Good Morning Simon, Team and Blogpoppets



I've never been to Canada either, and I would also love to go. Maybe we should have our next blogmeet there - and combine it with a DT 'special' with all the team...



Tricky one today. Saw the theme on Twitter a little while ago, but I've been struggling to come up with any good suggestions. Best I can do is:



#Canadianoldies



WATERFALLS - Paul McCartney (for Niagara falls)



LAND OF THE ICE AND SNOW - Led Zeppelin



COLD AS ICE - Foreigner



IN A BIG COUNTRY - Big Country



THE STRANGER - Billy Joel



MAPLE LEAF RAG - Scott Joplin



~X~

Morning Simon & everyone



Cool. sunny, the odd shower - definitely time for the winter duvet I think





HELPLESS - NEIL YOUNG



THE CUTTER - RUNRIG (When you arrived in Canada ..)



CANADIAN RAILROAD TRILOGY - GORDON LIGHTFOOT (I know, it’s long)



FAREWELL TO NOVA SCOTIA - THE REAL MCKENZIES / IRISH ROVERS (or loads of other folk)



A CASE OF YOU - JONI MITCHELL



THE SPIRIT OF RADIO - RUSH



JOURNEY THROUGH THE PAST - NEIL YOUNG



LETTER FROM AMERICA - THE PROCLAIMERS

Good morning all from a damp but mild place this morning



WRECK OF THE EDMUND FITZGERALD = GORDON LIGHTFOOD

(a Canadian I believe with lots of references to the Great Lakes in the lyrics)

Buffalo Stance- Neneh Cherry#

Big COuntry - Big Country

Kings of the wild frontier - Adam and the Ants

Many River to Cross - UB40

Mountains - Biffy Clyro

Orinoco Flow - Enya

Starlight - Muse (Midnight Sun)

Stop the Cavalry - Jona Lewis (for the Mounties)

Eye of the Tiger - Survivor (For Rocky- poor pun sorry)

Walk on the wild side - Lou Reed

Waterfall - Stone Roses

Dont speak french - Girls Aloud?

Morning All,



Hope all is well in blogland.



Mightly trcksy theme but I'll go for:-



Big Area - Then Jericho



Shall have a big think and maybes be back later.



A.

LUMBERJACK SONG - MONTY PYTHON

Good Morning Each!



'Canadian Railroad Trilogy' by Gordon Lightfoot



'Rocky Mountain Way' by Joe Walsh

Rocky mountain high - John Denver.



( I know, I know Colorado!)

Good morning all!



First saw the theme on Twitter and immediately thought that Sallie Traffic could be right with todays theme 'What can you possibly play on that theme?'



However, the brilliant suggestions above have inspired me, so hows about:



Rocky Mountain High - John Denver





....bet someone sneaks in before me! ;-)



mc x

Good morning all - it has been a very wet night and it is still raining now.



Due to a combination of local flooding and road accidents, the roads around here are gridlocked (according to my regular taxi driver) and so we called off my weigh-in trip as we could have been out most of the day!



Canada - I was lucky enough to go about 15 years ago. We stayed with friends in Toronto and they took us out and about for the 3 weeks we were there - a beauiful, clean country with miles of space to enjoy. I'll tell more later...



Choons ......



Can I second The Land of ice and snow - Led Zep - great choon



Off to research more



JW

Pah!! What did I tell you? Sal you did indeed sneak in. :-)



Anyway, Colorado, schmolorado! Rockies are in Canada too!

Morning Simon, team, NYM and marvellous bloggers



Apologoes for absinthe yesterday. Will catch up later.



Canada, eh? GoodSon#2 had the good fortune to be born there, so is the proud holder of a Canadian passport and can go and live there whenever he wants. It's a wonderful place, from coast to coast, and all places in between. I totally recommend it for family holidays, city holidays, adventure holidays, and the great outdoors. It's my 2nd spiritual home, and one day we will return .



But not so easy for tunes, apart from all the great Canadian artists (who most of the time we think of as American!). A bit like the reverse situation for American backpackers in Europe, who tend to say they're Canadian so they don't get so much hassle!



