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GOODNESS KNOWS WHAT'S GOING ON TODAY ?

Chris Evans | 13:46 UK time, Wednesday, 13 December 2006

Morning y鈥檃ll,

Well God certainly got us all going didn鈥檛 he ? It鈥檚 nice to know he鈥檚 not lost his touch !

Gorgeous sunrise today almost like London was on fire and then suddenly boom, send in the clouds, there has to be clouds, lah, lah, lah, lah, lah.

Do you ever get a waft of magic鈥

鈥.when I was little, when we were all little, I imagine we all had very few possessions but how much did we love the things we did have ?

I used to get extremely excited about a brand new golf ball. I used to get one for Christmas. A tangerine, an apple and a golf ball, the last three things in my Christmas pillow case, right down at the bottom.

I loved that golf ball. Just thinking about it now makes my tummy go funny like thinking of a past love.

There he was in his wrapper. The Dunlop 65 ddh, his dimples perfect, his skin, soft and shiny, his coat whiter than the freshest snow. This ball was to be my friend, this ball would win me a competition, there was no way this ball could be involved in an ugly shot. I wouldn鈥檛 be playing with him for a while yet. It would have to be a special day and of course we would have to prepare ourselves for the chance we might be parted.

Whenever that day would come, as come it must, nobody would know just how special that first tee shot would be, for there would be my ball putting his life on the line, a brave soldier volunteering for the most dangerous of duties. We鈥檇 spent many hours together. If I woke up in the morning, there he would be right by my bedside, as I drifted off sleep, he鈥檇 be the last thing that I saw .

So why did it all mean so much ?

Because like the golf ball, I felt so little, I felt like the world had no idea how much this golf ball meant to me and how I didn鈥檛 have another one and how if I lost him that would be it, he鈥檇 be gone for ever, I would have lost my little friend. I felt like the world didn鈥檛 understand.

And so, inevitably, the day would come, the feeling would arise that today was the day. And then the shot would come, the duff or the hack or the slice that would cause us to be parted and I would be sad and the rest of the round would mean nothing because he鈥檇 be gone, on his own somewhere, deep in the rough grass, left to fend for himself, his shiny white coat beginning the long and painful process of decomposition. I鈥檇 betrayed him, I didn鈥檛 have to hit him that morning, I could have kept him for ever. I could have handed him on to my grand kids, in my will, the most valuable thing on the list.

The golf ball that was never hit.

But this, I suppose, would have been to have deprived him of what he was meant to be鈥 for a golf ball that was never hit, was never a golf ball at all.

I still miss the little fella though..

x.
.

Comments

  1. At 02:03 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Bless you, and your golf ball.
    In fact, bless us all.
    x

  2. At 02:04 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Everything has to achieve it's destiny.

    The golf ball had to be hit, or it would not have "been".

    I can't put a can in the recycle bin until I've got every last bean, or corn kernal out. Imagine not fulfiling it's destiny, but ending up in the bottom of a bin.

    I think I might have a bit of a complusive disorder.

    DWNB

  3. At 02:07 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Lordy wrote:

    So you are a lousy golfer too. I always worked on the basis that if I finished the round with the same ball I had started with, I had won. Didn't matter how many strokes. The other thing I liked to convince myself of was, if I played lousy and hit 110 or so, I was getting better value for money for my roundf than if I hit a two under 70.

    Great thing about golf. You can play lousy but convince yourself you played great and evry once in a while you'll hit a shot that makes your judgement correct.

    Keep stitching the courses and maybe we'll cross balls at some time.

    Lordy

  4. At 02:18 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Jennie (from the blog) wrote:

    Poor golf ball! when slightly drunk one afternoon we hit over 200 golf balls into the field behind the house and have not found a single one - how is this even remotely possible?! my only conclusion is that the rabbits have stolen them and are either worshipping them as gods or holding them prisoner.

    Your theory is quite right - and very much in support of my "get on with it" life policy.

    Speaking of which fellow bloggers... Should I quit my job before or after the christmas break? I am planning a year out to live a little, love a lot and generally devise a new and cunning plan.
    I have decided (foolishly perhaps) that money isn't everything.

    Love to all
    Jennie

  5. At 02:25 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Tickle in Cork wrote:

    I used to always keep little things around and take great care of them when I was small.

    They were my responsibility - and like yourself Mr E - no one else in the world would be responsible for minding them. In a way, it's how I viewed the relationship with my parents - they were there to mind me and no-one else would - nor could do a better job than them.

    It's funny how those things stay with you - built deep into the code of what it is to be us.

    Must of my stuff lasted - but like myself growing up and leaving my folks, so too did a lot of the stuff in time. Given to those who would take as much care of it as I did those many years ago!

    Tickle :)

  6. At 02:30 PM on 13 Dec 2006, jillygoat wrote:

    Mornin' CLP et al

    Gremlins indeed!!

    I used to love the Avon Pretty Peach soap-on-a-rope that I always found in my Christmas stocking, along with the obligatory satsuma!

    Also, one of my uncles is a bachelor (he's now 78) and always seemed to have a bit more money than the other rellies. As a result, my brother and I always received a tin of Mackintosh toffees - EACH!!!!! No sharing with the little blighter - oh no - I got to eat all of mine myself, apart from the ones that mum & dad got occasionally. The tin seemed absolutely huge back then too.

    Halogen days eh?

    Hi to anyone who gets on today's blog - eventually!

    jillygoat x

  7. At 02:34 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Matt from Rudgwick wrote:

    Christoph

    Glad to see that the gremlins have departed.

    A kind of magic?

    I remember, as a 19 year old, preparing to set foot in the US for the first time. No big deal for some, perhaps, but for me it was like reaching the holy land, even though I had no idea why.

    The final leg of this journey of fulfillment was a fantastic, but frustrating one, as two friends and I travelled across Canada, first by Greyhound, then by clapped out 1974 Chevrolet, traversing the border with the US, often being able to see it, without actually crossing over. Eventually, in Vancouver, we decided to take a drive down to Seattle.

    I remember passing the Peace Arch and feeling a huge sense of elation, but still not knowing why. In the following years I visited New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and countless other places, but it wasn鈥檛 until 1995 that everything became clear.

    And I told you about that last week.

    Its kind of 鈥楢ll Request Friday鈥 for me today as I have tomorrow and Friday off to tweak the Christmas dial from 10, right up to eleven. One louder.

    鈥楥hristmas Crackers鈥 for today?

    Christmas Is Coming by The Payolas
    White Christmas by Bing Crosby

    Peace all.

    PS Shark Sandwich

    PPS Wolfgang Puck

  8. At 02:45 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Hello Chris and fellow blogger/schlogger/commentators

    If only children these days could be satisfied with such simple things. Nowadays, of course, children don't just need a golf ball. Oh no. They want a playstation 3 so they can play the latest version of some Tiger Woods game (which they also expect to find in their Christmas stocking), a DVD of 'Caddyshack' so they can perfect their technique before actually picking up their clubs (which they expect to find under the tree). If that wasn't enough, they then want a full years membership to the local golf club and personal tuition until they reach club standard.

    How do I know all this?

    Because I am father to 11 year old twin boys who have a unique and somewhat disturbing ability, despite their tender years, to turn something I say in passing into something completely different and nearly impossible to fulfill. Take the golf fiasco, for example:

    'Children', I said one morning during a phone call to their boarding school, 'Have you noticed that you seem to be putting on weight?'

    No dad,' said Twin X. 'You are simply suffering from Body Dismorphia by proxy. We have been the same size since August. It is your waistline that is expanding, not ours.'

