February 30th Feb - brew - hairy - their - teeth

I don't have a favourite date - sorry Chris, although my little sister has the best birth date - 9/5/95!

Back to earlier discussions:

I'm in NY in 121 sleeps (and counting)
Punky - will look out for you on TG

Baggy

Mornin' Christoff.

I have a friend with a lisp whose birthday is June 6th 1966. It's quite marvellous hearin' 'im give 'is date of birth. Thix-o-thix, thixthy thix. Hurrah so I'm goin' for that.

Clodagh.xx

..with apologies to lispers out there, btw.. I actually love a lisp; find it strangely alluring. Still, any point of difference is good by me.

Specially comin' from one wit a voice that would repel a hungry Grizzly.

Clodagh.xx

Oo Baggy I'll send you my Top Tips for NYC.

Top a the list for that time of year.. take plenty warm clothes. An' wear 'em all at once.

Clodagh.xx

Good morning everyone, well July 22nd may sound pleasant and be the middle of summer but it's pi**ing down here yet again.

Forgot to report back on my banana peeling yesterday, I didn't like peeling from the bum end as the first thing you get is the little black sort of tail thing! YUK

Have a good day.

X

Gail.

My favourite day March 24th, only because it's my b'day.

Can I add the great city of London is sunny and warm and has been for ages!

Dozy - I was going to chose my birthday but it was hijacked last year by radio 2 so this year I'm keeping my mouth sht (also becuase its a birthday with a 0 at the end and I'm not happy!)

Morning all

Chris I am going with your third choice, why? cos it's my birthday, thanks for the bronze award.

BTW, peeled my banana from the bum end this morning, it felt weird, but tasted the same!

Still hanging on to the sun this morning, not sure for how long though!

Happy Thursday everyone.

Pen xx

Anyway Marjie I've a bone to pick wit yous re. yesterday's banana trick.

Woke up in a right lather this mornin'. Dreamt I 'ad me stitches out again, took me tights off an' me leg fell off in slices.

And that wouldn't 'ave bin so bad but every slice 'ad hundreds a rings in it. Ah jayzus just you wait. Yous an' your ruddy party tricks.

Must go; I've to squeeze into me support tights now, just in case. A girl can't be too careful when she's 153 wit a face like summat in the Reptile House.

Thankyou so much for that.

Clodagh.xx

Ah, milk it, Baggy; that's what birthdays are for bless you.

The GD's big 3-0 has started already an' it's not till the end of August..

Spoilt? Why, of COURSE.....

Er.. hang on. So yous are younger than my daughter.. ah NO.

Where's that wrinkle cream.

Clodagh.xx

Morning Chris and the lovely folk of the blog. I'm at home recuperating after an operation on Monday. Clodagh, can you pack it in please - every time I laugh it pulls me stitches.

When I read the headline of your post Chris I thought you were going to continue the fruit theme. I like a date.

I remember feeling that 7/7/77 was really spooky and significant (I was only 10). We've got 10/10/10 coming up, then 11/11/11 and 12/12/12 then not another one of those for ages. Is it numerologists who read things into that sort of thing?

I think I need to get back to work. I'm turning into Bingo.

Have a great day everyone,

Love Barmy xx

Ooooo Barmy sorry, babe; eee are yous ok?

If I were yous I'd make sure to wear a fishnet body-stockin' while yous get the stitches out. Can't be too careful.

Clodagh.xx

I'm absolutely fine thanks Clodagh. Back to work next week. xx

Marvellous. Intact, I hope.

C.xx

Oh Barmy, wished I'd known, you could have recuperated with me and kept each other company! On second thoughts we would have laughed too much and hurt our respective stitches!

Morning everyone! Off to catch up with what you got up to yesterday

debs
x

Hi CLP and all

I have to bagsy the 22nd July today especially ... It is the youngest boys 20th birthday today! There are other dates too, that I like... but today belongs to him! Oh and me, in remembrance of his reticence to enter the world - and my reluctance to let him stay where he was for any longer!

Love Suzie xx

Clodagh - it appears I am younger then GD - sorry!

As far as NYC goes I am open to suggestions.

The only thinks I want to do are: grab a coffee and a crouisant and stand outside tiffany's a la Holly Golightly (well a girl can dream) and visit John Lennons flat!

Howaya Debs!!!

How's the War Wound? Ey that's yous an' me, more Bill & Ben than Pretty Polly.

Right that's me off for ten rounds an' last one up the water-tower's a cissy wit our Baz.

Clodagh.xx

Howaya Suze, I know exACTly what yous mean; I can't believe it's nearly 30 years since the GD hacked 'er way crossly into my life wit the Dyson clamped to 'er head, and changed it forever.

30 years in the Doghouse. Eee.

Tell yous what, Baggy. Yous shall have the newly-updated version of the Eejit's Guide. All in full-colour an' wit handy hints on how to abseil down the Statue a Liberty, how to raise bail an' how to treat blisters the size a Zeppelins.

