Considering what Ethiopia has been throught in the past century, I am amazed that the crown is just a little crooked at the top. I am surprised that it exists at all!

A small voice among the many: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOON ! ! ! I haope I am not too late...Love, etc, KarenJ

I'm latest. Happy Birthday, Moon I found a mode of transportation for you to let you slip quietly away from DH to wend your way to the Donmar, be it in July or January. Not as stylish as your gilt carriage, but think about it.

To my wonderful friends for such a great party and gifts. Grazie del cuore! Moon spurned for another with a minimally hairy chest. I don't think I'll ever get over it." LOL! It seems Rupert knows me very well. ;-) Karen, I am speechless, you even managed to give me darling Geoffrey doing his mojo dance. For some reason that Doors song comes to mind, you know the one: "keep that mojo rising, rising, rising�" I absolutely loved it, thank you! Heide, great idea! That balloon will come in handy this summer in Toscany on my moondreams escapade. ;-) Thank you KJArt and Gi for your birthday wishes. Gi, do email, maybe we could meet at the enoteca in Montalcino for a little Brunello tasting.:-)

Happy belated birthday, Moon!!!!! I am, unfortunately, HTML illiterate when it comes to posting presents, though you do have some goodies on their way to your mailbox as we speak! love, winter/jennifer

Thanks, Jenn! I can't wait see them. :-)

Welcome back, Gi. Hope all your plans and preparations are coming together nicely.

If you ladies want to make Antonio feel welcome, his Birthday is June 17, Thursday. He may not resent the time she spends with us if Gi can download fun wishes for the event. I am planning already. Then there is C+LF's anniversayr which is either cotton or china according to the books, but that should not limit your imaginations. Shall we do it here or over on 110?

It will be their second anniversary on June 21. Do you think the will stop be and pick up their gifts?

Oh, I surely hope so! I am purchasing mine with that in mind. I am counting on it, in fact.

Ann, I will be in London from July 21st to July 27th. I will be ringing the Donmar today. It looks like I will be able to attend on July 22, Tineke lets meet before maybe for lunch? Is there anyway you can make it on July 22nd Ann? I would love to meet you.

I have just booked my ticket, and it was the last one left on the front row. I will be in row A seat 17. Where are you sitting Tineke?

Hi Moon, I'm glad you are going to be able to make the Matinee on the 22nd, sorry thought that you can't make the 24th, as I am afraid I can't get up to London on the 22nd. I shall look forward to hearing what you think of the play, I think it is both thrilling and funny. You should be able to get quite good seats for the Matinee,I was able to get Tineke the front row in the stalls and that was only on Monday, try and go for the stalls in the centre rows A,B,C or D but ask for the centre not the side. B st of luck.

Tineke is in A18, how about that!!!

lets meet before maybe for lunch? Definately!! I'm so glad you can come! row A seat 17. I'm in A 18. We'll sit next to each other, just perfect!!

Ann and Tineke, thanks for your reports on TRT. I saw this play many years ago and loved it. In addition to the Monkees, do they also play "I'm into Something Good" by Herman's Hermits? One of my all-time favorites (showing my age:-) Sounds like Stephen Dillane may give Colin a run for his money if both are nominated for Oliviers. How would you rate Dillane's performance vis-a-vis Colin's in 3DOR? Did Dillane come down to sign autographs after the performance? Were there any celebrities in the audience?

Hi Susan, it is difficult to compare Colin's performance and Stephen's because the plays are so different. I must say I was very impressed with SD., the chemistry between him and Jennifer was wonderful, and of course a lot of the credit has to be given to Jennifer, I always she brings out the best in her co-stars. This was, also, in my opinion the best thing she has done and she could be competing with Cate Blanchett for an award.

to continue, sorry I got called away. Neither SD or JE came down to the foyer like Colin did, but then this is a longer run and perhaps they will do later on, I wonder if Colin will this time as it is a much longer run. They both put so much energy into the play that I can quite understand if all they wanted to do was to go home, the play was reward enough. As far as I could see there were no celebrities in the audience when we were there on the Saturday but Evelyn saw John Boorman in the audience on the Wednesday and also Tom Stopppard as there. I wouldn't like to judge between Colin & SD, but I do think I liked the play TRT better than 3DOR, it was passionate, thrilling and also very funny, Stoppard at his best.

