Hither and thither. Helter and skelter. Pell, and indeed, mell.

Apollogies. Is a late blog permissible on a Friday? I'm thinking it's the on-line equivalent of dress-down Friday. Slack maybe but forgivable hopefully. Things are unwinding, the weekend is not spoiled just yet and that take away/BBQ/beer you have planned tonight is still an exciting prospect. Maybe you can even get away with the last appearance of your shorts? And the weekend may see the first appearance of your legs in any October since schooldays. I realise this is a bloke's way of thinking but these are momentous wardrobe decisions... My favourite communication yesterday was a tweet which I read out before re-tweeting; 'Greece! You can have your weather back when you pay your bills! Love, the UK'. It was the most re-tweeted thing I've seen and then heard Nicky Campbell read it out from a listener this morning. Bet some wag says it at your BBQ tonight.

Movies first with Dr Kermode and an appearance from Supersize Me film maker Morgan Spurlock. His latest film is a documentary called'The Greatest Movie Ever Sold' and it is about product placement. In fact, he tries to fund the film using product placement which is a jolly good wheeze really. So that's 2-4 sorted, then to the underground delights of the Central line and to Radio 2(remembering of course to pick up the loser snacks on the way).

So we need that impressive opening tune please. The ARFO to beat all ARFOs. It's hot, it's Friday it's 5.05, it's......(fill space) Have a well-presented, emotionally stable Friday, see you at 2&5 on 5&2.

Discussion topic of the school run was 'is it warmer today than when we were on the holiday our parents spent all that money on?' I could of course provide the answer to that - no, by 1 degree C. Tenerife was 28C, London today will be 27C. But it will feel hotter as you have Maths French and Science to do before lunch. Enjoy!

This is another coffee house blog as assorted children, parents, nannys, vagrants and journalists wander in and out of the café looking for sustenance. Today there is clearly a plan afoot to annoy me by doing that most ridiculous thing-paying for a coffee with a credit card. It's only £1.80, there's a big queue, I have a blog to write on vital issues, please have some change handy. It's not too much to ask really is it? Oh wait,the swipey bit of your card doesn't work and the numbers need to be entered manually. And it's being turned down. Oh you have another card! Good news everyone! He's got another card! We'll just go through all that routine again...

Next time I'll bring a flask and stay in the car.

Hooray for our anthems man on yesterday's show, that was fine work. I love the idea of a national anthem that has dance moves or is a waltz. Not sure the Urubans will be top of the podium but here's hoping.

Today Nigel cooks up a Lamb Balti as part of his best of the best series so a little duvet raiser as a treat post 6.

And oldies please to mark the 50th anniversary of SONGS OF PRAISE. Our spiritual leader Aled Jones leads the party but your songs are what matters. You know what to do.

Have a factor 50, hat wearing Thursday, see you after 5

Morning. Summer here. Last gasp for the summer wardrobe I think and the autumn trousers will have to wait, never mind the thick birthday jumpers. Their time will come. Warm springs, rubbish summers and glorious autumns seems to be the pattern at the moment and being an autumn fan, these weeks are pretty glorious. As the world goes to hell in a handcart, at least there's a good show going on outside.

After the show yesterday I bundled off to a London art studio (not my usual haunt) to see child 2's school's art show. Here I mingled effortlessly with teachers and arty types, eating nibbles, pointing and nodding, humming and hawing and pretending to know what I was talking about. But I was impressed and said so. I haven't quite learned the vocabulary needed to survive more than a few minutes of scrutiny but am always a willing learner. If any bloggers know their stuff here, a few tips would be welcome.

2 early morning music choices today:The Lost Notebooks of Hank WIlliams and Fire-Lives by Miriam Jones. The Hank Willaims is a compilation of songs sung by Bob Dylan, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, Levon Helm and others and is a fantastic collection. The Miriam Jones was given to me by Miriam Jones and I said I'd listen. I have and I am enjoying it very much; a bit Natalie Merchant and a bit Edie Brickell I'm thinking. These are my blog accompaniments today.