Clodagh.xx

Greetings To CLP & ALL Blog Operataives...

Bingo Star 'ere...

CLP - Whatta coincidence.... 22 being my favourite number!!!!!!!!
I agree July 22nd is a nice sounding date... but June 22nd or August 22nd also VERY nice sounding... as is June 1st!!!!!!
Difficult one.. ??? Mmmnnn?????

Thinking!

I do agree it's got to be 22nd as it's me favourite number... but... which month????

Maybe July as it's a time of year so many are excited about the school holidays & going on holiday!!!!!!
August 22nd... it's that feeling of summer is getting near to the end!!!!
But June 22nd is most nice too!!!!!!

CLP.... Am gonna agree with you but not in a sycophantic way... just as yep... 22nd my lucky number... and July... a time of positivity for most... 'opefully!!!!!!!

Must admit me favourite date of all though.... one with Cheryl Tweedy!!!!!!!!
Or Claudia Winkleman.... or Nelly Furtado.... or errrrr yerself playing golf!!!!!!!!!

Talking of which.... I'll bang me part 3 of me Bingo Star Went To Wentworth Report bit later!!!!!!

Bye!

Bingo Star Went To Wentworth:

Part 3:

So after being around the range… I decided to wander off into the wilderness of the course!!!
I had earlier obtained the tee times list & there was some interesting celebrities playing!!!
Apart form Chris Evans of course… there was Bruce Forsyth… playing in CLP’s group & in the same group BBC sports presenter all playing with David Howell - one of England’s best golfers!!!
Ok he hasn’t won a major yet but certainly come close a few times!!!

At the first tee was a group about to tee off… it was one of the lesser known golfers with 3 amateurs… none that I knew off by hand!!!
So off I headed along the 1st fairway and down to find all those celebs & top golf dudes!!!!
At the 2nd a found one of me favourite golfers Paul Casey!!!
He was playing with Sir Clive Woodward & Tim Abbott!!
I’ve met him before at The Open & watched him at a few tournaments over the years!!!!
He’s a nice bloke but man can he hit it long off the tee!!! Monster drives!!!!
I watched him play off the 3rd tee, trying to learn from seeing such a talented golfer up close!!!!
After a while I headed off down to the 4th green which is right next to the 5th tee- the first par 3 and a great place to watch!!!!
I was on the hunt for Colin Montgomerie who was playing with Jason Atherton, Vernon Kay & Jeremy Kyle!!!!
Now that would have been an interesting group… The Kyle could have done a show of his with those 3 dudes!!!! Live on the fairways!!!
But this was the bit of my day that went wry! I asked one of the marshalls had they seen them & I was advised they had gone out very early not at the time on the draw sheet!!!
DAMN IT!!! I thought… I’ve missed them!!!
Oh well maybe another year!!!! I’ve seen Monty many a time at different events including here but not the Kay or Kyle!!!!
I found Jaidee up & coming Thai golfer!!! I remember the first time he played at Wentworth , about 5 years ago, I followed just him & one of my favourite golfers Vijay Sing from Fiji (world no.1 at the time)(for a short time passing Tiger).
Now I have to say that was my best ever following a few golfers around Wentworth!!!!
It was practice day… and just half a dozen fans following them!!!
It was like our own friendly private demonstration of playing a whole golf course by Vijay- the world no.1!!!!!
And he was friendly… chatting & joking with us!!!!
On the practise day… the golfers will often hit 2 or 3 balls off every tee… practising for the championship days!!!!
Then they’ll try different putts… learning the greens & making notes with their caddies!!!!!
That’s why I think it’s better to go on a practise day; you see more… it’s more friendly & intimate… and it’s often FREE!!!!!!

Thongchai Jaidee (that’s his name.. google it- 100% TRUE!!!) and he’s a might golfer for a small bloke!!!!
In fact he is the most successful asian tour golfer ever!!!!!!!!
Today was playing with Duncan Sinclair, Paul Reeves & Jeff Knight… I believe they are famous!!!!
Next up it was the new young sensation aka Rory McIlroy from northern Ireland!!!!
He’s only 21 and has burst onto the scene since nearly winning the US Masters as an amateur, been amateur champion… and now turned pro!!!!
And he is on the edge of winning most tournaments he plays in!!!
Reminds me slightly of Tiger Woods when he first appeared on the tour!!!!
He was playing with Ron Dennis aka McLaren Formula 1 team boss!!!!
After that Paul Casey came through the fifth where I’d been standing!!!!
Next up it was England’s Ian Poulter & friend of CLP & Tash!!!!
Ian is known for his bright attire on the courses and creating abit of a stir… or stare with his dress sense!!!
Like competing in The Open a few years ago in union jack trousers with matching red top & cap!!!!
But today he was dressed to impress but in a matching black outfit!!!!
Still lively but I’d give him the prize of best dressed at the pro-am… must be because he’s a Capricorn… were the most stylish of the zodiac!!!! (don’t know where it went wrong with the UJ trousers though!!!!!).
The Poulter wasn’t playing with anyone well known… but guess who I spotted at the fifth tee following Ian around….. A dragon!!!!
Yes it was the very tall Peter Jones of the BBC’s Dragon Den… not playing but spectating!!!!

