm thinking of Throb at the moment, now why would that be?

Jane I have sussed out the cat but thought I too would keep quite, like my friend Linx.

Hi Auds, Bye Auds!

Nice to see you Jane. Hope you're finding something to entertain you in that class -- or at least in the evening after it.

You're right, Pauline. A quiet Linx seems some sort of aberration, doesn't it?

I was just saying to Jane that I've had a verse from 'The Mountains of Mourne' in my head for some reason. That bit that says, 'You remember young Denny McClaren, of course? / Well he's over here and the head of the force. / I saw him one day as he stood on The Strand / and the stopped all the traffic with a wave of his hand..... Now why would I be thinking of that?

Something not Meadster or blog related, but I hope you'll forgive me sharing. The Irish Writers' Centre announced that it has been told by the Irish Governement that their entire funding is being terminated effective immediately. There's an on-line petition. I don't know if you can sign it from overseas, but I'd really appreciate it if you'd try. Ireland's literary heritage is too important to be scrapped so shamelessly. Here's the link to the site: http://www.writerscentre.ie/

Evening all

Bloomin eck. What a palaver I've just had. A friend gave me a dongle (yes I thought it sounded rude too, I'd never heard of one) which basically means I can access the internet wirelessly, whilst my router is being repaired (costs me extra though!!) and I've just had to jump through hoops to get it set up on my laptop and registered with the provider. Apparently I get 30 hours surfing for a tenner - lets hope my router is fixed soon or this is going to cost me a fortune. Just thought I'd give it a go!

Eva - poor you, sounds awful. Lots of ohms that you're soon feeling better. I can just see you resplendent in blue satin. You need the BHB as a - what do they call them blokes (in India??) who waft huge fans around, semi naked!!??

Geri - I feel for you. The first day back is just awful isn't it.

Maeve - how awful for your son. Lots of ohms and good luck to him. What an awful time for many people.

Jane - stick with it, I have no doubt you'll get there.

Now then, that cat, hmmm, I'm saying nowt!!!!!

Eva, lots of ooohhhmms, you do sound bad, I think this drama queen pose is just you being brave! More oohhmms for all other cold, flu,and bronchitis sufferers.

Glad you both survived your days Geri and Jane, hope it'll be better tomorrow.

Thanks for Ooohhmms for scollop, he's in limbo for a while, it's an International Co., Carol, with headquarters in Toronto, I don't understand business at all, they're talking about Bankruptcy but also sponsoring The London Olympics for £4 million.

Sounds as though Oliver first night went off well, it is strange Alison how critics very rarely all agree, just shows how subjective theatre is, best to take no notice of them!

Hi all. Just back from gym - new year resolution - how long will that last! Now off out for big meal - hmmm not long. Celebrating Ploppys' birthday at weekend, fact that scollop 2 could do 2/3 of his maths paper and def not celecratign scollop 1 return to uni. Nooo I will have to do my own cooking again.

Maeve - you do sound distressed. Ohhms for son. ploppy was made redundant 10 yrs ago with measly redundancy (we bought 4 bikes with it when he got job - and had no change - and they werent expensive bikes). scary esp when have kids to feed. i was back doing some career guidance work on Mon and 3/4 of my clients had been made redundant in last 2 months. Very stressful for them - and me as few jobs out there to help them into - but there are some.

Eva -ooohms to get well soon.

Jill - yes got SG email but no time to reply as yet. Still havent reqd chs 17 and 18. ooh must buckle down. Tho perhaps Xmas thank you letters might have to come first.

Ok must dash - taxi (scollop) awaits. Ooh see P2 volunteering to do i....g - will ask him to divert via her house:)

Right Geri! Done!

Karen - stay very quiet about that cat! Just because you got a sneak preview! Are you having fun with that dongle?

Fi - you sound very energetic. I hope you are fully recovered from your cold

Just in - delays on central line mean I'm late, frozen, hungry! So it's a quick 'hello' and 'goodbye' again from me.
Karen - punkawalla

Jane - my lips are sealed!!

Auds - of course, that's it, thank you!

Evening all - Auds I see it was the Central Line's turn to play up - it's been the Met Line for the alst three days (today was ok though!). Maeve - if the firm starts with an "N", then it is. Geri - he sounds total charmer, obviously selected for his people skills!! P2 has come up with the cat's identity so I am waiting to see if she is correct. Following on the from the conversation re GG's last performance in July - do you think there is a chance the GO might go.....Weepy went when some of the cast finished in June.....just a thought. OK as P2 didn't want to do my ixxnxxg Ploppy said I might as well do it all in one hit at the weekend, so currently watching a Poiret. Lad J - you'll be fine once you've got used to things! OOOhhhhhmmmmmmmss for Eva, Maggie, Martin and anyone else who is poorly!

KK is your email bust? I keep getting fails.
Not caught up.
Just to say, Geri has done us proud, it is just PERFECT. The verse that is. Off to correct text on front and add verse.

Yes Carol it does start with 'N', and that should have been £40 not £4 million Olympic sponsorship, sorry, very boring I know.

Hi again. You cheered me up with your comments about me in blue satin! I'm not so sure about the satin, though. Once many years ago, I was staying in a very posh hotel in New Zealand, and they had satin sheets on their beds. It looked very elegant,- only problem was that I kept slipping to the floor! OK, so I might have had a drink or six, but slipping I did!
But..........if you promise to send along GO, scantily clad with a big fan, I'll dress up in anything!

JaneE,- enjoy your course. You do get around, don't you?

Karen, I think a dongle has been mentioned here before. It was Martin who told us about it, and he was promptly told off for being rude!

It's bedtime for me again. Not that I've been out of it (the bed) for long, but an hour downstairs is enough for now.
So good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

I agree Jo! Geri, that verse is just lovely! Well done Loppy Lauriate!

KK - I have the same problem as Jo.

Oh yeah Auds! That's the word! Now go and get something nice and warming involving incahol!

Jo/Jane - I think my inbox was full (very painful!!). I've deleted a load of emails so it should be okay now (hopefully!).

Karen, don't you know to give your inbox an enema at least once a week?

Glad you like the verse, Jo & Jane.

Auds, Punkawalla?

Oh maeve that is very sad about your scollop I hope he finds a new job soon. My grandson was made redundant last week but he was fortunate enough to walk in a new one straight away and better pay. so I hope your son has that luck.
Eva you sound very rough loads of OOHHMMS coming your way.
Now I am going to upset a few of you but I really think that if Jessie had been chosen that would have had a terrific Nancy she had plenty of time to sort out her acting.
OOHHHHHHMMMMMMMMMsssss to all theat need it like Matin and Maggie.
On forum there is a very pleasant link to do with the GO's day, very cleverly worked out.
How on earth are we going to keep being fed snippets unyil he appears again?
Diana I am so sorry you had such a lot of eamil to go through.
I will say ninite girls I have had late nights every day since I came back, could not resists waiting for more news of GO etc . sorted out all his photos and copied them on DVD in case I lose them on computer.And that would be awful.
on that note ninite loppies sweet Meads all hope he is having a deserving rest.

Back from my meal. Fab meal - and some inbibing. Scollops in fine form - scollop2 almost human - which is huge improvement.

Ploppy and i booked for Oliver last night - going mid march so will see which reviewers are correct.

Got card - fantastic jo - wll done. Did I miss the verse?

Talking of jobs and inverse proportion of money spent to money in bank maeve - scollop2 works PT for co which is top of financial pages list for collapsing. he gets paid peanuts - half the going rate but as no min wage for under 18's still legal BUT I have never known a retail store with so many staff - they outnumber the cutomers easily. It is just so obvious they need to cut nos of staff, increase wages to get better and more motivated staff but poor maangement means this wont hapen and so they will go under. very sad as people's lives get ruined and it is due to poor management.

OK off my soap box and off to bed. sweet meads all

Fi - I don't think you missed the poem. I was lucky enough to proof read it. (Thank you Geri!)

Geri - Punkawalla = chap whose job it was to waft fan (like in Ain't half Hot Mum) like Charwalla - was the guy that brought the tea (bit like me - he! He!)

I'm going to see Nancy in April with a non Loppy and a Cloppy friend (sorry Chantale - I'm a Jodie fan! but then we come from the same town)

Well it's been a long day, so I'm off to bed. I've not been lonely at all in my hotel room, with all my Loppymates!!

Thanks for the good wishes again - I'll report back tomorrow evening.

OOOHHHMMMSSSS to all our sick or worried Loppies

Sweet Meads all!

Just seen the card and verse, Jo and Geri, it's great, great great, well done.

Hey Maeve, you're too quick for me, I was just going to say, check your emails

Thanks, Maeve, I think Jo did a spectacular job--even by her exacting standards of excellence. And she paid the poem the highest compliment: it didn't make her sick at all. Praise from Caesar...

On that note, I'm headed bed-wards. Sweet Meads one and all. Hope all the sickies are wellies tomorrow. Hm, that didn't come out right!

Just seen the card - well done Lopp Laureate and artistic Jo - looks brilliant. Another one off to bed. Sweet Meads all.

Wow Geri that verse is terrific! You clever Lepry you. The whole thing is wonderful, just right I think.

Have a good day tomorrow JaneE. I was another that wanted Jodie to win, well I liked Sarah but she went quite early on. Must go and see it though, want to see BG play Sykes, think he'll be great.

Yes I remember the dongle from Martin talking about it and have even seen one now! Still not sure what to do with one though...stop it!

I think huge ohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmms are in order for those with problems at work at the moment. Fingers crossed for all that things get better in the nor too distant future.

I have done your petition Geri, hope it helps.

Right after a little trawl I'm for my bed. The heavy blood loss (at least a thimbleful) this morning has made me tired, so I will say night night and sleep tight.

Carys, I need instructions in words of one syllable please!!

Oh Jane, I can just picture you all alone in a hotel room, glad you can keep in touch with us, hope it goes well tomorrow.

Signed it Geri.

Carol, it would be like Lee to want to go to support the cast he’s grown so close to. That’ll be how many tickets then????

Eva, glad you could pop in, keep taking the tablets!!

What verse???

Fi, your evening sounds delightful.

