Well as predicted it snowed last night. Woke this morning to a blanket of white, well to be honest I was woken by the drunken yobs throwing snowballs at 2am. Not quite so pristine at 7am, when unfortunately (as I had predicted) I was called in to work as noone could get there. Now I used to love snow as a kid, especially when it meant school was closed and we could make ice slides on the main road in the village. But now all I can think of is falling over and breaking a hip (lol) no I am serious, the thought of an ice slide makes me shudder. I have seen too many elderly people in A&E after falling over on them. Still it was good to see the kids on their sleds this morning.
I cant believe some motorists, they see that pedestrians are walking in the road because there is a 3 foot snow drift covering the footpath, so they do one of two things. they either drive fast through the slush covering you with dirty snow, or they beep their horns and tell you to get off the road. I had both today, so thanks alot drivers of Brentwood (NOT).
Thankfully I work with some amazing people, and as the morning progressed they managed to get themselves in to work and provide care for our residents. Then after a bit of snow shoveling so staff and visitors could get out of the driveway, it was time to go home. So now I am in my cosy flat enjoying a bit of lunch away from the weather.
Keep Warm
Suebird xxxx
Sodding Snow days
February 5th, 2012“You could have put my eye out with that”
January 29th, 2012Ok I will get to that later, it is only a little part of this blog. Just returned from a lovely weekend with my Aunty Bish in Great Yarmouth. I love these weekends, although they haven’t been as often as I would like, what with the new job. We always have such a laugh, mostly at things that are peculiar to members of the same family and would mean nothing to anyone else. Alot of our family humour involves quoting the Life of Brian verbatim, or talking in silly accents (dont even need alcohol for that).But thats the thing with families and close friends, sometimes just a look or a word will set of a torrent of giggling.
Of course this weekend was no different but with the added pleasure of Donny Osmond (on the tv the bio channel). He was also the cause of much hilarity just from one sentence. Remember the part when he talks about the fan rushing up to him with a pen in her hand and just missing his eye (yeah tragic I know)?, well all that sprang to mind was your mum saying “dont run with that you’ll have your eye out”. It didnt help that we watched TOTPs later and lo and behold one of the presenters commented on a band saying “they want to be careful with those Saxaphones, they’ll put someones eye out”. Hahahahahaha. Set the tone for the weekend, as we imagined anything would put your eye out, (yeah you probably had to be there).
The trip back was no so much fun, although smooth and seamless. Line works (on a Sunday) meant a 2 hour trip took nearly 5. I had to go via train, then bus, train, bus, train, donkey, skateboard and chariot (alright those last 3 might not be true). Whilst it was a pain to travel this way, being on the bus going through villages that I had grew up around or in bought back floods of memories, from schools to stomping grounds as a teenager. I saw things from the bus and train that you dont see when driving a car. So despite the inconvenience of so many travel changes, I got to relive my youth.
Suebird xxx
Tell me its not true? Another birthday!
January 22nd, 2012Ahhh Birthdays, dont you love them? Yesterday was my …………birthday (10th LOL). I have to say it was the perfect end to a perfect week off. Last week we had Jimmy and panto and this week… well I’ll get to that in a minute.
Started the day with Wendy opening pressies and cards,which admittedly I had done the night before (I know bad Angel) but I only have a limited time with the Donny card before I need to pass it on so I like to open that as soon as I get it. Having chatted to the family and opened Kittys pressie (Pop Rocks and Sherbert dips anyone?) Wendy and I headed off to the Big Smoke. I love being so close to London, just a hop on the train and you are in the centre of everything.
We met up with Cathy and had a wander around Covent Garden watching the street performers and checking out the market stalls, then on to my nieces pub for fish finger sandwiches (yes thats right) and a glass of wine. The pub is the Prince of Wales in the heart of Drury Lane, right near all the theartes. Its always busy, but its clean and the food is good (always important for an OCD like me).