    'Poppycock!' I exclaimed. 'I exercise regularly, unlike the two of you - who, I understand from your teachers, have not run more than 50 metres between you in the last year. What do you say to that?'

    'Dad', said Twin Y, 'You may not realise this, but exercising incorrectly can do more harm than good. The school offers no suitable risk assessment at the individual level, for each activity, nor do they really care whether the exercise is effective.'

    'Perhaps if you tried something outside of school, you might like it!' I said, feeling like I was already losing the battle.

    'Such as?', asked Twin X, arms folded.

    'Football?'

    'Too much teamwork', said Twin Y

    'Tennis?'

    'Too many old people. We'd never fit in' said Twin X

    'er, how about...golf?' I squeaked.

    The Twins looked at each other for a few , as if in deep telpathic conversation, before nodding solemnly. 'We will do this thing you call Golf, providing we are allowed to undertake the game on our own terms. Do we have a a deal?'

    I smelt a rat immediately, but couldn't work out, in my slightly inebriated state, what they were after. It was only two days later when the letter landed on the door of the Institute that I realised where this was going...

    You think they want to play golf?

    Do you?


    regards

    J Mcc

    P.S. Dr Booth sent Chris a copy of the book-of-the-blog (all royalties to Charity). Neither of us heard anything since. Did anyone hear him give it away?

  9. At 03:16 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    I'm still looking for a golfball ... you be a very lucky man ...

    E x

  10. At 03:36 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Emma wrote:

    Thanks for the free publicity you gave M&S鈥檚 knickers last night.
    I was just on my way to work (in the lingerie dept at M&S in handforth, Cheshire) when I heard your show.
    We had to ship in extra staff to meet the demands of the crowds of gents sneaking in to buy for their partners.
    A Busy shift not to mention the queues at the fitting room!

    Please could you give me (and everyone on their way to work) a mention before 6 tonight!

    Oh and Chris, French Knickers are to call of the day this year!

    Emma

  11. At 03:48 PM on 13 Dec 2006, cath wrote:

    #4 Jennie - far be it from me to give anyone advice, given my current situation, but if I were you, I would wait till after Xmas. That way, if it's the right decision, you will be able to hug it to yourself all over the break and then still have something to look forward to once Chrimbo is over. If it's the wrong decision, you'd have a rubbish Xmas!! Sounds like a fab decision to me though!!!

    Ah, the christmas red apple, tangerine, walnuts and brazil nuts (unshelled of course) were always in the bottom of our xmas stockings. I can still remember the smell and the feel and the rustle of them, waking up on Xmas morning and knowing Father Christmas had been. Magical.

    xxxx

  12. At 03:48 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    P.S. Before anyone notices that the last story says I was on the phone, yet I could see the Twins folding their arms, let me just clarify that we were speaking by videophone.

    yours

    J McC

  13. At 03:52 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Amanda wrote:

    Hello all!

    I understand the bit about the golf ball. It is like all of those people who have toys or action figures that are still in their original packaging, never played with. To take them out the packaging would decrease the value...or something. My thought is, what is worth more? 50 pounds for a never-played-with-doll OR the joy of a child for whom the doll becomes her best friend. As a children, my brother and I PLAYED with our Star Wars Action Figures darn it!! Those are the memories I will cherish.

    Have a great Wednesday.
    Amanda

  14. At 04:04 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Em M wrote:

    Hi Chris and everyone,

    I always used to get one of those pattern colouring books for Christmas and I used to love them, but like you and your golf ball, I always felt slightly let down once I'd coloured in the first little section.

    I had a similar feeling today when i bought my copy of the Christmas Radio Times. I want to save reading it for a time when I've got a cuppa and a mince pie by my side, and a red pen in my hand to initial all the things i want to watch (did anyone else used to do that with their families at Christmas?)

    If only children today were so easily pleased; my mother in law said today that Christmas is for childen, but I don't agree. Children get so much all year round, i think its for the rest of us poor sods who spend all year round cooking for them and cleaning up after them. Christmas is for grown ups too!

    Susan S - the Christmas plays were fab, the lower school one was very traditional with lovely carols, whereas the upper school did Cinderella which was very funny. My two did me proud, and I feel lucky to have such great kids!

    Love to you all,

    Em xx

  15. At 04:05 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Lynne wrote:

    I wish it were possible to recapture the excitement I felt as a child at Christmas.

    Came close over the last week tho' while the lads were over here for their first visit. I think it's a good sign when they can share and enjoy a bottle or 2 of wine with us over a meal, it means they're growing up!

    We got all the Christmas decorations up in time for their visit. I did the six and a half hour journey to the airport (it became nearly 11 hours so I could take advantage of shops I would pass en route to the airport which I don't usually get to visit) while husband stayed at home to have the lights on the trees inside and out, the fires lit, and open air candles up the drive so it would be as magical as possible. It worked. They loved the place, the people, the culture and can understand why we moved.

    All that was missing was the snow. it's an unusually mild December and it will be a big disapointment not to have a white Christmas! We will have to wait a bit longer to try out our snow scooter. Did get to use the trail bikes with the boys. I fell off, going too fast over wet slippery rocks, just as well my son was there to lift the bike up!!

    So I've only just caught up with the blog, I've missed so much!!! It's made interesting reading. So hugs to those in need, birthday wishes for those I've missed, and well done to those making moves in the right directions.

    Managed to catch most of the shows last week, what energy!

    Lynne x

  16. At 04:11 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Littlest Hobo wrote:

    Greetings from Vancouver and a good afternoon to all back in Blighty,

    Having spoken with my mother and father on the telephone yesterday, it once again struck me how special my formative Christmas years were. They sacrificed to give me things, spent countless hours preparing the delusion of a visit by Father Christmas, decorating the tree and adorning out home with festive accessories, the main one being love.

    Never take your loving parents for granted. Christmas is still a delight for me now but few things compare to the simply enchanting first ones which will stay entrenched in my memory forever, for all the right reasons. Thanks mum and dad and to all great parents out there, as one with no offspring myself, I can but applaud you. Childhood means alot to us adults now.

    "Having children makes you no more a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist."

    Loved my Christmas beverages at my local last night. Love Christmas. Oh my, it really is quite splendid.

    Good Day

    Dr T

  17. At 04:14 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Parker wrote:

    Mother bought a huge turkey for Christmas dinner.
    'That must have cost a fortune!' I said .
    'Actually I got it for a poultry amount,' she said.
    A man went to a butcher's and saw that the turkeys were 90p a pound. He said to the butcher, 'Do you raise them yourself?'
    'Of course I do,' the butcher replied. 'They were only 50p a pound this morning!'
    How do you tell the difference between tinned turkey and tinned custard?
    Look at the labels!
    Did you hear about the stupid turkey?
    It was looking forward to Christmas!
    Who made this Christmas pudding?
    Our chef. He's a little green man who lives in a toadstool.
    What did he use to make it?
    Elf-raising flour, of course.
    Last year's Christmas pudding was so awful I threw it in the ocean.
    That's probably why the ocean's full of currants!
    I'd like Father Christmas stew.
    Er... how do you make Father Christmas stew?
    You keep him waiting half an hour!
    Is that policeman eating turkey?
    No, he's eating truncheon meat.
    This turkey's disgusting!
    Well, you asked for a foul roast!
    This turkey tastes like an old settee.
    Well, you asked for something with plenty of stuffing.
    What's brown and creeps around the house?
    Mince spies!

  18. At 04:14 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Hazel Love wrote:

    Firstly. Where have I gone. I was No.1 for ages and now I am Noone. This is not Peter Noone. This is not at all.