OK, off to read my emails, nite nite Loppies

Maeve, sorry to hear about your son. It is a worrying time for many.
I have to go and put the shopping away now.
Tonight the kitten is sitting on the sideboard. Last night I waited up until 1.15 for her to come in. I was especially worried as I hadn't seen her since about 7pm on Tues evening. They are a worry. If they're not fighting, they're staying out or playing on the computer.

Night All!
Hummmmm.....very busy catching up in work today, seems the entire business population of the country decided to email me while I was off! Didn't even have time to blog with you all, this won't do, thinking of making a formal complaint!

Anyhoo - I have a dongle!! 'cept it won't work on this laptop because it's a bit too old. PB knows that he can find his mother by following the loose cable running from the router in the hallway,it could lead into the kitchen or it might even be running up the stairs and can trip you if you're not careful or have a few drinks taken!

Jo4 - what will I do with my time? I have a DIY list as long as my arm (ask Jenny Dublop, she's seen the evidence!), but actually, the garden really needs attention, hoping the weekend is dry and I can get out at it. Classes start back again in two weeks though so I'm not going to be idle for long.

Geri & Jane - loved chapter 18 and the pictures, read chapters 16 to 18 on the luas home and I think the guy beside me enjoyed it too, especially the pictures! Ah Jill, you've got your moment with King Lee, how chuffed are you?

Carol - couldn't we set up a mini-gym in that unused alcove in the Bistro, added attraction while sipping our latte be monitoring his muscle tone while he works out, purely for fitness reasons of course! No, not that fitness, the other fitness!

Sue1 - this week has just disappeared into thin air, cannot believe that this time last week I was packing my bag, checking tickets, passport etc.

Gosh Jo, "They are a worry. If they're not fighting, they're staying out or playing on the computer" sounds like a stroppy teenager, not a kitten!

Finally, ooohmmmms for poorly loppies and Maeve for your son about his job. It's such a difficult time.

Nightlee night (yes, I have emailed it to work, once through hotmail and once through Outlook)

TGIF! It's been a lovely week for the most part (we'll pass swiftly over the workday insanity), but I'm so ready for the weekend. From the above comments, I'd guess I'm not alone.

Glad you finally caught up with the story, K2. I hope it was worth the wait. Also, did you get my e-mail yesterday?

Jo, your cats sound like a great source of entertainment. I might be tempted to get one if I wasn't so hugely allergic.

Thanks everyone who signed that petition. I posted the link on my college website & I've gotten some good responses from there too, so I hope that will make an impact in the right way.

Bistro seems quiet this morning but there are some strange grunting noises coming from the back room. Ooh, BHB doing pushups -- phwoar! Aw, you're worried about your physique getting soft (careful!) since you're down to just one job? You love K2's gym idea? Well, I think it's great, too, so long as we can put up benches for the purposes of watching. No, don't let me interrupt -- you keep right on going, nothing the matter with a little honest sweat. Seems awfully hot in here this morning, wonder if the heat has been set too high... Done, BHB? Oh, you'd prefer to snuggle before your shower? That's fine by me, but we'll have to remember to wash the blanket right away -- wouldn't want to leave any evidence around. Of your workout, I mean. Now, the forest green blanket? I thought we were snuggling, does that go with a squat thrust? Oh, I see!

Morning. Yes, TGIF!

Sorry about your scollop's job, Maeve. A large withdrawal of ohmmmms for your cold, Eva - hope you're feeling better today.

Sue1 and anyone who's emailed, I've not checked my personal emails for the past week but will do so over the weekend. I know there are also a few from earlier I need to respond to. Wish I could split myself in two!

Back to the grindstone.

Ro, I love love love what you've done on Lee's Last Night. Thank you.

Ok dont feel paranoid now that I realise that wasnt supposed to have card with verse. Seen it now in all its glory - fab fab and very well done to Jo and geri esp but also to all other contributors.

Last day at work for 2 days yipeeeeee. A relaxing weeekend(ish) with ploppy's birthday. Weather due to be lousy here so dont think a weekend for gardening or walking (our plan).Hope it is better in ireland K2

have a good Friday everybody and ohhhhms to all who need. Take the Vit c, zinc and echinacea Eva.

Morning all. Yes, I'm up, showered and dressed. Not because I'm feeling much better, but because I have a doctor's appointment I intend to keep. She(the GP) is difficult enough to pin down, so when I finally got an opportunity to see her, I'm going. She always seems to be doing this, that or the other course, but I'm getting fed up with chasing her, so I might change my GP. She must be the best coursed GP in the South East, but she's away so much, she doesn't get a chance to practice her knowledge on her patients!

Hello sweetheart. What's this about a gym in the Bistro? Oh, you don't expect us to use it? Glad to hear it. I HATE gyms! (Ducking to avoid flying objects), but since my Police College days, when we HAD to do physical training 2-3 hours every day for a year, I have avoided them. I can still see that huge room and the smell! ! ! ! ! ! BLÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆ I'm sure you can translate!

No, I'm still contagious, so you stay well away. Just think of all the snuggling time we're saving up till I'm better! Don't look scared! You're supposed to look delighted!
I'd better get some breakfast inside me before I go. See you later.

...now no-one alter the controls in the gym please - they are set to just the right temperature! Now let me explain about the gym - the BHB is going to use it to maintain his total physical perfection. There are benches around the walls and these are for us to watch closely and learn. There is NO (sorry LinX) provision for any Loppy to participate - this is a spectator sport only. Due to space restrictions we can only accommodate one shower room (Management and staff use only...). As there will doubtless be unprecedented numbers wishes to avail themselves of the seats, we will have a pre-booking system. Management reserve the right to access at all times and to have a special reservered seat. Management includes Deputy Catering Manager (see I think of you P2). OK whilst BHB has been working out I have started on the breakfasts. Today we have granola with fruits of the forest and blackberry coulis, full English breakfast, vegetarian option available. Bacon sandwiches (well it's Friday), toasted bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon, assorted of breads and pastries. BHB has done the coffees before his workout and I am about to do the incoholic drinks. That is after I have checked that the BHB has all he requires in the shower room (I mean towels and soap etc of course). Please help yourself, I may be absent for a while!

good morning all, oh wow BHB he does look spendid with the sweat running down his back... dooble expresso please lovely now that you have showered. no no blanket today have to take mum shopping.
Hey loppies me proud have poslt 3 kgs and a half since coming back from sunday. I am a pound less then I was last friday before sadfest. so keeping fingers crossed.
Jo and geri fantastic work on card. love it.
Jane best of luck for today.
off now see you all later. xxx Will not book anything till i know what the go is doing in March.!

Morning all. TGIF for all you workers, though the weather forecast isn't that great. Last weekend seems ages ago, it's taken on an almost dreamlike quality to me, if that doesn't sound silly. Thank heavens for all the pictures which help bring it all back.

Well done on the weight loss Chantale, hope it keeps going.

Oooh you definitely need lots of ohhhmmms Eva. Hope things improve soon.

Morning BHB, no please don't stop doing those crunch on my account. What a lovely little gym we have here for you and awww look Carol has given me a reserved seat. Now I'll sit here so I can watch and make sure you are doing things properly. Oh yes very nice, oh don't worry I have the azure blanket here so when you have finish I can help you cool down slowly,it might heat me up mind!

Morning All

Yes Geri - got email and have replied. Didn't sign petition yet, sorry, will do.

Thanks Carol - a bowl of granola and fruit sounds perfect, totally back on the healthy eating track this week, well done Chantale on the weight loss, also Ali - you're doing fantastic!

Glad to see you're all pleased with the mini-gym suggestion, I think it could be a very useful addition to the Bistro and it serves two purposes, allows BHB to keep fit and us loppies to have a little thud time. Sorely needed without our GO around for a while.
Now, squeeze over there Pauline and lets have a look, mmmmmm.....................

Hello! Gosh what a dreary Friday! When I think about how I was feeling this time last week! It seems like ages ago now. Trying to be positive but I felt really low yesterday as I don't have anything to look forward too! Yes there are good things in the long term but short term I only have getting my photos of last Sat developed and I have my doubts that Lee is even in some of them! I think its hardest when I am at work, as I used to think about my Jo visits etc alot as a way of taking my mind off my job!! Oh well, TGIF!!

Here's something funny though, last night I auditioned for The Beggars Opera by John Gay (my AM Dram group!) and one of the characters in it is called Suky Tawdrey! Now where has everyone heard that name before??!!

Well done Chantale and K2, I've been bad this week and eaten all the wrong things, I must get back on track but it's hard!
Glad things are going ok Jane, what a lovely ploppy you have. I'm off to sign that petition now Geri.

Ohhhhmmmmmmss for Maggie, Eva, Martin and anyone else who is poorly! Well done on the weight loss ladies - not standing on my scales until the end of the month! AliB - I can top that - I played Polly Peachum in Beggar's Opera three times (last time in Germany). Mack the Knife is of course the Brecht version of the same opera (except he called it the Threepenny Opera). Well just been out for a glass of wine with James from the office.....his wife is about to give birth this next week and we had a small scare yesterday when the midwife sent her to the hospital, but they released her (for good behaviour). Now every time his phone rings we all jump! Made sure he had his mobile with him lunchtime!!! Right, more wxxk calls......catch up later!!

Petition signed, emails sorted, dishwasher emptied, now to find the cats-I think they may have been shut in one of the bedrooms. I know what you mean Jo, I'm sure I worry about them more than the scollops sometimes!

Carol - I knew you would know it! I spent the whole of the audition picturing Lee and trying to remember the rest of the words of the song! No chance of me playing Polly as I can't sing!! Well, I can sing in a chorus but not on my own!! Its going to be a very interesting production - done in modern dress and our Musical Director has been described by someone as 'insane'!!

TGI bloomin F. after my post last night I climbed into a nice hot bath, and a cup of soup and toast, settled down to watch my telly, and fell asleep! So got up, went to bed - and didn't get to sleep until about 4am! Then had to stand all the way to work today (grrrr..) and it's been nose to the grind pretty much all day... I'm very tired now.
Someone asked if I had anything planned this weekend - I went back to being depressed...(ths time last week - sigh) but then remebered I did have a treat in store this weekend, Mandy Patinkin!
Another one signed (hope not too late) the petition Geri.
AliB - I always like to think the GO sang about "sweety audrey" ;\ Just googled ST - it's slang (apparently) for a lady of the night (Trollop Loppy strikes again). Good luck with the audition AliB... hope that hasn't put you off. Jenny Diver was also slang - for a washer woman!!
oh - the time you waste in a break!!! Another 45 mins to go.
Jo - sorry comments were late coming on the card. Loved the verse Geri.. well done on passing QC.
OK - one last meeting to go to - ill prepared because I've been blog gazing.. then I'm off. I found another vid on my camera which I'm going to upload tonight - and I'll also send a couple of the decent photos of THAT weekend to Martin.
OOOHHHMMMSSSS for all in need for whatever reason.

