h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi team,well it's Sunday again and mega cold here.
Frosty all over I'm going outside in a while to dig up a few parsnips,it's said that they taste better after a bit of frost,well they are certainly getting a share of that.

I suppose I will make a rather sheepish phone call sometime next week as I am starting to get the first signs of toothache,serves me right after geeing up you two,or I might just suffer till after crimble.

Polly if you are around I do hope you are feeling a wee bit better.

Folderol,I suppose you are either at or on your usual Sunday tour of duty,I think it's the first day of Advent today so it's only a few weeks to Christmas,Polly when she's running at full speed usually gets involved in the nativity I do hope you'll be ok for this one too Polly.

Best wishes to both of you and have a real nice day

Hello my fellow Thespians-in-life.

I've still got my baddy tooth.

I'm meant to be in our choir for the Carol service, and also doing a reading. But I've got a cold that is slowly going onto my chest. So I have no idea if I will be able to partake. I shall be very upset if I can't at least do a reading. If either of you are free on Sunday the 21st...Lyndhurst Baptist church. It would be absolutely marvellous to see you there at our gorgeous carol service.

I'm listening to some Rutter carols on a new CD. His arrangement of 'Joy to the world' is so beautiful. It has made me get out my little red felt Christmas tree (complete with tiny red jewels) and my little red wooden Christmas tree! The felt one is now on the sitting-room bookcase and the wooden one is in the kitchen. From my kitchen window I can see lots of coloured lights that run the length of the church footpath. They look pretty.


Keep warm both of you. We must share a drink together soon~~if only here at h2g2.

But for now, blessings to you both and your families.

Polly

Hello peeps - lovely to heasr from both of you, although I have come across you, Rik, from time to ime, limericking, etc.

Yes, I'm afraid Christmas is here again - all too soon. I mean commercially, of course. I too, love the churchy bits, Poll.

On sunday I preached (why is it teach and taught but preach and preached? Why not praught? ) at a nearby church where they are so loving and warm and friendly. They are a really mixed bunch - some really 'rough' types and some genuine 'upper class' types, yet they all mix so well. It was 1st in Advent of course - so subject was waiting and God's surprises - you know - King of heaven born out of wedlock, in a stable, carpenter dad, just a donkey, when the world was expecting a triumphant procession with bejewelled crowns etc.

It went v well although a retired minister in the congregation did point out some contradictory scriptures - they're always doing that, just because they would have approached it differently.

Anyway, at least it started off Christmas, and I'm really looking forward to wednesday when MOH and I go too her Book Club Christmas dinner at the local church room - catering by the pub. We've all got to take along a Christmas poem to read and I've chosen Benjamin Zephaniah's 'Talking Turkeys'. If you haven't read it, you must - it is brilliant -although it is obviously from a vegetarian's standpoint, but so amusing. We're haing pheasant for the meal so we have a clearish conscience about reading it!

Now, I must get on and make the mince for dinner - I cook most of the week and MOH does weekends - I'm a bit of a home husband in that reaspect, but then she works full time and long hours and I amsemi ret after all.

Be in touch later this evening

Bye bye and look after that toothy peg - and Rik, any news on jobs?

Hello Folly, and Rick.

Please forgive the next bit of preaching but~~~~~~~

I'm so happy that the One True God loves me NO MORE and NO LESS than the most well-off or most poor on this earth. God is not arbitrary. We are all on the same level in His eyes~~~unlike in the world's eyes where wealth and its buddies are praised but the poor and weak are often looked down upon.

There may seem to be contradictions in the Bible. But if one can imagine standing at the foot of a hill, and someone else standing around the other side~~~~and then both are asked to tell of what they have seen or heard. Each will give a different story. Also, we each notice what is of importance to us as an individual. I might well see a poetical or romantic scene whilst you two gardeners notice the condition of the soil or the make of car just passing by!



The Lord Jesus was born to a lowly family under lowly circumstances. He lived a perfect life of Love and Goodness and Compassion amongst the sorrows and pains and sadnesses of life. No wonder that Isaiah 53 tells us 'He was despised, and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and as one from whom men hid their face He was despised...'

I hope you both have a warm and happy evening.

Polly

Thank you Polly - and I mean that - i'm saving all that on my 'Words of Wisdom file to be drawn on for a future sermon. It's always good to have others viewpoints and to find that although I may put it across differently, the Truth remains.

Now, I'm off out and hoping to see Venus and Jupiter in the night sky near the moon - if the sky's clear enough - apparently it's a bit of a one off occasion today with them both passing behind the moon - or vice versa! - so they said on PM. If its cloudy, I might find myself near the pub Cheers

Enjoy the pint, Folly. I'm too hidden to see the moon.

