General Chat

A HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone who reads this message, and may 2013 be a happy, healthy (or healthier) and prosperous year for one and all.

CC

Dear Ladies,

May I wish you all A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR any may all your dreams come true.....................

Back to reality tomorrow!!!

Auntie Petunia

A Happy Healthy and Content New Year to one and all <3 <3 <3

Petunia dear, please change out of that silly dress, no one wears that style these days. Yes dear I know you looked good in it when you were a gel but really with your height and figure you should stick to wearing what suits you especially at your age.

Yes dear I know we cant judge books by the cover and its what is in the heart that matters.

Oh all right dear, if you want to go around looking like that, please feel free. But as your friend, I felt obliged to mention it, as I would hate for you to find anyone laughing at you behind your back.

Do bear in mind how easily accidents happen dear. You could trip on the hem. Or, while you walk down the street, a gentleman could trip over your hem and land in the road to be run over by a dray horse. It happened to a gentleman in the early 19thC, and at the inquest the coroner commented it was a tragic accident but ladies would wear these fashionable full skirts with crinoline hoops.

Now - has anyone owned up yet? No dont point the finger at me. I dont have an itchy RR finger, just a lot of private opinions. :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

blywddyn newyth dda. .... I think I have spelt it right, but pronunciation is another matter.

CC

Good evening Ladies and silent onlookers [another one has 'tuned in']

May I wish you all the happiest of new years, and many more of them!!! I think I have already said that but the pickled onions are repeating, again...........and again.........and again.

Cherry dear, I am booking you into SpecsMarket at the earliest convenience dear, that person you saw ascending from the area steps was definitely NOT me. There is only one door, and one set of steps I use, and that is the Front Door and the Front Steps. The area steps are for the servants dear, not the Lady of the House. Tutty tut.

I think the photograph I have posted is rather lovely dear. It was taken when I had my, erm, sourjourn to Spain, just after I heard that dear Patrick was Missing in Action. As you know I threw myself whole heartedly into the Spanish culture. I learned the language, the customs and was quite pleased when someone asked if I had a little Spanish in me, because I could only answer....................yes!!!!

I was a whizz at the spanish dancing, very intricate you know, none of this dancing around the handbags malarky!!! My mantilla was also remarked upon, on several occasions.

I am pleased you have had word from your fruit dear Teresa. How wonderful it is by the magic of the Tinternet that we can speak with anyone, anywhere in the world. What exactly is a Potted Noodle dear? Is it some kind of exotic herb? Like the one that is shown on t-shirts at Camden Lock dear?

Lesley dear, I hope you had a lovely time at midnight dear. Did anyone come first footing?

Dear Upsidedown Susan, you managed New Year before us dear. I saw the fireworks on the television from the Southern Hemisphere. Not exactly your neck of the woods, but as the crow flies.

We had a spiffing display at the Thames. And I have to say I had a hand in it. There is nothing I like better than getting my hands on a Roman Candle. Such pretty colours. I was not over enamoured with the choice of music, I rather fancied Pomp and Circumstance myself, but they were having none of it. A little man sat in a tent by the side of the River and masterminded the pyrotechnics. Clever chap.

We have had a New Year service at the Church this morning. Not my cup of tea I must say. This new Womens Institute Ponsonby woman is gaining power by leaps and bounds. I will not have it in my church, erm, The Church. She thinks we should have a Power Meeting once a month. Good grief we do have to talk about the electricity bill on a regular basis? I think not. She has lot of 'ideas' that she would like to put into action over the coming months. She does not see the purpose of the Flower Rota weekly, but the one person should do it monthly. I shall speak to her privately for want of saving someone's face, but that dear little mousy Miss Rowbottom can barely spare the price of flowers for one week in 12, never mind four consecutive weeks. I am all for change dears, but simply because her husband tickles the ivories on the organ, I do not think she should rule the roost!!! There is only one true leader, and I think you all know who that is!!! Smooths down skirt of a very attractive suit.

