HI

posted on the end of the last blog - its not that interesting so won't repeat myself here - but thought I would let you know.

Baggs

Hey Chris, how great that you are getting behind this in such a splendid manner

Huzzah! I havent watched the programme and missed most of the show this morning, but I didnt know until now that the song was written specially for the ladies,

Double Huzzah!

Heres hoping for wonderful results for them and that all their partners return home safe too

Happy Friday everyone
debs
x

SBG - have you see the fourth channel's (get me?) send up of the JL ad? It's kinda funny (Well the first time it was it's probably not after that!)

I think my parents showed me the way to go and that was when it comes to buying presents don't spend more than you have - so I budget and I think the only present I might have gone over budget with is my brother's present - which is like £5 but I saved that elsewhere so it balances out.

I went to buy presents on Wednesday and had budgeted a certain amount for the presents - I think I was working on about 60-70 for the 4 presents. The two I bought in person came in at £15 due to a 2 for £10 on one (my Mum used the other half of this offer) and then the second part had 50% off. The second two presents were on line and I expected to be around 30-40 I think it came about £22 on the t'interweb :D I feel like I've done well lol. (Thanks to an app on my phone I was able to compare with a certain online rainforest website while I was shopping)

Me and Mum are both going to get the Mils Wive song :D

Well done indeed for a great song sung by a cracking group of women for a terrific cause. I shall be buying a copy for everyone's Christmas stocking.

For ages now I've had it in my mind that Gareth Malone is Sue Perkins's brother. Yes, I know he's not, but he should be, if you know what I mean.

Have a great day everyone. I'm looking forward to getting to the end of a frankly hideous week - not long to go now.

Today's advent calendar picture will be a bauble. Is that how you spell bauble? The more I look at it, the more unlikely it looks.

Lots of love xx

Debs - It might still be on iPlayer - I'm hoping for that because I haven't got through Episode 1 yet - I saw Gareth conduct his community choir last year in London - it was soo good! I even joined in when we did carols lol. So in a way I've sung in one of his choirs (Even thought we were technically the audience at one of the concerts lol)

GirltaristHan - am I SBG? - I think I was bought up the same way - we knew that my parents had x amount to spend on us and we had gifts to that value - even now - if we wanted something big then people clubbed in for it - like this year I want a tablet so people are giving me what they want in cash and I will pay for the rest.

SBP - Yup you are SBG lol. Don't ask what happened there lol. I used to always ask for books and then CDs or craft kits - the biggest two presents I remember asking for was a new bike when I was about 12/13 because I was cycling to school and mine wasn't cool lol (it was a Rayleigh Shopper lol) my Mum got it from a Jumble Sale at school - she was on the PTA so got first dibs lol. The second biggest was my electric guitar - I was a beginner so I was prepared that I'd get like a beginner's guitar out of the catalogue or something like that - well I think my Mum decided that she could stretch the budget and go for a better guitar so she went shopping with my Uncle (who knows his guitars) and I got a middle of the range (when it comes to beginner guitars) or something like that. My brother on the other hand would sit with the catalogue and write a HUGE list lol.

My mum now goes onto my Rainforest wishlist and picks off items that fit in the budget or if she might get me craft bits and bobs.

Chris: it is indeed a wonderful song. I will certainly buy it when it hits the shops - 19th December is clearly marked in my diary! Thanks for your terrific blog today. xx

Baggy: I had started to write a wee message to you on the previous blog. I think that was a really lovely thing to do, to say thank you. It so much nicer than having to complain, isn't it?!

Keith: your post #47 on the previous blog was really quite breathtaking - I would love Chris to see it. xx

Marinesmrs: aww, I was wondering whether you were at R2 this morning! What you said about the song is just spot on.

Cheryl: given that my street was Ice Central this morning, my guess for the calendar today is: a lady skating on ice!

Happy Firday, everyone!

C xx

the biggest present we ever got - and this dates me - was between me and my sister for birthday and christmas (we both have our birthday the week before christmas) was a sega mega drive, but yes normally we got clothes, books or VHS.

My nan has been buying my pj's for my birthday for 20 years and she still gets them for me - and they are still great :-)

Well you can always use pjams lol.

I work in Customer Service and I would say that 99% of the calls I get are problems with our products - I've had a thank you card on my desk for a year now as it's one of the few I've received saying thank you for excellent service :D (I don't have it at the moment as my stuff is packed ready to move office next week)

afternoon peeps
Great show this morning. Eveytime I see one of the programmes with Gareth on, I want to join a choir! Haven't done it yet - not really blessed with a good singing voice and most established groups would want an audition to join, I imagine, and I would fail miserably!