Be careful underfoot tonight.

'Bye for now.

Didn't see anything, Poll, too cloudy. But it's on Radio 4 website apparently so I'lllok on there.

Not too cold tonight here - cold wind has dropped so feels better. I didn't go to the pub, so am having my pint at home alongside the pc - how romantic!

Hi Folderol,I saw it on news 24(the beeb)

Hello.
I have been feeling just far too cold to go out at night. I didn't go to my homegroup last night, and I do love going. But my cough gets worse at night. And I don't like walking in the icy air. It is much colder tonight. I had to walk home at 6pm and my face felt frozen!

Take care both of you. Lots of hot drinks. And layers of clothing.

Mornin!

Poor Poll - you must keep wrapped up and indoors for the next few days. I prescribe lots of and . The weather forecast isn't exactly conducive ( big word!) to going out - until Sunday, which they say will be sunny down south and we're going to see our middle daughter, Becs, in Frome. They like walks, so I'm sure we'll be out and about.

Went to MOH's book club meal last night - lovely relaxed do in the village hall. NO music thumping away - wonderful! - just 24 people chatting over a dinner of pheasant (well, that's what I had).
Then all the husbands - and yes, we were actually husbands! - had to read a poem. I took Talking Turkey by Ben Zephaniah. This had to be read in a Jamaican accent and MOH says mine was 'bearable'. Is that good or bad? I asked. Not bad, she said - high praise indeed from my biggest critic when I was doing am dram.

Last poem read was Betjeman's 'Christmas' which is just wonderful and we all went home with a rosy glow. (Yes, Rik, Rosy Glow was there, too! )

Have a good day you too, despite the rain/snow

Hi R and P

Quickie to say toodle oo for the weekend - we're off to Becs and Charlie - middle daughter - in Somerset and the weather looks good. Happy weekend

Hi team,I still have no news on the job front though a mate of mine has suggested we both go self employed,which considering the current job situation will still be extremely difficult.

I went to se a consultant at the hospital today about my sore heel(plantar fascillitis)he was a very helpful and pleasant chap who said that there was no operation or surgical treatment that would cure my condition and as I have had several courses of injections which only afforded a temporary respite from the pain.

So the final outcome of this latest saga is another referal to a foot specialist who will make me some kind of foot supports that will ultimately fit my walking shoes and workboots,also I may have to wear a foot night splint in bed,so MOH better watch out incase I put the boot in

Anyway enough waffle it's about time we had some news from the team leader(polly)wherefore art though?????????????

Hello Folly and Rick.

The 'team-leader' thinks it is high time we shared some mulled wine. And teeny weeny mince pies.

And which one of us is dressing the tree this Christmas? Please may I put the old fashioned baubles on it? I've bought some retro ones in Winchester as well as still having a few of the ones that were used when I was wee. Rick, maybe you would like to drape the tinsel on the branches. And Folly - would you test the lights please.
I've got the 2 fairies that were always on the tree when I was little. One has a feathery dress and is made from celluloid (I think that it is! ). The other is a very old dolly with a knitted pair of pants and a spotty top.

Please do bring all your old baubles, stars, and fairies to put on our tree. And can we sing carols around it please? We could each choose 3 carols.


xxx

Hi Poll - thanks v much for giving me the lights
I tested them as soon as I got them out the box and they were fine, but now I've put the first lot up they don't work. So I tried to find the spare bulbs but the only ones I can find are a different fitting - I think they balong to the set we threw out last year. Soimetimes I think the best option is to scrap the lot and get new ones each year.

Oh yes and those plastic things to put on the wall to hang cards from break as soon as you try to fix a card to them so I suppose we'll have to try another method.

I've brought our star that our youngest made at playschool 26 years ago - the foil is getting a bit tatty and the cardboard's bent, but the tinsel's Ok ish. I suppose it could go behind the fairy?

Favoutite carols? I like Sydney Carter's 'Every star shall sing a carol':
Every star shall sing a carol
Every creature high and low,
Come and praise the King of Heaven
By whatever name you know.

and Kendrick's 'From heaven you came helpless babe' (Servant KIng) although that's one of those all year round hymns, so how about, instead, Once in royal David's city - will you take the boy soprano part, Rikki?

Finally, O Come all ye faithful - and on Christmas day we can sing the last verse - Yea Lord we greet thee - and I'll briong along handbells for us all to ring - such a happy start to the day

Hello Rick and Folly.