I think we have found the Phantom RR'er of the Threads. I also think we have all had a good titter [behind the confines of a lace edged hankerchief of course]

So then, I shall begin in earnest tomorrow to get back into my usual round of good deeds and visits. The Old Soldier and Sailors Home seems to be flourishing, but nevertheless, if dear Lavinia left it in my charge, I do have to make the regular visits to see all is tickety boo.

Good night dears, remember what dear Scarlett always said

Tomorrow is another day! [ did she have an O level in Stating the Obvious?]

Pip Pip
Auntie Petunia

Good morning dears, and the other two silent peepers who have joined us overnight!

Please come forward and leave your calling cards dears. We don't bite, well, not very hard.

Am I the only one up and about this morning. These few days inbetween Christmas and New Year, seem to allow people to sleep in..............tutty tut.

Off to the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home today dears. Pat-trish-aaaah is waxing down the tuk tuk to get us off bright and early. I hope to organise a sing song this afternoon, and so have asked Beatrice to accompany me, as he touch is as light as a feather over the old keyboard. She is of the age to know all the songs too, and she has a marvellous contralto voice, so the men should feel at home with her, singing the ditties of years ago.

Well must away dears, time waits for no man, or woman. Titters.

Toodle
Auntie Petunia

oh Petunia dear, if you have worked out who the Phantom RR'r is, please do whisper the name in my ear. I am way behind with such updates, because I have been so busy borrowing your computer and credit card to avail myself of some new HeE Bay purchases that I have barely looked up, except to look down at a plateful of food.
:-D :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

I must say that Mrs Berry's idea of spreading a little Greek yogurt on a digestive biscuit and eating it like a kind of lazy cheesecake, is a most note worthy concept. It goes down well with a cup of tea :-)

No of course it couldnt have been you traipsing down the area steps dear. You returned from Spain as pure as a certain Madonna song, as well ;-)

A few years ago I went to a Joe Brown concert and because of a mix up with the tickets, instead of the posh comfortable seat with lots of leg room at the back of the auditorium wot I thought I'd bought, I ended up sitting in the stalls instead much to my annoyance because the seats were harder. Well, Mr Brown did a little patter inbetween the songs and at one point he referred to Teddy Boys, saying there was a bit of Teddy Boy in everyone during the 1950s. Then he pointed at me and he said "... and there was a bit of Teddy Boy in you as well, at one time, Madam". We wont discuss what bit, but everyone laughed and how I blushed. ;-)

I do hope the singsong at the Home went well, and that everyone returned to their respective rooms with their kit bags well packed for Tipperary!

CC

Younger than Springtime am I
Gayer than laughter am I
Lala la la la la la la

Well what a jolly time we had today.. we sung, we laughed, we even danced. Trust me to get some jolly jack tar who wanted me to see his hornpipe! It was very good too, very intricate, and nimble? Crickey who would have thought he was in his eighties.

Beatrice was a revelation. She can sing and vamp at the same time. And I thought that meant something entirely different. Apparently she copied the style of Mrs Mills, and vamped with her left hand, and played the tune with her right. Just goes to show what you see when you haven't got your gun!!!!

I say Cherry dear, that was a bit racey what that Mr Brown said. I have seen him on interviews and he is a cheeky chappy. He often recalls when he worked from the Railways, and fried an egg on a shovel. That bloke must have eaten half a battery farm the amount of times he has told that story.

I remember him in a film with Marty Wilde. They were Teddy Boys, wearing drape suits and crepe sole shoes. I believe they were called Brothel Creepers. How coarse!!!

I shall now drift upstairs dears, singing merrily as I go. I have not had such a good time in a long time!

Some enchanted evening
You may meet a stranger
You may meet a stranger, da da da da da dum!!!

