Would one drink white wine or red wine with the Lobster-stuffed tenderloin?

Hey, something cropped up and I'm late with my offering. It's only very modest compared to all the riches displayed here, but I hope you will find it interesting. There's even a little story attached to it. A short while ago the British Airways redecorated the tails of some of their aircraft using a selection of international motifs. One of them comes from the country of my birth, Poland. It's an example of simple folk art: a paper cut-out made with sheep shears and traditionally used to decorate country homes during Christmas and Easter. Framed, it would make an intriguing splash of colour on the wall of your kitchen or study. And the cocky cockerels may even remind you of that memorable relevant scene fr m The Hour Of The Pig (aka The Advocate)... I hope you like it.

I think Lizza said she was going to bring the creme brulee: I think we can hold off the thundering Scots with our tiramisu and creme brulee! Any pictures of Mel's kilt flying in the breeze??

Thank you all for a very memorable shower. I had a lot of fun. I am not sure when I'll be able to log in again, because I'm going away from Lisbon for a few days (to Albufeira, to check on the wedding preparations), so here's wishing Happy Birthday Heide!

Heck! I'll stick to champagne! Karen, it's still early, don't you dare have a cappucino now! I'm waiting for Nan's cake. :-)

I think Lizza said she was going to bring the creme brulee: I think we can hold off the thundering Scots with our tiramisu and creme brulee! Any pictures of Mel's kilt flying in the breeze??

Heck! I'll stick to champagne! Karen, it's still early, don't you dare have a cappucino now! I'm waiting for Nan's cake. :-)

Why are these things being posted twice? Yapp is getting a little drunk. (can't be me...oh no) I'll check back later for Nan's cake and Heide.

Ooops, no more champagne for me! ;-)

(Moon)Would one drink white wine or red wine with the Lobster-stuffed tenderloin Be gross...have a sip of each!!

I believe champagne goes with (hiccup) everything!

I love it Karen! As I was rereading the chat and your honeymoon, and the postings here in 72, I came to the conclusion that I have never had such a good time at any "real" shower, and I never learned so much in so short a time. We did it, and we outdid anything I could have dared imagine. Ladies, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity. Spam Lives!

Arami, your Polish sheep-shears cutout art is absolutely beautiful. Each Christmas I fold and cut large 6-sided intricate snowflakes which I use to decorate the civic auditorium for the holiday tournaments. Some are still up there right now. I will take them all down and begin again in the fall. I use the sharpest scissors I can find which are also strong. I cannot imagine how those cockerel cutouts could have possibly been done with sheep shears!!!

"Where is everybody? Join the dance babes, the night is still young!"

Gi, sorry I'm so late, is there any wine left? Best wishes to you and Antonio. BTW, I'll be happy to wash David down from time to time for you.

...I'm running upstairs to get my disco boots...be back later! (Have you already bought your tickets to the new Austin Powers movies, Moon?) Too funny. Some guests have yet to make it to the party...so it's not over till....whenever!

Karen! Austin has invited me to the premiere! Would you like to come? I can arrange it. ;-)

Marcia - they're obviously very sharp sheep shears! (Try to say that fast after all this champaigne...)

CONGRATULATIONS GI! Yikes! Hope I'm not too late! I'll take whatever leftovers there are...I've started on a new diet, so it's a good thing I wasn't around for the beef Wellington... ...wishing you lots of happiness, Gi and Antonio! (BTW-- where's the honeymoon going to be?)

Honeymoon - we are still working on the special-needs aspect of it. I from here because my time is available and my internet hours are unlimited for the monthly fee of $20.78 US. Will tell you when things are firmed up and she thinks it is as she wishes it to be...she will announce it. How could she possibly resist a trip to those naughty monks in Turkey? Moon, You may have Austin Powers all to yourself. He makes my skin crawl. I am vienese waltzing with (where *is* that cutout?!)Darcy...=)~~~

Marcia: I am vienese waltzing with (where *is* that cutout?!)Darcy...=)~~~ The cutout, my dear, is presently being lavished with luuve by moi!

(Winter)(BTW-- where's the honeymoon going to be?) This aft in Chat Gi said the wedding would be on July 3rd and they would probably honeymoon in Brazil. Don't know why they don't go to Turkey...and take Karen up on that tremendous package!!

Of course, that is Viennese Waltzing...abd I just found a few left over flowers to tuck behind your ears (left if you're taken, right if you're not, and if you are just looking, in your teeth?! Hibiscus for your enjoyment: This one is stunning! Never saw one quite like it!

