UK GTG 2012

Well, ladies, it doesn't look like JB is going to tread the panto boards this year.
So what are we going to do, and where?

You know my vote was for Whitby, and I am happy to save for thet.
I might even get some money for my 40th birthday (1st July in case you were wondering!)
Have found some lovely places, and the coach travel is reasonable.

What d'y'am think?

Whut? When? Whitby? Whow!

ha! I went to Whitby on Monday for the day. Me, the two Js, all three dogs.

Good fun.

Witch!
For going Whithout us I mean.

Get your diaries out ladies. I am free for the Summer Holidays.
Superstar DJs, here we go!

Yabbut what happens in Whitby, apart form the sea and waves and Dracula? All of which are good in and of themselves. I don't remember any discussion about this, but then I may have been a bit squiffy at the time?

Well that's kinda my reason for going. Seaside and all that that entails, the Abbey, Dracula and the teashops. And the books of Paul Magrs (pronounced Mars) which are set there and are simply fantastic. I've always wanted to go but it was too far North for me to truly justify before, and lonely on my only.

Hey, would you prefer Blackpool?!
I love the Pleasure Beach!
Different coast but I'm open to suggestion.

Oh God, no, I hate Blackpool.

Last time I went was as par of a henparty, for a hen I barely knew, with her friends and rellies I didn't know at all. It was every description you've ever read of raucous lassies on a hen night, fake tits, fairy wings, Jaeger bombs and all.

I swore I would not go back.

I went to Blackpool first on my way back from Oban. Loved it.
Just to go on the rollercoaster though - my ex-husband hated seaside towns.

Then on a Hen Weekend. The Hen was very reserved though. Suited me.
Also went there as a prize in a work competition (snooty boss turned it over to me as if it was a favour, was well-jeal when I had an amazing time).
And for my bro's 21st.
And for a dirty weekend.
And for a Pharmacy Conference.
And by myself when I realised how cheap it was from Leicester.

So Blackpool is fine by me!

But I'd never make anyone go there. If it's not your polysterene tray of chips then that's fair enough.
We have to find Crazy Golf somewhere though! Set up a Cellar Open!!
Oh and Bingo! We have to play Bingo!
And The Arabian Derby or whatever flavour ball rolling game we can find.

Seaside, please, beautiful ladies?

I like the sound of both of them, but I don't think I've got an opportunity to get away in the summer this year (apart from my own holibags in High Wycombe). Come and see me there, Sundae!

:scream: Oh horridness!

Dana are you up for a trip to Whitby in August? Just us chickens?

And Limey have a look on this website for term dates (likely to be different than Scotland) and see if there is a school holiday that would suit you better.
Or of course if a different location would help, just say.

I think I'm Whitby-bound one way or another, but it would be a sad 2012 if I didn't get to GTG.

Possibly. Not sure yet. The two Js were actually talking about us all going to Whitby with the dogs at some point in August.

Not sure if I can afford two trips, ya ken?

Leave it with me and I'll see what i can work out.

You're also most welcome to come up to Northowram over the summer if you fancy a visit to my little village. No seaside, but lovely valley and great pubs!

Huh. Put in my place.
I come after lifelong friends and dogs.

You'd think, being an internet friend of seven years I'd be higher up the food chain!
Oh, wait....
Yes, I get it. It do make sense :)

Can I come with you?

Hahaha got nowt to do with precedence, and all to do with giving the boys the beach experience :p

That's a thought actually. Maybe you could join us there? Though you'd have to put up with an incredibly dogcentric holiday :p

Four sharing would be cheaperer. I can survive dogs for that.
But only if you promise enough time off for Crazy Golf.
We so need a Cellar Cup.

Of course if you weren't planning to stay over (it's close enough for you not to of course) I'd still consider a meet-up. I could stay a couple of nights and still have someone to talk to on one of the days :blah:

Sharing with the 'rents and having a job means I'm used to being sociable these days.

Thinking about it, I suspect you wouldn't have much fun on the doggy trip. Since we won't be able to leave all three dogs unattended in a strange house for anything other than shortish spells, it will be pretty much dog dog dog. Which means we're relegated to a couple of shortish stretches of the least pretty beaches. If the weather's shit, we can't go into cafes to eat...etc etc.

But, also thinking about it, the reason the trip is gonna be so expensive is because of the need to rent a dog friendly place. So, my scooting over to Whitby on an overnight (or two) in a guesthouse is unlikely to be anything like as expensive. I can probably manage a couple of days with ya. That would mean we can visit anywhere in the town without having to think about dog arrangements.

