Moist, mild, windy. If there was a sandy beach or seafront to walk along, I'd be there, walking the dog. Which I don't have either. So dropping Mrs M. and Child 2 at tube stations will have to do. Good morning to all, especially to those with dogs and beaches handy.

Love Thursdays. Bob's country show, food from Nigel and the weekend tantalisingly close. I even find I make allowances for Nigel's creation in the planning of the day. Can't really be full when appreciating some of the nation's finest food now can I? Bad form. But how much space to allow for Baked Alaska? I always think of it as an air-filled, rather tasteless confection from the 70's (or was that Brotherhood of Man?). It's also known as "Omelette a la Norvegienne" apparently but either way, it's cold stuff with hot stuff on it and Nige will make it something to drool over.

I mentioned the return of Top of the Pops re-runs yesterday and all the papers are full of it today. So TOP OF THE POPS oldies is where we are heading I think. Chris played Led Zep this morning so that's gone but anything that works with TV, POP, DJ'S, DANCERS and THE CHARTS. That's enough to be going on with I would have thought. I don't know if they'll ever get to any of my shows but I will be cringing along with everyone else. Once I had mastered the art of looking at the camera, it was just down to working out how to say anything of interest in 8 seconds. Mixed results really.

And your Drivetime show has a Sony nomination for 'Best Music Programme' apparently , which is partly for you bloggers as you choose some of it. Trebles all round

So have a refreshing and illuminating Thursday, see you after 5.

As Lionel Ritchie so memorably sang "Hello".

Cool, drizzly, with the promise of further dampness is how it looks to me in these parts, and is probably similar with you. Enjoyed yesterday's show - interesting to meet Wilbur Smith again. I have no doubt it'll be a huge best seller of course and the action sequences are as breathtaking as ever but as I mentioned to Wilbur, there is one scene which I found hard to get beyond. It was so horrible and brutal and, looking back at it now, lingered over, that it might be a barrier for some. Be interested in anyone else's thoughts should they be reading it...

Today we welcome Dom Joly to the show. He once turned up for a chat on my old programme on 5 Live along with Bob Geldof. It was memorable because neither Dom or Bob knew why they were supposed to be there. They had nothing to promote so we just talked about anything that occurred to us. And then we stopped. Good radio! This time I know why Dom's around-he has a tour called 'Welcome To Wherever I Am'. It doesn't sound like stand-up as such, more 'an audience with'. He's telling stories about holidaying in North Korea, being arrested in Switzerland dressed as a yeti and discovering he was at school with Osama Bin Laden. That kind of thing.

And how about MISS MARPLE oldies? The news that really-rather stunning Jennifer Garner is to play the Agatha Christie sleuth has raised a few eyebrows. Given that she's not really the first person you think of after Angela Lansbury, Margaret Rutherford and Joan Hickson. So MARPLE, CHRISTIE and everything that spins out from there would be lovely.

Have a harmonious and peaceful Wednesday, see you after 5.

Cold again, heating not quite off yet, spring wardrobe reinforced with undergarments of appropriate thickness. Greetings to all and thank you for the kind comments about the book. All the publishing types are in Bologna at the children's book fair and when they return I will know more about what happens next.

Until then I'm reading our new book club choice 'My Dear I Wanted To Tell You' by Louisa Young (I do recommend it, give the opening chapter a try) and also the new book from today's guest, Wilbur Smith called 'Those In Peril'. I read quite a few Wilbur Smith books when I was younger and loved his tales of the Courtney family in South Africa. I think the words are epic, saga and blockbuster. And he is still selling by the bucket load. This book is a contemporary, stand-alone thriller about pirates who kidnap a wealthy oil-tycoon's daughter. More than 30 books and 120 million copies sold. If I sound as though I'm asking for tips, I'm sure you'll let me know...

Sugarland went down rather well it seems and I have to say Jennifer's voice was quite something to behold. I don't know if we can put their songs on the site but will find out. The fact that they aren't there now would suggest that maybe that's not happening this time. We'll try and get them back when they return in November (November!).

And for songs today, I'm thinking HOLES. The RAC are reporting a huge increase in callouts due to cars being damaged by hitting POTHOLES. But there are all sorts of holes in songs and your job is to find the best ones. If you have a moment. Ta.