Top author Bernard Cornwell today. He is one of our most popular writers of historical fiction and the creator of rifleman Richard Sharpe. This book takes us to 9th century Wessex and the years that followed the death of Alfred the Great. It is called "Death of Kings" and Bernard will be here after 6.

Tunes today please inspired by the story of Rihanna being evicted from a field by an irate Northern Irish farmer. Her state of undress were too much and deemed 'inappropriate'. It is a story which offers an international pop star, farmers and raunchy behaviour. What more could you want?

Have a sartorially elegant yet appropriate day, see you after 5

Another blog from the coffee shop. It is strangely deserted for some reason and I'm beginning to wonder whether it's a bank holiday and I've missed the schedule telling me there's no show. But I've checked the paper; we are on as normal. This is good news as it's a perky little show we have lined up.

First things first. Ralph McTell was much appreciated yesterday. Emails and texts cascaded in after he'd sung "Streets of London". His other stuff is great but this was the song people wanted to hear- I was grinning from ear to ear as played the opening bars. Humility and talent is a winning combination and that is what we had in spades yesterday. Nice one Ralph.

We have more live music today. When I was standing in for a few weeks on Drivetime in 2009, a blind aboriginal singer by the name of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu blew a lot of listeners away with his extraordinary voice. You might remember that he only speaks a very few words of English and it's his bass player who does the talking. He sings in the Yolngu language and it his voice that, if you missed it last time will make you stop and listen.

And the 'hello there' at the top today is to honour BLUE PETER, today's oldies theme. They have just moved the whole show to Manchester and celebrated another birthday as the world's longest running children's tv show. Their traditional annual may have been axed but we salute the spirit of John Noakes et al with BLUE PETER tunes as you see fit.

The coffee shop is now full of screeching women and it's time to go. Have a charming and delightful Tuesday, see you after 5.

Greetings to bloggers all, old and new, those observing and those participating. I love it when a new name drops in and says they've been reading for a while but not joining in- until now. Step forward and be named! It's time to come out of that blogging closet! You too can have a virtual party on Friday night!

Anyway, you're all welcome and hope your weekend was everything you wanted it to be. Mine was spent in Edinburgh attending the wedding of my godson (castle, salmon, beef, haggis, whisky). Memorably, it was my first humanist wedding. The irony was not lost on the assembled god parents . I was just glad not to be swathed in bandages. I had forgotten my razor and Mrs M declared that I had missed a few bristles. With no time to find a new one and not fancying her offer to pluck them individually, I had to resort to snipping each offending hair with nail clippers. My hand was steady, my aim was true. I don't recommend it unless the curve of your chin matches the curve of your clippers. You could always try the toe nail clippers for the tough ones I suppose.

But enough personal grooming advice and on with the show... Today we welcome Ralph McTell to Drivetime. He's off on tour and has a new compilation called 'Songs for Six Strings' out. He has written and recorded more than 300 songs over the decades and still associated with the Ivor Novello winning "Streets of London" which he'll sing tonight (I think). I'm looking forward to hearing it again without the choirs and orchestra that were on the 1974 hit single version and hoping Ralph still loves playing it! It is quite possible he doesn't and has written many other fine tunes (personal favourite being 'Naomi' which is lovely) which get's ignored. And now I think of it, I still like it even after having to sing it in school assembly. Now that's quality.

So let's do STREETS today. I guess we could extend that to ROADS and AVENUES too if you fancy. I draw the line at cul-de-sacs which my French teaching mother always said was very rude.

Have a perky and chipper Monday, see you after 5

Pink fluffy clouds have appeared through my skylight here which bodes well for a warm autumnal day. As mentioned here yesterday, a sunny and warm autumn is a wonderful thing (baby) and here's hoping. Might not get to see too much of it today however, what with it being Friday and all.

Blog titles were queried and answered I think. The retro thing was a prawn cocktail reference and '24 and there's so much more' is indeed a line from Neil Young's "Old Man'. Sometimes they don't mean anything really just a phrase that sort of fits.