    Secondly. Dr McC. Did you not imagine that we would assume video linkisation in your delightful father/sons communicatory discourse?

    I don't see how you could have any type of conversation at the Institute without knowing what is going on in the background. For instance, during a research project, what if a seemingly perfectly normal parasite had an hitherto undiscovered tendency towards sudden growth spurts and needs to feed upon live human flesh to support this. How would you help McCavity or Ravel then? You would be unable to describe the horrors without going into the room having heard the screaming, and then would instantly become the new host! With video phones you can do it all from the comfort of your own armchair.

    video killed the taenia star
    love
    hazel
    x

  19. At 04:16 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Parker wrote:

    How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas?
    Deep pan, crisp and even!
    What did the grape say to the peanut butter?
    "'Tis the season to be jelly!"
    What do ducks do before Christmas dinner?
    Pull their Christmas quackers!
    What do you drain Christmas dinner brussel sprouts with?
    An advent colander!
    What happens when you eat Christmas tree decorations?
    You get tinsel-itus!
    What's the most common wine at Christmas?
    Do I have to have the brussel sprouts!
    Will the Christmas pudding be long?
    No, it'll be the traditional round!

  20. At 04:17 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Parker wrote:

    Did you hear about the stupid plastic surgeon?
    Yes. He stood in front of the fire and melted!
    Doctor, Doctor! Everyone thinks I'm a liar!
    Doctor: I don't believe you!
    Father Christmas lost his umbrella but he didn't get wet! Why not?
    Because it wasn't raining!
    How can you get your name in lights the world over?
    Change your name to Emergency Exit!
    How do monkeys make toast?
    Stick some bread under the gorilla!
    How do witches tell the time?
    With a witch-watch!
    How do you start a polar-bear race?
    Say 'Ready! Teddy! Go!'
    How does Father Christmas climb up a chimney?
    He uses a ladder in the stocking!
    I say, I say, I say! My wife's gone to the West Indies!
    Jamaica?
    No. She was quite happy to go!
    If I'm standing at the North Pole, facing the South Pole, and the East is on my left hand, what's on my right hand?
    Fingers!

  21. At 04:18 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Justine wrote:

    Good afternoon Chris, I only visit your blog as and when so maybe I am missing the full understanding of your Golf Ball issue, but after reading it twice I fear you have Ball issues and suggest you get some help!!!
    Keep up the good tunes

    Justine x x

  22. At 04:19 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Parker wrote:

    Why can't a bike stand up by itself?
    Because it's two-tyred!
    Why couldn't the sailors play cards?
    Because the captain was standing on the deck!
    Why did the chicken cross the football pitch?
    Because the referee whistled for a fowl!
    Why do you call your dog Metal-worker?
    Because every time he hears a knock he makes a bolt for the door.
    Why was the Turkey in the pop group?
    Because he was the only one with drum-sticks!
    What did one angel say to the other?
    Halo there!
    What's purple and shouts "Help"?
    A damson in distress.
    How do you spell hungry horse with four letters?
    M.T.G.G.
    Why is Europe like a frying pan?
    Because it has Greece at the bottom.
    What question can you never answer YES to?
    Are you asleep?

  23. At 04:27 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Parker wrote:

    What lies in a pram and wobbles?
    A jelly baby.
    What do you call a crate of ducks?
    A box of quackers
    What's ET short for?
    Because he's only got little legs.
    Why are chocolate buttons rude?
    Because they are Smarties in the nude.
    What did the fish say when it swam into a wall?
    Dam.
    What athlete is warmest in winter?
    A long jumper.
    What do you get after it has been taken?
    Your photograph
    Which dog is the most expensive of all?
    A dear hound!
    What do you get if you cross a river with a bike?
    Wet feet.
    Who can shave three times a day and still have a beard?
    A barber!

  24. At 04:37 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Mornin' all,
    Someat up with the blog?? only 13 comments??? Is everyone out Christmas shopping???? But you have not got my list yet.... :-)

    Jennie # 4 - I am with Cath, I would wait and then after Xmas you will know you made the right or wrong decision. I am not a risk taker though!! A fantabulous idea...you go girl. Money is not everything for sure, but it does pay the bills. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to get my business off the ground and just today, the wizards are working their magic I guess as I have got the chance of a job (in the corporate world) for a one year contract. Now I am a creative person (my business is interior design) but I have to pay the bills so I will take the job if it is offered. I dont have a choice at this stage and I cannot pass it up. I will have to be creative on the weekends :-) I admire you though, and if you can do it, go for it!! keep us posted please.We can all live vicariously through you :-)

    Big Un - where is our daily dose?

    Karen D - waiting for instructions :-)

    (((( Tracey-Ann)))) thinking about you.

    Have a great afternoon all.....
    Joannie xxx

  25. At 04:44 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Mornin' all,
    Someat up with the blog?? only 13 comments??? Is everyone out Christmas shopping???? But you have not got my list yet.... :-)

    Jennie # 4 - I am with Cath, I would wait and then after Xmas you will know you made the right or wrong decision. I am not a risk taker though!! A fantabulous idea...you go girl. Money is not everything for sure, but it does pay the bills. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to get my business off the ground and just today, the wizards are working their magic I guess as I have got the chance of a job (in the corporate world) for a one year contract. Now I am a creative person (my business is interior design) but I have to pay the bills so I will take the job if it is offered. I dont have a choice at this stage and I cannot pass it up. I will have to be creative on the weekends :-) I admire you though, and if you can do it, go for it!! keep us posted please.We can all live vicariously through you :-)

    Big Un - where is our daily dose?

    Karen D - waiting for instructions :-)

    (((( Tracey-Ann)))) thinking about you.

    Matt from R - did you like Canada? I live just north of Toronto - a vast beautiful country for sure.

    Have a great afternoon all.....
    Joannie xxx

  26. At 04:45 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Mornin' all,
    Someat up with the blog?? only 13 comments??? Is everyone out Christmas shopping???? But you have not got my list yet.... :-)

    Jennie # 4 - I am with Cath, I would wait and then after Xmas you will know you made the right or wrong decision. I am not a risk taker though!! A fantabulous idea...you go girl. Money is not everything for sure, but it does pay the bills. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to get my business off the ground and just today, the wizards are working their magic I guess as I have got the chance of a job (in the corporate world) for a one year contract. Now I am a creative person (my business is interior design) but I have to pay the bills so I will take the job if it is offered. I dont have a choice at this stage and I cannot pass it up. I will have to be creative on the weekends :-) I admire you though, and if you can do it, go for it!! keep us posted please.We can all live vicariously through you :-)

    Big Un - where is our daily dose?

    Karen D - waiting for instructions :-)

    (((( Tracey-Ann)))) thinking about you.

    Matt from R - did you like Canada? I live just north of Toronto - a vast beautiful country for sure.

    Have a great afternoon all.....
    Joannie xxx

  27. At 04:47 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    At last i can read your post. Yes the god thing got people talking didn't it.
    Ah you and your little golf ball, so cute. It's funny the little things we treasure.
    JENNIE FROM THE BLOG. Wait till after christmas to hand your notice in. I think if you do it before it would give your boss another thing to think about. if you leave it till after you can say that having a few days off you were able to think it through and disdn't rush into it.

    I'm in a funny mood today. Well I'm in a bad mood now! You know when you feel pissed off but can't really think why... well its one of those days.

    Well hope all my fellow bloggers are well and the run up to christmas is not too stressful.
    missy xx

  28. At 04:48 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    test

  29. At 04:49 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Chris,

    Are you secretly posh?