After watching Ian Poluter who again a few years earlier I had followed around Wentworth on one of the practise days… I decided to try & find out where CLP was playing!!!!
I asked one of the marshalls does he know what time he tees off as the groups were all jumbled up & not as on the draw sheets!!!
It’s then I was told to accommodate all the matches/ groups some were starting at the 10th hole and playing the course hole 10 to 18 then 1 to 9 while other were playing the course as normal hole 1 to 18!!!!
I was told CLP had already started from the 10th!!!!!
DAMN IT I thought… no wonder I missed Monty & co!!!

I decided to head off towards the 18th & work my way backwards to find CLP & Brucie!!!!
I arrived at the 18th & walked over to by the green!!
It was Lee Westwood in this group!!!
One of England’s best golfers presently & who keeps getting so close to winning a major!!!!
A few times he’s been leading major like the U.S. Open & messed up on the final day to come home second!!!!
I noticed the 18th hole has been completely remodelled this year - nothing like how it used to look!!!
Before it was a relatively simple green but now it is a monster of a hole!!!!
It’s been changed so on the approach is a brook with a pond… and the green behind that used to be near flat is now made up of a couple of large mounds making it very, very tricky a end to the round of golf!!!!!
In fact this hole I think will as a result become one of the most famous in golf in the future!!!
I read it has been designed with the help of Ernie Els and it’s changed so much that some players were complaining it’s now too difficult!!!!
I agree it’s difficult but I also agree it should be difficult if it’s the finish of Europe’s main golf event after the British Open!!!!!

Lee Westwood’s group seemed to be having trouble with the new monster 18th green!!!!
There was a fair size crowd around the green & in the huge grandstand. I think a lot were autograph hunting & probably not a better place to stand!!!!
When Lee Westwood finished, he walked off gave his used balls to some kids & started signing autographs!!!!

So who would be next????

I walked down the 18th fairway and sure enough… guess who came into view with his straw hat & dark shades????
CLP!!!!!!
And Brucie zig zagging from one side of the fairway to the other in his personalised golf buggy!!!!

I thought… Yes, at last I managed to locate the whereabouts on the course of Chris Evans playing with Bruce Forsyth (no introduction needed), Chris Hollins (known for presenting BBC sport & a regular on the BBC1 Breakfast Show) & David Howell!!!!! (David Howell one of the UK’s top tour pros!!!!)
PS Chris Evans (Radio2 DJ!!!).

Already it was mayhem… A woman nearby was nursing her head after being hit by a ball… and the offending ball right in front of her!!!!

THIS.. was the match I’d been waiting for!!!

Tomorrow… part 4: CLP & Brucie in action!!!!

Damn it.... can't believe a missed post position #22 on the 22nd AND when we're talkin' about the 22nd!!!!!

Am outta 'ere!!!!!!!

Bye!

PS Thanks for the kind comments about me Wentworth Report.... 'ope it entertains a few ;)

Bingo - silly billy - you DID get 22! 100% True

Clodagh - so glad I have just read yesterdays blog - you are a true comic genius!

MTD - will be positive vibing for you at 2pm

Seza, chill dearest friend - it will all be Ok in the end {{{hug}}}

Chrissie - hope you survived your swim home - I'm doing OK thanks X

Everyone else, have a great day and I'll be keeping my eye on your shinanigins :-)

debs
X

Baggy I cant believe its your 20th birthday already ;-)

I will be in NY in 15 sleeps with MrsT (her first visit there). Any recommendations for a reasonably priced hotel and things we must see and do? That of course assumes I can drag her away from the shops.

Barmy & Debs, Hope you both get better soon

Thunder

....and good luck MTD this afternoon. I am sure you dont need it!

Thunder

Hi Thunder - lucky MrsT!

I've been a couple of times and loved it. I would recommend 2 things in order for this not to become a travelogue! Go to the top of the Rockerfeller Centre - just as good views as from the top of the Empire State building - less of a queue and you get the ESB in your photos! AND me and GD did the "Architecture and Art" tour in the Rock - it was about 90 mins $6 and really really interesting - bearing in mind that GD was about 14 and only interested in shopping she said it was brilliant - a real insight into the why and how the buildings were made, the fab art inside them and the family history. FAB.

Enjoy!

debs
x

Oo howya Thunder; ey... none taken for not wishin' ME well wit my life-threatenin' HUGE lump on me leg that was obviously goin' to grow into summat the siza your airbags an' trottle me within 2 weeks unless Doctor Killmore removed it wit 'is apple-corer an' sewed it back wit a pickle-fork an' a darnin' stool. HUH. See if I'm bothered, matey. Just see if I wish YOU well when yous are sat sittin' in Bloomingdale's wit the missus committin' hari kiri wit your credit cards an' tryin' to force yous to wear one a them Statue a Liberty hats.

