Good Elf to all!

Chess protecting his Christmas Pudding chew toy

Hop it!

It's as easy as GHD to make a girl smile!

Kittens enjoy Christmas treats

We had an unusually late morning for a Christmas morning, the advantage of having an almost teenager rather than a small child living with us! 

Although  - even though teens are approaching, it was good to see simple toys being enjoyed. The space hopper, a retro classic. The dog hates it, and is taking comfort from his new Christmas Pudding chew toy. The kittens are excited by all the wrapping paper and various Christmas treats.

Tiz the season

A short photo story involving kittens

"Tia, is the coast clear?"

"Don't worry Weka - I've got your back!"

"Looks like there's some good climbing in there"

"Come see this - it's fantastic, there's branches and shiny stuff -
what great humans we have, so kind to put a giant climbing tree in the lounge
for our entertainment!"

Warwick Wonders

A wonderous outing to Warwick Castle was had. There was a deal in t’internet, so off we drove. 

After a 2hr drive and a 6 mile trek form the car park, which incidentally would cost us a mere £6 to exit, quite a lot for us peasants, we arrived. Maisie decided the highlight was the Ben & Jerry's vending machines dotted about - presumably a necessity in the Summer to prevent overheating whilst trekking to the attraction. On closer inspection, they appeared to be empty, at least that would save us £5.

When we got to the castle, there was some watery sunshine filtering through the turrets, and a very majestical air about the place. A quick go in the stocks, and it was time for our dungeon experience. We queued with a small amount of trepidation, none of us having experienced live dungeon action before. I wasn’t encouraged by the screams emanating from the said dungeons.

In actuality, the most scary bit was navigating narrow stairs in the dark. We experienced several well acted out scenarios about the plague, torture, corrupt courts and a beheading. We were squirted with blood (water), and humiliated a few times, freaked out by an executioner and a fake dog, Maisie was only slightly traumatised and was easily cheered up with a trip to the restaurant. Fizzy pop and a sandwich do have a tendency to cure all fake blood splattering traumas, note to self: must remember to put that in my parenting guide book I haven't written yet.

The Merlin experience was less exciting, basically a video of a dragon with fire effects at the end. All hot air with no substance. There was a nice wax model of Merlin on the way out.

Came home, and it started snowing! Very wet snow, no chance of a day off school/work, but a nice end to the day all the same.

It’s a Cracker

Christmas in the library world is one of extremes. People either love it or hate it. I actually love it, and I’m delighted there are other lovers in our office. The office has been decked out with festive stuff, carefully avoiding the desks of the people not so keen. The only glitch was a small communication breakdown between Leanne and myself. She volunteered to get some decorations for our office from that purveyor of quality Christmas trimmings - poundland. Unfortunately, she believed we had a tree in the office - we do not. This left the lead decorator thinking - what on earth do we do with 40 baubles? A quick creative tying them to some tinsel and a tinsel garland was fashioned which looks great.

All in a festive mood, it was onwards to the Christmas Party. Last year I managed to out myself to the entire library, so what could be worse this year? Let the cracker pulling begin.  Along with the bad (very) jokes and customary hats were bits of plastic fashioned into various toy shapes. I was lucky enough to receive a plastic mustache. Unluckily it transformed me into a Mario from Mario Bros look a like! Just needed a pair of blue dungarees to finish off the look - thank goodness I’d left the dungarees on the hanger in the wardrobe and chosen a black shirt.

On looking around the room, it was rather reassuring and unsettling at the same time to see 1 in 5 librarians transformed in a similar fashion - was the library Christmas do sponsored by Nintendo? Sadly not. However the National Fairground archive did provide entertainment in the form of a magician and ‘Danger Steve’ -a unicycling juggler who requested only minimal audience participation. Phew.

There was food, wine, laughter and dancing and I expect a few sore heads this morning. 

Christmas is coming

You can tell it's nearly Christmas, it's very muddy out and there's a load of sprouts for sale in the shops.

I'm hoping my morning run was twice as good for me, as my feet were caked in mud for most of my circuit. I am certainly contemplating some waterproof trainers, or maybe gaiters, or those  giant wellie trouser things fisher people wear, now that would be a good look.