The tree is starting to look very pretty. It just needs Rick to fiddle with the tinsel now.

I've a great way to deal with all the cards. I keep most of them in a pile and display only my favourite ones. I also have all of my daughter's home-made ones around my tiny tree. Oh, I also have several on the bookcase and pushed alongide the book-spines.

I don't know that carol, Folly. My 3 chosen ones are:

'I saw a fair maiden'. It's beautiful.

'The candle song'. It reminds me of the Christmas choir I sang in one year which made such a huge impression on me. And it is the prettiest carol.

And possibly 'See amidst the winter's snow'.


Mike (Mathos) rang me tonight and told me that the MB's might close down very soon. Is that correct? If it is will h2g2 close too?

My back has been very painful since the weekend. I've done so little today because of it. I pray that you have both had a happy day.


Goodnight Rick and Folly. Keep warm. Mid-week is meant to become milder with rain.

Polly

XX

Hi team,well it's a few coats warmer here but a little overcast,I did enjoy strictly come dancing last night,especially old Brucie though I suspect this may well be his last series,well the producers must be scared he might pop his clogs on the show.

Sunday again and how are you both fairing?

My favourite carol's are obviously lower down in quality than those that the pair of you had chosen as I had not heard some of them so common as muck olde me has

1 silent night

2 The holly and the ivy

3 (children singing)away in a manger(ahh)

I know the main boards are closing(sigh as always)over the holiday period,but I am not sure that applies to threads on H2G2,so I hope you have by now sorted out most of your shopping etc and are getting ready to put your feet up by the fire,I am still trying to wind down myself,anyway as always take care and prosper

Happy shortest day to you, Polly and Rikki. And that means I am exactly 62 1/2 years old today. It's nice of the druids and new age people etc to celebrate my birthday and half birthdays each year.

Went with MOH and bro and sis on law to John Dankworth's and Cleo Laine's Christmas party at their jazz venue, the Stables (near Milton Keynes) on Friday - absolutely magical - JD is such a dry wit and still plays a mean sax and clarinet, and Cleo, at 81 years old was in excellent voice. They are really wonderful people, 'doing' music just for the love of it, and also to support their own charity, the Wavendon All Music PLan, which supports young musicians all over the world.

Now waiting for the arrivals of son, daughters and partners for Christmas. It'll be great t heve them all here. As long as the weather holds as we traditionally go for a long walk on Christmas afternoon or Boxing Day.

But before them I have an emergency visit to the dentist to look forwrad to tomorrow at 8.30 - the pain keeps me awake and I'm limited how many painkillers I can take. Hey ho.

In case they do shut h2g2 down as well,

Happy Cristmas to both of you and yours

Hi team,well we are still on at the moment,so merry christmas and if you are both going church this evening I hope all goes well,my regards to all your families.
Did you get that tooth sorted Folderol?

Deck my home with Rick and Folly.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
It would make things very jolly.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.
Put them near the top of the tree.
Fa la la, la la la, la la la.
Lit with lights for Pixie and me.
Fa la la la la, la la la la.


We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year.
Polly and Pixie sing
While your presents we bring.
We wish you a Merry Christmas,
And a Happy New Year.

Hello dear Folly and Rick. Christmas day is almost here. It brings back so many happy memories of when I was young, and also when my daughter was young. My daughter would always write a long letter to Santa Clause and leave it beside a small glass of something, and a few ginger biscuits. My brother in turn would write a reply. I have kept all those letters. My brother wrote the funniest replies. And always very lengthy. I miss him tonight...

So I think we should each consider all those who have no families at all. All those who will spend Christmas alone with only their memories.

...............................................................................................


In case I don't get another chance, I want to wish you both a wonderful Christmas filled with warmth and love.

...............................................................................................

I'm feeling quite unwell again tonight. Oh dear. I feel very fluish. I just hope that I won't spoil tomorrow for my daughter. I don't think that I shall go out tonight to the C of E service. I've just had a Lem-sip and I need to rest.


HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU BOTH, and to your loved ones.
Thank you for all your friendship and support this year. You've both been great.

Love and warmest wishes from Polly and Pixie.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

Hi Polly,probably a waste of time suggesting lemsip max,but I found them marvellous,so if you've a local shop pop out and get some now.
I'm listening to the carols from kings at the moment on BBC2,although I have been slightly disappointed with the choir this year as the organ seems too loud and the choir(bless'em)a little schreechy?
A merry Christmas all and if I could wish for one thing from this year I would wish that all of us will still be here although in much better health next year,so I hope your pockets will never be empty and your hearts as ever warm