Busy Friday and weekend ahead. Job number 1 is where can I get New Zealand dollars with no notice (I'm not expecting answers here) Job number 2 is to have meetings with important people about important things (or not as the case may be) and then to the movie show and Mark with our guest Tom Wilkinson who stars with Helen Mirren in The Debt about which I have blogged already. It might be one of those days when we plan to talk movies but news events wander our way as well.

Then the imperious luxury of the Central Line will shuttle me to R2 for the all request Friday. Having consumed the losers snacks as provided by loser Matt, we kick off the ARF and so we need an ARFO and your inspiration is sought one more time should you feel moved.

With apologies to Billie of the blog for calling her Mr, have a guilt-free and satisfying Friday see you after 2&5.

Morning to all you bloggers new and old and those who pop over on an occasional basis. Thanks to all for the birthday greetings yesterday, most appreciated (as in 'they were most appreciated' not 'most of them were appreciated and others weren't'). It being a regular school and work day it was pretty full on but managed a screening of the new Helen Mirren/Tom Wilkinson movie "The Debt", then a quick lunch with Mrs M, followed by an interview with Tom for Friday's film show on 5 Live. What a top bloke Tom is. It was "The Full Monty" that propelled him to stardom back in 1997 and America loves him; "Shakespeare in Love", the "Batman" films, "In The Bedroom", Michael Clayton and many others testify to his skills as an actor. And he's 63 and looking terrific! Hooray for maturity and wisdom! and hooray for age and enlightenment!

As it turns out, Neil Finn is the same age as me and as yesterday proved, he is on top form. Those harmonies were something to behold I thought. No idea how old Prof Umlaut is but he was a star too. Now you've heard Motörhead and Mötley Crüe pronounced correctly, life can never be the same.

Post show, We had a take away, some fizz and an episode of our new favourite box set show "Modern Family". Now that's a party.

Nigel says it's Prawn Cocktail today. Hmmm. He's going to have work hard on that one. Still the naffest of starters (though the best of crisps) I can't imagine ever ordering one in restaurant. Let's see what Nigel can conjure... And for songs today I think we should herald the AUTUMNAL EQUINOX on Friday. AUTUMN and EQUINOX in er, equal measure (no we haven't done it this year, that was end of summer!) Have a care-free and optimistic Thursday, see you after 5.

I am contemplating the passing of years. I haven't come to any conclusions but my contemplation will continue all day. I'm sure somewhere I'm still 32 but so far I haven't found any evidence to back that up. A colleague has told me (as I have mentioned before) that Freud thought your 50's are your most creative decade. I shall cling to that thought today.

In fact I am resolving to dress like Kid Creole. He still cut a dash as he arrived at our studios yesterday. Stylish and clever, it took just the brief lift journey (floors 1-6) to win Sally over.

Today the equally cool Neil Finn arrives at Drive in the guise of "The Pajama Club", his latest band. It's another age and stage affair I think as this band features Neil's wife Sharon. They were empty nesters and came to the conclusion they might as well do something useful with their time. They had instruments and a studio to hand, it all seems obvious really. I shall suggest to Mrs M that we embark on some grand project together as soon as child 3 departs. By which time, Child 1 and possibly 2 will be back anyway so this'll have to wait Anyway I have a lovely writing book and some binoculars to play with as well as some clothes to model...

Can we manage songs of MATURITY and WISDOM? I hope so. Songs about not being quite so young are to be treasured and I suspect you have a secret stash ready to go anyway.

Have a dignified and sprightly Wednesday, see you after 5,

Morning to bloggers everywhere from the post school run cafe of choice where I lurk with yummy mummys, tardy students and assorted nannys. In amongst the buggies, school bags and sleeping vagrants, I am inconspicuous. Currently, I am resisting the siren call of the pastries and croissants as only darkness can follow. They offer brief thrills followed by a long period of reflection and guilt. I chose the path of fruit, yoghurt and righteousness. And then a Twix in the car.