Hi all,
Just wanted to let you know I got my luggage back last night. Actually found it on the front stoop this morning. The person who delivered it had just left it there and left a phone mesage. Can't blame him too much as the temperature here's been about 4F for the last few days (we only THOUGHT we were cold standing behind the Adelphi!!)

Just happy it's back now!

What petition were you talking about?

Hi all! The course finished early today so after a three hour journey I'm home at last! Thanks again for all your good wishes. I think I have managed to catch up - at least i understood what they were all doing today. Fingers crossed for next week.

Much more important - catching up on the blog. Oooo I see BHB has been in the gym all morning. Sorry to have missed that! What a good idea to instal a gym in the bistro K2!

Jo and Geri - just to repeat what everyone else is saying -the card & verse are fabulous. Well done everyone else who contibuted.

Anne - just letting you know that I have my little calendar up by my PC. Thank you so much! It was by the bed, but with Ploppy coming home tomorrow I thought I ought to move it.

Ali B - good luck with the audition!

Ringer - HURRAH!!!! the return of the luggage! Thanks for letting us know. Geri explains about the petition in her post 15th Jan 7.29. It's to do with funding for Irish writers.

Oh dear Eva - sorry you are still poorly. OOOHHMM OOOHHMM OOOHHHMMM and more OOOHHHMMMS for any other poorly Loppies.

A very tired loppy checking in. Haven't even looked at what you've all been up to yet -- there's an urgent need for tea and grub before I start loppying. Hope everyone has had a good day. I finished my urgent report for Big Boss today (or BFB as 'Good Boss' calls him. Stands for Big Fat Bo**ocks. You can tell he's well loved).

Had to stop at the bookshop on my way home to get a reference book, but I still can't look at shelves above my eye level which is, let's face it, almost everything. Not happy.

On the better news front, my fellow students have been inundating me with e-mails about the petition and they've each been forwarding the info on to others, plus I've had e-mails from some of you that's you've been signing the petition too, so thanks everyone.

Trying to remember when you're seeing Mandy, Auds. Is it tonight?

Jane, I see Andrew Wyeth died -- we were just talking about him the other day. And sad to see the lovely Patrick McGoohan has died too. Very different men, but I was a fan of both for a variety of reasons.

Hi Ringer. So pleased you finally got your luggage back. Do you know where it's been? Mine went walk-about once when I flied from Norway to Spain. When they called from the airline to tell me my luggage had arrived, I had to go all the way out to the airport to pick it up, because it had been all the way to DUBAI! Customs wouldn't let it through until I'd presented identification. What a palaver! It took me half a day to get my things out of the airport!

I've had a headache for the last 3 days, and it's just been made worse. I've booked flight tickets for my Shirley + two friends who are flying from London to Londonderry. Only airline I could find was Ryanair. Searched for 3 tickets on the day they wanted. Not bad result: £167.00 for all of them. Then the fun started: + + + + + + until the final bill came, AFTER I had submitted, another £140.00! ! ! ! They even had the cheek to charge debit card charges 3 times £10.00 for ONE bill, because there are 3 names on the bill! GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

Sorry ladies, re-reading this post, I realise I sound like a Grumpy Old Woman, but that's how I feel just now.

Something to cheer me up though: I'm watching the miraculous landing of the airoplane on the Hudson River. It's almost unbelievable. My grumbles looks petty in comparison, so I'll shut up!

Evening all, Ringer so glad you got your luggage back, at least it doesn't seem to have gone via Australia! Must admit my bags have come home the pretty way a few times. 4F? BRRRRRR now that really is cold!

Seeing that aircraft in the Hudson, quite fantastic that everyone survived, the cold water could have got them if the landing didn't. The pilot did a great job, but I just think it is fantastic what planes can go through and come through!

Poor Geri, must be awful, especially not being able to look up at the bookshelves, I hope it gets better soon. Ohhhmmm.

Auds hope you enjoy Mandy this weekend, I'm sure you will. Trust you to find out that ST means that!

Still ohhhhmmmmming for Eva, Maggie and Martin. Hope you are all better soon.

OK, I've skimmed the blog very briefly. Sorry Eva is still ill (and don't get me started on Ryanair!).

Glad you've got your luggage back, Ringer. What a shame you had to do without it over the weekend, though.

You've had a rough day, Auds. Hope you have a better evening.

Good luck with that audition, Ali. You'll be great. No surprise Carol was au courant with the musical.

I've had 'Grovel, Grovel' in my head all day. Very odd because it's far from my favourite.

Hey, Carol, the BHB seems to have a taste for Greco-Roman wrestling only he needs someone to wrestle with. Of course, since it's nude, it needs to be someone the loppies won't be offended by. Any suggestions? Oh, and BHB is a bit worried that we loppies might be bothered by his own state of undress. I assured him we're well brought up ladies and will try to get our heads around it. The idea, I mean. What else!

Evening everyone - not long been as waited for Ploppy this evening. Feeling really tired along with half the population I think!! Geri forgot to tell you I had signed your petition too! How dreadful not to be able to look up at books - worst nightmare I should think! You take care. Ringer - bet that was a relief to be reunited, but fancy leaving your luggage shivering on the front step!! Oh just seen John Mortimer has died too! Aunty Eva - I have experienced similar charges too - I have booked people on Ryanair for Baby Boss and they did the same thing. In fact if you add up all the "extras" it sometimes almost as cheap to fly with one of the "big" airlines. Our email was playing up this afternoon which made life interesting as I was supposed to be emailing something to Big Boss's home. Just hope it eventually arrives!! OK off to feed a Ploppy. Lady J glad you approve of the gym!

I saw on the news about John Mortimer too. Dear, old Rumpole is one of my all time favourite, and I just had a DVD catalogue through the door the other day where the whole Rumpole series is on Special Offer (my favourite words!) for £39.99. I'm going to treat myself!

Well Carol, I'll approve of it even more if the BHB want's to do some Greco-Roman wrestling. Perhaps RA might be persuaded to join in - are you going to ask him Geri?

Geri, I'm sorry, Andrew Wyeth? I can't remember him. But Patrick McGoohan I liked.

Ah Eva! Welcome to the Ryanair fanclub! It's a pity they can't be more open about all the extras.

Auds enjoy Mandy. I'm sure you will.

Pauline2 thanks for reminding me OOHHMMM Maggie - OHHHMMM Martin.

Sad about John Mortimer, I was a big Rumpole fan too. And Ricardo Montalban also died (Kahn in Star Trek, plus he was in Fantasy Island, I think). It's been a bad week for talented people, hasn't it?

Worst nightmare indeed, Carol. It's hard enough at the best of times to see books on top shelves, but not even able to tilt my head and look at them is just cruel!

Jane, AW painted 'Christina's World', we talked about it the night Sal came over, if you remember. (Short attention span, poor dear. Must be that birthday she has coming up.)

RA would be good; I think the bad back lets DT out, unfortunately. Anyone remember the scene in Women in Love where Alan Bates & Ollie Reed indulged in some firelit wrestling? BTW, Carol, if seating is limited we'd best book our seats. I bag front row--naturally!

Sorry Geri! Yes I remember now! I've a terrible memory for names - sorry Gladys.

Yep, I've seen that scene you are talking about. I think I prefer our casting...

Evening Loppies,

Phew....! Thank goodness its the weekend - been a tough few days back at w**k. Last week seems sooooo long ago now.

Not had a skim yet so I'll be back soon.

Lee's Record company seems to have shifted from Fantastic to Polydor. He's in pretty impressive company. There's a sign up so they'll e-mail you with Meady news. Maybe we'll get word on the new album soon. Here's the link: http://www.polydor.co.uk/group_artists.php?id=18#artist-signup

Hi all
Karen2 has sent in some photos from the final Joseph, and they are online in the GO2 and Loppie Ladies 2 albums, (the captions Karen's) are a work in progress.

Photos of card(s) sent to Martin. People don't go home at my work, but got it done.

Thanks, Jo & Martin for all your hard work. You're both fabulous!

Thanks Geri for that link. I signed up straight away. Strange that the link of his official Website is on their but still no site to be seen.

Today ALW and GN were on the Chris Moles show. Lee was mentioned very briefly. ALW said when they were talking about musicals. “ Lee is gone now of course it is sad because he was a great Joseph”.

Last week I was on my way to London by now. This week has just flown by and I didn’t even noticed.
Can we just go back to last week please? Where is the tardis when you need one?

Thanks for the Polydor link Geri - I stumbled over it the other day but it didn't even occur to me that they may actually change the label for his next album release. Fascination is part of Polydor, and he's still shown on their website too ... I guess all will become clear in time!

..Thanks Geri - now signed up!!

Martin that reminded me I have the vid to screen capture from 10th, might get one or 2 out of it. See you later.
Oh, Ringer glad you got the luggage back. I wouldn't stand about in 4 deg either.
Auds, there was a review of THE exhibition on Front row tonight, as I was late coming home, I got to hear it. They said it was the first time they'd been hung together, so I did remember that bit right, running from room to room when I was little.

Just dug out the original 'Album deal for Lee' press release to check my increasingly dodgy memory!

LINKY THING

Thanks for that Geri, registered! On a similar theme Connies album is being released on 23rd Feb. The duet with Lee is Next Time You Fall In Love, from Starlight Express? Here we are. Thanks to Anne Marie on the forum for the hint!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001675SIA/ref=nosim/?tag=unimusic97-21

Greco- Roman wrestling, humm JD maybe?

..oh P2, JD? Yes please!!!

P2, are you still on about that Donovan twit? Carol, why are you encouraging her?

Thanks Geri! I've signed up too - and thanks Ro for the linky thing. I love it when you get all teccy!

Anne - I agree. Could we Start Aiagin Please could be our anthem for a while. Sniff!

Thanks Martin and Jo for the photos.

