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Hello, Elle!
There is not always a "pa", says he who has watched 83 versions in the last 24 hours. Celtic Woman do a very good version, too.
Well done with the shopping!
I have been making tea for the joiner all day!
He has finished.
I have a new wooden front door and facings, now.
And I have just organised a painter to come and see how we will paint/varnish it, and when.
"Me and my drum"!

Hi, Rusty!
There surely cannot really be 83 versions? You are kidding me? Never even heard of Celtic Woman?
It's catching....I've been listening to a few versions too....I have decided that I prefer a male singer - although Boney M are good (I've always liked them )
I've listened to Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra - but no one can sing it like Bing ( it's just a pity about David Bowie's contribution; not that he sings badly, I'd just prefer unadulterated "Bing"!)
As I type this, I 'm listening on Utube to Harry Belafonte's "Mary's Boy Child".
Good news about your front door. I'm glad you are pleased with the result.
What was the ultimate verdict on a bell?

Hello, Elle.
Maybe not 83, but a helluva lot.
I had never heard of Celtic Woman either, but they are good.
Try Helene Fischer.
She is good.
She is a Russian born German.
Bing takes a bit of beating!
Does Belafonte sing it?
No bell. As yet, anyway.
Painter is coming for a look after the funeral on Wednesday.
"Rum pum pum pum,
Me and my drum"

Hi, Rusty!
I have just listened to Helen Fischer - yes, she is very good, but I would have preferred it without the intervention of the choir (good though they are).
I definitely like it sung by a single voice.
I like Nana Mouskouri, but prefer a deeper tone for this particular song.
I tried finding Harry Belafonte, but, no, I don't think he must sing it?
I've now got Mary's Boy Child on the brain, too!
What funeral is this on Wednesday, Rusty? Should I know?
Is this for a relative or friend of yours?
I hope not?

Hello, Elle!
There are over 200 versions of the song.
Even Jimi Hendrix did it!
And Westlife did it with Dolores O'Riordan of the Cranberries in front of the Pope.
Try Celtic Woman's version?
I understand Hayley Westenra used to be part of the group.
I don't who is it that's dead.
It is the painter who is attending, not me.
My Chambers arrived today.
It is in better than "very good" condition, I would say.
Well done, World of Books!
"Rum pum pum pum"!

Can't get it out of my head Rusty !

'Pa Ra Papam pam'

Hello, Pigale!
Yes that's what happens!
Still, it is a nice seasonal song.
Apparently it was originally called "Carol of the Drum".

Hi, Rusty!
Well, I'm sorry for the painter, but glad that it isn't one of your relatives or friends who has died! ( you didn't make it clear)
I've listened to Celtic Woman, but I'm still sticking with Bing!
That is good about your Chambers - yes, World of Books is excellent. It does very good packaging, doesn't it?
And speaking of books........I have just finished reading a true story about a young girl (aged 10 when the story begins) who, after an abusive childhood, was adopted and then fell into the hands of Oxford's sex traffickers.
This is the story of her adoptive mother's fight to get help for her child.
It is amazing how little help could be found from Oxford's Social Services - and this was at the beginning of the twenty-first century, not back in the "olden" days.
The book is called "You Can't Have My Daughter" by Elizabeth McDonnell.
See "Goodreads" if you are interested.
I enjoyed it (if 'enjoyed' is indeed the right word)
PA rum pum pum pum ( Bing says "Pa"!)

Hello, Pigale!
I'm stuck with "Mary's Boy Child " as well, now.......that's because I tried to find out if Harry Belafonte sang "Little Drummer Boy"!
(I couldn't find it so I don't think he does?)

Hello, Elle!
Bing can do no wrong in my eyes!
Did you know he was a keen golfer? (i think he died playing golf)
Anyway, he came to St Andrews to play in the British Amateur Championship, and got knocked out in the first round by a plumber from Dundee! So the story goes, anyway, I am not certain.
That book would not be a read I would seek out, Elle.
I'll stick with Clare Balding!
I'll tell you a wee story because I know you are keen on sport.
In USA there is very well known sports magazine called Sports Illustrated. Each year it has a poll to decide the "sportsman of the year." This year, the winner polled almost 50% of the votes.
The winner? American Pharoah, the champion racehorse who has won the Triple Crown. Pleased me!