Have a wise and thoughtful Tuesday, see you after 5.

Good morning to all, hope the weekend was full of good things. I had a Friday which involved the normal 2 shows and then a surprising press release. I wasn't sure when it was coming out or I would have blogged on the matter last week. So, much to my surprise, I have written a novel. It started out as a story for child 3 and 94,000 words later I thought I had better stop. I wrote it through most of last year and Random House have announced that they will publish it next year. Which makes me very excited but aware that publication is so far away I had better get myself under control pdq.

It is called 'Itch' and is about a boy growing up in Cornwall obsessed with science. He calls himself an element hunter-his passion is collecting everything on the table of elements. And that's all I'm saying for now as it would be unwise to go further! I suppose it's pitched at 10/11 years old and upwards but I'll let the experts deal with that. To be honest I wrote for my son and for myself and we'll see where it goes from there. I found the whole thing rather thrilling and cannot wait to get back to write the next one (they asked for 2, so they'll get 2!). I should say very little about it as 2012 seems so far off, but one drink and I'll spill the whole plot.

So today's show features one of those Nashville bands that has broken into the mainstream Sugarland. They are Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush and they play live in the studio tonight. Fans of Bob Harris will have heard plenty already but I hope you enjoy their tunes tonight.

And songs on the CENSUS would appear to be the way to go. I filled it all in yesterday (unlike Matt who was somewhat premature) and particulary enjoyed the space by Q17. I did a little drawing of our family, I thought it would help. So FORM-FILLING, QUESTIONS, ANSWERS, COUNTING etc. You know how it goes.

Have a reassuring, supportive and trouble-free Monday, see you after 5.

Now, let me tell you about Germanium...(fades to black)

Friday already and another lovely one here. I missed most of Jo Whiley last night but have been wondering how she coped with the studio (which we share) smelling like a fishmongers. It'll have lingered somewhat into breakfast too, I fancy. Nigel can perform wonders with most things but fish still is fishy however much he sprinkles tomatoes and mushrooms around the place.

A 2-show day today with movies on 5 Live from 2 with no horses to interrupt proceedings. We have the extraordinary film maker Werner Herzog on to talk about his new film about the extraordinary paintings in the caves at Chauvet. They are the oldest paintings on earth and you can't get in to see them, so 'Cave of Forgotten Dreams' is pretty much the only way to do it. He's also the guy who got shot while being interviewed for TV by Mark Kermode and insisted on carrying on as it was only a flesh wound. A compelling man if slightly er, eccentric. Maybe they were aiming for Mark anyway...

Then, via the cookie shop as I lost the quiz again, to R2 for that lovely 2 hours of All Request Friday. If you think your opening song idea is better than anyone else's, you need to tell me.

Have a tuneful and melody-filled Friday, see you after 5.

Another sunny day beckons here, I trust all is well with you. Spring is sprung indeed, temperatures in the mid-teens and the dark twigs and branches of blackthorn bushes bursting with blossom. I mention this because The Times warns of a 'blackthorn winter'; a lovely spring is cut off by a horrible return of snow, sleet and cold. This is what happened last year but, on yesterday's showing, we'll have all consumed so much cider that no one will care. Our guest yesterday clearly accounted for the surge in cider drinking yesterday (if only the chancellor had realised he could have taxed it to oblivion). Cider man also mentioned that other sign of spring-the call of the chiff-chaff. I think I heard one at 5.40 this morning but it might have been bronchial wheezing. I will not rest until I have heard the chiff-chaff today. Even if it's on my phone-app.

Nigel in today with a fish-based item. Fish with fish sprinkles and in a fishy sauce. He knows I don't like it but he persists in educating my palate. My education continues today. Long live King Nigel.

Oldies and grumbles. There are obviously topics that come round a few times and the budget is one of them. When a news story is particularly big (and the economy/banks/cuts etc is one of those) I feel a degree of repetition is a good thing. Yesterday we had a whole number of different tunes (like the BTO song) and it all sounded really rather lovely. And next year, we'll do it again! Today it's time to do THE BOAT RACE. Yes, it's back this weekend, 5pm on Saturday. 250,000 spectators will head again to the banks of the Thames and we need songs inspired by OARS, ROWLOCKS and ROWING. SCULLING, COXWAINS and GUNWALES. Or whatever takes your fancy really.

