THURSDAY 20TH DECEMBER

Kosenkov V. 'Winter landscape'.

Have a great time over Christmas and the New Year.


See you in 2008!


I'm off north so will be back blogging full of joy in January.

MONDAY 17TH DECEMBER - jools holland

On Friday evening we went to see Jools Holland and his rhythm and blues orchestra. It was amazing fun!

We had front seats so were really close to the stage - brilliant evening and driving to Plymouth was worth it.

THURSDAY 13TH DECEMBER - memory is strange

NORTHERN EXPOSURE
I was given a DVD box set this quirky drama set in Alaska. I watch an episode periodically and for some unknown reason I just thought of it right now. What prompts a brain to dredge up something completely disconnected from today? I think I might look at one very soon.



Season's Greetings, everybody, from KBHR, the heart and soul of Cicely, Alaska. This is Chris In The Morning. From where I'm sitting, I've got a great view of all the yuletide decorations going up all over town. That's right, everywhere I turn my head I see ebony birds roosting for the holidays. You know, twinkling colored lights are nice, and so are plastic Santas and reindeers and manger scenes, but I'll tell you something, friends... nothing like the sight of beautiful black-as-pitch raven to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Tuesday11th December - raging sea

We went to the North coast on Sunday to watch the sea. We had experienced 3 days of wild weather, driving rain and gale force winds which culminated in severe weather warning on Sunday. It was magnificent as long as you weren't out there.
The foam being blown off the wave tops covered you in seconds.

C

It was clear it was wild as there were no surfers to be seen. There are surfers all year but not this weekend.

It was hard to stand up so these photos are full of the atmosphere which is the reason for blurring.

The UK has a maritime climate and we experience the force of the Atlantic storms here in Cornwall. I love the wind and the rain which makes this type of weather so exciting.

WEDNESDAY 5TH DECEMBER - tulips

For four consecutive birthdays I have been sent a wooden tulip from a very special friend in Finland. They sit on a small shelf with their cheery colour to brighten the grey days of winter.

I have just read a fantastic book by Swedish writer Bodil Malmsten and she told me about tulips so I thought I'd pass it on to you.

In history, the Dutch will be remembered for their passion for tulips. After 400-plus years, theirs is an enduring love affair. First introduced to Holland in 1593, the tulip has become a symbol for the country.

For the origins of the tulip, look to central Asia,the Tien-Shan and the Pamir Alai Mountain Ranges near modern day Islamabad, close to the border of Russia and China.

It feels a useful thing to know don't now when it will be needed, some quiz or game possibly.