#canadaoldies



THIS IS NOT AMERICA - David Bowie



Off to have another thunk.

MAPLE LEAF RAG - Emerson Lake And Palmer



MADONNA - Frozen



THE KINKS - Victoria (capital of British Colombia)

Hoots Mon - Lord Rockingham XI



for the line.. There's a moose loose aboot this hoose!

FAR FROM HOME - NEIL YOUNG



NORTHWEST PASSAGE - STAN ROGERS

#12 brilliant suggestion!



#14 lol I thought of suggesting that too!

'Ice Hockey Hair' by Super Furry Animals



'Some Trivial Pursuit' by Krystle Warren

LAND OF THE SILVER BIRCH, HOME OF THE BEAVER - numerous artistes - I'm sure we used to sing this at school a few years ago ;0)

SNOWBIRD - ANNE MURRAY (also Canadian)

While we were there, we went white water rafting so how about



DUELLING BANJOS from the film DELIVERANCE - all about the great outdoors (amongst other things!)

MISS CHATELAINE - kd lang

Morning all



First thoughts:



'Walk Out To Winter' - Aztec Camera

'Caribou' - The Pixies



Need to ask my Husky for some inspiration today!



N xx

Not enough Canuck music on the wireless...





Long Gone to Saskatchewan - Corb Lund





Keep it Canadian Country!

BORN TO BE WILD - STEPPENWOLF - out of the cities there is space to do more or less what you want

JBG - without wishing to blow smoke etc that Bowie suggestion is one of the best suggestions for a theme in recent memory. I went out with a Canadian girl once who pointed out that all Canadians have the Maple Leaf on everything as if to make it quite clear thank you that they are NOT Americans!



MY suggestion:



BABY, ITS COLD OUTSIDE - TOM J & CERYS M

Morning Warmth Ter Si Pal (Camden Style!!!!) (not Gangham) & ALL...



Bingo Star 'ere...



All the rain we're getting the past few days is not putting me off me cycle training!!!!!

Am so committed and determined ter succeed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And me times are dropping steadily!!!!!!!!

On Saturdee a went out on the promenade on The Wirral and smashed me time with a new fastest AND this included against a brisk 10mph 'eadwind... A new time of 47.27.... 2 minutes faster than me previous best!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then last night coming 'ome from work a really suprsied meself.... DEspite very wet conditions and a VERY nasty 23mph south blowing side and at times slight 'ead wind a did me 10km ride in 21.44!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's getting equal ter me best but in good conditions!!!!!!!

For sure soon a will smashing that ellusive 20 minute barrier daily!!!!!!!!!!



Ave lost a stone but still i'm 96kgs... 27 more than Bradley Wiggans!!!!!!!!

And me cycle is 7kg 'eavier!!!!!!!!!

So it's like entering a race but being told oh by the way ter gonna 'ave a 34kg bag of cement strapped ter yer bicycle!!!!!!!!!

Imagine that against the likes of Wiggo lad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Rio 2016.... Am trying.... Am trying and loving every minute if am 'onest despite the pain at times and nasty weather!!!!!!!!!

A thrive on a project/ challenge that a feel a can get somewhere with!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



From Yesterdee's blog:



Sunny Side Sal - THe BIG Q did yer get 'is autograph too!!!!!!!!



Vilden - Yerv 'it the nail on the 'ead... DAT was/ is the tune a was on about!!!!!!!!

Did Si play it?????



PS Terdee's tune - Shania Twain - That ego tune.... Yer know the 'a can't believe yer kissed yer car tonight tune!!!!!'

Morning All,



'Rocky Mountain Way' Joe Walsh



Have a good day everybody

Hi Simon and everyone



Thank you for my mention yesterday Simon and congrats to Zoe and tickling lurker!



Deebee your're right I thought hard theme when I read it on Twitter!