Don't do it if it stretches you financially!
You know I know what that feels like :)

I'll have a look at twin rooms and come back with suggestions.

Yeah. See what you can find. I just checked train prices and it comes in at under £50 return from Halifax. That's not a massive stretch. If we can get a decent little B&B, we don't need much in the way of facilities. Lots of cafes and restaurants to eat at and lots of indoor stuff to see and do if the weather's shit.

Looks like about £30pp for a twin bedded room with full brekkers.
I'd be staying 3 nights, so I'd have to factor that in (a single looks to be about £45, the sly beggars).

I can get a coach from MK for £19 each way (£38). Ridiculous isn't it?
I can go from Milton Keynes to Whitby for less than you!

Trouble is, although it's an Express, not stopping anywhere else, there is only one a day.
So if it's on time I would arrive at 20.45. I'm saying single room first night.
So if that's a Monday, could meet you Tuesday, we'd bunk up Tues night. I'd leave ridiculously early on Thurs. Again, the one coach a day leaves at 07.00. Ouch.

So you could just stay Tues night and go home late Weds? Makes it cheaper for you.

Let me think on and look at some dates.

The cost of travel would probably be less if I was prepared to get up at an ungodly hour and make it to a coach station:p I'm economising, but I have grown very impatient with creature discomforts. I'd be looking at leaving around lunchtime, to get there in the evening. Possibly doing two nights. Hopefully then getting back at an early enough time to retrieve mah puppeh, else he is on a 3 night stop.

Yeah I'm still at the creature discomfort stage :)
Not expecting that from you.

Mebbe we could do a night and a day/night together then. You'll only be away from your boy for 2 sleeps and I'll only cop the full £45 for the last night?
20.45 isn't all that late if we stay up past the witching hour!

I'll know the town by the time you go, so I'll know where to find all the saucy sailors.
Who knows, I might never leave...

:jealous:

Missing you already.

[SIZE="6"]HOLD THE PRESS![/SIZE]

JB in panto in Glasgae again this year!!!
Will PM you both so you get this important info. I hope you can make arrangements this late in the year. I know Xmas is tricky for you, Limey.

I am going.
Decision made, end of.
I will have my ticket booked by Friday.

Gosh I hope you ladies come too because that's a big part of what makes it for me now.
But if you aren't I'll weep silently into my programme and then just snigger and gawp my way through the panto alone. I'll also book a cheaper but far less pleasant overnighter (an ETap) when you know I'd far rather be with you in the Alamo.

please keep me posted

You're quick!
PM'd. And had a loo break, so I'm sorry if I kept you waiting :Flush:

Happy to discuss this on the board, was just worried you might miss it.

Can currently get Row G on Saturday 21 December.
The date is ideal for me as school gets out at midday and I'd be home in time for Christmas - more imprtant this year with babies in the family.

Will have to wait for DanaC, but as the info has only been released, it looks good.
Hard-core fans will have booked already (hence the first 6 rows gone!) but we were in J last year and that was great. But we'll be ahead of anyone wanting to stay in Glasgow for Christmas. I hope.

Don't borrow money from a loan shark, use a Cellar-approved loan dolphin (i.e. I'll get your ticket for you).

Count me in! What i need to do?

Shall I book us tickets for the performance on Saturday 21 December? As soon as I get 2 yesses I will do that.

I want to just say yes, but I should probably check Carrot sitters first! I'll get back to you tomorrow, if that's ok?

DanaC;814743 wrote:

... Carrot sitters ...

:blush: [COLOR="White"][SIZE="1"](she said carrot sitters!! snigger!)[/SIZE][/COLOR]

Here's my YES!
I won't hound Dana about this (see what I did there?) but I'll be counting every second until she replies...

NO, Bad Girl!
What I meant to say is of course we'll wait for you Dana, because it wouldn't be the same without you x

See, I waited over 24 hours before posting again.
Dana? Tell us you're coming!

Har!

yeah. Spoke to J earlier and he said they should be able to have Carrotcake overnight :)

Go Go Go Limey!
Book us them tickets :)
I'll contact the Alamo.

Saturday 21st one night, three ladies, right?

You aren't inviting Blueflare to join you?

Saturday 22nd. Evening performance?

Yes please.
Good point Monster. I'll PM her now.

I'll wait to see how many tickets to get.

hah! I thought Blueflare was a guy..... hence the mention re the Alamo....

Oh I might be mistaken.
I thought I read a reference to a husband.

Either way the invite is out there now.
But technically this whole thread is an open invite for anyone to come with us, just that s/he might not realise that.