Did consider the Rock Choir thingy, when that programme was on - there's one in Chester - but it actually costs to join - it is a franchise operation afterall, so wasn't keen.

Adam away at Po***ns, Prestatyn until Sunday at some metal music thing - so just Honey and me enjoying the peace - lovely.

Todays calendar guesses are:
The 'normal' one - an elf
The 'Dozy' one - sprouts!

Stay well and warm,
ttfn, Crumpy xx

oh and my guess for the advent calender is a christmas cake!

over and out
debs
x

Crumpy - How very dare you!, you could have knocked me down with a feather this morning when I realised yesterday's window didn't have a duck behind it - oh well better luck today!

Afternoon all

Lovely blog Chris, and THANK YOU for the personal reply militarymrs. I really hope the song gets to No.1 as it has a seasonal feel. I've "shared" Chris's blog with my FB and Twitter feeds, and will also share it with my Twitter business a/c later when I'm logged into it. It's just that the other evening, the retweeting was just too OTT.

I missed the ladies on this morning's show as I was at a networking breakfast by 7.30 am (after scraping ice off the Micra!), but the picture on the show homepage really made me smile when I logged in just now.

And chris - thank you for reading out my mother in law text just after the 7am news - I left the house wearing a HUGE smile!

Loving your advent guesses but Dozy, it's NOT a Top Gear calendar love .....!

I'm now hoeld up in my study (it used to be Nic's study ...!) with a lot of contacts to seek out and ideas to act on from yesterday's thing I went to.

Only one more thing to say, for now ....




HAPPY BIRTHDAY COCKNEYBIRD!



Muchos Amore.

Deevs
x

These women (and to be fair today some are Army Husbands) are the forgotten heroes. They fight everyday to hold their families together, support their children and their friends while battling their fear of receiving the worst news and not letting that fear show. They do all this only because their husbands and wives want to fight for their country, they accepted the life because of the love they feel for someone else and mostly they do this in silence.
This devotion and dedication now has a voice so let’s hear it and let’s not forget the RAF wives and the Navy wives. You all have my deepest respect and my heartfelt thanks.

Afternoon all

Deevs, I heard your mention!! Naughty you! ;-)

I was lucky and I was in the car this morning so heard the whole show

Certainly sounded like Chris has his hands full today!

MarinesMrs, I bet your rehersals were an absolute hoot weren't they!!

One of my favourite bits of the TV series was when dear, sweet, innocent (looking!) Gareth was taken drinking by some of the wives!! Oh dear!! I bet rehersals the next day were very quiet! ;-)

Sezza xxxx

ps my guess for the advent calendar today is a penguin, water-skiing!!

talking of advent calendars, can anyone tell me why, despite having the calendars and the chocolates to put in them, I still didn't get them filled and up until today?

D'oh!

Sezza xxx

Afternoon all

Thanks Deev's having a lovely day and been spoilt this morning. Although my custom made card from the gang at work was very funny this morning shall post a piccie on My face space book later.

Glad your networking is going well sounds like you have loads to keep you busy.

Chris loved the show this morning and the ladies belting out their christmas number 1 hit. I have my download on my ipod ready for the festive season.

Finishing early today and off to the pub with the other half and the boy, along with a few close friends which I am looking forward to it.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend enjoy... CB xx

Only caught a bit of the chat this morning but sounded great to me!
Deevs - my guess for today is an elf in a stove pipe hat.

N

Oh forgot my guess for the advent calendar. I shall go with chrstmas holly wreath, I nearly went for a fish as for some reason I had one of them in my advent calendar last year and a lion. It was very strange.

CB xxxx

Afternoon all

Silly busy time of year for me so trying to quickly catch up!

Loved the bits I heard this morning of the show Chris. Those who haven't seen the three shows do try and get them on catch up, great television, inspiring and humbling.

My guess for the the advent calendar is a sprig of holly.

cheers

A

Hi All

Loved the show this morning. I think Gareth Malone is an absolute miracle worker - he should get a knighthood at the very least (is there an accolade higher than a knighthood? Dunno). He was at Prawns in the Pork last year, so I have had the pleasure of singing under him - okay, it was with about 30,000 other people...

Crumpy, my son sings with the High Wycombe Rock Choir, and he absolutely loves it!

My guess for the calendar picture today: a rocking horse.

Deebee ~X~

Afternoon....

Chris - the show sounded like lots of fun this morning!

Baggy - it's always nice to be able to pay a compliment, and maybe if people took the time to do what you did, the world would be a nicer place!

Chocolate cake for the returning interviewee has been made, can't say it's my best, but I'm not starting again!!