Anyway here goes:



1. RUN TO YOU - Bryan Adams ( the ultimate Canadian!!)

2. RIVER DEEP MOUNTAIN HIGH - Ike and Tina Turner

3. THERE'S A MOOSE LOOSE ABOUT THIS HOOSE - Lord Rockingham XI

4. BIG AREA - Then Jericho

5. EYE OF THE TIGER - Survivor ( Theme from ROCKY!)

6. DISCO - OTTAWAn



Off for a think!



Laters



Mandy ;)

#25 Cheers Jeff, I'll take it! Yes, they're really sensitive about it - I'm highly tuned to listen to the accent, and can spot the difference within a few seconds. Still get a thrill when I hear the national anthem, Oh Canada, and know all the words after attending too many ice hockey games - was delighted to be able to singalong in the Olympic Park this summer!

CANADIAN PACIFIC - GEORGE HAMILTON IV

Morning all



My blogging time seems to be somewhat sparse of late and I feel somewhat guilty that I only make it in to choon-chase. What a theme!



Ride Forever - Paul Gross (from Due South)

Ride a White Horse - Goldfrapp (more Mounties)

Gold - Spandau Ballet (for the Yukon gold-rush)

Forgot abit:



Last night a can really feel the anger and power in me legs.... Me legs are rock solid now all over.... They are developing naturally with all the cycling i'm doing... And what with still renovating me 'ouse am not fully training yet!!!!!!!!



Now am rebuilding me whole kitchen: out with the door, in new windows, ceiling, walls, electrics, gaspipe then whole new sink, cabinets, worktops, tiles, floor tiles.... Then at last a will 'ave kitchen and a fridge.... Something ave done without for over a year!!!!!!!!

A can really concentrate eating correct for me cycling.... I love tuna salads... Chicken salads.... All good for cycling and a dily bit of beetroot ter boot!!!!!!!!!!!!



Then on top[ of that when a finish me 'ouse next year a can start going the gym ter strengthen me legs muscles so there's an insane amount of power ter blast up 'ills and through the wind!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And a need ter work on me fitness and stamina by training for 2 'ours at a 'igh cadence on a turbo trainer (DIY rolling road for cycles!!!!)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Practised abit yesterdee cadence training on me way ter work.... Selected a medium gear and rode for 5 minutes and the crazy cadence of 120rpm!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Wiggo average the Tour DeFrance at 94!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I struggle ter cruise above 80 presently so still maybe only got 60 per cent the fitness of a top pro cyclist.... Alot of work to do but am up for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Hi All,



A Case Of You - Joni Mitchell



LB, x

Vildeen....



Carry me 3000 miles... Oh dear, why do I remember that song so well! Goes back to see what year it was. Yikes!

Autumn Gale - That's apropriate The Paul Gross tune.... A was thinking of 'im as people said I used ter be the exact double of 'im when a was 30!!!!!!!!!!!!



And 'Ride Forever'..... Ok 'is was for 'orses but am thinking cycling forever riding!!!!!!!!!!!

Amelia - I'll gladly 2nd/3rd whatever your Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell suggestions. On this grey and damp and gloomy Tuesday, I'm not sure that drowning in melancholic Canadian tunes is the best medicine, but kd lang is already blasting out and Sarah MacLachlan is waiting in the wings....

Much relief, twas only 1969, must have been one of my parents songs of choice at the time.



Right on with the painting.



Splish splash and thats the paint, not the rain, which seems to have let up for now.

#12 JBG - yep, fantastic choice!



I loved the Michael Morpurgo interview yesterday and, as with most of the interviews, wished it was longer too.



I’ve only been to Canada once but I loved it. America but better. I was in Toronto and Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is fun, just the right side of tacky and there is some fantastic countryside 10 minutes away. And the astonishing powers of the falls does take your breath away. Definitely a country I want to explore.



I was about to ask about today’s blog title but a little googling gave me the answer - not the shortest song ever!



From yesterday - I do share many of Zoe’s thoughts on Christmas especially around the pressure and commercialism. Religious or otherwise a celebration in the depths of winter is of course a good idea but there should be no mention it ANYWHERE until 1 December AT THE VERY EARLIEST. Being asked in November “am I organised for Christmas” makes me want to scream. Although my mother would probably have had the sprouts on by now.