No, book them NOW Limey.
I mean, please book as soon as it's convenient for you.
If we end up as a four not a three I willl sit alone.
I just want to know we've got them.

K27 to K29 are ours. Sorry, between booking and paying we seem to have lost a row. Dana and Sundae, you each owe me £30.30. No rush, December 22 will do. See you there!

Limey you are :angel:
Thank you x

We may have lost a row, but we're a row forward from last year and they were good seats.

Alamo booked.
Same room as the first year - three single beds.
I think it might be the last night they are open before Christmas, so you never know, we might get upgraded again. And if we don't I was happy with the arrangements anyway.

Flash is still alive and well.

[puppy-dog eyes] wanna buy me a plaaaane ticket anybody?

Ah Ibs, if I had the airfare to spare I'd be there already.
But if'n you can find the money "Of course you can! We would love you to join us!"

Dear Cherry

Thanks for the call just now and your booking, good speaking with you :o
This e-mail is to confirm your booking:

Arrival:
 22nd December 2012
Departure:
 23rd December 2012

Room 4: (Sleeps 3)
En-suite Triple (3 single beds) views of the Garden, 27" wall mounted HD Freeview LCD Flatscreen TV & New Slate Tiled Rainshower En-suite. French Daybed bed-heads, matching walnut Dresser & Wardrobe, Ornate Cornacing [sic]*, ceiling roses & Chandeliers, Decorative beaded wall panelling is £109 (2 sharing) £139 (3 sharing)

Price: (Inclusive of complimentary Breakfast)

Total for stay = (1 x £139) = £139.00

All inclusive of complimentary Breakfast.

All rooms come with a DVD player to allow guests to Choose from the
free 400+ Movie collection.
For guests who bring their own laptop, the Alamo also provides free WiFi.

There is also The Alamo Laptop which can be borrowed to access the internet.

* they mean cornicing

Have tickets.
Will put them somewhere safe ...
Oh, and Ibs, Sundae's right!

Three John barrowman Groupies, poor guy does not stand a chance
Have a good one ladies. :joylove:

Why not join us for the pre-show meal, be-bop?

be-bop;815824 wrote:

Three John Barrowman groupies, poor guy does not stand a chance

I'm the only groupie in our group. But the seating capacity is over 4000, so he won't mind if a couple of ladies aren't starry-eyed...

limey;815829 wrote:

Why not join us for the pre-show meal, be-bop?

Ditto. Or the pre-show, pre-meal drink?
Would be lovely to GTG...?

Would have loved to meet you all, but it's too near Christmas but will be thinking of you and looking forward to the pictures you'll have to post

:santa:

Been looking at restaurants.
How you feel about Mexican, chicas?
Bibi's does an Early Bird menu - two courses for £10.00 or three courses for £12.50.
From reviews, two courses are pretty much all you need.

It's G11, but the round trip works out shorter than to Sapporo last year.

'Early Bird' Dinner Menu

Starters
- Meatball soup (or our veggie option) served with organic bread
- Spicy steak and onion quesadillas
- Chilli rellenos – jalapeno chillies stuffed with soft cheese, coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried, with tomato salsa
- Nachos loaded with refried beans and melted cheese

Mains
- Sizzling fajitas served with warm flour tortillas, salsa, crème fraiche, guacamole and grated Mexican cheese. Choose from:
•strips of chicken marinated in tequila, triple sec and lime juice
•strips of beef marinated in tequila (£1 extra)
•vegetables roasted with garlic and chillies
- Pork chimmichanga – spicy ground pork in a flour tortilla, fried and served with Mexican rice
- Fish of the day marinated in tequila, chilli, garlic and coriander, oven baked, topped with fresh guacamole and served with tortillas & rice
- Combination of tender beef, chicken and bacon, slow cooked with our special mix of herbs and spices to make a satisfyingly hearty Mexican stew, with organic bread
- Vegetable chilli, rice and cheese in a toasted flour quesada grande, with refried beans
- Classic chicken mole - chicken strips cooked in an intoxicating blend of chocolate, chiles, garlic, onions, nuts and spices, with rice and flour tortillas

Desserts
- Fruit margarita sorbet
- Cinnamon tortilla chips drizzled with honey and served with ice-cream
- Lime cheesecake with a ginger base
- Mexican dessert quesadilla with a nutty chocolate and coconut filling, with ice-cream

Alternatively, if we want to swish it up, there is Guy's Restaurant, with a pre-theatre meal. This is high class dining though, so drinks will be expensive. On the other hand, I don't get to eat in places like this very often.