On to the highlight of the day, seeing Marti Pellow in Blood Brothers at the Phoenix. There is nothing like the intimacy of a live show, and this was truly brilliant. Its a very emotional story but so funny too. Not to sound like a critic, but if you get the chance to see it do go. Have always liked Marti and he didnt disappoint last night, finishing the show with several standing ovations and that smile. (Side note, the Osmonds will be performing in intimate settings the size of the Phoenix OMG so close so very close). I should mention the rest of the cast was amazing too, especially Amy Robbins who played the mother. Now you have to digest the show properly over a meal, which we did over a pizza…YUMMY.
Fantastic day. Thankyou Wendy and Alison, best birthday I have had in recent years. And thanks to all the Angels and friends for the birthday wishes and cards. Next year its the BIG 50! I think I finally got to bed about 1am, so hyper, so very very hyper, what am I going to be like for the tour? eeeeek
Suebird xxxxx
And we sang “Shang-A-Lang”
January 15th, 2012What a brilliant weekend that just was. I so love an Angel road trip and this was one of the best ever. Five of us all in Kitty’s car hurtling down the M4 towards Swansea and Jimmy Osmond, the last weekend of Panto you see. No road trip is complete without travelling music. and, apart from a brief foray into Bay City Rollers, it was Osmonds all the way. Cathy was very keen to know just how those Welsh sheep were able to stand on those steep mountains without falling off, (simple really, two legs shorter than the other). Being “ladies of a certain age” we had several pit stops and coffee breaks, but by the time we pulled into Swansea we were singing along with Jimmy and ready for the man himself.
So after checking in we made our way to the Grand Theartre to see Aladdin. Now I loved last years panto but this was so much better. Apart from the obvious Osmond attraction, THIS panto had 3D. Jimmy of course was wonderful as Wishee Washee, he sang all the usual Osmond songs, and then asked us if we wanted to see “Little Jimmy” (causing the expected dirty laughter from the audience-not that the children understood just why we were giggling). Little Jimmy by the way is a puppet version of Jimmy and he “sang” LHLFL, very nicely too. After the Matinee we ran into Jimmy in the bar and Cathy got her first Osmond hug (she missed out last year because she was unwell sadly). On a natural high we headed off to Pizza Express and got ourselves some DO balls, Pizza and wine (make it snappy waiter we have another show at 7pm). I have no idea what we said to set the laughing off but it silenced the whole place.
So off to the evening show, now of course we knew what to expect. We also met up with the delightful Wendy, who lives in Swansea and has seen the show 19 times (now thats devotion), and has created a spectacular album of photos on facebook. Shes an old hand at this Panto thing and was able to get us to exactly where we needed to be at JUST the right time. Evening show better than the matinee (if thats even possible), even if Jimmy did tell us off. “Who am I?” “Buttons”. “NO”….”Donny?”….”NO….and Im NOT Marie either”. LOL. No matter how prepared you thought you were for the 3D effects, they still scared the crap outta me the second show (sorry I broke the glasses). Having Jimmy wish me happy birthday (with all the other kiddies) was a highlight, thanks Angels.
Best part…we got to meet Jimmy again after the show (ta Wendy), Cathy and Kitty got their photos and autographs and I got Jimmy’s clothes!!! Oh yes I did (now for sale on ebay lol). It was a fab weekend, we laughed till we cried and we cried till we laughed. We sang and danced all the way home (not easy to do in a hatchback I can tell you). And best of all we get to do it all again in March at Southend.
love you all so much
Suebird xxxx
Wishee Washee? He better not be.
January 8th, 2012Of course I am referring to the gorgeous Jimmy Osmond, who is starring in Aladdin in Swansea. In case you didn’t know we are going on an Angel road trip to see him next weekend. As per the brief we shall all be wearing an item of red clothing (Im not saying what I shall have on, or the suggestions from the other Angels).
What does fascinate me about this Panto is that it is in 3D. I haven’t quite figured out how that is going to work exactly. Im a little concerned that the whole thing is just a joke played by the cast and crew, to see if the whole audience will wear those daft 3D glasses and look like prats. But we Osmond fans will do anything for the blue eyed Jimmy wont we? We will have the pleasure of seeing Jimmy’s performance not once but twice next Saturday, (the matinee and the evening).
