Week before Xmas

The Fountain on DVD

Yesterday we couldn't make our mind where to go. I wanted to go to Ikea in Wednesbury. Why? Cos it was the opening of the first city centre Ikea in Coventry. It was for account holders only which I am one and 16k members are expected. Junction 7 of the ring-road will be closed to facilitate the stampede which I found traffic management gone wrong. How can traffic be smooth when the road into the main entrance is closed? Today, another 20k shoppers are expected. I couldn't imagine the chaos. Even on an ordinary Saturday, the traffic into the city is horrendous.

But we'd to cancel the drive cos there was a 'go-slow' protest on the motorways. This was a protest against the rapidly increasing price of fuel. We don't want to get caught in that one at all.

So the closest was the Arena. Oh no, it was another home game between the Sky Blues and Southampton. The supporters will be in droves cos the Club was staved from the threat of administration at the last minute on Friday. We decided to walk and we made the right decision. The fans are starting to arrive and we could see the parking lot filling up too.

We leisurely browsed all the shops, sans Tesco. Lots of harassed and stressed shoppers. And in Borders, Kevin found the dvd that I was hunting for. It was 'The Fountain' starring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. This was the film that CC and I planned to see in June but we couldn't make it. It is a very odd film, full of existentialism and so on..... What does it all mean? Who cares, my darling husband bought it for me as a Xmas pressie so I love it, naturally.

As we plodded home, we could hear a thunderous roar from the Ricoh. The Sky Blues had scored a goal. Well done!!! Sadly, the opponents managed to equalise during the second half. The staying power never ever seems to be there.

At work, my colleagues and I were charmed by the antics of the Mickey Mouse of the desert, the long-eared jerboa. It was the first time caught on camera on the Mongolian Gobi Desert. A small jumping mouse-like rodent with very large hind legs and a long tail with a black tush at the end. I've never seen anything cuter...

Management also organised a mince pie and mulled wine party to celebrate the end of term. I think someone had poured too much wine cos the crowd was getting merrier and louder by the second. At least, they are having fun. I'd the delicious organic apple juice. Attended a meeting with SH and Sam later about the Sivanandan Collection. I'll definitely have the project wrapped by next Easter but Sam, unfortunately, still has a long way to go.

Today, we'd an early start to visit Brandon Marsh. It was bitterly cold and the lakes were frozen. Still lots of things to see and photograph. Plentiful robins along the path keeping us company and entertained. My highlight for the day was when I managed to spot and photograph a water rail (Rallus aquaticus). An elusive and secretive marsh bird, it was feeding along the ditches among the undergrowth. The jerking tail with its trailing legs as it moves caught the corner of my eye.

Water Rail (Click image for RSPB Site)

On the way home, we stopped at Morrison for Sunday papers and a bit of food shopping. We are having peppered beef steaks, muffins and grilled sweet pepper for lunch and baked egg custard as dessert. Yummy...When we reached home, there was a huge bag of ivy from CC. She'd forgotten to give it to me on Fri and left it on her way from church.

Thanks. I'm going to make a huge green wreath and hang it on the door. CC's driving to Northampton tomorrow to celebrate Xmas with her parents, who flew from Canada. Have a safe journey, Merry Xmas and see you in 2008.

Our lovely niece Holly is 11 this week. Happy birthday sweetheart and we'll bring your pressie when we drive down. Huge hugs and kisses.