Auntie Petunia

Afternoon Ladies :-D

Well the new year is well and truly here. I have been buying FTY new school uniform. His school trousers look like they have divorced his ankles and married his knees :-D

FTE starts her big adventure round the world in a week or so's time. What fun she will have. A potted noodle Auntie dear is a snack thing which is a bit like cardboard until reconstituted with hot water. A staple snack for students and Fruits who live away from home. You should try one for research purposes only of course ;-)

Joe Brown, I do think I may recall him on the black and white television Cherry dear when I was but a very very small fruit :-D

We have booked for some entertainments in the next few months. A gentleman called Tony Stockwell is going to be in our local theatre so a posse of us are orff to see him :-D We are taking FTY to see dear Mr Suggs and his one man show. We are great fans of the great man and are very very very excited. FTY is a little less excited but I'm sure he will enjoy the show :-D

Some friends and OH and I are off to see.........................................






Simple Minds :-D :-D :-D :-D


The real deal with Jim Kerr and co. oh joy I never got to see them in the 1980s but will be able to now :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D


Orff now dig out new gold dream


Teresa

Buenas noches señoras.

Happy New Year I hope you all survived the festive season without eating or drinking to much :-D

Theresa today I had to attend breast screening at your place of paid toil my goodness what changes have occurred since I was there five months ago :-0 twice I got lost in a maize of tunnels/walkways :-S

CC all I bought baby E for Christmas was the teddy, I've saved the box it came in for next Christmas when I think she will be old enough to appreciate it :-D........................... has Joe Brown got a daughter who is/was a celebrity :-S

Auntie Petunia the only person that came first footing/tripping through our door was our youngest fruit.....................she certainly didn't survive the festive season without to much to drink :-|

Hello Susan I hope you are well. x

Hello Ladies and Peeps,

Here we are, January 4th already.... Christmas Day seems an age ago. I survived the day and managed to feed the hoards. We had a fine day so I am thankful for that.
New Years Eve was spent with my parents and their neighbours, sitting out in the garden having a few wines. Most pleasant. We didn't wait to see the new year in...

I am off to a hens party tomorrow, my fruit is one of the bridesmaids. Then we go to the wedding on the 12th. :-) I have known this hen since she and fruit became friends, aged 5 !!

Lesley, your mention of hospital visiting, I hope you are ok. I trust your fruit was none the worse for wear on New Years Day??. My male fruit was sober driver for a mate, daughter is not a drinker, she will have the very odd tipple. She leaves the imbibing to her ma and pa :-D...
Hope E loved her teddy :-). I had to chuckle about the box, my parents neighbour was telling us he had been given a boxed bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue. His son joked he would save the box and put his Dads ashes into it :-D ;-). It is satin lined, I think?

Teresa, I trust you found pants long enough for FTY... I wonder how much taller he will get. I remember my brother 'shooting' up. He is 6' 4" now... The height gene passed me by :-P.
Glad to hear of FTE's travels. I think you said she comes to NZ as part of this big cruise? Hopefully, Summer proper will have arrived by the time she berths here.

My mama and papa are off on a little cruise around the Pacific next month. I cannot convince my OH to take a cruise. He, and I, like to holiday away from the masses. Though I am curious about cruising..

CC, I meant to say thanks for the cyber sprouts. We do get them here, only in Winter....

Petunia, looking at an old boys 'hornpipe'..... ewwww ;-). Have you got the Church ladies under control now??. I can well imagine there are a few 'ladies' who think they are more important than the rest of the group. I think it is the same in any organisation ;-).

Tis Friday again, hooray. Though next week we will be back to working a whole week.... I have quite enjoyed these short weeks.
I am on the countdown now to Fruits wedding :-D. Must make a list of all the things we need to get done. 1) get groom to organise a new passport, honeymoon for one not acceptable :-D.

Toodle pip, keep warm and well,

Susan

Good evening dears,

I hope you are all tickety boo. Dear Upsidedown Susan, you are leaving us in your wake again. Friday already. We are barely Thursday evening, and we have Big Brother to look forward to!! I say that with my tongue very firmly in my cheek.

I hope you are in fine fettle Lesley. Prevention is all my dear. Thank goodness we have the Angels of Mercy to look after us.

Teresa dear, young boys do grow at an alarming rate. They have these spurts do they not. Nothing worse than 'ankle swingers' dear. So common! I shall try the Pot Noodle, when hell freezes over.