Loved the umlaut and Ford Anglia stuff yesterday. You really never know what's going to take off. We shall return to these topics I feel but there is a lot of love for the Ford Anglia (more than for the umlaut anyway) and I suspect it's a first girlfriend, first record bought sort of thing. And as for discovering the extra punctuation available, well my cup runneth over. Today as I have to be portable, I am typing on one of those pad-based devices (whatever does he mean?) and I can do so much. I can do a ü (lovely) or a ū (quite nice) a ú, a ù, and also a û which is rather satisfying. Emboldened I have found ø, ø, ç, č and å. Such fun. Anyway, I am now ready for Dr Mösh tomorrow.

Today then we welcome Kid Creole to Drivetime. Rebecca will love this as his classic tunes come from that narrow window of time that contained music she remembers. "Tropical Gangsters" in 1982 was the album everybody had and I remember a fine gig at Nottingham's Rock City when we envied both his suits and his coconuts. His new album is "I Wake Up Screaming" and he's here after 6 (obviously not here in the coffee shop, that would be dumb. And by then the pastry temptation would be too much).

And tunes today please for ITALY and the ITALIANS as their economy goes down the tubes. We did a similar thing with the Greeks and that clearly helped a lot. It's the least we can do.

Have a fiscally solvent and debt-free Tuesday, see you after 5.

I've no idea what it's supposed to do either. And whatever it is, it doesn't do it anyway. But then there are many keys that baffle and consequently are not used. For example, when should I use §? Not sure ^ will get much of a look in either. Might try to work a quick ± in the blog and see if anyone notices. I quite fancy an umlaut button for Dr Mosh days now I come to think of it. The whole of Germanic punctuation is quite fun, particularly the ... ellipsis which they call die Auslassungspunkte (spell check in melt down-ha!) I would also like to use the ß as it looks fun and more enjoyable than sz. Long live the eszett!

Well that was fun. Almost as enjoyable as driving 400 (±) miles to take child 1's paraphernalia to University. I actually do enjoy that drive, peering into other cars laden down with student stuff and exchanging knowing glances at the drivers. 'Nice duvet! 3 lamps? Really? Is he grateful? Back in time for a beer?' And all the while you have both eyes on the road. Clever stuff.

I made it back in time for a visit to a London Fashion Week Do (yes I know) which a friend of mine had sorted. It was the launch of a t-shirt to advertise a charity which is an anti-slavery organisation. So all in a good cause but never have I been surrounded with so many tall, blemish-free, young model types. Not since the roadshow in Morecambe in '88 anyway. With great relief, we exited after an hour or two(±) of thumping music and got home for the end of Match of the Day. Middle age is great!

So today we gather round for another Radio 2 book club and welcome Adam Roberts with his novel "By Light Alone". It's a Science Fiction tale set about 100 years in the future where the poor are living on sunlight which they absorb through their hair; the rich don't need to eat but they do to show off. Intrigued? I hope you will be and there is a chapter here for you to read... (another Auslassungspunkte! Hooray!)

And oldies today please for the return of DOWNTON ABBEY last night. JANE EYRE is back at the movies and that whole PERIOD DRAMA thing is back with some style. But we love "Downton" and that is where we head for the tunes today.

Have a day full of wonders like §§§§ and then have a swift ^ when no one is looking.

See you at 5 (± a few minutes)

HA! Friday already and a jolly good one it'll be too. Cool and cloudy around the estate (now grass free after the teenage tramping of last weekend) but warmth on the way so maybe hang on to the summer trousers for a while yet. I wore winter trousers last week by mistake and felt heavy all day.

In my rush to avoid the tyranny of the warden I didn't mention Wednesday's gig by Silver Seas which was recommended to me and, as I have had their album for a while, didn't take much persuading. They are from Nashville and are too mainstream for 6 Music but , I suspect, a little too 6 for 2. If you see what I mean. But they are terrific and well worth seeking out. And they finished at 9.45! Time for a crème de menthe and home before 11. Simple, middle-aged pleasures.

