Strictly Argentine Tango

Oh thank you thank you Dear Landlord Scott. It is beautifully shiny and new. Sequins? What sequins?

Can't believe I am the first to post. Everybody please take note, that is not Flavia dancing but me in disguise. Another one of my secrets I have to own up to.

Maybe the flaming BBBT will let me post here. It flatly refused on the old thread.

Jan,- I hardly recognised you there!

Do you remember I mentioned going to the theatre to see a play called Conversations With Mother? My niece has now booked tickets for Monday, so we're off then. I've tried to find something about the author and came up with this impressive list:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0653983/
and this about the play:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversations_With_Mother

Now RA, what's this? you're going behind my back and moaning to the other Loppies? No? Just trying to explain why you are exhausted? You shouldn't be,- you're young, fit ang gorgeous! It's the carrying that's difficult? I don't weigh that much! (At least not in this virtual world.) And you should be grateful that I offered to come with you to choose your shoes.
These are the shoes I....eh...we settled on:
http://www.werner-kern.com/tanzschuhe-herren/10-tanzschuhe-herren.html

Geri,- of course you're right about Lincoln. I wasn't reading the blog properly.

Wow, Jan, you got in first. I love your outfit, don't you look fetching?

Looking forward to that podcast, Scott. Thanks for our new home (or should that be ballroom?)

Interesting shoes, Eva. I don't think it was the dancing RA objected to so much as the fact that you wanted him to carry you to the shops!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FI, hope you have a lovely day.
Eva I presume those shoes are for RA and not for you??????
right I have myself sorted.
Sancing the AS with Ian this is my frock
http://www.deirdreoflondon.com/women_wear/designs/smooth_stand_entrance/2006/06_sm_st_pages/6501sm_barbier_page.htm
For shoes I am going to wear, silver sandals with just 2 bars in the front which is made up of fake diamonds, we are dancing to Michael Buble 's Call me Irresponsible, for the Paso Doble I am dancing with Rafa Nadal, but I am going to make my own frock, it's in red the top is like a sports bra with black sequins and I am going to have sleeves made from voile, which again I am going to put sequins on at the wrist. The skirt is quite short, but like a ra ra skirt that we used to wear, again I am going to sew black sequins on the skirt, I am going to wear fish net tights but a very small healed pair of red cuban shoes.Rafa has chosen the music it is called Islas Canaries.
Ian has kindly said is going to help with the sewing, inbetween the rehersals, and he is also going to help Rafa and I with the choreography for the Paso Doble.
Right better get going lots to do today, Dentist tomorrow and School.

Right better

Scott dear,- something funny is going on here. There is no sign in/out option, I have to fill in my name and e-mailadress and I have to do the captcha. However, when I submit, the post comes up as if I am signed in. ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

I forgot to ask,- is that you in disguise doing the AT with Jan? Remember you're doing it with me for the competition!

I know, very remiss of me: I forgot to say thank you for a new home. Here we can move with speed and grace!

Eva, I've been having that problem for a while. Thankfully, the other problems I was having on the previous page seem to have stopped now.

Thanks as ever for the new home, Scott.

About to leave for lunch at last. Hope we get some bread/rolls otherwise wine on empty stomach ....

I'll look into the login problem, but it'll be a tough one as we're not experiencing the same problems here.

In the meantime, the podcast is now online: http://blogs.thestage.co.uk/podcasts/2009/12/strictly-argentine-tango-the-stage-podcast-48/

if you have iTunes, it's at http://bit.ly/stagepodcast

Thanks for the new home Scott, it's looking a tad bare though so do you mind if we put up a christmas tree and hang a wreath on the door?

Thanks for the new home Scott, however we do seem to have an access problem.

Can't stop, just popped in to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Fi.

Oh, key seems to work anyway without a signature!

OOooh thank you Scott Dear - back from lunch with Twin (she's up here doing shopping) and now we have a nice new beautiful home. Will listen to the podcast when I get home!

Oh Scott - you ARE a dancer!!! where's the video -????

Scott dear,- thank you for the link to the pod cast. I enjoyed listening to it. My, I think you impressed the lady with your hold!
AT sounds very complicated. Imagine, the two dancers doing different speeds and rythms at the same time. And all that kicking and flicking!

Then I had to admit to doing something I've managed to avoid for a long time: That link to how to get a flatter stomach! I wish I'd stayed away. All the person did was talk, talk, talk without saying anything. I think I listened for about 10 minutes, and I'm none the wiser about how to get a flatter stomach. I think he must be talking himself slim! All I've got is an earache!

No video (much to my relief!).

I have just heard, though, that my ticket application for the Strictly Christmas show has been successful, so I'll be in the audience for the show that goes out at 7pm on Christmas Day!

Well done Scott, that's brilliant. Have a really good time and perhaps you will be able to tell us what you can about the ins and outs of a show like SCD. Envious? Moi? What do you think!!

Happy Birthday Fi! hope you are having a good one. Bad roof news - the repair man could not find the source of the leak so he cannot fix it! Now we have to wait til it rains again and go into the eaves and see what happens. The chap stripped several areas of tiles and replaced them but said everything was dry underneath so we may have a slow leak that only happens in a storm or when the wind is in a certain direction. He was very puzzled and spent ages pulling up tiles and was very apologetic that he could not trace the problem. We are now left rather in limbo. Ohhh Scott - lucky you! we will have to watch very carefully on Christmas Day to spot you.

Thanks for the new home Scot!

Sorry I've not had time to read the blog - I've got a friend with me tonight!

Byeee!

Evening all,
I have received pictures of Maeve's dress choices for strictly come Loppy and they are in the Miscellaneous album.

My AS partner has been practicing - do you like our choice of music? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_IpOVF8S5Q

I had problems this morning trying to post on old blog so thanks Scott for the move, though no sign in for me either.

Think Geri's idea of putting dance dresses on Martin's site is a very good idea as we'll be able to see them together rather than looking at lots of links if of course it's OK with Martin..

I've just come in and am out again this evening so have just skimmed and can't linger, hope to be back lateron.

Maeve,- I love your choice of dresses. I see you've picked Alesha's pink dream.

Scott dear,- you are one lucky man, although after a Christmas lunch you might be a tad sleepy!

Carys,- you've made o good choice of partner. He can dance and sing!

The news are full of the Nobel Peace Price and Barak Obama's arrival in Oslo tomorrow to receive it. There will be full live coverage on telly of course, and I'll catch as much as I can.
The security steps they are taking are tremendous. 1/5 of the entire Norwegian Police Force is being deployed to look after him! Let's hope the crims are watching the ceremony on telly too!

Well, I'm thoroughly depressed after today's budget. Huge cut in my salary so my days of visiting the West End (or fellow loppies) is going to be seriously curtailed.

Love your partner, Carys, and that's a brilliant video.

Congrats on those tickets, Scott!

Evening all. Had a lovely day, well lunch was good and managed to do a bit more shopping, yippee I'm getting there!

Scott thankyou for aour lovely new home. Will listen to the podcast as soon as I can get a minute. Well impressed you got tickets for the Christmas SCD, don't forget to wave at us! I have the same problem with no sign in on the blog. We'll see how I get on when I post.

Haven't been practicing enough I think I'm slipping behind here. Better grab Tom and get on with it I think.

I see what you all mean, there is no sign in yet I have my pencil, very odd!

Hi I'm home early to a lovely new home, thanks Scott.
Happy Birthday Fi.
Better get my tea now, back later

Hi all. thanks for birthday cards, gifts, ecards, texts. There seemed to be a certain theme to my pressies. think i might have to buy some turquoise clothes to go with all my new accessories:)

I must remind my 2 impoverished student scollops that there are other shops besides Oxfam. That will teach me to admire the necklace they bought from there for mothers day.

Had to get up v early for conference on Child poverty (seems non approp when i came home to lovely pressies) then colleague's car broke down and had to swap cars but made the conference. had text from Auds telling me re lincoln tic but couldnt get near internet. however have emailed gillian but it went last night. Sob. obviously this loppy not meant to go to ball -but to stay at home and study - double sob. but thank you all who tried on my behalf - should have had more faith that i would have had time to go. Have a fabulous time all who are going and I look forward to the report.

Must go and spend time with ploppy who cooked my meal and is pouring champagne as i speak/write

Fi, scollops after my own heart!! Well done them. Funny you having a theme to your pressies.
No time for fun Geri, got wrapping to do!!

Hello again
Eva's Dresses and accessories now in the Miscellaneous album.

Huge portions for lunch, couldn't finish my Xmas pudding.

I've also got the sign in problem on the home PC which was fine on the previous page.

Hi All, in case you haven't visited LMAS this evening, I managed to track down the photographer from the event last Sunday. He kindly uploaded his photos on his website today and gave me permission to give out his link. Photos available to purchase, I rather like No. 13. Go have a look

http://www.photoboxgallery.com/gallery/collection?album_id=259930739

Hi all, I'm just dashing in to wish Fi a very happy birthday.
Sorry I'm a MIA Loppy most of the time these days. Down to a mixture of W***k pressures and ploppy needing my time.
Thanks for the new home Scott and congratulations on getting those tickets!
Looking forward to Lincoln tomorrow, shame you could'nt get ticket Fi.
Not sure if my virtual self is fit for dancing - RL legs certainly not!!!
Hope everyone is ticking along well.
Sue x

Evening all

Flying visit to say:

Happy Birthday Fi, hope you're having a good day.

Thank you for the new home Scott.

Now, what was the other thing.....oh yes......1 SLEEP - SQQQUUUUEEEEEAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

oooo.... thanks for the link Brenda, yummy pics x
must say a Big thanks to everyone for for all the other links - loving the Advent Calendar Ro.

Hi all.
Just a quick look in to wish Fi a Happy Birthday.
Thanks for the new home Scott. Will look out for you on Christmas Day.
Thanks for all the links.
Ro, I'm loving the advent calendar. Thank you.
Will get my dancing shoes and dresses sorted out for tomorrow, but will have Alxn Rickmxn as my partner for the PD.
Night all.

Hello

First of all, Happy Birthday Fi.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while but I do read the blog every day. RL is wobbly at the moment. My daughter, mother and sister are all unwell at the moment. May I request some ohms please?

Just back from the last Special Olympics meeting for 2009 but can't face typing up minutes tonight. Volunteering at a swim gala on Sunday and that's it until January. It can be time consuming but the rewards are worth the effort.

Luving SCL but can't decide who I would like to dance with. My problem is that I learned some dance steps at school but as one of the taller in my all girl class I learned to lead. My Dad luved to waltz and when I watch Brendan C he reminds me of him. Don't know who I would like to see win on SCD. I like to watch Ali and Ricky but Team Cola are so cute!!

Sort of half heartedly watching X factor. I liked DJ and wonder if all the bad press is warranted. He reminds me of Robbie W, cocky little sod but luvable. I'm a big Robbie fan. I like Joe. I'd go to see him in the West End.

Sorry I'm rambling a bit. Just treated myself to a brandy and port and I'll probably slide off the computer chair soon!!

I finished all the Twilight books in a week and Dollop and I completely disagree when it comes to Team Edward and Team Jacob. Haven't seen the second film. I'll probably wait until I can buy it on dvd. I luv the piece of music called "Bella's Lullaby". I am particularly fond of piano and soft guitar and I find this piece very soothing. I also like the fact that RP can actually play the piano.

Better sign off before I hit the floor.

Jenny Dublop

...quick hello and then off to bed. Had a night in (only one this week) but have made a start on the Christmas Cards - only about another sixty to go and we will have finished - hurray! Sweet Meads all!!

Hi Fi sorry to be so late to wish you a Happy birthday but got delayed on way back on road from Dartmouth due to an accident.
Girls have a great time tomorrow and if you see Go wish him well from absentee loppies.
Thank you dear Scott for our new dancing home, shame about the singing in!!!!

Well watched Spooks, some of it from behind a cushion, phew close shave for some! That has finished me off, I am tired what with shopping, lunch and then all my dancing in one day, phew! So I will turn in I think, night night and sleep tight.

Well done super sleuth Brenda.
We have an addition to QofL and Ace reporter, now SS Brenda.
Wrapping is hard work and MrT came as well. Better put the shopping away.
Ohhhmmms for Jenny and family.
Have a brill time tomorrow, jealous moi? You know that publicity photo for Wicked?
http://www.applause-tickets.com/blog/uploaded_images/wicked-712897.jpg
Nightlee night

Sounds like everyone's had a pleasant evening.

Sorry you were disappointed in the Lincoln ticket, Fi. It would have been the perfect birthday present, wouldn't it?

What a shame real life is getting you down, Suex. I hope things improve for you soon.

Ooh, Kathleen, the lovely AR! (Does that make him the direct opposite of RA?)

Lovely to see you again, Jenny -- I can't wait to see who ends up being your choice of dance partner! Ohms for all the sickies in your family.

Have an amazing time tomorrow, you lucky Lincoln-lops! Not saying I'm jealous -- just Lincoln-green!

Sweet Meads, all.

Evening all, I’m a bit late because I’ve been out wining and dining.

Eva, I tried that link too, and had the same reaction as you.

Oh dear Geri, that’s bad news.

Brenda, thanks for the link, love no13!

Jenny, good to see you. Sorry RL is a bit of a b*gger at the moment, ohhhmmmsss for all who need them.

Off now for ONE MORE SLEEP, nite nite Loppies x

Nice to see you Jenny, ooohhmms for the family.

AR very good choice for the PD Kathleen.

Sorry things didn't go smoothly today re drips Carys.

I had to attach pic.s of my dresses in a mail to Geri as I still can't copy and paste for some reason.

I've recorded Spooks to watch tomorrow, sounds like a good one.

Hope all going to Lincoln have a wonderful time and that the UC&P goes well, lucky things, look forward to reports ASAP please.

Good morning all - sorry I've still not had chance to read the blog but after a quick skim read I see Jenny, Suex Brenda and Kathleen are here. OOOHHMMMS to Jenny's family.

And to Geri - that's bad news about your salary lass - you really have to get another job.

Right then - it'll have to be a very quick practice this morning as I've got somewhere to be later today.

See you Lincoln Loppies later! SSSQQQUUUEEAALL - but we'll miss all those who aren't going!

Morning all. It's partly clouded here today (I think. It's hard to tell when it's dark.), and the temperature is a mellow +7.9.

I see the BBBT is still misbehaving. Some of us have their usual signatures while others come in a stemps. I wonder what I end up with today?
Sorry sweetheart,- yes I know I'm rambling. You seem a bit out of breath. You had to do a practice run with JaneE this morning because she doesn't have time to do it later today? Where is she going then? To church? Oh well, you have to respect that. It would never do to dance American Smooth down the aisle, would it?
Are we ready for today's Norwegian lesson then? I see we are. The table with the azur tablecloth is laid with a lovely Christmas coffee/breakfast set and the coffee is in the machine. Here goes then:
Tallet er ni.
The number is nine.
So far in 2009 the average temperature in Bergen has been +9 degrees. That is the second hottest year in a hundred years.
I told you we were having a funny winter!

Today I am confident I can say: Have a lovely, lovely day Lincoln Loppies.

It was good to see Jenny Dublop back. Hi Jenny,- you're having a busy time of it still.

I had a phonecall yesterday from the shop where I ordered the lavender coloured rug and it's finally been delivered to them, so I'm going to collect it later today. The shed is filling up!

Geri,- that's awful news about your wages. Didn't you have another pay cut earlier this year. I don't understand how they can do this. What does your union say?

Sorry Scott forgot my manners yesterday, thank you for the lovely new home.
Another here having trouble with the signing in.
Geri thats awful about your job, lots of oooohhhhmmms that you get one of the other jobs you have applied for.
Have a lovely time in Lincoln Ladies, although I must admit I didn't realise it was an evening performance, must start to pay attention.
Off for a root canal job this morning, really looking forward to that.

Morning. Ohhmms for Jenny and her family. And for anyone else in need.
I'm another not able to sign in either!
Chilly out there today, but very sunny which makes for dangerous driving. I've just taken youngest scollop to school, he's off to Norwich Castle museum today to study the Romans. I need to do some cl***ing before work, a split shift today so no time to stop.
Have a wonderful time Lincoln loppies, byeeeeee!

Morning all, lovely bright day here but don't think it is going to be so good workwise as those being made redundant will get their letters today and be told they don't have to come in apart from their one to one meetings next week, and then they will be gone by next Friday. Meanwhile, like Geri, the rest of us have our Dec 1 salary cut about to hit us at the end of the month! Just about got used to managing after the June one.......hey ho! Still at least we still have a job, so I suppose that's something to be grateful for but it does take a lot of the festive cheer away. Jenny lovely to see you - I obviously forgot to refresh last night when I posted as I didn't "see" you! Ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhmssss for your family, for Geri's job, and for any of the poorlies and needies. Hello BHB you're ready for us to have a quick staff meeting before JD is ready for the Paso training (have to say JD did really well yesterday.....he can be very masterful!) - he stayed overnight in the staff bedroom so that we could get an early start. Right, I'll just grab a hot spinach and cheese croissant and grab the jug of Raspberry Bellini and then I'm all yours (I wish) until the DCM arrives! Just in case I don't make it back on later (wxxk, and have a concert this evening so it will be in, quick change, grab music and go) have a wonderful time tonight ladies.

Good morning, all.

Ooh,Sue being wined and dined. Sounds lovely, I hope your dinner guest was pleasant and the food fabulous.

Maeve, the lovely Martin was good enough to put your gowns on the photo album (don't know what we'd do without you, Martin. Thank you!)

You're right, Jane. Just waiting for an opening & I'll be gone like a shot.

Well-remembered, Eva. Yes, that will bring me up to something slightly over 17% including the levy. How do they expect people to pump money into the economy if their income has been gouged? Morons (yes, I can think of stronger words but wouldn't want to make Scott blush)!

Yikes, Jill, root canal! Ohms that it goes well, and ohms, too, for Jenny's family and anyone else who needs them.

I'm not able to sign in either, Ali, but it doesn't seem to matter. Even without the captcha the post still works. Weird!

You lucky, lucky, Lincoln-lops -- have a brilliant time. You know you're our eyes and ears so we'd really appreciate you noting all the details (what he sings, says, looks like. Aim for a Maeve-standard. Yes, I know she's set the bar incredibly high, but you can do it!)

Morning all, a gorgeous morning here which will apparantly last, though it is going to get colder. Having sweated round the London stores yesterday I could welcome that! Why does it have to be so hot in these shops? For goodness sakes all the shoppers come in with winter coats on and I for one can't concentrate and want out therefore not spending money, which is surely not what they want? Right rant over.

Jenny loads of oooohhhhhmmmms for your family , sorry I missed it last night. Another thing I missed was Geris' loss of revenue. So sorry, what with you and Twin on the breadline, I don't know, do these people not know you have important tickets to buy? Grrrrrr!

Lincoln festers have a great time, I know you will, and if you get close enough send him love from us LOL as well please. Haven't heard you squealing loud enough yet!

Mums' gardener today so will be absent later again. It really is all go this week and next week is worse!

Morning BHB, oh yes I am ready for our staff meeting, then I have TC coming to practise the PD with me in the mood room. I'm turning it red to get the passion going! What? Oh no need to be jealous dear you know you are my main passion....besides you'll be with us singing PIB! Meanwhile I'll grab a jug of Raspberry Bellini and I'll have a cheese and tomato croissant for energy and lets go and join the CM.

Morning all

What a morning! As if rushing round to get ready for my very important trip isn't enough, I've just spilled coffee all down my front so have had to rush round again getting changed - can't be in the presence of Himself with coffee stains all over me, can I!!

See some of you soon.

Hope everybody else has a good day.

And, hope nobody minds if I SQQQUUUUUUUEEEAAALLLLLLL!!!!!

..Twin there was an article in today's Metro about the overheating of London shops - they'd carried out a survey and the worst was Top Shop at 82F!!! They claim they need to keep the heat hight to combat the loss of heat when the doors open!!

...well I'm not surprised I'm not the only one moaning Twin! Funnily enough I never made it to Topshop but JL was bad enough.

Karen you squeal all you want. I love the sound! As Geri so rightly says we need a detailed report, and if anyone could manage a video ala Auds? Please?

Forgot to thank Brenda for those pics and agree no 13 is scrumptious.

Oh my Ro! The advent calander today is beyond words! I think it needs a health warning. THANKYOU! Great choice of music too. Very appropriate.

The lavender rug is now safely in the shed. I've visited middle sister at work where I found her with her head down the waste paper basket, swearing! She'd thrown some papers down there a couple of days ago, and of course now she needed them!
It's been raining on and off, so my walk today was rather short.

I've been following B.Obama's progress through the capital, everything leading up to the ceremon later today. He's had a meeting with the Prime minister and just now they are waiting for him at the Royal Palace where he and Michelle will have an audience with The Norwegian Royal Family:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwegian_Royal_Family

While we are waiting, the commentators have to fill the time with something, and one thing was that our king, King Harald, has probably spent more time in the White House than the president has! The explanation is simple:
During the 2nd WW, Crown Princess Martha and the then price Harald and his sisters, Astrid and Ragnhild, spent their excile in Washington DC. The then king, Haakon, and Crown Prince, Olav, was in London, where they led the Norwegian resistance movement and the Norwegian military brances:
http://www.kongehuset.no/c27316/artikkel/vis.html?tid=28689

While the Royal family spent 5 years in Washington DC, they were frequent guests in the White House, as the Crown Princess was a close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Prince Harald spent many happy days playing on the lawns there!

You've learnt something new today!

...thanks for the history lesson Aunty Eva - but what happened to Crown Prince Olav if your current King is the (ex) Prince Harald?? Just had a call from the MM and he is whisking me out to lunch as we may not have time to eat this evening between getting home, changing, grabbing music and rushing out to perform! Sun is still shining here but did anyone see the footage from the States with all the snow over there!!

Carol,- Olav, who became King Olav V, reigned until he died in 1991, the same night as the first Gulf war started:
http://www.kongehuset.no/c27311/seksjonstekst_person/vis.html?tid=28670

Here is a link to the Royal Family's own website. Click on the History button and all will be revieled!:
http://www.kongehuset.no/english/vis.html

I just had a text from Lady Jane: she and KK are within sight of the cathedral. Well, at least they're on time! Does anyone else think they're eager?

Carol, I worked with a doctor in the US whose family owned a string of shops. He told me once that the rule of thumb is never to have a shop more than 10 degrees f different from outside. Makes sense to me.

I hope things settle down, Pauline. You've been doing an awful lot of running about lately. I agree about today's calendar pictures -- wow! Thanks, Ro!

Great links, Eva. Such a fascinating history.

I just had a text from Lady Jane: she and KK are within sight of the cathedral. Well, at least they're on time! Does anyone else think they're eager?

Carol, I worked with a doctor in the US whose family owned a string of shops. He told me once that the rule of thumb is never to have a shop more than 10 degrees f different from outside. Makes sense to me.

I hope things settle down, Pauline. You've been doing an awful lot of running about lately. I agree about today's calendar pictures -- wow! Thanks, Ro!

Great links, Eva. Such a fascinating history.

OOooooohhh!! Jane just called to let me hear a bit of Lee's soundcheck -- he was singing Anthem and OMG that voice!! Even over a crackling phone I could tell that he's seldom sounded better. Just awe-inspiring!

A bit late I know (only just switched computer on) but have a really wonderful time in Lincoln all you lucky Loppies and we want a full report.

Geri, what rotten luck about your salary. That budget yesterday was not full of joy and optimism was it?

Jill dear, how did you get on at the dentist? Not a good place to be at anytime but at least you have had the nasty work done before the festive season.

Eva, most interesting about your Royal family. As you know, history is a favourite of mine and when I get a bit of time later on (and my bum doesn't hurt) I will look at the links you gave.

Must go, just about to order seeds for my Spring garden. Once that is done I can relax.

Ohms to all in need. Oh to hear the GO sing Anthem.

Ro,- thank you so much for today's calendar page. So boooooooootiful. I think I fell in love all over again!

Jan,- I didn't realise your b*m was still bad. You could kneel in front of the pooter, you know!

Geri,- do you know if any of them manages to catch him on their phones?

More from Jane: They were able to see him doing the soundcheck -- he's wearing the RAH trousers... They've heard him rehearse White Christmas, Winter's Tale, When A Child Is Born and ADWD. Jane says they applauded for the last one & Lee commented, "That's nice, getting applause for a soundcheck!"

Sorry, Eva, we posted around the same time. Jane says the area is being closely patrolled and monitored for camera / recording equipment. That said, she was able to call me and let me hear him through her phone so it's probably do-able for someone savvy.

ooo - who applauded for soundcheck! Loppies? Or 'they' of the soundcheck zone?

That wasn't clear, Auds. But given the voice I heard today I'd say anyone who was within listening range!

Anyone living in the Southend area might be interested in this: http://longpier.blogspot.com/2009/12/exclusive-launch-of-longpier-lectures.html

and of course they applauded - he just doesn't get how fantastic he is!

Oh I do hope we have a 'savvy' loppy in attendance tonight...

Ro I absolute LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE today's advent calendar. I've had it on repeat all day - everything just melts looking at that montage, esp when he "puckers up" - slobbered all over my screen.

S**t news about your salary Geri - such a raw deal especially at this time of year. You and Carol not the flushest of bunnies this christmas. OOoohhhmmss for you both.

Going to see if I can find the link for my dresses and shoes now to send to Doyle. It's been a tuff training day today - I've been drenched several times - this learning to balance on a log over the water is taking it a bit too far... how am I supposed to concentrate with the wet t.shirt thing going on... selected the music: for the AS it'll be Lenny's Dance Me to the End of Love. Not quite the melting ballad, but PS very creative in his choreography. For the P it'll be...... we're still arguing over that, so will have to get back to you.

Now to catch up with the rest of the day...

Geri,- we can but hope.

I've just listened to Barak Obama's Nobel's lecture/acceptance speach for the second time today, and I think it will go down in the annals as one of the Great speaches of all times. It's not only that he's such a narrator, but he met his critics head on, drew historic parallells and future plans and not the least, hopes together in such a way that it left me with a lump in my throat. What a man!
If you have the time, listen to it.:
http://www1.nrk.no/nett-tv/klipp/585078
I hope you can use this link, and scroll to 54 min to hear his speach. Don't listen to the Nobel Peaceprice Comitte's Chairman's speach. His English is cringeworthy!

Eva, my Ploppy agrees with your sentiments about Barak Obama's speech, he was bowled over with admiration for this man but unfortunately there will be a lot of people in this world who will not agree with him. Apparently the pub fell silent while the speech was being broadcast on Sky - that doesn't happen very often.

just had a squeeeeeeeal text from Sue1 and Diana - in the queue waiting to go in.

Evening all. Oooh how exciting, sounds like they are going to have an amazing time tonight. I would love to hear him sing Anthem, maybe one day. Not complaining as I know I have done very well, but can I just be a bit green please? Or would that be too unattractive?

Loved the history lesson Eva, really interesting. I know I have read a little about some of these things, but always love to know more thankyou.

Yes Eva, there's been a lot about the Obama Nobel prize on the news here, agree that speech was v.g.