    Why would you be playing golf as a kid?

    I remember the craft kits I used to get from my Auntie every Christmas..... one year it was huge tissue paper flowers.

    My mum had them in a big vase in the corner of her purple bedroom (yes, it was the '70's) until they got too dusty and faded.

    Getting to commandeer the dining room table for hours on end to do my stuff at Christmas was a treat indeed.

    Jan x

  30. At 04:49 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Jax wrote:

    I can remember a Christmas when I bought my niece a present and she spent 3 hours playing with the box it came in!!

    She's getting cardboard for Christmas this year!

    J x

  31. At 04:49 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Chris,

    Are you secretly posh?

    Why would you be playing golf as a kid?

    I remember the craft kits I used to get from my Auntie every Christmas..... one year it was huge tissue paper flowers.

    My mum had them in a big vase in the corner of her purple bedroom (yes, it was the '70's) until they got too dusty and faded.

    Getting to commandeer the dining room table for hours on end to do my stuff at Christmas was a treat indeed.

    Jan x

  32. At 04:50 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Katie Noodle wrote:

    I'm still distracted by the thought of getting a pillow case on Christmas day and not one of your dad's old football socks! We always got some colouring in pencils, a tangerine, an apple and a twenty pence. (and i always woke up really early and opened up the pencils and then rewrapped them and never let on...it was great fun!!)

    My grandad once told me that he was a bit naughty when he was little and all he got in his Christmas stocking was ashes. But he grew up to be wise and wonderful anyway...

  33. At 04:50 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Chris,

    Are you secretly posh?

    Why would you be playing golf as a kid?

    I remember the craft kits I used to get from my Auntie every Christmas..... one year it was huge tissue paper flowers.

    My mum had them in a big vase in the corner of her purple bedroom (yes, it was the '70's) until they got too dusty and faded.

    Getting to commandeer the dining room table for hours on end to do my stuff at Christmas was a treat indeed.

    Jan x

  34. At 04:50 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Evil Music Teacher made my daughter cry today.

    Not Happy.

    Last week I crashed my car because of her, this week my daughter is crying. More unhappy because of the daughter, than the car.

    I don't want my daughter to be unhappy, but she doesn't want to stop playing her instrument. I'm in a quandry. She plays beautifully, but when she goes for her lesson, she gets so nervous she can't keep her fingers on the buttons.

    Waaaaaaaa My poor baby.

    DWNB

  35. At 04:52 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Feasgar mhath, Christophe, team and fellow bloggers and blogettes!

    What a great story! How do you think these things through!? When I was wee, my stocking at Christmas had a tangerine, matchstick furniture, and a bit of coal! I loved it! And my big pressie would be a teddy or a pram or something! Such excitement!

    The golf ball had to be hit - hard as it is, you had to let it go! You can't hold a ball back from being what it was created to be .... that would be cruel and unkind!

    If you want a holiday where you can practise, practise, practise, go to the Isle of Arran - it has 7 golf courses, yet is such a small island!

    It's still really stormy up here - there's flooding, landslides and cancelled ferries! And it's soooooooooooo cold! So the warmth of the Drivetime show is just what I need!

    Hope you've had a great day, Chris .... how was your walk today? And how much of your to do top 3 did you get done?m I've only acheived one so far! Grrrrrrr!

    Jennie (from the blog) - ach, just jack it before! And well done for doing it and taking off for the year! I hope you're going to keep in touch?

    Have to fly just now. Going to visit Dad-in-law.

    Catch you all later!

    Hugs, Susan

  36. At 04:55 PM on 13 Dec 2006, TheBigUn wrote:

    Afternoon bloggers and schloggers,

    So are the gremlins part of the great 鈥淗ate Evil鈥 we were discussing at length yesterday? I think they may be ;-(

    Still now we are up and running so to speak although I can not help thinking today鈥檚 blog has lost some of its impetuous!

    I do see the golf ball thing as I think we all had our own golf ball.

    My golf ball that I treasured as a child was the chocolate coins I got in my stocking with the tangerines and trinkets. I still look at them fondly (not the same ones) when my kids get given some. My mum still buys them and gives them to my kids. In our family they are a Christmas icon. I am not sure my kids treasure them the same way as I did or would understand if I tried to explain what they mean to me.

    I guess thought that Christmas when I were a lad were so much simpler than today. I certainly did not expect loads of presents. So will the golf ball ever be replaced or will the innocence of the child at Christmas always long for a golf ball?

    Nearly show time :-))

    Later all,

    Keith
    x

  37. At 04:56 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Mornin' all,
    Someat up with the blog?? only 13 comments??? Is everyone out Christmas shopping???? But you have not got my list yet.... :-)

    Jennie # 4 - I am with Cath, I would wait and then after Xmas you will know you made the right or wrong decision. I am not a risk taker though!! A fantabulous idea...you go girl. Money is not everything for sure, but it does pay the bills. I have been trying (unsuccessfully) to get my business off the ground and just today, the wizards are working their magic I guess as I have got the chance of a job (in the corporate world) for a one year contract. Now I am a creative person (my business is interior design) but I have to pay the bills so I will take the job if it is offered. I dont have a choice at this stage and I cannot pass it up. I will have to be creative on the weekends :-) I admire you though, and if you can do it, go for it!! keep us posted please.We can all live vicariously through you :-)

    Big Un - where is our daily dose?

    Karen D - waiting for instructions :-)

    (((( Tracey-Ann)))) thinking about you.

    Matt from R - did you like Canada? I live just north of Toronto - a vast beautiful country for sure.

    Have a great afternoon all.....
    Joannie xxx

  38. At 04:56 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Susie wrote:

    Ay up kids,

    Well last night I wore my new top to my work Christmas party and it was a hoot! And can you believe that we all sat round and ended up having a conversation about you Mr Evans...it started off with me mentioning the new Take That single and the links were joined to you playing it on your show and it just went from there really...Apparantly the peops I work with can't understand why you are on my 'list' Chris and why I would take you over Ewan McGregor!

    Before the Christmas 'do' me and two of the girls went to the Christmas Carol Concert at Bath Abbey. What a festive treat, we sang our hearts out and had the added surprise of Matt Stevens (local Bath rugby hero and celebrity X-Factor contestant) featuring in the concert! He sang 2 verses of In The Bleak Mid WInter and it was fantastic!

    So a very joyous evening all round.

    Chris - I didn't get chance to submit my 'things I need to do tomorrow' last night but my list was - 1. Laundry 2. Bake Christmas cake and 3. ask for your number.

    Sparkles, glitter and the smell of mulled wine to you all champs!

    S x

  39. At 04:57 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Lo.

    Last week I crashed the car because of evil music teacher.

    This week, my daughter cried because of evil music teacher.

    The car I could cope with, the daughter hurt, no I can't cope with that.

    She doesn't want to give up, but she is so scared she can't play in front of her. Her fingers wobble. She was playing beautifully on Monday night. absolutely perfect, but just couldn't do it today.

    Heavens. Whoever said parenting was hard. Was right!

    DWNB

  40. At 04:58 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Susie wrote:

    Ay up kids,

    Well last night I wore my new top to my work Christmas party and it was a hoot! And can you believe that we all sat round and ended up having a conversation about you Mr Evans...it started off with me mentioning the new Take That single and the links were joined to you playing it on your show and it just went from there really...Apparantly the peops I work with can't understand why you are on my 'list' Chris and why I would take you over Ewan McGregor!