Pre Theatre - 2 courses £12.95 3 courses £15.95
- Smoked & poached salmon terrine with brown bread.
- Prawn cocktail, made with juicy cold water prawns in our house sauce.
- Soup of the day, served with crusty bread.
- Chicken liver and brandy pâté, with chutney & toasted brioche.
- Galloway cheddar macaroni cheese & garlic bread.

********************
- Sirloin Steak, chips & mushy peas. (£4.00 supplement)
- Aberdeen landed haddock fillet in fresh breadcrumbs with chips & mushy peas
- Slow roasted shank of lamb, mint & redcurrant gravy & mash.
- Mini steak pie, mince ‘n tatties, MacSween’s Haggis & chips.
- Spaghetti with choice of sauce; tomato, basil & cream, ragu, porcini, pesto or spicy Italian sausage.
- Asparagus, artichoke, porcini and parmesan risotto.

********************
- Warm Fruit Crumble and our own custard.
- Raspberry Fool light & creamy.
- Our own ice cream & fruit.
- Chocolate Fudge Cake with ice cream

Or there are a trio of Two Fat Ladies eateries which we could eat at post-theatre. High quality food AND they sell gift vouchers, so we can all ask for them for Christmas ;)

Starters
- Freshly prepared soup of the day
- Cullen skink
- Salad of grilled artichokes and walnuts, blue cheese dressing
- St James’ smoked salmon, asparagus and pea salad, lemon dressing

Mains
- Fillet of seabass, feta and sunblushed tomato salad, lemon oil
- Supreme of chicken, garlic, chorizo and red wine jus
- Fillet hake, cauliflower puree, pancetta and shallot sauce
- Risotto butternut squash and creme fraiche, herb salad

all served with oven roasted vegetables and potatoes

Desserts
- Passionfruit tart, white chocolate creme fraiche
- Summer berry fool
- Sticky ginger pudding with salted caramel & creme anglaise
- Duo of scottish cheeses with Perthshire oatcakes and chutney

2 Courses £16
3 Courses £18
Coffee £2.95

Yes, I am occupying my time in this humid, rainy season in dreaming of Winter.
Said before I'll be happy with a hotdog and popcorn at the panto!

"Mini steak pie, mince ‘n tatties, MacSween’s Haggis & chips." - all of this in one course :eek:?
It all looks good to me, tbh, though of course I'm hankering for the "Lime cheesecake ..."!!!

There is, of course, absolutely no point whatsoever in my having a three course meal :p

I'm a little tempted to go for a starter and dessert, and miss the main.

Unless something happens to change my mind, I think an Early Bird at Bibi's would be smashing.

Dani, I had forgotten that we agreed you were no longer allowed main courses.
I myself would like a starter and main, you can have starter and dessert and Limes can have main and dessert. And we can all share a bit. Maybe.

Tickets have been posted to you gurrllzz today in case the weather plays up and I can't get orff my island!
Bibi's sounds good to me!

A Queen amongst women you are.

:king:

Ohhhh...

Let's hope they don't arrive when Carrot is on his own. He's recently discovered the joys of post ripping.

Sent first class; signed for. Is your postie a stickler for the signature?

Sent by thought transference.

Hope Carrot doesn't also discover the joy of postie ripping. :)

Ha! I doubt it. There's not much aggression in him. What there is is mainly adolescent pushing and most of that's aimed at me :P

Little git. He's sweetness and light about 95% of the time. Then for the other 5% he turns into Bitey McBitey of the Clan McBitey.

I should stress i don't mean actual biting. More nipping at trouser legs and sleeves and clamping mouth round hand that kind of thing. Trying to get a rise out of me. If he does it enough, my patience snaps. usually when I am trying to do something like make a brew and have a kettle in one hand and a cup in the other and he's nipping at my ankles...I tell him off and he skitters off most delighted at the fun game.

Next Sat'dy and counting!

Four more sleeps in my own bed :)

No more sleeps in my own bed!

Still not packed because after all it's only really one night, and the clothes I use as jammies (in company) are a t-shirt and leggings anyway, so I'll probably travel up in them. Don't worry - I washed them this morning!

Leaving the house about 20.00 I think - will double check train times. Still ridiculously early, but the radio has been full of Travel Distress today, so I don't want to leave anything to chance.

Still yet to decide what to wear. This is not like me, I'm usually so over-excited I have it planned down to my knickers for weeks in advance. It's partly the weight loss and partly the awful skin dots. I gave two whole bags of size 18-20 clothes to charity last year, so I have very few smaller items to fit into. Something I managed to forget until I went to ferret them out. And because I'm such a hot person I have many tops and dresses that show a lot of flesh - not great when you look like you have measles. Oh and best options are things that are l-o-n-g in the leg. Will act like perfect wicks for all the rain. Lovely.

