At last.



MTF.xx

Alison!!



MTF.xx

Good Morning again.



Simon and team - Merry Christmas to you all and thank you all for all the funandfrolics.



Please may I repeat my suggestion from yesterday? Zany & Fun -



ZAT YOU SANTA? by Louis Armstrong



Love



BP

Mornin' all...hope everyone has an excellent Christmas and New Year break. Choice for today?



Bruce Springsteen - Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town



An excellent version of a classic, but if not that, then this:



Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree



Happy memories from my childhood with me and my big bro making up our own lyrics on Christmas Eve...



Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good day, night, break, etc... :-)

For what its worth....



Could you please play *** Twilight *** by ELO.



Brilliant in my opinion, or I wouldn't have been requesting it for 15 months.



Happy Christmas everyone.



MTF.xx

Good Morning and Happy Christmas Simon, Team, Nice Young Man and Blogpoppets!



Congratulations to Alison for the first ART yesterday! I think you'll be wearing that crown for some time. :O)

Can I just repeat my suggestion from yesterday:



MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY by Slade



Lots to do today, but I'll be back later to take part in Alison's sweepstake.



Deebee X

Merry Christams Simon, NYM, team and blogpoppets.



Wowser, Alison!



With apologoes to Skeeve #4 I am going to repeat my not very imaginitive request from yesterday



Brenda Lee - Rockin Around the Xmas Tree



I am hoping to be partaking of some festive cheer with my BFF at 5pm so I won't hear the show.



Enjoy your break Simon et al. I'm afraid that being of the Scottish persuasion I need another day to recover from New Year so I will not be back listening until 5th Jan.



Thanks to all for making this such a wonderful place x

I've now read the blog properly... wow, Alison! A personal mensh - well done indeed!!



X

Good morning,



Congrats to Alison on a blog mensh. How cool for yule is that!



Simon, you want to make 2011 "really rather top notch". Well I would say your show made 2010 just that so more of the same please.



Thank you to all the Blogpoppets for being so welcoming, friendly and fun to know. As I have said before - this blog is a warm and friendly place to be.



ARF - How about some serious Stilton - I'M IN THE MOOD FOR DANCING by The Nolan Sisters. Can Christmas get any more cheesy than that?



However I would really like MTF's wish to finally come true so TWILIGHT by ELO please.



Wishing you all a good day and lots fantastic festive fun.xxx

Good morning Simon, the Drivetime Collective, fellow blogpoppets and the lovely man of tuneville!



Sunny, cold and crisp here in Cannockshire. I'm at work until 1pm - all alone, by myself (sob sob!) but have a bit of work to do (thanks boss!) before I can play.



The sausage sarnies have been ordered by the girls on Reception and there's rumours that a bottle of vino cheapo may be opened at around midday ....



So, onto the business of ARF.





Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love





from the bestest Christmas album in the world ever, the Phil Spector one.



Here's to 2011 being another year of fantastical blogpoppetry, and let's hope that the divine MTF gets to hear Twilight one Friday at 5.05pm!



Happy Christmas all.



Deevs

x

Good Morning - one and all - Merry Christmas....and thanks for a fantasmagorical year of blogging..... it has been a privilege to be part of it...



SIMON - you may not want to pay it as an opener but could you possibly play IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER by BERT JANSCH and I would like to dedicate it to all my hard working colleagues - clergy who serve churches everywhere but especially HAVERING DEANERY....

Now...must gear up for final services...why not join us for CAROLS IN THE STABLE at St John's Havring-atte-Bower....6pm or even at 11pm for Midnight Communion....you will all be welcome....password will be BLOGPOPPET

Good Morning and a very Happy Christmas to Simon, Team, Nice Young Man & All Blogpoppets,



Another Whoop & Hoop for Alison.



Suggestion for ARF 'Frosty The Snowman' The Ronettes





I would like to thank Simon and everybody involved with the show for producing quality radio that has been very enjoyable to listen to during the year (might blog about my personal favourite bits during next week although fairly predictable!)



Back later with a sweepstake suggest

Would it be too crass to ask for CLIFF'S "MISTLETOE & WINE" as the opener?? It surely is the right content and sympathy for Christmas???