Lots of Ooohhms for Geri and Carol both having hard times and for Jan's bum, hope tooth is OK Jill.

I'd LOVE to hear GO sing Anthem and Winter's Tale, do hope we get a bit on YT though I suppose difficult to record surreptitiously in a Cathedral, will be following Jane's calls to Geri.

I think Sue and Diana will have a tale to tell when they make it back to the blog. Jane & KK got scolded for being noisy while they were waiting go in (these loppies!), and Jane spotted Jo & Steve M.

One of my fave Lee pics in this ad for tonight's event: http://london.jollypeople.com/lee-mead-spirit-of-christmas/

ooh. think i might join you Geri in the Lincoln green. would have been lovely to hear the GO and meet up with loppies. tho have to say am knee deep in assignment at moment. can not get into this final and longest and most difficult part. grrr.

Could do with cheering up too. today was 5th anniversary of my friends death. cannot believe so much time has gone by. Will just have another quick peep at Advent calendar to cheer me up - thank you Ro.

BTW forgot to say yesterday - was amazed at how many turquoise birthday cards there are. Also some very talented loppies. Jan you have kept your creativity under a bushell:)

Back to work

Me too Geri, that is my favourite pic.

Ooohhmms Fi for all the work you're having to do for your assigment and memories of your friend.
Glad you had a good birthday.

All evening I have wondering about how the ladies are getting on in Lincoln and whether they are now just puddles on the cathedral floor.

Jane, my creativity is going to stay under its bushell I'm afraid as RL a bit confusing at the moment.

A bit teary here -- I just watched the finale of Scrubs. One of the better series' finales I've seen. Good resolution and all the characters remained true to themselves. Went right off Will & Grace when they made a b*lls up of theirs, so glad to see it done right.

Fi, hope you've cheered up some this evening.

I'm sure we'll be hearing something from the Lincoln-lops soon. I hate the waiting part but at least this shouldn't be as bad as the wait following the taping of the AT show.

Text from Jane: concert is over & Lee is signing.

Humph Geri, we did our best, so ok it was a poor best but we only went to eat, realise now we should have starved!

Hope they have all had a lovely time and I hope they accomplished the mission I gave some of them! If he is signing maybe.

Oh dear Fi, have some ohhhmmms and go and look and listen to today on the advent calendar. May not be a cure, but it is a lovely way to spend a few minutes.

I have just done a sewing marathon! I am not a fan of it but had to get soeveral new pairs of trousers for Sloppy and as she is only 4'11 and shrinking they always need turning up. Still it is done now thank goodness.

Hi girls by the sound of it it as wonderful can't wait tio hear.
We just came back from Plymouth where we saw scrooge hence why we could not go to Lincoln had we known the day before we would have been in Lincoln too. But I must say Tommy Steel was brilliant I can just see go in the role in 50 years time. By jove he still have a voice and his stage presence is something else, the role suited him like a glove.
Jenny I am sending you bucketful of oooooooooooohhssssssss
Where is my blue pencil I have lost it How do I get it back > please help.
ok going and see Ro's advent . xxx see you all in a minute.

Sorry for being late, I was wrapping.
I got a text at work (17.26) from Sue1, who was with Diana in the queue, saying they had seen his parents in pub.

Jane managed to give him the Christmas card and says he was brill. Will call later with more details.

Just got a text from Sue1, she shook his hand

I hope the present got there too.

lost first post so have to redo again.
LOSTY MY PENCIL??? how do I get it back again.
Can't wait to hear from Lincoln. What a shame i did not get to know one day earlier about the concert I would have been there. Unfortunately we just had booked for Scrooge that we went to see today. Tomy steel fantastic in the role hard to believe is is 73 role suits him perfectly A role I can see Go in in 50 yearsd or so.
Jenny sorry to hear about your sick family so buckets of ooooooohhhhhmmmmmssss your way.
Still no report. gggggggggr.
xxxx

Oops my post disappeared - will try again.

Calling it a night now. deleted more than I wrote but at least now I know what not to write:)

Good to see you Jenny. Thank you so much for keeping our diaries up to date this year. Oooohms for you and yours.

Jan - hope RL unconfuses soon. But would it be RL then?

Sweet meads all.

Ooooh I do hope they got it to him I think they must have done, I have a lot of faith in them!

Chantale sorry can't help, it isn't you it's the BBBT playing up. You will notice you are not alone! So far I have still had my pencil but don't know how!

Will be off to bed shortly. I think will have to wait for the squeaals and reports till tomorrow

Night night all sleep tight

...just home from my own concert....went well but would rather have been in Lincoln! Have a day off tomorrow to do Chrissie shopping with MM, so may be missing in action (although of course I will have my scheduled dance practice before I go!). Off to bed now so Sweet Meads all.

I've not been able to sign in using pencil on this blog either Chantelle.

I'm not getting any sound on Ro's Advent calendar just the pic.s didn't realize there was any 'til Pauline mentioned, wonder why.

Sounds as though Lincolnlops having a great time, can't wait to hear details.

Ro today's advent calendar is lovely

LINCOLN UPDATE: Right, I just got off the phone with Jane. I'm sure she'll fill you in on more details tomorrow, but this is what I have so far...

Lee changed for the show and wore a grey suit for the first set. Then for his second set he changed into a striped shirt. The songs were slightly different from the soundcheck (he didn't do White Christmas), and he did a total of 7 songs. One of them was Love Changes Everything & Jane says he just blew it out of the water and outclassed any other version. Likewise, Anthem was amazing.

Suex gave him the present & told him it was from the Stageloppies. Jane gave him the Break a Leg card & he said he was "so excited" about the play, to which Jane & KK in unison replied, "We are too!"

They weren't able to get any pictures (they were in the second row) or phone recordings. They did, however, manage to chat to his sylist who gave them some interesting info, but I'll let Jane share that with you herself, probably via e-mail.

Bedtime for me. Thanks to Jane for being our Loppy on the Spot. Sounds like they all had a fabulous time.

Oh thank you will now go to bed so I can wake up quickly to see the post. ninite loppies so glad he liked your efforts on our behalf.
Sweet Meads all.xxxx

Thanks for that Geri and Jane, the Loppy on the spot!

Will my email address now be on the list for emails?

Hi Chrissi, I haven't added you to the group. I'll sort out communications tomorrow. I was just hanging on for the report.
Thanks to Geri for the info and to the Lots for their 'hard' work!!
Nightlee night

Thank you Jo :)

Night all.

Thanks Geri and Jane for the report, look forward to hearing even more in the morning.
Night to all.

Morning all. The weather is funny today. As you know I'm on the top of a hill, and I can see nothing downhill, only like a roof of cotton, which is thick fog, while up here on the top, I can see the stars twinkling and a half moon doing it's best to light up the landscape. It's + 3.4 degrees.

Hello sweetheart. I hear you're humming Christmas carols. You went to a church concert yesterday? Enjoyed yourself then, did you? Met up with old friends? Oh, that sounds nice. (Better not tell him about the Lincoln concert. He'll be upset he wasn't there.)
To ward off this thick fog, maybe we should cuddle up on the sofa in front of the fire when we do today's Norwegian lesson? The sea blue blanket? Perfick, as Pa Larkin (aka David Jason) would say.
Today's lesson is a quote from the editor of Bergens Tidende (the local paper):
Et av verdens mest resussterke mennesker leder verdens viktigste nasjon. Det er beroligende.
One of the world's most resourceful person is leading the most important nation in the world. That is comforting.
I'll give you one guess who it's about!
Here is a link to another ceremony last night, when the Obamas came out on the hotel balcony to greet the Norwegian people, who true to traditions, came in their thousands to cheer them on, again with lit torches. (The lit torches is a very Norwegian tradition.) If you scroll forwards to 15 minutes you'll see them coming out on the balcony:
http://www1.nrk.no/nett-tv/klipp/585022

What looks like a black bars is erected to put up a bullet proof wall of glass for protection.

Geri,- thank you for the report from the Lincoln Loppies. It sounds wonderful and we're looking forewards to a first hand review from themselves.

SSue1,- you shoock his hand? How are you going to do all your washing using only one hand in the future? How was his handshake? Firm?

I have to get on. I'm very late this morning because of a bad night, so I'd better get started.

Geri,- I forgot to say first thing: HAPPY HANNUKAH
(It does start today, doesn't it?)

Morning Ladies,

Thank you for all the reports from Lincoln. I am glad you all had a wonderful time. To echo Chrissi's comments, will my email address now be on the list for emails?

Have a lovely day, hopefully where you are it isn't as gloomy as it is here.

Morning all – and HAPPY HANUNKA Geri!

Ooo am I the first Lincoln Loppy back? In which case I’d better do a report – I hope it’s up to Maeve standards!

First things first – the biggest ever THANK YOU to Karen A and her lovely hubby for taking KK and me. You’ve got a lovely patient hobby there Karen A!

So we arrived in Lincoln early and decided to check out the cathedral. As we walked through the door KA said ‘is that music?’ and we all three stared at each other when we heard a man’s beautiful voice singing LCE. Of course we scurried in and stood at the back listening to the GO’s sound check.

He was too far aware to see him properly but KK noticed he was wearing his RAH trousers. As Geri said, he then sang anthem. There was a small group of fans standing at the back, and we were all just open mouthed at the power of that voice. When he realised he had a audience he did a little advert for the evenings show – saying there were some tickets left if we wanted to see the whole thing.

He kept disappearing, then coming back and singing a bit more. At one point when he’d go we came forward to have a look at where we’d be sitting, but were ushered back (very nicely) but the lovely lady organising before he started his next song.

Winter’s Tale was amazing! And he did a David E impression for the second verse – very funny!

We got a snatch of White Christmas, Stronger – then he sang ADWD. By this point there was a group of about 8 of us and we waived along with the music – he waived back at one point. And after we appalled he said ‘I am lucky! Applause for a sound check!’

Right posting this – then for part 2!

...darn it, I'm off for Christmas shopping so will have to wait until the evening to get the next update! Rats and double Rats! Soo glad the pressie got delievered (we had every faith in you ladies!). So wish I could have been there, but hey ho can't do everything. Happy Hannuka Geri! Ro, just caught up with the advent calendar and am a gibbering wreck. Thank you so much for this labour of love! Right MM tapping foot so I guess we're off!! Catch up later (can't wait) - have a good day everyone. Just time to slip upstairs with the BHB (steady!) to go over the Paso with JD.

Morning all, what a grey and gloomy freezing cold day, actually sounds a bit the same as your weather Eva.

Yippee, 3 cheers for the Lincoln lops! Mission accomplished. As I'm sure you will have gathered we took the pressie to AT in the forlorn hope of being able to pass it to Lee, not to be, but plan B was kindly undertaken by Suex with the back up plan being Diana bringing it back to London. I also had plan C and a desperate plan D!!! I can't tell you how happy I am that they managed to give it directly to him. Much the best option! So thankyou thankyou thankyou Suex, aand all who were involved.

Thanks for the report Geri, it sounds just wonderful. The best sing anyone has heard from him yet I would say, or likely to for a very long time! Fantastic, I am green, but really am pleased for those there, can't wait for all the reports.

Another busy day today, I've forgotten any other sort!

Happy Hannukah Geri

Morning BHB, oh yes of course I have the time for a staff meeting,and can then get a quick practise in I think, I feel I am way behind.

Ooooh Jane you posted while my back was turned. Part 2 quickly PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSE!

We were an good hour early for the doors opening – but we’d been beaten to the front of the queue by Sue and Diana! Lovely to see you girls! The Suex and Brenda joined us (they had front row tickets) Lovely to meet you Brenda and to see you again Suex!

Hot on our heels were another group of ladies and it became clear that being early was a good thing. There was a bit of a party atmosphere – but then we all (not just us at the front) got told off for being loud – in the nicest possible way. The verger said ‘if you aren’t quiet, I’ll talk all the way through LM.’ Threat taken we then spent the next 50 minutes SSShhhing each other like school kids.

(I must point out I didn’t spot the M’s when they walked passed – that was Diana!)

The concert was lovely – and I must say Hollie has a charming sweet voice. Poor kid must have been cold in her little white frock though – it was freezing in there. What’s that? Enough of the other acts?

OK – the GO came on after about an hour – looking Gorgeous in a grey suit. He said he was going to sing GtbA from his first album (little whisper of ‘second album Lee’ from the Loppies)

We were on the second row and the view was amazing. Several times he looked in our direction. Swoon!

Next he sang Stronger then LCE. Utterly fantastic! The power of his voice with those acoustics! Then Anthem – stunning ladies, just stunning!

He changed into an open necked striped shirt for his second set. His second set started with WT (according to the programme a song got missed) then ADWD and finally When a Child is Born. I wasn’t keen on that song! I am now!!!!

Fantastic Jane, I can't tell you how happy I am for you all. Mind I'd have been happier being there myself but hey ho! Not to be this time. Any more please? Like seeing him after? Give! NOW!

He! He! Pauline! I’m typing as quick as I can!

So – then after the concert we had the reception to go to and we’d been told by nice organiser lady that Lee would be there – but only briefly. So we were quite surprised to find that he was signing programmes at a little makeshift desk in the cathedral.

Karen A’s hubby shook Lee’s had and talked to him for a few seconds. We asked him later what he said. He couldn’t remember! Yes Jo! He was suffering brain mush!

KK and I joined the queue. I had the LASC card to give him – and my heart was pounding like a flamenco dancer’s castanets! Then just as it was my turn – nice organiser lady asks him to have his picture taken with the choir! Nnnnnoooo! (according to Karen A my face was a picture!)

Anyway he came back and I passed him my programme and placed the LASC card in front of him. Carefully NOT looking into those eyes, I said ‘Can I give you this from the Stageloppies?’ and he said ‘thank you’ and I told him that it was a ‘break a leg card for Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime.’ That’s when I looked up – OMG!!! Those eyes!!! He said ‘I’m so excited’ and KK and I chorused ‘so are we!’ then he said ‘it’s my first straight role.’ By this time he was he had turned to KK but as I was walking away I remembered to say ‘and congratulations’ and he glanced back at me and said thank you.

Swoon! Sigh!

Unfortunately some of the people at the back of the queue missed getting a signature because he was rushed off to the reception then. We were trying to find Suex and Brenda but it turned out they were already there.

We followed the curly headed one down the road.

Alas! He didn’t come into the room in which we’d ensconced ourselves but a few of us did get to see him as he left, by leaning over the banister. Someone shouted to him and he waived. Then he was gone!

Then Suex appeared grinning broadly. Clever loppy had accomplished her mission – but that’s her story and I’ll let her tell it!

And I’ll let KK tell you about her chat with nice organiser lady after he left!

Phew! Will that do?

I'm loving this Jane! Thank you.. it's like I was there!

Jane you are a superstar reporter! I love it! As Chrissi says I almost feel I was there! (On the subject of eyes just go and check the advent calander for yesterday, it'll take you back I promise!) It all sounds wonderful and bless his heart he never fails to look after his fans, the man is a diamond, I know we already knew that but it bears repeating, a swoonworthy diamond at that! Thankyou Lady Jane. Oh and btw The CM and I think your Christmas card a tour de force(sp?) this year, we love it!

Jane, I would just like to echo Chrissi's and Pauline's comments. Thank you so much .

And for those like me who were not able to get there, Ro has added some audio downloads to the timeline, which I am enjoying at the moment.

http://www.leemead-timeline.co.uk/files/events/lincoln10dec09.html

Happy Hannukah Geri.

Jane, thanks so much for your fabulous review, so glad that you were able to get to the GO, reading your post, for an awful moment I thought he'd been whsked away for good, thank heavens he came back!
What was the info his dresser gave you that Geri mentioned yesterday, or is it not suitable for blog?

Looking forward to hearing KK's and the others' reports too.r

Thanks for the info Ellie and Ro THANKYOU where would we be without you? Missing out that's where we'd be! I can tell it must have been just fantastic, particularly Anthem, I always knew he would nail that beautifully.

Oooh Jane, thankyou! I confess I was feeling more than a little envious of you all being there yesterday, but that makes up for it. Just need to hear from KK and SueX now to complete the image.

Thanks so much for the report Jane... you girls were so very very lucky..!!
And THANK YOU Ro.....

Aw - thanks everyone! Glad you liked the report!

Sorry - there's some confusion about the dresser - it wasn't me that spoke to them it was Suex! Her story!

Morning all

And what a bright and beautiful morning it is!!

Yesterday was just fantastic as you can see from Jane's wonderful review.

We were so, so lucky in so many ways. I knew I was going to be emotional given how long it is since I last saw him and what a cr*p time I've had of late and it's true, when we first walked in to the cathedral and realised he was doing a soundcheck I did have a "moment" but once that passed, the smile never left my face for the rest of the day, in fact it still hasn't!

Having the opportunity to be there for the soundcheck, and we were there for about an hour (I said it was like having our own private concert) was just a huge, huge bonus, the highlights of which were, as Jane said, when he started goofing around doing the David Essex impression in the middle of A Winters Tale, and then when he sang ADWD and we all started swaying, singing along and waving our arms and he waved back. And I was very glad to see the buttons in the flesh, so to speak!

We met up with the others outside the cathedral in the evening and it was lovely to see them again. Sue1 and I had to nip off to the loo in the nearest pub and on the way back we got caught up in the outdoor nativity play, complete with real life camel, which Sue wanted to stop and stroke until I dragged her off back to the queue. Sorry Sue!

Then the concert itself. Wow. The voice. The man! Incredible. I have never seen a congregation erupt into cheers and applause before. It was just wonderful. There were moments as he was singing that he looked into the audience, and being on the second row we were very close and could see that perfect, beautiful face clearly, and he makes eye contact with you and, for those few seconds you really believe that he is singing to you. He gives me goosbumps. And I already had goosebumps for a very different reason - it was bl**dy freezing in there, even he commented about it!!

I thought When A Child Is Born was a particularly appropriate song for him to sing at the moment and he sang it beautifully. As he was singing the children walked past and a lit a candle and then went to stand on the stage and it was just magical. A woman walked past carrying a small child and he watched them walk past with the most tender look on his face, it brought a lump to my throat. He is just going to be the most fantastic father!

The light grey trousers that he wore for the second set were.....wow....they fit him like a glove and showed off that bod to perfection!!!! I did ask Jane if it was acceptable to have lustful thoughts in a cathedral!!

The signing, after the concert, was another added bonus that we weren't expecting and we got to gaze at him whilst queuing for our turn. As Jane said, he said he was excited about the play and we told him we were too, he said "It's my first play" and I just wanted to say "We know, Lee, we know"!! He is obviously very excited about it. Now, of all the witty and intelligent things I could have said to him at this point, I passed him my programme to sign and he looked up at me and when those eyes looked directly into my eyes all intelligent thought was forgotten and so I asked him if he'd warmed up yet!!! Duh, what a question!! Anyway, he shook his arms and said "Yes I have, the blood is flowing again"!!! Then he smiled at me and my day was complete!

I have to say, at this point, the Break a Leg card that Jane handed over was, without doubt, simply stunning. I know we've seen the scan but the real thing was something else. I think it is one of Jane's best drawings yet and she should be very proud. I was. Thank you to Jane, Geri and Auds for all their hard work. You did us proud girls.

The reception afterwards was excellent, plenty of food, wine and champers and although we didn't get to see much more of him we did wave him off as he went down the stairs so we got out final glimpse before he was gone. Sigh.

I was talking to the nice organiser lady, who did a wonderful job, and was very patient with us when we were hanging around at the soundcheck. I thanked her and told her that she'd done a brilliant job and she said it was her pleasure and that Lee was a joy to work with. She said some people are not so good to work with but that he was just lovely. It made me feel really proud of him.

It was wonderful to see the other Loppies and I have to say a special thank you to Karen A and Clive for giving us a lift there and back, and particularly to Clive who was an absolute star and looked after us all day, hung around for as long as we wanted and made sure Jane and I arrived back at the door of our hotel safe and sound.

It's been a long 11 months but the drought is very definitely over and I'm now counting down to Windsor in just five weeks.

Sorry for the long post but I'm sure you'll forgive me!

Karen,- what's to forgive? You can go on and on and on as far as I'm concerned!
Thank you both for wonderful reviews. You make us feel (almost) that we were there, and I'm sure you were all thinking of us CinderLoppies all through the concert.
WHADDAYAMEAN you had other things on your mind? Btw. did JaneE give you an answer about sinful thoughts in a cathedral?
It's strange thinking back to last year, when "popping up to London" to see GO was an almost weekly occurance, and now it's almost a year since I've laid eyes on the man! To say I'm looking forwards to Windsor is an understatement!

I've tried to go for a walk, but it was rather hazardous to say the least. It has been below feezing during the night and with the fog placing a cloak of humidity everywhere, it's very, very slippery and icy. Only in the spots where the sun has had some time to melt it, can you walk safely. I turned back after 15 minutes. Can't risk a broken leg or hip when Windsor is so close!

Wow thank you so much for the comments
Happy Hanukah Geri.
Ro thank you so much for the flavour of the GO He sounded at his best.
Gosh it is anoying with no blue pencil got to sign in every time.
Ok going to do some work now.
Ah by the way leg is much better and she has sorted my foot too brilliant after Xmas I can start exercising again gently .We are buying s crosstrainer so i can do it every day without killing myself at gym as I do it too long wnated a treadmill but far too heavy for bedroom old house and the machine is 92kgs plus the pounding. So crosstrainer will have to do.
Oh girls I am still green in envy but I am so so glad you all had a great time. xxxx

Karen just a brilliant review. I am so happy for those of you that have had the drought that it was so worthwhile, always thought it would be mind you! One thing Karen I see you went to a pub to go to the loo, is that a first going in and out of a pub without incahol? Or did you manage a sneaky drink?!!

Now all we need is to get the rest of our drought people a great time and close encounters. Not too long now ladies, the tour's afoot very soon.

Wow Karen, great review. Thank you. Teared up at some moments particularly the bit about the small child. :)

Wonderful, wonderful Karen, I'm beginnng to feel I was there, youl describe it all so well, thanks v. much.

Thanks too Ro for the audio links, lovely.

I was saying yesterday that I wasn't getting any sound with the advent cal. today I did get sound but no beautiful voice today!

Hello, just got back to the office and definitely not feeling like doing any w*rk! Last night was fantastic. Love Changes Everything was incredible in the cathedral with only the piano to accompany Lee's voice. I couldn't believe it that Lee walked into the pub while Sue & I were waiting for our sandwich and then his parents came in a couple of mins later. I took some photos while Lee was signing in the cathedral after the concert but haven't had a chance to look at them yet. Will try to catch up and add anything that's not been mentioned but guess I'd better check emails next.

Ooo Ro - thanks for those songs!

Thank you Karen - I knew I'd have forgotten some bits.

Eva - the answer was 'in the circumstances yes'

Part 1 of my review follows, rest will have to wait a while, I really must do some w*rk.

Sue1 & met at Lincoln train station and took a taxi to our guesthouse (good choice, Sue1) where we met Suex & Brenda. We decided to walk to the cathedral about 15 mins away to sort out the entrance and walked in to hear Hollie doing her test, unfortunately we just missed Lee doing his run through. Sue1 and went back to the guesthouse to get ready while S&B grabbed something to eat. After a very quick wash & brush up, and checking several times that we had our tickets, we went out again.

Sue1 & I had spotted a nice looking pub, the Wig and something (Hart?), as we walked back to the guesthouse and since we wanted to get to the cathedral early to get a good position, decided to pop in there to see if we could get a sandwich to take with us. While we waited for them to be made, four men walked in from the opposite side. Sue1 nudged me – one of them was Lee!! He was in a black jacket and (I think) black trousers, and stood just a few feet away. He seemed rather absorbed and didn’t look at us so we didn’t say anything. One of the other men asked if the pub did food and then they passed right behind us and went upstairs. The girl on the bar had recognised Lee and asked if we knew who he was – er yes! We chatted with her for a few mins – she and another bargirl were really excited and chuffed that he had come to Lincoln.

3/4 mins after Lee had gone upstairs, a couple walked through the same door. I glanced over, thought I recognise that man, who he is – ah Lee’s dad! Yes, it was his parents. They came over to the bar and asked have you seen – before they could finish, Sue1 & I said they’ve gone upstairs and pointed.
Having got our sandwiches, we walked out and I glanced back – and had a glimpse of Lee sitting in the bay window upstairs.

Sue1 & I got to the cathedral about 5.15 pm to find we were the only ones. It was nearly an hour before Kirsten turned up but it went pretty quickly and it was well worth the wait given the seats we got. Our sandwiches were scrummy - hot pork & mustard on ciabatta.

Karen & Jane arrived not long after Kirsten. Lovely to see you both again – over a year we since last met. About 6.30 Jane & I decided we needed to pay a visit so went back to the pub. No Lee but on the way back as we were passing through the crowd in the centre, I almost bumped into Lee’s parents as they came out of another bar – nudged Jane as she’d not spotted them.

By the time the doors opened just after 7.00 pm the queue went back quite a way. Sue1 & I were in first, followed by Suex & Brenda, then Jane & Karen. Sue1 & I gave our names to the army cadet helping out, then went to choose our seats. The first row was reserved for the premium ticket holders but we bagged seats in the second row a couple in from the centre aisle. S&B sat in the front row by the centre aisle, Karen next to me, then Jane. While Sue1 went to the ladies, the reserved notes on the seats to our left were moved back a row so I hastily grabbed them so the four of us shifted two seats along with Sue1 now by the aisle with a fantastic view. Guess who sat in the second row on the opposite side of the aisle – Lee’s parents! We looked at the brochure and noted the songs Lee was singing while we waited for the concert to start.

Ooo Diana - some more little details I didn't realise! The pub was the Wig and Mitre, wasn't it? Lovely those bar girls were thrilled to have Lee in Lincoln!

Just remembered - happy birthday, Ro. Hope the fog didn't affect the drive back and you & your passengers got home safely.

Pauline - you are correct re the pub and incohol. Broke my heart it did, although the loo was right by the pub entrance and I didn't have to pass the bar so my homing instinct didn't kick in. Well, that and the fact that Lee was at the Cathedral waiting for us and even I would pass on a drink in order to not miss a minute of seeing and hearing that delicious man!!!!!!

Thank you for Part One Diana. I love hearing everybody else's version of events, everybody sees something different and it makes the whole experience more complete.

Talking of the fog - it had really come down when we came out of the reception and the Cathedral in the fog was a pretty awesome and eerie sight!! Somebody (sorry, can't remember who) said that it looked like we'd walked on to the set of a horror movie. It was brill!

Ro, yesterdays advent calendar was stunning, thank you.

Btw, I need some techie help please if anybody can help, when I click on the audio links from last night on the Timeline, I get a page up that says I am trying to connect to a known fraudulent website and not to proceed. Any ideas please? Ta muchly.

Part 2 – I won’t give full details as there have already been reports but will add things I can think of which haven’t been mentioned or which particularly struck me

As well as Lee and HS, there were some Xmas readings, a Lincoln male choir, local children’s choir and a male soloist performing, plus everyone got to sing a couple of carols so it was a lovely Christmasy evening. The cathedral was lit for all the performance other than last song so Lee was able to see our faces for once. There were also some coloured lights playing on the columns.