After my run, it was off to watch Maisie horse riding - as it's on the highest peak of Sheffield, suffice to say, it was blinking cold and windy, nice and sunny though. Then onwards to pick Dad up for a Sunday outing. Today's choice was a garden centre - not just any old garden centre mind, but the Chatsworth one of course. What a treat, they had assorts of goodies to tempt the wallet. I jet bough essentials, some wooden heart christmas decorations and an solar powered bird light thing, oh yes, and some actual cabbage flower plant things, well I felt I had to as we were at a garden centre after all. At one point there was a loud announcement "Santa has now entered the building" I was a bit sad that none of our party were interested.

A quick stop at the grocery store with sprouts sprouting up everywhere you looked.

SkegVegas or Bust

After our trip to Hull, we were inspired to explore the East coast further.Where to start? Skegness of course. So off we go with my Dad, Maisie, Alex, the dog AND the kittens! Yes - we took the kittens, who doesn't take their kittens on holiday? The truth was - we had failed to enlist the help of a neighbour to feed them and, as it was bonfire weekend, there was a level of anxiety regarding their wellbeing. 

Our accommodation allowed for one small pet. Personally, I think one bloody great dog, and two kittens with a passion for climbing up curtains fell into that category. We stayed in a lovely village around 10 miles out of Skeggy which was lovely, room to accommodate our family and other animals - oops we forgot the hamster! 

Saturday  - into Skegness for a run around on the beach, get some rock and look at the seal rescue centre. We were treated to watery November sunshine and the company of other dogs on the beach. There was a small contra-temps between Chess and a pug called Dude, but apart from that it was lovely. The seal sanctuary rescue place amused the whole party - except the kittens, we left them in the accommodation to enjoy the curtains.

Little did we know it wasn't the kittens we needed to worry about for damage danger. Who's for a lovely cooked breakfast? Mmmm lincolnshire sausages in Lincolnshire (yes please) mushroom cooked in butter and garlic (need you ask), bacon with bits of melted plastic from a chopping board left on the top of the grill? No thanks!

I don't usually make cooked breakfast - I'm not good at the timing, but this particular morning, all was going well. SO when I noticed the stream of bright red melted plastic flowing from the top of the grill onto the lovely organic bacon we had bought I was more than a little disappointed. After a mad panic, burns were avoided, some bacon salvaged, some bacon with only a hint of plastic eaten by the lucky dog, and confession to the property manager, a breakfast was enjoyed by all before heading off too Lincoln cathedral on the way home. We left behind a very clean oven, one less chopping board and only a few cat hairs on the table cloth.

Boo

Sunday night was all about Fright Night in Sheffield, an annual Halloween carnival.

I had the bright idea of putting plastic spiders in my hair for an easy halloween themed look. Only one thing to do before heading out, take the dog round the block for a quick pee. I’d actually forgotten about the spiders, and was happily greeting the neighbors also out with peeing dogs. Needless to say, a few strange looks were received. Unfortunately I bumped into the guests from the B&B two doors up, not sure they will be visiting our sleepy little village again. 

Sheffield was packed out with people dressed in similar attire so spiders felt at home. We cruised around looking at the street entertainers and massive queues for all the fairground rides. We saw a giant hippo, Granny Tourismo (grannies on motorised shopping trollies), Dr. Who’s Tardis, the best of all were the zombies. 

In too Deep?

Phew, we have been so busy lately, trip to Hull, visitor from NZ, Rugby World Cup to watch (from behind the sofa), and the day jobs of course.

Hull has what is considered an excellent aquarium, as we have a budding Marine Biologist in the family, it seemed an appropriate place to visit. We arrive on the Friday evening, Leanne having scored a cheap hotel with some deal. The thing is with these deals, you never know what sort of accommodation you are getting. This particular hotel looked...a bit nondescript, there was no sign above the door, plenty of parking and a hair salon next door, it actually looked like the busiest hair salon in the Northeast. 

We enter - dog in tow, and check in. Friendly staff at least, the hotel however was verging on faded charm. The back of the hotel looked much more inviting, with nice gardens and outdoor seating.

Collapse in the room, and work out how to put the telly on. After a quick dash to Marks and Spencer's to get essential supplies, mainly chocolate and fizzy pop, we are ready for our evening meal. As we have the dog, and we had been asked not to leave the dog in the room unattended, we ask at reception to be seated in the special dog area. This turned out to be on the ‘heated’ patio. We were invited to leave out of the front door, circumnavigate the hotel and present ourselves on the patio, where we were assured the heaters would be turned on. After assessing the route, and the weather forecast, it appeared without GPS and walking boots, it would be easier to leave the dog in the car. We seat ourselves at a pleasant looking table close at hand and indoors. At our table, we are invited to choose off the menu, and write our own orders out! Weird. At least we weren't given year old fashion magazines and asked to pick out the style we wanted, I’m not sure they could have come up with anything other than a mullet.