And yes it is too early for Christmas songs, even Fairytale of New York.

AFTER THE GOLDRUSH - NEIL YOUNG

We have friends who live in Canada for 6 months of the year and they wait for the first appearance of a bear in their 'back garden', so......



RUNNING BEAR - JOHNNY PRESTON



TEDDY BEAR - ELVIS



THE BEAR (!) NECESSITIES - from THE JUNGLE BOOK



I think I need an early lunch....................



JW

FOUR STRONG WINDS - Neil Young or the original by Ian & Sylvia





"I think I'll go out to Alberta, Weather's good there in the fall"

#36 JBG - thanks John, I do like how tune choosing tends to dictate what I listen to for the rest of the morning, Joni Mitchell and now a bit of Bowie. Not the other 2 you mentioned however!



I really want my Runrig choice to be played, it is a fantastic song and bring back so many memories.



The dog has decided that I’ve sat here for long enough and is sticking his snout under my arm with some considerable force.

#34 - Sunny Side Up Sal - 1969 seems like only yesterday!

#38 Thanks for the reminder, Amelia! Putting the sprouts on now so they should be ready by the 25th! ;-)



Not sure whether it is because my children are all grown up now, but I agree with Zoe and Amelia. I feel that the true spirit of Christmas is being swamped by a tide of tat that most can ill afford.

Morning all (just!)



How about:



BLUE CANADIAN ROCKIES - THE BYRDS



Or



OH CANADA - KATHLEEN EDWARDS

Carly Simon - You're so Vain "Then you flew your lear jet up to Nova Scotia"

Any excuse to play it really!!!

Love

Clare

Talking of Joni Mitchell, the boxed set of her first ten studio albums arrived yesterday. Need a couple of days off to listen to it, and a mgnifying glass to read the lyrics on the individual sleeves :-)

Scott Joplin "Maple Leaf Rag"

I absolutely agree with the comments about Christmas. It has become tacky and commercial, and starts far too early - and with all that build up, when the day actually arrives it is often a bit of a let-down. And the Christmas 'message' appears to have been totally lost amoung all the hype. It actually makes me quite cross... And if anyone dares utter the words "happy holidays" in my hearing, I will not be responsible for my actions. Goodwill to all men...?



*bah humbug*



;o)

hi everyone



waterfall-simple minds



rocky mountain high-john denver



rocky mountain way-joe walsh

Agree with Neil Young's "Four Strong Winds", and anything about mountains by John Denver, but how about "The Hockey Song" by Stompin' Tom Connors? Yes, Canada is a beautiful country. But just remember, you can call an American anything you want but if you call a Canadian an American, be prepared to run - very fast!!

KEITH DON'T GO by NILS LOFGREN (Keith don't go up to TORONTO)

BABY BABY by JUSTIN BIEBER

YOU'RE HAVING MY BABY by PAUL ANKA

YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHING YET by BACHMAN TURNER OVERDRIVE

#44 Molly Coddle - yep, I hate tat with a passion but love your expression “a tide of tat”.



#46 Planet Clare - hello - I like your Carly Simon suggestion



#49 Deebee - bah humbug I think is going to be my christmas blog name

#49, Bah Humbug indeed DeeBee. What's up wi' Happy Holidays?



A.

What a great idea - playing Supper's Ready on DT ! It has nothing to do with Canada, but takes almost as long to play as it would take to get there. I once saw Genesis play it live (that was before they started turning into the Phil Collins Band).



As all my ideas have already been suggested, all I can do is endorse all suggestions for



Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Rush, Neil Young, BTO and Joe Walsh - Rocky Mountain Way. I even had Ottowan's DISCO in mind as a potential HOIB offering, but even that has been suggested already.



I've never been there either, but I have a friend who goes regularly and have now met most of her friends who live there. In truth they are nearly all UK born, but one is a real Canadian. I think I can identify a Canadian accent now but the safe option is to ask which part of North America one comes from. The US citizen probably won't notice but the Canadian will be pleased you realise Canada exists.

Lunch today - homemade broccoli & lentil soup - tasted much better than it looked!



Now, fun trip to the bank.