    Before the Christmas 'do' me and two of the girls went to the Christmas Carol Concert at Bath Abbey. What a festive treat, we sang our hearts out and had the added surprise of Matt Stevens (local Bath rugby hero and celebrity X-Factor contestant) featuring in the concert! He sang 2 verses of In The Bleak Mid WInter and it was fantastic!

    So a very joyous evening all round.

    Chris - I didn't get chance to submit my 'things I need to do tomorrow' last night but my list was - 1. Laundry 2. Bake Christmas cake and 3. ask for your number.

    Sparkles, glitter and the smell of mulled wine to you all champs!

    S x

  41. At 04:59 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Feasgar mhath, Christophe, team and fellow bloggers and blogettes!

    What a great story! How do you think these things through!? When I was wee, my stocking at Christmas had a tangerine, matchstick furniture, and a bit of coal! I loved it! And my big pressie would be a teddy or a pram or something! Such excitement!

    The golf ball had to be hit - hard as it is, you had to let it go! You can't hold a ball back from being what it was created to be .... that would be cruel and unkind!

    If you want a holiday where you can practise, practise, practise, go to the Isle of Arran - it has 7 golf courses, yet is such a small island!

    It's still really stormy up here - there's flooding, landslides and cancelled ferries! And it's soooooooooooo cold! So the warmth of the Drivetime show is just what I need!

    Hope you've had a great day, Chris .... how was your walk today? And how much of your to do top 3 did you get done?m I've only acheived one so far! Grrrrrrr!

    Jennie (from the blog) - ach, just jack it before! And well done for doing it and taking off for the year! I hope you're going to keep in touch?

    Have to fly just now. Going to visit Dad-in-law.

    Catch you all later!

    Hugs, Susan

  42. At 05:02 PM on 13 Dec 2006, TheBigUn wrote:

    Ok so I have not given a joke today I give in!

    So here goes :-)

    The first car!

    The first year student had just gotten a beat up old VW Beetle from his parents. He took it for a spin but misjudged the curve and overturned the car directly between the house of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Ball. . .

    . . . Luckily, he was pulled out by the Smiths.

    Smile you know you want to! ;-)

    Keith

  43. At 05:07 PM on 13 Dec 2006, jojo wrote:

    please can someone help.... over the last couple of months Chris has had 2 guests on his show promoting games - one was sime kind of game about films and the other I think was about sport. I'm desperate for pressie ideas for my dvd/sport mad husband and either of these games would fit the bill.... but can I remember what they were called or who, even was promoting them! doh! please help!

  44. At 05:16 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Anna Log wrote:

    Parker - you need help ... Or do you work in a cracker factory???

    You've brightened up my rather dull afternoon though and I'm now going to go home with a smile on my face and try out some of your jokes on my nephews.

    Christmas eh? Whatever happened to a walnut and a satsuma stuffed in one of your dad's best socks, along with a plastic rainhat, notebook, pencil, plastic toy, miniature manicure set and (if you were really lucky!) a small bar of chocolate?

  45. At 05:27 PM on 13 Dec 2006, ChrissieS wrote:

    Hi Chris (and everyone)

    Your golf ball - it had to fulfil it's destiny - you did the right thing! When my daughter was born almost 16 years ago, my lovely brother (who died this year, what's it all about God?) said "another wee life that has to be lived". Very true. When I was pregnant I naturally assumed I was having a baby but in reality you are giving birth to a 42 year old brain surgeon/television presenter/alcoholic/whatever. They are babies for around 15 minutes and then they have to fulfil their destiny! Great blog, as usual!

    Well, I've done it - turned 50 yesterday! Not as painful as I thought it would be and was surprised that so many people remembered and sent me the most beautiful flowers, cards, gifts - just spoiled beyond belief. I did say that I didn't mind whether people remembered or not, but I have found it that it's lovely when people do!!

    Enjoy the rest of Wednesday, I am off home to put a bottle of champers in the fridge (I received three - am I being told something?!)

    C xx


    P.S. I have missed everything that's been happening on the blog since Monday, so hope everyone is o.k.

  46. At 06:04 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Hi everyone,
    I always used to get an orange, an apple and some choccies in my stocking...
    My two dogs have been trying to open their presents so I've had to move them from under the tree! The eldest dog is very cunning and can sniff out doggy prezzies from all the others, though the chocolates get a good sniffing as well. Last year I came home to find she'd opened the presents that I had bought for my friend Sareys dogs and she was playing with the toys with Booboo (my other dog).
    The things that I loved to get but always hated using were writing sets... ahhh the smell of good paper (yes I know I'm strange). I used to dream of opening a stationery shop... it's a long way from selling land in the Bahamas but we all had to start somewhere.
    Hope everyone's having a great Wednesday!
    Luv
    Lynda
    -x-x-x-

  47. At 06:10 PM on 13 Dec 2006, TheBigUn wrote:

    Chrissie S

    WOW the big 50 :-)))

    Happy Birthday for yesterday!

    Keith
    x

  48. At 06:22 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Hi again
    Chrissie S - Happy 50th.....I passed the big 5-0 and I did not like it, 40 was much better - but 40 is the new 50 so we are OK.... :-)

    From yesterday Kato 62 - my heart goes out to you, it is so hard being divorced when there are children involved (I have also been through it). It must be heartbraking for you when your daughter does not want to go with her Dad. I think (unless there is abuse) that they have to go - they can decide I think when they are a bit older. My children are my life and I cannot imagine having to see them go through that (they have a good relationship with their Dad). All I can suggest is talking to a lawyer to see what your options actually are. Just be there for your kids when they are with you (which I am sure you are). ((((take care))))

    Chris - just heard Oh Come All Yee Faithful - WOW - stirs me to the very core....LURVE it. Reminds me of my mam :-( She loved Christmas Carols

    Joannie xxx

  49. At 06:27 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Jilly wrote:

    Chris - you've just finished playing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" and I feel all teary! But happy teary! My fave carol is "The Holy and the Ivy" and my fave Xmas song is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" sung by Nat King Cole. Oooh, Im tooooooo excited!!

    J :)

  50. At 06:30 PM on 13 Dec 2006, The WORLD wrote:

    You're right. The world doesn't understand.

    But we feel your pain.

  51. At 06:35 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Lynne wrote:

    Chris- where is the web cam today? I wanted to see you singing.

    Joannie- are you going for a record?

    ChrissieS- Happy Birthday!

    And a Happy Evening to everyone!!

    Lynne x

  52. At 07:01 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Hazel Love wrote:

    My first post still didn't make it. I did loads of stuff about treasure, and offered to buy Dissing's new telly. Hey ho...

    Firstly - BIG hallo to Tickle, Joannie and Littlest Hobo. xxx

    DWNB - I ALWAYS read Royal National Institute for the Blind whenever I see your comments! Are you a seeing-eye dog too, or does your lack of brain preclude you from learning how to answer the telephone etc?

    CHRISSIEs - Can't believe you kept the birthday quiet! You'd have got extra candles and everything from all of us here! Happy birthday baby xxxxx

    O Come All Ye Faithfull - I used to sing the descant in the last verse when I was in the choir...love it love it...but my favouritest carol (and it makes me cry) is In The Bleak Midwinter...

    frosty winds may blow
    love
    hazel
    x

  53. At 07:05 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Hi Lynne
    I apologise :-) I was having problems with the blog this morning. There was only 13 entries - a lot less than usual and when I tried to post it did not work...so I cancelled and tried again, but I guess they all went through eventually LOL
    Have a good evening everyone
    Joannie xxx

  54. At 07:18 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Gaby wrote:


    Hi guys

    I have so much to catch up with, blog-wise i mean - we need a daily precis of the blog - unfortunately, I have had to absent myself from these pages for this week so far and have missed you all. Have not felt very positive this week - for a few reasons. Am not after sympathy - just wanted to share

    Anyway, just wanted to 'hop on' and send my love to my virtual friends.