I felt very sorry for Hollie, she looked so cold. Her cream dress had no arms, was knee length and not very thick; she had a tulle (? as ballet dancers wear) underskirt, no socks/tights and ballet pumps which wouldn’t have provided any protection against the cold floor.

Lee came on after about an hour. The stage he and Hollie sang on was about 6 inches high and we were about 20 feet away (I think, I’m terrible with measurements). I thought the suit he wore for first part was black but could be wrong. He had a white shirt on with narrow black tie, and very shiny black shoes. He looked very slight to me, not fragile but as though he’d lost some weight/muscle. He was much more relaxed talking to the audience than he used to be.

The first two songs received lots of applause but no cheers/whoops. The first song he sang to a backing track. Then he introduced LCE, saying he’d nicked the song from MB who’d become a good friend. I thought he sang this amazingly at both Don Black and PIP but Lincoln beat those. His voice, with only the piano accompanying him plus the acoustics in the cathedral – wow. Can’t wait to hear that again (thank you, Ro). Lots of applause and whoops afterwards and Lee said something about the song being a real voice show off. I think Anthem was the fourth and last song for this section and this too was fabulous and got a great reception.

For the second set Lee was wearing a grey and white stripy shirt, with a grey panel on each side (I think) and tight light grey trousers, no tie, and the same shoes. I loved Winter’s Tale – wish I’d heard the DE take off earlier. And I really loved ADWD as well. He commented about it being special to him because of its history (or words to that effect). After doing it twice a night for 18 months, he must have got a bit bored with it but having not sung it for months, it came across to me that he’d rediscovered the song and come to love it again.

Oh one thing just remembered, he stood for some songs but for a couple he sat on a stool.

For the last song, When a Child is Born, the lights where the audience were seated were lowered and then Hollie, some of the children’s choir, the son of the evening’s presenter who has MD, and another child, both carried by their mothers, came out with candles and stood behind Lee as he sang.

Another thing - Lee said Stronger was one of his fav songs.

In case I forget later, I also want to say that the BAL card is fantastic - thank you Jane, Geri & Auds.

I'm leaving the office shortlybut will try to continue this evening.

I don't think it's been mentioned but in case anyone wonders, we were specifically asked not to take photos during the concert as the performers could be distracted.

Good reports from Diana and KK! It's amazing how many details I'd missed!

It was me that said the fog was like a horror film KK! And it was.

So very glad everyone liked the BAL card - that was a great team effort - well done to Geri and Auds!

Must go - it's nearly pub time - I'll have to wait for part 3 of Diana's report!

Wish it was 24 hours ago!

Wow great to come back to all these fantastic reviews, thankyou all it is great to hear it all.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Ro! Now that is what I call a great way to spend your birthday!

Karen I think that those are the only circumstances a Lush can enter and leave a pub without having a drink! I'd have done the same.

Very foggy out there again tonight. Nasty.

Ooooh thank you all, as it has been said, it's almost like being there.
Off to Ro's................I may be some time.

If you remember from over a year ago, WT is one of my favourites. Ahh so lovely

I've just looked at my photos from the signing and they're not too bad. I'll send the best to Martin in a mo.

Happy Birthday Ro!

Thanks Diana for your great blow by blow account of the day. So glad to hear that you all had such a fantastic time,

Jill, hope the root canal work wasn’t as bad as it sounded.

Geri, and Carol, it really doesn’t seem right that your salary can be cut in this way. Okay you still have a job, but it’s pretty demoralising, especially as you say just before Christmas.

Geri, it was a meal with old colleagues, as much as you can eat chinese.
Happy Hanukah btw.

Eva, thanks for that interesting bit of history, and for al the links, especially the Barack Obama one. (Hey, you take great care not to ‘break a leg’)

Fi, what a sad anniversary for you.

Happy Birthday Ro.

Well, as I’ve said before, I don’t do reviews. Everyone so far has captured the wonder of the evening very well, much better than I could. Reading it all has taken me right back there, thank you ladies.
I haven’t much to add. No one mentioned just how close we were, until Diana just did, a pretty good guess Diana. All I was aware of was that I hadn’t been SO close for SO long, and the man just blew me away, (I’m still up there somewhere!)
A couple more things, I didn’t realise how tiny his mum is, (and how pretty) last time I saw her I was so nervous about speaking to her that I didn’t notice. When she sat on a perfectly ordinary chair, her feet didn’t touch the floor.
Oh, and of course I SHOOK HIS HAND!!!!!!! A firm, cold, (which he apologised for) handshake, and I was amazingly able to say ‘I’m so glad you’re back with us, we’ve missed you’ and he said thank you. So you see, I didn’t melt into a puddle, I just do that now thinking about it!!
An amazingly beautiful cathedral, and an amazingly beautiful man. I don’t think I’ll ever top that.

Just one more thing, the whole experience was so much more special, because it was shared with friends.

Well, I've just read that back and I'm in tears!

Also meant to say, I think Gillian may have a suprise for us.

Nite nite Loppies x

Part 3

When the concert was over, Sue, Karen, Jane & I walked back to the entrance we’d come in by. Unfortunately Suex & Brenda went out the main entrance so missed the signing but more than made up for it later but I’ll leave them to describe this.

As we turned the corner, we were very surprised to see Lee by a crate and realised he was going to do a signing. There weren’t that many people in front of us but, as already mentioned, as Jane & Karen got to the front, Lee was taken a few yards away to have photos taken with the children’s choir. From what I could see he and they seemed to enjoy that – was tempted to go & take some myself but didn’t want to lose my place. He then joined the army cadets for more photos before turning to continue signing. A couple of people had given him things and he was also given some lovely flowers which I think I overheard were for Denise (who wasn't at the concert).

Having had several minutes warning, you’d think I would have prepared something sensible to say but all I managed to do was put my programme down in front of him open on the page with his photo and stare at his hand as he signed. I did manage as he finished to wish him a merry Christmas. I think he said thank you and looked up at me but this bit’s a bit foggy!

Mentioning photos reminds me there was an “official” photographer taking photos at times during the concert though I don’t know if he took any of Lee, my attention was concentrated somewhere else! But worth keeping an eye out in case they are published anywhere, possibly on the MD site.

After getting our programmes signed, I took a few photos and had a look for Suex & Brenda. There were still a number of people queuing when the signing was stopped. Lee was then taken out of the cathedral and over to where the reception was held, with the fans following quickly behind. He went to the room where the mayor and some of the participants were so we didn’t get to see much more of him sadly.

Ploppy has just come in so I’ll post this and finish off in a while. In the meantime, you might want to wander over to the Lincoln thread at LMAS. Thank you, Jacqueleen.

Evening *waves*

So lovely to read everyone's accounts of yesterday - I'd love to have heard soundcheck but was still on the A46 somewhere at that point! Would also love to have had the chance to tell LM just how incredible Anthem was in that setting (but was at the back of the Q) - I've waited so long to hear him sing it and he totally blew me away! Sublime.

Thanks to JacqueLEEn over on LMAS there are now infinitely higher quality audio files of all LM's songs from last night on the Timeline - the Advent Calendar may end on 11 December while I spend the rest of December listening to them on a loop ;)

Evening All
Diana's piccies from Lincoln are now in the GO Two album.

Ploppy can wait a few mins for his dinner ….

Part 4

I had expected that at the reception we’d be offered tea/coffee and biscuits, at most cake and mince pies. Was I wrong! There were two large tables with food – salmon, savouries, salads, rolls, etc. – and to drink not only tea/coffee but also orange juice, wine, a red sparkling drink and champers! As much as wanted to drink. I wasn’t that hungry so only had a little to eat but not having had a drink since 11.30 at the office, I downed a selection of oj, red, and a couple of glasses of champagne. Mince pies were also brought out a little later, followed by a couple of trays of yummy chocolates. Lots of chatting went on and many familiar faces seen.

The room where the dignitaries were gathered was the opposite end of the balcony from where we were. After we’d eaten, a few of us stood on the balcony and after a while Lee came out. He spoke to a couple of people briefly and then went down the stairs. It was good to have a last sight of him though a shame he didn’t come over.

We left and said goodbye to Jane & Karen by the cathedral. The four of us plus Gillian and Marg, who were staying not far from our guesthouse, walked back. Suex & Brenda brought their cups into Sue & my room and we had a hot drink while sitting on the beds chatting. It was well after 1.00 when we got to bed and it took a while to go to sleep.

It was a fabulous evening and I wish I could relive it again.

Thank you Martin.

Really must go and feed Ploppy (and me) now.

Naughty BBBT, try again.
Oh thanks Ro. Diana and Sue for more reports. Sue I'm amazed a whole sentence, no brain mush then.
Off to listen to the new audio and see pics.

WT, send goosebumps down my shoulders (or has it gone cold in here?)

A lesson for the evening, if you sing along to ADWD while a big ginger cat is rubbing his head around your face, you get a mouthful of cat hair.

I'm early about tomorrow, as I have to be at the PO at opening time and then a rush to the stables.
Thank you all for the reports pics and sounds from yesterday. Going would have been so much better than w*rk, but we can't always do what we'd like to do. I'm glad that every one had a good time. And I'm sure lots was raised for charity.
Nightlee night

Naughty BBBT keeps losing my post, and where's my pencil?
Here are the relevant bits.
Happy Birthday Ro. Thanks for the audio downloads from yesterday and the Advent Calendar.
Happy Hannukah Geri. Hope you are beginning to feel batter now.
Oohms for all those in need, especially those facing wage cute and redundancy.
Had the swxne flu jab today, now have a painful arm. Still it didn't stop me from being a Lady wot lunches.
Off to listen again and again and again.......
Night all.

Thanks for the wonderful report and the lovely pics Diana they are just lovely. The whole evening looks magical. Free Champers too!! What more could you want I ask.

The other links to the audio won't work for me. AOL strikes again! Tried IE that doesn't work either! Grrrr.

Off to bed shortly so will say night night and sleep tight.

Thank you so much for all your report Diana I must admit to tears this morning when I read the reports and then listen to it all.
Ro did not know it was your birthday happy birthday hope you had a good day.
Ok ninite all sweet meads all.

...Firstly, Happy Birthday Ro!

Thank you for all the lovely accounts of Lincoln girls - sounded wonderful, so pleased for you all, just wish I'd been able to come too. By the way I've eaten in the Wig & Mitre when we've stayed up with our friends in Lincoln, so I feel a small connection here! Almost finished the Christmas cards now, so have 100 to post tomorrow and hope to finish the rest over the weekend. Up early tomorrow to take Sloppy to the Southampton coach, so off to bed now!! Sweet Meads all!!!

Think you might want to check out the latest addition. Thank you Ro, just downloading
http://leemead-timeline.co.uk/files/events/lincoln10dec09.html

And thank you very, very much to the recorder!

Your thanks to the recorder loudly seconded :)

I've just realised the first email I sent to Martin didn't go through so there are another 3 photos to be added when he has time.

Thanks again to all for the reviews of yesterday's wonderful concert and everything else that happened. Thanks too to those who managed to record bits.
I'll check that last link in a moment and look at the photos Diana.

I've been having some problems with the blog this evening, still no sign in but was rather hurt earlier when a post failed because I'd
"made too many comments in a short time"
which I thought rather harsh as I've only made about three all day!

Maeve, I hope you gave the BBBT a good scolding.

Well past my bedtime and another busy weekend ahead so must turn off and get some sleep. Sweet meads all.

I just had to pop back ( sorry BBBT if it's a comment too many ) to say lovely pic.s Diana and what a terrific video Anon, very well done.

Morning. Woke up early (still buzzing) and as I've got loads to do, decided to get up and make a start. Washing already on the go and had breakfast. Shopping a little later, bit of w*rk and then we're seeing the in-laws tonight.

The video is fabulous, brought it all back.

Morning all. The winter is back! It's been very cold during the night and everything is covered in frost. The sky is clear with twinkliy stars and the temperature is -1.3.

Hello sweetheart. Are you cold? Yes, I think it might be a good idea to light the fire and have a nice hot drink. Hot chocolate? Not for me thank you, but you go ahead, maybe the night shift will pop in? Let's go in to the mood room and put on the weekend mood lights! No, not the flickering, bright light. It's too early for clubbing! Let's have a mellow, gentle one. Lavender? Lovely!
Today's Norwegian lesson:
Bergensadvokat havner i fengsel.
Barrister from Bergen goes to prison.
This is a story about a barrister who's been convicted for sexually abusing a female client.

I have to say thank you again to those who's written reviews from Lincoln. Diana,- I loved every tiny detail. We certainly have a group of very good reviewers!

Ro,- than you so much for the new downloads. I've spent half an hour this morning doing them and listening.

Good morning all!

Oh Ro - belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I didn't realise you were there on Thursday night - so sorry you were at the back of the signing queue, what a shame. But great to have some mementos of the event. Will have to nip over to timelime and check them out! Thank you to the recorder!

Then I'll have to check out your piccies Diana.

I see Eva and BHB are ensonced in their Norwegian lesson! I won't interupt!

Morning All

Have skimmed through the last day or so and fantastic reporting from the Lincoln Loppies, well done all of you. Will be going back for a re-read again later, it is so great to get all the tiny details, makes up just a little for not being there to at least hear how it all went. And Sue1 - your comment about being in tears has me the same way, we're such soft sops!

Dear Dear Ro!!
Thanks so much for putting the recordings up on the timeline, and thank you to whoever recorded them, I'm so delighted, you've made my day! I really didn't think, given the venue, that it would be possible to do and I had resigned myself to never hearing it, I had been thinking it would be lovely to have it taped for showing on tv over Christmas. Can't wait to get over there and have a listen.
Also Belated Happy Birthday, what a lovely way to spend the evening, I'm sure you couldn't have chosen a better birthday treat.

Thanks for pics and links.

Hope everyone is ok, ooohhhhhmmmmmmmmms for any poorlies/needies. Busy day ahead so must get on. Will try to get back on tonight for SCD opinions and also it's XF final night!

Morning all, another grey chilly day here. Still I want to dig out the Christmas decorations later so that could prove hours of endless fun sorting through them!

First thanks again to Ro and the lovely anon for that scrummy vid. I would love to see the whole of Anthem and LCE, but mustn't be greedy and it is wonderful to get a flavour of the evening.

Right morning BHB, I know I haven't been rehearsing hard enough. Oh you will sing PIB for me? Well I'll grab TC and a jug of Lush and we will utilise the staffroom (room is the operative word in there. I think I'd better shut the door.

What can I say, brilliant reviews from Thursday Ladies. thank you so much, have listened to A Child is Born and will try an listen to the rest later, and look at Diana's piccies, so glad you all had a lovely day.
Sue1 thanks for asking about the root canal, it is Ok at present, I was concerned because it was my very front tooth that had to have the treatment.
Scott brilliant that you got tickets for SDC Xmas show, my friend applied but I don't think she was lucky.
Busy day again, its Celia's birthday so will be going up there after breakfast, and then 12 of us are going out for a meal tonight in the Village.
Sorry HAPPY BIRTHDAY RO , if a little belated a good way to spend it eh.

Morning. Thankyou again for the wonderful reviews and I'm assuming there are more treats awaiting me at Ro's timeline? No time right now but I look forward to them all tomorrow.
Busy busy busy today and tomorrow so gotta dash. Have a good weekend everyone

Good morning
The last 3 photos have arrived from Diana, I have put them with the rest in the GO Two album.
Maggie is in bed, so I'll just tidy a little, then pop round to se the father inlaw and check he's alright, before waking Maggie and setting off to the football (need to wrap up I think)
I hope you are all well and not getting too stressed getting ready for Christmas.

Thank you Martin. Enjoy the footie.

Successful shopping trip. Saw a dress I liked in M&S but don't have an occasion to wear it at present so thought if it's under £50 I'll treat myself with a discount voucher I have. It was £49.50 so now hanging upstairs to try on later. Also came out with two blouses and some underwear; with 12.5% off seemed silly not to - until the total came up on the till, ouch.

Popped into the theatre to see if their 2010 brochure was out yet. Poster of the play was on display outside so stopped to look *aaaahh". I got the programme (LASC not on front cover, that's Evita boo hiss) and also a flyer for LASC (actually picked up a few extras and will pass them on when I see people) so came home in vg mood.

Currently listening to Lincoln songs - bliss.

Just realised I still haven't watched the Help the Heroes DVD - idiot! Will have to rectify before the weekend's out.

Will miss SCD unless my inlaws have it on so looking to you Pauline.

Right, w*rk calls. Enjoy rest of weekend.

It's a beautiful day here, and my walk was very enjoyable. I was very careful, because the frost is making driving and walking perilous (sp?). I have nail studded tyres on the car, but no nails in my winter boots! The new boots are beautiful and warm and very comfy.
Because there was no fog this morning, it feels much warmer than it actually is, especially when the walk was brisk. I took a couple of photos of the flowerbed (!) this morning, because it looked so beautiful with the frost. I've sent them to Martin together with two photos of my little contribution to Christmas athmosphere by buying a Santa who is placed in the sofa, and my advent lights and Christmas cards. All my usual Christmas decorations are spending this Christmas in Sheffield, but I had to do something to get in the mood!

Diana and Martin,- thank you for the photos. I loved the one of him doing his Hugh G*ant impersonation!

Diana,- aren't you the lucky one! The dress just under your limit, and of course you had to take advantage of the offers on the undies!

Afternoon Loppies, last of the Lincoln lops to report in.
Diana, I'm still buzzing too - long may it last! Thanks for your pics and thanks Martin, I've one to send you.
Ro, a belated 'Happy Birthday' to you and mega thanks for the downloads, on repeat here too! BIG thanks to Anon for the vid - well done!
Eva, your boots sound real snuggly.

As I’m the last to report and Diana, Jane, KK and Sue1 have done such a sterling job, here’s a summery of my Lincoln experience.

1. What a wonderful surprise to start the day.
2. Argggh!!! We missed him!
3. Think I’ve died and gone to heaven.
4. Err…..think I blinked and all the Loppies disappeared!
5. THE Stylist!!!
6. Plan B accomplished and a nice extra for B+S.
7. Midnight de-brief – or, more accurately… …..squeeeeeeeeealllllll….. discuss……. thud…….squeeeeeealll get the picture?
8. 4 hours sleep, breakfast (more squealing) bye bye’s, hugs and kisses (lop 2 lop – don’t get excited! ) and a long journey home in the fog.

I’ll add some detail for those that have time/want to read more.

Have just won (I think) a battle with the tree! Mind the darn thing did kick a bucket of water all over the carpet when I wasn't looking, still I suppose it cleaned the carpet at the same time. Decs out of loft so will adorn the tree after a short break. Worse thing was all the cxxxnxxg I had to do before putting decs up! I think my house is at its' cxxxxnxxt now and after Christmas!

Eva like the sound of Santa and you have to have a little Christmas cheer around I think. The lesson this morning was very informative, but I'm rather hoping the words for barrister and prison are some I will never need!

Great shopping Diana, how could you resist? Of course you couldn't.

Suex come back!!!

You've got to tell everyone about you conversation with the stylist and handing the Xmas pressy over!

Aw Diana - your photos are lovely! And thanks to Karen A's hubby I've got one too! Will send it to Martin when I'm back on netbook!

Jill have a lovely day with Celia, give her our love.

Of course I will Jane, but can't go directly to points 5 +6, need to set the scene first. :)
Well you asked for it and you know what I’m like with reports its all or nothing! I’ll try not to repeat what the others have said though.
Part One.
What a wonderful surprise to start the day.
Brenda and I had agreed to get the 50 quid vip tickets and she was to order them. When I arrived at her house to pick her up she gave me the wonderful news that she had bought us the front row tickets! The extra £50 was her treat to me and I could hardly believe it but there on the tickets was printed Front Row Seat, think there was some squealing throughout all this! Thanks so much to my pal Brenda x
Then I had to drive the 160 miles to Lincoln and I could barely think straight. Somehow managed it with the help of lots of GO and reassurances from Brenda that it wasn’t a joke. But first we needed to do a detour to pick up MargW as she had (sorry Fi) responded to Gillian’s LMAS post about a spare ticket and had contacted me the previous day for a lift. Got stuck in major road works for over half an hour. Drat!

Argggh!!! We missed him!
We arrived at the guest house (thanks again for organising it Sue1) dumped our bags, met up with Diana and Sue and hot footed it to the Cathedral hoping to catch the soundcheck. Alas, we arrived to cries of “You’ve just missed him” from several fans. They had that far away, dreamy look about them and excitedly told us ALL we had had missed!
We checked out the seating arrangements and were horrified to see there was a row of large wooden chairs set out on one side for local dignitaries – IN FRONT of the £100 front row seats!!! WHAAAT??? Brenda promptly found the organisers and they got the message that it was unacceptable. Apparently a Verger had placed them there and they said they would try to get them moved. Needless to say, our anxiety levels were high! So we checked out the entrance noted on the tickets, double-triple checked time doors opened, decided to get in the queue asap and headed to the pub! It was 4pm and we’d not even had lunch, needed to eat before Brenda passed out. As Diana mentioned earlier she and Sue1 went back to the B+B for a quick wash and brush up. One G+T and a quick bite then we headed off to the B+B, we passed Diana and Sue1 on their way back to the Cathedral. Five minutes later Sue text me to say the GO had walked into the pub…..drat!!! missed him again! This wasn’t looking too good. Brenda was convinced they wouldn’t have moved the chairs and we would be stuck behind some very large men! (she is quite justified in this view, I’ve seen it happen so many times its unreal. She is only a diddy person but always seems to get the tallest person in the building sitting directly in front of her) Only plan was to be first of the front row ticket holders to get in and sit on the right side as the offending extra row was on the left. I rang a cab as soon as we arrived at the B+B giving us 20 minutes to get ready ( although we were only 10 mins walk away we needed a cab, you should have seen Brenda’s heels!) 15 mins later we were stood outside waiting for the cab - washed, changed, lippy applied, remembered the pressie’s and card, key to get back in? mad frantic hunt for the door key ensued. We threw ourselves into the cab and exploded into fits of laughter, the driver thought we had imbibed a fair bit – if only! All I can say is it’s a good job we know each other so well! (use your imagination!) I honestly don’t think I’ve moved so fast in years.

Sue I am loving this, but pleeeease you know the bit I want to hear about! I feel I have a vested interest! Poor Brenda she must have been fraught. Next Please, pretty please.

Loving it so far Sue! Thanks!

..phew up at 6am as had to get Sloppy to coach station at LHR for 7.30am - then off to do food shopping, then a little sweep up for pressies we didn't manage to get yesterday, then brunch. Home to wash hair and just about to sort music outfor tonight (yes we are singing again and so I will miss SCD grrr). Thanks for the continuing reports of Lincoln - loving them (well would have loved them more if I'd b een there, bur you know what I mean!! Right final christmas card writing and then need to finalise service for tomorrow...back later!!

Drat ,I have to go out now for the afternoon, can't wait for next instalment Suex, oh well it will be something exciting to come home to!

I know you’re eager Pauline but you must be patient, I can’t type very fast! And, would you believe it? Ploppy wants to put the tree up. Now. He just hates me getting on this pooter.
Hi Chrissi, glad you’re enjoying it so far. Sorry you’ve got to go out Maeve. Carol, remember to take a break!
Part 2
Think I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Still giggling like a pair of kids, we joined Diana, Sue1, Jane and Karen in the queue. The excited throng grew as more and more familiar faces joined, lots of hugs and hello’s. saw Annie from LMAS –she won my Pudsey aww, he’s gone to such a lovely home. Then….the door opened….hurrah!....but no, we were shushed very nicely….eeek , there was a service on! Time passed really quickly, I think we were being teased though, several times the large brass D handle on the door was jiggled from inside. Yay! Then we were admitted. The offending chairs had been moved to the side and all ‘front row’ seats were once again the front row. Breathe. …..We sat to the right on the inside of the isle – perfect – Pinched ourselves, yes its real. The girls were sat behind us. Don’t think any of us could quite believe we would be so CLOSE to the platform 30cm high and only 3metres directly in front of us. Checked the programme; 7 songs – this is surely heaven.
And, here is LM……you’ve had the descriptions. Thud, melt, swoon…..his voice in that environment was simply stunning. Confirmation. I’d died and gone to heaven – sure was cold there though! We were treated to lots of eye contact and smiles during his performance. He said later that he had really enjoyed the concert and it was great to actually see everyone.

Errr…think I blinked and all the Loppies disappeared!
Brenda’s letter said we would be escorted from our seats to the reception area so like plonkers we waited at our seats ( although I didn’t even see the others go- still in a daze probably) we assumed if there were to be a signing it would be at the reception. After a couple of minutes I asked an attendant where we should go and she directed us out the main door –away from the GO. In all fairness, she probably didn’t know he was signing at the other door either. I too was surprised at the quality of the reception- v nice champers.

Coming next…..Phil - The Stylist.

....and?????????????????

Lovin' it, Suex. You tell Ploppy there are several very impatient ladies waiting on you - I know what happened and I'm still impatient to read the rest.

OK , I'm back. Give me a few mins. Why he's not watch the footie, I'll never know!

Thankyou Diana. Sue I do appreciate your Ploppy has claim,s on your time but just tell him we love him dearly but we need you for a short while!

Also loving it Suex!

Ploppys! how annoying they can be!

Now I have to go to Sloppy, sigh. Will try to conserve my soul in patience until I get back, double sigh.

sorry guys, had scollop on phone too!
tree lights not working so he's busy trying to sort them. Thank goodness for small mercies! I'm going as fast as I can and now regretting I decided to do the long version. I've got a Christmas party with one of my teams tonight and must start getting ready soon. Here's the next installment.

Part 3
Phil - The Stylist.