Better walk the hound before getting the monster - as I left him running around screaming with balloons at 08.30 this morning I'm not sure he'll want to go out again when e gets home!!!

deedee - is there a High Wycombe rock choir? wow - I never knew that (its my neck of the woods)

I would love to sing but was blessed with a voice like my fathers. My dad is pitch perfect, musically brillent and cannot sing a note - my siblings are blessed musically and I cannot sing a note - thanks dad

***Happy Birthday CockneyBird***

My advent calendar guess-Father Christmas buying his SatNav.

MM xxx

Afternoon,

Mad busy morning, but wanted to get my guess in.......a Santa hat. My theory was to choose what I had in my calendar, well it was a Santa hat yesterday and a sledge today; but as that the the guess yesterday I am going to the hat again....confused, you will be ;)

Right places to go, people to see.....sorry for the flying visit. Have a great weekend everyone.

Happy Birthday CB xx

Love
AliB
xx

Afternoon all!
Busy busy day today - electric blanket testing event at work today - had no idea how many people still use them!
And HOW OLD some of them are??! (The blankets not the people!)
My guess foe the calendar today = a piper.
If I can, will dip in again later.

Jo x

Note to self, don't try to make a card and finish up left over chocolate coins at the same!

Just tried to eat some double sided tape!

Bleugh!

Sezza xxx

Hi CLP loved the show this morning was the highlight of my listening this year. I watched the whole series on beeb2 - have watched everything Gareth has ever done on telly cos he's just fab but he does owe me lots of tissues! These ladies bring it all home to those of us who don't, and thankfully for us, will never know, just what they go through every day when their men are away. I am not ashamed to say that I just need to think about the song and I start to well up! I hope this song does go around the world, it's a truly inspirational piece and all the accolades that David and Gareth have received for bringing the wives words together in such an outstanding way are richly deserved. And of course well done to the ladies for having the courage to share their lives with us thank you, thank you, thank you x

Ok, I am now grinning like a totally utterly butterly eejit!

Why?

I'm playing Michael Buble's Christmas CD.

and what makes it even better ....

I just stood at the kitchen sink, looking out into the garden, straight at my Pink Fizz rose bush, Jane.

We had a sing-song together, she lit a fag and gave a me a mahoooosive "Bah Humbug".

Tears can be happy tears too.

Miss you Beezles.

x

Thanks for the birthday greetings LAB and MM makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Sezza stop eating double sided sticky tape it will do no good to your insides you know.

Not an eejit deevs just a warm fuzzy person. Nothing wrong in it at all, there should be more warm and fuzzy peeople in this world.

Thanks again

CB xxx

I like being warm and fuzzy!

;-)

x

Warm and fuzzy is good :-o

Happy Birthday CB

CS Unfortunately I work so cant do anything in the week - so am having to 'opt out' of anything not on the weekend :( so couldnt do R2.

Sezza - we still do the practices although havent managed to fill Gareths shoes yet... on the search for a new choirmaster now we have lost the hmmmm master?!

Have a fab weekend all, and maybe I'll get into this twitter thing soon so I can understand the retweet reference Deevs lol x

Baggy, there is indeed a rock choir in High Wycombe. If you're interested, I can get the details from my son and message you on FB.

~X~

LOL Marinemrs - Twitter is a fun place to play, just go easy on RTs!

Have a lovely weekend.

x

deebee - thanks but I am truely awful - I have been asked to step away from kareoke in pubs! That must mena we are near blog neighbours - its a small world :-)

I think I forgot my guess and I'm going with a star again lol. (Well unless its already taken in which case I'll guess again!)

Just tried to fix my colleagues PC remotely which was kinda exciting as I'm normally on the receiving end of a remote take over rather than in the control end (GEEEEEKKKKK!!!!)

ARGH Want to go home now - then again there's stress too - How does one prove their nationality without a passport? Apparently a birth certificate just proves you were born somewhere at some time in history.

Just popping in to say to CB: Happy Birthday! Isn't it difficult having a December birthday? I am still spoiled - but wish my birthday was in June! Hope you are having a lovely day.

Marinesmrs: this having to "work for a living" is this pits, isn't it! But how wonderful that you are part of all this, I feel very inspired, I must tell you.

Have a lovely weekend, all you terrific bloggers - I think we are extremely lucky to have met each other courtesy of Mr Chris Evans.

C xx

Han - geeks are loveable creatures! ;-)

For my next trick, I am going to exit myself to the kitchen and make a cake, so that when Nic gets home the house smells all homely, warm and cakeyfied!

Deevs
x

El Deevo - Danke schon :) Then again maybe that should be Muchos Gracias with a name like El Deevs lol.

Feel a little lost and all squiffy brained :( Might need a hug soon - anyone volunteering?