Oh alright then. It was nowt. Just a mole. Still it MIGHTa been summat LETHAL, shrup.

Well now I really have to fly, I've an Appointment With Death at the hands of Our Baz atop 'is water-tower; but as soon as I get back I'll send you some handy suggestions on Faceache.

Don't fret now. I've got me parachute an' I've stuck suction cups to me Birkenstocks. Always as well to be prepared round Our Baz.

Clodagh.xx

February the fourth of course! x

See I always liked May the 4th.

And no I'm not a complete Trekky, it's my best mate's birthday. Almost always falls on the May Bank Holiday, and almost always fabulous fun.

And he gets to wear a t-shirt some other friends made for him with May the 4th on the front and be with you on the back.

Too classy...

Jally Peeno surely it should be 13th feb not the 30th feb - or maybe you meant the 30th in the first place lol.

Is it the 21st Dec or the 22nd Dec that is the shortest day of the year - I like that - Christmas is round the corner and Spring is coming lol.

Then again in Italian classes when we had to give our date of birth you had to give the year too.

millenovecentoottantasei (mille - 1000, nove cento - 900, ottanta - 80, sei - 6) then you add on month and date at the beginning and it's nearly a speech!

ooh May the fourth is quite cool too

Hannah - December 21st is the shortest day of the year - also my birthday - and when I was 16 - it was pointed out that it was also, the longest night of the year!

Now, it's just exciting because of Christmas and the days will be getting longer, even if you can't notice it for a good few weeks!

Beany
x

Morning,

Mmmm do you know I've never given thought before to what date I would be or what date sounds good rolling off the tounge! I think most of the good ones have already been taken, although my birthday is OK - 18.8.68!

Debs, Good to know that the Wedding went well and you survived in the wheelchair xx Glad you liked the card, it did make me chuckle ;)

Going back to bananas, reading Debs post reminded me that a few years ago I posted a banana to a friend. She didn't believe that you could do it, so I wrote a message on it, stuck a stamp on it and away it went! She returned the favour with a carrot!!

MTD, Positive vibes for you this arvo xx {{{}}}

AliB
xx

Clodagh, I didnt know you had been "under the knife" so grovelling apologies. I hope you are getting better. I blame it on the fact that reading your posts always reduces me to a giggling wreck. Long may that continue.

Thunder

AliB - that is hilarious about the banana and carrot!!!

LOL
debs
x

Hi all - from a lurker - sporadic poster - and now with new Username! I know a lot of you from faceache as you are on the 'friends' list. Just joining in on the NY theme - No1 daughter has gone and left me for Thailand for 2 months and although I am bereft, this is something she has always wanted to do, so for that i am happy. I was going to book a surprise trip to NY for the two of us over Christmas, but i have now been told that this is not the best time to visit as they don't really celebrate it the same? Has anyone any experience of NY at Christmas time - is it the best time to visit, bearing in mind we have never visited US before.x

Hi Phylis.

Lovely photos of GD, I bet she is having a great time and what an experience eh??

Just popped by to say Helloooo to everyone, its that busy time of year for me, so best get back to the preserving pan.

MTF.xx

Hello CLP and All Bloggers.

My favourite date AND time this year will be 10/10/10 at 10.10am. Last year it was 09/09/09 at 09.09am and next year it will be ll/ll/ll at ll.llam. At this moment wherever I am I always shout "HURRAH". Unfortunately my doctor's appointment fell at this time last year when he asked me to provide a sample.

MM x

PS Clodagh-sorry about your problems regarding the banana trick. Part of the fun is them getting in a mess with said banana!

Hi all

Just popping in from the house of poorly people...we're both ill today, so assume it is some kind of tummy bug, as we've both been up all night in our respective bathrooms... Luckily we have two, or there would have been an unholy fight! And I'll leave it there...

I like today as it's BiL's birthday - the one who's just got married. And Bingo, I also like 22 August, as that's Mr JG's birthday.

I'm hoping that I feel betterer later, as I've got quite a few things to sort out for the weekend.

We were thinking about going to NY last Feb, but went to Paris instead...one day perhaps!

JG x

JG - this year I wanted to go to Rome and got Prague

My next request is Tunsia - anyone want to run a book on where I will end up?

And yes - three foriegn holidays in one year - two with Mr bp and one with my mate (NYC) - its being without children and cash rich and I'm going to make the most of it!

Chris,

I have to concur with 10/10/10 as my favourite. Apart from 26th August, for purely selfish reasons.

Nic

Baggy, how about Cyprus? lol

Actually, Mr JG looked at Rome as well, but couldn't get the flights on the correct days, so that's still on the list as well!

JG x

PS - carrot cake M&S muffins

yes yes yes yes yes

- a very sticky bagpuss

Hi Yall, now I know I have said this before, as have others but I am going to say it again.