So, there we were, nice and warm bright room, about 20 of us, quite happy for a little while, well who wouldn’t be? The staff told us HE would be joining us so we sipped our champagne, thudded and discussed his wonderful performance. But, after about 10 mins we began to really wonder why were there so few of us. The staff reassured us all we were in the correct place. I couldn’t get a signal on my phone so went out of the room and managed to contact Jane. I was concerned that they would all miss him. Little did I know they were following him up the side of the Cathedral to the reception after the signing. I was still chatting to Jane on the phone (I had grabbed Brenda at some point and pulled her out of the room) when all of a sudden there he was; striding up the stairs in front of us! There seemed to be lots of ‘official’ people scuttling around him and then he was ushered along the corridor toward us …… oh yes! We are lucky loppies after all….but then he disappeared through a little door next to us Awww. That was after they managed to get the key in the lock It was quite amusing really, it was only a yale type lock but it took several tries to by several different men to open it. Phil told us later that it was his dressing room. I thought I saw L with the key in his hand at some point but it’s a blurr. It was quite surreal, we just stood gazing at the melee.
That’s when all the fans arrived in the building clutching their SIGNED programmes. At this point we were still being told he would come into our room after he had met the dignitaries in the other.
I have no idea how much later it was that I decided his security wouldn’t support him coming into our room . It was very full of very excited women who had been plied with drink and there was a firm throng at the door. Once again I grabbed Brenda , picked up the bag containing the pressies and strolled along the balcony to the security guys who were tucking into some food. We had a little chat to them, explained importance of pressie and they called a guy over to us just saying he will take it from you. He just introduced himself as Phil. We had a lovely chat for about 10 mins, he was in no hurry to get away. We told him about the pressie and he offered to put it in the car, promising to ensure L got it. He understood why we wanted to deliver it personally after he asked about the SL’s.He seemed genuinely interested. I assumed he was an assistant of some kind and asked him what he does “I’m L’s Stylist! His Stylist!!! My immediate comment was “are you responsible for trying to straighten the curls?” “oh, no I only do from the neck down” came the reply. So we then asked what other shows he has styled, . First one was PIP, then James Bond, Longleat, he said he’d done another park event but couldn’t remember where. Has there been another park event??? Did some PR stuff too . He said the check shirts were all L, nothing to do with him! V interesting comment re MB styling but he didn’t style RAH. Told us they were driving home soon and to be ready. We thoroughly congratulated him on his work. I think it was at this point that I realised others had moved along the balcony as waiting on staff were struggling to get through with trays of food. Phil suggested we wait downstairs and said he would see what he could do but L would be leaving soon. So dutifully we followed him, quite resigned to having the pressie put in the boot of the car. We had no sooner got out to the car and Phil whizzed past saying L is here, behind me….and there he was!

We're not regretting the long version Suex - we're loving it! Cliff hangers and all!

Thanks Suex, the long version's great. Hope your Ploppy can sort out the lights and hope you enjoy your party tonight.

Thanks Jane and Diana, doing things like this makes me realise how slow I type. Thats what I get for having a Secretary do it for me. Lights are fixed. Must get ready. Heres the Lee bit. Enjoy!

Plan B accomplished and a nice extra for Bren and Sue.

Yes! There he was, right in front of us. Again! looking a bit tired but gorgeous as ever. We think the 'Hello' was one of recognition, he knew we were waiting with a gift for him –good lad Phil, and I handed him the bag. Told him it was a Christmas gift from all the SL’s and we wished them both a lovely relaxing Christmas time together. I taped the card to the gift so they stayed together. He said “ahh, thank you so much” as he took it from me. I asked him if he had enjoyed the concert and he said he had really enjoyed himself and it was great to see everyone – ( I think he meant in the Cathedral during the concert as it wasn’t blacked out.) but he could have meant great to see all his fans :)
I offered congrats on the baby news (or something like that- brain was going to mush by then) and showed him the booties ( I have a pic to send to Martin,). He gave an “ahhhh, bless you” as he took them from me with a big smile and a melty look on his face. All I remember after that is a young staff member very excitedly rushing on the scene asking for an autograph, L signing our programmes and Brenda gave him a little present. Phil took the bags from L so he could sign and put them in the boot. L hopped into the back of the car, I thanked Phil for helping us out, he jumped in next to L and off they went. We just looked at each other, couldn’t believe our luck, went back inside with big grins on our faces and picked up another glass of champers.

All in all a Brilliant night!

Oh Suex,- reading your story is more exciting than a P.D. James crime novel! Long version? It can never be too long where Himself is concerned!

I've been browsing Radio 2's website with the Terry Wogan site. I found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Psuc1B2cPfc
It's being played every morning on his show, and I love it, even if it is a bit cheesy.

Pauline,- I hope you're back in time to report on SCD. We rely on you! I haven't even checked the television program here for tonight. Maybe another old episode of Heartbeat? I have some good DVDs to watch if I'm desperate.

Aahhh! Lovely Suex! Thank you!

Eva's right, it was like a novel!

Must go - Sweet Meads all!

Thanks so much, Suex. I can confirm that the booties are the cutest pair you could possibly imagine. We're due to leave shortly so better sort myself out. Enjoy SCD.

I'm back and will be on SCD duty! As I'm a lousy typist there will probably be lots of typos so please bear with me!

Suex you and Brenda are officially Superstar heros!! I don't think we could ask for better for the ceremonial handing over of the pressie, fantastic and what a lovely guy Phil is, bless him. I'm so chuffed it all worked out well for you both. Brillaint review, not one word too long, I loved it. Having seen the booties, I'm not surprised he was delighted with them, they are the cutest things ever.

Awww, sounds lovely. Booties! Bless. Thank you Suex

Oh thanks so much Sue, that was wonderful to read, so glad you got your UC&P, you definitely deserved to and well done for giving GO the present.

I was back just in time to read the final parts before SCD starts.

...and we're off! Are you sitting comfortably?

Oh dear Ali, no where near as good as Ramps.
Chris was OK apart from the hands, even I noticed them

Wow, Suex, you have certainly excelled here - I was there the whole time with you but from reading this, I was also in suspense and excited as everyone else reading - it was so real again and you captured everything!!!! Thank you for bringing it all back. I thought I had dreamt most of it.
Great seeing Diane and Sue, and sharing our memories on Thursday night until the wee small hours. Thanks for organising the accommodation Sue. Lovely meeting Jane at last - and seeing all other loppies.
Happy belated birthday to Fi and Ro. Ro you are a star, that vid mix is just out of this world. Remembering that warm, melted chocolate baileys voice that is Lee. mmmmm I could eat him.

I must be in a bad mood, thought Ricky was boring.

Starts with pro dancers not still in doing a jive. I see James dances with Christina as both their partners are still in. Great jive.

Chris & Ola Rhumba. Olas costume hardly there! That was just gorgeous Craig is vile and he is so wrong it was lovely. The judges want him out I think. Chris puts more passion into his dances than any of them! 9

Ali and Brian AT sexy black lace dress. I think very good, though I hate to say it as she is my favourite, she does lack a little fire, it might be nerves. 9

Ricky and Natalie Waltz her dress beautiful white and sparkly. Well he is very good (though I think this is the easiest of the first dances, if there is such a thing!) Still he doesn't do it for me, though I'm sure he'll get 10s' across the board. Again being wicked here but I'm sure the judges want him in so will do their best to help!!.... Ooooh only two 10s' the rest 9s' I apologise!

That is the end of the first dances so I'll post this and then do round two.

Just managed to catch up with the blog (yes I can multitask, Ali was brill)
Well done for the typing SueX. A good report, another ace reporter. I'm glad I wasn't in during the day, as the suspense would have been too much. Very detailed just as we like it. A brilliant execution of plan B. (I forgot to kiss the card, drat.)
Ricky was good.

Next round seconds away, ding ding.

Chris and Ola AT Wow little Chris! I thought that was very good. Bruno is a prat this time and I like Craig again! Ok so it wasn't the best ever but they really do sell every dance together. I think you can see how much they like each other 9

Ali & Brian AS beeeyoootiful lilac dress. Just wonderful, very Fred and Ginger and he kissed her at the end ooohh, that is the Ali I love. 10 And she gets a full house from the judges.

Ricky and Natalie AT. I think she has such long legs they are made for this dance, but it's not her we are supposed to look at. She does like flashy and it was very good I daresay it should be a 10 (still doesn't do it for me)

Always new Cola would be at the bottom public vote will be interesting, There is no dance off btw Eva it is all down to the vote.

Ok will be back for the results show will now try to eat!

Pauline,- there seems to be consensus on the blog that Ricky isn't our favourite. This year there also seems to be fewer 10s than last year. Am I right? Waiting for part 2.

Pauline,- apologies. I posted while you did. Glad that Ali came through with her 2nd dance.

Oh wow, oh wow, Darcy and Ian have just done a wonderful jive. That lady should be a dancer!!!!!

OK OK my boast about multitasking is a lie. Just been to Ro's and the end of SCD is a blank.

Eva no problem. You are right there are less 10s' I think . Ricky would have got 5 x 10 for his AT but Craig gave hiom 9. To be honest I think it was a bit unfair, however they are still top of the judges leader board. I don't think there is any doubt they want Ricky to win. I know that I shouldn't let these things count but I'm afraid I find him charmless. That is just what little Chris has in spades, charm, and I do think it shows in his dancing, which while not technically as good is just so endearing I think. So nailing my colours to the mast I think everyone now knows I want Ali to win, but I can't help liking Chris! Must eat!

Loved Ali's AS so glad she got full marks, thought Chris and Ola's AT was good too, I hope I'm not biased but didn't really think Ricky's AT was quite as good as those in the audience, standing ovation, were theywhipped up? The judges are desperate to see Ricky in the final, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

Pauline -What jive? I saw no jive, all I saw was GO. Priorities.

I have seen the bbc DT Christmas trailer, very good

I've never really warmed to R either. His AT wasn't as good as Ramps.

XF report. Ollie duetted with R Williams, bad move, just showed O's weakness in the singing dept.

Did you know Judy Garland came to Aidensfield on her fifth honeymoon? No? Well, she did. They just said so on the telly, in Heartbeat, so it must be true!

Jo,- noone can be as good as Ramps!

Oh Ro,- I've just watched the video from Lincoln. I don't know what to say, except THANK YOU!

So here we go the results show, though it will be a while yet as allsorts happening first. Just found out Ali was apparantly iffy for tonight because of her foot and Laila and Anton were on standby to dance! Thank goodness she made it as all due respect to Laila but it would have left the whole thing a bit flat.

Ian and Natalie do a dreamy foxtrot to You Don't bring Me Flowers. She does like doing the splits though. Must be her trademark!

Just read Suex' review, thanks so much.
Ro thanks for the video - it's amazing.
Now I can (nearly) feel that I was there.
Going back to SCD now. Thought all the performances were great tonight. I like Ricky, Chris and Ali and think they are all winners in their own way.

Twin...that's just what I thought bout the splits!! Didn't like that bit at all.

2nd bit of SCD. One of those show dances which show how a strong man can throw a tiny woman about to music, more gymnastics than dancing. Not my cup of tea. More a dp than a dc.

To everyone thanking me for the video - I'm delighted to be able to share it, but the thanks go to the person who recorded it ... I think you probably all know who that is ;)

The final will have the Lindihop (sp?), I hope we see Chris do it as it's nice and bouncy, suit him.

Did anyone else see Buzzcocks when MB did a bit of Motion of the ocean with Phil J?
Nice to see Austin back dancing

I've been watching a documentary about the Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes. He is a classical musician, brilliant, and the documentary was very interesting. I've heard him in concert twice in Bergen,- of course he is from Bergen!,- and would love to hear him again. Here is a link:
http://www.andsnes.com/biography.php

Jo just what I was going to say about the show dance! Thought the Hairspray was great though glad we saw MB in the lead!

Can't believe it poor Ali has gone. Can't believe that Ricky got more votes. Heartbroken.

Ali out, shame. I even voted for her!

...travesty! How could they let Ali go?????

Here he is playing Grieg at The Proms in 2002:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sL_DT4DRxVA

So sorry to hear that Ali is gone. Two men in the final then?

I'm off to my bed and my book. I'm quite tired, as I needed a glass of red wine after watching the Lincoln Video!

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

Oh dear, I'm very sad to see Ali and Brian go, they were my favourites. Didn't know Ali's foot was still bad, what a shame.

I don't like that Freestyle dancing at all, it's more gymnastics than dancing, no movement around the floorat all.

Evening all
Sorry but I had some piccies from Eva earlier today, just as I was about to go out, I put the pictures online but didn't have time to log on and let you know, so you will find the pictures of "winter in Norway" BRRrrrrrrrr in the Miscellaneous album

I'll have to look at the photos tomorrow. I need to go to bed, another early day tomorrow.
Nightlee night

Great shame to see Ali go no justice in thios world Chris did well but was not a finalist sorry. People obiously do not listen to the panel. Done now sad though.
That video now that was something else what a fabulous take so clear and the Go exquisite. Ro and Friend you made my day.
SueX thank you for your input and well done with the delivery.
Got to go to bed now ninite all Sweet meads

Off to bed as busy tomorrow - taking the 9.30 service tomorrow then we are off to meet our friends from Lincoln so we can do the Christmas pressie swap, have some lunch and get home in time to meet Sloppy off the coach and run her home. Sweet Meads all.

Chris must have come top in the public vote to have by-passed Ali. With Ricky top with the judges it was almost impossible for him not to go through even if last in the public vote. Not sure if the judges votes count next week but if not then Chris could well win (especially if they do something based on the Charleston for the freedance). He and Ola were certainly the worst of the 3 tonight and it makes a bit of a mockery of the programme which is already suffering with the loss of Arlene and the juggernaut that is XF.

I agree Shirley that dance wise Chris should probably have gone, but unfortunately I can see his appeal! I think this has been a sorry year for SCD all the way round, what with the judge debacle and it was hit badly by injuries. Still hopefully it will come back stronger next year. I think I am the only person in the world that doesn't watch the X factor and has no wish to! Don't know why really. Odd. Ah well it is only entertainment and I will miss it when it stops.

Bed for me now so night night all sleep tight.

Morning all. It's dark, cold and drizzling with rain. Only + 2.3 degrees, but at leat it keeps the white stuff away!

Hello sweetheart. I'm glad I caught you before you go off to your Mum's Sunday roast. I could do with a snuggle to warm me up. If we light the fire, sit down on the sofa, take the navy blue blanket, fill our mugs with coffee, we should be well set up. What do you think your Mum's got for you today, then? Lamb? Oooooh, can I come? Just joking,- don't look so alarmed. I'll be out for lunch myself. I've been invited to youngest sister and she does a mean roast lamp with oodles of garlic! I'm salivating at the thought!

Right, we'd better start with the lesson for today (It's an easy one today since it's Sunday):
100.000 klimademonstranter i gatene.
100.000 climate protesters in the streets.
This, of course, is about the Climate Summit in Copenhagen.
I'm having a hard time understanding how creating mayhem in the streets of Copenhagen will help the climate!

I'm still feeling bad about Ali having to leave SCD last night.
Pauline,- I think one of the reasons SCD is having problems this year, is a) the controversy around Arlene's leaving and b) there were too many couples at the start. In the beginning there were so many people competing that it took me several weeks just getting to know the different contestants, and it was hard to work up to any enthusiasm. They should slim the program down to the original concept. Maybe then they'd get more people to follow them, and last but not least c) BBC should never had let Strictly go head-to-head with X-Factor.
Do you think anyone at the BBC reads this blog and take up my for once, sensible suggestions? No? I don't think so either!

As for the X-Factor I haven't got a clue, except remembering the Terrible Twins (because they were so awful) and a bloke with big, Afro hair, who I liked very much. Didn't X-Factor have their finals last night? Who won?

Better get the Sunday started, so I'll see you later.

Btw. I'm having problems with my googlemail lately. I receive e-mails, but are having problems sending them. Just so you know, in case I should have answered anything important.

Good morning all!

I see everyone was talking about SCD last night! Not watched it yet but I have it recorded.

Eva - I'm inclined to agree with you. I think they did get too many couples involved this year. And I don't think the standard is up to previous years. I have to agree that Chris has charm, but I'm suprised that it was Ali that went.

Ro - indeed - thank you to both you and the anonymous person!

Carol have a lovely day with your friends

Now BHB, I think I could do with a little snuggle before I go to church.

Eva - I agree re too many couples and also lots of them I hadn't heard of - they need ones people know immediately, not those you have to get to know. I had never heard of Ali or Ricky before the show this year and therefore have not been as glued as in previous years. Also Alesha really gets on my nerves but that be just me

I'm glad I wasn't the only one feeling confused and partly uninterested at the beginning of SCD. Ali I knew, because I am (or was) a dedicated follower of The Bill, but even the boxer who was there at the beginning was unknown to me, even if he's supposed to have been a very famous one!
Now, that's not very surprising, taking my total lack of interest for sport. I'd never seen Chris either, as I understand he's a sports reporter. I think if .......what's his name..........Murray? T*nnis? had been there, I would have had problems. Jill, Shirley,- STOP HITTING ME!

It has stopped raining and the sky is clearing, so in another half an hour (when it's properly light!) I'll be going for my walk. Yes, it's 10.23 am here and still not full daylight!

Morning all, not too bad here and the sun is trying to shine. I am hopefully going to finish the decorations today, I have done the tree and don't do much else so shouldn't be a problem. Then thinking cap on. I am having my dinner party next Friday and although I have the main course sorted I'm struggling what to do as a starter and pudding. Time to drag out the recipe books I think.

Eva I love the thought of you all haveing roast lamp for lunch, sounds yummy, but crunchy. I agree with all you say about SCD and Shirley I think you are right that the contestants this year weren't as high profile as they need. I think their coup was Joe C and he turned out to have two left feet and went early. Also as it turned out the two best dancers were relatively low profile actors (sorry Ali/Ricky but I had never heard of you until this show) it has been harder for people to connect to them, especially Ricky who besides from coming across as a bit cocky had that slight contretemp with the law. Still I'm interested to see if Chris' popularity actually gives him the trophy, as a lover of the show in the dancing sense it would be better not, but then he is very cute and doubly so with Ola, so I'm a big hypocrite. Actually a last thought, if they wanted a longer run, rather than have more contestants it might be interesting to have a couple of weeks before voting anyone off, perhaps wouldn't work.

Oh while I think of it, next Sunday on Watch (if you get it) they are showing The Winners Story at 5.40 followed by WJMM.

Right I think a little practise is in order so I will go to the staff room and see if Fred and Tom are ready. The BHB has said he will sing for us when he gets back.

Eva you posted while I was typing (it takes a long time!). Chris is the sports reporter on Breakfast (BBC) so I knew him quite well, I have alweays found him hugely likeable. See I knew you'd be really interested in that!

I'm on youtube duty again so six dances will split in two posts I think. First Chris and Ola:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Wd0sOb7Fi0

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

Ali and Brian

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEIsFsWMd9c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eB67M5KDTI&feature=PlayList&p=ek58TqLppsU

Next Ricky and Natalie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v2-1Z8_cMc&feature=PlayList&p=ek58TqLppsU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbkLEtLJ5To&feature=PlayList&p=ek58TqLppsU

And here is Darcy doing the jive!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1P-8OOgtZAI

That should keep you busy for a while Eva!

Morning all.

Watched the SCD results show at inlaws. We also thought that couple were more gymnasts than dancers. Great shame that Ali went so now routing for Chris & Ola. I know Ricky's a better dancer but don't want him & N to win.

I watched WWRT DVD a few mins ago. If you've not bought the CD/DVD, I do recommend it - only cost £4 and the DVD lasts 11 mins, and of course its a very deserving cause.

Bit gloomy out but need to take some papers to the recycling unit and deliver the neighbours cards so will have to go out soon.

Done my walk and it was nice. No wind, and that makes a lot of difference at this time of the year.

Pauline,- thank you so much for the YT links. Ali's Argentine Tango wouldn't play for me, but I'll try it again later.
Her American Smooth was dreamlike, elegant and absolutely beautiful. And the dress! And the kiss ! ! ! ! Is something going on there?
As you all say, Chris is a charmer, but the most noticable part of his AT, was his face. He looked as if he was smelling something rally bad! The rumba was sweet.
Now Ricky,- he is a terrific dancer, no doubt, but he seems almost detached from what he is doing. This was OK for the waltz, which was 1st class, but it didn't suit the AT at all. That dance needs passion, not indifference!

Pauline,-So how are you going to keep yourself occupied now that SCD is over and you don't have to work hard to keep me up-to-date?

It's time for my herbal tea and Sunday paper, listening to Radio 2. MB on in a minute.

Wasn't the AS wonderful Eva. I think there is a bit of something there between the two of them, but maybe not enough! When you manage to watch the AT you might see what I mean.

Gosh I know it is going to be tough. I really have enjoyed being Foreign Correspondent! Never mind there is something going on in January that might catch my interest for a while....and I'm not neccessarily talking Dancing on Ice!

Listening to MB too. I do like him

Hello girls, chilly this morning. oh what a super evening yesterday gazing at you know who in L C I still can't believe the quality of dvd.
I must say I am getting a bit fed up with SCD and the voting I know it is an entertainment but really it is not fair on the good ones.Don't get me wrong I like Chris but I don't think he was final material. Such a shame that Jade got injuered.
Well Eva I think that your rover reportewr Pauline will have to find something new for her to do for you.!!!!
I think I have done all my Christmas cards this year , now that is a record for me. Ploppy still has his galleries to do, but I have done enough downing tools...
Better go and finished to put up decarations, gosh I am fed up having to do it on my own, where are you Dad? hope you are doing your bit up there and are singing while doing it, I miss you down here.
Oh BHB acuddle from you ? oh thanks that is so kind.
Ok see you all later
Oh scotty can i have my pencil back pretty please?

Have only just watched SDC and very suprised by the result, although I love Chris and Ola, and now I want them to win, I did feel so so sorry for Ali and Brian,I also thought the cast of Hairspray were not half as good as the originals, loved seeing Austin again.
Suex what a lovely review, I am really pleased for you that you accomplished your "missson" did you knit the booties????????
Eva I think I have heard somewhere That Tim Henman was asked to do SDC, did you hear that Shirley???? oh sorry Eva TH used to play tennis fro Britian a few years ago.

Not sure if this has been posted before:
http://holliesteel.org.uk/hollie-steel-and-lee-mead-at-lincoln-cathedral/

Aw Geri! That link is lovely! He really does win over everyone he comes into contact with, doesn't he?

Chantale I agree with you - people are definately voting on personalities more than dancing ablity. That said Chris is very charming and I can see why he's such a favourite.

Eva - I didn't know any of them either this year - with just two exceptions.

Now then Pauline - has the BHB finished singing for you? Coz I need him so that EMcG and I can practise our passo!

And I WANT MY PENCIL TOO!!!

Ah Geri, I was about to ask if anyone had heard from you. Hope you're OK. Thanks for the link, it's not been posted.

I've been visiting all the LASC theatre sites and found a nice pressie on the Blackpool page. Click on the small photo of Lee
http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/shows/1/1970/Lord-Arthur-Savile’s-Crime.htm

Good find Geri - there's another pic of him with Hollie and RA's (the compere) son on her Facebook page (follow the link from her forum, bottom left).

Thanks to Geri, I've found another photo from Lincoln. The little boy is the son of the evening's presenter. You may need a Faceook account to see this
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Official-Hollie-Steel/210965685861#/photo.php?pid=4742170&id=210965685861
Apparently Hollie's going to be talking about Lincoln on her forum this evening so probably worth a look later.

Snap Ro!

Hi Jill - yes Tim H has been asked on SCD every year since he retired but he's not into reality shows and always declines! The only TV he does regularly is Question of Sport. He's busy playing golf these days with some BBC tennis commentary but I hear he may be part of the line up of the vets tennis at the Albert Hall next December.

The way the SCD voting is done for the SF is flawed if there are only 3 and not 4 couples. With RW top with the judges, even if no-one had phoned he would still have got through with 4 points (3 +1)so anybody that voted for him wasted their money as it didn't affect the outcome. I wonder if there will be an inquiry about it if people complain. The programme has been poor this year and I'm not as keen as in past years, Not watching Hollyoaks, the Bill or Footballers wives dancers could have been anyone - in fact Zoe and Leila/Laila seemed to be clones of each other

Now that I come to think of it Shirley I have heard TH say he has often been asked to do SDC.Interesting to hear he might be playing at the RAH next year, loved seeing SE there this year.Thanks for that information.
I think the BBC needs to seriously change the format of SDC next year, I think all 3 couples should have gone through to the final this year, if Jade hadn't pulled out we would have had 3 couples left.
Another one here that had never heard of RW or AB before Strictly, and as for the X Factor, I really couldn't care less who wins.

Strictly Come Loppy – from our roving reporter

News of Fi’s innovative Highland Dances take on her American Smooth and Paso Doble has rather been overshadowed by trouble back stage between front runners Chantale and Pauline.

The trouble occurred when Chantale (27) picked PiB for her Paso song unaware that that the song had already been allocated to rival Pauline (27). In an unrelated ‘accident’ Pauline and Chantale both ‘tripped’ down a flight of stairs leaving a question over Chantale’s ability to dance in the competition.

Pauline has since apologised unreservedly (while returning a large pack of butter to the fridge).

Meanwhile a misunderstanding between Auds and partner Patrick S nearly lead to the Dirty Dancing star being dumped from the competition. The quarrel arose when Auds accused PS of two timing her with rival contender Carys.

‘I don’t know what I did wrong!’ PS (27) cried to our reporter, ‘I so want to dance in this competition!’

Fortunately the mistake was cleared up and it was confirmed that Auds will be dancing the American Smooth with PS.

Carys (27), who was seen practising her own American Smooth with new partner Patrick S was mystified how the misunderstanding could have occurred. ‘It’s not as though they even look alike!’ she said.

Later in the week Jan and Jill were spotted out shopping for clothes and shoes. The two ladies seemed to be having a fantastic time trying on every dress possible.

The same could not be said for RA however – last seen following Eva loaded down designer bags. Eva explained to our reporter that they were merely shopping for his shoes. At a designer outlet called Diva-Wear – eh Eva?

Front runner Carol has been busy practising with her partner GK – and with Jerry Mouse for some reason. She really is one of the ones to watch! As is Ali who is putting in lots of time with her partner HJ – could romance be in the air? Or was that a different dancing competition?

However Lady Jane has been mysteriously absent from the rehearsal room for a few days – having apparently gone on a ‘religious retreat’. Bizarre behaviour for a competitor!

So now the question on everyone's lips - who will be the first Loppy to take to the floor?

Evening each. Geri lovely to see you, albeit briefly, especially bearing such gifts. I was wondering if you were ok as well, we worry about you when we don't hear!

Thanks Ro and Diana as well, I'm off for a peek in a minute.

On the SCD debate. I still love the show though maybe not as much this tear as I never really rooted for anyone for ages. Just think it needs a tweak next year, but not by too much, we don't need another Arlenegate!

Love it Geri! Will do my poor best but am trying to organise dinner as well. It is difficult doing the AS while juggling pots and pans!

What a team - Geri Diana and Ro finding those goodies. Thanks girls!

Jill and Shirley - at least if TH did SCD that would be SOMEONE I know!

Oi! I've been practising hard I have!!! Just coz I had a short break to - err - show my devotion - a-hem!

Pauline - I looking forward to seeing you dance! I would go first but I'm a bit nervous!

Oh lots of links thanks all
Shirley - is s*xy vet playing in the vets tennis, if so I'll come!!
back to read the rest

Hello me dears. PUFF PUFFF PUFFFFFF I'm trying to breathe down on the keypad. Can you smell the garlic? Oh, the lamb roast was booooooootiful, both to look at and to eat, and I'm stuffed!