Antonio's Birthday is tomorrow, so I am getting a start on his gifts. This one got too heavy to haul around, so I thought I'd put it up today. It is in the spirit of equal play since Gi has gotten Michelangelo's David as a gift for his garden, I thought a fountain might be nice.

Gi mentioned he had a pool, so I imagined his gardens might look something like this And for those chilly evenings, another sort of fountain

Marcia, I don't think the Mayor of Rome is going to let you cart that fountain off. ;-) Tineke, where shall we meet for lunch? Is 1:00 or 1:30pm a good time since the play starts at 3pm? We should set it up now, since I am leaving for Italy on June 28th and will be lost in the countryside till then. What luck with the tickets, I can't believe it! I wonder if Lizza or anyone else might make it to the Matinee as well, or perhaps just meet us for us for lunch. :-)

Sorry to miss you Ann. :-(

I understand Antonio and Gi will have a new neighbor. I am sure they will be entertained most happily...I heard this pond was good for the occasional swim. Perhaps they will be invited over to join the Host in a quick dunk.

His lei - early so he may begin celebrating the eve of the big day in style. HAUOLI NA HANAU, ANTONIO

Rome has so many fountains, you'd think they would not miss this one...

Me too Moon, but there may be another time, who would have believed a year ago that I would have met Evelyn twice in three months.

Moon, I tried sending you an e-mail, but couldn't get through. But anyway, I would love to meet for lunch around 1 pm or even sooner. Where shall we meet? At the Donmar entrance or the Luna Nova? You can always send me an e-mail.

On this, the anniversary of his Birth, Happy Birthday, Antonio Many Happy Returns of the Day !

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ANTONIO!! Dare I ask how many?

Same as his bride =)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANTONIO!! And I got you a little present: Yes, they're Arsenal boxer shorts. Gi has indicated an interest in those. ;-)

Oh Karen, You dear!!! The Handsome and Gracious Antonio will be adorable in them. I know these are the gift that keeps on giving ! I am sure his bride will appreciate your gesture =) Besides, with his new neighbor having that pond in front of his "house" he might be able to use them when he takes a dip.

Meanwhile, Gi will be rustling about in the trees looking for the host to emerge with wet shirt untucked...;)

JE In The Real Thing, Karen it looks as if you and anyone else will be able to not only see 3DOR in January, but also The Real Thing and if you are unable to see it in the UK, if all goes to plan it could be showing on Broadway. from the Baz Bamigboye column in today's Daily Mail:- "WATCH OUT FOR ..Jennifer Ehle and Stephen Dillane who are simply sublime in David Leveaux's superb re-defining of Tom Stoppard's play The Real Thing - currently playing to packed houses at the Donmar Warehouse Theatre in London's Covent Garden - are negotiating to move the production into the West End in January. Stoppard's breath-taking examination of love, marriage and infidelity was a hit 20 years ago and remains just as vital now. Producers from Broadway are mad keen to get it into New York after t e proposed West End run" WOW

Excellent news, Ann!! We may be able to *squeeze* a showing of TRT in during our annual pilgrimage. But do you think Evelyn will be sick of show already? ;-) With the raves reviews and all the hype about Oliviers, I'm beginning to worry about Colin getting beat out. They had better pull out all the stops when the show reopens in November. Maybe they should look into having it rain on stage too! (and they could replace EMcG and rethink how Morrissey is playing Pip, just a few suggestions from a nobody)

, I'm beginning to worry about Colin getting beat out. My feelings too. TRT is certainly a better play than 3DOR. I fear the usual Colin backlash when 3DOR replays if they compare the two plays and ignore his performance. I am feeling gloomy again.