Wishing you a very Happy Christmas, too, Simon, Nice Young Man, Drivetime Team and all you lovely blogpoppets!



Alison, I let out a yip yip yibble when I heard your mention last night, well done you!



Yes the blog has come a long way in the last year. Do you remember in the early days when Simon was unsure of how his new Drivetime blog would be received after the huge success of Chris' Drivetime blog previously? Sorry that was a sentence and a half!)The Twitterers, at the time, seemed to have preference on the oldies choices. However, the blog following grew along with the newsy longer blog posts from our friendly DJ. I pooped over one day from the CLP blog, and have been here ever since!(The CLP blog is great too) I can honestly say that I have met some really lovely people who I hope don't mind me thinking of them now as friends. Children in Need was a fabulous day as not only did I get to the hallowed Radio 2 studios, but I also met some of my new blog friends too, and you did not disappoint(but I knew that already!);-)



So I would like to thank Simon for starting this whole thing, for generously allowing us all to participate in the show and for sharing with us his thoughts and ideas, and for persevering with us and our sometimes mad suggestions!



One day MTF, we will wear that nice young man down and get Twilight played. It takes dogged determination, and if there is anyone who has that, it is you!



You are all a lovely mad lot, and I mean that in the nicest possible way! I look forward to the madness and frolics continuing into 2011.



Mcw x

# 15 I think I'm going to cry.......

Almost forgot my ARF!



How about DECEMBER '63 (OH WHAT A NIGHT) by THE FOUR SEASONS?



x

#16 Cheeky! I thought you were supposed to be busy! ;-)

After yesterday I felt I had to stop by even though I am officially on a day off (thanks to my boss, Richard). So extra Christmas greetings to you all! As a treat I suggest a Cliff record, how about his version of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" to start the show. Cheer us up no end as our Cliff at Christmas CD won't play any more. Failing that "In The Name of Love" by U2 always does it for me on a Friday.



GB



ps I thought you would be resting up Revster!

# 19 I am...completing prep for %pm, 11pm and 10am demain.....but in lieu of office parties...can't I have a bit of fun in between....I mean I'm going to be until 2am working and...then have to be in church 9am tomorrow...(looks for violins....)

BTW Seasonal cold and sneezes appear to be coming along nicely!

I mean 6pm, 11pm and 10am

Next year Revster you can get it all done on a Sunday!

I know, I know - quel delight!!

When do you get to rest, Rev? Hope all goes well for you.

# 25 I shall collapse in a heap at approximately 11.30am Christmas Day and we have some time off next week....though I still have to be ready for a WATCHNIGHT SERVICE on New Year's Eve

Can I suggest that at 8.00 pm on Christmas Night we all raise our glasses and toast one-another for friendship, longevity and absent friends.



x x x x

Afternoon all, just back from my last work session this year



Thank you all (especially Simon) for your lovely comments ... I am glowing with pride



No ARF suggestion for me today, but I hope to pass the crown onto another poppet at 5pm ... or do I have a special Thursday one to hold onto until the next ART? ... you decide



Now to the important business ... the Alison from Eastleigh Festive Sweepstake ...



Although our leader is away for til 4 January, that's no reason not to chat to the other gorgeous blog-poppets on here ...



How many comments do you think will be posted between now and the next blog appearing?



I'll kick off with a modest 454 ... over to you



Merry Christmas and as Brucie says 'keep blogging' xx

#27 Great idea Deevs



#28 666



x

Hi Alison



I'll opt for 1027



Deevs

x

You've got to be impressed by those BBC weather forecasting peeps. Snow predicted to start falling at 12.00. Just looked out the window at 12.16 and there it is! Fingets crossed they have got in right for the rest of today/tomorrow so i can get do my taxiing tomorrow x

# 29 666 is an unfortunate choice Mo, it is the number of the Beast!!

#32 It's my sense of humour Rev x

it also features in my date of birth x

OK then.....better get back to Midnight's order of service.....some stonking carols....

#15 What a lovely post, Mcw!