What's that? Dance? NOOOOOOOOW? ? ? ? ? ? ? Well, I know I can call on RA anytime, but he likes a bit of notice! He loves the Diva-Wear! Don't let this sneaky Roving Reporter tell you anything else! He turned up the other day in this costume:
http://www.atlantisfancydress.com/images/charliecrow/180059.jpg
Much as I love the colour, I had to point out that it didn't quite fit the American Smooth theme. He was muttering something about "Robin Hood", but I refused to give in. A lady must be true to her principles! What principles? That her man dresses as she wants of course!
So it was back to this:
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/001718.php?__utma=1.739088156.1260730735.1260730735.1260730735.1&__utmb=1.2.10.1260730735&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1260730735.1.1.utmgclid=CITspeSL1J4CFQaF3god5BZJrg|utmccn=(not%20set)|utmcmd=(not%20set)&__utmv=-&__utmk=142203826

Oh, there you are, RA. They want us to dance now. Are you ready? (He puts his arms round me and we start to glide over the floor to the tones of Hero.) Now what's wrong? Why are you turning away from me? I can't dance like that! ! ! ! (He is turning me around so that I have my back to him!) We didn't train for this!
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT ? ? ? ?
HUMPF and double HUMPF! I do not smell ! Garlic? Of course I've had garlic. It belongs with roast lamb. Here,- if you swallow a bulb or two, it won't bother you at all! (Don't go, pleeeeeease!)
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Excuse me, your honours ( trying to sweet talk the judges here.), can we be excused for another day or two?

Pauline and Fred take their positions at the top of the stairs. Pauline looks stunning in her dress with a pink and silver bodice and skirt made of pale pink ostrich feathers, Fred is of course wearing tails. they music starts and Night and Day fills the room, they trip lightly down the stairs (no not falling flat on their faces, trip as in tripping the light fantastic) Fred sweeps Pauline into his arms and they spin round the room at a dizzying speed. They are so light their feet hardly seem to touch the floor, he scoops her up into the air with great ease in a spectacular lift, they land and separate doing tap steps as they do so, they come back together and do the foxtrot so beautifully, again the music swells towards the end and again Pauline is swept off her feet and then lands, spins and they sink to the floor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YV5e7mWcQJE

This was Fred and myself practising. As you can see he sang when BHB wasn't available, but it will give you an idea of the dance.

Christmas cards, oh b**ger, better get them out. I have the stamps!

Eva I love that first costume! Why didn't you let him wear it?

And now it's the turn of Jane E and the Hamster. Pauline and Fred will be difficult to beat!

Jane looking elegant in her black (no Jo NOT purple) sequined gown with feather fasinator. Hamster having scrubbed up nicely in his tux.

They descend the stair to the tune of Impossible Dream (as sung by Mandy P - hoping that will influence on of the Judges)and glide onto the dance floor.

Jane and Hamster are using a quick step rather than a fox trot for the basis of their AS.

And the first lift - Quite brief - Jane hardly got her feet off the ground - well the Hamster in quite a small chap.

I must say I loved that out fit for RA Eva!

And now the second lift - STUNING - an amazing lift there - of course, he was supposed to lift her rather than the other way around - they may loose marks for that!

OK - what happened then - the last line of my post got into the middle of it! Now it looks like I was chatting to Eva while dancing!

Pauline,- maybe for another dance? We can do something like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8HI_amy0yQ&feature=related

Maybe we can do it all together as one of the group dances? Lady Jane could teach us.

And my flipping post disappeared into the ether! Trying again:

Pauline,- maybe for another dance? We can do something like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8HI_amy0yQ&feature=related

Maybe we can do it all together as one of the group dances? Lady Jane could teach us.

Sorry about that,- it seems to have taken a break between leaving my pooter and getting there!
BBBT,- behave yourself!

Oh dear, oh dear, they'll never get to Blackpool that way! What a catastrophe! Poor RA passing out in the middle of his first dance with Eva. I think the chap was starting to rally when she decided to give him the kiss of life and he passed out all over again!

Very nice job by Pauline, but why was she in practice mode?

Poor Hamster -- I think the feather on Lady Jane's fascinator was a mistake; poor chap got a sneezing fit and dropped her right on her trot. Oh my! Nice music, but BHB has a fit of the giggles and, oh no! looks like he's set Mandy off too! Whatever next!

Still looking for my pencil too, where have they all gone.

DC and I have been practising our AS all afternoon, I'll send a pic to Geri as still can't c/p.

I've also had a session with JS, I may have made a mistake in that choice, no pic.s available!

Humf! I don't see why Mandy P and BHB were laughing at us! I thought we did rather well!

Eva - I'll happily show you some medieval dancing!

Oh dear Maeve - did JS drag you accross the floor?

Good grief, Lady Jane, put down that lance! Ooh, sorry, Mr Barrowman, I didn't see you were on the other end...

Don't forget to e-mail me all your points for our elegant (ahem) competitors. No voting for yourself though!

Maeve,- it seems all the pecils are gone (heavens know where), but the myid. is coming up, even if I don't sign in. I've tried to tell the BBBT to behave, but it doesn't listen to me!
OPS! I think JS misunderstood your instructions, Maeve. He thought you said " throw" instead of "slow"! Are you OK, Maeve........ Maeve..........is there a doctor in the house?

Ne-naw - ne- naw - here comes the ambulance - with Dr Mead in attendence for Maeve. I think you're going to get a throrough examination lass!

So we have a gang of inernational Pencil theives on the blog!

Geri - to clarify - do we vote for out favourite couple when every one has danced - or award each couple marks out of 10?

Sorry Loppies, I will have to pull out of this competition. Not feeling up to it at the moment. Explain later

Hi all
I have put Maeve's picture of herself and her partner finishing their AS in the Miscellaneous album.

Jane, just to reiterate the rules:

The idea is this: everyone who wants to participate must select a gown and music for each dance as well as a partner. The first round (or only round if the game turns out to be rubbish!) will be an American Smooth and a Paso. Second round will be loppy choice so you can pick whichever two dances you want.

Other loppies will get to give you points out of 5 for each element -- your outfit, your partner and your music (max of 15 points per dance). Points are for creativity so if you just lift everything simply from one dance in SCD you'll lose points. You cannot vote for yourself. You can either post as soon as the couple have left the blog (might be wise or your pencil might be nicked), or wait till everyone has finished dancing.

Loppies can e-mail their votes to me (since I won't be participating except as scorekeeper), and I'll post the results.

Jan,- sorry if you're out of sorts. Get better soon.

I've e-mailed my votes to Geri, and I followed the SCD rules, marked out of 10, with a few comments in addition!

In 5 minutes a crime series, a Swedish one, very good, is starting on the telly, so I will be MIA for an hour or so.

Oh Jan - OOOHHMMS to you!

Thanks for that Geri

Sweet Meads all

So Pauline and Tom take their places for the Paso. She now looks very striking in her red dress with black lace, the long blck skirt is split down the front and she holds it apart to form a cloak showing the red lining. The music starts, PIB..... then on to the stage walks an Adonis wearing black, he has black curly hair, the most gorgeous eyes, a dazzling smile and a body to die for. What's this? Pauline has stopped dancing and is a quivering wreck at his feet, watching his every move as he sings with a voice like molten gold. Oh dear, I think that could be nul point for the dance, but who cares? The singer gets 100 points in my book!

Eva loving the group dance though I feel Lady Jane may be at an unfair advantage there!

Just a quick look-in before the second half of the series start:
I have been ordered by Geri to post my comments and point-giving on the blog, and as you know, I always do as I'm told, so here goes:

Hi Geri !

Here are the votes from the Norwegian Jury:

Pauline and Fred: Booooooootiful and elegant, but I think he could have kept his feet on the floor. Ceilings are all very well, but not to dance on! That's showing off in my book!
8 points!

Lady Jane and Hamster: Her breeding comes through here, gentle and dignified. It's a pity I can't say the same about the Hamster. Bumbly and cuddly would descibe him, but on the dance floor?
6 points (It's the Hamster's fault!)

Maeve and JS: Mave is always a lady and did her moves very well. JS is a dahling, but Daaaaaahling..............we can't have all this throwing about! (That was Gemma talking!)
6 points

Now to the best couple: Eva and RA..............OUCH! It was worth a try!

The Norwegian Jury ( sent in anonymously)

I know I didn't follow the rules, but I have asked the boss (I have to keep her sweet!) if I can amend my votes later.

Back to the telly.

Eva, you make me feel like Emma Woodhouse expecting other people to say 'interesting things' for her amusement! But I did think your comments were too funny for me to keep to myself so thanks for sharing.

My e-mail's playing up & I have to be out of bed at 5am so I've taken my pill and I'm headed off to bed. Sweet Meads, all.

Same instructions here so with a couple of typo amendments here we are:

Votes from the Luton jury:

Lady Jane and the Hampster

Costume 8 very nice, Music 8 good choice. Dance, humm not sure about the lift so 7

Eva and RA

Costume 10 for his....oh they didn't use the cute blue suit? Sorry then 8, RA looks good in anything (or nothing). Music also 8. Dance needs a lot more practise I think, great potential though 6

Maeve and John Costume 8 Music (what was it? Can't remember so 7) Dance, oh a Disaster darling! John looked like a bad tempered Pooh bear dragging his honey pot behind him, I don't think she (Maeve) will ever recover. 5

Oh goody a snippet of my fav musical on ITV now, Les mis. Now where are my tickets to the touring show?
I haven't done my cards, spent the eve next door talking broadband and laptops

I'm exhausted from dancing, giving points and watching telly!

Jo,- so when are you seeing Les Mis then? Maybe you'll last well into the 2nd half this time!

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

I'm sorry I missed the dancing.
Nightlee night all

Wow you are right Eva this dancing is tiring. I'm for bed too so night night all sleep tight.

Chantale and tuffers are now practicing their waltz to the danube.
tuffers stears her well oh so elegant . Oh dear no ... Chantale has stepped on his shoes ... ah all is well well recovered.
They re still looking for a decent argentine tango music so practicing steps with out music. Oh errr she has been lifted in the air as they turn. Now ... oy tuffs that is my leg not yours ok lets do it again.
Oh hell look at the time it is late . We must finish or they will lock up with us stuck in there....
Oh Jan i hope you are ok OOOOOOOhhhhmmmmms to you.
Ninite all xxx

scroll down to 14 jul 09

The link would be a good idea
http://www.southenddrama.co.uk/

Evening all, had a hectic day yesterday, and went out with friends last night, so didn’t manage to pop in.

Like Diana, (and I am sure everyone else,) I’m still buzzing from Lincoln. We went to friends this afternoon and as I was telling them about the concert all the excitement came flooding back.
I downloaded the video from the Timeline, (thanks Ro, and whoever) but although the audio is good, I can’t see the video, it’s criss crossed with green lines??

Hello Martin, good to see you here.

Diana, a good shopping trip then?

Sue, that was a pretty accurate summary, must admit I prefer the extended version.

Eva, thanks for the links, amazing piano playing. Thanks also for the cccold photos, love the Santa. How horrible to have such dark mornings.

Thanks for the link Geri, I must say I liked Hollie much better on Thursday than I did on BGT.

Jo, like you I have the cards and the stamps, but can’t work up the enthusiasm to start writing.

Short and sweet tonight, sorry if I’ve missed anything, MUST go to bed now, falling asleep on the laptop. Nite nite Loppies x

Sue - check out the Help page on the Timeline, it sounds like you need either VLC media player or the DivX codec:

http://leemead-timeline.co.uk/files/help.html

Ro, any idea wht I don't get sound on the Advent calendar?
To the left under the picture there's a rectaangular box with a red X in it, the only date that I've had the sound was the one where GO was interviwed and wore the sailor's hat and that day he didn't sing!

The lights are turned way down low as I make my way to the dancefloor on the arm of my charming partner PS. He is wearing a classic tail suit in dove grey with a rather natty silver boater and is carrying his silver topped cane. Sorry I do not have a photo of my dress but it was custom made and has only just arrived from Paris. It is made from heavy silver silk with white feather trim to the hem and the bodice is encrusted with white and black stones. The band strikes up with The Alphabet Song and a single spoltlight follows as we move around the floor with PS singing gently in my ear. The music stops and I float up the stairs where Ramps is waiting. A very quick change into my borrowed dress - I couldn't afford two new ones! I will be wearing Zoe Ball's black Paso outfit. Patrick waves encouragement from the wings as I make my way to the stage with Ramps and we decend to the floor as the music starts .....I gaze into Ramps dark flashing eyes as Granada reaches a crescendo and he hurls me across the floor. I strike a pose as he shows off his 'taught buttocks' and the audience rises to its feet.....LOL well that's me version of events I hope someone else was watching. Oh look! the BHB is here as well. Chocolate and marshmallows all rounf it is then.

Morning all!

OOooo Chantale and Carys lovely dances there! I shall have to vote tonight.

Jo - thanks for the link - I'll have to follow it later. And ditto with the advent calendar - thank you to Ro.

Time for a quick snuggle BHB? Oh yes!

Good morning all, good grief look at all these sequins all over the blog, but of silver boa, and strangest of all, a man's dress outfit. Well, he's going to be awfully cold, whoever he is. It looks like the dancing continued late into the night -- whatever the contestants lack in elegance they make up for with enthusiasm.

Back to work today and it's rather brisk outside today. Slept rubbish, but I'm sure the weather will wake me up.

Have a great day everyone.

Morning all, cold and grey here and apparantly we are going to have a really cold spell by the end of the week, though I suspect it will still be milder than with you Eva! I daresay it will pass by Christmas so we will have our usual mild wet Christmas Day! Must get my head into thinking about my dinner party if I want my friends to have something to eat, I always start to panic at this stage thinking it will never happen and we'll be eating bread and cheese, well bread in the case of one of my friends who doesn't like cheese!

May I say another heartfelt THANKYOU Ro for todays' advent calander, so thudworthy and one of my favourite songs, and wonderful memories. The pictures are gorgeous too.

Feeling a bit stiff after all the dancing last night, still a good workout in the gym would cure that....so I'll be feeling stiff all day then! No instead I will repair to the staff meeting with BHB and a big jug of Vanillita, the CM and BHB, my sort of remedy!

Horrid cold morning here, so will appreciate the log fire in the staff room. Busy at the moment (possibly with the redundancy of the other secretary on my floor, so it's just me now). Need to final practise with my partners so that we will be ready to perform soon. Sadly tonight won't be the night as we are singing in the Cutlers' Hall in the City this evening. I'll just grab this jug of Vanillita and join the DCM and the BHB. Looking forward to seeing the Advent Calendar, Ro!! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmsss for those that need them.

Morning. What a weekend, I didn't stop! Sloppy and I visited the English Whisky Co. not far from here and discovered they'd already sold out of the first batch of English whisky due to coverage in the press, we did make a few purchases though. Onto the local aquatic centre to research bearded dragons (lizards) for Josh who wants one!! Then onto the local chocolatier where the youngest 2 scollops made choc tree decorations, and I bought some yummy truffles. Work was manic both saturday and yesterday then it was the district carol service for the Guides and Brownies where 3 of us were presented with gifts as we are leaving to re-form our local district. Are you all keeping up? As a result I have neglected my poor dancing partner so we will get back to some serious practise and perform for you all on Wednesday if that is ok?
Re: SCD I was hoping to see Chris and Ali in the final, while I know he is not the best dancer I do like him and you can't fault his dedication and enthusiasm. Personally I would have scored Ali higher than Ricky. He was good but he lacked emotion for me. I am rooting for Chris now to win.
I didn't follow XF, although it wasn't hard to know what was going on with all the press coverage! I do like the winner though and I suspect he'll be xmas no.1 and go on to great things.

Right, better grab some lunch before I take nephew to nursery. Then shopping with sloppy and Brownies xmas party tonight. I've lost weight again with all this rushing about and my work trousers are literally falling off me so I must try and find some new ones asap!
Oohhmms for anyone in need and thanks for the links etc. I'll try and get back later, but no promises!!

Ali thats good news about your weight loss, good excuse to go and buy some new clothes.
I have only just arrived back from practise, Rafa wanted us to practise in the warm so went over to his pad in Mallorca, very nice it was too.
Off to School in a minute, went to start my car and the battery is dead, so have had to order one and pick it up tomorrow, I suppose the walk home from School will do me good. Ploppy going out.

Looking forward to seeing your dances Carol & Ali (congratulations on the wieght loss).

Jill that's the right idea - go somewhere warm to practise!

Pauline - I'm sure your dinner party will be fab!

Geri - best of luck with w*rk today!

Ooo the captcha is JANE smuggler. OK who smuggles Janes - should I be afraid?

Hi all.

Hi all. Something odd going on with the signing in since I last posted. Fingers crossed I don't lose this post.

I've had a quick look back for reviews of Lincoln. Sounds thudable. Thanks for those.

I see there is some LCD going on. Can I have Brian now he is no longer required on the real thing. I was a bit gutted by Strictly. I've been supporting Brian and Ali from the beginning. I thought they were so sweet as a couple. I could watch Brian dance for hours. I'm not getting Chris at all. I really can't see why everyone is supporting him. I'm not that interested in the final now. I think the standard of dancing this year hasn't really been as good as previous years.

I've not been watching X factor but as you said Ali it is hard to miss what went on each week with all the press coverage. I did watch a bit of it on Saturday because Robbie and George were on. I think they must spike Robbie's tea every time he appears because he really didn't seem himself. I've never heard him do such a ropey version of Angels. I'm sure they got the words mixed up.

My little treasures have been home from Singapore for almost a week which is lovely but tiring. It's as if they've never been away. Unfortunately Dad is having a bit of a health scare at the moment so Mum isn't enjoying their visit as much as she should be. Fingers crossed he'll be ok but I'll take some ohhhhms please.

We are going to see Peter Pan at the O2 tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to it. I think I want to do all the traditional Christmas things more than the children.

I hope everyone is well. Ohhhms to all in need. Things sound grim at w**k for you Carol. Not much Christmas cheer?

Take as many oohhmms as you need for your Dad, Alison.
Have fun doing all the christmas stuff, I'm sure you need the break from work!
Just posted the last of the xmas cards, I hope. Although there's bound to be someone I've forgotten. Better wrap up ready for the school run, it's chilly out tthere.

I have a spare ticket for the HW & GO Barbican concert next Monday 21st Dec. Stalls Row C. Face value £33.50. Email me via stageloppies if interested.
Jill - I'm so jealous of you and Rafa!!

Oh dear Alison! Many OOOHHMMMS for your dad. I hope you enjoy Peter Pan. And I'm sure Brian is delighted to be your partner - in fact it must make up for him being out of the other comp!

OOoo Shirley - that ticket is so tempting! But alas, I haven't got the leave to take advantage of it! I'm sure you'll find a taker though!

Evening all, been MIA all day I know but have been messing about trying to get a doctor to see Sloppy, nothing urgent, just not 100% happy about her. Anyway in the end one went and didn't let me know so I missed her! She did see Mum and seemed to think she was ok, so we'll see.

Thanks to Ro and for the heads up from Punkinpuss this you have to see. Now i recommend not holding any hot liquid, well any sort of liquid at all. You will get to the link and think ?????? but click on the thumbnail picture of the GO. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/media/6515_Lee%20Mead.jpg

Ahh well there are no surprises you get the full thing immediately so be prepared!!!

Alison lots of ohhhhmmmms for your Dad I hope he is ok.

I haven't seen Eva today, have I missed something about her being AWOL? If not ohhhmmmms in case she needs them.

And we go full circle ... the Blackpool Grand link came from your very own Queen of Links, Diana, somewhere up thread, and I gave her due credit when I posted it on Lovelees ... that got lost along the way when PKP posted on LMAS!

I haven't been able to post on here all day ... if a couple of identical posts eventually make their way through the ether, forgive me for repetition but I was trying to solve Maeve's Advent Calendar sound problems. That said, the whole of the Timeline was down for a couple of hours earlier - I was trying very hard not to panic!

Hi all, well I had a bit of a shock today. I returned to work to find that in my absence they’d made me responsible for an additional 5 units (that’s a total of 23) and a further 48 staff members. Silly me, I thought they should have asked me first.

Sounds like your work is pretty rough at present, too, Carol. Ohms that it improves sooner rather than later.

What a weekend, Ali. Sounds like you had fun! Congrats on the weight loss.

Oh dear, Jill, I hate car problems. Ohms that it’s not too expensive.

And ohms for your dad, Alison. I hope it’s nothing too serious & he makes a speedy recovery.

Maeve - hope this works for you!

There's now a page on the Advent Calendar with links to the audio files for each day where there is one. It is linked from the bottom of the 'front' page ...

LINKY THING

He! he! Pauline! Ro's right! I thought that link was familar - but just shows how the good stuff gets circulated!

But you've had a lot on your plate worrying about sloppy!

Geri I hope tomorrow is much better for you! Do you need some OOHHMMS!

Right! My turn to vote!

Eva

Dresses 10. Mostly because I think that blue velvet get up she found for RA is wonderful!

Music 7. Not that I can remember what it was – sorry Eva!

Dancing 9 – for a very unusual ‘back to back’ take on the AS.

Pauline

Dresses 9 – didn’t she look lovely! Despite the colour!

Music 10 – for goodness sake! She had BHB singing PiB! Of course it’s a 10!!!

Dancing 9 – Scoring high for her AS. And I didn’t see what she was doing in the paso – I was watching BHB.

Maeve

Dresses – 7 – you look so elegant Maeve! Shame about your partner!

Music - 6 - Sorry I couldn’t hear it! But I’m sure it was nice

Dancing – 8 – Kudos for continuing after severe JS related injury

Carys

Dresses – 9 – extra points for PS’s natty boater!

Music - 8 – (Fessing up! I’m not sure what the song is!)

Dancing – 8 – pretty!

Chantale

Errr – Chantale? Are you a week ahead of us? Looked lovely anyway!

Sweet Meads all!

I'm going to have to turn in, it's been a very long day. Sweet Meads all, and ohms to anyone who needs them.

Thanks for the info Ro, I’m a bit of a dope when it comes to puters.

I’ve just had my desktop overhauled, and the very nice man who did it said I’d broken his record, I had 748 viruses!!!!!!!! It seems one got in to the protection and disabled it, and the rest just poured in, to use his words. Apparently all ok now. He’s taken the laptop away to sort that out.

Ali, what a busy bee you are, are you sleeping any better?

Alison, good to hear from you, sounds like you’re having a special time with those children. Ohhhmmmsss for your Dad, hope he gets sorted out so your Mum can stop worrying and enjoy her Christmas with you all.

Oh dear Geri, your job just gets worse and worse. Hope you’re successful with one of the others you applied for.

Eva, where are you????

Early night again for me, got a lot on tomorrow. Nite nite Loppies x

Hi all. I'm still alive and well, but the day turned out quite different than I had expected. I had a very bad night, which resulted in me oversleeping, which again resulted in me jumping in the car with a sandwich in one hand to get to the hospital in time for an appointment for a mammography. There I met an old collegue, we got talking, went out to lunch with her. I hurried back home for a rest, then back into town to meet my niece as we were going to the theatre. Went to the theatre, lovely play (will tell all tomorrow), then went out for something to eat, and I just returned home, completely bushed after a long and lovely day. Exhausted reading about this? Imagine how I feel doing it!
So now I'm off to bed, but I promise to tell all tomorrow.

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

Ro, you're an absolute star, thankyou so much for sorting the AC sound out for me, I hope it didn't take up too much of your time.
I've just opened today's window, one of my very favourites ''To the Barricades'.
Off to listen to all the other days, thanks again.

My pleasure Maeve - I'm glad you can now hear those mellifluous tones we all know and love :)

So ok I gave you a link you had all seen, well it was worth a second look I'm sure so I'm not apologising! I think it might have been posted during a bit of a traumatic time I had a few weeks back, I know I did a bit of skimming around that time.

Geri so sorry that your work is so rough. I do hope you manage to get something else, still ohhhmmming.

Phew Eva, busy day, glad all is ok though.

Going to watch GN then will go to bed so I will say night night and sleep tight all.

Just for Jane this is what PS was whispering in my ear
"A," you're adorable, "B," you're so beautiful,
"C," you're a cutie full of charms.
"D," you're a darling and "E," you're exciting
And "F," you're a feather in my arms.
"G," you look good to me, "H," you're so heavenly,
"I," you're the one I idolize.
"J," we're like Jack and Jill, "K," you're so kissable,
"L," is the lovelight in your eyes.

"M," "N," "O," "P," I could go on all day.
"Q," "R," "S," "T," alphabetically speaking, you're OK.

U," made my life complete, "V," means you're very sweet,
Double-"U" "X" "Y" "Zee."
It's fun to wander through the alphabet with you
To tell you what you mean to me.

I've been awake since four, already showered and had breakfast so I'm expecting to crash and burn by around nine.

That's such a silly song, Carys. I remember my dad singing it to my when I was little (OK, littler than I am now!) But doesn't PS sing it with such aplomb. I love him doing backing vocals on B.Spiner's 'ol' green eyes is back' album, especially when he speaks the verse of 'it's a sin to tell a lie'. What a hoot!

Looks like the votes are trickling in, but there are still several loppies who need to do their routine too.

Anyway, I'm going to get a little studying in before I leave, so have a great day, all, and ohms if you need them.

Morning all. It's a day with lots of shimmering stars in the sky and very chilly with it,+ 0.2 degrees, so it bodes well for my walk later on.

Hello sweetheart. I know, I know. I should have popped in to say hello to you yesterday, but I was soooo late getting up, there was no time. You were worried? You don't need to. As we say in Norway:
Ukrutt forgår ikke så lett. (It means something like "Even the bad ones have staying power".) No, that was not the Norwegian lesson for today, just a mal apropos!
We have to sort out the breakfast and blanket before we start the more intellectual pursuits, so if I start the coffee machine, you can do the toast. What? Self service? This is self service. I serve you and you serve me! The royal blue blanket will do very well, and then you can light the fire, please. See how polite I am?
Now that we're all settled on the sofa, we can begin:
Egoistiske foreldre gir barna problemer.
Selfish parents give the children problems.
This is an article about how parents who divorce, creates problems for their children. So what's new about this? Oh, someone has done a study and came up with some statistics! Another waste of money, as this must have been known for a long, long time.

So you want to know what I was up to yesterday>? Okey dokey.
As I said I overslept due to a very bad night, and as I had an appointment at the hospital, I just managed to have a shower and make myself a sandwich which I ate in the car! I'd had a letter from the hospital a few weeks earlier, asking me to take part in a research project about screening for breast cancer in the age group 45-69 years. (They must have heard me saying "Hi honies, I'm home", as soon as I'd registered my come-back to Norway, and been delighted!) We had to answer a load of questions about menopause, use of HRT, any breast surgery in the past etc. etc. Then I had the mammography done, and will have another one every two years until I'm 69. (That should be a few years then, seeing as I'm only 27 !, but they don't know that!) We were told that the NHS wouldn't cover the cost of travelling to and from the hospital or the parking fees when we were there, but I thought the icing on the cake was when we were told that we'd have the priviledge of paying £20 for the mammography! How kind of them, eh? We volunteer to do all this, and then they ask us to pay for it!
In the waiting room I bumped in to an old collegue I haven't seen for yonks, and we decided to go out to lunch together when we'd finished. Then of course we lost track of time with all the goss we had to share (!), so she dashed back to the office and I dashed back home to steal a couple of hours sleep before I headed back into town for the theatre.

