SCALVES

We went to Liverpool yesterday, and very impressive it looks - especially at night when everywhere is lit up. We had a meal in a restaurant that overlooks the new big wheel - it's a pity that Oscar wasn't with us because he loves lights and things that go round and round - he'd have been in his element. He'll be there on Saturday though when he visits Santa's grotto.

And since he's been practising walking like a penguin, he'll be able to meet up with his pals - the city is covered in them

It's just as well Oscar's not learning how to spell yet. A huge stall in the pedestrian area of Liverpool was covered in signs proclaiming "scalves £2 each"

Oscar's latest trick is walking backwards which he can now do at great speed, usually ending up at the far end of the room, against the settee.

 

Meanwhile the London son is discovering more and more facts about Bristol in the dark.  He 's spent the past three weeks there with his new job. His hotel overlooks the river but since he leaves before it gets light and arrives back after sunset he hasn't seen much of it.

SCIENCE - RICKY GERVAIS

I feel flat, totally let down and as though a friend has just pinched £80 out of my purse.  I am one of Ricky Gervais's biggest fans and haven't missed a local live performance. 'Politics' and 'Animals' were clever, hilarious and very witty. 'Fame' less so but 'Science' is an hour's worth of gratuitous filth. Not clever and not witty. And it's a pity that Gervais holds his fans in such low regard. When he said near the end of this pathetic performance that he hoped he hadn't offended anyone, the theatre went silent. Yes, Ricky you offended us all - but not with your unfunny un-pc 'jokes'. You offended us by taking the mickey and taking our money under false pretences. Unless you can be bothered to put a bit of work into a live performance, don't expect us to turn up.

 An impersonation of the fans who wait  outside the theatre to get Gervais's autograph - so you get the idea.

NEW JOB

The London son started his new job last week and spent three nights in a hotel. He's back there tomorrow for the week and in the meantime has five shirts to wash, dry, starch  and iron. I'd love to be a fly on the wall.

ARTISTS' BOOK FAIRS

The artist son is busy organising a Lancashire zine and book fair for January and yesterday had his Cafe Royal goods at a Manchester fair.

 

 

Oscar waited up for him to get home after enjoying a dinner of noodles.

In any case, if he'd got tired of waiting he could always have bedded down on the floor....

THE X FACTOR

We're X Factor nuts. We've not missed a single second - and even watch the Xtra Factor on ITV2 . The Antiques Roadshow is my favourite programme (ever) so the fact that I now tape this so that I can watch the X Factor, says it all.

I've got money on Olly and Jamie to win outright and after Olly's performance last night I think I might be onto a winner. I like Lucie too but I CANNOT STAND Stacey. Five minutes in a room with her and I'd go round the bend. I hope she goes tonight - but I doubt it.

THE COUNT

I've just bought tickets to see Count Arthur Strong again - this time at the Lowry. It was only by chance that I looked at the listings brochure I received in the post. But it turns out I was a bit hasty because on re-reading the brochure it says that this is a repeat of last year's tour - which we saw at Bolton! Still, he was funny then and I daresay we'll have forgotten most of the gags. My husband certainly will,  so I'm not letting on that this is a repeat.