What a wonderful place this is to meet some of the loveliest people in my life right now and hopefully for a long time to come. I want to say thank you for all your good wishes, hugs, cards and flowers to help me on the road to recovery. I have just had a lovely chat with the very sensible Bids who will be keeping me on the straight and narrow and making sure I dont do too much too soon.

So CLP if you are reading this - thank you for blogging and letting some wonderful into my life.

debs
x

OK - doh - dumbo moment - wonderful FRIENDS into my life
dur!

debs
x

Afternoon each

Whaddya mean there`s a newbie..ive not been gone THAT long!

Finally got a minute to say hi..i`ve been having serious withdrawals.. been lurking but dont seem to have had a minute to myself over the last few weeks, how you peeps with kids go on i`ll never know!

Anyway, will try to do better..

Few observations... Barmy, Debs, Daisy and CLodagh..hope you all safely on the mend! x

Mtd - hope the exam went well..

Bondy, hope you enjoying new job..

Deevs..cant believe we are 2 miles apart yet not able to meet...aaarrgghh!

AS and Seza..and breathe...! The first night in your new abodes will be well worth it all!

Oh i could be here all day so just for reference, not a huge fan of bananas and cant eat one whole as it were! Has to be sliced..yeah, i know, i`m odd!

And 20th September is a pretty good day for me..although how i got to 34 i`ll never know!

Good to be back..

mSc x

Hiya Troops:

Loving all the dates chat. I have to say, I really like my birthday too: 12/12/56! I do remember begging the surgeon, who was performing the Caeseran section to bring MsS into the world, to pick any date other than the 13th of the month - but he would not be swayed - he only worked at that particular hospital on a Wednesday and that, of course, was the 13th March 1991! Hey Ho, it hasn't affected her in the least!

Barmy: good to hear that you have recovered from your op - I had no idea that was taking place. Take care, and don't do too much too soon, ok?

Gail: thanks for the heads-up re: the banana bum! I will continue to "unzip" my bananas in the usual fashion!

Debs: lovely wee post from you. No wonder you have so many friends, you are honestly just a delight to be around. I loved our chat in Leeds, especially when you were listening to all my chat about Level 42!

Bingo: have managed to catch up a bit about your Wentworth experience - really great stuff!

Hope everyone else is ok.

C xx

Hiya Scoobs: I have missed you!

xx

Hi all,

Not a hope of catching up on things, so will echo Scoobs's sentiments to all those needing them x

Have caught up with Deb's foot in a pot and Clodagh's hilarious tales though!

Chrissie - what were you saying about Level 42? I saw them at Guilfest on Sunday along with 10cc and Status Quo - they were all excellent, although there were a few sound problems.

love

Darce x

Jaekeygirl - 'WROCKIN' RIGHT ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@!@!!@!@@!!!!"

Give me a 'igh five for the 22nd August.......

"FIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SLAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Bye!

Soz meant Jakeygirl.... A gotta bit over excited on me keyboard!!!!!

Aw Debs yous are a sweetie.

Now then Thunder. I can forward you a list of Things To Do if I can do it via Faceache, but otherwise I've just had a look at the website I use most often and there seem to be one or two good deals. I'll stick it on there for you and flag up the ones I think will be the best ones value-wise. Bless you.

And Phylis. Actually, if it was myself I should go either for the Christmas shopping in the run-up to Christmas, NYC is so pretty and buzzin' at Christmas time; or else I'd go over New Year. Do Times Square and watch the Ball Drop. The thing with NYC on Christmas Day is that so many people leave the city to be with family for Christmas, so it's as quiet as it ever gets, which would be a shame if you haven't been before.

The good thing about the Holidays in NYC is that they don't even THINK about it until after Thanksgiving, which is always the third Thursday in November. And if anything, Thanksgiving is an even more important family day than Christmas. Then once that's out of the way, they all get stuck into the Christmas spirit with a vengeance. It's so much more clear-cut, and because it's so concentrated into a shorter time, they don't get the sort of Yuletide fatigue that we get. Well at least I do. By Christmas Day I'm usually in a right aul grump, fed up with it.

The first time the GD came out to NYC was at Christmas 2000. I was already there, had been for quite a few weeks, and she was at Uni in London, so we hadn't seen each other for AGES. So she landed a couple of days before Christmas and flew back just after New Year. The thing was this; that we both remember it as the BEST Christmas Day we'd ever spent; simply because it was so deserted, and we were able to just chill with each other, away from the aggravation that was our then life at home. We weren't even contactable as this was in the time when phone communication wasn't as simple as it is now, so as you can imagine we were thrilled. It was like being stranded on a desert island, fab. We walked for miles in the snow right around Central Park, froze our lallys off, nearly got frostbite an' gangrene in all our extremities but ended the day tired and happy. But I'd say that's not what you want or need, therefore I'd go when there's plenty of action.