Summer of 69 by Bryan Adams

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by William Shatner (although I prefer his version of Common People)



I also second the Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin (aka the Land of the Ice and Snow!)

Amelia, if I never hear another Runrig song my entire life it won't be too soon. Nothing against them particularly but I went to a New Year's Eve do in Edinburgh in about 1993/4 and they were the headline in the park. The weather was bitingly cold (especially for a slack-jawed southerner), all the pubs shut at 10.30pm (surely that doesn't still happen?) so that the bar staff could enjoy the festivities and we queued for about 45 minutes 1 out 1 in at the off licence in a panic at 10.30pm before going down to the park. My wife got horrificly drunk on Southern Comfort and Lemonade mixed in the lemonade bottle and got lost in the crowds on the way back to the flat we were sharing with friends that we'd only seen briefly in daylight having never been to Edinburgh before (or since). She eventually found the flat at about 5am with her dress a solid sheet of ice and all of us in a panic as to where she was. It'd be funny if it wasn't just about the most horrendous night ever. I have blamed Runrig ever since.....

Further to my posting above (#55), even my thought of a seasonal blog name has been suggested (Amelia - #53). I'll borrow an idea from the Marx Brothers, then and try Sanity Claws. (But every one knows there ain't no Sanity Claws).



While on the Canadian theme, there is a quirky Canadian TV programme called 'Being Erica'. Should appeal to at least a couple of our number...

OK, I've had lunch and sensibilities have been restored ;0)



The flight over to Canada was supposed to be direct to Toronto, but we had to stop at Goose Bay, Labrador, as fuel was needed but we weren't allowed off the plane. It is mostly used as an air force base with some passenger planes refuelling there.



We had a wonderful 3 week holiday based in Toronto, staying with friends. They took us to all the touristy bits as well as the wilds of the country where we went whitewater rafting, which was exhilerating and great fun.



We also went to Niagara Falls where my lovely Mr had arranged for us to stay overnight in a hotel overlooking the Falls. This was a sort of honeymoon which we hadn't had when we married and it was a lovely surprise.



We went to a joust and as it was my Mr's birthday, he was 'knighted' - we have the paperwork to prove it - ;0)



We were introduced to baseball by going to see The Toronto Blue Jays.



Overall, we had a tremendous time and would recommend it to anyone.



JW

#59 - I have watched said quirky programme Being Erica and enjoyed it.



There have been a few Canadian Programmes that I have nejoyed over the last few years but at this moment in time the names elude me.



A.

#53 - Amelia - Hi....You're the 1st person EVER to reply to any of my messages on here - Thank youuuuuuuuu!!!! Happy bunny now xXx hee hee!!!

Helloooooo Planet Clare, golly two months of posting and your first Helloooo.



Standards are slipping.



Have a few more bunny hops :)

Hello Sunny Side Up Sal.. I must admit I don't comment on here that often.. I usually just read and giggle to myself...Maybe I will now though xXx

#60 - JW - I worked at a (now closed) hospital in a tiny village north of Goose Bay way back when Pontious was a pilot. On my return trip I had to wait at Goose Bay airport for about 14 hours and saw several plane-loads of military personnel trudging through for refreshment during their stop-over. I was the only person actually waiting to board the trans-Atlantic flight though. More recently I've also been to Ottawa which is lovely, as is the train journey from there to Niagara via Toronto - especially in 'the fall'.

Any John Denver or Gordon Lightfoot track would get my vote. :)

Awaits a barrage of welcomes and not before time.....

Afternoon all!



Very late out to play today - been to hospital appts with Mini-Hoffs. The road to the hospital runs down a river valley - the flooding is incredible and the water is flowing so fast - and it is STILL raining. Not good.



Only two suggestions - although I suspect I'm a day too early for the first:



WORKING MAN - RUSH (if this isn't played, perhaps Dr Mosh (can't find the umlaut on my keyboard) might think about it for a Mosh one day please?)



TAKE OFF - BOB & DOUG MCKENZIE (a rather frivolous suggestion, but Geddy Lee does participate in it!)