The play was very, very good. It was on a small stage in the main theatre, which only holds about 120 seats for the audience, but it makes it very intimate and close. The play was called "Talks with my mother", and if you come across it, do go and see it. It was very funny and sweet.
Afterwards my niece and I went out for a meal, and she took me to a new eating place where they served lovely food. I had a Bergen boillabaise (sp?), fish soup to you and me, very creamy with bits of monk fish, prawns and mussels. Absolutely d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s! And we talked and talked and talked.

As you'll understand, yesterday was an exhausting but lovely day.

Now I'd better stop this before the BBBT has a fit! See you later.

Morning, tad chilly here today. Have a day off (ha that will teach them as there will be no admin/secretarial support on the floor!) to take Sloppy Christmas shopping. Late night last night as we didn't get home from the Cutlers' Hall until midnight so fell straight into bed. Still we came home with a £350 cheque for Marie Curie so all very worth while. Right off I go and catch up later. Ohhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmsssss for the poorlies and needies. Ro thanks for the calendar - TtB is one of my favs too! Right have fallen behind a little with my Paso practice so will grab this jug of Blushng Bubbles and BHB and I will go and find JD and get in some rehearsal before the DCM arrives.

...oh Ro! Just sen today's calendar - wonderful memories - thank you!!!!

Morning all, late again I know but I have been up a while, just been faffing about really!

You certainly had a busy day yesterday Eva. I have heard of the play and seem to remember it being very well reviewed.

I too have viewed todays advent calander Ro and just loved it, thankyou, it took me right back!

Have a busyish day again today, I am still working on my dinner party! It ought to be good with all this prep going on! Anyway it's well beyond time for me to join the staff meeting. I do hope the CM has found something to do with BHB and JD....I'll just get another big jug of Blushing Bubbles, they are sure to need it by now, and up to the staff room I go.

Morning all! (Just!)

Sorry for not getting in early but these dark mornings are playing havoc with my early morning Loppying!

DOH!!! Of course Carys! I should have realised that was the song! Thank you for reminding me. Loved Angela Rippon dancing to it!

Geri - sorry you had a bad nights sleep - I hope today is better for you.

Carol - well done on the fundraising! Enjoy your day off shopping!

Eva - that sounds like a very busy day - glad you enjoyed the play.

TtB is one of my fav's too Ro - thank you!

Good luck with your dinner party organisation Pauline!

Oh dear - I see I'll have to queue for BHB!

I've been shopping again. I thought my Santa, or Julenissen as we call him, looked very lonely, so I thought I'd play Cupid and get him a wifey. The resulting photo has been sent to Martin.

I'm still here...
Had a bit of stage fright - so haven't managed to get onto the floor to perform yet. Mr S is a task-master! He wants us to do this dance for the AS!! Yikes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Y0TWOttkVo
Have sent Martin pics of my outfits.
Love today's Advent - what am I saying, I love 'em all. What's not to love. I'm pretty sure that your remembered THAT day well Pauline.
Off today to collect my ZAR ready for Friday!!!
Hope to back later with a lengthier post.

Auds,- what a beautiful dance. I can see you doing that one!

Hi all
I haven’t had the time to look at the blog lately
Hope you all are well and OOOhhhhmmmmsss for all in need, and oh dear for KK if she needs it!!
I’m waiting for the gas man ,because our boiler has gone wrong .We are only getting hot water and no heating (we have a little electric radiator which is very good and I’m nice and warm in this room ) I’ve got the gas insurance so here’s hoping he can fix it (a very old boiler )
I’m going to have a look back now.Has the SCLoppy started yet?

Hi girls.
Trust me to get the wrong week Jane! must learn to read bolg properly!
Alison lots of oooooooohhhhhmmms for your dad hope you rnjoyed Peter Pan.
ok must go and sort out mess downstairs.
See you all later.

Hi all. There are just not enough hours in the day at the moment. I am looking forward to the new year when things should calm down a bit. And of course Windsor to look forward to as well!
Brownies again tonight, the last ever one with this pack as we hand over to new leaders next year. I have a feeling there may be tears!!

The next couple to dance have had a very strenuous practice time. Auds has worked so hard, and has been in the studio at 5am before heading off to work at 9, then back again in her lunch hour. Then immediately after work at 6pm you’ll find her back at the studio again until midnight. Patrick is a perfectionist – the relationship was a bit rocky to begin with, but once Auds humbly grovelled for forgiveness, things got a lot better.

Will Auds and her partner Patrick please take to the floor… my doesn’t she just sparkle and the shoes flashing in the lights – no, not flashing her tights!!$*&%. Please. Pay attention! She’s a virtual glitter ball. Not so sure about the mullet haircut PS is exhibiting tonight but… Oh my goodness, didn’t realise Auds could bend back so far… ah, seems to have improvised a little there with ‘crawling on the floor like a cat prowling’ step. But she smiles through. So brave! Think she deserves bonus points for that.
Oh my goodness what a lift – you can see Patrick’s muscles almost bursting the seams of his outfit – and very tight fitting that is too, not a thing left to the imagination. Oh and look, he can’t resist a little ‘solo’ section there, looks like Auds is in the corner again…
Ah, but what a beautiful finish…. Aww, look.. It looks like love is in the air with these two.
A quick word with Auds before the results – “So, is the gossip true? You and PS are an item? Certainly by what the crowd saw there, you are deeply in love with PS, Auds?”
“Oh No” puff, puff, puff. “I just think of my beloved GO when I need to do the ‘love’ scenes with PS”. “It’s called method acting Dahlink”.

And here’s a brief ‘behind the scenes’ of their training for the Paso… those of a nervous disposition, do not click on the link… some steamy stuff going on there… Not even is it not the Paso, but it doesn’t look much like training either!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfg97-5uhFQ

Auds, Auds,- have you forgotten that this is a public blog? You are blushing? What about Scott dear's sensibilities?
Aside from that, I loved the video. Never mind not doing a lot of training. You have to take a break once or twice!
As for the dance itself,- boooootiful, very high marks: 8 points. (Minus one point for landing in the corner!) I need to see the dress before I give you points for that, but knowing your impeccable taste, it will be high!

Carys,- I'm very impressed with you and your PS too. (It's confusing with those dopplegangers, but I'll cope.) Your Parisian gown is out of this world, but maybe you should have taken off the feathers? PS's sneezing distacted a bit.
Dance,- 9 (-1 for thinking about sweet nothings when you should have been concentrating on your feet!)
Dress,- 9 (-1 for the feathers!)
That is the vote from the Norwegian Jury (still being anynomous)

Hello Maggie! Yes SCL has started and so far Eva, Pauline, Maeve, Me, Carys and Auds have danced.

Chantale - your dance was gorgeous! Don't worry about it being for the wrong week!

So then votes for Auds (having already voted on the others):

Anonymous, of course!

Dress - 8 - you look lovely and glittery Auds (but what's with your partner's hairstyle)

Music - 6 - I must be going deaf - I couldn't hear it!

Dance - 10 - Fabulous lift darlink!

Did you miss me? I've not been well, you don't want the details believe me. I'm feeling a little better now. I haven't caught up the last 2 days. (I've spent most of today asleep.)
I got an email from Jan yesterday, saying she still can not sit down for too long so can not post.

That was some day you had yesterday, Eva. The play sounds really interesting.

Wonder how work did without you today, Carol. I’m sure you’ll find out tomorrow.

Oh dear, Maggie, this is a bad time of year for boiler problems. On the other hand, if it acted up in a heat wave you probably wouldn’t know! I know it doesn’t turn out too hard to fix or too expensive.

You’re really on the go, Ali. Reading about you, Eva and Carol makes me feel very lazy!

Wow, Auds! Now that’s some routine! I’m glad I had my loppy fan handy!

Sorry you’ve not been well, Jo. I hope you’re feeling better today. Ohms for you and Jan, and KK and anyone else who needs them. And while I think of it, lots of love to those of you who’ve had a bereavement during the year. It’ll make the holidays very difficult, but you know we’re here for you.

Hi All
Eva has sent in a picture of her Santa with his Lady Friend, and it is now in the Miscellaneous album.

Hi, loving all the LCD posts. I wish I was so adept on the dance floor, as it is I make Kate Garraway look like Darcy Bussell!

I haven't had a chance to check this week's magazines, but I don't know if you know that there is an interview with Lee in this week's Woman magazine. It is a lovely interview. I will let you know if I find anything else.

Eva, glad you’re ok. What a day you had! (Love Santa’s lady friend)

Maggie ohhhmmmsss for your boiler, hope they can fix it.

Auds, thanks for the lovely link, one of my favourite films.

Jo, sorry you were poorly, whatever it was I hope it’s well and truly gone.

Ohhhmmmsss for Jan.

Ellie, thanks for the info. (Note to self to buy Woman tomorrow)

Ro, I’m loving the Advent calendar.

Still struggling to get my act together for Christmas, only just writing my cards tonight. Had a nice thought today though, only six days and the nights start getting lighter!

Nite nite Loppies x

Hi girls. wow Auds that was scrumtious.
Ohmmmmsssss for Jo and Jan, hope you will both be on the m end soon.
Thank you Geri for your kind thoughts I know we are not finding it easy and today on BBC1 breakfast they played my dad 's favourite Carol he used to sing it every Christmas at Midnight I did shed a few tears but then we have to be strong,poor mum.
Poor Sebastien phoned me today in a panic wondering why I was not at his for supper he was a bit in a state as I was not answering my mobile , he thought we had had an accident in London.... He got the wrong tuesday!!!!! he prepared a lovely supper had all the candles lit and so on for nought!!!! For once the mistake was his.
He has promised a repeat performance next tuesday. He was so relieved when he heard us.
I am glad I am not the only one with too much on my mind.
Thank you Martin will go and have a peep.
ninte all, may all the sick loppies feel better tomorrow.
xxxx Sweet Meads

Nearly forgot, Scott, p-l-e-a-s-e can I have my pencil back?

It's bedtime for me; I've been dozing on the sofa a lot this evening so time to admit defeat.

Thanks for the info about the Lee interview, Ellie. I'll pick up my copy tomorrow.

Love the way you're thinking, Sue! That's what I call having a glass half-full!

Oh dear, poor Sebastian, Chantale. I hope his lovely evening wasn't a total waste.

Thanks for posting that picture, Martin. It's fabulous, Eva!

And thanks too, to Scott for recommending Glee. I wouldn't have watched it without your recommendation & I loved it! Well, lots of Journey songs -- what's not to love? I suspect this one may prove habit-forming!

Hi, I’m back .Dad has been watered and fed for the night .Gas man came but has to come back on Friday and try something else as heating is only luke warm .Have been trying to play catch up from both ends…. so to speak, but haven’t met in the middle yet . I was still on the old blog last time around so lots to catch up on
Loved reading all your reports from Lincoln, I was LOL on your adventures. Well done on pressie mission ladies.
Geri and Carol - sorry to hear about your pay cuts and having two is beyond words
Haven’t read about the dancing yet (that’s the middle) but will do tomorrow

I'vebeen Mia I'm afraid RL is getting far too hectic.

Sorry to hear that you're still not well Jan.
Eva, life in Bergen sounds even busier for you than in Deal.
Hope work won't be too hard Carol, bet they missed you today.
All the other dancers seem to be going great guns, have to say having a few problems with dear old JS though DC is fab-u-lous.

I've been reading about the new interview in Woman, GO does seem to think he's finishing LASC in early April to be with D for a month before the baby arrives first week in May, just hope he's got himself in a muddle datewise as usual, surely he can't miss last three weeks of tour?

HI. Sorry been MIA – why do people have so many Christmas events at Christmas!

But DT and I did manage to sneak away and practice our Gay Gordons (Paso to you Sassenachs). You can see we had to go incognito to escape my (ooops sorry his) fans.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA4YDBhFGts&feature=related
but we will use this music http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF5pEsJQlxI – we just couldn’t get the whole band up the mountain

Have to say utterly exhausted now – you have no idea what dancing at altitude does to you. must go and recover before can attempt the dashing white sergeant

http://www.popsugar.co.uk/6621246
I have been checking the alerts

Quite forgot to sends ooohhhmmms to poorly Jo, hope you feel better soon, and to say Hi to Auds, you must be off your hols soon?

Thanks Ellie for mag info, just added it to my order with MrT

Sorry had a busy day and been busy this evening too. Oh we have a sick list again, so lots of ohhhhmmms for you all.

Thanks for the info and links.

I see the dances are coming along nicely, but Auds!!! Naughty! But nice. I'm loving Fis' Paso, though must say never seen one quite like it!

Although nothing is certain Maeve the GO isn't at his best with dates, so I wouldn't panic.

Off to bed soon so I will say night night and sleep tight.

Oohhmmss for all the poorly and needy.
Jo, hope you soon feel better.
Hope work isn't as bad this week for everyone. Retirement at 27 is the answer!
Been shopping today, but still have some stocking fillers to buy.
Loving SCL. My partner, AR has hurt his ankle and his reserve Colxn Fxrth is busy filming in Saville Gardens so I will have to retire from the competition.
Ploppy just home from work, so I had better go and be sociable.
Goodnight.

Thanks to Brenda over on LMAS for finding these two pieces about Lincoln on the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign site:

LM's Christmas Gift

Celebs get into the Christmas spirit

A special little sometihng for you all http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/0f38912d5a0bada6bffb837460649a67

I'm running late this morning so just a quick hello before I dash off. Thanks for all the links, nice to have something to look forward to when I get home. And after today I'm off till Tuesday so that's something to look forward to as well.

Ohms for all the poorlies. Have a great day, everyone.

Morning All! Yes, it's not an illusion,it really is K2 at this hour of the day, well I'm normally jumping out of the shower at this stage and calling PB to get up but today being his birthday we're both having a day off so he's still asleep and I've just been creeping around downstairs hanging up a "Happy 18th" banner and some balloons. The main party (the friends' one) isn't until Sat but I've invited family over for dinner this eve. I don't know why I bother creeping around though because he's normally impossible to wake up but he has his phone alarm set to 7.23am because I told him he wasn't getting his present until he was exactly 18. (I know....I'm just too young to have a child that age!)

So the plan is a relaxed morning, we'll pop out for lunch and then I'll get the dinner organised later. I'll also use the time for a bit of catching up on things here, I can't believe how quickly the days are going, I never seem to have a minute and the last few nights I've collapsed into bed exhausted and realising I've not been on the blog again!

Jo - read your comment about Buzzcocks the other day and yes, I saw that episode also with MB and the other guy (mind gone blank) singing motion of the ocean, they were very funny. It was a particularly good show.

Ali - hope your Brownie night went ok, I didn't realise you moved the whole pack up to the next section together, in the cubs we used to do a twice yearly move of whatever boys had reached the right age so it would only ever be a few at a time. Do you have many new girls starting?

Maggie - oohmms for your boiler, why do these things always happen at the busiest times? Hopefully you'll have it up and running soon.

I've been very busy at DIY this week - I've got three coats of varnish on the new bathroom door, (sanding in between coats of course), I regrouted the floor tiles near the radiator where a small leak had caused the grout to crumble away, I painted the radiator pipes to clean them up again and I finally managed to fix the plug on the bathroom sink, well it's not perfect but it's a lot better.

Ooohmmms for the poorlies, Jan hope you're feeling better soon and hope Jo, that you're on the mend also.

Waiting to hear news about a little baby, born to the friend of my "next desk" friend in work. She was born on Saturday but there were severe complications and the poor mite ended up on a ventilator. They were going to do an MRI scan yesterday but the doctors aren't hopeful of a good result. Very sad situation, and this friend from work has a sister whose baby was due yesterday and from whom she is keeping the bad news of the other girl's baby so as not to worry her sister because they already know that the sister's child's heart appears to be on the wrong side, although apparently this need not be a problem and may not cause any issues for the baby. Put's the little problems into perspective doesn't it?

Thanks for all the links and Ellie thanks for the heads up about Woman magazine. Will pick one up later.

Our dancing practice is going very well I think, I hope we haven't missed our chance to perform? George is just perfect, an american smoothie for the american smooth and Josh, well almost too much the bad boy for the paso, I'm trying to get him to tone it down just a little and we're almost there. Would now be a good time to take our turn?

Ooh look at the time, better get ready! Have a good day everyone.

Morning all. Another day with twinkling stars in the sky, and it's just below freezing -0.9 degrees. They have promised/threatened (take your pick) snow for the weekend.

Hello sweetheart. Yes, I think we'd better light the fire straight away to get warm. Something hot to drink would be good too. A strong leaded? Just the thing, and since Geri has been and gone, we can safely make a bacon sarnie each. Yum, yum!
Then it's time for the Norwegian lesson:
Diplomater vil ikke til Kabul.
Diplomates don't want to go to Kabul.
The Foreign O ffice have problems filling the posts at the Norwegian Ambassy in Kabul. The diplomats are very reluctant to be posted there.
I can't say I blame them.

Fi,- I was very impressed with your training session at the top of the mountain. I see you used your usual discretion and posted it incognito! The Scottish Paso is certainly special. It reminds m of the Norwegian reinlender:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MGBacvSbr7c&feature=PlayList&p=9F57668D64EF953B&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=53
Not a surprise really, when you think of the linked history.

There is something wrong with my computer. It's slowing down, and when I'm typing, the writing comes up on the screen in a relayed action. I write a sentence, and then I have to wait for it to slowly appear on the screen. It means that it takes me twice as long as usual to do a post.

I hope the poorlies, Jan and Jo are feeling better today. Christmas is no time to feel poorly. I had a mail from my friend, Kari, yesterday. She and her husband should have been on the plain to Norway yesterday, but she's got the swineflu and had to cancel and rebook their flights and airport parking, which has cost them a pretty packet. No, they are not coming here. Her family lives in Oslo.

Later this morning I'm going to my new flat to count heaters, take measurements and so on. I'm really looking forward to and feeling excited about seeing it again. Not long now, until I take over,- only 3 weeks. AND today it's ONE MONTH until I see you and a certain gorgeous gentleman i Windsor. YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! ! ! ! ! !

Carys,- thank you so much for the video. I enjoyed it. Glad to see that Santa has very good taste when it comes to Christmas presents!

Morning.

Gosh Carys you have influential and important friends. Thanks

Forgot to say Oohhms to Jo, Jan and all other poorlies.

Eva – Norwegian version seems a bit more sedate

Have good day all. I have to rescue DT from the daleks, to practice the dashing white sergeant (AS to you purists). I was convinced to try the DWS with a dalek instead but didn’t quite work

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80363Ezsjvc

Fi,- we are a quite sedate people, except when some curly-haired young dashing Englishman gets us (me) to forget where I come from!
I love the Daleks, If you add a few sequins to their "dresses" they would be impossible to tell apart from some SLs! No, I'm not risking my life telling who!

Morning - busy playing catch up from yesterday (no surprise there). Haven't had time to read the blog so will try and catch up lunchtime. Meanwhile ooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmss for anyone that needs them. Hoping to perform my dances tomorrow or Friday - our AS has been a little hampered by the fact that GK prefers practising in puddles......also JMouse keeps trying to get in on the act, but I am sure we will get there! Now I see the BHB has come to collect me and tell me JD is here for more Paso rehearsal, so I'll just grab this jug of Lush and join them upstairs.

Morning all, gosh it is cold here this morning and they say we'll have snow later so that's something to look forward to. I'm out tonight having a Christmas get together with some friends, snow is just what we need I'm sure. As I'm busy tomorrow I want to get the hxxxwxxk done today as well so the place looks alright for my do on Friday, so all round another hectic day. Funnily enough it all happens for me this week, next week is calm really.

Interesting lesson today Eva, how odd your diplomats not wanting to go to Kabul....they obviously have a lot of sense! My pooter has done that before now and it is usually running some sort of security scan. Hopefully it will stop soon.

Right I think it is time I went and saw how the CM is getting on, I think she may end up doing the whole dance with the mouse (four legged variety, not the pooter one!). Hello BHB oh you've come to collect me? Oh I'll just get another jug of Lush and up we go.

Hello all!

I can see some OOHHMMSS are needed - Jan, Jo and the baby, K2.

And thanks to Ro and Carys and Jo for the links!

Aw - sorry we'll not be seeing you dance Kathleen. But looking forward to Carol's, K2's and Fi's dancing with sequined darlek!

Eva - Looking forward to seeing you at Windsor (SQUEAL)

Ellie - thanks for the heads up about Woman! i'm off to get my copy now!

But perhaps a quick snuggle first - if Pauline will let go of BHB for two minutes!

just going round to Dads but having a look in first.
Jo, hope you are feeling better today OOOHHHMMMSSS for you
Eva , I'm sending OOOhhhhmmmsss for your friend Kair
Sue, I’m the same I haven’t written any cards yet …. and I’ve still got presents to buy ,I’m off this weekend so I’ll have to do it then ……can Santa make a clone of me please, for R/L matters
I did get a good deal on one of the shopping channels .Will post it below as it might help any Loppy who has run out of ideas and are in need of another present for ???

HAPPY BIRTDAY P/B

It's snowing! not settling yet but it looks like it will.
Happy 18th PB, enjoy your day.
Eva, my posts are slow to appear on here as I type, must be the blog as my emails etc are fine.
K2 re: Brownies. My sis has been running a pack in the town about 10 miles away for 8 years and I joined her there 6 years ago. In sept this year we took over the pack in our town as it was going to close 'cos the leader didn't want to carry on. We've taken it from 8 to 19 girls in 3 months. Unfortunately, running 2 packs on 2 consecutive nights alongside our work and families proved too much so we decided to stay with the 'new' pack in our town as if we left it would close, and leave the pack we originally ran as there were other people to take over. As I suspected there were a few tears last night as we were given gifts from some of the girls and thanked by their parents. We are taking them to the circus on Monday as a final farewell. Although it was sad we know we would just run ourselves into the ground if we continue to try and run 2 packs, plus our hubbys tend to moan that they don't see us enough!!
Hope that makes sense? we only had 2 girls actually leaving to join the Guides.
I got a surprise last night when I opened my Woman mag, I bought it without knowning the GO interview was goin to be in there.
I must go and get some food as I haven't eaten at all today, I just didn't feel hungry. I do now and I won't get much time later as I'm helping at Jack's Beaver party tonight and Ploppy will be helping some friends move a piano prior to moving house tomorrow, so no tea till much later!
oohhmms to anyone in need.

Sorry not been around – last few days before holiday so very busy.

Thanks for links.

Ohmms to Jan, Jo and other poorly Loppies.

Eva, re text appearing slowly, it’s not your PC, it’s the blog. I had this problem on the previous page. This one has been OK up to today.

We’ve had snow in central London too this am though it’s sleeting now. Don’t like the forecast for next couple of days.

Fab new banner on LMAS forum.

Bye!

Phew! Wxxk is rather hectic so haven't even had time to read the blog but did notice it is PB's 18th, so please wish him a very happy birthday K2! Can't do links from the office pooter, but if you can cut and paste you will see from the video which Twin took just why our AS rehearsals are taking so long....it's that darned Mouse!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRMGRpDCW6k

Been at School since 8 this morning, and we had snow for a couple of hours today, horrid I hate the snow.
Lots of ooohhhmmms for Jo and Jan, not sure if Jo has gone back to work????
Now the Dancing, Ian and I did a perfect AS, he is a very good teacher and he said the frock looks good, BUT as we had performed the AS so well Rafa said we ought to celebrate and poured us all some Champagne, well once the bottle was opened we had to drink it all, it would have been rude not to, so I fell down the stairs when they introduced us, and then my costume came undone as we were dancing (remember I said I made it myself) and then Rafa foot faulted in the PD, so I don't think I am going to do very well in this competition.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY PB hope you have a super day.

Hope this works , I'm posting using phone. won't be able to get near
pooter tonight .
I have a Barbican ticket stalls row D alongside Brenda and I. Going free
to a good home. I got it for Lin but she cannot make it. Maybe someone
with a seat further back wants it?
First to email me !

Hi all. Sorry to be absent most of the day, but it turned out to be a busy one, all my own choice. After a pleasant hour with the seller of the flat, where lots of measurements were taken and lots of advise and tips were given, I decided to drive out to Ikea. I need some more cupboards and other bits and pieces, and I was in a shopping mode! Surprise, surprice. I didn't buy a lot, but took plenty of time and made several lists, so you can tell I was enjoying myself. Now I'll check things and options out online, add all the figures and decide what I can afford and what not. Oh, I do love Ikea!

K2,- best wishes to PB on his 18th birthday. You have a son there to be very proud of. He's a gem!

Carol, - I loved the video of GK and the Mouse. I was very impressed with the way he taught the Mouse to dance, and if he can teach a Mouse, I'm shaking in my dancing shoes to think what he can teach you!

I see cold weather has been predicted in UK too. It's well below freezing here, but as long as nothing comes down, I'm happy. It did take me 15 minutes to scrape the ice off the car this morning. In a few weeks it will be able to relax in it's new garage!

Oh, Suex,- I wish, I wish!

Hi - here is the offer that I was telling you about. It must be a day for problems with puters - couldn’t copy and paste before, so I went to Dads and I’m trying again.
You get a year’s membership to Totally Theatre for £14.99 and a free voucher to exchange up to the value of £60 for a W/E show.
From I/deal world. (Price because of buying power)

On the T/Theatre web site link below same deal would cost £40
I bought 4 memberships 1 each for Dan and Emma and also for Martin and I( only paid one p/p of £2.95...Bargain.)
They are adding new shows all the time …..Maybe GO next year????

http://www.totallytheatre.com/join

Same deal on shopping channel (which I have use a few times before and they are very good) or you can call them on 08717 123 456 (10p per min )

http://www.idealworld.tv/Totally_Theatre_1_Year_Membership_Package_147723.aspx?fh_location=//idealworld/en_GB/$s=totally%20theatre

A little collection, nothing new that I can see
http://www.last.fm/music/Lee+Mead
Just logged on so I'll have to see what's happened after I've done the tea.

I've also had that delay when posting on here once or twice.

Busy, busy, busy at the moment, like everyone, I've had a quick skim of blog but not the links yet. I 've done an extra shift at The Hospice shop today so the manager could go to her Christmas lunch and am out again in an hour, for the last Lit. class/party. Tomorrow I'm goingto dinner with friends.

I'm getting very worried about the dancing, no time to practice, JS being more and more difficult, says he has to go to lots of parties at ITV and Westminster, don't know what he's talking about, definitely think he was a mistake!
Now DC says he has to start filmimg the next JB film in a day or so, looks like I may be a non runner like Kathleen .

Happy Birthday PB.

I have a Barbican ticket too going spare, stalls row C so if someone wanted 2 they could have mine & Suex's (I bought 3 tickets, 2 of us still going so you'd be sitting with 2 Loppies). Face value. Maybe people are waiting to see how Hayley is and if the show is going ahead? Obviously if its cancelled I would not expect payment (you can pay me on Monday there anyway)

Good evening all
I have put Auds dancing pics in the Miscellaneous album.
Maggie is off to her dads to give him his dinner, then to work, she's asked me to say "keep dancing".

EEK forgot to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to PB!!!! Sorry K2!!

Ali - I'm amazed you managed to run two Brownie packs! Not suprised you had to stop one.

Interesting offer that Maggie

Well Jill that's very novel dancing you've been doing there!