Anyway, enough moaning!
I have printed off walking directions from the bus station to the Alamo. It's only 1.4 miles in the end. Did more than that today.

Can't wait to see you both (Dana and Limey I mean - never sure if other people are reading this!) Here's hoping none of us get washed away by the rain en route.

I hope you all have a great time!

I won't be getting there til 4pm I'm afraid. Needed time to walk Carrot and spend a little time with him in the morning before leaving him at Mum's and also have bath etc. So my train is at 12:26

Have a fabulous time ladies! I hope there will be pictures! :)

Sorry to hear we'll be deprived of your company until nealy dinner time!
Come hungry, chick.

And Nirv, no way I am leaving my camera in the hotel room this year.
Although Limes did a very good job with her mobile (Blackberry?) last year.
Photos galore, I promise. You'll wish you never asked.

Am on a countdown.
Less than an hour before I leave the house.

Eat your hearts out, guys!

Sent by thought transference.

Yeahhh !!
The Three Amigos !!

Hurrah!

I am in the playoffs, vying for fifth place.

Oh, sorry, thought this was the fantasy football thread. ;)

Nice pic, gurlz. Sundae, you can really see you're smaller by your face. I want my skinny face back!

Waiting for the full report...

You guys look so happy. :D I see your smaller face too, Sundae. It's a shame that you lost weight because of an illness and not because you just did.

Sundae;844709 wrote:

Anyway, enough moaning!

There can never be enough moaning.;)

Great picture ladies. Looking good.:thumb:

Oh me of little faith - posted a picture of myself before coming to this thread to see you'd been more generous and got all three of us!

Thanks Limes.

I had more camera-grief this year, can you believe it?!
This time with Mum's camera, which is actually my old camera but she's so enjoyed having it. I took it to Glasgow (as mine is marooned in a closed school) and managed to break it. I've suggested Dad buy her another one - it doesn't have to be a whizzy one - but that went down like a lead ballon.

Still, that's most of the sadness out of the way, as long as you mind a little bick if sick later on...

First here's a shrunked version of Limey's photo.

Great pic! And your photo in the other thread is beautiful, Sundae. Have a great time!

Was much, much fun.

Seeing mah homegrrrls always a delight. And as ever the panto was very funny. The more of them I see, the more I appreciate them. There's something delightfully anarchic about a well done pantomime. Whilst at the same time absolutely following the expected conventions.

There was a family seated to my right, with two youngsters. Their responses were fascinating. Especially when everybody donned their 3D glasses and things were flying out from the stage at them.

There's a really interesting balance of humour. There's stuff in there for adults, in fact, a lot of it is downright filthy, but it's double entendre, nudge nudge wink wink filthy. Flies over the kids heads. So, the adults are in stiches at at some lewd throw away line whilst the kids are laughing their little arses off at a fart gag.

There is no fourth wall in pantomime. It is collaborative throughout. The performers directly address and enlist the audience as part of the story. This allows for some lovely little touches. I can't remember (sorry girls) whether it was Limey or Sundae who pointed out the underlying function of the magic wands, but the kids really went for that. In terms of the player-audience collaboration, the kids were waving their flashing light whizzy wands at various points, instructed by one of the characters, in order to help 'protect' the adventurers or to help them get past monsters. So not only were they involved, they were also empowered with a form of protection during the potentially terrifying 3d encounters.

Clever, clever ;p

I'll let Sundae wax lyrical about John Barrowman. Suffice to say he was very entertaining. I cannot even imagine what that kind of energy level must feel like.

:):grouphug::thumb2::xmashat:

First of all sorry for posting that pic in the fantasy football thread ... don't know what happened there and I blame Tapatalk. Definitely!
Secondly a word about our lodgings. The Alamo B&B is a fabulous Victorian townhouse, wonderfully restored and decorated by Steve our host. The decor is rich and, well, decorative, and serves as a great backdrop for the Christmas decorations which are liberally festooned around the public rooms. It really is a home-from-home for us now as we've stayed there three times (and Mr Limey and I have also stayed there once). Steve gives generous discounts/concessions to regulars and serves a delicious breakfast (sausage, bacon and scrambled egg, with toast, and excellent coffee). In addition he offered us a free taster (by which I mean full serving!) of his egg nog, which was FABULOUS and a great start to the day after the panto! Can't recommend the place highly enough!
The panto! Well, what can I say. As Sundae will only have had eyes for Mr Barrowman, let me say that the Krankies were their usual hilarious selves, and there was a Real Horse in the show, which did tricks, and a Real Pantomime Cow!! As Dana said, the 3-d special effects were astonishing too. We all had a ball, the only fly in the ointment was that we were together for so short a time!