Will we be as lucky to meet him afterwards? I hope so, he is such a delightful man. Keep you posted for Panto updates.
Suebird
xxxx
A New Years Resolution.
December 31st, 2011Can you believe that we are entering our second year of Donny’s Angels. Yes I know we were together longer than that, I mean this site. As of March to be exact. I have also been reading back on the last two years worth of blogs (theres 107 Gossip blogs people did you know that?), and they make interesting reading.
Writing these blogs is a bit like swimming. The first few were tentative, stepping my toes in and out of the water, testing the temperature you might say. Then I got more confident and waded in up to my knees, letting the cold seep into my legs. Finally I took the ultimate plunge and let the writing waters up over my shoulders, and on one memorable occasion letting the water go right over my head (eek I think we ALL remember that one don’t we).Now I am happy to swim around every week, becoming slightly more daring in what I put out into cyberspace, but always keeping the shoreline in sight and knowing I can touch the bottom with my feet. All sounds a bit too safe doesn’t it? I think its time to become a long distance swimmer.
Writing for me has always been cathartic. Whether it is in the form of a structured degree, a report for work or a weekly blog, I get lost in the words once I put “pen to paper”. When I wrote my dissertation a few years ago I didn’t eat for two days I was so absorbed in what I was doing (I did drink however, Jack anyone?). Where do I go from here? Its something I have been giving a lot of thought to, especially now I am settled in my new job and home. Im seriously thinking of writing a book (stop laughing you lot), heres a few titles to be going on with Confessions of Donnyholic: A fans guide to stalking. Do as I say Not As I Do (Quotes from my mother). The Not So Serious Side Of Nursing:30 years in the profession (my favourite so far).
See you at Waterstones for the book signing.
Suebird
xxx
Merry Christmas 2011 Donnys Angels
December 24th, 2011Tis Christmas Eve and as I shall be working later I thought I’d better write a blog today (plus will all be too busy tomorrow to write and read one). So here are a few last minute Christmas things we MUST do before the big day.
Firstly have you all got your turkey and trimmings? If not you’d better rush to the shops and battle through the mad throng of last minute shoppers stripping the shelves, because the shops are shut for one day folks. Well done to Kitty for getting up early and finishing all of hers. Number 2; do you have all your decorations up and the tree in the corner with all the lights twinkling, presents wrapped and under said tree? Do you have Donnys Christmas at Home cd playing all day just to annoy the neighbours? (I do LOL)
Of course the most important thing, are you all ready to watch Donny tonight on Piers Morgan? 10pm ITV1. I shall be sitting in my PJs with a cup of hot cocoa (or a glass of wine more like) ready to watch whas-his-name. I cant tell you the amount of text and facebook reminders I have had from friends about this program. Thanks for that, Im not likely to forget.
If I don’t get the chance to tell you all tomorrow, have a great Christmas my Angels. Thanks for your support and friendship this last year, hope I have been able to do the same for you. Heres to an Osmond filled 2012. And of course Vegas Baby!
Suebird xxx
2012-Year of The Osmonds!
December 18th, 2011No its not another Chinese New Year, although its not a bad idea. As I have previously said in another blog, 2012 is turning out to be the year of The Osmonds. And now there is another event in the works.
Merrill Osmond has just announced the Olive Osmond Perpetual Hearing Fund; “Bringing Music to your Ears” Gala. I got a very excited pm this morning from one of the Angels announcing this event in September . Reading the info this looks to be an annual event (hopefully), with Merrill being the main event. Looking closer I saw he has some “other special guests”. Now I could be wrong, but is this the BIG EVENT that Donny has been harping on about for ages, does this mean he will be attending too? I do hope so, but then again it would be nice for it just to be Merrill.