Today is 5/2 day with Gary Oldman in for the movie show on 5 Live from 2 which is VERY GOOD NEWS indeed. Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy opens today and what a top cast there is. Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Toby Jones, John Hurt and Benedict Cumberbatch et al have produced a really compelling film. It is a slow, cerebral affair which I fear I shall have to see again before I follow every nuanced, raised eyebrow. It is set in 1973 but feels like 1963; when the spies have a Christmas party and Mud come on the speakers, it's quite a shock (this is an under-reviewed moment in the film). I never saw the TV version (but I notice it has re-appeared on DVD) so cannot compare, but this is still a million miles from the kind of spy drama we have been used to in recent years and well worth the monstrous outlay of a trip to your local popcorn dispenser.

Then to the non-stop hit-machine that is the all request Friday and that song of yours which entitles you to wear the ARFO crown for at least a week. Be inspired.

Have a breezy and optimistic Friday, see you at 2 and/or 5 on 5 and/or 2.

Tapping away outside child 3's school to get this away on time. How long can I stay in this bay? How long before one of those generous and kind-hearted wardens wanders over, smiling generously and writes me one of their notes? Let me know if you see anyone coming...

One of those mad-cap days today. Off this morning to see Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy as Gary Oldman is on the movie show tomorrow and I am really really looking forward to it. I think I watched the Alec Guinness version but I have forgotten EVERYTHING (good spy I'd make). It seems to be getting rave reviews particularly for Mr Oldman. In fact we should do TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY oldies as it seems such a fertile area for your collective wit and creativiy.

(No wardens yet)

Nigel continues his 'best of the best' series with Chow Mein, a dish I don't believe I've ever had. Or even witnessed. Or maybe I have but have forgotten EVERYTHING yet again. I'm a sweet and sour man myself but we have faith in Nigel B.

(I have got away with it. Tally-Ho!)

Have a fab and groovy Thursday, see you after 5.

Hello, good morning and welcome to our lovely blog. It's Wednesday, so automatically things are looking up. When I was stuck unhappily at one of my secondary schools, reaching Wednesday was always a good feeling as we were half way to the weekend. That feeling has never really left me and I still sometimes think of Monday and Tuesday as being the ogres of the week. Well the ogres are defeated for another week and Wednesday is dawning sunny and still here.

On the subject of computer rage and frustration which we were addressing yesterday, a solution has been found. Did it come from an expensive IT department equipped with the latest ideas and technology? No it did not. Did it come from studying the web advice and e-mailing the companies involved in producing this monstrous piece of nonsense? No, it really did not. It came from my own IT team, child 1 and child 3 who remembered a laptop with older software on it. And hey presto! Computer speaks peace to computer. All it needed was out-dated kit and sons. Priceless.

And on the subject of roundabouts and assorted irritations on the road which was being being discussed here yesterday, surely there is nothing worse than most drivers' inability to know how to turn right at a crossroads? Oh. Just me then.

So today we roll with Mick Jagger as our guest after 6. Dave Stewart told us about this superheavy band he put together with Mick and Joss Stone et al a few weeks ago, so now it's the turn of the front man to tell us more. Yes it really is Mick Jagger on Drivetime today.

And as for oldies, it's time for DINOSAURS I think. Tonight sees a new TV show on BBC1 called Planet Dinosaur narrated by John Hurt and featuring a whole lot of stomping snarling and fighting from new dinosaurs, freshly discovered, such as the Spinosaurus who was 17 metres long - apparently. Which is almost as big as Rebecca's yacht.

Have a perceptive and insightful Wednesday (nearly Thursday).