I'm feeling warm and fuzzy .....

{{ Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanah }}

Let's call it The Buble Effect!

DomesticDragonDeevs
x x x

Buble? Like a certain singer? There is something about his songs right? I love Everything and Just Haven't Met You Yet :D (he's fab!)

Thanks for the hugs :D

My pleasure!

Cake in oven - it was a double yolker egg when I cracked it. What're the chances eh!?!?!

x

Advent calendar - a cangle again... be back shortly

JG x

Sorry, that was supposed to be a candle!

Serves me right for rushing to post as the window cleaner called for his money...

JG x

Taaaaaaaaa Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

It's 2 cuddly toy dogs wrapped in a scarf!

Time to switch orf now - man home, curry cooking, wine poured.

Happy.com!

Have a lovely eve. I'll be back tomorrow when Himself's out with the MiniMe

Deevs
x
x
x

Evening each

Didn't get to hear the choir this morning but I did hear the lovely Gareth - what an inspiring person.

Deevs, thought of you this morning when I was scraping the ice off the car at 7am - I did hope you weren't having to do the same dressed up for your breakfast meeting.

Was at Nit central today but I have been promised they're 99.9% certain they've been shampooed away - let's hope so.

xxxxx

evening! is there anybody there?!

had a very choral day myself - small boy (age6) was singing in the music festival locally with his school choir. just infants, so ranging in age from 5 to 7 yrs! not a dry eye in the house! just lovely - and you could hear all the words! i'm so pleased the school does a lot of music and singing - in a school of over 400 kids they have to have 3 choirs cos so many children want to be part of it! and a lot of the other schols locally hardly do any!

and when they leave there is a lovely community choir so they can carry on singing! no age limit or singing ability - but 12 yr old daughter and her dad go - she stands next to a lovely lady in her 60s and they are always giggling together!

so we are big singing/choir fans in this house!

and loving the military wives! haven't yet managed to listen without crying - just watching the bit on the one show that I cloud+ ed earlier!

phew! didnt' realise that was going to be such a long post!

good to be back!

RamblingC xxxx

Evening all,

Yes nice to see you back R Cornish.

Have been reading the post regarding the Military Ladies Choir.I'll give them their as I truly think that they deserve to be called so.

Not only for their song ,which by the way I will buy as it is supporting the charities that are very close to the ladies concerned .I think we tend to forget that as we in the civic world go about our daily lives and have our families around us that we don't give these ladies the credit that they deserve.

That I think was Gareth's aim ,not for it to get to No1 ,but for us to have an insight into the army wives and how they go about their daily lives.
They uproot themselves from the families and follow the men folk all around the world ,going where they go .

Sam the soloist was going to go to university ,but then she met her husband ,so forsook that so she could be by his side ,how many more service wives give up their lives for the sake of their men I wonder!!!

And now we have these brave ladies with their menfolk fighting God knows where ,for God knows what, this we must remember, as we can seep easy in our beds ,they can't.

These wives fear every knock on the door when their husbands are away doing whatever they have to do ,and then there are of course the children .

These children don't see the daddy's and in some cases their mummy's for months on end and some don't ever see the again. Those children are our future so for that is another reason why I shall be supporting The military wives choir.

Take care ..Bids.xxx.

What can I say.......
I am the Chairman of the Worcester Radio Amateurs Association (Not commercial) and a couple of our members have been, or still are battling against this crappy disease. We may not be the professional broadcasters like you Chris! but rest assured that we will make it our aim within the UK's 60,000 amateurs and countless Worldwide Amateur Radio Enthusiasts to raise as much dough as we can!

Good on ya mate...... Beard ON

Sorry Chris, I just don't get this Military Wives record at all. Listening to it is like the last 50 years never happened. Like the Peace Movement never happened. Like the Women's movement never happened. Like rock and roll never happened. Like soul music never happened. I'd rather listen to There's no-one quite like Granma by the St Winifred's School Choir...

Morning all,

Chris, Gareth is indeed a genius. Didn’t get to hear all of the show this morning, what I did hear was fantastic, will have to listen again to hear the part I missed. I have pre-ordered a few copies and hope it raises the awareness they deserve and gets to number 1 for all the reasons mentioned in Keith’s, TTM21’s and Bids’s posts.

Cockneybird – happy birthday for yesterday xx

Hiya Annie – how are you doing? Good news about the nits!

Hi MtD – we don’t see you as much on here, hope all is well xx

Busy day today off to the hairdressers to have the sparkly bits touched otherwise people will think I’m wearing tinsel in my hair lol. Then lunch with a friend, quick visit to my sisters and then home for a few glasses of pink fizz!

Hi to everyone else hope you all have a great weekend.