Oh, no! Poor Colin! It does not look good. :-( I am happy for you Karen et al. A double treat!

Having seen Jennifer in TRT, I think she should replace E.McG, she could certainly do an American accent and there was chemistry once there could be again. BTW knowing Evelyn now I don't think she will ever tire of seeing TRT!!

chemistry betwen CF & JE, I meant of course.

Also he could still be in contention for Awards next year, what about a TV BAFTA for Donovan Quick and a BAFTA for best British Actor and Best British Film for My Life So Far, if it ever get shown in the UK.

chemistry betwen CF & JE, I meant of course.

Having seen Jennifer in TRT, I think she should replace E.McG, she could certainly do an American accent and there was chemistry once there could be again. BTW knowing Evelyn now I don't think she will ever tire of seeing TRT!!

oops. don't know why that happened.

(Karen) and they could replace EMcG Absolutely. What were they thinking when casting her anyway? I hope she�s not reading this (!) but I really think she�s not in her right place in it. But I really like Morrissey.

It does sound like you've already awarded the Olivier to Dillane, Ann, and are handing out door prizes. (or as we old Cubs fans are wont to say, "There's always next year.") It will be a shame if that were the case. Yes, Jennifer would have been far better than McGovern (but then again who wouldn't?). She could have done the accent at least, having grown up North Carolina. Could they have made her a world-weary 30-something Lina? Actingwise, yes. But lookswise? I don't know.

That is the path I would have liked to have seen 3DOR take -- Donmar to West End to Broadway. I wonder why they decided to return to the Donmar rather than take it to the West End? (Not that I'm complaining, mind you;-) Oh dear, I know Stephen Dillane is totally deserving of all the praise he's getting, but I would so love to see Colin win the Olivier. His decision to return to the play at the end of the year must not have been an easy one, conflicting as it does with the holidays and his son's winter school break.

Susan, do you think the only reason he has returned to do 3DOR because he hopes to win an Award, I felt it was more because he seemed to be really enjoying himself and honestly having seen TRT, I wouldn't be at all suprised if it won best play, best actor and best actress!! Sorry Colin.

......Do you guys really think that Colin cares very much for awards & stuff? I believe (judging from quite a lot of things) that he�s the sort of person who does mainly what he finds interesting, rewarding and worthwhile regardless of pay or nominations....of course he�s human and loves praise like everybody but I�m sure he keeps making his own incorruptible choices in just about anything. (Yes I know, this IS pure idolization & idealization!!:-)

Elena, I think he is mostly a craftsman who is his severest critic. It is nice to be appreciated, but only he knows when he has done something "right" - the way he invisioned it. Join the large group of the IOF - Idolizers of Firth. It is almost time to celebrate!

Has anyone figured out why he wanted to be married on the longest day - and shortest night! - of the year?!

The Top 10 Reasons why he wanted to be married on the longest day - and shortest night! - of the year! #10 He needed time to meet the extended Italian family. #9 His tailor needed the extra time to finish his suit, and he still got it wrong! #8 Livia is afraid of Vampires and Vampires love Colin ;-) #7 Needed time to get over a hangover. #6 Needed the extra-time to pick out a tie, and he still got it wrong! #5 Wanted to give Livia plenty of time to change her mind. #4 Brother Jon needed the time to go through immigration at the airport with a group of illegal immigrants, all guests of the groom. ;-) #3 La torta non era pronta! #2 Needed the time to confess all his sins and swear off the Arsenal boxers. #1 It took him that long to say farewell to his adoring Firthettes! :-D Karen, to fully explain # 6 & 9, could you please post that wedding picture. ;-)

LOL Moon! I just might move that list to 113. You are so clever at this late hour on a Friday afternoon (here)...I am all amazement =)

Oh Moon, you are so good with these Top 10 Lists! Very funny! (Just guessing, but is #3, the cake wasn't ready? ;-) ) Who went shopping with him? Or more importantly, who dressed this boy?