On the subject of frostbite, I can tell you it's seriously freezing; it was -15 some days, you breathed in and nearly freeze-dried all your vital organs. So do take warm clothes and as I think I said to Baggy, wear 'em all together. The GD was completely hysterical when she landed, I remember thinking she was overcome with emotion at being re-united with her mummy after so long; but no, it was the sight a me in me puffy parka with the furry hood pulled right up over me balaclava, revealin' just me eyes, that floored her. "MUM!" she gasped. "HAHAHAHAHA You look just like Kenny off South Park..." Bloody cheek.

Anyway, enough already... I need to dash off again soon, will get on to that without delay, Thunder; have a look. Hope you find what you're looking for. And of course, have a blast!!!

I Wanna Be A Part Of It... wa-hey..

Clodagh.xx

Oo er.. just 'ad a message off my mate Geoffrey Bubbles, My Pal Val's runnin at Uttoxeter, hahaha ere I need to get a fiver on THAT don't I..

Hi Darce: lovely to see you again, too! I was telling Debs (and anyone else who would listen!) that back in the day, I used to drive my boss's BMW 316 when he was on holiday - this was in 1987! I was so crazy about Mark King that I used to listen to Running In The Family on cassette in the car, pull up outside our front door, and then just drive off again, so I could continue listening to my tape! Also, that wee BMW was a cracker!

Glad to hear the "gig" was good - what a great line-up!

C xx

It was a great line up Chrissie and the weather was great too. The grandchildren were there as well and boogyimg away with all us oldies.
Lovely story re Level 42!!

Darce x

Thanks Clodagh - I was speaking so a friend in the office this afternoon as well, he went last year but flew out day after boxing day and stayed until New Year - he said it was amazing - New Year's Eve in Times Square - Couldn't get close enough to see the 'Ball Drop' but had a good view from the restaurant they'd booked. So it's back to the drawing board for me.

Level 42 - now there's a group - fot tickets for the 80's rewind festival in henley and they are playing there - CAN'T WAIT

xx

*got

That'll teach me to eat and type at the same time

Ooooh, Darce and Phyl: we could start our own Level 42 chatroom! First time I saw them, in 1984/85, I was just blown away, and continue to love their music to this day. When we get to meet up at a blog meet some time, I'll tell you all about the evening Mark King phoned me ...!

C xx

Hi all

I'm home. Thanks for the good vibes - I think they worked but I won't know until about 2 weeks time (you will be the first to know).

Clodagh - what a dream with your leg euchh.

Now then dates - not sure if any dates really appeal.

Chrissie, Darce and Phyl - I think you may have a rival in Deebee.....

Laters

mtd ffb xxx

mtd: good to hear you are home - I am very confident that we will be receiving good news from you in a couple of weeks - you know your stuff!

Please tell Deebee that she's needed on here!

Clodagh: can I just say that your post #52 re: New York was just breathtaking for me. As I said to you yesterday, it is my dearest wish that I will have a trip to NY with my own GD, and I really intend to make it happen. Reading your post made me feel I was actually there with you both!

C xx

Evening each

Well Chris, July 22nd is a bittersweet day for me - my darling brothers birthdays - there's only one left and he's not celebrating today. I've lit a candle on Ian's page on Asthma UK and left him a message. I wish I believed.

xxxxx

Oops, sorry, didn't mean to break the blog.

Man in the cupboard and I were remembering Ian as the tramp in Viz in the early days. He was the Carlsberg Special tramp - Central Heating for tramps!!! Carlsberg threatened to sue them, which only made them more outrageous. They also made him the Paper Clip Managing Director - my dear old aunt was mortified!!!!

xxxxxx

Aw Chrissie, yes you definitely should. And if anything I post encourages you to take off with your own very GD, I'm delighted.

Annie, bless. xxx

Clodagh.xx

Howya Clodagh, hope all is well with you.

How's the book coming along??

xxxx

Annie, really?? Top man indeed.

And as Fr. Brian D'Arcy says, he is always with you as long as you remember and talk about him. His spirit is alive and well.

In fact, you should look out for the lovely Fr. Brian's book. You'd enjoy it and draw strength from it, I'm sure.

Clodagh.xx

Hahahaha Annie, you're not going to let me off are you?

It's a work in progress, hun.

Clodagh.xx

Clodagh - signed copy if you please!!!!

Yep, top man indeedy. Am of to Amazon to look for that book. Think I need it - having a hard day today.

xxxxx

Clodagh, have ordered Reflections from the Heart. Is that it?

xxxxx

Well you know what, Annie. And this is going to sound completely mad, but if you remember I posted on here about the passing of the Irish broadcaster, Gerry Ryan, you'll remember how shocked and sad the whole of Ireland was. Gerry was a fantastic broadcaster, insightful, irreverent, inspirational, bold, oh so bold, and SO funny. And when he died unexpectedly it actually hit me like a smack between the eyes. Honestly, I was devastated. As it happened, I'd just landed off the boat in Dublin with the GD at the start of our girls' weekend when I got a text from Rips to tell me the awful news; it seemed Chris had tweeted it. I thought the GD would think I'd lost me marbles if I showed the way I felt, which was extremely upset, but she was actually really supportive. Anyway, we got on with enjoying the weekend and as I waved her off on her plane back, I just broke down and wept. The blanket of sadness that covered the whole of Ireland at that time was inescapable and contageous.