I thought the football post was funny. ;)

Sounds really great. I want a steve breakfast right now!

3-D effects? Ummm ... like, using actual actors and props and stuff?

No, like putting on the special glasses and seeing creatures and things flying straight at YOU hovering in front of YOU that aren't there.

Sent by thought transference.

Right, where did I leave you?
Oh goodness I'm still at home!

Well, Mum offered me some money for a taxi, as Dad could not drive me to the station, so I pocketed it and walked. It's only about a mile and it wasn't raining at the time.
The carriage was pretty much empty and stayed that way. Just as well - just outside of Marylebone (London) I surprised myself by being sick. Too sudden to move. It was only a small amount, and I caught it on my newspaper. Sadly I also caught it on my lovely pink jumper, which I had also intended to wear on the way home.

Just had to fold it inside out and put it in the carrier bag I'd taken for dirty laundry. Sigh.

Legs a bit rubbery I retired to the Ladies as soon as we disembarked, but aside from the shudders and bloodshot eyes I seemed okay. Just an inauspicious start.

Off to Victoria coach station for the overnight coach.
Once again I requested - and got - a lower berth, so that was okay.
Most people stowed their bags and were in bed before the coach even started moving. I assume that's why we had no announcements (safety or otherwise) and no evening snack. That was okay by me, I was still worried about my stomach.

I got into bed too and managed to sleep almost immediately.
Woke up at 03.00 I think, one of the scheduled driver changes. Went to sit in my seat (as last year) because it's far cooller there. I dozed on and off, which is much easier on a double seat and I feel more relaxed knowing I had a bunk I could turn into if necessary.

I tuned in and out of the drivers' conversations.
I think I heard them rating the female passengers for attractiveness, but I misheard many things that weekend!

Arrived at Buchanan Bus Station in the rain. Left my breakfast (pain au chocolat and a carton of orange juice) on the coach, just couldn't face it. The whole weekend my teeth felt as though I was on amphetamines, just a clenched jaw and a general unwillingness to let anything through my mouth.

I had already decided to walk to the B&B. Again, it's just over a mile - albeit uphill. I knew it was simple, find Sauchiehall Street and follow it until it connects with Gray Street. Ta-daaa!

Only problem was, the silly directions I printed out advised me to head West.
What?
Oh let me get my handy travelling compass out... Oops, I don't have one.
Still, I knew it was uphill and I do actually have a good sense of direction, although I mostly keep this a secret, so I started plodding away.
At some point on this walk Glasgow broke my umbrella. Blew it inside out more than once and eventually the struts gave. I shall be sending a bill to Alex Salmond.

Squelch, squelch up the hill. I knew I was still on Sauciehall Street because of the occasional roadsign, but I was slightly wary that I was heading the wrong way. I wanted to ask directions, but I daredn't, because I did not know how to pronounce the name. I was pretty sure it wasn't Saw-chi-hall, but I couldn't even take a stab in another direction. Limey later confirmed it is Socky-hall.

Still, I should have had more faith in myself. A bus stop confirmed I was on the right route for Kelvingrove, and knowing that I lost my fear. Sure enough, Gray Street turned up and I was at The Alamo.

Now for the tricky part. I was there at about 08.00. Smack bang in time for their busiest time of day - breakfast. Nowhere else was open nearby and anyway all I wanted to do was collapse. So I entered the lobby and just sat dripping quietly, reading my book.

Steve came to my rescue.
Seeing me sitting there he recognised me and actually invited me in for a breakfast I certainly wasn't entitled to.
When I declined (I could not have eaten anything at that point) he plied me with tea. We had a chat about the panto and what time "the girls" would be arriving. The man is such a superb host. If JB isn't in Glasgow next year I won't miss the travelling but I will really miss The Alamo.

He even kindly offered me use of a single room to have a kip, on the understanding I could keep it free of charge for the night as they were not at capacity. What an angel. I unpacked and dozed on and off through the morning.

Aside - Flash the solid but apparently ageless cat is still alive and well. He came running to greet me when I opened the door. If we're not at the Alamo next year I think I will send a card and certainly include Flashy in it.