My guess for the calendar today is……..a drum.

Take care folks!
Mary xx

Morning All, (Morning Mary x)

Bit of a grey start to the day, but we are promised sunshine down South later!

Not much planned for today, except to get my self organised for the Nativity Play which I am supposed to be coordinating this year! First practice tomorrow...eek! At the moment I have a blank piece of paper, of course the story doesn't change from year to year, but trying to put it across in different ways, with a bunch of kids that are more prone to running riot than sitting still is a challenge. Such Fun :)

#50 Well said Bids xx

I'm having tea and toast in bed before I think about getting up to do the washing, strip my bed and the house work....one can't rush these things you know.

Have a super smashing Saturday everyone.

AliB
xx

Morning all

Looks a bit chilly out there....

Just phyching myself up to tackle the shopping centre - I don't have much in the way of presents to buy but I've got to get my 'secret santa' pressie for work (there's an added twist in that we have picked the person and a shop, but I've got the choccie shop so that should be fairly straight forward) and I need a couple of jumpers - oooh and a birthday card for the OH.... The only thing is the OH wants to come too, I was hoping to do things at my own pace (which could be quick or slow depending on how easily I find the things I want) but now it will either be him huffing and puffing or we will split up and arrange to meet at a time and place which puts pressure on me either way. Still mustn't moan i spose... a couple of months ago, I came home to find he had hung a clock over the pictures of my togs calendar (it was the only place the clock could go). Last night when I got home, he had moved the clock because there are piccies of us on the December page (it's the little things doncha know).

On to the business of the day - advent calendar guess is a Robin again (not worth changing until the little blighter appears....)

Excuse the rambling ((((((hugs)))))) to those who need or want them.

Laters

mtd ffb xxx

Morning all.....

Popping in quickly to give my advent calendar guess...........carol singers all bundled up in the snow please!

Busy busy today - hair cut, lunch with friends, I need some shoes for the works do....

Have fun folks!
ebx

Morning all,

A quick guess for the advent calender - A raindeer!

Just off to a little campsite south of Romsey for a couple of days. I need a break I think, we are meeting a couple of friends so there may be a beer or two consumed! LOL I do have to come back tonight to sing some Christmas carols with a choir I sing with, so I had better not start slurping too early. ;-)

Bids - well said! xxx

I have pre-orderd a couple of copies of the CD! Lets get the number of sales on the up! xx

Keep smiling

Keith
xx

Morning everyone.

Advent calendar. A Christmas Tree!

Hope you all have a good day.

csn. xx

well my vent didnt go for a second time so i will not type it for a third time..

advent calendar guess for today is

a choir boy humming

djeli
slightly frustrated

that went
maybe i will try and post/vent later.
this three minute thing is really annoying too.

Aye up!

By the crin, it's cold out there today - which is why I'm staying well and truly in the warm whilst Nic's out with his son. I shall cook a lovely bit of roast pork wi'all the trimmings for later when they get back and Grandma joins us ....

.... the eventually it'll just be Nic and me and wine and Strictly by about 10pm!

I've got mixed feelings about tonight's Strictly. I follow Robbie Savage on Twitter and he has really been though the mill this last week, getting to grips with the death of his friend, Gary Speed. I think he could get very emotional on live tv tonight and I for one will be sitting there urging him on to do his best for his pal "Speedo".

Good luck Robbie x

Other than that, it's am afternoon of Christmas card listage and a bit of jigsaw - so nearly finished it but it's the hard bits left that all look the same colour. It's a 1970s Retro Toys jigsaw and I'm stuck on Emu. But then, weren't we all!

Right, enough of my waffle. For now.

All calendar guesses noted.

Muchos amore!

Deevs
x

afternoon peeps

Agree it is flippin chilly out there and drizzly so a bit miserable.
I am trying to get in the Christmas spirit by watching some Christmas cooking programmes on the tellbox. Just been Nigella'd and will be watching some classic Delia in a bit.

Done some present shopping earlier and bought a book of 2nd class stamps for the cards - just need to write them now!

Advent guesses: 2 as previously
Deevs normal one - a snowman
Dozy's alternative (for want of another word) one - a coal scuttle!

Stay warm ..... ttfn, Crumpy xx

Evening!

Thinking about getting ready for my (ex)works do - complete with trimmed hair and new bright red shoes! Never owned red shoes before!!!

ebx

I want red shoes!!

However, I am off out in my shiney black ones instead!

Night all

Sezza xxx

I love new shoes!

Ebb and Sezza, hope you both have lovely evenings.

csn. xx

Evening Each,

Just cooking a pizza in time for Strictly.