Have a fruitful and inspired Thursday, see you after 5.

Hello bloggers, well this is a lovely day. Bright sun and warm weather, spring wardrobes being raided and blossom exploding everywhere. It's been a long old winter, so good riddance. Here's to warmth on your back and a skip in your step.

Team weariness might be expected today as a Nigel led us in an outing of fine food and drink last night. Waiters, chefs and the maitre d' all greeted Nigel as a lost brother. Bob Harris joined us too and many fine stories were recounted and names dropped. We'll have perked up by 5pm I imagine.

Hope blog mechanics have settled down, will find out what was happening and report back.

A sad day for fans of Mark and Stuart's evening show which I have loved all the time they've done it. It has been consistently the best way to spend an evening and I wish them well on 6 Music. I imagine the iplayer is where I'll be heading...

Today we welcome the Human League to the show. It's been a decade since their last album and "Credo" sees them back on the Radio 2 playlist. As far as I can recall, I've never interviewed them before but Phil, Susan and Joanne will be here at 6. I imagine loads of you have "Dare!" tucked away somewhere and I bought "Being Boiled" which was a mighty fine single from quite a few decades ago. So some memories and future tunes too when 'the League', as no one calls them, turn up today.

And tunes today for THE BUDGET, GEORGE OSBOURNE, TAX, INFLATION and DEBT. That kind of thing. And unlikely to pick Money's Too Tight To Mention in all honesty, so anything else is welcome...

Have a suns filled and optimistic Wednesday, see you at 5.

Apologies for being late today. School run plus interview with director Werner Herzog equals chasing your tail for a few hours. He has filmed a 3D film in the caves of the Ardeche in the south of France. The Chauvet cave is closed to the public to preserve the paintings from 32,000 years ago but Herzog was allowed to make this record of what is down there and the results are astonishing. I asked him about being shot while being interviewed on camera by Mark Kermode a few years back. "It was nothing. An Arabesque."

Once extracted from there, he we are with a lovely show in prospect as Alison Krauss is on the show. She has won a record 26 Grammy awards as a group with Union Station, with Robert Pant of course and as a producer. And the 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou'' is something else. Her new album is called 'Paper Airplane' and we'll discuss these matters after 6...

And with UNION STATION in mind, your choice of tunes on the subject of RAILWAY STATIONS in general. You know what to do.

Have a cool and fragrant Tuesday, see you after 5.

Morning bloggers, I hope the weekend was all you wished it to be on Friday. Mine was another jambalaya (child 3:"is this your speciality?" SM:"In as much as it is one of the few dishes I can do, yes"), and then to Cambridge for a 'The Science of Doctor Who' lecture as part of the Science For Life festival there. Two lecturers on the philosophy and origins of time travel and then celebrity alien death match. Something for everyone don't you think?

So for today...

The Radio 2 Book club returns with Karen Maitland's "The Gallows Curse". The year is 1210 and 'a black force is sweeping England'. It is steeped in treachery, curses, lust, conspiracy, spells, sin and the gallows. You get the picture. Karen will be in after 6 and do a web-chat at 6.30. There is a fulsome chapter ready to go on this site for you to get a flavour of the kind of scary place Karen has written about. Let us know what you think!

And tunes today please for the MIDDLE CLASS. A survey suggests that 71% of the UK think of themselves as middle class. That's more than 4 times the number from 40 years ago. Barely anyone thinks themselves upper class apparently and 24% say they are working class. So let's do songs for the middle classes, whoever and wherever we/they may be. You know who we/they are.

Have a really rather pleasant and lovely day, see you after 5

Ok, well the Osso Bucco turned out to be a slow-cooked stew after all. And the risotto was something else again. More top work from Nigel!

After the show last night I went round the corner to Radio 1 to congratulate Chris Moyles on breaking my 37 hour radio marathon record. While I was there the total raised was more than a million pounds - some achievement really. Chris was in slippers and in command, if somewhat baffled by the music he was having to play. "It all sounds the same," he said, which is the kind of thing your parents always said when you had the radio on. He was right, of course, and what a relief to jump in the car to listen to Alex Lester sitting in for Bob. That George Jones track he played was a corker. Anyway, Chris has now crashed through the 52 hours this morning so well done to all.