Now, what do we get her for wedding presents?! I have something in mind...;-)

About that Austin Powers thing, I prefer the Real Thing: Click Here and Wait Another but Shorter I have no idea whether this will work or will blow this place up?!?!

Congratulations Gi! You have Mel, Austin, Darcy, the whole population of Lisbon, not to mention the Spa girls, all here to wish you and Antonio the best. All this eating and drinking and hula-ing has made me quite dizzy. Can't quite compare with these adorable, naughty gifts but heck, you have to put your eggs and toast on something: Sshh, don't tell anyone where I "borrowed" this.

Karen, there is no one like 007! (Sean of course);-) I enjoyed that thanks! Still got your go-go boots on?

Oops, it's not gonna work. I'll try again later. It's the thought that counts, right? ;-)

Ok Karen, which Bond-James-Bond is that? Heide, they won't hear it from me! ;)

Heide, so glad you made it! Nan should be here with the cake soon. We have been drinking champagne all day so you have a lot of catching up to do. ;-)

Marcia that Bond sounded like the latest one (forgot his name).

Heide, make sure you stop by here tomorrow.

Timothy Dalton? or newer than that? Not enough to tell, really.

I am a little surprised and more than a little delighted that we did not bring down this Topic or then entire Drool Conference with our hot postings this morning. It was a BeeYouuuTeeFyul thing to see =)

Same Guy

Congratulations Moon and Marcia for this wonderful shower. It has kept me busy and entertained for some time now. Had a great time and our chat was also great fun. Bravo ladies. (Now if I had some hands clapping, I'd post them.)

Let's see. Heide is in Bed and it is already her birthday so I can sneak some flowers out just for her to see in the morning. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDE

...a lei to greet you in the morning of Tuberoses and Dendrobium orchids

OOOH this just in!!! A gift for Gi from Downunder in Australia, Fror AnneH, a nice assortment of didgeridoos which she has promised to teach you to play.

Patas, I hope you enjoyed them. They make an interesting sound. Being rather ignorant of things 'spring' I thank Marcia for sending them through - they are rather than bagpipes.

Happy Birthday Heide!!! Look who I ran into on my morning walk. He asked me to bring him to you. (courtesy of Murph's page)

testing

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEIDE, And thanks Moon , Marcia 'n Karen for all the festivities and Gi'n Antonio for giving us an occasion for celebration. ***** Since #72 is "This 'n That".... here is a quote from the Telegraph... Quote from Telegraph: There is a terrific sexual charge between these two in David Leveaux's absorbing production, with Henry's formidable articulacy coming into thrilling collision with Annie's more instinctive approach to life. Dillane delivers Stoppard's marvellously eloquent, unashamedly elitist speeches about life, art and language with virtuosic assurance, while Ehle offers a performance of warm humour, glowing sensuality and sudden rage that electrifies the house. ***** Alas Stephen Dillane is 40, married with two kids....:-(( **** DAILY MAIL: big heading!! OUT TO CATCH A SLIPPERY EHLE got 4 stars!!! "...and the delectable Miss Ehle - glistening and slippery like her name- plays Annie...."

Nan, we could use that cake you've been working on for Heide. ;-)))

Time to get rid of the bolding, in case it wasn't done.

Ladies, there's no need to thank, it was a wonderful group effort. BTW, I have already told Marcia she will be co-planning our DB's birthdate on September 10, so it should be a bang! (hip lingo);-) Evelyn, so happy for JE, I'm going to try to see it this summer, since I may be in London for a week. It will be a last minute thing, I hope I will be able to get a tix.

(Moon) Ladies, there's no need to thank But I'll do it anyway. Thanks to you and Marcia for your coordination and getting our creative juices flowing! On to the next party... **Happy Birthday, Heide** Since Marcia's taken care of the flowers, let me handle the cake (sorry, there's no CF inside--I'm leaving that one to Nan). I hope you're having a great day!

Happy Birthday Heide!

Gi, here is the Millenium Knive set, a must for a new bride. Sorry, it's a bit late;( And here is the car of the future!

Would you please, please, please tell me why no one !@#$ing didn't tell me it was Heide's birthday?

Uh, Karen, it was just listed in the birthday section about three days ago! Happy Birthday, Heide.

"I feel just awful...not being able to see Heide today on her very special day. What can I do to make up for it?" Happy Birthday, dear, more present to come!!

Uh, Laura, I know. Those were from Colin.

Heide, I just received a fax from Modena, Italy and your present has arrived! It will be waiting for you this summer for you to cruise around Umbria, enjoy!