No Cherry yet? She must be sticking the porcelain together again, she thinks I do not notice when he brushes against them and they take a nosedive. But I do!!!!

I am taking my time with the new Womens Institute intake dears. You know what they say, slowly slowly catchee monkey. If they think they can topple me from my perch they have another think coming!!!!!

I shall away now dears, I have a plan to put into action.........................



Auntie Petunia

You are in fine fettle tonight Petunia dear, so mingling with jolly Jack Tar has done you some good. Will Jolly Jack be joining us for supper dear?

Thank goodness you have changed your frock but do you think it suitable attire for this sort of weather? Who will be escorting you as your Mark Antony and Caesar? Infamy, infamy, they all have it in for me. Now, do put a warm coat on, and remember to take it off when you dont need to wear it, or you wont feel the benefit of that coat when you go back out in the cold.

I well remember Mrs Mills. I still own a vinyl album of Mrs Mills playing her party songs. I rarely play vinyl these days. A lot of my vinyl collection has been transferred to CD. One day I will annoy MFH by getting Mrs Mills on a CD.

Indeed Mr Brown can be a little saucy, but not in such a way that anyone could really take offence. He is such a consummate performer. Have you seen him fiddle behind his back? He fiddles to Hava Nagila, I wont repeat his line of patter regarding that melody. The PC Brigade would jump on me. I hadnt heard the tale about frying an egg on a shovel, but he did mention at one show how he grew up in a quaint little fishing village. Called Plaistow. I suspect none of these anecdotes are true.

I have a copy of Harry Belafonte singing Hava Nagila. Ah sweet nostalgia - and memories of my days as a child living in Stamford Hill, my life already.

I've also seen Marty Wilde, and he has a few anecdotes as well ..... ;-)

MFH annoys me by referring to his indoor sandals as "brothel creepers". I have no idea what a brothel is, or why anyone should wish to creep around there. I led a very sheltered life you know.
who whispered "yeah, bus shelters, shop door shelters ....." stand up, that woman, and be belted!! :-D

Fear not about the W.I. new intake dear, I have no doubt that you will whip them all into shape. You could do no worse than King George V who announced that his Papa was terrified of Queen Victoria, and in turn he was terrified of his Papa, and he was going to make sure that his children were terrified of him. Indeed, he so terrorised his children that they didnt say anything when they saw him bite into a caterpillar that was resting on the salad leaves on the Kings gold dinner plate.

*reaching for ear plugs, and a Turisas CD*

Teresa dear, did it never occur you to buy school uniform for your FTY so large that it will take him at least five years to grow into it??

Strange thing about Joe Brown is that although he himself never made me go weak at the knees, his songs have always tugged at my heart strings, especially That Wonderful Picture of You, which always reminds me of a particular visit to Derbyshire. That Yellow Dress. And the song about the wind blowing, forget the title now. I've got a CD of his Greatest Hits. Joe has stood the test of time well, I think. He now performs with his New Bruvvers. Or, should I say, wiv his new bruvvers. I've got his autograph. *simpers and smirks*.

I've seen Tony Stockwell live on stage. I wont say any more than that but after you have seen the show I would be interested in your comments and observations. Do please listen to the "audience who get readings" very carefully, and note where they sit - the spotlight will shine on them.

Your FTY will enjoy seeing Mr Suggs live on stage, if you twist his arm hard enough, tweak his ears, and promise him a pizza afterwards :-D

I remember one song by Simple Minds that I liked very much. I think it was Simple Minds .... come to think of it, it might have been In Xcess. Some memories Blur, as my mind turns to Pulp in the Oasis. The song I am thinking of is called something like "Dont You Forget About Me (hey hey hey hey)". The bands of that time mostly seemed to sound alike. I remember my Mama insisting that the Beatles and Gerry & The Pacemakers and The Searchers were all the same people acos they sounded alike. She also thought Helen Shapiro was a boy called Alan.

yes Lesley, Joe Brown's daughter is called Sam, and she was a pop singer for a while. A pretty blonde, as I recall. Not confusing her with Kim Wilde, another pretty blonde whose papa was the aforementioned Marty Wilde. I saw Marty at Harlow, and he thought he was in Harrow. So when I was chatting to one of the Wildcats he referred to that and I said I'd noticed but was calling it a "slip of the tongue". And the Wildcat replied "nah, I'd call it bloomin' senility".