Cheltenham Festival this week has delivered some fine racing, some brilliant commentary, and the great John Hunt last night on the show. Today's Gold Cup means the movie show gets shifted to 12pm for an hour. Some have suggested that Mark and I try to go for the record next time and try to break 52 hours. There is NO CHANCE of that happening, none at all. I'd be asleep by 11 as normal. We mark Chris's achievement by doing a shorter show than normal.

Anyway, I'll have ample time to stroll round the A40 and get to Radio 2 and the All Request Friday. We need a wind-down-the-window-and-shout-along tune to kick it all off. Over to you. As ever.

Have a surprising and joyful Friday, see you after 5.

Morning to you. Love Thursdays. Nearly the weekend and an hour of country to drive home to. Won't be Bob tonight though as that eye of his has taken him out for a while (though looking on the bright side there's more food for the rest of us when Nige is in). A chance for Alex Lester to see the daylight! The Dark Lord will be with us! Get ready!

There's not much to Nigel anyway but now of course there's even less. With his thumb in the freezer, the rest of him makes it in to the studio with some Osso bucco. This translates as 'bone with a hole' which has to be about the most revolting title for a dish ever. Veal shanks braised with vegetables I believe. This is not the cruel horrible veal which I have ignored all my life but, Nigel says, ok decent veal. So I'll trust him. It's normally served with risotto alla Milanese and will be a treat I'm sure.

And a word for Chris Moyles over at Radio 1. He won't be reading this of course but he is storming towards my 37 hour Radio 1 record. It sounds like he's going to break it with panache. And aplomb. If that's possible.He's going for the world record which is around 52 hours and I'm going to call in after the show to wish him well. Interviewing Mr Blobby after 30 hours was my lowlight and happily I barely remember it. Go Chris (while listening to our Chris obviously).

It is all in aid of COMIC RELIEF RED NOSE DAY of course and as we are busy with ARF business tomorrow, we should do COMIC RELIEF RED NOSE tunes today. Over to you...

Have a light-hearted and whimsical Thursday, see you after 5.

Wow busy blog again. Springtime has clearly brought a surge in energy levels. The vigorous discussion about holiday deps I'm sure will be of interest to all important BBC people who decide these things. I'm sure they read the blog religiously anyway but just in case they don't, memos will be sent.

Enjoyed having Tony Blackburn on the show yesterday. To retain that enthusiasm after all these years is quite something. I thought his jungle-based musings were fascinating and he does seem a calm, thoughtful chap these days. He had a good old reminisce with Steve Wright in Sally's office beforehand-we should have recorded that too!

(Today's blog music is the new Steve Miller Band album 'Let Your Hair Down' a very bluesy start to the day)

Today we welcome Fern Britton to Drivetime. She's written a novel! It's called "New Beginnings" and is about a journalist and single mother who becomes a Daytime TV star. It's about the work/life balance really and they say write about what you know so Fern has done just that.

Tunes ladies and gentlemen of the blog on the theme of HATS. Haven't done them for ages and apparently, all stylish heads at Fashion Week were sporting a smart, structured hat. It's the old fashioned felt fedora that's grabbing attention this year (I'm certainly wearing mine this season) but let's do HATS and head coverings of all shapes and sizes today. Thanks.

Have an enthusiastic and optimistic Wednesday, see you after 5.

(and get well soon Bob Harrris. Detached retina apparently. Take it easy sir.)

Well a relatively calm day today thank heavens. Yesterday started on Radio 1, thence to 5 Live, Drivetime on 2 and finally to the Royal Albert Hall for Radio 3's concert for Comic Relief. This was another fund raiser of course and featured a record-breaking attempt to assemble the largest kazoo 'orchestra'. This comprised everyone in the RAH (as we all call it) and the motleyist group of celebrities ever brought together to blow their own trumpets. We milled, chatted and ignored all instructions we were given. We were far too busy comparing kazoos and witty showbiz anecdotes. I can vouch for the musical 'skills' of Miranda Hart, Gabby Logan, David Baddiel and Stephen Mangan. We tootled and parped to the Dambusters March and Ride of the Valkyries, spraying the BBC Concert Orchestra with much celebrity spittle. Oh how they all laughed. The highlight was Sue Perkins conducting Nimrod from Elgar's Enigma Variations. She was brilliant - it really was quite moving watching her. Hopefully she was able to ignore us all chatting away in the choir stalls. Just like naughty 5th years. It's on Radio 3 this Friday at 7pm. I'm the 3rd kazoo from the right, front row.