I'm sure I had no idea when I joined this blog (26th January, since you ask) how much of a part of my life it, and all of you would become! I was a lurker to begin with, but everybody seemed so friendly that it wasn't long before I decided to join in. I remember the first time I suggested a song, being so terrified Simon would actually choose it (I had never heard my name on the radio before!) that I didn't have the nerve to suggest any for a few days afterwards! How things have moved on... We have become such a lovely, friendly community and now I wouldn't be without my daily visits to blogland. As Mcw says, it was really lovely (am I over-using that word?) to meet a few of you at CiN, (not to mention meeting Simon, Matt and Rebecca!) and I really hope to be able to meet up with some more of you in 2011.



Deebee X

#15 & #36



Thank you for your lovely posts. My sentiments exactly x

That's me signing off from work - HOORAY!



Enjoy the rest of today folks. Probably be back later.



Stay safe and warm xx

#28 My prediction for the Alison of Eastleigh Christmas Blog sweepstake is:



542



Deebee X

And it's all gone quiet over there...



Now I'm a fairly recent convert to this blog, but I would just like to say thank you to all for making me feel so welcome. It generally puts a smile on my face, and to me that's what it should all be about. A little good cheer goes a long, long way.



May I also add my guess at the number of posts: 442. For no other reason than I like football and 42 is, of course, the answer to life, the universe and everything. Life? Don't talk to me about life...!!



Enjoy the break, peeps. See you in the New Year, or if you're very unlucky, I may even pop in over the break...



TTFN.

Good Afternoon Each! And a Merry Christmas to one and all. Alisons Christmas Sweepstake. I suspect that we will have considerably less than was the case with our last sweepstake, as there will be a shorter break, and a few of the most prolific blogpoppets from that time seem to be on some sort of sabbatical. My guess will be 365.



And as for my ARCE request, I, too will stick with my suggestion of yesterday...



Simon, would you please play...



'Merry Christmas(I Don't Want To Fight Tonight)' by The Ramones.



I am going to cheat and have another go, though.



Simon, would you please play...



'OH COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL' by TWISTED SISTER

Back again, just to say, Deevs I'll raise a glass with you! x



Alison, my guess for your Festive Sweepstake will be 501, as it would mean that we would have to press the 'next' button at least once!



Right, am off to test the sloe gin!!



x

Happy Christmas Eve Afternoon All



Just a quick visit.



What lovely posts here today. I joined in for the first time on August 17th., having been listening and lurking for about a month before that. You have all made me very welcome. It really is funandfrolics.



Please may I guess at 960?



Going to listen to Nine Lessons & Carols on R4 at 3 and open some Sparkling Shiraz. Then it really will be Christmas.



Back later. Have Nicetimes.



Love



BP

Good ARFternoon everyone, and Happy Christmas Eve!



Simon, it's been wonderful being part of the blog this year. I used to be a lurker on CLP's blog, but decided to be brave when you started yours and joined in straight away. And now, I'm receiving Christmas cards from some friends I've made on here!



Alison, well done for yesterday's opener and blog mention!



Right, veggies are prepared; the spare room is ready for the arrival of my parents and my nails are painted in a festive shade of red!



I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas, and I'll 'see' you all next week.



Love Tortie x



PS Sweepstake guess - 800.

Billie, I'm listening to the carols from Kings as well - it's a sign Christmas has REALLY started!

I know it's difficult to improve on perfection, but I have a few suggestions for 2011:



- 'Twilight' to be the first ARF opener of the year



- Everyone invited to a Blogfest - with Simon and the team as special guests, of course



- Occasionally extending the online chat with book club authors to other guests



- Once a month to get a blogger/tweeter/facebooker to choose the theme



- 'Something About You' to be the second ARF opener of the year



- Level 42 to be guests on the show (and me to be invited to the studio...)



okay, maybe the last 2 would only appeal to me.



X

Afternoon Everybody,



Can I suggest '1555' for the Alison of Eastleigh Christmas Sweepstake



This is slightly higher than I first though, but bumped it up a bit because



If the wonderful 'Twilight' is picked as the ARF, we could be up a hundred or so posts before you can shake whistle or hoot a bell



Then there is the (obviously remote) possiblity of hic hic blogging, having to say the same thing several times to get it to make sense

arf tune



christmass wrapping-waitresses

merry xmas all just got back from xmas shopping im skint now lol



gazza x

will i get the 50 on xmas eve

i made it lol

well done debbie x

Well Done Deebee! The Christmas Eve ARF Opener!