I didnt get the chance to see any of the 1950s or 1960s acts "the first time around", so I made up for it between 2000 and c.2007 .... those who are still alive. I've also seen The New Drifters, and shook hands with one and got a hug from another (I'd queued for an autograph and asked "please could I have a hug before I leave?". The poor lad was very kind in humouring a batty old fat Englishwoman. But I never got the chance to hug Ben E King, did I, and that's my excuse and I am sticking to it :-D

I've also been kissed (ok, a peck on the cheek) by Ray Ennis and Frankie Allen, and I ainta gonna wash for a week :-D


~~~~~~~~~~~~~ to Susan, enjoy the hen party and dont do anything I wouldnt do ;-) did you remember to book the strippergram???

Good evening dear Ladies,

The end of the week has come at last. It has been a funny two week period. Some things were open, some shut. Some people at work, others not. Not that that bothers me dears, I have NEVER worked!!!!

My Cleopatra has got you transfixed has it not? That was when I came back from Spain, after my little, erm, sourjourn out there. There was no Mark Anthony I am afraid, I was orft men at that time. Dear Patrick was still missing, Juan was back in Spain, and Dear Papa was locked in his study all the time. Funny how he used to slam the desk drawer shut when anyone walked in! He must have had Ministry papers in there. It was always kept locked. Perhaps he kept his sweeties in there too, anything to protect my dear little milk teeth.

I see you were a Bobbie Soxer then Cherry, rocking and rolling. A young femail acquaintance of mine used to go to all the shows that toured the suburbs. She has seen nearly all the Popular Beat Combos that did the rounds in the Sixties. She was a pretty little thing then, but her bloom has gawn now.

Is this Tony Stockwell a Medium dears? If so, I have not heard of him at all. I only know that Sally and Derek people that are on the tv. Didn't Doris Stokes used to be a medium too? I am very sceptical dears, the ones on the tv are very vague in their comments. Nothing too specific. Not like...................you have a key hidden in the hat box on top of the wardrobe kind of stuff.

I dare say our dear Upsidedown Susan is crowing with the rest of the hens by now. I hope the bride has an L Plate on her and a veil. A pair of angel wings to complete the picture. I have known young gels here go on a hen night for a week. Usually to Amsterjam. What is it about that place? Going up and down the canals can only account for an hour or two. Art museums? Get a bit of culture?

So, now for my coup dears. I think I have just the plan to put that Mrs Ponsonby in her place. A little bleach in the vases may just do the trick. Mess with me will she? I dont think so.

Plotting and scheming
Auntie Petunia

good evening all. Tis another cold evening. I had a pleasant two hours almost, watching Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, on TV. Judi Dench and Maggie Smith working together - what a double whammy of a treat.

Doris Stokes is deceased, dear Petunia. But I saw her on TV once, allegedly communing with the spirits and passing messages on to Those Left Behind. There is also a Doris Collins.

As well as Tony Stockwell, there is Colin Fry (aka Lincoln Green, a fraud who got found out), TJ Higgs (who hasnt been caught out yet), and Derek Acorah .. another fraud who got found out.

I worked out how Colin Fry does his TV shows with such success. He uses "the American method". And he plants stooges in the Hospitality Suites.

Errrr - how did you know that I have a key hidden in the hat box on top of the wardrobe ?????

Dont waste your bleach dear. A little bleach in the vase water seems to invigorate cut flowers for some strange reason, whilst keeping the glass clean. Now calm down dear and let me fetch you some warmed milk.
*thinks .. with a little bromide added*

(with some sympathy for Mrs Ponsonby)
CC

I forgot to mention ....... the doorbell rang, and I was in my birthday suit as I so often am at such moments. Normally I find myself in a crowded shopping centre without so much as a scarf to hide my predicament.

I hurried to the front door and opened it and peered around, so as not to reveal anything the horses should never see.