My advent calendar guess today is a 'ickle mouse looking up at a big red Christmas stocking ;)

The Nativity play is in the bag, just got to get the little darlings to sit still and pay attention tomorrow when we run through it. Two weeks to practice before the big performance!

Eb and Sezza, knock 'em dead girls and have a great evening (you too csn xx)

Laters
AliB
xx

Thank you Ali.

Glad all is going well with The Nativity Play and hope the two little darlings sit and pay attention tomorrow.

Have a lovely evening.

csn. xx

Crumpy .....

It's a SNOWMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well done me dear!

Have a lovely Saturday evening one and all.

Deevs
x

Good morning all,

Grey skies here on the south coast today and hoping to see some sun ,got loads of washing to get dry.

Spent all of yesterday putting the last bits and pieces back into the now finished kitchen ,so today is the big clean up and we can then get back to normal.

It seems very strange some how this year that its already the first Sunday of advent ,and that the season of Christmas is with us .The time for writing cards thinking of loved ones that are here with us and some that are not .I don't know if you feel the same as I do ,but everywhere ,after the mad rush , seems to take on a peaceful air and a lovely quietness that you only get at this time of year.

Advent guess-Gaggle of geese.

Take care all and have a lovely day.

Bids.xxx.

Morning Bids!

I know what you mean about Advent and getting geared up for Christmas. Nic's just dropped his son back home and already I'm looking forward to next Saturday when we'll be putting the tree up. I've made a start on the Christmas card list and my mission for this week is to get all the cards written and ready to post by the weekend. We'll see ....!

Not sure what we're doing for the rest of the day - Nic's mentioned going for a swim, and we have our dance class tonight, but other than that ....

Back later to see if there's any calendar guesses.

and Roo ..... where are you!?!?

Deevs
x

Afternoon Bids, Deevs and everyone.

Advent calendar. A Christmas Tree!

I am trying to get Mr CSN to go in the loft for me today and I need to start writing my Christmas cards.

Hope you all have a good day.

csn. xx

Howya chaps!

Like Barmy, shall be putting a copy of the CD into the Christmas stockings. What an inspiration those girls are. And the lovely Gareth of course. It's always good to be mindful of those fantastic boys and girls who are actively putting their lives on the line so that the rest of us can enjoy the freedom to get into a ragin' sulk over not findin' a good parkin' space, or waitin' 10 minutes for a toffee-nut latte.

And I'm wit you, Deev, regarding Robbie. I felt so sorry for him somehow last night, as it must have been a terribly hard week for him. You could see his sadness, despite his efforts, couldn't you? But I fear he may go this week; and I have a highly technical and scientific observation to make on this.

Ola should've worn a frock. Oh yes.

Seriously; I mean I know it was in-keeping with the theme, and the second-only-to-Flavia-most-gorgeous-bird-on-the-planet, Ola, looked spectacularly gorgeous as usual, but there's something about the quickstep that's enhanced by a flowing frock whirling around, n'est-ce pas.

Plus the last time I saw a sight like them 4 legs 'oppin' round it was in a blackbird's nest.

Jealous, moi?

Of COURSE.

Grrr.

Right, that's me for now. Phase 2 of the New-Boilers-for-Old Boiler saga. I've found things at the back a cupboards an' beneath beds that were last dug up durin' the War. Plus the ugliest curtains I've ever seen; Renee threw a right tantrum when I suggested they hit the bin. "Ey!!" she boomed. "Put them back. They're good curtains."

"Good How exactly?" Says I.

"Well, they matched the settee for a start."

"You mean the settee that broke in half after that game a Twister turned nasty an' ended up on the council tip? The one me dad always said was the colour of sump oil? The one wit the greasy patch at the back from Uncle Sid an' 'is Brylcreem?"

"YES. An' don't be so cheeky."

"Well, I'd say they certainly match it now. If there's any colour-blind bog-beetles on the council tip they'll be delighted."

RIP curtains. Next...

Clodagh.xx

Afternoon each

Opened the blinds this morning to see - SNOW!! It's almost melted now thank goodness.

Clodagh, think you're right about Robbie going - and yes, he did look sad last night, poor soul.

Deevs - a Christmas stocking.

xxxxx

Is it still afternoon? Feels like bedtime!

The red shoes were a big success, my friend even took a picture of them as she wanted them but is 3 sizes bigger then me!

The boy has just asked his dad to put his new reading glasses on as he 'wanted a laugh' - you gotta love 4 year olds!

Was going to do roast duck legs today, but stressed out t'other (it's like living with a 15 yr old at the mo) isn't hungry, and the boy only wants 'wolf food'..........

Oh and advent calendar guess - I'll go back to flickering candle I think!