Liked your #45 #46



Brandon - WOW! 1555? How many are you planning to make yourself?



Hi Gazza! Well Done on The Christmas Eve #50!

Well done Deebee



In Katy Mac's absinthe I'll summarise where we are in the Alison from Eastleigh Christmas Sweepstake ...



Your guesses for the number of comments that will be posted on this blog before the new one arrives are:



Alison from Eastleigh 454

Blogger_Mo 666

DizzyDuckDeevs 1027

Deebee 542

Skeeve 442

Paul of Sheffield 365

Madchickster 501

Billie Pepper 960

Tortie-Cat 800

Brandon-B 1555



All poppets are welcome to have a guess ... the more the merrier xx

Well done Deebee

*is in shock*

You know what? I was so sure it wasn't going to be me, I didn't even tune in! You can bet I'll be 'listening at a more convenient time' as soon as it comes online. What a fantastic Christmas present! Thank you, Simon!



X

Evening all



Merry Christmas to Simon and the team and the bloggers.

Well done Deebee!! Yip yip yibble on your ARF!



I have found that Simon tends to play my suggestions when I am not able to listen. Do you think he does it deliberately? ;-)



Mcw x

#59 LOL Mcw! - I didn't realise the webcam worked both ways. That's a bit worrying...



;o)

thanks billie xx

Here's a hat for Gazza for the 50th post on this blog.



...............„ø¤º°¨♥¨°º¤ø„...........

...............„ø¤º°¨♥¨°º¤ø„...........

...............„ø¤º°¨♥¨°º¤ø„...........

...............„ø¤º°¨♥¨°º¤ø„...........

„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø¸„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø„„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø„

„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø¸„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø„„ø¤º°¨¨°º¤ø„

....................◒ . ◒...............

.................... ╰╯ ................





Wonder how many more hats there will be before 4th January...?



X

Warmest congratulations to Deebs on the Festive mensh! Nice to get such a landmark. I have just read back through todays posts, and would like to associate myself with MCW's post # 15, and the comments therein. Beautifully put, Chickster.



As for myself, I am seriously looking forward to my annual lie-in tomorrow. It is not something to be taken lightly when you have to be up at 5 a.m., seven days a week, and it is only in recent years that such a thing is possible. When my son was younger, like with everyone else, Christmas morning was full of very early morning excitement. I am hoping that tomorrow, he will, like his Father, be spending a goodly time lying in something of a stupor for an extended hour or two. I have already partaken of the first festive rum, and will shortly be joining a few friends in mixing grape and grain in stupid proportions.



So, until a later time, when I shall be back amongst you in a somewhat bleary state, it only remains for me to wish you all a Nadolig Llawen, Nollaig Shona Dhuit, Nodlaig mhaith chugnat, Nollaig chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath ùr, Nadelik looan na looan blethen noweth, Merry Christmas.

Here is a little Christmas Gift from me to all you lovely blogpoppets.





Reputedly, originally called “A Visit from St. Nicholas” published anonymously in The Troy Sentinel (New York State) - December 23rd. 1823.





The Night before Christmas - A Poem by Clement C. Moore



'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.



The children were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.



When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash,

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.



The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow

Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.



With a little old driver, so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,

And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!



"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"



As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.

So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,

With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.



And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,

Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.



He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,

And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,

And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.



His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,

And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.



The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly,

That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!



He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,

And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,

Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.



He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,

And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!



He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

This is what I've suggested the last two days:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQQU2ykEQqo

Merry Christmas! Nadolig Llawen!



Love, Peace and Happiness to you all!



Love



BP

thanks 4 the hat deebee



merry christmas everyone have a great day



love gazza ♥xx

merry christmas billie xx



gazza x

Gazza! Merry Christmas to You!



Hey! I've had hats for #50s and #100s! What sort of hat have I won for posting at 00.00 on Christmas Day?

i cant do hats billie



♥♥♥♥♥☻☻☻☻☻♪♪♪♪♪☺☺☺☺☺♂♂♂♂♂xxxxx



will this do



gazza xx

Its the thought that counts gazza and that was very thoughtful.