The next day, it’s off to the aquarium. This proved to be excellent. Very well thought out, with lots of educational stuff for the young and old. After educating ourselves with the ways of sea creatures, we were in need of sustenance. Bob Carver’s fish and chips had been recommended. Off we set, thanks to google maps, we located said chippy without problem. The problem was however, understanding the woman behind the counter. We were only an hour an a half up the country, but her accent was completely indecipherable! Some how we bought our lunch with a combination of pointing and mime, and enjoyed it in Hull town center on a bench - we know how to live the high life.

Soon after our return to the comfort of our own home and the ability to understand the locals our friend Angus arrived. We did the customary trip to Chatsworth, encouraged him to buy a flat cap, and made him eat yorkshire puddings at the local pub. We tried to teach him the words to 'On Ilkley Moor bah't hat' without success. 

Phew, what a scorcher!

Maisie on Yorkie

Yayoi Kusama 'Flowers That Bloom Tomorrow'

28 degrees in October? England through to the next round in the Rugby World Cup at the top of their table? A decent reception on the telly? (We have gone digital.) All very weird.

I feel for the squirrels, in the park next to work, eating my lunch (I was - not the squirrels). The poor squirrels were running around as if to say “Well...do we collect nuts, don't we collect nuts? I’ve found a nut, do I need it just now, no I don't think I do, oh wait, when have there been nuts that aren't needed? I know, I’ll just run around looking cute, if a little confused.” 

It was even sunny on Saturday. That never happens - even in the middle of summer. Unfortunately, we had to take delivery of my father’s household contents and attempt to pack them into our already groaning garage. Lugging boxes around on the hottest day of the year - not my idea of fun!

All under control

As a reward for myself, I decided not to touch even one box, or attempt any DIY on Sunday. I spent a very pleasant time watching Maisie’s riding lesson. They have a new teacher who likes to say "just ride around anywhere for the first 10 minutes at whatever speed you like." This is an attempt to let them feel in control of the ponies. As a result, half the class get stuck in a corner on ponies reluctant to move and the other half are running round as if being chased by a bee. Relieved to see Maisie had a nice controlled trot, going round the edge of the arena avoiding others in a very sensible fashion.

Nadim Karam 'Desert Sand'

Next on the agenda was a trip to Chatsworth to see ‘Beyond Limits’. A selling exhibition of sculpture put on by Sotheby’s, hosted by Chatters. Leanne has a cold, which she seems to have passed onto Maisie, so the only willing victim for being dragged around was my niece Alex. Not so sunny, but still 23 degrees, a lovely afternoon for looking at art. Chatsworth was incredibly busy, but we managed to find a boss car park. Headed into the gardens with Chess. He was inspired to create a sculpture all of his own in the prime picnic area where all the kids run around. Lovely. After clearing all that up, time for some serious art viewing.

Ji Yong-Ho 'Lion 2'

Zadok Ben-David 'Simple Lines'

Alex and a Damien Hirst

I really liked the work of Nadim Karam, wouldn’t mind owning one, but I’d need to either get another promotion, or have a modest win on the lottery. There was also a lion made out of used tyres. I’m not usually drawn to such imagery, but the technique and materials used made the piece quite compelling. Better than the Hirst pieces anyway. All of them were reassuringly better than the dog's contribution to the landscape.

France - fin

Well, it was the end for that snail - I ate it. Being new to snail consumption, it took me a while to get the courage to try it...a snails pace you might say. It tasted of...butter and garlic mainly, both good tastes. Can't say I'm a convert to the snail consumption society, but it was OK.

We navigated out of Paris quite well, and made our way back to Lille, Lars and Thibault had prepared our final evenings meal. A fair amount of food (continuing the theme of the trip) and a little drop of vin rouge. All very much appreciated.

Back to blighty, back to work, back to normal eating patterns! My Wii trainer wasn't that impressed, but we had a great time.

Gay Paris

France Part three

Off we set fearlessly to Paris, Leanne, Maisie, Leanne's Parents and me in our car. Leanne had booked us in to a bargain hotel (potential flea pit) in what turns out to be the red light area of Paris. What could go wrong?