Greetings to bloggers old and new, near and far. A windy and sunny school run completed cheerily, despite a clearly organised campaign to stop me getting home, run by stupid drivers.com or some such. Someone, somewhere clearly decided that indicating left or right was somehow old-fashioned and irrelevant to modern motoring (move on Mayo, you've made your point). The other form of rage here is that based around the computer, something with which you'll be very familiar. My current unsolvable issue is trying to get my computer to read comments in a marked up document that has been sent to me, something it resolutely refuses to do. Frustratingly, this is the final edit of the novel and we are all primed for a March release but now everything has ground to a halt. I only mention this in case I appear slightly manic by the time 5pm comes around and you get concerned. Enough already.

Today Chris Rea is my guest after 6. Chris is always fascinating and passionate about his work and his latest is "Santo Spirito Blues", his first album of new material in 10 years; you may well have heard the track "Dancing My Blues Away" on Radio 2. As usual there's extra bits and pieces and Chris has shot 2 films to go with the project and all will be explained tonight.

And for oldies, I think we should do ROALD DAHL tunes. You'll have heard about the campaign to raise £500,000 to move/save the hut/shed he wrote in as it succumbs to the elements. This is where he created The BFG, Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Matilda (add your favourite favourite here) so let's do ROALD DAHL please and let your imagination run wild (which sounds like hard work, so just send in the first thing you think of if you prefer).

Have an optimistic and cheery Tuesday, see you after 5

I have emerged. I have surveyed the scene. And all is well. Our banishment to a friend's house as child 2 ran the show for her 18th on Friday was a nervy affair for us (take away, dvd, chat etc). But it seems to have been a spectacular success with (in general) good behaviour all-round and child 1 and his mates running the security with vim and vigour. A stroke of genius; a new career path has opened up. We cleared up all Saturday, constantly surprised how far the bottle tops and cake slices could be spread, just in time for the family gathering yesterday. I should have been in Hyde Park of course but was never sure that the "I have to go now as I've got to introduce Bellowhead" argument was ever going to sound very impressive. So we ran our own hospitality tent, danced to Bear In The Big Blue House and ate copious amounts of coleslaw (a slight over-order with 3 vats left. Let me know if you'd like any for your lunch). Was tempted to keep the Indian-style gazebo for a few more days but that wind is picking up...

So today we welcome Melanie C to Drivetime, she has a new album called 'Think About It'. I'm still recovering from being sat on by all 5 Spice Girls in Southend. I might send her my osteopath bills.

And songs today for BANKS and BANKERS as new plans are announced to, well, it's about ring fencing the er, making sure that no one will um, be too big to fail etc Anyway Rebecca will understand doubtless. Our job is merely to find songs which might fit the bill, starting maybe with Mary Poppins and Fidelity Fiduciary Bank. Now that was a bank you'd give your tuppence to.

Anyway have a mature and reflective Monday, see you after 5.

Love this busy blog! Thanks for all the memories and comments yesterday, it'll be an interesting day. I don't think I mentioned that September 11th is child 2's birthday and after the programme in 2001 drove home to be jolly for her 8th birthday party. So yes, we are now deep into the 18th party plans which spreads over the whole weekend. It starts tonight with hundreds of teens descending on Mayo Mansions. We are not welcome and are under instructions to make ourselves scarce. Movie, friends, whatever. That's fine by me as I'll know I'll just walk around tut-tutting in a middle-aged way "I think that's your 13th beer sonny." "No you can't ring for pizzas." "No we don't have any Napoleon vintage brandy, try cider."

Think I'll booby-trap the trampoline and barricade upstairs. A day to clear up and then the family all arrive (must remember to de-fuse the trampoline by then as you know what the grandparents are like).

I'm looking forward to Monday already.

2 show Friday. To 5 Live for some movie talk with Mark and Michael Fassbender, star of the latest Jane Eyre adaptation (and pretty much everything else at the moment). Then to the mighty ARF so pick that ARFO with care and deliberation.

Have a splendid and intoxicating Friday, see you after 2 and 5.

A 300+ day on the blog is a very busy one indeed and pleased to see us mousy blondes getting the credit we deserve. ("It's not blonde Dad it's brown" says child 2, fresh from her highlights). The Western theme was terrific I thought and we had loads ready to go (Cher, Ennio M, Bon Jovi etc) but then Julian Lennon and the Dr. Mosh took centre stage and they missed out. We shall do it again I'm sure.