Pauline???? JD????? Do not tell me you are thinking of the CO!!!!

Now now I will NOT raise to the bait but I will NOT be google alerted! You know very well who I mean, well Carol does! The lovely one who comes to our parties and whose first name is Johnny.

Actually thinking about it, why do the initials JD automatically suggest the Evil Aus to you two. I think you must be harbouring a secret passion for him.

P2 - I think you are right, whereas we know it's Captain Jack!!

Um, isn't that JB, not JD? Confused.

...wrong Captain Jack! Not Wow! Wow! Wow! but Yum! Yum! Yum!

Sorry, give up. Some cultural deficit here I think. I hope you don't mean the talented but def not my type Ms Dench?

...now Geri obviously some translation problems here! Since when has Judy D been a Captain???

Of course you know Geri, you are teasing us! The ever delectable and gorgeous Mr D-E-P-P

Sorry, P2, I must have missed something along the way. I suppose I don't associate Johnny D with the Capt. Jack title because I really disliked PotC (even Jon. Pryce looked bored in it) and I didn't see any of the sequels. Now if you'd said Sleepy Hollow I'd have been right there! But to return to the subject, I'd still prefer RA. Maybe the BHB wouldn't mind having heats (now there's a word) and taking on a number of contenders one at a time. Hmm, wonder if it's too late for me to take up G-R wrestling...

Hi Again
I got the pics from Jo4 of the staff cards, they are now in the Miscellaneous album.

Even

Karen? Odd?

Oh that JD! Go on then - I could just about manage to watch him with his shirt off. If forced!

...mind you I now have this vision of the wrestling with Judy with her top off....no don't like that idea!!!

Probably I'm a bit distracted because I'm watching the season premier of Criminal Minds as I blog. It's absolutely terrifying and I have to keep leaving the room during the really scary bits. Which means I've actually seen about 30 seconds worth so far. I'll need lots of Meadster action tonight to help me relax enough to sleep.

Jo4 has sent in picture screen shots from a video of the 10th scrum, now in the GO 2 album

Thanks Martin, Whitey was very interested in the cards.
Now, even I caught on who JD was. Don't see the attraction myself though. I'm not for this wrestling idea, seems a bit dangerous.
I'm going to try to get to a dog rescue tomorrow afternoon. It is getting urgent, just had a big bust up between big black and big ginger, fur all over the floor, kitten went straight up in the air and has disappeared......again. Big ginger hates dogs, so it should quieten him down, although probably bring back his cystitis. A neighbour has just delivered some expensive cat food, so they will have a treat over the next few days.
Off to do the packed lunches.

Hell

Euwww! That is not a pretty thought Carol.

Thanks for the piccies Jo4 and thanks for posting them Martin. How are you feeling? Better I hope.

Geri now be brave and come out of that cupboard!

Karen? are you there?

Stay tuned when next week Karen progresses to complete sentences...

..phew - that will be exciting - with adjectives and adverbs and nouns and things??

Eva, good to see you’re at least up and about. Forty quid for all the episodes of Rumpole seems like a bargain to me, must admit though it wasn’t something that I watched.

Pauline, I know what you mean about a dreamlike quality.

Jane, glad the course went ok.

Geri, the show tunes keep going round my head in no particular order, and it doesn’t seem to matter whether I like them or not!! (Thanks for the link.

Jo, good luck with dog rescue, hope kitten comes back soon.

Karen, ????????

Oh dear me, this time last week!!!! Nite nite Loppies x

Oooops nearly forgot, has anyone got the first episode of Unforgiven on video/dvd?

Thanks for that chuckle, Carol, I needed it! Mind you Crim Minds let me down at the end. They had one of the characters tell someone she was his, 'God-given solace.' Who talks like that? Outside Hollywood, I mean?

Don't worry, Jo, I'm sure we won't let the BHB get into anything dangerous. And if P2's JD is his competition it'll be a cakewalk (sorry, P2!)

Testi

...oh Rick and I talk like that all the time - haven't you noticed?? And indeed of couse I am (his I mean). Whilst you were cowering from Crim MInds,we were struggling with Crime and Retribution part 2 - hmmm. Just watching the reconstruction of the plane landing in the Hudson - amazing! OK I will be off to bed shortly for some God given sleep. Sweet Meads all!

Karen, are you on the wrong website? I don't recall us starting a word association thread???

Been on the phone to india for the last couple of hours. I thought I had lost my computer..... but I've only lost my Active Desktop - still hasn't been resolved, but at least I am back on line.

So I haven't uploaded my video or sent any pics to Martin. ~Will keep on trying now.

Jo - I knew you weren't fibbing about the display.

Geri - it's tomorrow night I see Mandy.

Right - off to do my youtubing.

Karen I hope the end of that last word was ng!!

I take my hat off to the pilot of that plane. Magic bit of flying. Bet that river was cold as well, brrrr.

Aargh! Karen's going backwards (either that or she's being rude!) Now she's not even finishing the word... Come back, Karen! It's the post-Joe blues, I think. She's trying to work her way back to last Friday. Take us with you, Karen!

Auds, have a fabulous time with Mandy tomorrow. I've seen him a mere four times & I can promise you you're in for a treat. Blow him a kiss for me, won't you?

You're right, Sue, I've been having all sorts of Joe moments in my head all evening too. Had to go watch some Meady goodness (complete with loincloth) on YouTube.

Come on Karen! You can do it! Two words next time!

Martin and Jo thanks again. Good look with finding a doggy Jo. And don't worry about the BHB - he'll be safe!

I have not read the blog since I came in this morning but saw a fantastic photo of the Go by petrus or pertus in forum it is a tread with all favorite.
ok going to read up now

Just been perusing the photos, they are all fab, well except the ones of me!

Don't cha just love those lengthy phone calls to India Auds? Why do they always take at least an hour, even when they say this will only take a few minutes!

Well unless she shows while I'm typing Karen has obviouslyexhausted herself tonight!

I'm for bed now so will say night night and sleep tight.

Oh dear ploppy will be upset about Andew Wyeth he loved his pictures and yes he did paint that Christina picture.
Jo I hope you find your Doggy.Thank you Martin for the Jo pictures on album.
have sent stagies the photo in question!
sweet meads all

Oh forgot to say the last autographed print fetched £ 64 pound not bad at all.
nite xxxx

I'm off to bed now.
Hope you get your words back Karen.
Oh, Kitten was hiding in the front room, so she's back.
Nightlee night

Sorry, Jo, I missed your post about your missing dog. Hope (s)he comes home soon. Thanks for the e-mail goody. Wow! With that image clearly in my mind I'm off to bed. Sweet Meads all, and Ohms to anyone still feeling unwell or distressed.

Well done Chantale!

Well I'm off to bed too - sweet meads everyone!

correction, dog not missing, just looking for a new one!

Good morning BHB, first time I've seen you since you've left your other job. Must be a little boring just coming here after working in the bright lights of London. I still think it's odd that I never saw you all those times I went to town. Oh, you've something to do in the kitchen, I'll see you later.

Just been out to feed the birds, it's very damp, but not actually raining. Better go now, 'see' you later.

Just heard on the radio that a horse rider was ordered out of a Te**o by as security guard as they were smelling too much! Hope my store doesn't take note.

Morning all. My apologies for not saying my usual good nights last night, but I was rather out of it. I see you were rather busy trying to decode some initials! I was going to say poor Judi Dench, but then .......if she gets to wrestle with BHB, I'm not sorry for her at all!

Hello sweetheart. No, we still have to stay well away from each other. COUCH COUCH COUCH COUCH COUCH Yes, that's how I sound, in stereo! and BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG That's the inside of my head, because now my sinuses are playing up, so bending my head hurts too. Oh yes, I'm having fun!

I'll have my usual leaded and scrambled eggs on toast please. I prefer sitting in front of the fire, if you don't mind? I think my fever would go into overdrive watching you do push ups and other physical activities.

Jo,- I hope you get your dog so that some disipline can be restored in your household. Those cats are twisting you around their paws, so someone who tells them what's what is clearly needed. You're too soft!

Martin,- thank you for the new load of photos in the album. We do keep you busy, don't we?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JXG0W2BVTPw
Just quick before I do a catch up - this short but sweet (don't blink while you're watching) is what took an aaaaaage to load last night. enjoy.

....morning all. Well the sun is now shining in a blue (albeit a dull blue) sky with lots of wind (excuse me). Earlier I thought we were in for a very very wet day - the rain was pelting down. And I noticed that there is definitely a drop in the level of gung ho-ness about going into town in such poor weather when it NOT to see the GO. Don't get me wrong - I'm VERY excited about seeing Mandy.. and I've got good seats. So I will be able to blow him a kiss - of course I'll do one for you as well Geri (after mine).
Eva - thought you were moving furniture around at first, then I realise its just your quaint spelling. Seriously huge OOOHHHHMMMMSSSS for you. Don't get sinusitis please. Ooo and thank you thank you thank you. I got a little package in the post this a.m. I'll email you later.
Well all seems well with the pooter this a.m. I've been giving it special treats today. Lovingly dusted, removed all crumbs from the keyboard - oh and inserted a new picture for the revitalized desktop - Chantal, you know the one I choose of course. If you haven't been over to the forum to check the pics out like Chantal mentioned - it's a MUST. I promise you'll not be disappointed. This pic is one I hadn't seen 'so close' before. mmmmmmm. Oh and congrats on the print result.
~How's our wordsmith coming along today. Not ventured into two words yet let alone a sentence. Normally I wouldn't worry too much, but this is Karen... so I am concerned. Do hope you haven't broken any digits.
~Good luck with the dog search today Jo. That card looks excellent and I was glad to see that big white is QC.
Sue1 - remember that Unforgiven is on iPlayer until tomorrow. I know it might not be the solution for you, but just thought I'd mention that. Really should try and catch it though. It's good.
OK - must be off now - doing some bargain hunting today.. hope some of Eva's luck rubs off on me. L8R :)

Morning all - grey and damp here too!

Jo4 T*cos are beyond belief! Whatever next!

Hello BHB, why are you looking down? Eva won't come and watch you do your work out? Of course you need Loppy support - I'll come and watch. A duty and a pleasure!

In the words of the GO when making his final speech, I'll keep this brief (oo did I really just mention briefs and the GO in the same sentence) just in case it gets nabbed again.