We drive into town without incident - once we'd worked out where the buses go, and where the cars were supposed to drive, we were fine. A little detour to find the hotel and a mad dash to the toilet when we got there and we were all set. It was a lovely afternoon, reported to be 30 degrees an easy bus ride to our destination of choice was on the cards.

Our destination, the cafe Leanne's parents have a connection with. We were greeted by a large sweaty French man shouting Nouvelle Zealande! He instantly got out the champagne and we drank a toast. The parents were very happy, and also by this time a little tipsy. We ate too much cheese, and marvelled at the size of Maisie's sandwich compared to the available plate.

Pont de l'Archeveche

Next destination, a boat trip on the Seine. Very touristy, but we needed a sit down after our lunch. Beautiful weather, the bridge of love (Pont de l'Archevêché) had caught Maisie's imagination. the idea is, couples put a padlock on the railings, and throw the key into the river as a symbol of everlasting love. We were delighted to see a 'just married' couple, with padlock in hand, make their way to the middle of the bridge, whilst we were passing underneath.

Of course, our next thing had to be the Eifel Tower. We had pre-booked tickets, phew - the queue for the lift was massive for the people just turning up. We wait in the special prebooked short line, next to some Kiwis of course - they don't half get around. In the lift going sideways, we are propelled to level two. Breathtaking views of Paris, a perfect evening to be up high. Maisie speechless. We all loved it. Back to the bottom, and we sat and sat and people watched. Such a variety of people of all nationalities, and such a great atmosphere. To be recommended. 

Back to red light district. The vibe was…actually fine, such a lovely day, there were families, tourists and youth wandering around all quite happy. We bought a pizza off Mr Happy Pizza Selling Guy (not), who wouldn't succumb to my lovely people winning over banter, which admittedly may not have translated very well into French, and was the grumpiest food sales person I had ever encountered. 

Back to a night in the hotel serenaded by sirens and party related whooping.

Anyone fancy a swim?

France part two

La Piscine

Lars and Maisie

Our dear friend Lars took us into Roubaix to the swimming pool - La piscine. No not for swimming as one might expect, but for art purposes. The old Art Deco swimming pool in the town, is now La Piscine - the Museum of Art and Industry, and is a beautiful setting for a great collection of drawings, painting, sculptures and textiles. There is still a suggestion of pool, and every little while the sound of swimming pool joviality is played over the loud speakers for a few seconds. Fantastic - we all loved it!

The visit was made even more interesting, one of the curators known to Lars (the benefits of knowing a local) gave Maisie some smelly bits of paper (like perfume samples) which were supposed to match up to certain paintings. A project by a local artist I think. 


Off we trekked to find the corresponding paintings - first up 'Combat de coqs en Flandre'  Remy Cogghe 1889 - not my favourite subject matter, or my favourite smell it would seem. The paper was impregnated with a smell reminiscent of stale tobacco and sweat. Yuk!  After a sniff of the pool (fairly realistic), and an assassination (fairly unpleasant and unplaceable) we found a still life of a breakfast setting. When we opened the bag with the smelly paper, we were pleasantly surprised and relived to sniff le petit dejeuner  - chocolate and while linen. Yum - off to patisserie again? Why not, we are in France after all.

Vos marques, prêts, du shopping et manger - Première partie

Ready to eat and shop in France - part one.

Destination  - Lille

We arrive with a bang, or was that just Leanne reversing into a tree? (no damage to car or tree, phew)

Following Lars in his about town car, we arrive in the centre of Lille. This turns out to be a very beautiful Brusselesque town with loads of fashionable shops and patisseries. First item on the list is obviously some cream for my eczema. Whilst the rest of the party pressed their noses up against the patisserie window, I set off fearlessly with my bad French and a very recent lesson on how to pronounce hydrocortisone. (Drop the h and replace the y with an e).

In the pharmacy I go, I stumble through hello I need some edrocortisone creme s'il vous plait, I explain I don't know what it is in French, blank looks. I start to point to areas of my body affected by eczema, well the areas I can show in public without fear of arrest, I'm sure by this time I had attracted the attention of the security guard. I mime rubbing on cream, I continue to babble on for what seems like ages, when eventually the pharmacist says in perfect English, yes, it's called hydrocortisone in France as well, that will be three euros fifty please! Sacre bleu.

I guess I gave them something to talk about in their tea break.

In the patisserie!