Ramblings

We're just back from a concert by Joe Cocker. It was in the Sheffield Hallam Arena, a place I haven't been before.
Joe gave an excellent show, his songs varied from rock to easy and he certainly controlled his notes, something I cannot see from all older artists.
When he sang 'You can leave your hat on', used in The Full Monty film which as you might know, was shot in Sheffield, it was as if he blew warm greetings over his birth city Sheffield and he got a response which was even warmer.
Yes, the crowd was very enthusiastic and also Mick, who
bought the tickets more for me than for himself, enjoyed himself this night.
One little note though: the seats were 'crap' (excuse my language). I'm not tall and there was hardly space for my legs. These seats must have meant a tough night for most of the audience but fortunately Joe and his band were worth the money.
'I'll be back', were the words he finished his concert with and this was replied with a cheering 'Yeah' from his fans.

Last night we had the Christmas "Do" of my work in The Shoulder of Mutton, a pub nearby. It was very nice and cosy and the meal was delicious.
I just want to show you what Mick and I were served. We both chose duck paté as a starter, nice toasted bread with a tasty paté. Our main meal was from the carvery which meant that you could get what you wanted, carved from a joint by a cook. One person put a Yorkshire pudding on your plate with stuffing and pigs in blankets, another person cut off the meat of your choice and then you add what you want: mashed potato, roasted potato, turnips, carrots, sprouts, gravy etc. As a dessert Mick had profitoroles (in Dutch the 'soesjes') and I had a cheese board. I liked two of the four kinds of cheese I got, Blue Stilton and the Brie. The Wensleydale, Red Cheddar, Double Gloucester and two others which names I don't know were kind of dry, I thought. All was finished with a cup of coffee with the famous mince pie. Thanks Rita, Dave and Adrian for this evening

This photo is from the warmer days, a few weeks ago. It's the Broomhead Reservoir, about 6 kilometres from us. As you see the water level was rather low which is remarkable as we didn't have a real hot summer.

In the mornings I don't feel the cold until about 10-ish. This morning however was very cold and icy and I didn't look forward going to my work as I had to walk downhill. Not only was it cold but the roads were slippery as well.... (I managed to arrive in time at work though.)

Today I just finished this red scarf for a good friend. It has cables on both sides and hopefully he likes it.

After being blown from America to Britain, now The Netherlands have discovered the sport of trimming Christmasmas lights outside their houses as well. On television I saw a village where all the people together built up their lights including other decorations. They've started in August already, this woman said!
You can like it or dislike it but there's always the little wonder why so much energy has to be used disfunctionally now changes of the climate is the big issue of the last years.

This is the time of year that many people dread: writing zillions of Christmas cards. It's nice to send them and it's nice to receive them, but writing... Arrgh.
Every end of the year I decide to start earlier 'next time', perhaps even in January already. It never happens of course but really, writing cards is like running a marathon (well, what I imagine it to be, of course).
Kibbeling is very cooperative as you see. Regularly she forces me to have a break to avoid RSI. Yes, she is a clever little girl.

Today, as yesterday and before, it was cold and icy. Poor Mick, again early in the morning, 7-ish, he had to scrape ice from his car's windscreens. Both cats Kibb and Mand, and I, were very sorry for him whilst looking at him from a pleasant warm room