So today good bloggers, we offer you Pick of the Pops host Tony Blackburn at 6pm. What a treat this has now become. Tony has brought his verve and unique style to this grand old dame of a show and it has become essential listening for a Saturday lunchtime. Tony has done standup for a BBC Radio project, again for Comic Relief, and will tell all tonight.

And tunes today please for the start of the CHELTENHAM Festival (yes it's horses Rebecca). A huge party that lasts till Friday, loosely themed around HORSES, DRINK and the IRISH. But mainly HORSES. Over to you.

Have a mellow and stress-free Tuesday, see you after 5.

Good morning to all bloggers, sorry about the tardiness. Young Chris Moyles was after my wisdom in preparation for his attempt on my record breaking 37 hour radio show from 1999. I think they are none the wiser to be honest. A lot has faded from memory but Chris played a clip of the show I did with John Peel which was just wonderful. How much radio misses him.

They seem quite anxious about the whole show but really you just turn up and do it. It'll be fine. After finishing the whole stint, I remember getting an email from a junior doctor saying well done etc and if you were on our shift, you'd have another 37 hour stint to do on Monday. Fair point I thought.

Hope the weekend was good for you and all you wanted it to be on Friday. Today's show features the rather lovely Stephen K Amos after 6. His 'Best Medicine' tour is steaming around the UK at the moment and the reviews have been really rather good.

And your help today for the songs on EINSTEIN'S birthday. It's PI day too (3.14 in American terms) so PI, MATHS and EINSTEIN should see us through.

Have a refreshing and stimulating Monday, see you after 5.

Very busy Friday here. Fifth day on the trot I've written before 6.30am. Roll on the weekend! Here's today's line up:

9am Roger Waters. Yes really! He's recording a Desert Island Discs for Radio 4 later today but first, he's coming into Radio 2. "The Wall" is on tour later this year and what an extraordinary gig it sounds. The original "Wall" only played in a handful of cities worldwide and no footage of it has been released as far as I can find out. So for most, this is their first and presumably only ever chance to see one of the biggest selling albums ever, played live. He's a fascinating man, will let you know when you can hear it.

Then at 10.30 it's Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell who star in "The Eagle", a loose adaptation of Rosemary Sutcliffe's "Eagle of the Ninth". It's a classic sword 'n' sandals romp in the Highlands which I really enjoyed. They have since become firm friends apparently and they have a great on-screen relationship. That's for 5 Live this afternoon at 2 where Mark K is in New Orleans for some conference or other.

And then, hooray, it's an All Request Friday. Great opening songs in recent weeks coming through, so if there is a mighty dashboard and steering wheel tapper that is a compulsory listen in your mind, then tell me now!

Then, a glass of lemonade.

Have an accomplished and stylish Friday, see you after 5.

Good morning to all, hope all is well with all bloggers old and new. A skip in my step this morning and my hat at a jaunty angle as Spurs stroll through to the next round of the Champions League. I celebrated by doing the ironing whilst watching Newsnight. Let no one say I don't know how to party. Inspecting it now, it turns out that it is some of the best ironing I have ever done. Now, 2 t-shirts and a pair of jeans might not be much to show for 30 minutes work but it's the principle of the thing really-setting an example to the kids. How can you celebrate the best night for your team for a many years? Answer:dashing away with the smoothing iron.

Now. Nigel Barden tells us it's British Pie Week this week which is terrific news. Living in a no-pastry zone, this promises much. Knowing there's some top pastry action on the way somehow makes the day a jollier one. Beef Wellington I believe ladies and gentleman. Now that's something to look forward to.

Now we need some top tunes for the show and today we should mark the start of Crufts, the world's largest dog show. You know what to do.

Have a pleasing and smile-filled Thursday, see you after 5.