It was so odd; I adored listening to Gerry when I could, and even spoke to him and met him briefly, but let's face it, he was hardly what you'd call a personal friend. So I was slightly perplexed, nay, a little worried, at my own reaction and the depth of my sadness. I tried my best to have a word with myself and pull myself together but it's no exaggeration to say I felt really depressed. And then came the day of the funeral. What I hadn't realised that Fr. Brian was actually a close friend of Gerry and the family, so it was a surprise to me to see he had delivered the homily. And what a lovely homily it was. He spoke about Gerry, and about life in general, in such a way that my spirits were instantly lifted and from that moment I truly felt better.

See, I told you it was wierd. But what I'm saying to you is that there are certain people who have the ability to inspire and to uplift, and to put life in perspective; and Fr. Brian is certainly one of them. He describes his own trials and tribulations in his book, and he's certainly had them, but the view he has of life is unique and quite lovely. So yes, get the book. It's easy reading and full of good humour and if he does for you what he did for silly aul me, then I'll be happy.

You'll be grand.

And one more thing. Whilst you're on said site, get a CD of Give Up Yer Aul Sins, another discovery of Fr. Brian. Trust me, you'll absolutely laugh yourself daft.

Clodagh.xx

I think the one I read was called A Different Journey, or something like that; but I'd say you can't really go wrong with anything written by said lovely man. Reflections from the Heart sounds just the ticket.

C.xx

Evening peeps
Been loving the stuff on the blog, but it's taken me ages to catch up. So starting at the end first, as you do,
men of the cloth ..... I think Brian Darcy has a lovely way with words, but have to admit that my favourite is the old giggler Canon Roger Royale. That man lights up the day, his enthusiasm is infectious.

New york - went there for my 40th (over 11 yrs ago now - yikes!) Love love loved it. Could have taken or left the shopping but I did love all the quirky shops and galleries in Greenwich Village and the wonderful Dean & Deluca deli.
Took a helicopter flight over the city - spectacular.
I was there at the end of April and the blossom in Central Park was beautiful. Thunder, hope you and Mrs Thunder have a wonderful time.

Hope you are all well. I have a week off work now, so I hope to pop in a bit more frequently.

ttfn, Crumpy xx

Evening all

New York, New York it's a wonderful town!

We were in New York in April 2008 for our 30th wedding anniversary and wonderful it was too - also managed a short weekend last October and would love to go back. The little bronze statues in the 14th street & 8th avenue subway station were so cute and funny.

Dates - well for obvious reasons I like 22nd April 1978, 18th July 1980 and 21st May 1982!

Not having so much time to lurk or blog these days and I do miss it but will try and catch up with some bits.

Night all

Susan xx

Howya Crumpy!

Yes I know what you mean about the aul Loose Canon bless 'im.

And I agree about Greenwich Village. Much more interesting than the Uptown, designer-shops area. Mind you, when you went in the helicopter as I did pre-9/11, you'd have flown over the city. Now they can only fly round it, and it's not the same. Mind you, the GD's not got as strong a constitution as I have for heights, so flyin' directly over the skyscrapers isn't exactly her idea of a good time!

Anyway I'm gettin' borin' now. So enough already. If anybody's going in the near or further future, have a blast won't yous.

Clodagh.xx

Hellooooo.

Annie, I've just picked up on your post 60.

Lots of love to you, I'm so sorry, that what would normally have been a reason for celebration, is now a sad occasion.

I hope you had a chance to chat with your brother today and that you have managed to give some comfort to one another.

MTF.xx

Just been watching Bruce Forsyth 'Who do you think you are' on iplayer - excellent.

MTF: No, he's not talking to anyone today - have sent him an email to say I'm thinking of him. I know it's worse for him, being Ian's twin.

xxxxx

Sorry folks - you don't need to put up with this. I'm off now. Night all.

xxxx

Night Annie.

Its a tough day for you.

Over on fb, if you want an ear.

Love, Sal.xx

Annie - please don't apologise, we all have tough days and we are here to support each other.

Love and hugs

mtd ffb xxx

Hello,

I have only skimmed the posts, but have registered Annie's sadness and I send you my love xxx

However, today, July 22nd 2010, will be for ever remembered as the day my amazing elder teen passed her driving test at the first attempt. I am the proudest, and most relieved, mum in the universe. And now we have a resident Boleyn-type designated driver to fetch and carry us!

Will try and catch up soon, love to all....

A x

Hello,
THink there are a few peeps that want {{{BIG HUGS}}} today.xxx

Annie not a happy day for you ,just hope all the love from here helps .xxx

Crumpy .Happy hols .

Thunder ,hope yourself and Mrs thunder enjoy .Never been myself ,scared of flying .Mini meet with Bondy ???

Debs nice to see you happy today ,hop a long house is bouncing Yey!!!.