Today is a bit full on (hence blog brevity). This morning I'm recording a 2 hour programme at 5Live for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, then to a Drivetime record of Sir Mick Jagger for broadcast next week. Then, finally to the R2 studio.

The 9/11 programme will revisit many of the people we spoke to on the afternoon of September 11th 2001. I was on air when the first plane hit, watched the second plane hit and by the time we came off air at 4, both towers had collapsed. The full emotional impact didn't hit till the following day so the programme was filled with shock, stunned voices; emergency workers, politicians, New Yorkers, journalists all trying to tell the story. At the time it was a very confusing one with reports of car bombs in Washington and many many planes unaccounted for. I haven't listened to the programme since then but we'll play quite a lot of it today. It goes out on Saturday night at 8pm.

Then to Mick's penthouse somewhere to talk about his new Superheavy band with Dave Stewart and Joss Stone and then, finally, to Drivetime and the promise of Nigel's sticky toffee pudding as a bonus.

And for oldies, let's do the RUGBY WORLD CUP which kicks off tomorrow in NZ where the hosts take on Tonga. Plenty of room for blog inventiveness there!

Have a tip-top and top-hole Thursday, see you after 5

Hmmm (stands in front of class) It seems some of you have been misbehaving. It seems some of you find it funny to fantasise about ginger haired folk and make carry-on references and expect the rest of us to guffaw along with you. Even if we did, that's no excuse. You must stay on the blog all day until you have learned that mousy blondes win every time. Carry on.

A lively blog indeed, a fine achievement. Was it just the rustle of undergarments or something about the turn of the season? Who knows. Let's see if the mood continues today... Wasn't Nick Lowe just terrific? It is rare for a performer to get better with age but if you listen to his 'Alison' rendition, his voice is on top form. The album is lovely and whether he was visited by his alter-ego 'The Bloke' or not, it's a great collection of songs.

Today we welcome Julian Lennon to Drivetime with a new album. I'm wondering whether to tell him my roadshow story or not. I have mentioned before that at a Radio 1 Roadshow in 1991 (I think) I introduced Julian by saying something like "Would you welcome to the St Austell roadshow...with a rare appearance in the UK...ladies and gentlemen...John Lennon!" Fortunately, the only people who didn't notice were Julian and me, so Saltwater was duly sung and no damage done. Maybe it's time to confess. Julian on from 6.

The oldies were terrific fun I thought yesterday and just a shame and I didn't get to play "Big Man' by the 4 Preps which would have been the icing on the cake (included for the first line if you're wondering). Today I think we should do WESTERNS. The shortlist for the Booker prize includes a western for the first time, called 'The Sisters Brothers' by Patrick deWitt set in 19th century Sierra Nevada. The WESTERN is back apparently so let's get the oldies sorted!

Have a comfortable and straightforward Wednesday, see you after 5.

Well it's blowing a fierce one here. Wouldn't be surprised if we get some seaweed on the windows before the day is through (yes I would). No walking the estate this morning. If I had hatches etc. Well yesterday was a fine creative mess indeed. I'll explain more about our Jews harp man. Having decided to follow up the Jews harp wisdom from last Thursday, we found Peter Hope-Evans on-line as a noted harmonica and Jews harp specialist. We also wanted to play some Medicine Head as I remembered seeing them on TOTP with some harp action. I have to be honest however and tell you that I didn't realise Peter WAS the bloke from Medicine Head in the first place! His music sounded slightly clearer than his words I would say, but I loved the sounds he made. I think he had a good time in the 70s.

He would have been a contemporary of my guest today, the one and only Nick Lowe. Elvis Costello spoke passionately when he came on the show about the genius of Nick Lowe and that it was only his innate modesty that has stopped him being realised as the genius he is. He played once when I sat in for JW on his Sunday afternoon show and Elvis has it spot on. His new album is called 'At My Age' and he'll play live after 6.