More early morning blogging from me, wiping away tiredness and focussing on another busy Wednesday. Finally finished the "Act Your Age" series last night, so no more exiting of R2 and straight to R4 for me. Instead it'll be straight to the TV to watch the Spurs/Milan match, full of the usual pessimism I bring to most Spurs gatherings. Hoping to be surprised again...

Congratulations to Chris for winning the TRIC award for Radio Personality yesterday, beating Chris Moyles and me. I had to leave the lunch very early to get ready for the show, so am hoping it wasn't seen as leaving in a huff. On the contrary, Chris is a worthy winner and thoroughly deserves this addition to his already groaning mantlepiece. Nice one Chris!

Today we bring you comedian (and, no doubt, gloomy Arsenal supporter) Rory McGrath. He has written an account of his religious upbringing in a book called 'The Father, The Son and the Ghostly Hole', a title which might upset some but will be justified and explained by Rory after 6.

I don't suppose he'll be giving up anything for LENT (he doesn't strike me as the type really) but GIVING UP or GIVING THINGS UP should work nicely. Any tunes that occur to you would be welcome.

Have a joyful and smile-filled Wednesday, see you after 5.

Ah there you are. A blissful 5 minutes sleep and up again to tackle another lovely frosty day. A late night last night at the Radio Theatre for another recording of "Act Your Age" (meeting bloggers Deebee and Mo, get well soon Alex) which was a good one I think. The series starts in 3 weeks on Radio 4 at 6.30pm. Which is one reason why I never hear it go out 'live'. It's what iPlayer is for I guess.

Today we feature Beady Eye on the show. This is Liam Gallagher's new band;essentially it's Oasis without Noel. I always imagined that it would be Noel who would be first to the ball with a new record. Whenever there was new promotion to be done and songs to be sung, it was always Noel who would do the work. How would they cope without him? On the basis of this new album, very well appears to be the answer. 'Different Gear, Still Speeding' is a good listen, with a band clearly enjoying themselves and listening to 60's psychedelia and rock and roll. Hold onto to your hats for Noel and Gem Archer from Beady Eye at 6.

And for tunes? Well it's SHROVE TUESDAY and MARDI GRAS at the start of Lent and that should keep us all busy for a while. A fine selection of pancakes and lemon would be nice but the final "Act Your Age" recording beckons and traditional puddings are in scant supply.

Have a rewarding and purposeful Tuesday. See you after 5

Morning to all and welcome to bloggers old and new and a warm welcome if you have joined us recently. Some good chat over the weekend..

I hope yours was all you wanted it to be. Mine was spent getting up too early (just for a change), getting rather pleasant phone calls (will let you know when I can) and listening to new albums from REM and Elbow which arrived on Saturday. I have been a bit doubtful about recent REM stuff but I can report a very good collection of new songs. Hooray. And the Elbow CD will repay many close listens. It obviously isn't going to be filled with hits but I feel may well become my favourite knackered Sunday listening of the year.

Today the Radio 2 book club offers a first time novelist, a rather nervous Sarah Winman. Her debut is 'When God Was A Rabbit' and is a strikingly original (I'm trying to avoid the phrase odd-ball and failing) tale of growing up in the 70s, secrets, strange families, fortunes won and 9/ll. Amongst other things. There's a sample chapter here so you can be fully briefed before the show. Sarah will do a web-chat afterwards as well. She hasn't done one of those before either!

For the songs I think we should go with OIL PETROL and GAS as the talk is of £2 a litre and the Chancellor having to make life easier for the motorist in the budget. FUEL in all it's forms will do nicely, thank you.

Then it's round the corner to the Radio Theatre and an Act Your Age, final 2 recordings this week...

Have an easy, stress-free Monday, see you after 5.

Hello to you, I admire your ingeniousness. Finding the blog appears to have been an act of technological dexterity. No idea why but someone will be talking to someone else. Meantime, consider yourself a bit of a whizz.

I shall continue to write however as I feel it helps organise the brain. Maybe I'll be the only one that sees this! I might leave a few comments of my own just to make it look good. At least that way I love the ARF opener.