Got a text message from Dana to say she had missed her train.
NB - Dana doesn't do catching trains well. We remembered the rules about walnuts and vodka and starters from the last two years. This time we learned the train rule ;)

Limey was about to arrive, so we agreed to talk about it face to face.
Thing is it threw out our original dinner plans.
Did we eat without her? Or in a mad rush? Or after the show all together?
I couldn't weight any of the options in my befuddled state, so I waited for a more level head to appear.
Secretly, there was a tiny part of me that was glad. I already knew about not being able to eat, so going to a restaurant of my choosing seemed like a bit of a mean trick to play on the others, especially as it involved a taxi ride. But on the other hand just sitting at a table with my girls is a great experience.

Limey arrived! Hurrah!
I think the large room was ready, but she came into mine anyway, much more sociable as I already had everything strewn about.

We decided we would see if any of the local restaurants would take a booking after the panto (this was the Saturday night before Christmas so we weren't sure).
We got a booking at Mother India, one street over. Then went to check the menu, and it looked teh yummeh so all was fine.

We chatted and enjoyed ourselves until Dana arrived just about in the nick of time.
I was already ready pretty much happy to leave as soon as the ladies got changed. Bit of a whistlestop for Dana!

I led the way confidently but in a slightly haphazard fashion.
Turns out there is more than one way to the SECC and I look us by the longer route.
In my defence we hadn't tried the reverse route before, always coming from the SECC rather than going to it.

We arrived across the vast expanse of carpark in the pouring rain.
I didn't even have my hat on as I wanted to avoid hat-hair. Instead I modelled the drowned rat look.
We also arrived at a totally different entrance and got to see just how big the damned thing is. We went past a miniature fairground at one point!
Rushed past the hotdog sellers (even I drooled) and into our seats. We were nowhere near late, but things kicked off reasonably soon after we sat down.

Time to take photos though!
Limey and Dani. Sorry bout the Dani one. I can't remember if she just wouldn't stay still or if it was the low lighting.

In the row ahead of us, at the very left hand end was Scott Gill, John's partner!
I was very excited to see him, least of all because he is also very yummy.

This shot shows our position in the auditorium.

that looks like such a fun outing! good for you gals!

so sorry about the tummy upset, sundae. I hope you feel better/more yourself very soon.

I won't go through the panto in detail.
But they do get better every year.

John only had two changes of costume this year, but the dancers had many, and very extravagent ones too. John's only change was for the wedding scene at the very end, and it was worth it - sparkly white and tight.

Oh I lie - he changed into a kilt to sneak into the Giant's Castle.
As I mentioned in another thread, he wore a different sort of tighty-whities under his kilt, which is not really authentic. But given the couple of times I saw them flashed I think it was a sensible move for a family show.

My favourite part was probably his entrance (ooh Matron) which was via jetpack - visual, exciting, obviously fake and yet with the whole show still to go. Second had to be the Scottish Twelve Days of Christmas. Wasn't sure about the singalong at the end. Felt odd to be singing the praises of Scottish medal winners exclusively. I forgot, we weren't in GB any more...

The souvenir programme. My fourth :)

Then off to Mother India.
The short way round this time.

They called us as soon as Limey switched her phone back on.
We'd booked for 21.30, but the panto went on til 22.00.
I found that quite reassuring, that our custom was valued.

We all like Indian food, and found it hard to make our choices. I was limited to a starter simply because I knew I couldn't eat. Dani was to have either a starter or a main course, not both. Limey was tempted by the idea of a main and a dessert. We all had plenty to choose from.

And the place was lovely inside. Well decorated, complimented by the well-chosen Christmas decorations. The staff were attentive, smiling and happy to please. They were generally slim-hipped with a dark complexion, so I had them pegged as Southern Indian - I might be wrong. Hard to tell as the menu is an eclectic mix.

I ordered a garlic naan with the idea we could all share. It was HUGE. And I'm pleased to say possibly the best garlic naan I've had in my life. I then had the starter size Ginger and Green Chilli Fish Pakora, which is haddock marinated in a ginger and green chilli puree and deep fried with vegetables.

Dani had the Butter Chicken - a dish I also adore. This is chicken cooked in a buttery sauce with cloves and green cardamon. It was supposed to be topped with nuts but there was no problem when she asked for it without.
We agreed that the serving that came just for her could easily have fed the whole table!
There was also some confusion about the rice. I think we ended up with three different portions - plain, jasmine and pilau? Might be wrong there. But there was plenty rice. Something I never eat anyway, so I was absolved from responsibility there.

Limey had Baked Halibut with Chick Peas, Fennel and Tomatoes. Which doesn't need a further description.

The girls ready for dinner.
And Dani taking a photo of me taking a photo. Or vice versa.