Sorry about yesterday, I don't know what happened. Every time I started to type my post just disappeared and you only got the first word! Grrrrr!!!

Hope you're all okay. If this works I'll be back later!

Here we go.........

Good morning all. Oh boy I slept last night! But I've been up and to the shops and back so not as lazy as it might seem. There were blue skies and mild temperatures when I went out but it's started to cloud over now.

Loved your video Auds. What a sweet and polite young man he is. As they say in Ireland, 'Didn't his mammy raise him lovely!' Don't need to tell you to have fun with Mandy tonight & if you can get scrum footage of him too -- he has been known to come front of house at the end -- then please remember me and give him my love. He's my American GO, you know.

Congrats on getting that amount for the print, Chantale. I'm sure you and Nicholas are thrilled.

I have a history tutorial this afternoon but haven't decided whether to go to it or not. The last one was really bad, but it goes against the grain to skip a class.

Morning all, yes I know late as usual, however I am not alone today as our CM overslept and has asked me to deputise, so the menu today will be lots of fresh fruit salad with a choice of flavoured youghurts if desired, muesli, BHB has been making porrige to the CMs' secret recipe. Then there will be eggs any style cooked for you to order by BHB, with bacon, sausages, tomatoes, baked beans. Eggs benedict or Portobello. Pancakes with fruit compote, and waffles with Maple syrup. Lots of different breads from round the world. Teas, breakfast and herbal, coffee, filter cappuchino, latte. Of course there are also Bellinis, Cham Cham, and Mimosas'. Hope there is something for everyone there.

Phew hard work this, so while I wait for customers I can sit and watch BHB work out, oh he's running, very nice, after which the CM says it is my job to take him to the showers and rub him down, yum, well I am Towel Mistress!

Other stuff, Auds lovely vid. It may be short but VERY sweet. Chantale THANKYOU, lovely way to start a day, lots of Meadiness.

Jo4 good luck finding a doggie, one with good cat management skills.

Ooooohhhhhmmmmmmmmmms for Eva, you still sound rough, so still hoping it starts to improve soon.

Now where are those towels, BHB c'mere it's time for your shower, this could take a while, he's very sweaty, so the breakfasts are on the buffet help yourselves. Firmly shuts the bathroom door.

Aw Auds - thanks for that vid - brings it all back -sigh! Enjoy Mandy tonight!

Hello Karen! Nice to see you doing sentences! (OW! She hit me!)

Geri - I know you'll make the right decision

Chantale - thank you for that pic! Yummy.

Well Pauline you are looking after us! but I see you've nicked the BHB - humph!

Apologies for the dreadful spelling, think the excitement of rubbing down BHB got to me!

Hi Karen, glad to see all is well, we can never be too sure with you!

Afternoon all (just had to change that as it was morning when I first started typing)
Have just read this mornings post will go back and catch up on last nights later.
Eva, have you tried Olbas Oil, (it says immediate relief for catarrh, colds and sinuses)
I used some yesterday for my blocked nose and it was great to be able to breath for a while
Thank you for the ooohhhmmms (feeling better today)
Well done on the card they will love it, you clever Loppies
Did anyone watch Saturday kitchen today? They had snippets of my town, Bury ST Edmunds on it.
OOOHHHHMMMSS banked for all in need
Caught up on the story (great as all ways Geri) wonder who that the cat is!!

No bargains for me today unfortunately, so I'm lots of pounds lighter (wish it was that easy to lose weight). Thanks for the reminder that Mandy does scrums. I will def participate in(if not start) one... and will do utmost to get good footage to share with you.
I was in such a rush this a.m. I very rudely ignored the BHB... black mark. But I'm here now, and I'll very happily time you on the rowing machine.. omg just look at that sweat dripping down his back *** THUD ***
No. No! honestly I'm fine - it's just a little hot in here is all... Perhaps I'll have a little sip of water then (he's ever so gentle & kind the way he holds the water to my lips...)

Afternoon, Yes Maggie I watched Saturday Kitchen while doing my enormous pile of ironing and thought of you! I've also filed loads of paperwork (I now have 2 carrier bags of stuff for shredding) and filed all my GO memorabilia in a box.
I haven't been "with it" really this week but after a decent night's sleep I finally feel back to normal again and ready to get back into my usual routine once more.
Oohhmms for those still feeling poorly, for Jo's search for a canine referee, for Auds and Karen's 'puters and anyone/thing else I've forgotten.
Geri, do we get another chapter tomorrow? Dying to know the identity of that cat!
Brr, time to close some windows. I opened them all to air the bedrooms and it's getting a bit too fresh now. TTYL

It wont let me sign your petition Geri will try later.
glad you liked that picture too good to be shown only on forum!.

EEK Ali!!! I've not done the drawing yet!!!

Ploppy's home - and will want some prime time!

We're in the middle of a massive storm. I'm a bit worried the windows are going to blow in they're rattling so loudly. Just saw someone's rubbish back bounce back and forth across the street as those some invisible football player was using it to practice on.

Thanks for trying, Chantale! And thanks for sharing that picture, it would have been a shame to have missed it.

Ali, I've written the first draft of chapter 19 but need to do at least one or two re-writes before I'll be satisfied with it. Plus Jane's still working on the picture, so I doubt it'll be ready for a few days yet. Sorry about that. That's what happens when you go gallivanting to three shows over the weekend instead of sitting dutifully at the desk!

Back to the books. Maybe BHB could be spared to give me a neck rub while I work...

Geri - oh course the BHB will give you a neck massage - I think he's at a bit of a loose end this afternoon as his other job required him to work Saturday afternoons, so he's agreed to stay on a little longer! Thank you Deputy CM for getting things underway this morning. I am still playing catch up from the oversleeping this morning! Aunty Eva - I can recommend Olbas too - I usually sprinkle on hankies or pillow and also inhale. Auds if I haven't missed you have a lovely time this evening. JO hope the dog hunt is successful! Chantale/Jo thank you for the lovely (going to be my screen saver) picture, and Chantale well done on the fund raising! OK going to sort some papers out for Ploppy now - back later!

Geri I have sign the petition about 30mins ago. You weren’t sure if we could sign being overseas, I think most of the countries are there
Mave so sorry to hear about your son hope things work out for him.
Jill - Daniel’s girlfriend (Emma) had to go to Sydney the other day with a tennis player I think he said djokovic (to do with her work in PR)I told Daniel that you were a keen tennis fan and had asked for his address when we were in your room at the SP
Auds enjoy Mandy
Martin has just phoned so will go and pick him up from the pub back later

Had a chat with dog rescue rehomer, she was very satisfied with my ability to look after an older dog. She has put me on her 'special list', so she will call their other centres to look. The promotional video I heard about 20 times while waiting said 'they never turn a dog away', if that's so how come they have very few old dogs? Rant over.
Card was put in post today.
Auds have fun this evening. Auds, if you want me to grab some stills from your lovely vid, email me the original (it should be small enough).
Eva, package received with thanks. I've not had time to look at it yet, so I hope it is the one from you.
Maggie, glad Martin is well enough to go to the pub.
Off to sort horse washing (saddle cloths, that is, not the actual horse) I've 2 weeks to catch up on.

So what sort of old dog are you looking for, Jo? My mate Elaine (I've mentioned her before) got a puppy just before Christmas. It was a beagle and she'd always wanted him. But he was sick from the day she brought him home and he ended up in intensive care for three days before he finally died. The vet told her he (the dog, that is) was only four weeks old and shouldn't have been sold yet. Poor Elaine is devestated and cries every time she sees a dog now.

Have a lovely time tonight, Auds. I may have to put on one of my Mandy albums.

Maggie, the IWC's website has been down all day. Mind you, the storm may have hit many internet connections and sites -- I hope it's nothing worse than that.

Thanks for sending BHB over, Carol. I've had a stressful afternoon with one thing and another, and he was very helpful. I told him I'd give him a raise and he blushed. Must be uncomfortable discussing money.

Evening All
Ditto to what Geri said, it's blowing a right gale and lashing rain and if she's getting it bad down in the city you can imagine what it's like half way up the hills, drove home earlier and car was swaying quite scarily in the wind.
Going out with some cousins later, I'm looking forward to seeing them but in this weather I'd nearly rather stay home and light the fire!

Wasn't blogging last night either - well, Jenny Dublop popped over and the kettle of course got put on (she brought cream cakes!) It was long past the pumpkin hour before we stopped talking, just a little about you-know-who!
She had a 1 year old birthday party to attend today and may have ended up in the bouncy balls along with the toddlers! Young at heart is our Jenny!

K1 - with knowing that you were actually ok and that it was just the blog giving you problems, I laughed heartily at your posts last night and the sarcastic responses of the others, you know I'd never be that cheeky to you!

Auds - loved the video, short but very sweet. That's not THE one though, is it, the one taken during my moment of conversation with him where I'm hoping desparately to catch his response? Although having Jo's pic is good enough for me really, thanks Jo.

Ali - you're so organised! I've done almost nothing all day, up late, prolonged lunch with sloppy then home and sat chatting with PB and his pals. They're very funny when they get going and by now they'll be getting hungry, must go get dinner underway and then work on something to wear tonight.

Tomorrow is going to have to be h*******k day, needless to say the intended gardening is a non-event.

Oooohhmmmmmmmmmmmms for all in need.
xx

Ooo no K2 and Geri - I hope that storm doesn't blow you to OZ!!!

Eva - I'm another that recomends Olbas Oil - very good stuff.

Please can anyone who hasn't responded to my e-mail about Just Giving and wants to get back to me by noon tomorrow?

And now I'm going for the evening. Ploppy and I are going for a curry with somefriends - well it is someones big day tomorrow!

Byyyeeee!

Hi Loppies, not been around for a few days as I'm afraid my coughing (from last weekend) developed into throbbing head, sore sinus etc...managed to get to GP today and now on antibiotics.......bummed as I didn't get up the hills this morning...even I don't go when I'm ill!
Eva - sounds very much like we've got the same bug.....ohhmmsss for you X

Tried to catch up on blog but brain hurts.........