What does Colin have in his hand? Road map? He looks puzzled!

Congratulations to the new Earl and Coubntess of Wessex

The Earl of Wessex is too funny! Colin must be very honored!

Thanks for posting the pix, karen. You are quite right about #3. Marcia, I believe you might be confusing his hand with his (gulp!), tie! Poor boy really showed no sense for fashion on that day, and, his hair!!! (I guess Louisa, the hairstylist was late). ;-))

I just finished watching the Wedding. When I heard he was given the honor of Earl of Wessex, I nearly tossed my Earl Grey! hee hee;)

Ah Edward was destined to be an earl: Edward Anthony Richard Louis Now Sophie can fantasize about life with Wessex without fear of feeling unfaithful. ;-p

Checking back, it might be his tie - inside out - but it is a very long one if it is. But, then, isn't everything connected with him that way?! ;) Edward fell heir to the Mountbatten earldom at least in Louis name. Interesting that Wessex does not actually exist, though every one of us could show you the territory on the map. They must have run out of Duchies?! I enjoyed the wedding, though it was 5am that I had to start watching it. Imagine having the queen take one of the tiaras from her collection and having it refitted for you. Sorry, Moon, I tried!

Ok, all of your pagans at heart and sun worshippers in general, it is almost time to party!

Lots of commentary by the official "talking heads" about Edward only being made an earl, not a duke. Remember what the Python boys always said? No, it's not "no one ever expects the Spanish Inquisition," but "always look on the bright side of life." There's definitely an upside to being named earl of a nonexistent region. Like: 1) Less grass to cut. 2) No worries about a peasant revolt. 3) No need to employ a sheriff to collect taxes. 4) Equal to Peter Pan of Nevernever Land. 5) Perfect icebreaker for when he meets Colin Firth. Those immediately came to mind. I'm sure you all can do better!!

6)Perfect icebreaker for when he meets Gwynnie. 7)No ancient family curse on the house. 8)Can sue Miramax for the unlawful use of his title. 9)Or, can insist on playing himself in the SIL sequel. 10) Can create his own motto: My kingdom for a Wessex! Next? Marcia, thanks for trying to get me another tiara. This could turn out to be an expensive habit. ;-)

Moon and Karen, you two! You two are absolutely hysterical and where do you come up with them?????????

11)His title is the only one from Old Norse in the immediate family, including his wife. The rest are from French/Latin. (I cannot be the only one of norse descent amongst the Droolians of Firthdom.)

Earl of Wessex. I nearly fell out of my chair. I wonder what the people of Mirmax think of that. Too bad ODB wasn't invited to the wedding, the Earl of Wessex invited to the mariage of the earl of Wessex. It would seem here though that the earl is the one with acting aspirations in this case.

In the Telegraph, they talk of the title and well, they mention Colin Firth (alas, no pic) Here is the URL

Uh, sorry;( http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000772005502828&rtmo=VwqsVSDK&atmo=HHHHHHxL&pg=/et/99/6/20/nroy620.html

Laura, thanks for that. I had not searched except for the BBC and there was nothing but that she was radiant in Ivory...which we already new ;) I think it would have been appropriate for the New EoW to invite the original EoW to his bash. Both actors, one more successful than the other. I did note the lack of codpieces on this new Earl. Cannot be the real thing, can he?! Look at the little Knights and Dames of the Garter she had as her attendants - he should have been required to dress for the part. I'll say nothing of a three-piece formal morning suit in grey tweed...eeeeesh!

Countess of Wessex's wedding gown was absolutely stunning. I loved it! Much more elegant than Diana's or Fergie's!