"Hi Simon, I'd like Queen's 'Tie Your Mother Down' or Motorhead's 'Ace of Spades'. Or maybe 'The Spirit of Radio' by Rush. In the 'Hall Of The Mountain King' by Grieg isn't bad either-the vocal version if you can, thanks. And I reckon the whole of 'Journey To The Centre of the Earth' by Rick Wakeman would fit in nicely. Thanks. Love the show Steve.

Cheers, Enid."

Well thanks Enid that's all sorted then.

All this is after the 5 Live show at 2 of course and then the mighty ARF at 5. If you know better than Enid, you know what to do.

Thank you for your patience. Have a charming and really rather delightful Friday, see you after 5.

Good morning to all bloggers and welcome to our Thursday here at Radio 2. After yesterday's Spring tunes I am now relentlessly positive and scouring our manor for signs of new life. I know some are saying it's March 21st for the beginning of Spring but BBC weather types yesterday were saying that when they measure winter weather, they stop at the end of February. So things can only get warmer! Onwards to the sunlit uplands comrades!

Teddy Thompson was really rather good didn't you think last night? I've enjoyed his songs for a while now and knew he'd be good but his voice is getting better and better. I agree with many of yesterday's comments that his cover of 'Waterloo Sunset' was spine tingling and my only annoyance is that I have missed his tour. Which makes me very stupid indeed.

Prepare for another duvet-raiser from Nigel today as he brings you a cassoulet recipe from the south of France. I'm expecting a rich, slow-cooked bean stew but who knows what twist our Nige will come up with. A twist of kumquat anyone?

Now for the songs today I think WORLD BOOK DAY is always a good place to go. LIBRARIES have been much in the the news and AUTHORS are much in the news promoting the benefits of READING. Now the BOOK CLUB is up and running this is a rich source of tunes and I'll leave the rest to you.

Have a peaceful and harmonious Thursday, see you after 5.

Salutations.

This morning I am spending watching 'The Tempest' and then talking to Helen Mirren about it. I assume she's in it otherwise there would be no point (appalled by my own ignorance, I have just checked the trailer and she is Prospera, not Prospero clearly and so therefore is the top turn). This is, on balance, a rather pleasant way to spend the morning and I shall report back.

I mentioned yesterday that Liam Gallagher was in to talk about his new project Beady Eye. This is basically Oasis without Noel and we recorded our chat, as Liam has, as they say, previous. As it turned out, he and band colleague Gem were sweeties and were clearly thrilled to be making records again. I always tended to think that Noel was the songsmith in Oasis but the Beady eye album is a whole lot better than you would think. You can hear our chat next Tuesday.

Today it's some live music from Teddy Thompson who I have admired for a number of years now. His new album is called 'Bella' and he will be singing live after 6.

And I know it doesn't feel like it but I think we should get stuck into SPRING today. March is when we look for every tiny sign that the worst is behind us and even if we don't find any, continue to say it's Spring. So 'Hello Clouds Hello Sky' as Basil Fotherington Thomas would have said in the brilliant Molesworth books, and hey for the snowdrop and ho for the daffs.

Have a prosperous and really rather lovely Wednesday, see you after 5.

Cold. Heating on. Scarves, gloves and thermals. Welcome to March and happy St David's day to all our Welsh bloggers. And indeed anyone who likes to wear a daffodil from time to time.

Today I have another go at talking to Beady Eye who are Liam Gallagher's new band. Well essentially they are Oasis without Noel. We were supposed to do this a while back but it got cancelled. So we try again today-I will report back. Then we do the show from 5 with Alistair McGowan in after 6. I've just about forgiven him for doing that show called Mayo which seemed to be my job, but we all move on. And the great thing is that he is in Gilbert and Sullivan's 'Pirates of Penzance'. Now I was brought up in a house that revered Gilbert and Sullivan and even now I have a whole raft of G&S tunes running through my head. When I was 10 I knew the words of 'The Nightmare Song' from Iolanthe, one of their patter songs. Sadly, I've forgotten most of it now. One of my favourite moments from the West Wing is when some of the cast end a show (for some reason) by singing 'He Is An Englishman' from 'HMS Pinafore' in a drunken haze. And glorious it was too. Anyway it's PIRATES that is always one of the most popular shows so PIRATES we will do on the tunes.

Have a gentle and affirming Tuesday, see you after 5.