Busy bee week!!!

Memorial Park, Coventry

The weatherman predicted that it's going to be a wet, cold, windy weekend. The temperature dipped but at least it's dry. Since we were buzzing throughout the week, we decided to recharge our batteries, chilling at home.

On Monday, I took the afternoon off because of the last home game at the Ricoh. It feels like our life seems to revolve around what's going on there. We don't mind as it keeps us on our toes. Sadly, the Sky Blues were thrashed 4:0 by West Bromwich Albion. What happened???

Earlier, I went on the long-awaited tour of the pièce de ré·sis·tance, the first floor of the remodelled library. It was truly amazing. Very spacious, minimalist and trendy. I was surprised to say that orange and grey do match. Kudos to the interior designer. I couldn't wait for the reaction from older students and also witnessing how the traditional library work-flow adapt itself to this very modern surroundings.

Since it was a lovely afternoon, Kevin brought his toy to play at the Memorial Park. The helicopter soared further and higher before crashing onto a tree. It's like playing golf. You hit it hard and then you have to walk to the ball to pick it up. I couldn't help laughing.

I was busy snapping away. The War Memorial Park, about 48.5 hectares, was opened in July 1921 as a tribute to the Coventrians who lost their lives during the First World War (1914-1918). It is was surrounded by stately Copper Beach trees with stunning copper/red leaves. Squirrels, magpies and wood pigeons scavenging for food below. A truly beautiful autumn scene.

On Wed, there was a flurry of activity at the piazza. The 'Unite Against Fascism' group was distributing pamphlets for a demonstration outside Coventry Cathedral later in the evening. 67 years ago today, 500 German bombers launched an assault on the City. It seems that, the infamous Holocaust denier and historian, David Irving, has chosen today to visit Coventry and give a talk at an undisclosed location. I would love to attend that talk and I can bet Kevin will shred his Nazi theories to bits.

I took a day off and accompany hubby to try out his latest toy, another mean-flying, expensive gizmo at the nearby Holbrook Park. It was a very chilly morning and the ground was covered with frost. Kevin took some time to familiarise with the controls and managed to lift it off the ground. It hovered. Unluckily, there was some radio interference and it plunged, crashed, broken. What can I say??? Luckily, you can order these broken parts.

To compensate the shock (just an excuse?), we drove to Birmingham to checkout the famous Bullring, the largest city centre retail regeneration scheme in Europe. We window shopped but there was nothing that caught our attention. Nearly all the stores can be found in any high streets. In the end, we decided to get some fresh air.

Ha, the outside was much more interesting. The shopping area took advantage of the natural slope of the city, which drops down 60 feet from New Street down to St Martin's Church, by creating shopping streets and open spaces on three levels.

We did what we enjoyed most. Taking photographs... The famous structure which defines the Bullring houses Selfridges. This ugly futuristic design, clad in 15,000 shiny aluminium discs, was inspired by a Paco Rabanne sequinned dress has won 8 awards. Taste huh???

Opposite, was the church of St Martin, a Grade II listed building, the original parish church of Birmingham. Since Xmas is approaching, a silver-coloured structure, resembling a stylised Xmas tree was erected in the square. The old meets the new...and the new has more visitors.

We then checked out the surrounding indoor markets. Everything and anything under one roof. The different smell, colours and sounds. But the aggressive tactics of the stall-holders puts us off. They were quite loud, forceful and intimidating. It's very different to Coventry Market. They don't force their wares on to your face. We decided we won't step inside again.

Another afternoon off yesterday. Aren't I suppose to be working :-). We decided to brave the city centre. Surprisingly, we're not alone. It was buzzing. Couldn't imagine what Saturdays would be like, especially when X'mas is round the corner.

We went to the Central Library cos I thought the exhibition on the 'Abolition of Slavery' was still on. I was very surprised when they told me that it was over. I'm sure I got the date right. Need to check that out.

We didn't spend anything at the Bullring but we came out poorer here. We checked out several shops and I purchased an E. Arden moisturiser, a X'mas deco to add to my tree and Lush products. Kevin bought Harry Potter and Angel box -sets.

On the way home, we need to fill the car. There was a very long queue and there were security guards at the garage. Why? We just joined one of the queues and it was a long wait. Some of the pumps are also closed. The fuel in Birmingham was much more expensive and I bet that everyone is filling up in anticipation of the price rising further.

Our last destination was Aldi. I wanted a pair of wellingtons. I've browsed a few shops and they costs more than £15. But in Aldi, it was only £6. I doubt that there'll be any left cos the offer was 2 weeks ago.Luckily, there were a few pairs of bright-red wellies left. I wanted a pink polka-dotted one. But beggars can't be choosers. Glastonbury here I come and couldn't wait for it to rain. Any excuse to try out my wellies :-).

Went home, very tired. I spent the night watching Children in Need. It is an annual charity appeal organised by the BBC. The mascot 'Pudsey', is a yellow teddy bear with a bandage over one eye. The money will be distributed to small children's charities. I bought a raffle ticket at work for the appeal. Hoped they made tons of money.

We ended the week with a huge chicken pizza, Spanish salad and apple struddel. Bon appetit.

Last but not least wishing our nephew, Jack, a very happy birthday.