Laura, a full grown mature woman was in that wedding gown. That is why it had so much class and style. I loved it, too, but my all time fav was Princess Anne's. The Times' account is http://www.sunday-times.co.uk/news/pages/Sunday-Times/frontpage.html?1319194 Apparently the Wessex girl jokes have started though none have come to my inbox. From The Times: I say, I say, I say, how many Wessex girls does it take to change a light bulb? Three. One to fetch a new light bulb and two to pitch for the old light bulb's PR account.

True observation, Marcia. She is an adult and I think the marriage has the chance of working. If people leave here alone!

I meant if people leave them alone! It's late!

I didn't watch the wedding on tv and found out about the new title from Marcia's and Moon's posts. What a laugh! How is it possible? Did the Queen not know? Did the prince have no idea? Will they have to sail to Virginia? Is there a Shakespeare in her life? >-D On the other hand... will this give our DB more visibility? :-o Marcia, KarenJ, KarenR, Moon, thank you so much for your birthday wishes for Antonio. He finally got a moment to look at them and was touched (and embarrassed). His best friend (and best man) is staying with us and saw the presents too; neither of them of course had had virtual cards and presents before. They are both football fans - their club is called Sporting Club de Portugal, known as "Sporting". I don't think they'd wear Sporting boxer shorts, though ;-) BTW, the house next door, which is called "Bennett's", is empty... They do have a pool which is crying out for one handsome guy to jump in, in his white shirt preferably!;-)

From the This is London website (naturally written by a woman), an article entitled "Why Sophie got the title of Wessex": Perhaps as a sop to critics who decried her wish to use her maiden name for her public relations work, the bride will use the name Sophie Wessex in her professional life. It will mean a change in the name of Sophie's company, currently called R-JH Public Relations, and will doubtless provoke a torrent of Wessex girl jokes. Officially, the titles have lain vacant for many centuries. But cinema aficionados will know that the last Countess of Wessex was Gwyneth Paltrow and the last Earl, Colin Firth in the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare In Love. While Sophie will no doubt be pleased to tread in the delicate footsteps of the beautiful countess as played by Ms Paltrow, Prince Edward may be less keen to take on the mantle of his caddish, bullying and villainous namesake.

...and a cuckhold before he was even married...

LOL ladies! I think Miramax should have gotten them a print Video tape to play on their wedding night. What else did they have to use up their time away from the Queen and the adoring masses?! I am delighted that Antonio enjoyed his "presents" and cards. I predicted that he would be embarrassed =) How enchanting! Too bad we did not know about his sports team before. Oh well, there is always his wedding gift...!

And, for the men in our lives with children, HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

I wonder if HRH saw SIL. I wonder if she is a fan of ODB.

I think she would have invited him to the wedding had she been a fan! Perhaps he was not able to attend.

I wonder if HRH saw SIL. I wonder if she is a fan of ODB. I see we are all having the same thoughts. I posted mine at 118 because I went there first. What an unexpected coincidence! It was very gracious of Her Majesty to throw some publicity Colin's way ;-D

A columnist at the Independent was going on about the title of Wessex: "More to the point, what is the Queen doing handing out titles to places which do not exist? Wessex is not a place with any real geographical meaning, like Sussex or Rutland or Ashby de la Zouch or Popocatepetl." "But really, if Her Majesty starts a trend of ennobling people with fake place-names, I fear their currency will swiftly decline. Any minute now there will be a Duke of Borchester. Some hobbit-loving courtier will have a word in HM's ear and become the Marquess of Middle Earth. The Earl of Gormenghast is a title that will be snapped up faster than a W-reg licence plate. Mark my words, the advent of the Count of Brobdingnag is only a matter of time." ***** Too funny :-)

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY COLIN AND LIVIA! According to Marcia, this is your cotton or china anniversary. Here's my present to you, and may it always be sweet for you: img src="http://www.cotton-candy.com/bag1.jpg"

Oops! Try again:

I second that Gi, Very Happy Anniversary to Colin & Livia.