And now I see Carol's been upstaged by a mouse! Whatever next!

OOO spare barbican tickets! Like Eva - I wish I could!

Best say sweet meads!

I think I'm giving up posting tonight if this gets through. I keep getting the message that my battery is very low, and being asked to close down. I've also tried to answer a few e-mails, but the googlemail is playing silly b*ggers too.
Sue1,- if you read this, I'll try to get my answering e-mail to you tonight. See if the system recovers.

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

...ooo just watched Spxxks -I think next week is the last one, which usually means one of the team is about to not make it and thus we have another cliffhanger until the next series! Did manage to fnish all my chrissie cards though (office and choir tonight) - hurray! Also managed to do some more ixxnxxg before Spxxks started. Hoping to be able to catch up on the blog tomorrow and to perform my dances (JM permitting!). Twin is out tonight so asked me to say Night Night for her, so that's goodnight from me and good night from her. Sweet Meads!

Ooops nearly missed it, Happy Birthday PB.

K2, ohhhmmmsss for those babies, as you say it puts our little problems into perspective.

Thanks for the link Jo, good result. Are you well now??

Ro, Brenda, thanks for the links. Weren’t we SO privileged to be there?

Ooooo Eva, only one month. Can’t wait!! (got your e-mail, thanks)

Carys, thanks for the video.

Hi Diana, thanks for the info on the banner, I’ll check it out when I’ve caught up here.

At last I’ve written all my cards, just got to worry about the presents now, and something else - - - - - - - oh yes, cooking for nine on the day, will the new kitchen stand the test??? I’ll let you know.

Nite nite Loppies x

One year ago............. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06sRI6bjoWE

Morning all!

Sue good luck with your cooking

Carys thanks for the link.

Hello BHB - you look tired! Oh CM has been doing her last minute practice with you has she? While her partner has been dancing with a mouse? Fair enough - lets just have a quiet snuggle then before Eva comes in!

Enjoy lunch Geri!

And I'm at my Xmas lunch do today! Curry!

Hi. RL very busy so cant stop

remembered I forgot! to wish PB happy Birthday - so belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY PB.Hope you all had a fab meal last night.

Oooh this blog is slow.

Morning all. The stars are twinkling "good morning" to me through the window and the ice on the trees is doing it's best to twinkle too. It's - 2.1 this morning, so I'll have to wrap up well for my walk later.

Hello sweetheart. You look hot enough! Lady Jane and Fi have already been in for their morning's "session" ? JaneE is having curry for her Christmas lunch? Yes, that sounds very Christmassey!
Let's light the fire. There is nothing like a live fire to get cosy by! Then with the royal blue blanket, coffee in the mug and scrambled eggs on toast, we'll be ready for our session!
Today's Norwegian lesson:
Sykefraværet har eksplodert i høst.
The number of "sickies" has exploded this autumn.
It says in the article that it's especially been amongst men working in the finance industry that "sickies" have increased alarmingly. Not very surprising, is it?

Scott dear,- you know I'm not one to complain (who's laughing?), but this thread seems to be having problems. Not only is my writing being delayed, and making me crazy, but it's heartrendering to listen to all those ladies missing their pencils. Is there any way we could try another thread and see if that will behave, or is it the BBBT who's misbehaving all over the place? It's taking so loooooooooooooong to write this post!

Morning loppies. brr cold but dry here. Oh carys what memories that brings.
Early this morning as We are training before wrapping presents to take to daughter in law, now you must admit that is a record ..... eldest been married for 20 years on the 1st of dec but.... has been separated for 19 ..... heavens know why they are not divorced all his childern (3) are step children! even channy is but as she was born while they were living together her and her brothers are still our grandchildren in our heart.
So hence the presies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q0yIDokWXY&feature=player_embedded#
that is my choice of music for our argentine tnago.!
Practice now better had a fitting of dress or what there is of it !!!
Belated birthday wishes to PB from me too
Shame I cannot exchange our tickets as they are not that brilliant for barbican but cannot see anyone taking them they are in k and another place have to pick them up on the day.
ok going to do some work now. .....See you later and keep warm.
Pencil please lovely Scotty

Sorry I missed performing my AS for you all last night.I have a good excuse honest! HJ decided he needed a quick shower after a last minute rehearsal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-oVONuM8Bw&NR=1
Whatever posessed him to fly out to the Australian bush for his shower I'll never know but of course he wasn't back in time. I sent the tardis for him and we're now ready.
As you know the GO will be singing "NY NY" for us. HJ is wearing traditional tails with a white dickie bow. I changed my mind over my dress as I decided the white one I chose originally made me look a little ill! Instead I am wearing this
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/12_02/dancing_468x408.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-500957/Fashion-addict-Liz-Jones-Glitz-glamour-Strictly-Come-Dancing.html&usg=__L3Uw3DdZhwgol_Kq3K2qnzC-Ti4=&h=408&w=468&sz=31&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=rUCDFy0UL4styM:&tbnh=112&tbnw=128&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dstrictly%2Bcome%2Bdancing%2Bdresses%26ndsp%3D21%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-gb:IE-Address%26rlz%3D1I7TSEA%253B%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1
Alesha kindly lent it to me to add a bit of colour to the proceedings.
Now the dance: HJ led me down the steps and we began dancing, I felt as if I was floating on air as we spun around the floor, then it was time for the first lift, a low one, so far so good. But I spoke to soon, the second lift was much higher and I wasn't quite ready. It could have all ended in disaster at that point but fortunately HJ improvised and we did a lift , just not the one we had rehearsed. I wonder if the judges noticed? The rest of the dance went according to plan, and we ended with my head resting on HJ's chest as he gazed tenderly into my eyes ahhh!
Time to tweak our paso next, HJ is being VERY masterful ;)

....nightmare start to the day as our line had problems and it took thirty minutes to go five stops! Hence in late and now playing catch up. Still hoping to be able to perform later (afternoon or evening) so will grab the opportunity to have some more rehearsal. Thank you BHB (he's just handed me a much needed Raspberry Bellini). We'll just go upstairs and run through a few things (could take a while as DCM will be late today......she's doing a sleep over. OK I'll just grab a jug of Bellini and off we go - my partners await!

Ali,- that's downright naughty! I'll play it again and again just to make sure it's too naughty for me.
I love your new dress, but I think the judges might have noticed your second lift going slightly wrong, with you flying past them in a peachy cloud,- especially as you landed on top of Craig! I'm sure the end of the dance with HJ with him gazing into your eyes made up for Craig's acid comments. ( He's got a sweet smile,- Craig, I mean!)

It's such a beautiful day out there. I dressed up warm and went for a long walk. The air is so crisp and sharp, but as there is no wind, it's OK. The temperature has fallen even further, and at the moment it's - 5 degrees. I'll now enjoy my herbal tea and my newspaper.

Morning all. Sorry to be so late but life is a bit hectic to say the least at the moment. Had a lovely meal last night and stayed with my friend so was able to keep the Lush traditions going. One of my friends there actually accused me of being the reason she took to drink in the first place, no I didn't drive her to it I just encouraged her. Can you imagine? Moi?

Loving all the dancing though I'm finding it difficult to keep up with the marking, I've lost the plot...STOPPIT!

anyway I see the CM is still stuck in the staff room with BHB JD and GK, oh and probably that mouse! I think I'd better rescue her I'll take another jug of Raspberry Bellini, as I'm sure we'll need it.

I thought you might like that Eva!! HJ is now insisting on wearing a jacket but no shirt for our Paso as he thinks it might earn us a few more points!! Pity Craig noticed my misjudged lift, but I guess he doesn't miss a trick darling.
Off to the wig lady in a bit for a cut and colour, although it's been sleeting so I won't come out looking quite as glam as usual!
The captch is jan and evelia today

Hi All
Slight lull in w**k, started the day with back to back meetings but time now to catch my breath and pop in to the Bistro, maybe BHB will join me for a latte, it’s been ages since we had some quality time.

Good and Bad News of the last couple of days.

PB had a lovely birthday, thanks for all the good wishes. We had a family dinner last night, (I made lasagne) and he got lots of pressies, the highlight being a car from my brother who bought a new one a while back and held on to the old one to give to PB. It’s a 1998 Seat, so it is old but in very good condition and of course he was just gobsmacked, his reaction was very funny, he really had no idea as he thought it was sold ages ago.

On the baby front, the poor little angel I was telling you about has now gone to heaven. The brain scan apparently showed no activity and when they turned off the ventilator she went peacefully. She was only four days old. I try not to think too hard about these things because even though I don’t know the people concerned I find myself fighting back tears just hearing about it. My friend in work is very upset for her friend though and is in a turmoil of emotions now because she just heard from her sister that she’s had a show and is going to head into the hospital, so possibly that new baby could be born very shortly.

Ali – thanks for explaining about the brownies, had no idea you were running two packs, wow! One is a big commitment, can’t imagine managing two so I can well understand your decision. Glad you were thanked properly though, parents so often take for granted the voluntary work done by people like yourself in providing these groups and activities for their children.

I see Eva has been in shopping mode, it’s her second favourite mode with loppying coming first (I hope!) Do you have a date yet for moving into your new place?

Sue1 – will be waiting to hear reports of the new kitchen’s performance on the 25th, have you been trying out the oven much? I ask because it seems that some ovens (mine for example) are notoriously unpredictable when it comes to time and temperature. When I roast meat I have to give it nearly twice as long as it should take and that’s ok once you know in advance but it makes baking really frustrating, if you leave a cake or bread in for longer just to be sure it’s cooked through, it often ends up rubbery. That’s why I mostly just bake small cakes and scones, it’s much easier to be sure they’ve cooked fully.

Pauline – my goodness, imagine anyone thinking that you would lead a person to incahold, shocking!!

Hope the poorlies are on the mend, ooohhhhmmmmms for anyone who needs them.

Ooh it’s lunchtime – going down to O’Connell street (any Dublinfesters remember where that is?) to buy my work Kris Kindle present. Must get a Woman while I’m out as I forgot to yesterday.

did a very lengthy post - but it disappeared (it may come back so apologies for repeating myself if it does.. but this is the very short version)
Oh K2 - such sad news about the wee'un. Lots of ooohhhmmmsss to the family. Glad PB had a great birthday (belated HB to PB) and what a wonderful surprise the car must have been for him. You'll have to just bake chinese cakes K2 - they're supposed to be rubbery.
What a week it's been - all this dance practice has completely wiped me out. So much so that this a.m. I woke up with a sore throat - and I said to the sore throat, when did you sneak in??? I feel completely s**ty and grumpy as heck. And I'm all shivery and cold as I sit at my desk - miserable.
Had to venture out of the office at lunchtime though - post those cards, and get a bottle of mega dosage Vit.C - boy was it cold. There have been some nasty rain, well sleet probably - blowing horizontally - followed by a snow flurry half an hour later (it really looked like we were in a snow globe and it had been given a jolly good shake). And now the clouds are gather - big grey snow filled clouds, ready to dump on us tonight. I do hope it doesn't continue through tomorrow - or my plane (and yours Diana) might not get off the ground..... oohhhhhhmmmmmmmmssssssss for the fliers.
Ali, loved the new dress. It's quite beautiful. What a shame you didn't quite get that lift right - did HJ think you were a bucket???
Got a double dose of Advent today.... oooh, yesterday brought back such gorgeous memories.. sigh.

Quickly zipping on to wish Auds and Diana safe flights and happy Christmas. Auds - get rid of those germs instantly! Very dark here at the moment so fingers crossed it doesn't dollop with snow. One of my bosses is flying to Rome tomorrow so that's another that is hoping there is no overnight snow near us! K2, that's such sad news especially with Christmas looming and everyone else being chirpy. Hope all going well for the arrival of baby no. 2. Hoping tomorrow will be quieter in the office as all bosses will be out! I may therefore postpone my dancing until tomorrow.

Brrrrrrr it's freezing out there and getting slippery underfoot. We're due either loads of snow or just sleet tonight depending on which weather forecast you believe!!
OOHHMMs for your throat Auds, and for your flight home.
Sending prayers to the parents of the poor baby, so sad and made doubly so at this time of year. I hope the parents to be have cause to celebrate very soon.
How generous of your brother to give PB a car K2, I bet he's thrilled.
Hope everyone else is keeping warm and dry?

In case I don'tcatch you on the blog again Auds, I hope you have a lovely holiday and Christmas with your family, and Diana also have a wonderful time.

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's baby K2, how heartbreaking for the family.

I'm with you Pauline re the judging of the dances, have completely lost track of who's doing what with whom and in which dress!

I'm out for dinner tonight, hoping I won't be battling through 10 cms of snow on the way home as forecast.

Liked the pic.s from Abbey Road Ro, but no audio link today? ( not complaining just checking that it isn't my PC !)

Sorry Maeve - clean forgot! Will try to remember to add it when I do tomorrow's page (which may be a little late as I'm out partying tonight!) :)

Thanks Ro, you're a real pal!

Forgot I'd have a chance before the party ... I've added today's to the Audios page now Maeve :)

Well Ali - I'll have to award 10 for clothes if HJ has got his top off!

And 10 for music with GO singing NY NY.

Only 8 for the dance though - we noticed the lift had gone wrong you know!

Pauline - I think you've go Carys Auds and Ali to vote for. Does that help?

K2 - I'm so sorry to hear about that little baby. That car was a wonderful pressy for PB though.

Auds OOHHMMS for your cold - hope you are better for your flight tomorrow!

And Bon Voyage to Diana too!

Evening all, back early today as I went to Sloppy early as the weather is threatening. Heaven knows if it will be ok for my dinner party tomorrow, sigh. Still least of my problems really as Sloppy isn't too good at the moment, double sigh. However when I see such horrid news as yours K2 it makes me realise that I have nothing too much to bother about. I do hope the other wee one is fine. A very belated Happy Birthday to PB. Lucky chap getting a car, but I'm sure he deserves it.

Auds lots of ohhhhmmmms for your horrid throat. You have to be well while you are away. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Safe Journey.

Safe flight to you too Diana.

I see the BA strike ballot was illegal!! Tsk tsk, never in my day!

May not be around to much until after tomorrow as I have lots to do, even if nobody turns up to eat it!

Ooohhhhhmmmmms to anyone who needs them.

BRRRRRRRRRR ! ! ! ! ! I've just heard the weather forecast for this fair country, and the coldest place at the moment is in Mid-Norway, up in the mountains,- Røros, minus 33degrees ! So now you know where to go for your winter holiday:
http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Articles/Norway/Middle/Roros/Winter-in-Roros/

Ali,- sorry I forgot to give your points earlier. That's 9 for the gown, 10 for your partner and 15 for the shower scene! What? I can't give points for that shower scene? I bet Craig disagrees with you!
The dance? I rathet liked the failed lift, so it's 8 for that.

Auds and Diana,- have a safe flight tomorrow and visit from time to time, please.

K2,- so sorry to hear bad baby news. I hope the other one is a happier one. PB got a car? I bet he's chuffed to bits.

Pauline,- maybe your guests will arrive in a sledge tomorrow. Does the Tardis do snow and sleet?

Strictly Come Loppy This Week

Shock news! The sudden departure of Jan and Kathleen from the competition have left the loppies reeling! (And OOHHMMing hope you’re OK girls),

The competition in the first week is fierce with Pauline, Eva, Maeve, Jane, Carys Auds and Ali already having danced and Carol, Fi and K2 still to come.

But with the top ranking, Maeve, nursing an injury from being thrown by JS, the competition is still wide open. Maeve said of the accident ‘I didn’t know he had it in him!’

In another shock Ali has stormed up the leader board due to her HJ dancing semi clothed. Other contestants were up in arms about this ‘crowd pleasing stunt’ – largely because none of them thought of it first.

Brian’s departure from a superficially similar competition means that Alison may well be able to compete. ‘Really,’ he told our reporter ‘I was glad to leave the other completion as I much prefer dancing with Alison.’

It looks like a surprise change of partner is on the cards for Fi as she was seen rehearsing with dalek – in fetching pink tutu. The the judges may need to be wary of extermination!

Meanwhile Carol and GK have been quarrelling about his umbrella – ‘I thought dancing with JD was dangerous when he nearly poked my eye out with his sword’ said Carol (27) but GK is just as bad! Is this why she’s been seen rehearing with Jerry Mouse?

Lets hope their argument is settled in time for their performance!

Hot tip for next week – watch out for Chantale and her much vaunted Argentine Tango! We’re waiting with baited breath!

RLR Did you not notice that I actually DID DANCE, perhaps I shall withdraw gracefully????????

This journal would like to apologise for inaccuracies in the last report.

In the list of Loppy Competitors dancing this week Jill's name was mistakenly missed off.

In a statement Jill said 'I can't believe the Loppy Reporter forgot my dance! I'd worked so hard on my routine!'

The journal wishes to issue a full apology and to assure Loppies that the reporter responsible will be shot (err, we mean disciplined)

Sickness report: Only 1hrs sleep this afternoon and no onset of the shivers, so must be feeling much better. Looks like back to work tomorrow!

What is all this sparkly stuff and bits of feather on the floor, must be the fall out from the LCD. I'm sorry I haven't really kept up with it, looks like fun, just too too tiring.

Thanks for all the links over the last few days. Carys the Santa vid was fun. Also the advent calendar has been uplifting in a collapsing to floor sort of way, thanks Ro.

Diana and Auds, I'll say now, or I'll forget (post viral brain mush, nowhere near as nice as the normal brain mush I suffer from) I hope you both have good journeys and arrive safely (with all luggage intact).

I bought myself a present in my illness. A thin book, very cheap as quite tatty. I'll give you some quotes from it. Page 1 'He is young and pleasant but not overburdened with brains. He is always beautifully dressed....' Page 3 '(They kiss)' Sue1 I haven't seen the bath bit yet, I think that must have been omitted! Better carry on reading.

Oh dear Jill! That Loppy Reporter goofed! But I'm sure she's been severely reprimanded!

Jo - it sounds that you are ill with the same thing one of my colleagues has - have you been eating? That sounds like a very good book - are you enjoying it?

Pauline - hope your dinner party goes well tomorrow.

Eva - I hope you manage to warm up!

Sweet Meads all!

Happy Christmas and safe flights to Auds and Diana.
Oohms for those in need of them.
Hope you are all wrapping up warm in this weather, especially Eva.
Belated Happy 18th to PB.
Ro, thanks so much for the Advent calendar.
Pleased you are feeling a bit better Jo.
Am loving SCL
Safe journeys to everyone tomorrow.
Hope the dinner party goes well Pauline, sure it will.
Goodnight all.

I've just looked out the window, suddenly my house has been transported to a snow covered place! We did have a flurry this afternoon, but it all melted. Now it has settled.
Jane I have been eating (except for Monday!)
I better get ready for w**k tomorrow, somehow jogging bottoms and rank hair won't be the thing.
Nightlee night

Only a few more hours of w*rk to go, hurrah, but have an ISO assessment to get through first - help.

Rather worried about the weather tomorrow, hope the snow’s not too heavy and the trains & tubes are running reasonably – and the planes of course. Can’t wait to see the sun and feel it’s warmth (sorry). Safe flight and a great holiday, Auds, and trust you’re feeling much better tomorrow. I’m praying that the wifi at the clubhouse is working properly now - I’ll be one very unhappy bunny if I can’t get online regularly.

Thank you for the Christmas cards & messages and hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas & New Year – you too, Scott.

Those going to the Barbican next week, have a great evening – every detail please!

I’m enjoying SCL, sorry haven’t been able to participate but too many other things going on.

So sad about the baby especially at this time of year. A very belated happy birthday to PB.

Ohmmmms to your Sloppy, Pauline, and anyone else in need.

If I don’t get a chance to pop in tomorrow (unlikely), have a good weekend, keep warm and hope to see everyone on Sunday or Monday.

I think the snow is having a detrimental effect on the tv transmitter we have blipping in and out of the signal, just telling me I should be gone.

...just back from collecting MM from station - we have about three inches of snow. Took me ages to get the snow off the car before I could drive it. Diana and Auds hope your flights aren't affected. Off to bed now so Sweet Meads all.

K2, sounds like PB had a brilliant birthday, how lucky is he, a car!!
How sad, about the baby, and at this time of year too.

Auds, ohhhmmmsss for your cold, and for your flight. Do have a safe journey and a lovely holiday.

Pauline, hope your dinner party goes well, I’m sure it will. Ohhhmmmsss for the weather.

Eva, thanks for the link, it looks lovely, but ever so brrrrrrrr.

Loving the Roving Loppy Reporter.

Jo, glad you’re feeling better. Bring on the bath is what I say!!

Diana, safe flight, and happy holiday in the sunshine, you lucky bunny. I just keep thinking ‘this time last week!!’

Bedtime for me, nite nite Loppies x

Well I have been beavering away all evening and looking outside not sure why as we have at least 3 inches of snow and the worst is yet to come. The weekend looks foul as well. Actually the worst of it is the worry about Mother. I hate snow. I think we have more here than Eva has in Norway at the moment. Thaks for all your good wishes anyway.

Jane thanks for trying to put me right. I will have to go back to review the various performances and I'm a bit pushed for time right now!

Actually the snow shouldn't stop the flights ladies, though you might be delayed as they have to de-ice all the time. Fingers crossed for you. Wish I was coming too!

Bed for me so night night all and sleep tight.

It is also time for me to go to bad.
Glad you are on the mend Jo. Loved the reports on the dancing.
K2 I am sorry for the parents of the baby all my prayers for them and the little mite.
Have a great party Ro.
ninite all Sweet Meads all.

Just a quick pop in to say Bon Voyage to Auds & Diana, (Diana have you finished your ISO yet?) hope you both have a good flight and a great holiday.
Was out tonight to see the school musical, they did S of M this year and two of PB's friends were soldiers, not quite WE standard but very good really, their Maria was lovely.
Oiche Mhaith xx

Morning all!

Jo - it does sound like the same thing my colleague had. Though just as nasty - OOOHHMMS for you.

And OOOHHMMSS for your sloppy Pauline - of course SCL votes can wait!

Now I need to do some rehearsing for an AT (if I'm going to live uo to Chantales) and my partner isn't around. BHB could you do the honours? OOO yes he says!

Now it's off into the snow for me - Eva can I borrow you skis?

Morning all. It's yet another morning with clear skies and twinkling stars. Having just heard the 7.30 am news on Radio 2, I think Pauline is right: You have more snow than we do at the moment! I bet it isn't as cold as here, -6.9 at the moment, and it's going to get colder!

Hello sweetheart. Yes, I've just supplies JanE with her skis, and I think she's doin very well:
http://www.visitnorway.com/uk/Product/?pid=40957
What do you think? Yes, I think she must have been practising in secret, and she should get to w*rk in no time!
Oh, I'm glad to see you've lit the fire. There is nothing like it to warm the cockles, and with a large leaded and some nice toast, we should be ready for today's Norwegian lesson:
Klima-avtalen henger i luften.
The Climate agreement is up in the air.
No prices for guessing we're talking about Copenhagen. There is a photo of our prime minister, Jens Stoltenberg, looking very serious, and so he should! He rented a private plain to get to Copenhagen although there are 17 daily departures from Oslo to Copenhagen! You can imagine the headlines!
Kan han redde avtalen?
Can he save the agreement?:
http://www.bt.no/nyheter/klima/Kan-han-redde-avtalen--986491.html
B. Obama is expected tomorrow. Do you think he'll arrive on a scheduled flight?
Sorry to sound so cynical, but how on earth can they expect anything to be agreed with thousands of people sitting in hundreds of different places around the city to agree?

It's Sir Terry's last morning on on his weekday show, and I'm sitting here listening with a lump in my throat. Oh, how I will miss him! For the next two weeks Johnny W. will do this morning slot, but after that the terrible redhead is taking over, and then I'll be defecting to Norwegian morning radio, I'm afraid.

Now, all of you who have to venture outside today, BE CAREFUL!

Ro - I got the 'cheat message' for today - it is the 18th isn't it?? F5 made no difference. Maybe its the snow gremlins?

Hi all. Snowed in here so day off work. Should be hurrah but am so inundated with work had every day until Christmas planned with work. Oooh will have loads to catch up on. I wanted to start New Year at least not so many miles behind myself. However an extra day on my study so won’t have to work so much on it over Christmas. Plus I get to listen to Sir TW and bade him farewell.

Snow means that DT and I not getting as much practice as would wish and I am afraid to say that DT looks like he needs all the practice he can get
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoxpnVYkvmQ

Just as well the Scottish versions lack the finer details of original and rely on speed. DT being such a fab time lord will be able to whizz round the dance floor – though must remind him he has to come out of tardis first.

Happy hols Auds and Diana – send us some sun. Actually that was fast work as sun now out here and no snow falling. Ooh might have to go to work after all. Aaargh

Just popped in to wish Diana and Auds a Happy Holiday and safe journey.
Our Neighbours popped in last night they are flying to Jo'burg today they are so excited to be seeing there family again.
Jo4 I hope you are welll enough to go to work and that your journey wasn't too bad.
Karen2 I will say a prayer for your friend, to loose a baby is something you never quite get over even if you go on to have more children.
Just listened to Sir Terry quite sad.

Morning all. Well I am up to my neck in snow! We got the full force of it and they say it might snow again later. I feel I might be on my own tonight with a mountain of food, anyone want to come?! So busy day today as I have to get all the food done anyway and try to get to see Sloppy. At least the carers will have got in to see her as I should have heard if they haven't. It's a fine life!

I managed to see the calander Shirley, makes a change me not being the one that can't see things! Sorry!

Listened to the end of the Wogan show, sad but he will be back on Sundays. I'm glad that he's gone by choice and not been pushed it's what he deserves.

Good journey to Auds and Diana. I'm sure you will get away but expect delays! Mind Luton Airport is closed at the moment, shows what it is like in the Beds area.

Morning BHB, have you seen the CM yet? Well I know she had snow as well, so I bet her journey wasn't all joy this morning.
We'll grab a big jug of Hot Mulled Wine to warm her when she gets here and wait for her in the staff room shall we? Oh yes he says and gallops up the stairs with me following.

..I made it!! Got in about twenty minutes ago, by foot, underground (eventually) until Harrow where we were thrown off as no trains going any further, then train to Marylebone and finally bus to the office - phew!! Baby Boss says I should leave early as more expected! Should I go now?? I am in desperate need fo the Mulled Wine, so will instantly retire to the Staff Room (we have a log fire in there too) to warm up - may need a hot shower..............

morning all..
couldn't resist the temptation of hot mulled wine... mind if I have a glass or two till the CM arrives? That'll clear the sinuses (it's a nasty head cold is what I've got - perfect for flying!!!!!)
Hope you aren't too late Carol, that'll mean a nasty journey in for you.. Do you
Poor you Jo - feeling so low and sick. More oohhhmmss for you. Hope your elves have been taking care of Shannon and not letting you be out in this foul weather.. well, that's if S wants to go out of course.
Pauline, so sorry, doesn't bode well for your dinner party - do you have enough duvets and cushions, perhaps they can stay over?? Ooohhhmmms for your sloppy - and for you driving to and from her house - take good care my dear.
Holding thumbs and crossing fingers that LHR remains functional. My flight is 8.30pm - and weather report says we're in for another dump later today... aaargh! Thanks for all oooohhhhmmmmsss for trip. Laptop is safely packed so I'm desparately hoping b-i-l will fix my problem because I don't want to loose my place in SCL due to technical faults. PS and I have been practicing so hard. Going to have to Yo*T*be the finals of SCD though as I'm going to miss that.
- well this has taken over an hour to get this far... so my list of notes will have to wait or I'll never get on the blog... apologies to everyone.
So I'll say Hi and Bye for now - I HOPE I'm back on before christmas, but just in case - Merry Christmas everyone. Love you miss you.