Karen.....we've only been talking about Heide's birthday for two days!! Poor Karen....she's been focused on Gi's Honeymoon all week!!! **** (Moon)Evelyn, so happy for JE, I'm going to try to see it this summer, since I may be in London for a week. It will be a last minute thing, I hope I will be able to get a tix. Week nights and matinees are best.And if you just need a single...no problem. Also if they are sold out...give your name to "James" ..there's always returns. didn't we get one for Jana for 3 DOR that way? ****** I just called the Donmar Organization and the Donmar publicist to congratulate them....I'm not the only one who is excited about the rave reviews....those guys are swingin from the chandeliers!!

"...but they are one of my presents to you, Heide." xoxo Colin

"and for later, I thought we might just use this..."

I heard it was unseasonably chilly where Heide and Colin are trysting. I caught them incognito. Happy Birthday Dear Heide!

And I was in a nearby jewellers when he slipped in and purchased this little bauble for her - a rare Lavender Spinel set in engraved Platinum

Hey Karen....how about a little animation in those Arsenal shorts,,,,,:-)

He has a sleigh ride planned for you (love the hat!)Hint: It snowed several inches of the white stuff in the Sierra northeast of LA. Might be a good place to look for them.

For my gift to you, a silver-gilt and enamel Kvosh. Anyone know what she will do with this? It was made in Russia at the turn of the last century. Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HEIDE

This little gift is just to let you know we *really* do love you!

how about a little animation in those Arsenal shorts,,,,,:-) LOL!! That's going on off line. hee hee

To all those who celebrate this week - From AnneH who cannot post it because of browser problems, the player of yesterday's didgeriedoos

Happy Belated Birthday, Heide! How about a nice cruise on a sailing yacht?

Hey gang...just spoke to Nan...who sends her apologies...she has been quite ill with flu.Sounded awful. She has the** cake **ready...told her to send the URL to Karen for viewing.....yep , it's one of those...it will be circulated via emails only.I can't wait!!

Happy Belated Birthday, from me too Heide, I hope you will be coming to London to see 3DOR, so that we can meet up again.

Both reviews Variety and Harvey Karten's are now listed at the MRQE, apparently he is film critic at compuserve?

You girls sure know how to spoil an old lady. Sorry I'm late for my own birthday party. Had just a little too much fun last night to be able to log on. My cake was delicious, Evelyn, and how kind of you to make one that was calorie-free! Thanks so much to everyone for your kind wishes and fabulous gifts. I've taken my new car (Ferrari? I'm ignorant but it looks fast) out for a spin already, Moon. I'll miss somebody if I list everything but the Arsenal boxer shorts, I must admit, outdo even the dancing Spam. Now if I could only have what's in them. No smirking, Evelyn. And Karen, I hope you got a deal on that duvet cover. It is a double, isn't it? Moon, Marcia you ladies were inspirational in what you did in this topic. I was a little too dopic to participate much but the posts kept topping the previous one. I had a ball. Gi, you're a lovely, gracious lady and I'm glad you were feted so regally.

Nan's cake for Gi's Shower has been delivered. If your *slice* hasn't been delivered, please contact me.

Nan, baby!!! What a cake! If only that one cherry.... Thanks to Karen and Marcia who was able to catch me as logged on(and my DH was not home!). Perfect timming, it was delicious. ;-) Glad you liked the Ferrari Heide, watch those speed traps.

I apologize for missing the festivities everyone. As Evelyn mentioned, I'm not feeling very well. I was so looking forward to getting a buzz on, too :-/ I'll get back to you in a bit (when I'm feeling human again). Just wanted to poke my head in and say I'm sorry...

Nan..Oh Nan! You did *that* while under the WX? Cannot imagine what you would have thought up had you been in full form...gasp! Get well, soon, Dear!

Wow! What a cake, Nan! I have a stupid grin on my face I cannot remove...Sigh! And, I just watched ATA!

More JE News on The Real Thing.... Long article in Sunday London Times under Culture..... "The price of love" Ehle's performance is the most luminous, the most sensitive, the most intelligent and deeply observed of her career. She understands that Annie is the most mature of this quartet, and therefore has the most to lose. Her body moves, at first as if repressing something and anxious that his should not be observed. It is an English woman's body, voluptuous but diffident,with a sense of dignity and apprehension. Later, in the air of freedom called love, this body relaxes, subtly, quietly, but joyously. This is acting of a very high order, the actress's technigue is completely absorbed in a sense of warm, unostentatious life. It is clear from the start that, in any relatkionship with Henry, Annlie will have to be the protector, the kindly one, the sustainer." From theIndependent on Sunday "This review can hardly to justice to J. E's physical appeal. Someone will need to write her a sonnet. But her luminous performance is fascinating for the way it walks a tightrope between smiles and tears without turning cute. As Annie, the actress moving between husbands, Ehle is eloquent and forceful. Even in her extreme emotional moments, she never loses her resonance." Also ..."Leveaux has cast his rivival very cleverly with two enormouslty atrtractive actors in the leads " **** I'm otta' here....en route to London ..and that standing ovation...On second thought maybe I should just bring some Roman candles.:-) (Hey....and don't talk about me when I'm gone...:-))