    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx to everyone


    Gaby
    xx

    ps Curbishly

    pps Panessar

    ppps jojo. I think one of them was 'A Question of Sport' DVD game.

    pppps Ali McCoist please

  55. At 07:32 PM on 13 Dec 2006, moose wrote:

    I'm sad. I can't remember what I used to get excited about at Christmas as a kid. Either I was a very uninspiring child (99% probability) or I have a very nasty parasitical wasting disease of the memory (1% probablility - Dr McCrumble can you check me out just in case?)
    Would still love to hit some golf balls with you now though Chris. Let me know.

    I do believe someone has been passing themselves off (I said PASSING).

    Was reading the small mooselet a story at fox the fox answer time, with the show on in the background, but I do believe i heard my name...along with Dr McCrumble and Prof Plum.
    Come on own up...who was it???
    I won't be angry, just more flattered I think.
    Confession time!

    Glad to have been so busy to have missed all the blog mayhem this afternoon.

    I have to share my job update with you...hope you find it as funny as I do...
    Current boss told me today that he has a plan for 3 months time for me, won't tell me what it is and won't give me a pay rise now. He thought he had this time until anything would happen with other corporates. He then had the audacity to ask me to let him know when I get a concrete offer rather than just resigning, and he'd then tell me whether I should accept it or wait for him to come back with a counter...Some hope! Where do some bosses learn their lack of management skill? Dilbert?
    Friday I am seeing Corporate Y first thing (FINAL interview), followed by a speedy nip across town to meet Corporate X (FINAL Interview). Am hoping to slap the threat of an offer down on the table next week. Any suggestions for what I should say along with it? So far I have...
    "3 months. HUH!!!"
    "Stick that up your CENSORED!"
    "That'll teach you to pass yourself off as me and my blog friends"
    "Show me the money!!!!!!!"
    "Merry Christmas!"
    Or do you think a simple "Goodbye!" will suffice?

    Moose

    PS Yes! Alan Curbishley
    PPS AND Merv the swerve
    PPPS Was busy today, honest. Wrote another 5 pages! of the last chapter.....
    PPPPS Gaby - missing you!

  56. At 07:40 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Jonno wrote:

    Yes mate,christmas was so much simpler back in the days! I reckon it's all got far too commercialised,all it's about now is spending money!
    Today,i rushed round to my local Tesco after work(first time i've done less than 12 hours for weeks!)to get to the cash machine.Had to send some money to my daughter,she's going away for christmas with her mum.
    Pulled up in their little bus stop bit,like i've done 100's of times before.Got in the back of the car to get my wallet out of my jacket.Dropped the wallet,debit card fell out,went straight down the rain gulley!
    Managed to find a builder bloke in the car park,he had a socket set in his lorry,he helped me un-do the bolts on the metal gulley,and retrieve my lost debit card!...restored my faith in mankind that did!
    I think we all need to slow down a bit,and remember what christmas is really for......
    Chris i've watched you on tv since big breakfast,and don't forget your toothbrush,you are simply THE best thing to happen to tv in years,and now you're on my favourite radio station...pure magic!Keep up the grat work buddy,you ROCK!!!Merry Christmas.

  57. At 08:22 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Gaby wrote:


    Just posted my first one for the week....and....it hasn't made it : (

    All I said was hi and bye and that I think the answer to jojo's question is 'A ? of Sport'.

    Tough week here - haven't really been around to blog - have missed you all.

    BP - please post this - I would really like to send kisses to my virtual friends xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

    gaby
    x

    ps wow - Nigella is a superstar in the kitchen. Interesting though, she put her party poussins in the oven while she went for a evening drink with her friends - when she got home to eat said poussins and we had a 'director's shot' of her coming through the door with her friends, it was broad daylight - the clocks had changed, it was summer outside and we were all on British Summertime again.........

    pps Curbishly

  58. At 08:23 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Rocco Ianiello wrote:

    I listened to your show on the way home and I listened to your guest telling everyone about her gifts and her web site.

    I scribbled it down so I wouldn't forget but now I am home and I try to read my scribble I cant make out the website :-(

    Can anyone remind me of this web site please?

  59. At 08:24 PM on 13 Dec 2006, anna wrote:

    Its a wise man who ensures that a golf ball reaches its full potential in life. Chris, your profundity (is that a word!?) moves me.

    Jennie from the blog - Definately before, i can totally recommend it. Walked out of a job i hated 8 years ago, nearly to the day.
    Was berated for being late, the snow had fallen really badly and my car was stuck so i had to walk 2 miles to the bus stop in order to get in to work at all, then endured a 2 hour journey that should have taken 15 mins.
    My boss said, in front of all the staff "You're late" and at that moment i decided life was too short. My response "yeah, sorry about that - tell you what, why dont i just resign then you can get someone much more reliable". I left after packing my desk up and had the best christmas and new year ever. no responsibilities and a bright bright future!

    Parker - have you ever heard the phrase, less is more?!

  60. At 08:27 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Hazel Love wrote:

    I appear to have been taken into custardy.

    Bail would be a bottle of Jack Daniels.

    Can't win...

    not guilty y'honour

    xxxx

    KEITH a joke - because I might be able to...

    The children were sent home having to come back tomorrow and be able to tell a story with a moral.

    Teacher: So, Timmy, do you have a story?

    Timmy: Yes Miss. My Auntie Karen was a pilot during the Iraq war and she had to eject from her plane over enemy lines. All she had was a bottle of whisky, a gun and a knife. On the way down she knocked back the whisky to make the landing easier.

    When she landed she was immediately set upon. She killed 15 soldiers with the gun til she ran out of bullets, 7 of them with the knife, and the last one with her bare hands.

    Teacher: Ok Timmy, so what was the moral of the story?

    Timmy: Don't mess with Auntie Karen when she's drunk.

    ta da
    love
    hazel
    x

  61. At 08:53 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wilsmar@home wrote:

    Sending warmest greetings to anyone still out there:
    Well we didn't do stockings at our house but seemed to get either a Post Office set or Sweet Shop - remember those brightly coloured sugar puffs in little jars and packets? - every year. Used to love the John Bull sets too, can't remember what I "printed" with them but played with the sets for ages and ages. Ooh! and the 30" undressed doll from Woolworths that Mum sewed and knitted a pile of stuff for - I loved that doll, name of Susan - same as all my dolls.

    #36 Mr B - if you ask your children you may be surprised that they would really miss the coins if they stopped receiving them - I believe it's not cool to be too impressed with certain gifts.

    #18 Ms Love if you click on 'previous' "Here comes that sinking feeling" - you are still showing as numero uno.

    It's OK I'm videoing Nigella.
    I'm just off to get a brew and something festive to eat when Oz and James finishes: Stollen, Mince Pie or a Lebkuchen Heart? Can't watch Nigella without some nosh!!
    Peaceful evening all.
    MW

  62. At 09:23 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Steve wrote:

    Hi Chris, I've just lost 45 balls over 3 rounds in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In my defence I've only just started playing and there was an awful lot of water. Steve

  63. At 09:41 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wrote:

    Chrissy S

    Happy Happy Happy Birthday.

    The big 50. It can only get better eh? I turned 42 this year, and I was so happy about it I grinned to myself all day.