Alright, count me in as one of the well wishers. But, what I would really like to do is give ODB a great big anniversary kiss and Livia, well, we can just shake hands. ;-)

Moon - But, what I would really like to do is give ODB a great big anniversary kiss Oh Yum! Me too! :) Happy Aniversary Colin and Livia!

Since China is appropriate for the second wedding Anniversary, my gift, with love is HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, FIRTHS!

Since it is also Solstice Day, I give you our remotest evidence of our wisdom HAPPY SAMHAIN,All

I am sure they will thank you for the above gifts. Gi, do you think they will share the cyber cotton candy, I love it. This kind will be much less fattening helping me to keep those 100 lbs off.

Oh, Frabjous Day!!! Just wanted to say (possibly last, but certainly not least): **********HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, COLIN & LIVIA!!********** with my Sincere Wishes that your hearts grow ever closer with the years, and that there be many years to share and celebrate your love for one another!! (Sorry, guys, but I really wax sentimental over CF & LF, especially on special days like this...May I give as their gift the hearts of all us CF fans? Possibly overgenerous, but well earned, I think.) :-D

OK, why did none of you correct my Drudic Holiday? It is not Samhain ("sawen") which is Halloween. But, on a New Age website where I was searching for appropriate pics to post I found that notation. I wonder if the rest of that site is as erroneous?!

I'm a bit late with my comments on TRT due to work overload. Ann and Tineke have summed it all up. I just wanted to say though how much I thoroughly enjoyed the play and in fact the whole evening. JE and SD's performances were brilliant. I was quite mesmerised by SD. The time just flew. It was lovely to meet Evelyn, Ann and James, Tineke and Kristen.

I am soooo jealous! Where is the picture???!!!

Prince Andrew is going to be dedicating the Gemini Telescope tomorrow atop Maun Kea. He will most likely visit their base facilities in a beautiful new building adjacent to the UH Hilo campus - which is about a mile from my home. http://hephaestus.gemini.edu/gallery/daily_pic.html has cameras which update themselves (inky black due to it being night or they have removed the cameras for some reason) As I write this, as 8pm Hawaiian Standard Time, it is 3.27� C (about 38�F) up there with 20 knot winds. I hop he brought his anorak! This is the summit camera which just might carry the event live tomorrow http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/misc/summitview.html

The foreground observatory is the new Gemini North to be dedicated tomorrow.

Awesome!

Hi Everybody....Good to be back with Firth Friends...Really have missed you guys..... Happy Belated Birthdays to...Lizza, KJArt, Moon and Antonio.... What gifts you laid out....took 10 minutes to access this board. Gi...Glad you're goin to Italy for honey,honey....definitely superior to Thailand or Brazil.... Will do comments later on UK Trip. Will say, however, that the UK papers did comment on the Earl of Wesswex/ SIL and the Telegraph even had a pic of Colin. Glad Moon, Tineke and Ann are going to get together for TRT.I saw it 4 times and all performances were excellent...Wednesday night audience most responsive. All performances are sold out for the entire run except for only a few matinee seats.Box Office reports that TRT is going to the West End in January...no dates or venue yet...but I hope we get to see it when we go for 3 DOR. Then going on to Broadway... Critics are running out of superlative adjectives...I walked around the Donmar during intermission listening to all the audience comments and glowing!!And to think that I was worried..... All I can say is: "Move over Judi Dench....Here comes Jennifer Ehle"!!! More later....am wee bit jet- lagged!!

Welcome back Evelyn! You are unpacking and I am packing. Evelyn, would you say all the performances were the same, or did you notice some changes? I am really looking forward to seeing such marvelous performances. Have we seen the pix of Colin from Telegraph, or is it new?

*****WELCOME HOME, EVELYN***** Sounds as if you had a wonderful time...Now get some sleep!