Welcoming 2009

Woke up to a freezing 2009. Warm up the casa to stop the pipes from freezing. Today, we planned to stretch our legs at Coombe Abbey. And guess what? It was buzzing.

Half of Coventry, all dressed up as the Michelin man was there. I guess we all need to get rid of a week of traditional excess and breathe some fresh air.

At the pond, the natives were in a feeding frenzy. Since the river was half-frozen, the breadcrumbs were a real treat.    And have you seen so many coots in such a small place?

We took a leisurely walk by the river towards the hide. We saw and photographed lots of fungi along the way. The hide was quite crowded and noisy. And this magnificent nuthatch came to say hello.

At home, I decided to relearn to make bread. Babe helped me and we'd the casa smelling of sundried tomato bread. Delish and we'd it with a slice of Applewood smoke flavoured cheese.

Our Christmas turkey have been gradually reduced and, not a scrap was wasted. Not a single turkey sandwich in sight.  I gave the bird a full range of delicacies to be the main star in, from red Thai curries and stir fries and the favourite is this delicious pie. This is my first ever pie and the first recipe from Jamie Oliver's collection. I'm soo proud. Pat on the back :-)

Yesterday, I braved the cold and joined the crowds at the Arena. First, was the Tesco sales. Nothing spectacular but came out with a lovely red bracelet. Next was ...Next. Looks like a hurricane just passed through. Managed to squeeze my hips into a black lace skirt.

The calendars at Borders are still expensive, so will check them out later. At M&S, clothes just piled on the floor. Too many people, couldn't move so browse at the home section. Fell in love with a spicy Xmassy wreath. Bought it for next year. Nearly 3 hours gone and £££ poorer.

We also checked out the sales in town. Thankfully, nothing catches our eye. Although Babe bought another bag from Jessop for his camera collection. His cameras has more bags than me...

I bought The Golden Compass from Zavvi before it closes its door. Zavvi is another victim of the slump in High Street sales that has seen the administrators called in at tea and coffee specialist Whittards, menswear chain The Officers Club and Childrenswear retailer Adams. And they say, many more are in the pipeline.

I was quite surprised that I enjoyed watching The Golden Compass. I never liked movie interpretation of fiction but somehow I'm looking forward to the sequel. The editing needs improvement but like the book, you'll understand better as the movie continues.

We cannot end 2008 without visiting our favourite playground. It was soo cold that we'd to warm our cockles first with hot chocolate. And we'd a spectacular view of this lovely great spotted woodpecker feeding just outside the window.

I'd a feeling that the robins were pissed off with us cos we forgot to bring some mealworms.  Oops, sorry guys. But not for long. Lots of people were holding up their hands when they passed this way.

We didn't stay long at any of the hides cos it was frreezzzing. On the way back, I told Babe that I wanted to see a reed bunting feeding on the reeds. We saw a few at the bird feeder. And hey presto, as we passed the reed beds, this handsome guy flew by and was feeding. It was such a wonderful feeling...

2008 has been a good year, for me, I think. It had seen some improvement in personal matters, in health, confidence, emotional happiness and at work. I’ve done a lot of growing up, in a good way. Plus, I love Babe to big bits and pieces...

No resolutions for 2009, just wishing for comfort and peace of mind for those who need it, especially for those in Gaza and the recession.

As I write this it has been announced that the Israelis have managed to kill a Hamas leader. Good for them I am sure they will celebrate this as a military victory. It has also emerged that the same airstrike on his home has killed one of his wives and four of his children as well as other members of his family.

This is an intolerable use of disproportionate levels of force. To target the enemies of ones country can be understood, Hamas have been launching missiles into Israel, there can be no justification for this kind of cowardly attack on civilians. Israel however seems to be using equally terror based tactics.

Can it ever be right for a state to target civilians? We think not. Current death tolls seem to indicate that some 400+ people have been killed in Gaza. How many more must die at the hands of these madmen of both sides?