Carol - I'm happy to sit on the sidelines in the gym ONLY if it means watching BHB work out! So who do you think I got a call from today? BHB! He certainly knows what makes us happy - he's asked me to be his personal coach, he wants me to keep him motivated, focussed and on target and of course I said YES without any hesitation - well, it would be rude not to!
Anyhoo as soon as the antobiotics kick in I'll be there morning, noon and night, doing my Loppy duty - got to make sure I help him keep those bulging biceps, rock hard thighs and general absolute gorgeousness - hey, it's a tough job but someone's got to do it :) Ladies remember it's also the coaches job to massage and generally rub 'things' however so's to avert a lynching, I'm prepared to share this task!

Ohhmmsss to all in need and here's to many happy gym session for us all X

Geri: Dog requirements: older, not bouncy, medium to large in size, not clingy, good with cats. Your friend's experience sounds terrible. I'll stick with the oldies, you know what you are getting. OK they might only be with you a couple of years, but they are so laid back. Advice I got from a huntsman a few years ago; Beagles really don't make very good house pets. They are much closer to pack dogs in breeding, so tend to the difficult in the house, unless you know their parents have been good house dogs.

Evening all, had a lovely afternoon sorting through my Lee stuff, didn't get much sorted but enjoyed it, snap Ali!

Auds I know I've probably missed you but I hope you enjoy Mandy.

Geri and K2, don't forget your ruby slippers will you?

Martin is obviously feeling better! Good, still ohhhhmmmms for him and ohhhhhmmmms for you Maggie and for Eva and now Linx, think this must be Post Mead Syndrome striking! I can also vouch for the benefits of Olbas Oil.

Jo4 you are right! We had a beagle for 14 years, he was gorgeous and probably the funniest dog we had but was a nightmare to train. He also spent two years chewing absolutely everything in the house. I could write a book about him, but wouldn't have been without him of course! I hope you get your doggie soon.

Watching the Eurovision thing now to see if the twins stop crying!

Geri it’s been working ok here in the UK – as I have just looked on it again and have added Martin’s name (with his permission of course)
They say you learn something everyday well I just did ,after reading your post about the web site being down I said oh I’ll have to find your post for the link and Maureen said do CTRL F and type petition in the little box and up came the word petition highlighted (your post )so had another go and put in bang and then it went to Eva’s post about her bang - bang head ,I now will try to do this instead of looking through lots of posts in the future if I need to go back and check on something, hope this also helps anyone else who are novices to all the functions available on the key pad
Eva OOHHMMSS for your poor head

...Geri & K2, having watched the News & Weather, I think your storm is due here overnight! Very generous of you!! LinX - just to clarify the Bistro Manager (and Deputy) rub the BHB down after a shower, but if you need to massage etc. to keep him in shape that will be fine! Also watching the Eurovision thing. Hm, no crying yet!!

I think I can put those ruby slippers away now, Pauline. The worst of the storm seems to have passed over – batten down the hatches, though, if it’s headed your way.

I’ll pass your advice on, Jo. Elaine’s too distressed right now to even think about another dog, but I’m sure she will eventually.

Maggie, the site is back up. Glad you got to sign the petition. How’s that foot of yours, by the way?

And K2, how are your arm and knee doing?

Jane, I’ve e-mailed you.

Ohms to Linx, Eva and anyone else who still needs them.

Snot fair!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Even my wired connection is playing up now!! Very temperamental (must be a male!!). Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, think I'll go and eat worms.....!

Geri/K2 - I think your storm has started here - the wind is howling and it's pouring with rain. I opened the conservatory door earlier and the wind just took it out of my hand and, almost in slow motion, all I could do was watch it crash back into the conservatory. Fortunately, no damage done!!

K2 - this lot be sarcastic!!!? Never!!

Auds - I know I'm late but have a fab evening.

Eva - hope you're feeling better soon.

I had a close encounter with Weepy earlier. Got out of the bath and took a towel out of the cupboard and Weepy must have been nestling in the towel because as I flung it round my shoulders Weepy went flying through the air (with the greatest of ease - I could almost seeing him frantically trying to open his parachute!!) and landed on the bathroom floor looking rather dazed, I didn't catch him so he's still up there somewhere - eugghhhh!!!!!!!

Sorry if I've missed anybody or anything but I'm trying to post whilst I can so in a bit of a rush!

Hope to get back!!

News reports say one person is known to have died in the storm, a woman in her 30s. Winds reached up to 170mph and thousands of homes are without power. Very scary stuff.

Karen, glad to see you speaking in full sentences, complete with nouns, verbs and conjunctions. Sorry about the Weepy, though -- he'd obviously read chapter 18 and was making his escape!

Hi all.I've come downstairs to cook myself something while watching the Eurovision. I haven't seen the contestants before, but one thing is clear: there is no GO amongst them, although I must say Mark seems to be a charmer and a half. He has a good voice too. Those twins are so like so many other girl groups you forget them as soon as they shut up.

I've been roundly told off by my father today. Do your parents sometimes treat you as if you're still 5 years old? When my father heard that I hadn't mentioned my aching sinuses to the doctor the other day, I had to listen to a 10 minute long scolding. I tried to tell him I had other things to discuss during the 10 minutes she's allowing, but he wouldn't listen, and when I tried to remind him I am 5....... erm, 27 years old, he just snapped:"Then behave like it!" I ended up saying Yes Dad, Yes Dad, and then he handed the phone to my mother who had another go! Parents!

I think my fish pie is ready to be eaten, and then I'll go back to my bed. It's a bit early to wish you good night, but at least have an enjoyable evening.

Evening all.
Ooohhmmsss for all in need, especially Eva and Linx.
Thanks for the pic Chantale. Isn't he lovely? It was good to see you last Saturday; I came up and spoke to you in the foyer before the evening show. Congratulations for all the money raised by the portrait.
I think your storm is on it's way here Dublops.Thank you for aharing it with us all.
Sorry to hear about your son Maeve. Hope things improve for him,
Thanks for that tip Maggie. All those buttons at the top of my keyboard are a mystery to me.
Watched ALW. No-one stands out for me I'm afraid.
Have a good evening all.

Poor Eva and Linx, ooohhhhmmmmss for you both.
I've just had my uncle and his partner (who live near S End) on the phone, asking me when the concert is, as I'd said I'd come to see them then. I told them that the date has not been announced yet. Uncle said 'wasn't he the curly haired one?' So at least he had some idea who I was (very calmly) talking about. I have to add all conversations have to be carried out twice, first to uncle, then to partner, as she is the 'boss'.

Sorry Jo, forgot to say thank you for all your hard work with the card. Wish I was artistic.
Good luck with your search for a dog. We used to have a Westie, but the cat ruled the roost!
Karen1 I'm glad you were OK and it was just your dongle playing up.
Geri I signed the petition yesterday. Hope it has some effect.

Well the storm is definitely here, though not as fierce as yours (I hope) Geri. The wind is howling round the house at the moment. I dreamt about falling fences last night, I do hope that is one dream that doesn't come true!

Agree that there is certainly no GO on the Eurovision thing. I also quite like Mark and think Jade might do the thing quite well. The weeping isn't as much , but we nearly got some at the end!

Jo4 have you warned your uncle there could be a lot of us?

Geri my toe is not too bad (thank you for asking)
Lynx OOHHHMMS for you too
Joe, I was having a look around at all the dog sites (Battersea dogs home etc) and found
http://www.dogsblog.com/index.php you may already know of this one, but it was nice to read about all the dogs that had been re -homed
While I was checking on dinner I looked at the time and thought this time last week we were waiting for the curtain to go up (sniff – sniff)

Been a bit preoccupied with RL and had a foul migraine yesterday, but better today.
Thanks for link to scrum Auds, lovely.

I've been to A Little Night Music today with amongst others Jessie Buckley from IDA, it was really good very charming, wonderful direction by Trevor Nunn, I think Jenny Dublop has seen it too. On the way, while sitting on the tube, I had this little fantasy that GO mmight be in the audience but of course I expect(and hope) he's somewhere in The Caribbean sunning himself.

I did see at London Bridge station, while on an escalator, that they still had Joseph posters with GO and the strip saying "See Lee before Jan 10th"! But didn't see any Joseph posters at King's Cross, not looking forward to the ones there will be with GG.

Must say again how tremendous I thought the card for the staff was Jo and the verse was your best ever Geri.

It's blowing a gale outside here at the moment, hope we get off more lightly than you did in Ireland.

Maggie, thanks for the link.
Maeve, I have to agree about Geri's verse, totally hit the spot.
Kathleen, not artistic, just using photos and a bit of cut and paste. Thanks though.

Thanks, Maeve and Jo. It's funny, but that verse is my favourite too and I wrote it in just a few minutes, with only two words changed in the re-write. Funny the way it works sometimes. I definitely agree about the card; it's so vibrant and fun - a lot like us, really!

I've been reading Keats tonight because he's going to make up half of my lit essay. I just happened upon a verse in La Belle Dame that I'd forgotten: I met a Lady in the meads / Full beautiful, a fairy child.

A song has been in my head for the past week. When you get to the last verse you'll see why. A week ago today... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEZIKSm78k8&feature=related

Lashing with rain and wind here - thank you Dublops - very kind of you to sent it over!

Oh Geri, that song is just beautiful, and yes the last verse is particularly poignant, it sure brought a tear to my eye!

Text from Auds: Mandy was / is fantastic! No scrum - deluge.

Sorry, Karen, I didn't refresh before posting. The song is wonderful, isn't it? It was a big hit in the '70s, but of course we're all too young to remember it.

You're welcome, Carol!

Auds promises a full Mandy report as soon as she gets home.

..actually I've always liked that version Geri (my grandma used to play it to me!). Ah wondered if Auds would manage a scrum in this lovely weather!! Off to bed now as despite oversleeping have felt tired all day! Ohhhhhmmmmmmsssss for our sick and poorlies! Sweet Meads all.

Only just managed to get online, at my old lady's an extra night and when the weather is bad the connection to their system is rubbish. Not managed to catch up yet, and need to go to bed as I'll be woken at some ungodly hour in the morning!!
I'm here all day tomorrow so I'll do a catch up then. All I could think of today was this time last week, was it really only a week ago??
Nite nite Loppies x

Thankyou Geri, I did enjoy that, how very apt,
that just takes us back to last week as you said.
Going to listen to it again!

Geri that song is lovely and as you say so very relevant. I have always loved it as it is the part of Ireland my Grandfather came from and my Mum used to sing it all the time when I was little.