Shawnee123;844963 wrote:

I am in the playoffs, vying for fifth place.
Oh, sorry, thought this was the fantasy football thread. ;)

infinite monkey;845155 wrote:

I thought the football post was funny. ;)

Sorry, I missed it.
So I went back to check and... not sure if I really get it.
But am happy to enjoy it anyway :lol:

We ploughed our way through as much as we could. Even Limey left some.
I managed a couple of pakoras, but really just picked at the bread. We took some of the leftovers away and I admit I woke up about 03.00 and finished off the naan in bed. Perhaps that's the way to do it.

Anyway, we realised we were the last people in the restaurant so abandoned hope of any more comestibles.

Bit more of Mother; Limey at the bar, snowflake in the window.

And back to the B&B.
Photo call for all three of us. Which is when I broke Mum's camera.
The good news is, Dad has used this as an excuse to buy himself one in the sales (he's gone compact digital, so it's not too much of an extravagance, and Mum gets his old one. All worked out quite well, phew.

See previous posts for Limey's pic - this is the last photo taken with my camera. Only words from now on - unless we talk Dani into posting some of her pics. Which she faithfully promised to do.

Our typical Glasgow evening ends with talking late into the night, but quite honestly I was shattered. I was sleeping in the extra bedroom and I retired there quite gratefully, despite it being only just past the witching hour. I knew I was being a party pooper (and would continue to be) but I really did feel quite rotten.

So off to thrash about in a strange bed with strange waking-dreams that there were people looking in at the window or that I'd left the door open. I even woke and tried to turn on my bedside light, groping for the chord I knew was there. Only it wasn't - that's my bedside light at home, this one was in a different place.

Restless night, woke early.
Read a bit in bed, discovered there is nothing on TV on Sunday mornings, waited until I thought the girls would be up and ready.

Knocked on their door and they were sensibly still in bed, curtains drawn. As it was 08.00 and therefore breakfast time, I thought I'd show willing and go and get some, to find I could only manage a glass of orange juice, and even that went down with hooks on. I threw it all up later in the shower room anyway.

So I let the ladies get ready in their own time and busied myself packing and generally getting ready to leave. I did join them at breakfast, but daren't eat or drink even if I'd wanted to - I had a long journey ahead and an empty stomach seemed both right and natural. This is when Steve brought out the potent eggnog! I refused so much as a sip, although I'd like some now :yum:

And then kiss-kiss, goodbye to Steve for another year, off to Queen Street station in a taxi.
Oh dear. The further we travelled the worse I felt. Danai (having barely seen me) was trying to make conversation and I couldn't even get any words out of my deadlocked mouth. I just felt hotter and hotter and more and more grim.

By the time we got out at the station I couldn't even tell her what book I was reading (rereading Confederates in the Attic, thanks Bri). One last rising flush of heat and there I was, heaving and retching in an alleyway, the dry boak as Limey said. Absolutely nothing came out and apart from shaking uncontrollably for a minute I was fine.

The girls were lovely and didn't run off in shame or disgust, but stayed with me being sympathetic. They also hung about until I decided which train to get on and saw me through the gate. Far better than I deserved.

Didn't even thank either of them properly for my Christmas presents.

So that's the end of that part.
And the end of the sickiness.
Just a few notes from the journey home to share.

Sundae-I"m worried about you. see PM

I'm okay, honestly.
Or at least getting there. This is a report of what happened last week remember.

For someone as ill as described Sundae was surprisingly good company!


Sent by thought transference

Oh no!

The dangers of Pantomime:

Actor John Barrowman has been injured during a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at a Glasgow theatre.

The Doctor Who and Torchwood star was taken to hospital from the SECC Clyde Auditorium as a precaution. His injuries were not serious.

Barrowman had fallen off a live horse during the matinee show, which also stars the Krankies.

Janette Tough, "Wee Jimmy" Krankie, was almost killed in an on-stage accident in the city in 2004.

She suffered a fractured skull after falling from a mechanical beanstalk at the Pavilion Theatre.

An SECC spokeswoman said: "During today's matinee performance of Jack and the Beanstalk, John Barrowman suffered an injury on stage and has been taken to hospital as a precaution.

"His understudy, Greg Barrowman, has already stepped in to finish the rest of the show."

She added: "John Barrowman is completely fine. He is just a little bit bruised."

It is hoped the Glasgow-born actor will return to the show on Saturday afternoon.

Jack and the Beanstalk is due to end its run on Sunday.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-20915946

Glad he's OK.


Sent by thought transference

Poor wee lad!
No more live horses in panto.

It was a Very Big Horse, as I recall ....