Happy Christmas everyone.x

thanks mtf xx merry christmas x

Merry Christmas one and all x

What a fantastic Cristmas Eve present for you DeeBee. Well done xx

Good Morning All,



A Very Merry Christmas to Everybody



BB x

Good Morning All!



Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Each!

Warmy Yummy Porridge! Chilled Cava!

Merry Christmas poppets x

Baxters' Royal Game Soup. Crusty Bread. Chilean Red.

Roast Pork. Roast Potatoes. Roast Parsnips. Creamy Leeks. Sprouts & Home-made Gravy. More Red.

Christmas Pudding. Double cream. More Red!



Kenny Everett - but listened to - not eaten!

‎*★Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ ˛ ˚ ˛ •

•。★Christmas★ 。* 。

° 。 ° ˛˚˛ * _Π_____*。*˚

˚ ˛ •˛•˚ */______/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛

˚ ˛ •˛• ˚ ｜ 田田 ｜門｜ ˚And a happy new year!!!

#83 How Lovely!



Mince Pies. Christmas Cake. Brandy & More Red!

#83, lovely pic Katy, Happy Christmas to you and yours,



Billie, the Christmas menus are scrumpy

Christmas Pud. now. Double Cream & Brandy! More RED!

Did someone mention Scrumpy?



MTF.xx

Certainly did MTF, hope you having a good one



BB x

Hope you are too Brandon.



MTF.xx

Enjoying the Radio 2 quiz, our leader doing very well

HIC!

happy holidays im stuffed lol

enjoyed the christmas chicken it was suposed to be turkey but when my dad went 2 cook it noticed it said chicken lol

Happy Boxing Day folks. Hope all had a great day.



Thanks for the pic Katy. We have missed you.



Have the rather nice task of packing my suitcase for warmer climes today. Things looking better at airports so fingets crossed.



Forgot about the quiz last night. Will find on iThingy hopefully.



Mo xxx

Happy Boxing Day!



Apologies for not being around yesterday - at in laws all day.



#64 read that to the girls on the night itself.



Alison - is it too late to offer a number? 739 from me.



Today we celebrate Mr39's (now 38 actually) birthday.



Have a good day.x

Good Morning Everyone.



Happy Boxing Day.

Good Morning All, and a very Happy Boxing Day to you! I hope Santa brought you what you wished for.



Mr B was very pleased with his present, which I can now reveal to be tickets to see Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at the Royal Albert Hall. I'm hoping he'll take me with him! We had a lovely day, marred only slightly when I took the dog for a walk in the afternoon and slipped over twice on the ice, which resulted in hurting my neck. Not badly, but I think it's going to be a bit stiff for a few days.



Today my brother and nephew arrive. My nephew's 10, and SO full of energy! Child 2 (nearly 18) has been practising on the Wii (other games consoles also available...) to make sure she beats him. Not sure that's entirely fair...



I didn't manage to listen to the Christmas quiz - will ithingy it later. But yes, our esteemed leader did do very well - I remember being quite impressed when Alex_G, MTD, Payre, Rips and I went to the recording. Of course, he must learn quite a lot from reading this blog, so we are probably partially responsible for his team's success...



;o)



Welcome back Katy - you've been much missed. And just in time to do the stats for Alison's latest blog sweepstake - how fortuitous!



Deebee X

Morning Everybody,



A bright crisp day here, but very chilly, will have read back and catch up with you all later

Good Morning Each! #83 - Katy, you're a bloody marvel! Welcome back, most lovely of all poppets, and Merry Christmas.

Happy Boxing Day



Have returned from friends we spent Christmas Day with, with just enough time to pick up walking boots and meet another set for our Boxing Day constitutional ... probably head to the New Forest before eating up their left-overs ...



The latest predictions for the Alison from Eastleigh Christmas Blog Sweepstake are:



Alison from Eastleigh 454

Blogger_Mo 666

DizzyDuckDeevs 1027

Deebee 542

Skeeve 442

Paul of Sheffield 365

Madchickster 501

Billie Pepper 960

Tortie-Cat 800

Brandon-B 1555

Julia39 739



Still time for the rest of you to make a guess ...



Over and out xx

So close I couldn't resist it ...