And songs today please for DAVID WALLIAMS SWIMMING THE THAMES for sport relief. He had to don the wetsuit to replace his trunks as it was all too cold and was actually turning blue. So that'll do nicely!

So have a wild and stimulating Tuesday, see you after 5.

Ah yes I remember this. The Sunday night scramble for missing books/clothing/kit/equipment as the new school year beckons. Child 2 back today, child 3 not till Wednesday (cue bragging rights in the vacation stakes) and the fun starts again. The kids don't look forward to it but the parents are, by and large, waiting for the moment when they get to do their own stuff again. We have all run out of activities, play dates, trips and anything with imagination involved. It is time for the teachers to work their magic. Thank you teachers we love you.

And I bet (as I might have mentioned before) I'm not the only adult who still gets the odd, brief pang of nerves as the season changes. There's something I think about the dampness and chill in the air that triggers the decades old butterflies to briefly take flight again. Or then again, maybe it is just me...anyway we should do BACK TO SCHOOL as the oldies today. Some schools have been back for a while I know but today is the big day for most so lets do the tunes to mark the moment. University students will be with us for while yet... And our latest Radio 2 Book Club offering is Joe Dunthorne's "Wild Abandon". It has a subtitle of 'The last day on earth is coming. Bring your own booze'. It is set in a commune in Wales that is, frankly, going down the pan and it has a great ensemble of characters. The rebels are the teenagers who think a normal life with a house and a car would be just fine thank you very much. We have chapter or 2 to download here so you have a look yourself. Joe is on after 6.

Meantime have a breezy and confident Monday, see you after 5.

Morning. Estate wandering over (ducking under trampoline, avoiding fox poo around the shed, observing the need for a new lawn etc) it feels like a rather lovely day today. It might not last long but September sun is a splendid thing and there's that 'enjoy it while you can' feeling to everyday. Might even wear shorts (no I won't).

The return of two show Friday today with the 5 Live film show back from its summer rest with Mark in Shetland where he curates the Shetland Film Festival every year. We are hoping that Jim Broadbent will be our guest along with Simon Armitage and it will be splendid to be back to catch up with all the summer's films. Which Mark won't have seen. Oh well.

Then it'll be back to the good old Central Line to hurtle me to Radio 2 for the All Request Friday. Choose that song with a spring in your step and hat at a jaunty angle. And if you choose the same song every week and we never pick it, try a different one and see what happens. Which might be that we still don't pick it but we will at least discuss and weigh your thoughts.

Also looking forward to the Matt/Rebecca Friday cakes as their quiz-losing tally makes it their turn. Prediction: Matt brings a tub of flap jacks and Rebecca a cheap packet of biscuits if she remembers at all. Just cos she loses every week, it's no excuse really.

Have a glad and optimistic Friday. See you after 2 and/or 5.

Bright sunny September skies here and very welcome too. Child 1 up at 4am for some last minute holiday extravaganza but I did my fatherly 'waving off' routine before retiring one more time. I then dreamt about Bono commissioning a film from Sally Traffic about a Palestinian who's identity I didn't catch. What's that about? My theory about dreams is that they mean ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and it's just your brain throwing random stuff together but hey, there's no book in that, no career in interpretation beckoning. I will check with Sally but it sounds er, unlikely to me.

Anyway here we are with some of Nigel's cooking to look forward to and today it's his version of Toad in the hole. Now obviously this is essentially sausages and Yorkshire pudding batter so what will Nige do to make it sparkle? No idea of course but my guess is sausages. He'll have found the world's best sausages made from the world's most content and attractive pigs and hand crafted by farmers around their kitchen table while drinking cider and discussing EU subsidies. True? Bet I'm not far off... And oldies today on the subject of BEING FAMOUS. This is because the Hollywood Walk of Fame people are refusing to admit reality TV stars (hooray) and Kim Kardashian and friends are up in arms about it. FAME and BEING FAMOUS should do us fine.

Have a sparkly and glam Wedneday, see you after 5.