    Hope the hangover isn't too heavy tomorrow.

    Enjoy.

    DWNB

  64. At 09:44 PM on 13 Dec 2006, EG (Scotland) wrote:

    Wow - Oh Come All Ye Faithful _ I sang it all the way home in the car and what's more I was doing the descant. Unbelievable - it's probably over 25 years since I last sang the descant in church on the last day of term with the school choir - yet I still remember it. That said, the voice is not what it was. Not that it was ever very good - but now well ..... let's not go there. Still I enjoyed myself. Even got hold of the Christmas spirit for that short time - but it's gone again. WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?

    Is your golf ball story an allegory for something else? Did you really get a golf ball Chris? I feel this could be applied to so many things. Your blogs are always good but at the moment are especially thought provoking. Looking forward to tomorrow's.

    EG

  65. At 09:58 PM on 13 Dec 2006, EG (Scotland) wrote:

    #56 wilsmar@home. I remember the Post Office Set and Sweet Shop - I loved them. I had forgotten about such things. I played with them for hours and hours.

    Just think in a few years we might have forgotten what an actual post office is!!!

    EG

  66. At 10:23 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Gaby wrote:


    I have a pretty and decorative wreath of faux berries on my front door. two foot below this and slightly to the left I have 3 beautiful patio tubs of flowering geraniums. Honestly, they are not the saddo geranium that you see in autumn - hanging on in there, going rusty brown on the leaves and ne'er a sign of a bloom. They look as good as July......

    ..........is this the warming of the globe...


    bonne nuit et petit pois, beaucoup d'amour et pommes de terres.

    sleep well insomniacs (is that an oxymoron)...at least if we are up past 2am ( and we are owners of the much maligned Murd*** tv) we can tune into the boys down under : )

    au revoir et bientot

    xx

  67. At 10:31 PM on 13 Dec 2006, moose wrote:

    aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    I've been got...I know not why.
    Bah humbug.

    Most important bit was to ask if I half caught it right that SOMEONE has been passing themselves off as a mixture of me and a few other blog chums on fox the fox...any confessions????

    Moose

  68. At 10:32 PM on 13 Dec 2006, moose wrote:

    ..and Gaby, good to see you back. We missed you! Hope all is well.
    Moose
    PS AC absolutely!!!!!

  69. At 10:32 PM on 13 Dec 2006, jojo wrote:

    thanks chaps for the answer re the sport game, any guesses on the other one? it was defo a male who was advertising it?
    loved reading all your entries on this blog, love listening to the show but first time for writing on here - so thanks for all your replies - made me feel welcome.

    glad tidings!
    x

  70. At 10:54 PM on 13 Dec 2006, wilsmar@home wrote:

    Just checking before I slope off to bed....... and heard Oliver Stone while presenting an award on the British Comedy Awards attempting a joke about Jack the Ripper being about...... bet they're howling with laughter in Ipswich. What an a***hole!!

    #55 Gaby on a lighter note ....... I was puzzled by how light it was on her evening out but..... she said - on the Jonathon Ross show a couple of weeks ago - that the shows were filmed in July.
    MW

  71. At 11:24 PM on 13 Dec 2006, diane o'rourke wrote:

    hi chris, first time blogging. you are as mad as abox of frogs as the Terry would say. Thanks so much for the fab prizes on womans minute for the 10 famous beards. Unfortunately the tickets for portsmouth match on the saturday arrived with the parcel on the Tuesday but I gave them to a posh fan any way as he was mad jealous.nIt made me a bit famous too as I am an IBM programmer, the IBM support chaps and AT & T chaps recognised it was me on the radio along with the mums at school - wierd when you realise how many people listen to radion 2 and they know you too. Little golf ball, cold and hard but uniform in appearance. I was really shocked when I first saw one opened.

  72. At 11:52 PM on 13 Dec 2006, Bev Preston wrote:

    As a kid in Canada, our family start to Christmas was a box of satsumas that Dad brought home, followed by Grandma's Christmas parcel from England.
    That magic box contained the Christmas pudding, and presents wrapped in crinkly paper (that cracked and we could peep in to see what the present was). There were English sweets and choccies, Land'of'Nod pyjamas with a distictive smell (could have been M & S, late 50's early 60's) and games our English Mum played as a child.
    Our stockings had a satsuma in the toe, a few candies, colouring books and crayons to keep us occupied until an acceptable hour - 6 am!

    I don't know if my 14-year-old grandson will still want his Grandad and me to turn up at his house at 7 am (he lives nearby) for present-opening and maple-syrup bacon and croissants.
    I hope he does!

    My daughters are 35 and 33 and I do Christmas stockings for them and their partners; satsumas - a must - a magazine, boozey and quirky things and forbidden chocolates.

    My husband and I have a butchers shop and the run-up to Christmas is quite frenetic; thankfully, we have supportive family and friends who help us out - we couldn't do without them.

    Enough of my rambling; I read the Blog every evening and send my best wishes, and Seasons' Greetings to all Bloggers (Correspondents).

    Finally, Chris and Crew, where would we be without you?
    Merry Christmas to one and all.
    Granny Bev

  73. At 08:37 AM on 14 Dec 2006, Steevie fae Dundee + Glas wrote:

    People

    A quick one this morning with a Christmas(ish) theme. I only cottoned on at the weekend that you don't have to subscribe to to be able to view things (I'd never tried it). There is an advert running in Scotland only which has taken the Snowman cartoon and changed it (with permission of course). A few folk I know who heard it running in the background assumed it was a trailer for C4's Christmas schedule until they realised they were watching STV and then caught the tail end of the changed words. I've not managed to catch it yet on TV so went to youtube for a look. It is an absolute HOOT. It took me four viewings before I noticed Nessie. I'm not sure I can name yet all the sights they fly over. To view it, just search for Irn Bru (with a space between the words) and the snowman one will be listed. I heard the other day that the Irn Bru cuckoo got beaten up by thugs at a recent Personal Appearance to open somewhere, they broke his wings off then beat him up (poor thing)

    For those of you who have not seen the Windy Miller advert that Christophe (and others) have mentioned here previously, that is there too;
    search for (would you believe) Windy Miller (with space between again) and it should be listed along with, I have to warn, a couple of other things that made me think wot is THAT (but I didn't look).

    Enjoy...........

  74. At 08:43 AM on 14 Dec 2006, Gaby wrote:

    Morning schmorning,

    good day to one and good day to you all,

    Moose. Thanks - that made me feel very nice.

    Monty.....yipppppeeeeeee......wooooohhhoooooo

    laters

    Gaby
    xxx

    ps 10th wicket has just gone!!!!!!!!!!!! wwoooohhhoooooo

  75. At 09:11 AM on 14 Dec 2006, TheBigUn wrote:

    Morning all,

    Hazel love, thanks for the joke :-) I have been resisting posting jokes in an attempt to let the BP cool down and hopefully give them time to find a new victim :-(

    Gaby, we missed you too ;-) I am pleased you are back; I find I need this blog to keep my mind off other things ;-( It sound like you are pretty much the same at the moment so a BigUn {{{Hug}}} to you :-)

    I also see that both moose and you are frustrated with the BP :-( I suspect the posts have now appeared, it is the length of time some of them take to appear when other peoples contributions are up and you know by the time you posted before them! I think some of us end up on a pre mod list where or posts have to be released by the BP supervisor. My virtual vision of someone who looks like an Umpa Lumpa working behind the scenes in 大象传媒 Towers who鈥檚 job it is to vet the posts we make ;-) of course I may be wrong :-(

    Moose, your boss is playing games with you my friend ;-) I am sure they want to keep you but at the same time they do not want to ay any more than they have to, too keep you.