Yummy cake, Nan. But are you sure one cherry on top is quite enough? I reckon it should be a plum. Better still, make it a fruit salad. Two plums and a peach on a genetically modified stalk. (But no cream, I beg you...) ;-)

Wot! No Banana?

(Arami)fruit salad...Two plums and a peach on a genetically modified stalk. (But no cream, I beg you...) ;-) LOL! I quite agree...;-)

Happy Birthday Lizza! I hope these reach you in time. :-)

ROTFLOL at your "Colin wishes Heide a Happy Birthday" series, Karen. Bravo, Nan! Great cake! Wait until Gi sees it... Hope you're feeling better. Force those fluids! If you've not left quite yet, have a safe trip, Ms. Evelyn "Donmar" B. So glad to see more raves for JE. Happy Birthday, Lizza! I can't wait to see what treasures Marcia has in store for you. In the meantime, here's a little something for you to enjoy. Smell the flowers, crack open those cheese and crackers and curl up with some juicy fan fic! Have a great one!

HAUOLI NA HANAU, LIZZA

Happy Day! I found Lizza and her own DB hiding out on a tropical island, but we have her here bedecked for the luau being held in her honor

We found the lei makers busy sewing haku wreaths for her head Dancers were practicing their Hula skills And there is that Imu I told you about where they put the pig and hot rocks and fish and veggies to cook

Oh, Lizza! Great Birthday!! Onnellista syntymäpä&ivää ja kaikkea hyvää tyylikkäälle leidille. I�d love to post a pic here for you but I�m still plucking up my courage to try that again after my total xoom recently. (I shall conquer this!)

Our most intimate friends await their arrival on the lawn The blessing is offered for the food The Pig is removed from the Imu Our friendly wait-staff await our commands Lizza showing off her new Hula techniques while wearing her coconut shell top While her DB shows off his newly-learnt skills ALOHA !!!

and just to show I did have the invocation of the gods for blessing of the food

Lizza showing off her new Hula techniques while wearing her coconut shell top very funny! How'd you manage to catch a shot of her? All these birthdays this week!! Sure did a lot of good for you to have emailed them to me, so I could file them away and do nothing. I'd better get shopping! It's getting late in the UK. Catch ya'll later.

Lizza wished me Birthday good cheer and blithely announced she would not be here for hers - something about private celebration with her own DB. Perhaps she was hoping to avoid being Spammed?! Not our Lizza, we will await her return and give her what she so richly deserves =P None of our clever ladies shall go unfeted, unacknowledged or un-lei'd ;)

LOL, Marcia! You must tell us of your own experience with the hula and coconuts dear. :-D

It's close to six o'clock here, so it's time to break out the bubbly for Lizza's birthday: HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZZA!!!

Sorry, I've already had a glass or two to get me in the right frame of mind ;-D

Since everyone is a little Spam-shy, I've found another highly desirable and valuable gift item: His and hers Star Wars The Phantom Menace watches, featuring Jar-Jar and Darth Maul (perhaps, you know which is which) ;-D

"What do you mean, Lizza's not going to attend her own birthday party?"

Decisions...decisions...! Spam or the Phantom Menace. I prefer Spam! As for the coconut shells, the only thing I thought they were good for was hoof beats of horses on a Foley stage. But, out here, we don strange things and with enough MaiTai's inside, we do not even embarass very easily. I do not drink (makes me sleepy!) so I just make these observations and take the furtive pictures =D

Happy Birthday KJArt! "Having fun with Colin" (the title grabbed me) I know you're an artist, I hope you like it!

WOW! What a party! :) and all these Birthdays! I return home to find Gi has been properly showered, and to laugh myself silly over all the hysterical posts! How I wish I could have spent the day online and enjoyed everything, as it occured. Meanwhile, Happy Belated Birthday Heidi and Lizza- and Happy, Happy Birthday KJArt! :) Have a wonderful day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN J!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN J!!! Here's the lei for your luau - it goes on for days!!! and here they are arriving.. and her escort gets into the act and as the sun sinke slowly into a molten sea, let the party begin!