Apologies to anyone if I have duplicated - only had a really brief read back so far.



I was lucky enough to spend many happy times in Canada as a child as my father was living and working there. Wierdly enough, that's where I discovered Def Leppard which was all the rage amongst my Canadian peers at the time. But one Christmas, 'Take Off' was THE 'song' that was being played everywhere. I bought the album, brought it home to play back here. Hmm, still not sure I get it! JBG is right though, its a wonderful place to go, especially with families. I would go back there in a flash.



As for Christmas - seems to be getting earlier and earlier - we only start to decorate and really think about it after 10th December which is Teen Hoffs' birthday, although I have to confess, I have already booked a slot with FC in the local grotto. Mini Hoffs asked whether the person I spoke to on the phone 'sounded funny'. 'A little bit' I replied, knowingly. 'YES!' says Mini Hoffs 'I can tell my friends at school that my mum spoke to an elf on the phone'.



BUT As I get older, I get more and more grumpy about how commercial Christmas has become (in the same way that I 'tut' when I see all the children coming out of the local big school without coats on!) I am lucky that my children keep me grounded - I think we all had a long blog discussion last year didn't we about the anticipation and excitement of Christmas. Yesterday's comment about stressful Christmas planning was just the usual stuff about who comes to see us on what day and for how long. Its a dysfunctional family, none of whom can possibly get on with each other so there's absolutely no possibility of anyone being here on the same day as anyone else. The constant phone calls and negotiations begin to take away the magic of Christmas for me. I could go on, but I won't. You may see steam coming from my ears. Sorry, not in my nature to get cross, but I am.



Hey ho, time to go and scrub the bathroom. All glamour here. Have good afternoons all x

#55 I thought I'd never get to see Suppers Ready played live. But I did in Sept 1982, almost certainly thanks to the WOMAD financial disaster and Peter Gabriel almost going bust. Without that happening I doubt the one-off reunion gig at Milton Keynes would have happened, and I doubt they would have played SR on the short tour to promote the 3 Sides Live album which preceded the Milton Keynes show.



On my first full day at university when I should have been turning up ay my tutor's office to tell him I'd arrived I was on the coach to Hammersmith for the gig. Although he was one of those who also had an outside job so never actually bothered to turn up in freshers' week and left a sheet of paper on his door to sign, as I discovered the next morning when I belatedly turned up to say hello :-)

By the way - HELLO to Planet Clare - hope you have fun here.



Also, picture this - got everything done last night in time for the Morpurgo slot. Was sitting by myself in the kitchen listening to him when Mister Hoffs came through the door. He looked a bit surprised when I didn't immediately say hello, goodbye and rush out of the door. He had to remind me that I had choir practice! So, off I rushed and I still haven't heard the rest of it. Will listen again when all is quiet this evening.

#54 Alice, my objection to 'Happy Holidays' is that it's an American attempt to be politically correct... but that's just stupid! It's Christmas for goodness sake - whether or not you believe in the religious significance, that's what the festival is called. End of.



#58 Jeffrey, that's some story! I wonder if any other bloggers have music or artists they don't listen to because of the associations... A friend of mine has always hated Elton John's 'Someone saved my life tonight' because she associates it with the break-up of a relationship, but that's all I can think of at the moment.



#62 Planet Clare, you put us all to shame! We pride ourselves on the friendliness of this blog, and indeed our esteemed leader has mentioned it on more than one occasion. Consider yourself duly welcomed - hope you can join in more often!



And while I'm at it - hi to Mildr too!



~X~

#70 Right. Perhaps in my naiivity I thought it was good way to include everyone who may not be religious but enjoy the 'holiday' anyway. I don't know anyone who is not religious who would object to a Merry Christmas being said to them but I do feel slightly err...not sure what the word is, but I don't feel right saying Merry Christmas when I am not religious in any way, shape or form. Having said that, I love watching Carols from Kings (queue my boys rolling their eyes) and sing along with gusto (queue my boys blogging their ears).



A.

Hello to anyone who I haven't welcomed before - and apologies if anyone feels ignored in any way - certainly not intentional!!