Well I think even a GO scrum woulsd have been a trial in this weather! Would still have done it though, of course!

I'm off to bed as well so, with lots of ohhhhhhmmmmms for all the sicklies animate and inanimate, night night all sleep tight.

Geri, what a lovely version, and very appropriate. I got a shiver up my arms.
Must go, had a busy night, at least the rain has stopped here. Washing still not all done and what is done won't dry before tomorrow.
Early start, so won't pop in for breakfast.
Nightlee night

bottoms -- just did a long post and lost the whole bloomin' lot.

It was Fab
He was Fab
He noticed me......

Aw, Auds -- Can you do any more for me pleeeeeasssse??? I know you're tired and probably wet, but at least tell me if he sang Brother Can You Spare a Dime?

So let me try again.

Made it back only slightly damp.

What a show
What a voice
What a man

The stage is dark; the piano man readies himself (surprisingly young fella – well looks young – and doesn’t wear shoes, does wear socks). Mandy starts to sing, still off stage – very haunting – he comes on stage and very slowly the lights are turned up. I’m in tears now… his voice does that to me. And he continued to sing for another 10 minutes, then had the audience join in.. and little “Doodle Doodle Do”.
Geri – you were right about him bantering with late comers. Only this time they got the edge. In reply to his question ~”You guys just get here?” the chap says “We’re from California. Arrive late and leave early”. (if any of you know any CA’s then you’ll know that’s a very true statement).
I was too enthralled to take notes about what he sang – but a couple that stuck were “Bring Him Home” (serious amounts of tissues used) and the best I’ve heard it; and then “Oh What a Circus” [just after the thought of the GO crossed my mind – well one of the times at least… I wondered if he’d do something like this in years to come…and might he be in the audience, and he should be…]. And I wished I’d seen him in the role. Mandy as Che that is.
He also did some familiar songs in Yiddish – one that was very poignant was by Paul Simon “American Tune” He was also full of that Irish fella that’s going to work in a big white house next week Pádraig O’Bama. Apparently he’s been on part of the campaign trails – has hundreds of ‘buttons’ to prove it.
Oh – and he noticed me.. Said “Hi Auds, nice to see you”. OK, well perhaps not that. He was singing a song – another one with audience participation (there were only two like that).. and I was fanning myself – no, no TWs on show, it was just bloomin hot – and he pointed and said ‘the lady’s got a nice fan’ - I just beamed like an eejit. But I beamed all night – he is a great and very casual showman. So relaxed and easy chatting with the audience.
I didn’t stay for a scrum – the weather was atrocious and I needed to remain dry as possible.
Didn’t see any Joe posters on the escalators…:( not even any old ones. The theatre was so close the KoA that I a fleeting thought crossed my mind “oo, can get to the scrum…” followed by sadness.
Anyway – that the review. Now I’m going to catch up on the blog.. Oh no I’m not. I’ve just seen the time. If anyone’s still up – goodnight and sweet meads.

Just saw the last comment... Yes Geri, he did sing Brother Can You Spare a Dime... a wonderful interpretation. But then all his songs are like that. ~Such a haunting voice.

Thanks, Auds, it was worth staying up late for. The man is dazzling, isn't he? He's my American Lee -- I think you know why.

Bedtime for this loppy. Someone put the cat out and order the milk for morning. BHB has offered to come serenade me to sleep -- maybe he & Mandy can take turns. Sweet Meads.

Well this dublop just rolled in about 20 mins ago (sorry I'm late Mum) and found computer still on so must say hello to the blog, and am very surprised I can still type! My cousins said they were determined to send me home having to tell PB I was drunk but I'm afraid they underestimated the staying power of a lushloppy.
I am however very much in need of my bed and so goodnight all, will catch up with you tomorrow.

Morning.

Happy birthday, Jane. Enjoy your day.

Ohhmmms to Eva, Linx and any other poorly Loppies.

Lots to do but will try to come back later.

Good morning all, a quick hello before I head off to the books for a few hours.

Happy Birthday, Lady Jane!

Sorry, BHB, don't even have time to watch you do your sit ups... oh, okay, maybe a minute or two.

Back later, all. Hope all our poorly loppies, etc., are on the mend.

Oh happy birthday Jane enjoy your day.
Morning girls what a night we lost power for about an hour last evening and do you know that no phone worked and the mobiles signals had gone so i fwe had had an emergency no chance of comunication the is terrible and quite frightening.
Oh thank you BHB the lilac blanket ready and my coffee bless you I know you will go to the gym soon but you need a little rest! before your coach arrives. Is she a bully ? no you don't say ,you got it wrong I am sure.
Olbas also my saviour ooooooohhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmssss to eva still linx and all who are still crook.
see you all later xxxx

Morning all. It looks like it's going to be a nice day after a horrible night. What with the rain and the wind, there were times I thought the house would take off and go for a ride. Imagine that: my very own Tardis!

Hello sweetheart. What's this? I'm being showed to a roped off area with a sign : CONTAMINATION AREA! Three chairs with name plates; Eva, Linx and Maggie! I have to admit the chairs are very comfy, it's in the bay window area and there is a table with cold cuts, baskets of rolls and bread, flasks markes Tea and Coffee and even some champers on ice.
You are a brave lad, BHB. Be careful, or Linx will do a Gemma on you. What a Gemma is? You'll know when she whips out the sunglasses, smiiiiiiiles and calls you Daaaahling! She won't do that because she's agreed to be your personal trainer? ? ? ? You're not only brave,- you're foolhardy! You won't know what's hit you! I think you might regret it when she has you running up and down icy Scottish mountains!

That's it for now. My eyes are still hurting when I'm in front of the screen, and the flaming headache just won't go away. I'm getting bored with this!

Good morning

Happy Happy Birthday Lady Jane. Hope you have a luvly day.

I had a great time with the 1-3 year olds yesterday. Only one hitch. The latch on the gate to the padded reserved area with the multi-coloured balls was high enough to be out of reach of children but unfortunately at my eye level and yes, you guessed it, it and I collided and I have a slightly discoloured eye. Luckily the bouncy thing like a mini trampoline definitely wasn't meant for big kids like me, otherwise I might have hit my head on the ceiling and ended up with concussion.

No sign of a storm here this morning thankfully as I have a 35k drive to Wicklow to see my special guys in Blue Dolphins.

Bye for now

Where are my manners:
LADY JANE,- HAPPY BIRTHDAY
GRATULERER MED DAGEN
Here are some Norwegian letters just for you:
ØØØØØØØØØØØØØ ÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆÆ ÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅÅ

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOOOO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOOOOO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR JAAAA-AANE,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ah, in fine voice this lovely blue skied (with off-white puffs all about) morning.

I'm ready for a good breakfast now... hmmm a very continental spread today. I think I'll start with a toast to the day with a mimosa please BHB. Yes of course I'll come and watch you train for a bit (or as long as you like...) I'll grab a croissant and a coffee and sit over here on the bench closest to your workout spot... of course I'll keep the towel handy for you - I'll even wipe down the apparatus for you.... ooo eck, I've splilt the coffee... sorry I'm just so clumsy around you. Oh and Odds says that she'll join us in a while to give you one of her wonderful head massages... sigh

Morning all, first of course HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY JANE! Hope you have a great day.

Auds your concert sounds lovely glad you had a great time, and the fans are getting their own fan club! (sorry).

Ohhhhhmmmmmms for Eva and Linx and Maggie, and also ohhhhmmmms for Jennys' eye.

K2, they tried to get a lush drunk, mad fools, it would cost a fortune!

Morning BHB, yes I know it looks as if the CM has overslept again, so I feel we must get the brunch going. So there will be the usual eggs any style, bacon, sausages, hash browns, grilled tomatoes. Lots of fresh fruit and flavoured and plain yoghurts, smoked salmon and cream cheese, bagels, and different style breads and English muffins. There is also as an experiment, dosas which are a sort of Indiaan pancake made with rice and lentils and can befilled with all sorts of meat or vegetables and sauces, though Masala dosa is the best known. They are very yummy (if you like curry). There is also all types of tea and coffee and of course Cham Cham, Bellinis, and Mimosas.

Phew I'll be glad when the CM is back, mind this has taken so long to type that she may have snuck in without me realising! Never mind there will be lots of food for you all in that case, which of course means BHB will have to work out even harder. Speaking of which you look very hot and sweaty now BHB (lovely). I think you need a good rub down in the shower before we snuggle, yes you do so in that bathroom with you. Shuts door gently.

Good Morning - see? one hangover free loppy reporting in.

Dear Jane - Happy Birthday!!! Have a wonderful day and remember, on your birthday you don't have to do anything unpleasant, ploppy must wait on you hand and foot! (in fact, a Sunday birthday really is the best kind, isn't it)
Breithla Shona Duit, xx.

Poor Jenny you hurt your eye! Hope it's not hurting too much, I knew there'd be no chance of you just sitting down and letting the kids have all the fun, what are you like!

Now, breakfast. Hello BHB, you do look fetching in that lycra get-up, it leaves nothing to the imagination? oh no dear it's just fine and I'm sure all your patrons will agree. Now we can leave Auds "wiping down the apparatus" - really Auds!!
Any chance of something hot? (I meant food!) the continental selection is lovely but it's a bit chilly for that, some poached eggs on toast would be just lovely, thankyou.

Serious h*******k day today, later all.

Firstly HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE,hope you have a super day as K2 said Sunday really is a good day for a birthday.
Maggie thanks for that info, Djokovic is one of my favourite players, he was playing in a tournamnet in Sydney but didn't win it.I was saying to Celia on Friday I would like to be flying to Melbourne now for 2 weeks, hopefully one day again.
lOTS OF OOOOOHHHHHMMMMS from this neck of the woods for Eva and Lin and Jenny's eye.
Jo 4 I do hope you are successful with the dog hunting, one of my friends will never have a puppy always likes to have an older dog.
Right off to sign Geri's petition.

HappY birthday Jane - Sunday great day for your birthday - ploppy's birthday too so just off to wait hand and foot on him - he has just ordered a whisky - minister calling in and - they both LOVE their whiskies:)

I had a long list of things I wanted to accomplish today (apart from the studying, which is going fine) but they involved leaving the house and we got hit by another minor storm. So I've opted to stay home & order groceries on line. I haven't done it before, so we'll see how it goes.