Clodagh ,thanks for sharing that with us ,re Gerry Ryan and Fr Brian .just reading your posts is uplifting .

Hope everyone else is OK and just give me a shout if you need a hug ,got loads to spare .

Chris ,Like two of your dates ,as one is My sisters B/day and the other is my Brothers B/day.Funny that eh!!

Bids.xxx.

Annie,
I lost my brother 12 yrs ago, the hurt never goes away.
I send you hugs - loads of them and try to believe if you can.....keep lighting the candles - just in case xxx ((((()))))

Jo

Evening all from upstate and all that....... Thanks for the good wishes scoobs. Training going as well as can be expected and will only have 2 weeks to go after tomorrow. Bids, always up for a meet if anyone is coming upstate.....

Hope you all had a good Monday.......

Hello...

just back after en famille birthday celebration of youngest... and thought I'd catch up... then I saw your post Annie... love and hugs... and what a blessing your brother was to you and yours and no doubt to all those that knew and met him.

Personnally, I believe as long as we remember and celebrate the wonderful people that have been important to us, that have left a positive impression on our lives... then that person never, ever leaves us...

Cheers... xxx

aaahhhhh did I say Monday...... I did!!!! I meant Thursday of course........LOL

Hi Suzie, I totally agree with you, but it takes a long time to come around to this way of thinking, as the loss is so painful.

Big birthday wishes to littlun.

MTF.xx

Thanks MTF... he has appreciated them...

... and I know loss is a personal thing and we all deal with it in our own way... and in our own time... and that's how it should be...

Love to you... from me...

Hi Bondy and ...

Night night to you and all...

xxx

I agree with you Suz........ memories keep our loved ones at the forefront of our minds and help to lessen the pain of their parting........

Goodnight Suzie....

It's unlikely that anyone's still up but I am!!!!!! Had a cr** sorry shocking couple of weeks, hub's left me and I can honestly say didn't have a sccoby doo. Things certainly hadn't been clever but I didn't think it would come to this. Been together nearly thirty years and I guess got complacement when it came to being together but look where that's got me. Why are you ALWAYS the last to know what's been going on?

On the flip side, I won't have to put up with his OCD and the dog will get up for acuddle on the couch!

Sorry things are rough for you at the moment Blyipe..... dogs are very therapeutic and I am sure he/she will help........

Suzie, have changed my profile pic on fb.

I think you might like it!!

MTF.xx

Thanks Bondy, got a lot to be thankful for, but it is tough at the mo. So much paper work to sort out. Must go or will be turning night into day!

Nite All

BLYipE

Blimey Bliype!

That a big shock.

I hope, besides the jokes, that you are ok.

If you were really in love, this must be an awful time for you.

If not, then, maybe some new found freedom might be coming your way.

I am not being flippant, I might just tread the same water as you.

Whatever the case, you take some time for you and deep breath.

MTF.xx

Good luck blyipe hope things improve for you soon.

Have just read your 23rd feb post Bliype, if that is the reason, then its got to be time to move on.

Take care.

MTF.xx

Thanks MTF - yikes aint life strange, you spend all your life with one guy and this happens. Didn't think I was treading water, was convinced I was drowning a couple of weeks ago, then reality kicked in and auto pilot too. Hey you just have to get the bull by the horns and get on with it oh and hide the vino or you will end up with a serious drink problem - it rarely solves anything does it?

Will put a pillow down his side of the bed tonight - not to make me think he's still here, but to keep out any draughts!!!!!!

Nite All x x

Night night Bliype.xx

Miserable old morning here!

I hope its going to brighten up.

Off for a walk to blow the cobwebs away!

MTF.xx

Dear all

I wzs going to put on a jokey comment about my office being haunted (I'm here on my own from 7:30 to 9 due to staff changes) but after reading last night I thought that would be inappropiate.

So Annie - hugs to you, I'm lucky to have all my 7 siblings still, even if half of them don't talk to me and one I don't talk too I know they are all still about.

BLYipE - my heart goes out to you, it is always horrible to have something come to an end, especially when you thought it was okay. - I can get you a copy of my t-shirt - all men are Bar stewards! (apart from any male bloggers, we love most of you)

MTD - grey and miserable here in the city. Hell of a time getting home yesterday in the rain!

Baggy

Ah go on, Baggy; you know what.

It's always good to be supportive and to allow others to express what they feel; but it's even better to 'ave a laff. Laughter is a valuable healing tool. It's why, in the words of the great philosopher Ken Dodd, God gave us all a chuckle muscle. It starts in the middle, rises upthrough the clack to the chuckle muscle an' emerges as a titter. An' yous have to exercise it every day or it dries up an' drops off.

So go on.

An' then lets talk bananas again. Hurrah.

Clodagh.xx

Clodagh - for you anything

But I have got side tracked - yesterday I just bought my dad the best birthday persent ever - 3 tickets (yes three - Im generous like that) to see war of the worlds production in Cardiff!

Now as long as he takes me and mr bp there will be no arguements!

Baggy