And they were, especially spoiled favourite Mark.
I took over in the 1970s, clearing paths, building bridges, and introducing more trees and shrubs, especially my favourite magnolias and camellias.
This in turn would serve as a bridge to classical music, musica universal - Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Berlioz, Mahler and especially (the favourite musical obsession of educated Catalans) Wagner, who was regarded as an honorary Catalan - "an instrument and a sign of national culture", as one Catalan put it.
The worst part, he said, will be living without easy access to books, especially his favourites: "Shakespeare, the Victorians, the Transcendentalists and George Orwell".
"So I'll feel a little less pressure, although there will be massive pressure on all the players, especially the favourites.
So far, in its Newcastle trial, students have ordered anything from an iPhone charging cable to a pirate's flag, though, unsurprisingly, fast-food has proved most popular, especially since favourites like McDonald's don't deliver.
Still, the crowd were lapping it right up, especially old favourites like "Freak On a Leash" and "Blind".
The weather is his favourite, especially the world weather.
Woakes is a strong favourite, especially if the pitch is a slow seamer.
The 7-1 looks value to me, especially as the favourite, Terdaad, is in 11.
