Today marks 250 years to the day since Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns was born. There will be fantastic party in Scotland to celebrate this event especially in our previous haunt, Dumfries.
It was once said of Dumfries, that it was 'the grandest city of the world, for thou hast Burns's grave'. It may also be said that, in Dumfries, Burns suffered his severest pangs, and yet accomplished his proudest achievements. And everywhere you turn, there is always a reminder of him : a street, a river walk, a statute, a museum, the Globe Inn (his ' favourite Howff), the graveyard.
Dumfries is proud of it Burns heritage,
its gates are always open. All depart wiser and, on occasion, 'fou and unco happy.' And we did enjoy our brief adventure here.
While tucking to haggis, neeps (turnips, normally shredded), tatties (potato, normally mashed), and settling down for a braw feast, we raise our glasses, having a wee dram and cite:
Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o the puddin'-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang's my arm.
- Robert Burns, Address to a Haggis
We were in the Marsh this morning to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. Along the path, we were serenaded by cheeky robins and as usual I took the opportunity to feed them.
Some of them must know me so well, or train me well, huh :-)
Yesterday, CC, DB and I had our first noodle fix at the Noodle Bar for 2009. We were soo looking forward starting all over again and slurping down the menu list. I'd my usual fried udon with seafood special and Chinese vegs washed down with pots of steaming cha. It was like a hangover cure on a cold, bright winter afternoon.
We thought of taking part in the Stand Up To Hatred walk from the Belgrade Theatre to Coventry Cathedral. It was an opportunity for Coventrians from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds to collectively come together to make an active commitment to Stand up to Hatred, the theme of this year's Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations.
By the time we finished our lunch and did the various errands, we missed the walk and talks at the Cathedral. Never mind, it's the thought that's important. We were taken aback by the number of police personnel all over the place. It was quite intimidating.
Imagine my surprise when I found out that the BBC refused to broadcast a charity appeal by the DEC for the Gaza Strip. Director general Mark Thompson has said by airing the appeal the BBC would risk reducing public confidence in its impartial coverage of the conflict.
I agreed with Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York:
"This is not a row about impartiality but rather about humanity.
This situation is akin to that of British military hospitals who treat prisoners of war as a result of their duty under the Geneva convention.
They do so because they identify need rather than cause.
This is not an appeal by Hamas asking for arms but by the Disasters Emergency Committee asking for relief. "
By declining the request, the BBC has already taken sides and forsaken impartiality. And they must remember, we, the license payers...
Its Chinese New Year tomorrow. I wish everyone, especially CL and AK, welcoming the Year of the Ox, Kong Hee Fatt Choy. May you all have a prosperous and happy new year. Go easy on the yamseng lo...
This Christmas Cactus first 
flowered 10 years ago when I first bought it at the village fete in Llanon. And it hasn't flowered since. It followed us everywhere and I was so excited when the buds began to develop late last year. My patience has paid off. Isn't it lovely?
It's hanging in the bathroom. A wonderful wake-up sight when you're still half-asleep in the morning.
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