I would like to second/third/fourth etc the feeelings about the 'modern' Christmas. It shouldn't be allowed to start until Dec 1st at the earliest is my biggest gripe. By the time the BIG day actually arrives, it is such an anticlimax, in my opinion. I just want the day to end and normality to be resumed as soon as possible - gosh, aren't we Bah Humbugs this year!



JW

Thanks Deebee. :)



Re the use of Happy/Merry Christmas versus Happy holidays: at Easter, should one just talk of chocolate eggs rather than Easter eggs using a similar argument? I don't think I'd have any problem saying happy XYZ (insert festival name) to someone of a different religion, even though I'm not part of their religion. It's quite a sensitive/difficult topic though.

#71 I see no objection to wishing people Merry Christmas, Alice - it doesn't make you hypocritical just because you don't consider yourself 'religious'. It has been called Christmas for the past 2000 years, why change it? I'm not Jewish, but I have no problem wishing my Jewish friends a happy Hannukah....



:o)

#73 Snap, Mildr!



~X~

Golly!



Gosh!



Grumps r us today! When I used to blog on CLPs blog, I invented the 'ranty pants' for such occasions.



Who would like them?



Hee hee :)



Reasons for looking forward to Christmas?



Can I start? For many many years, I worked on Christmas day, as lots have to. This Christmas, I am blessed (so far, who knows what the job market may throw at me ) with having Christmas day off.



Ding dong.

Talking of being politically correct reminded me of a phone call that I took for Children In Need this year. One of the details we are requested to ask is the name of the caller- obviously. As the phone room was quite noisy, understandably, I had to repeatedly ask someone for their first name, after the third attempt I asked for his Christian name. The line went quiet, and he said that he didn't have a Christian name, but he said his given name was 'John'. It definitely put me in my place and at first I felt most awkward. However, he turned out to be perfectly charming and even asked me to make his song choice. Phew!



Warmest of belated blog welcomes to Planet Clare and Mildr. :-)

Sal, is it ok if I keep the ranty pants on for now? My other pair are in the wash!



;-)



Feeling a bit ungrateful moaning about Christmas when hearing about all these people being forced out of their homes due to flooding.

Hi Molly, I think we might need a few pairs ;)



Yes, some dreadful scenes up and down the country.

#76 Not at all, Sal! Just a bit of healthy debate... after all, it would be boring if we all agreed about everything all of the time. Love 'ranty pants' though!



My reasons to look forward to Christmas - it's a time for reflection and looking back over the past 12 months. And giving thanks for my family and friends. And being grateful for all I have.



And also, I love Christmas songs! (just not quite yet...)



~X~

A bit late for a drop by today and have enjoyed reading back albeit a little disappointed there are so many Bah Humbugs on the blog. I love Christmas but agree that things start far too early in the shops etc.



I am going to be on my own for the next 2 weeks in the run up to Christmas so it will give me plenty time to do my own thing in preparation for the festive season.



#58 Jeffrey, sorry to hear you had such a bad experience in Edinburgh.

Afternoon all

Bad. Day. At. The .Office.

And my daughter wants to do her 'take your daughter to work day' with me??!!



Arrived at 7.30 (early) to find I had forgotten my staff card so couldn't even get in...then it started raining..the day got a lot, lot, worse.



Anywho, almost home time (feeling in need of a straitjacket today) and it's 'end of term' here for sure, our students' last day is Friday and the Xmas tree for our foyer is arriving tomorrow!!

Only one tune suggetion for today,



SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE by REM



I spent the summer of 1975 in Canada with my best mate, staying at her Auntie & Uncle's in Ontario...what an amazing experience.

NY, Niagra, Epcot centre (seeing Focus (of hocus pocus fame)) all sorts of BBQ's etc - and we were treated like royalty!



My son spent a gap year over there too, working at an Outward bound place 100m north of Ontario, practically the Artic circle, he saw some snow that winter, that's for sure - as high at the roof tops!!



They are (Canadians) by and large lovely, naive (in a nice way) sincere people. And quite active, intrepid souls unlike their US neighbours.