To my surprise, Gregory Peck was standing there, as dapper as ever. He was sporting a little tache, although I've only ever seen him clean-shaven as I recall. He had a sweet little doggie on a lead, sitting there on the doorstep as good as gold.

Ever the gentleman, Mr Peck doffed his hat to me in a most courtly manner, and said he thought he'd pop in while he was in England.

And then I woke up, needing to do a speedy hip hop to the bathroom.

I only know it wasnt the magic mushrooms ....... ;-) ;-)

Good evening Ladies,

What strange dreams you have Cherry dear. Gregory Peck indeed. In the altogether. Tutty tut tut.

I rather fancy dreams of that nice Cary Grant, he was rather dapper in his wonderful suits and loafers. He never really lost his accent did he? He was a dabbler though, which was very disappointing, I think he tried £SD at one time or the other. Still he was old enough to know what he was doing.

I too have seen the Marigold Hotel. How very sweet it is. I cannot abide Penelope Wiltons character though. She is a real harridan. Maggie Smith is pure gold with her one liners, Judi Dench is all calmness and dignity, and Tom Watkinson is a revelation. So much conveyed in his acting. Very sad his story. And Bill Nighy, what can I say about him. He is a charmer. Did I tell you he lives around the corner to me? He frequents a local delicatessance for his morning coffee, and holds court!!!!!

Morning church was a mortifying experience. That woman Ponsonby did the collection with the plate this morning. I think she could give Uriah Heep a run for his money. Never have I seen anyone QUITE so humble!!! I am sure a detected a few bum notes on the organ from her husband, so that was a certain satisfaction to Beatrice who could play the organ blindfolded. Now.............that is an idea. We might need a substitute organist should anything befall Mr Ponsonby. Not that I am saying anything WILL happen to him......................but it might!

We are having a cold collation tonight for dinner, cold meats and pickles. I dont think even Pat-trish-aaaah can muck that up.

That nice Mr Selfridge is starting tonight. I often frequent his store, but have never seen him.

Did you know there is an underground passage under the Store? I wonder where it leads?

Hoping all will be revealed.
Auntie Petunia

no no Petunia dear. Mr Peck was not in the altogether. Perish the thought. You should leesten verrrry carrrefully because I shall say eeet only vonce.

I have been on the Tinternet all night typing to my cousins over the waters, I have cousins in Tasmania and have been very worried about them, and I have cousins in Canada, and we all share the same bloodline.

As a result, I havent seen any TV shows. I had heard about the underground passage beneath Selfridges. Perhaps it leads to Buckingham Palace? or a nuclear shelter? or it could lead from the Thames to smuggle contraband into the store!! Or it could just be a rumour.

This link might reveal all :
Buried street in London - subterranean underground | Ask MetaFilter
ask.metafilter.com/30264/Buried-street-in-London
15 answers - 5 Jan 2006
Not an underground street, but there's obviously a lot going on under Selfridges - the terminal for the Cabinet War Rooms' secret coded ...

or, this link?
Under Oxford Street - All In London Forum - All In London.
www.allinlondon.co.uk › Forum › General AIL Site Discussion
24 Nov 2005 – Evidently Oxford St was raised up years ago but there is a tunnel ... there, through a hole in the basement of Selfridges, be interested to find out more ... st in 1937 and she said "It waas there in 1937/38 roads underground.

You should hang out around that coffee shop, and ask Mr Nighy if there is a chance you could appear in his next movie? After all, Joan Hickson was quite elderly when she first started acting. And dare I say it, you can be quite a performer when you get going :-D :-D :-D :-D :-D

Many moons ago, around the time that Peter Egan and Penelope Wilton and Richard Briers were starring in Ever Decreasing Circles, I was walking into the bank one afternoon just as a gentleman was walking out so I stopped, as the doorway was narrow, and I swear he was either the spitting image of Peter Egan, or he WAS Peter Egan. He gave me such a lovely smile it quite made my day.

If Mr Ponsonby trips over his organ stops, we will know who to blame ..... ;-)