    Good luck for Friday and I am sure a good offer will be forthcoming form either x or y. Even then I would be tempted to exaggerate any offer hugely when and if I discussed it with my current boss.

    Still back to the grind for a while, I will check back later to see if the gremlins of yesterday are at it again.

    Keep smiling everyone :-)

    Keith
    x

  76. At 09:25 AM on 14 Dec 2006, Lynne wrote:

    Morning Everyone,
    We remembered Christmas past in bed last night. Comparing what we got in our stockings. It brought some of the excitement back.

    Thanks Keith for the memory of chocolate coins. That's probably why I am always drawn to them. A couple of years ago I bought a load and spread them round the house. I was going to tell some story to nephew and niece about the elves leaving them. But bad weather meant they didn't come (nephew and niece, not the elves). I think I probably ended up eating them all. Shame.

    Thanks too to Granny Bev, I'd overlooked the parcels we used to get from my uncle in Germany. Different foodstuffs and always a present for me and my sister. Sometimes it was spoilt as customs would have got there before us, so it wasn't wrapped as nice, and of course there would be a charge!

    Joannie, the black hole of virtual space!

    Gaby, hope things are picking up for you.

    Lynne x

  77. At 09:26 AM on 14 Dec 2006, Gaby wrote:

    me again....

    Just scrolled up and found some missives that I'm sure weren't there last night........is that called the benefit of hindsight or the pitfall of oversight.

    I see that my first one for the week did get through after all : )

    I thought I had been taken into 'custardy' with Hazel Love : )....there's always later I guess

    Moose - loving your suggestions as to what to stick on the table with offer.....I think I would start with:

    Stick that up your CENSORED...followed by
    3 months......pah, do you know who I am:
    followed by a discretionary....
    Beat that love ....and then, just for good measure.....
    Counter and beat that by 12 noon tuesday otherwise I am off.
    And (sorry to start with one of those), in the words of the greatest entrepeneur and in the tradition of the blog
    Mange tout and this time next year we will be millionnaires.

    Gaby
    x

    ps got to go, I have Reg the floor man coming to measure up for my ensuite flooring....that ol' chestnut!!

    pps monty baby - what a quintet of beauties

  78. At 09:37 AM on 14 Dec 2006, Jax wrote:

    Go Monty Go!

    Moose - I also wondered who was asking the Fox the Fox question last night. Can either Dr. J, or Prof Plum confess?

    Hope you are all well on this Thirsty Thursday?

    Lotsa love everyone

    J x

  79. At 09:57 AM on 14 Dec 2006, wrote:

    EG

    Were you at school with me... Descant on Come all Ye Faithful. I still launch into it with fevere when anyone starts singing it...... Mad Murray, Tattie Thomson???? Ring any bells.


    DWNB

  80. At 01:14 PM on 14 Dec 2006, joybells wrote:

    Hi Chris, you nice man

    Love the way you think about stuff. Don't you think being 40 makes you reflective? I have to warn you that the tendency to reflection and introversion ( is that a word?) gets worse with age. I hit 50 this year ( don't worry, I'm all over it now, but it was a trauma at the time) and I think about EVERYTHING, ALL the time! I could ponder for England.

    My golf ball was a pair of mittens, or gloves as I got older. I always started to open my pressies in bed, and as my bedroom was the one without central heating, the mittens were opened and on straight away. Made it really difficult to eat chocolate and operate my colour changing torch.

    Also, I just caught up with your observations of church - and I know what you mean.I'm a christian, and it drives me mad when "liturgy" is repeated soulessly week after week. Hate evil, Love good comes from Amos - most people aspire to this don't they?

    Finally ( long blog entry) I don't see God as being about church - its about a personal realtionship - just you and God - and nothing else matters.

    God Bless,

    Joybells

  81. At 02:49 PM on 14 Dec 2006, Nicki wrote:

    Hi all,

    I appear to have been missing for quite some time, out there wandering around in blogness wasteland.

    It's nit been for lack of trying, don't think I've said anything rude - I'm not understanding why my posts have been the ones that fell on stoney ground, then felt all dejected and haven't even tried for a day or two.

    Well, if this get's thru, Hi Bevryoddy, I've been trying to keep up - honest.

    Big'un, the chocolate coins, I managed to brainwash myself years ago that I didn't like chocolate - it worked I can't even dtand the smell of the stuff, much the same as sprouts (but they are the work of the devil) However I still buy the chocolate coins for my brother, just always have and he would be very upset were I not to, I also now buy them for his kids. I'm sure my bruv has never grown up he's 48yrs old and a chartered accountant, but if Christmas morning I don't arrive with chocolate coins he reverts to a sulky toddler! I usually let him have his last. His kids find this highly amusing.

    I've just realised why he loves them so - they are coins after all and he is an accountant.

    That's all for now folks,
    Hope this one gets thru
    Take care
    Nicki
    x

    ps. I've got the day off tommorrow......can't wait

  82. At 04:51 PM on 14 Dec 2006, wrote:

    At least you had a sunrise Chris, we here in Glasgow haven't seen any sun for weeks, neigh, months!! On my way home from work last night it rained so hard on my car that I had to turn up the trannie to the max so that I could hear you guys over the din.

    Here's to the 21st .

    PS lurv the show

  83. At 08:03 PM on 14 Dec 2006, Joybells wrote:


    Hi Chris and all others,

    Nicki I am SO impressed that you brainwashed yourself into not liking chocolate. I have bought choc coins for Christmas stockings THREE times now - I just keep eating them.... Ditto the one set of cadburys Christmas tree decorations. Ditto the "spare" advent calendar.

    Worse still, and I hardly like to admit it, chocolate coins taste so good in bed.......

    Love Joybells XX

  84. At 02:23 PM on 15 Dec 2006, julie sinclair wrote:

    i so know what you mean about really loving things i had a doll called loubie louand i loved her so much she was my friend, my fashion model, my confidente she wasn't flashy and expensive i always think at this time of year especially, of little kids in India who would cherish one little bauble off the tree or little doll from the pound shop as though it was the most precious thing in the universe they don't need the WII to make them happy it makes me feel so priviliged love the show cant believe how much i am on the same wave length you have improved over time defo!!!!!!!!

  85. At 04:23 PM on 21 Dec 2006, Catherine Whittle wrote:

    Chris My girlfriend and I visited your pub on Monday evening not quite knowing what to expect or who we were going to meet.....

    It was full of women - not a single man in sight!
    Not that we were "on the pull" but it was quite strange...is this normally the case? Do you think that the pub attracts women who have a secret desire to meet you?!! Is the pub targetting women specifically?!!!

    Would be interested to hear your view - will be listening 5.30-7.00 this eve.....

    By the way, the salmon / thai dish on the saffron risotto was amazing - am going to try it at home!

    Hope to see you in the New Year!!

    Catherine

  86. At 06:16 PM on 21 Dec 2006, Jonathan Gogan wrote:

    Just heard Ewan reading his Xmas list.
    What a lovely child.

  87. At 05:55 PM on 30 Mar 2008, jonathan hill wrote:

    I am somewhat frustrsted that after an excellent evening spent in your pub at Lickfield, your employe behind the bar has not done as she promised sent me a receipt for the excellemt meal. She said that she was unable to write one out there and then?, but would post one last monday. I am sure you enjoyed your evening there that saturday and would not want it spoilt by such action. I look forward to your reply


    Jonathan and Alison

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