Have fun tonight all, I'm going to collapse and have a large G&T



Chin chin



mwah

ps you'll all be pleased to hear our first Xmas card and box of wrapped pressies arrived yesterday from the US of A - an old lodger who misses the dank, rank, soggy UK would you believe it.

The card is up, but I refuse to get the tree out just to put her pressies under just yet!

Gotta be a first??

Also just to say that I have never been to Canada but my Nan's brother moved there in the 60's and she used to visit him in Florida before Florida became a popular holiday destination.



She used to return with the most wonderful gifts and clothes for her grandchildren and I'll never forget wearing with pride the bright green Oxford Bags with white zig zag stitching down the front to my Primary 7 school dance. No danger of anyone else wearing the same outfit!!

I think I may have been a little too grumpy earlier on! I enjoy seeing people get their houses decorated and ready for Christmas and I enjoy doing our decorations but the Mr doesn't particularly enjoy Christmas since his son sadly died. He used to really love Christmas and never lost the childlike thrill of it, even though he was in his mid-thirties. I'm happy to get through it without too much emotion and thoughtful silences, if you see what I mean.



JW

Aha Suzieeee.



Our first Christmas parcel arrived and always does, in the middle of October. My very well organised friend in Jersey always sends it with my sons Birthday present.



I have to pack them away out of reach, or they would squeezed beyond recognition by December 25th. Just cant help myself!!

#83 Suzieeeeee I've been keeping this quiet but I got a parcel of presents in September from MiL when she was visiting from down south. Can't wait to see what delight she has got for me this year.



She gave me gloves last year. The same ones I had given to her the year before as part of a set. I wonder who got the hat?

Much grumpiness and it's not me! Something isn't right :-)

#87 Lol Shona! I have a 'step' MiL a bit like that! ;-)

#85 Oh Jennie, that is very sad. X

That must be a very sad time for Mr W Jennie. x

September Shona!!



Oh yes and you know we now need pics of those Oxford bags!



Did a grumpy bloke just droop by? How refreshing :)

#89 The year before that Molly she gave me a beautiful pair of leather gloves. When I turned them over to try them on, there was a slashed hole right down the palm ;0)



(She loves me really)



Heading home now for a busy night. 3 men to feed and pack off to Dubai.....



Good luck with the choons and catch you later. X

#85 Of course, we mustn't forget that there are many people for whom Christmas is a painful time of year. And it must be hard, with all the jolliness going on around.



~X~

#85 Jennie, a sad time for you both, indeed. x

I am sure there are many people who find Christmas a difficult time and my/our circumstances are certainly a lot less painful than others - it is just 'there' in the background.



Any how, enough of this maudlin chat - I will do my best to help him enjoy himself and to try and be positive about remembering the fun Christmases we have had.



Good luck all with menshes tonight



JW

Yay! JBG's excellent (indeed splendid) choice being played.

My wife Donna is from BC Canada and she was over the moon with the first track "this is not America" and now all she keeps saying is Rush must play some Rush or even better all Rush for the rest of the show :-)

Well done JBG - a lovely mention too!



And Sir C for Victoria.



#58 - Jeffrey - can I apologies on behalf of Edinburgh and indeed all of Scotland for your miserable visit. Edinburgh is my favourite city in the world (although not necessary on New Years Eve!) and you should give it another chance. I was living there (right beside the castle) when you were there. Great story though!



#59 Parsley_Cat - and an apology for you too - I was going to suggest we could share - you could be Bah and I could be Humbug or as Hoffs suggests we can just add a number to really confuse everyone.



#62 Planet Clare - a grievence oversight on our part - please stay and chat, it is always lovely to see new folk posting.



#67 Hoffs - hopes Mini-Hoffs is ok? And you would be tutting at me, you cant have noticed I didn’t have a coat on the whole time I was in London!



#72 Jennie - I agree, the long buildup makes it something to be endured not enjoyed.



#76 Sal - ranty pants - loved it!



#98 - hello Gater1 - welcome to the blog!

Congrats to John - a fine mensh. Let's of OSMs for Maple Leaf Rag.