Have a cosy Sunday evening y'all
ebx

Afternoon all

I hope everybody is OK. I survived the shopping centre yesterday (the OH decided not to come hooray) and got everything I wanted plus an advent calendar from the choccie shop at 30% off!!!

Advent calendar guess - a robin...

laters

mtd ffb xxx

Hi Peeps,

Annie SNOW - NO!!! Thank goodness it seems to have melted but I fear, that for you lovely Scots it is just a small taste of whats to come this week. The forecast isn't looking great for the North of Scotland :(

Bids, It's the second Sunday in Advent today, not that I'm trying to wish your life away xx

Deev, My advent guess is a bell xx

I've been a right grump this afternoon, you know when you really want to vent your spleen over something and you don't have anyone at home to listen. So I've been hrumping to myself and have eaten almost a whole bag of chocolate Buttons, do I feel any better...not really! Still this cheered me up a little bit, so I thought I would share...... The Hallelujah Chorus - By the Yupiq Eskimo Village.

https://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=LyviyF-N23A

AliB
xx

We're here Ali - vent away if you need to, we'll listen.

mtd ffb xxx

Ali - that was lovely.

xxx

Hi all,

Ali, that was just BRILLIANT! That must have taken ages to co-ordinate, great stuff.

Don't know if I've missed todays calendar guess, but mine is a holy wreath.
May as well go for tomorrows too while I'm here, how about a donkey?

Ta ta for now lovely people, Lin x

Ali, I know what you mean....I've been out of sorts today, and no-one to shout at apart from poor Finlay! Mind you he has been very good today and doesn't deserve being shouted at! lol

I agree about poor Robbie Savage, I didn't know Gary Speed, but his death has affected me more deeply than I realised!

I was going to go out and get the last of my Christmas pressies today, but rain, cold and a lack of interest meant I stayed in....

Annie, No to snow!! Arrgh!! Glad it's gone now...

Advent calender guess = holly

JG x

Evening all

Ali, that was brilliant.

Annie, glad the snows melted.

Eb, four year olds are so cute and glad the red shoes were a success.

Hi JG, sounds like you had a relaxing day.

I am still waiting for Mr CSN to go in the loft for me.

csn. xx

I did thatnks CSN, feeling a bit low now though, cos I should have done so much more with my day! lol

I'm ok though!

JG x

Evenin' all.

My advent guess, if I'm not too late, is a holly wreath (it's got to be there some time surely!!).

Feeling very virtuous today - have now written and addressed my Christmas cards, but now I've got to save up the money for the postage!!!!

And all but four pressies are bought, and are now in piles on the spare bed awaiting wrapping. That's a midweek job methinks as a beef casserole and glass of vino tinto await me!

Please, no snow down here for a wee while yet!

See you soon.

jillygoat xx

First time I've sat down today!

Quick guess of a penguin, ball-room dancing!

Am now catching up on last night's strictly before I watched tonights!

Back in a bit!

Sezza xxx

Evenink

Just a quickie - just got in from dancing, tea's cooking and Strictly is recording so dont' want to read anything about anyone ....!

Advent window #4 is a Santa Hat .... sorry peeps, no bananas today!

Back in the morn.

Have lovely evenings all round.

Deevs
x

Annie, Lin and csn, Glad you liked the link, it is brill isn't it xx

mtd, Thanks for caring but in the great scheme of things, my spleen venting, is quite trivial xx

JG, hugs to you xx 2011 has been a rough year for you xx

Right I'm off to bed with my hotwater bottle :) Sleep tight everyone see you back here tomorrow xx

AliB
xx

Yeah Ali, 2012 will be a good year!!

MTD, hope all's ok with you!

Jillygoat, good on you! I wish I had written mine out!

JG x

Morning all

Off to work soon, popping in with advent calendar guess - A Robin....

Hi JG I'm good thanks.

Will be lurking later - can't type very well on my phone......

mtd ffb xxx

Morning all


HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNDYLOO

&

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY

Here's hoping you both have totally Divalicious days!

Muchos Amore.

Deevs & Nic
x x x x

Morning all, just popping in to say happy birthdays!!!! to the lovely Mary and the equally lovely Lindy Loo

And to register my guess for El Deevs calender - a santa hat

Right, back to reality, might try and pop in laters
happy monday everyone
debs
x

Wind chill factor 7 this morning, the sheepskin , cashmere scarf and titfer were required for the walk into work.
having spent a fair few months recently in the phillipines and singapore the cold weather takes a bit of getting used to again.
Happy birthday Lyndy and Mary xx, loving the pink fizz bush Deevs, a brace of robins as I have two in the back garden that have been with me for years.

Morning all - thanks for all the birthday messages I had a wonderful day on Friday and it carried on over the weekend but I can truly say I am absolutely shattered today.