Feel better, Jenny. Did K2 punch you in the eye? You can tell me I won't tell anyone. Well, not many.

Hope you're having a fabulous day, Lady Jane! Now say goodbye to Audrey and come on the blog.

Hello all! thank you for all the lovely Happy Birthday wishes - and for all the cards, e-cards, texts & calls - and Eva, for the little parasol - so sweet!!!

You lot really are the best!

OOooo and there's one every special card on my mantle peice - from a certain gorgeous young man (no I'm not talking about my Ploppy). Swoon - thud - squeal!

Lynx, Maggie and Eva - hope you are all better soon. How's that arm of yours K2? Still hurting?

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Lady Jane
Happy Birthday to you!!
Enjoy!!!
Auds, so you didn't have a good time last night then?? YOu must try to enjoy shows/concerts more - you really must!!! Ohhhhhmmmmmmsss for Aunty Eva, Maggine & Martin and LinX and anyone else who needs them (and K2's head and Jenny's eye - I told you more water with it!!). Fi Happy Birthday to Ploppy! Well sorry I'm late but we were off to church at 9 am so didn't have time to get here first. In fact as weekends are tricky I have asked the DCM to take over at weekends if she wouldn't mind. I see she has done sterling work this weekend!. OK off to feed snacks to Sloppy & Ploppy and then I have to do the IxxNxxG (yes, finally I have to do it!).

Glad your parasol arrived safely, Lady Jane. What with all the sunshine you get in Yorkshire, I thought it was an appropriate present for a delicate lady like yourself!

Jenny,- what are you like? Even at 27 you're too old to play in one of those enclosed ball parks! No? Hope the damage isn't too bad.

I've just finished another marathon phone call with my sister. Well, I can't read too long, I can't be at the pooter too long, but by heck, I can talk for Norway! Everything is fine at home. My br.-in-law is only 2 months away from retirement, and has started practising. He was lieing (sp?) on the sofa reading the paper! The Young Ones are doing fine.
My niece has landed herself a new, excellent job as Spanish teacher! That means no more shift work at the hospital, and she and Juan get to see each other now and again! She starts tomorrow, and is very excited about it.

Lunch is calling!

Jane, Happy Birthday……27 again?
I'm feeling very well today so hopefully no more colds to come this way
The sun is shinning but still very cold here.
Any news on the G O has he gone on holiday yet?
So – Jenny you dropped the 2 from your age I see, a good ploy, as you were only 7 you were able to play with the little ones.(take care on the drive to Wicklow )
Auds sounds like you had a great night.
OOOHHHMMMSSS for Eva -Lynx and little Jenny’s eye (sorry)
Happy Birthday Ian

Hi all

Happy Birthday Jane! Hope you're having a lovely day.

Happy Birthday to Fi's Ploppy.

Ohms to Eva, Linx and everybody else in need.

Jenny - ouch!!

Auds - wiping down the BHB's apparatus!!!!! Do you need some help!?

FYI, the duet Lee does with Connie on her album is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apE6674VUMI It's a cr*p video but gives you an idea what to expect.

Auds, you're not supposed to do that in public!

Good News: EP playing Go, Go Joseph to wish Lee well.
Bad News: It's the wrong version.

Hey, I take it all back about my old lady getting me up early, she let me lie till 8am today, miracle!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE xx

Auds, thanks for the short but sweet vid, have you figured how to get the lengthy and gorgeous one on to a disc to share yet??????? Thanks for the i-Player reminder, I always forget that. I’ve put a new screen saver on, a lovely pic from the Forum of Lee’s last wave. (sob!!!!)

Linx, have some ohhhmmmsss, hope you’re feeling a bit better by now.
Geri, such a sad tale about that little dog, some people just want shooting. How is Elaine by the way?

Karen, don’t laugh but I used to catch weepys with one of those little hoover things, and very carefully put them out of the bedroom window, until ploppy said ‘what do you think happens to them when they hit the ground?’ here was me thinking I was doing them a favour!!!!

Chantale, you and Nicholas must be very proud of all the money raised for the CK foundation.

Jo, how much room have your uncle and partner actually got?????

Geri, thanks for the link, love the song.

Oh dear Eva, this lurghy is taking an age to go away, but thank goodness it didn’t come last weekend. Congratulations to your niece.

EP, wishing Lee well? She was very scathing about him in the early days!!!

Oh dear how bittersweet was that? How lovely of the kids to ask for Go Go Joseph to wish Lee well though. They said he was lovely to them, bless. But the WRONG version and it isn't the same at all. Sigh.

Happy Birthday to Fis' Ploppy as well. May he enjoy much whisky!

Had a lovely morning (not) c*****g the upstairs, even c*****d the windows, amazing what you can see through them, I'd forgotten.

Thanks for the link Geri, will go and listen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JANE

Oh oh, I've just seen Saggy take the WJS. Thanks Gillian and Eva.
Last load of horse washing has gone into the machine, finally caught up! Was it worth going away last weekend to come back to 2 weeks of dirty saddle cloths? Oh yes!! Stupid question.

Sue, Elaine is doing okay. She's just moved in to her first house so that's helping build up her spirits. Her mum and her friend are about half-way through their chemo treatments, so we're hoping she has a better year.

I wouldn't have minded the wrong version of Go Go Joe quite so much, Pauline, if EP hadn't cackled like a hyena afterwards and said Lee was 'Gone, gone, gone.' Nasty woman.

Jo, you back in MI6 again? A saggy taking a WJS? Did the rooster crow at midnight?

Woo hoo! Just been driving Ploppy's new car. It's an automatic. the first time I've driven without feeling terrified!

Sorry Jenny - I missed you off the OOOHHMMMsss - hope your eye isn't too painful.

Auds I'm glad you had such a great time at the concert.

And happy birthday Fi's Ploppy!

JaneE,- are you old enough to drive?

Geri,- when I heard EP utter what goes for a laugh, I thought she sounded like a demnted gerbil!
She was very complimentary about Jodie, and in the Sunday Express there was another very good review of Oliver! and Jodie.

A little something for you, Auds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAV85qXT1Ds&feature=rec-HM-rev-rn

Jane I've been driving automatics since I did all the ligaments in my left shoulder (yep, fell off horse) in 83, would never go back, even though I can use my arm almost normally now.
Geri I've sent you something, sit down before opening.

I've just come across this interview with GN and thought it might be of interest - haven't listened to it myself yet
http://www.celebrityradio.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=587:graham-norton&catid=34:celebrity-interviews&Itemid=50

Jane I thought it was YOUR BIRTHDAY, surely Ploppy should have bought you a new car.
Me and Ploppy drive automatics I wouldn't go back to a gear change for anything.

There's nothing wrong with my head Carol! I said I was a hangover-free zone! You should know a real lushloppy wouldn't have a hangover, and I certainly don't.

Just blitzed house, all except my own room which still needs sorting but got to get cleaned up a bit and brave the weather to go grocery shopping - yeuk, would much rather curl up and watch a nice dvd.

Apart from her laugh, obviously EP has realised she's going to look a bit of a fool if she didn't change her attitude to Lee after such a successful run and his phenomenal send off last weekend.

Jane - something wrong here, it's your birthday, right? so why is it ploppys's new car?? Glad you got all your cards, as I said, I enjoyed making mine and of course THE special card is there too. (I was very well behaved and put mine away safely after it arrived, do you think I'd be allowed to put it up now even though it's still a bit early?)

Thanks for asking about my arm, it still hurts a bit when I use that hand and aches if I've been driving, maybe I could borrow the automatic for a while?

Ooohhmms for all poorly, thanks for the links everyone, will check them out later, right now better get going while it's still daylight.

Ooh Jill, great minds think alike!

Message received and understood. Thanks, Jo. Glad I was sitting!

Thanks for the link, Diana. GN is a fun interviewee, isn't he?

Ha-ha! Eva, I shall think 'Demented Gerbil' every time I see her from now on. That's exactly what she's like!

K2 & Jill, I think Jane's ploppy's new car is actually several months old, it's just that she's been putting off driving it.

Hi Loppies, short and sweet from me today as I'm feeling very yukky, I'm still in my jim jams watching Sense and Sensibility as the snow is falling outside!

Ohhhmmmsss for Eva, Maggie, Jenny, K2 and all in need X Thank you for my ohhmmss XXXX

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jane, hope you enjoy your special day XX And Fi's ploppy.

Loppies, it sounds like you're all enjoying your gym visits. BHB really does like flexing his muscles doesn't he? Not to mention the sit ups!

Luckymollee - I would never bully, always gentle encouragement, usually gets the right result.

Eva, sorry I couldn't share the comfy seats in the gym with you, don't think I could even manage a 'Gemma' at the moment, however the sunglasses are never far away so maybe one of these days...................................I reckon BHB will love the icy Scottish mountains, especially when I bring out the flask and the energy bars, boy do I know how to live!

Going back to my bed now, bye bye XX

You do sound poorly, Linx. Lots of ohhmms to you.

I listened to EP on iPlayer - demented gerbil is too polite. As this is a public site, I'd better not say any more!

Aw - poor Linx.

Oi - Ploppy's new car arrived just before I left for London. I haven't had a chance to drive it before today as Ploppy was off skiing and poor car was left at the airport.

Jo & Jill I'm pleased to see I'm not the only one who likes automatics!

Happy Birthday Jane,hope you're being taken somewhere nice tonight.

Ooohhhmms Linx and K2, glad to hear the arm is feeling better, I don't think you got all the sympathy you deserved last weekend as we were all pretty well distracted and distraught.

Oliver has had very mixed reviews, another poor one in The Observer today, though every one I've seen has liked The Artful Dodger, which is more of a 'show off' role than Oliver I suppose.

Glad you enjoyed Mandy, Auds.

unexpected day out - very pleasant.
Jo - I'm sitting down. what's a WJC?
Jane - you ecard bounced back at me.. I did type out your address. will go copy & paste instead (in a minute).
Thanks for the link Geri - he did the Russion names song last night at similar speed.
Glad I wasn't listening to EP today - I'm with Diana that a DG is too polite a description of that, that, that,.... thing.
shame, lots of ooohhhhmmmmms to linx and eva still. Come on girls, pretend the GO is doing a performance tomorrow in your town... see if that works.
Diana - Thanks for that link to GN interview... just going to listen to it now.