Auds LHR reported as still operating with a few disruptions and delays, so fingers and toes crossed. Have a lovely, lovely time. We love and will miss you too!!

Swish - swish - just skinng in (thanks Eva!)

Auds have a wonderful time! ditto what Carol said - we'll miss you! You too Diana

Carol - don't get snowed in at w*rk - will you?

Fi - your dancing with DT looks wonderful. Did you manage to get into W*rk?

Pauline - I hope your dinner party guests manage to get there!

Now I think I'll join everyone in a cup of mulled wine! Mmmmm delicious!

While I am a bit more comfortable I thought I would pop on here to wish Auds a happy holiday and safe journey.

Weather report from Deal: Blue sky, fluffy clouds, NO SNOW. Long may it last.

Haven't been able to keep up with the blog so ohms to all in need and best wishes to everyone else.

Calendar fine now Ro, I dont know what was wrong earlier. Love to all the poorly Loppies and your Sloppy Pauline. Jo4 - I hope you are feeling better, I had a similar thing and had to miss Lincoln, not nice.

Auds I have all my fingers and toes crossed for your flight and for Dianas'. It is while it is snowing that the problems are the worst. They are actually very effecient once they can get to work (she said hopefully). Ohhhmmmms for the flights and for your laptop. Love and miss you too, but just have a great time.....in the sun, grrr!

Well I'm ploughing on as though they'll all be here. To be honest I worry more about Mum than the party. Don't know if I'll be able to get to her today. I HATE SNOW. Sorry Jane I forgot you were skiing. I just love the freestyling jumps and spins, very impressive.

Glad you are feeling a bit better Jan.

Hi all, sorry I haven't been around for a few days. I've two more assignments due and I'm really not embracing them so trying to wade through a huge pile of reading. At least I have a few days off to try to make a dent in them.

Had to stop working to answer the door: the postman with a huge stack of cards. Aww. So thanks to everyone who has sent Christmas / Hanukkah cards, they're lovely, and so are all of you.

Not sure what I've missed the past few days, but I see Diana & Auds are off to the sun. Safe journey, both, and happy landings. And thanks to the Strictly Come Loppy roving reporter for keeping us abreast of things. Some amazing routines going on, not to mention interesting choices of male partner's costumes (or lack thereof).

OK, back to the books. Stay warm!

Shirley - I did warn it might be late today ... I didn't actually upload the page until just before 9am, forgot when I eventually got back to my room last night!

...and finally my Paso (AS will have to wait as GK wanted rain and got snow instead!).

Will Carol Williams and her Partner JD please take to the floor.

The lights dim and a pool of light from an overhead spotlight shows the lean lithe figure of JD, hair slicked back, a short black satin jacket over a crimson stain hero shirt, tight leather trousers and black boots, standing at the top of the steps – the spotlight moves to a pool of crimson satin, as the music swells JD comes down the steps holds out a hand and raises the pool of crimson satin – the spotlight widens and we see Carol rising from the floor and into JD’s arms. He pulls her close and then she twirls around in a series of pirouettes, JD walks menacingly around her, before holding her waist, taking her into his arms and moving effortlessly down the length of the floor. They separate and walk in two large semi circles around the floor – Carol holding out her crimson skirt, JD one hand on hip, they meet at the top of the room and he takes her into hold, she leans back, her hands brushing the floor, then up into J’s arms again and off they dance down the length of the floor. The music rises to a crescendo, JD twirls her again and she pirouettes ever fast straight into the arms of a dark haired beautiful boy, who takes her outstretched hand and twirls her round and back into the arms of JD. They separate and walk around each other, eyes locked (well I’m not saying who’s eyes are locked on whom), JD holds her slim waist in both hands and then she pirouettes on the spot, skirt flying wide and crimson. She stops and leans back in a graceful arch as JD strikes a pose. The crowd erupts to its feet in cheers. Carol and JD straighten and curtsy and bow to the audience and the judges.

Sorry Ro - I didn't see the warning... But well worth waiting for anyway!

Will Carol and her partner GK please take to the floor for the American Smooth:-

As the dark haired young man with the amazing voice starts to sing, GK leaps from the top step in an athletic and balletic bound. At the foot of the steps he holds his hand out to his partner, a vision in shades of pink, and she graceful moves down the steps to join him. Both facing the front, he holds her right hand in his and they sway to the glorious opening notes “I’ve got you under my skin”. Dropping their hands to thigh level, GK raises his partner and holding her in front of him spins around – the pink dress floats up and we see the sparkle from her shoe buckles. Now taking graceful hold they move around the floor as one – a symphony of grace and elegance. Their footwork is immaculate and precise, the dance echoes the romance which the singer infuses into the song. Suddenly a small mouse bursts onto the floor, waving an umberella, and GK begins to dance in tandem with him – somewhat at a loss his partner stands for a while, but then her hero rushes to her rescue and she is swept up into the arms of the young singer, who moves her around the floor with ease and grace, as they reach GK and JM, with a swift sleight of foot, their partners are exchanged, the young man takes the mouse off towards the stage and GK continues to dance with his partner. As the music moves to its climax and the wonderful notes echo across the room, GK holds her by the waist and lifts her off the floor as they spin round, her skirt flying out in time with the music, and then gently, deftly, he deposits her on the floor and takes one hand in his before dropping a kiss upon it. The Mouse leaps to its feet with applause!

Carol,- I must say I'm very impressed both with your Paso and your AS. I would like to point out a few things:
1. There was a lot of PINK ! (Almost as much as JaneE in her PINK moods!)
2. You becoming increasingly cross-eyed, detracted a bit from the beauty of the scene, while the Mouse added to it.

As to the points for the Paso: 10 for the dance, no doubt. 9 for the dress (too PINK?) and 5 for inventivness in including 2 partners.
Points for the AS: Again a 10 for the dance, 9 for the dress ( did I mention the PINK?) and 2 for the Mouse.

Pauline,- how is your party plans going? Have you heard from your guests?

Bon Voyage Diana and Auds have a lovely holiday oh dear don't know what that word means anymore! how sad. Cor I hope all will be well for monday looking forwards to our little break.
Must go will be in later just wanted to wish the two wonderers well.xxxx

Wow, it's quiet today. I've had all sorts of fun reading Aquinas & then some Beckett. What a pair of party animals!
Speaking of parties, I hope that's where all the MIA loppis are and not feeling poorly or sad. At least I hope you've had a more entertaining day than I've had.

Some lovely dance routines going on, my you all look lovely in your finery but don't those feathers and sequines get about? BHB, you want to sing for us this evening? Oh, all right, I'll dance (badly) with you if you like. You just lead & I'll rest my head on your chest. Ahh, lovely...

message from Sue 1
'At m o l's can't get a connection, think I've been locked out, time 2 get a dongle! Don't know if I'll make it 2morrow, will try. Nite, nitex'

I measured the snow in the field today 6 ins. The most we've had here since I've lived in this house. Dog loved it. There may be a vid.

Hope everyone is safe and in the warm. I'm glad I can stay indoors.
Hope you are enjoying your dinner party Pauline.
Super dancing today, and I like the pink dresses, Carol.
Hope you're feeling better Jo. Our cat made us laogh as she tried hard to avoid the snow. Then she rushed around indoors, chasing her tail and
stalking Ploppy. She spends a lot of the day trying to get to the fish in the tank.
The fish hit his head on the tank one day, trying to get away from her.
See you all tomorrow. Goodnight.

..well it's not very nice out so I cancelled choir practice for the evening as I felt it wasn't right to ask people to go out in it - we will just have to have a quick practise immediately before the Carol service on Sunday. Have used the time to wrap some presents so they are almost finished now! Hope the travellers have all got away safely! Singing for a couple of hours in our precinct tomorrow on behalf of Save the Childre so will be MiA for most of the day. Ohhhhmmmmmmmmmsss for those feeling poorly; oh and Twin has most of her guests (Ari's mum cried off) and asked me to wish you all Good Night on her behalf. So that's good night from her and goodnight from me. Sweet Meads.

Bedtime for me, hope all good loppies are safely tucked in bed, or at least having lots of fun. Sweet Meads, all.

Hello, well Geri, have to admit I was out having lots of fun so does that mean I@m a bad loppy? Just in from work christmas party, only cam home cos PB and pal were here, seriouslly was tempted to go on from the bar we were in to the next place the crowd were headed to. Never mind, I'm sure i'll be glad in the morning with not having a bad head. Will catch up on the blog in the morning, hope everyone is ok, goodnight xx.

Morning all. I'm dreaming of a White Christmas! I can, now, because the snow made up for being late and has been coming down steadily all night, and there is now about 10 cm (inches, Jo?) covering the ground. It's very fine, dry snow (I've been out in in to get my paper and needed to put my boots on!), so it feels very light and non-threatening! The temperature is - 2.0 degrees, so it isn't too cold. Whether I'll venture out later I don't know. I'll seee what it looks like.

Hello sweetheart. You're warmly dressed? You've decided to give JaneE a run for her money by taking up snow boarding? Rather you than me!
Look at this,- I think he's doing rather well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZo6CxR6ZhY

Right, we'd better get on with the day and start the lesson. I see everything is ready for us,- fire lit, coffee brewing, toast toasting and the navy blue blanket on the sofa, so here is today's lesson:
"Vi har en lang vei å gå." Obama om klimaenigheten.
"We have a long way to go." Obama about the climate agreement.

The blog is so difficult to write at the moment, with the delayed action. First I write it on the keyboard, then I wait, then I watch while it is written on the screen, letter by slow letter.
Oh Scott dear,- is it possible to do something.

K2,- I see you had a good time last night. How is the head?

I hate the snow! I had such a scary drive home last night, when I eventually managed to get out of the carpark at work. I de-iced and demisted but then had no grip and just sat there wheels spinning. I thought I might hit the bosses new car once I finally managed to move, after she had jokingly said "mind the car as you leave!" The main road wasn't too good and then the side road into our town was even worse as the snow had melted, flooded the road then frozen again. I was so tense once I finally got in. I do hope it improves today before I have to go out again tonight.
I hope our travelling Loppies gotaway safely?
Oohhmms to you all, stay safe. I'm making mince pies with the boys and wrapping pressies today. May drop in later

I spoke too soon yesterday when I boasted that we had no snow. Woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. Ploppy struggled to the village to get the newspaper only to discover that they had sold out because less than usual had been delivered. Keep warm everyone.

Morning everyone!

I had a lovely Christmassy evening with Ploppy decorating the tree. He even put fairy lights in the window. Not his usual bar-humbug self at all!

Jan and Shirley I hope you are both feeling better now. And glad you had a good party K2.

Pauline I hope you get to see Sloppy - it's good that your dinner party went ahead. I'm hoping our Christmas curry night will be able to go ahead too. Our friends are coming from Manchester York and Wales - so some long drives in the snow.

Oh Carol your dancing is beautiful!!! I'm giving you 10 points for the dancing and 8 for the music - wasn't sure what the paso music was - not Pretty in Pink by any chance?
And 7 for the dress (EVA I DON'T DO PINK!!!!)

Glad to see you back on the blog Geri! Hope you are not studying too hard.

KK - we've not heard from you in ages. I hope you are not working too hard - OOOHHHHMMs for you.

OOo Eva! Isn't BHB good on that snow board! But I think it's time for him to have a break and a coffee and cake.

Morning, ok so I'll admit, when I woke at 8.15 I got up, took too paracetemol and a cup of tea and headed back to bed but I'm fine now, just a little tired, last night was great craic but I definitely did the right thing heading home when I did.

Ali - I know what you mean about driving in icy conditions, it is nerve-wracking. Was looking on sky news website yesterday lunchtime at the conditions over a lot of the UK. You seem to have it pretty bad, does anyone know if it's bad in Watford? My elderly uncle lives alone there now since he's a widower and we worry a bit about him.

New baby nephew of my work friend arrived yesterday just before lunch and thankfully all seems well, they didn't even have to take him away from his mum as he appeared to be fine and healthy and started to feed when put to the breast. The family are so relieved and happy, it's lovely to see. They are allowed no visitors due to all the health scares etc so none of them will meet him until he's home but the new dad sent mobile phone pictures and he's gorgeous. My work friend got quite tipsy last night and spent most of the evening telling everyone repeatedly which was so funny.

Got a parcel yesterday marked "Don't open until the 25th" - cheeky loppy, (You know who you are) you have me very intrigued but I'm also very obedient so I'll wait. Thanks for all the lovely cards, hope our postal system gets mine to you all on time.

Pauline - how did the dinner party go? Ooohhhmmms for your Mum and for you, take care.

Are all our poorlies on the mend, Jo, Jan, anyone else? ooohmmmms where needed and for Sue1 that she can get back online asap.

Ok, better get moving. Need to head out shortly to get some last pressies and also to shop for the party tonight (25 x 16-18 yr olds - am I mad?? no, don't answer that!) I've warned the neighbours, just to reassure them that No 1 - I will be in the house at all times and No 2 - although it may get loud, it won't be going on all night, that the noise will stop at a reasonable hour.

Hope we hear from our TFLs soon....
Ttyl, have a good day everyone.

Karen2 , Watford is about 10 miles from here,our road is like a sheet of ice but the main roads are clear, and the sun is shining at the moment, and not too cold, so hopefully he will be OK.
We didn't get to see TB yesterday but hopefully will make it on Tuesday, he has a rotten cold, but Dollop is going to take him for a walk to show him the snow.
I also have a package and am very intrigued, thank you Loppy.
Hopefully Auds will have got away last night our friend were delayed about one and a half hours so not too bad under the circumstances,I am looking after their house so will have to put my ice skates on to get across to their house.
Good to hear your party went well last night Pauline.
Carol loved your dance , I give you 10 marks all round.
Lots of ooohhhmmms for all the Loppies that are still feeling poorly

Morning all (just). Well thankgoodness after a very stressful day all bar one of my guests made it as Twin reported (thankyou Twin). Once they were all here everything went very well and the food disappeared so I take it they enjoyed it. Must say at one point yesterday I felt like throwing in the towel! I had a very late night and although I've been up a while I have been trying to bring a bit of order back to the house, well the downstairs anyway! Do feel a bit delicate, lack of sleep I think.

Twin your dancing was sublime, 10's all round I think and I feel maybe an extra 5 for managing to sneak in a bit of a dance with the GO! Not sure about the mouse though.

Jane thanks for the thoughts for Sloppy. She isn't very good at the moment, and it was a nightmare yesterday, but hopefully I will get round there today. I do hope your curry party is ok.

K2 I am not far from Watford either, I think although we have a lot of snow I haven't heard of power cuts in the area. Hopefully your uncle will be fine.

Right still lots to do, got to try and skate to the shops and get supplies, from having a full fridge yesterday it is scarily empty today.

Thank you Loppies for your lovely cards and e-cards (I must make a special mention for Jo's card - PURPLE!! Thank you Jo!!!)

K2 - Yours arrived this morning so the post is getting there.Lovely news about the baby.

OOOHHMMS Sue - hope you get back on line!

Pauline - it sounds like you had a great time - OOOHHMMS for your Sloppy.

I think Carol has stormed into the lead on SCL!!!

I've braved the weather conditions and it all went very well. I bless the fact that my car is a 4+4, because there is a small, but steep hill up from where I park up to the road. I tried it in normal mode, but half way up the car started spinning, so I slided carefully back down, put it in 4+4 mode and drove majestically and carefully up to the top. Hey hoo! The rest of the drive was OK, as I'm properly shod (the car is, I mean), and the snow ploughs and salters had been out all night. It is almost 14 years since I've driven a car in these conditions, but all the right moves were still there, so I was relieved I hadn't forgotten how to do it properly. It won't come as a surprise to you that before you can get your driving licence here, you have to go through a special course of winter driving and to pass the exam. In addition I did the advanced driving course in the police, so I spent a week in the mountains, driving on a frozen lake, 8 hours a day for a week!

I had to go to the shopping centre to get a new DVD-player for my parents. The one they had, kept stopping and refusing to restart and I don't know what not. Last night I got so fed up, that today I bought them a new one. I had a h*ll of a job to get it into place, because all the cables were behind a wall unit, and this had to be carefully moved so I could get to the back. That was today's exercise! Now the new one is up and running!

Ali,- your drive home last night sounds horrible. Glad you made it safely. I hope the snow isn't staying with you for much longer. What is the weather forecasts like? Here we'll keep the cold and the snow until well after Christmas.

Here is Pauline skating down to the shops. Did you know they were filming you, Pauline?:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiADS8_Z6zI

I have one of those intriguing parcels sitting under my tree too-thankyou!
Glad the party went well Pauline, I'd offfer to send ploppy over to do your shopping for you but he wasn't his usual efficient self today and has had to go back out for things he forgot!!
The boys are playing out in the snow and I'm having a few minutes peace and quiet, lovely. I hope PB enjoys his party tonight K2, and congrats re: new baby.

First day this week that I've got a moment to catch up with blog, I'm going to keep it short as I'm having the same problem as Eva.

So glad that your Dinner went well Pauline after all the worries you had yesterday.

Sounds like a great work party K2! Good luck for tonight.

I do sympathise with you Ali, driving in the snow and ice is horrible unless of course you've been on an 8 day special course on a frozen lake in Norway!
I'm really glad not to be driving in these conditions, it's bad enough walking
All loppy drivers do take care.

Hope you're now fit and well Jo and that the btm is getting better Jan.

Ali I would have leapt at the offer! I didn't realise what it would be like over there, silly me I thought Christmas was next week! It was heaving and people were buying 10 litres of milk and about 12 loaves. They must be going into seige mode I think. Thankyou for the film of me Eva, it captured me very well I think. This is one time when I would love a 4x4. Have to negotiate the drive round to Sloppy yet!

Hi all. Snow and ice here but sun out.

Marzipaned cake, decorated tree and house, cleaned ovens, steam cleaned kitchen floor (never ever buy floor tiles with nice rustic looking indents!), made soup and now ready for bed :)

Have friends coming in hour for tea and then out to party tonight. Other end of village so will need our snow shoes. Party last night was next door so managed there and back OK

I hate driving in ice and snow Ali – you were brave.

Talking of brave – 25x 18yrs old – brave – or is that foolhardy hmmm. Good luck K2

My UB scallop home – him and every item of clothing he possesses – all dirty. Aaargh. Eldest scallop never let me do any of his washing or ironing when he went to uni. My standards must have slipped.

meant to say thanks for all cards etc. I have gone for easy option and sent ecards this year - charities will benefit.

Should do some of my study but sun so lovely that will go for short walk. Will go without ploppy as he went out for food for afternoon tea for friends and must be in same shops as you Pauline so don’t think he will be back soon.

Eva - can you give us lessos in winter driving please? Like Ali I hate driving in the snow (that was a nightmare drive you had Ali!)

Pauline - yes - I think people are planing on being beseiged.

Oh Fi you have been busy! And I think you deserve a break from those studies!

I must go - I need to get ready for all our guests coming. have a good evening Loppies!

Well safely back from the carol singing stint and have heard that we raised £550 for Save the Children, so that makes it all worthwhile. K2 they showed Watford on GMTV yesterday and it was snow bound but no report of power cuts, fingers crossed all is well! It's very cold out at the moment so quite glad we don't have to go out again. Right time for a large drink methinks to get myself ready for SCD later.

K2,- you are indeed a brave person! I hope you have understanding neigbours. Have you checked your earplugs?

JaneE,- of course I'll take you on an ice-driving course! Here you are.....These are ambulance drivers, but I'm sure it's the same course. It's a hard loife, especially those smørgårdsbords every night!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv1CGkeel8k

It's still snowing hard. There must be another 10cm by now. The little boy upstairs have been skiing round the house again and again as long as there was daylight. He is 4 1/2 and was in absolute heaven. He waved every time he passed my windows.

I'm looking forward to hearing the SCD reports. For once there is a pretty decent telly program here too.

Hey all.

Hope you're all keeping well. I've had Swine Flu, didn't think I'd make it to the Barbican but I'm a bit more hopeful now.

All set for SCD? I've decided to give horses and stable party a miss to be 100% fit for w**k on Monday. (oh I believe I have another appt on Monday too.)

Evening all, here we go for one final time!

Ok Ricky is good, I just somehow don't warm to him. A very quick quickstep.

First up Ricky and Natalie doing the quickstep. She is wearing her Grannies' lampshade I think.
He is very good but the judges will give him 10s' all night I doubt if he'll drop a point as they want him to win. I don't!

...and yes the judges give them 10 across the board but I don't warm to them either.

Next Chris and Ola doing the foxtrot.

Oh it was so very sweet and lovely, he has all the charm that RW lacks for me. He really dances that very well.

Cute dancing Hobbits, HANDs still flat, but better. He actually smiled properly.

10cm=about 4ins, we had more snow than Eva! I whimped out yesterday and didn't go to work.

Alisha gave a 10, I wouldn't have. Cute but not perfect.

....very sweet - he has charm in spades, RW doesn't!!! Hands still splayed though!

A reprise dance from the first 5 to leave, some really were terrible!

I thought Ola was much better than Natalie at the Lindihop. Put me off watching Ricky and Chris, so can't score them.

So next both couples do the Lindy Hop at the same time. i actually thought that Cola did better than R&N. It was more his sort of dance. better for Hobbits!

...I score Team Cola higher for the Lindy AND SO DO THE JUDGES!!!

I've voted, shame it's not for Ali

Jade and Ian perform tha Tango that she injured herself doing....and it is excellent.

Ahh now BF sings, hummm.

...Aleysha and Bruce doing a duet!! Agree Jo shame it's not Ali and Brian in the final. Jade's tango was lovely.

So that concludes part one. Back at 8.40!

Happy to see you're enjoying your SCD watching. You remember last year, when Tom won even if the judges didn't want him to!

I'm watching a lovely Christmas concert on my telly. Do you remember that I tried to get tickets some weeks back for a concert with Sissel and Odd Nordstoga and couldn't? Well, they are sending the concert tonight on the Norwegian BBC, and even if I would have loved to see it live, I did save some money! Now, what do you think I should spend it on?
At the moment Sissel is singing "Glade Jul" which is the same as your Silent Night to.

I HATE THIS DELAYED ACTION, BBBT ! WILL YOU STOP IT?

I've just gone to the SCD bbc home page and seen the vid for the draw for the order of dancing. It came out that Chris would go first.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p005nygj
Have I just uncovered a bbc plot?

Sissel has just finished " O Helga natt" (Oh, Holy Night) which must be one of the most beautiful Christmas carols ever written. Here she is in an earlier version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Z2gZj_-sbw

Jo,- BBC is plotting? Tell, tell!

It is probably me being daft but there is somebody in the audience for SCD that looks incredibly like Hayley W. Now I suppose you are all going to tell me that it is impossible as she is performing somewhere tonight. Just thought I would mention it.

I don't know who I want to win. RW is certainly a wonderful and polished dancer but there is something about little Chris that I just love.

I started to watch Tony Robinson (while Strictly is off air) at Dover Castle in the Time Team programme but I dislike him so so much that I have turned it off. Shame really as Dover is our local castle, only 7 miles away and 10 minutes on the bus. In my humble opinion he should have stuck to being Baldric.

Anyway, time to re-charge my glass and perhaps just a sneaky start on the Christmas chocolates.

Jan,- good to see you. Dover Castle, eh? Been there many times. Was one of the Friends.

Now, do you want an update on " Heartbeat"? No? OK.

Sorry Eva, the vid clip shows C and R pulling a ball each from a plastic bowl to see who dances first on the final. They each open their ball at the same time and C's says he should dance first. But he danced second on the show.

so here we go again.

First up Cola doing the Charleston. Brilliant, just brilliant. I love this routine.

oh now Chris is first with his Charleston, so maybe it was this set they were drawing for.
Still a fun dance and still cute

5 10s for Chris

...that dance so suits them.

Brilliant, they deserve that as it really does entertain and they do it so well.

As Ricky went first for the first two dances I'm sure Cola will go first for both these Jo. Don't know about aplot, but I'm sure they would all want RW to win..it's just I don't!

Ok next the cha cha with N&R. What can I say they are very good. The judges sooooooo want them to win!

R Cha cha, almost perfect.

C Show dance, made me laugh, very good. (What was that tune, I seem to have heard it alot.)

Can't believe the judges scored RW less for the cha cha.

Colas' show dance was fantastic. Just such fun, really showed him off to advantage.

It did really play to his strengths, and who would think he could do those lifts, even though there were a couple of fumbles

Who's betting N will do the splits?

and she did.
Very good, too much of her is the air for me, we know he is strong

Not as fond of R&Ns' showdance. Not because I didn't want him to win but just not as entertaining for me.

Agree Jo, and that girl does like the splits doesn't she!

Alisha said she would have liked to see more diffenrent dance styles in R dance, but still gave him 10. Darcy gave 9. The rest 10's.
Judges points total 4 more for R

Eva, no not really interested in an old Heartbeat, sorry. I'm multitasking, trying to edit dog in snow and watch SCD and post, Heartbeat would just tip me over

Dance or entertainment to win?

Entertainment wins it, go Cola

YAAAAAYY it's Chris and Ola. Woohoo! Bless Ola she is in tears.

Yes!! Team Cola were lovely and if Ali couldn't wn then it had to be Team Cola. Still Ali & Brian are dancing together on the tour so perhaps they will win at that.

Yeah Baby!! What a good result and how gracious Ricky and Natalie were to the winners. Well Done Team Cola.

I'm so glad that Chris and Ola won, apart from being more charismatic and charming I thought they deserved it on their dancing tonight, Ola's choreography was just brilliant and suited Chris so well.
I think that by the end of the evening the judges knew too that their favourite wasn't going to make it.

Ricky and Natalie were probably the better dancers technically but didn't quite have the likeability factor.

So pleased to hear that Chris and Ola won. This is the second year in a row where the public vote has gone against the judges. I still wish it had been Ali on top. Thank you all for the reporting.

It's bedtime for me. Good night all, sleep tight, have wonderful dreams and wake up happy.

What an exciting final I was very fed up when Chris went through last week but I must now admit he deserved it he proved himself worthy of a championship. It was impossible to chose. I know R is cleaner and more precise but I must admit that C& O were a touch more entertaining.
But I really did not mind who won.
A lovely evening.
Hope you northen loppies are not too snowed in ant that it will all clear for Monday.
Loved your Dance Carol.
Ninite all sweet meads
Thank you all for the lovely Christmas cards and ecards. xxxx