As Angels are rather like Boy Scouts, we are already prepared and have researched prices of tickets and costs of rooms for the gala.Yes we SHALL be attending Mr Osmond, in the front row. I just have to factor in whether I have the time to work between Osmond events.
Suebird xxxx
Yule love this sweet treat.
December 11th, 2011This is rapidly turning into a Sunday blog now. not intentionally, it just seems to be the only day I can get to do any writing.
I am fully into Christmas mode now, all presents bought and ready to be wrapped today. The Christmas music is playing on the TV, Donny’s Christmas at Home CD is on the player, and I keep hitting the repeat button for A Soldiers King (love that mans voice on that track). Many of you know I am performing in(and directing etc) the Christmas Pantomime at work this year. Now those who are coming to see it, dont expect anything like the caliber of Jimmy Osmond in Swansea, but it will be hilarious, it has been so much fun getting it all sorted (I just need an Elvis costume-wonder if Donny still has that old white jumpsuit of his).
Of course Christmas wouldnt be the same without the Gingerbread House. This has become somewhat of a tradition for me, well it always was when I was in Australia. My mother was a great cook and she was always trying to teach me, bless her. My brothers are amazing cooks and can make the most divine pastry. Mum could make and decorate cakes (just ask my bro Phil about his wedding cake) in any design you wanted. I never inherited that skill, so the Gingerbread House is my creative outlet (baking wise). It doesnt have to be neat and perfect and you can cover up mistakes with another sweet or jelly bean (dont mind if I do thanks).
I treated myself to a new book this year The Gingerbread Architect by Susan Matheson and Lauren Chattman (just in case you want to buy it), looking at the designs I thought I had taken on a tad too much this time, But the first house is almost complete and ready to deliver to WendyP, with another two to go. Eeeeeek!
Right must continue baking. Off to get some roof tiles.
Suebird xx
Mission almost impossible.
December 3rd, 2011Today was the much awaited Angel day out in London. With our numbers depleted by the rapidly spreading Essex flu, it was down to Manda and myself to uphold the Angel traditions and try and carry out the demands of the day.
It all started well enough with the Christmas Markets at Southbank. Lots of the usual christmassy stuff, then lo and behold we ran into a few friends (no not Jimmy, or Jay or any of the other Osmonds). My sis in law (Hebridean Angel), her sister, my two nieces and their respective husbands/partners. Was lovely to catch up over a hot chocolate. Had to stifle a giggle when the waitress, spotting my Donny Osmond Phone sock, commented that she thought it was Edward from Twighlight (hes the Werewolf by the way!) I must add that the picture was upside down.
Next we headed off to see the Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, mostly because Manda said there was an angel market there. We decided to go on ahead as the others were still browsing the (overpriced) stalls. Unfortunately everyone else in London had the same idea to go to Hyde Park, so the underground was packed, and we were wedged like tins of tuna into the tube. Couple that with my vertigo and intense dislike of escalators, we opted for the stairs. Not a great deal better, as I still couldnt look up and Manda kept saying “only another 30 steps Sue” (yeah right Manda). 300 steps later and a minor panic attack we walked to Hyde Park……saw the Angel Market sign…and walked back out.
Hungry by now and looking for Dough Balls (dont ask), we were herded along Oxford Street and into a pub for a well earned sit down, a beer, food and a chat, and of course to look at Mandas Vegas pictures. Stopping to chat to Wendy on the phone. I must add dining al fresco in winter is not all its cracked up to be.
Having failed our first task….to eat dough balls…we headed off to find something Osmond related. Not being able to find the Churchill hotel (think people think), we did the next best thing, went into Waterstones to find a calendar (lots of Justin Bieber ones). It wasnt a total failure, all I will say is Denise Welch’s autobiography page 307.
Gifts bought Manda kindly escorted me safely up the escalators at Liverpool Street, and we bade each other farewell. I have no idea where the family are at present last heard they were in Covent Gardens. We failed miserably on our Angel mission, I hope you arent too disappointed. We promise to do better next time, but we had a great day.
Suebird xxx
oops just realised that Jacob is the werewolf not Edward