Happy birthday Lyndy and Mary I hope you have a perfect day.

Nearly ready for the impending festivities. Can you believe that another year is nearly over it is frightening how quick it comes back round to January.

Deevs I think I shall stick to my holly wreath for the advent calendar guess.

Have a lovely Monday everyone.

CB xxx

Many Happy Festive Moments Everyone.

The Advent Story-made-up from advent guesses or gusseettes!

The whole story was told in the twinkle of a star, but for a round golden bauble, no one would guess it!
The doorbell chimes and everyone piles in, stomping all over the poor fallen wreath!!!
"Follow The Piper," bellows the front man!
No sooner had they entered, they left, leaving presents under the Christmas Tree( one extra leg for Robin!!!), to follow the beat of the drum!!!!
Next stop! Robins nest!!! To collect the sprouts!!!!
However, many people broke from the line, when they heard the Angels voice sing out from the Grotto!!!
Elfin footprints could be seen mixed up amongst the black rubber boot stripes!!! Yet, few would notice them.
They all went for the Christmas cake stall, on arrival!!! Where they could hear the Church bells ringing! Signalling the arrival of the train!!!
Whilst waiting they pulled up their woolly, stripey stockings, over the top of their boots, to keep warm!!!!
But, it didn't take long before the Big Polar Bear scared them all waway!!!!
Lost from the station, they all froze into snowmen!!!
Then they all wished that they had gone for the sprouts!!!!

Which just blows me away!!!! lol!!!! And that's the fish end of the tale. Like Rocking Horse *%*£! bleet.

Fare thee well and good morro fellow Toy Soldiers, or not!!!!!

Merry Christmas all and thankyou for your big hearts!!!!! x x

Good morning all,

First of all I hope that your all safe out there and your journeys this morning weren't too hetic for the people that have snow.

Cockneybird -sorry to have missed you birthday ,so pleased that it was a good one.

Mary -Happy birthday to you for today and I hope that you have a lovely day.I am just sitting looking at the snow on the tv that you 've had up north of the border.brrrr .

Lyndyloo-Happy birthday to you for today also ,And I hope that thev little bigman has got the cake and candles ready for the lighting later .

H
ave a good day all ,Im just off to the dentist this morning for my six moth check up ,could have done with an extra hour in bed to be honest ..oh well !!

Bids.xxx.

morning peeps - flippin cold this morning on the drive in. 2 degrees, but no snow! Also very dark!

Happy Birthday or Pen Blwydd Hapus to Lyndy and Mary - have a lovely day, ladies.

Sorry no advent guess yesterday - too overcome by getting the guess correct on Saturday!

Todays guesses are:
For Deevs - a poinsettia
For The 'Dozy' one - a dustpan and brush!

Have good day, one and all,
ttfn, Crumpy xx :O)

Hi everyone, from the frozen North! Absolutely awful this morning, and more to come - I can't bear it!

Happy birthday to the lovely Mary. xx I hope you have a terrific day, even though you are at work!

And happy birthday to the lovely Lyndyloo - one of the first people to chat to me on the blog. Miss you Lyndy! Have a lovely day. xx

Good to see everyone had a nice weekend.

Cheryl: my Advent guess for today - may as well stick with - a snowflake. Ruddy millions of them outside my window this morning!

Happy Monday!

C xx

Morning each, from snowy Fife.

Happy Birthday Mary and Lyndy.

So nice to see you JTT - hope you're well.

Chrissie, hope you've got your boots on - don't want any skidding about at lunchtime.

xxxx

Good Afternoon,

Today's guess - A Giant Panda.

Back later.

G

Hello Everyone,

I have a note for my absinthe - honest! I've been working away for the last week or so & it's difficult to get time to lurk, let alone blog!

Can't believe we're into December already - doesn't seem a year since my Mum was ill & all the problems that brought.

My guess for the calendar is - a Lantern

Hope everyone is having a good day & those peeps with the snow are coping well (it's windy in Norfolk, but quite pleasant).

My lovely daughter flies out to NZ on C* day with her fiance to get married on top of a glacier on 3rd Jan. How exciting is that!! They should've got married here in May but we cancelled the wedding when we knew Mum wasn't going to be around & we weren't sure if Dad was going to make it. Happily things are looking much brighter though, so really delighted for them.

Laters .......

CG xx

Afternoon!

Happy Birthday to Mary and Lyndy - I'm hoping you will be sharing birthday with me friends, who is now 5 days overdue!!

It finally feels like winter down here, but my child is still in t-shirts!

Advent Calendar guess - candle again please (there had better be one somewhere!!!)

off to check on my bread
ebx