How the Web was Won

It may be pointless but it's why the internet exists. If you want to do further research into futility then check out Oblio's story (as told by Nilsson). If you can't be bothered then ask Kenny. Alternatively you could get in your car and drive to the library - but that's probably doomed to failure because there's never anywhere to park. Even if you do manage to get a space and find that book with all the answers, you'll not get far without a thumbthing. I suggest staying put clicking your way to all the answers you never needed, just pray the link isn't dead.

ASI2006

It seems the gods were smiling on us when we went to the Autosport International Show at the NEC last weekend. Against all the odds and much to Siân's satisfaction we were the last two people of about a score who managed to get meet David Coulthard before he "opened" the show to the public on Sunday.

We also got to meet Red Bull's other driver, Christian Klien as well as BTCC SEAT drivers Jason Plato and James Thompson. Highlights among the cars included the Maybach Exelero, Porsche Carrera GT, Aston Martin DBRS9, the 2005 F1 grid and the historic F1 collection.

Happy New Year

Saw in the new year without any drunken revelry (not my style) - just fun & games and a small helping of champagne. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy New Year with a big lump of daftness sprinkled on top. (Google seem to have it about right)

Happy Christmas (continued) (continued)

Spent most of the afternoon and evening with friends. Had a fun time exchanging presents, drinking advocaat, discussing the merits of being dutch and enjoying Jon's expression when he lost all his carrots.
PS The chocolate strawberries were very nice - thank you Evelyn.
PPS Managed to get some extra pics uploaded...

Happy Christmas (continued)

Had a good day today. The snow failed to put us off so we took Grandma to Boston and wandered around Oldrids. Failed to find a radio there that was suitable but we did buy a new kettle (with fairy lights!) for Helen and Alec. We then went to the Sack Store for coffee and mince pies - Grandma had a cappuccino - before heading into town and picking up a groovy radio at Argos.



Rounded off the day with a trip to Lincoln Odeon this evening with Hill family to see King Kong and then had Pizza at ASK. (Very nice - thankyou very much!) I think we're gonna play Killer Bunnies now. Gotta go, the funky kettle's just boiled!

Happy Christmas

Merry Christmas to you all. The Christmas meal was fabulous and the goose made a nice change from turkey. Will try to post some pics later, but Dr Who? is about to start so I must dash!

08:25
Dr Who was cool. Actually preferred Tennant to Eccleston. Anyway, as promised, here are some Xmas pics of us all having a good time

Leaving So Soon?

It's a good job I'm not insecure or paranoid. Is it me or does everyone seem to be leaving stock control? If anyone intends to answer this rhetorical question I expect a bloody good explanation.

Wiltshire - November 2005

Little Langford Farm is apparently the last in the area to maintain its' dairy herd. As Topsy explained to us, 17p per litre barely covers the costs, so it’s not surprising that she’s tapped into the Bed and Breakfast market.


It has always struck me that farmers are a breed apart and regard the idea of someone rising 3 hours past daybreak as scornful. Actually, to quote Monty Python, unless you “get up half an hour before you went t’ bed”, you’re always likely to be out of favour - or at the very least, behind schedule. Still, the farmhouse was genuine and charming in all the right places (and warm which was pleasant because the weather was not).

Monday was bright and sunny so we (wisely) decided to get Neolithic. Stonehenge is awesome in every respect. It’s scale, setting, age, and purpose cannot fail to impress, however Avebury is certainly it’s equal. When taken in context with it’s avenue, and the surrounding landmarks of Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow it is possibly even more breathtaking, especially when seen in the snow!

Two rain drenched days shopping in Salisbury and Bath were generally uneventful but interspersed with a couple of highlights including the Cathedral and an impromptu visit to Rosemary and Tony.

Elephants and Arrows

Have been a couple of times now to the Introductory Archery Course. So far things have gone really well although Siân's first week was more pain than gain. (Whilst many archers suffer with some bruising to the inside of their arm from the string it shouldn't result in the technicolor shades that she obtained!) This week was much better; I did actually manage to get all three arrows in the gold after one end, but that's probably more luck than judgement. There are so many things to remember, or more accurately, so many things to forget. I guess we're quite definitely on the steep part of the learning curve. It's frustrating in some ways because whilst you can run through things in your head, it's only when you step up to the shooting line and shoot an arrow that you can actually put everything into practice. Inevitably the time goes too quickly and the thought "I know to concentrate on that aspect, and it'll mean I'll shoot better next time" is still in you head at the end of the session. (Maybe it's always there?)

Update 02/12/05
Thanks to Simon's Gran, I've upgraded! In truth, Simon has purchased a v. v. nice shiny new riser. Although I'm sure the idea probably crossed his mind, the practicalities of shooting with a bow in each hand mean that I have benefitted, and am now the proud owner of his old bow. Tonight went well, but there is still so much to remember! Time just evaporates and it may be necessary to join the club sooner rather than later. This would at least mean more arrows per week which can't be a bad thing. Watch this space.

Too old for candles?

Simon just keeps getting older. Can't remember how many times we've done this so I'm sure he's lost count. Still you're never too old for candles. (Or balloons, or chocolate cake). Of course, Jemma and I had to let him win the game of Magic (it is his birthday), but we made sure it was a close thing. Finished off with Pizza, Baileys and Comparative Bruise Analysis (Siân won), but more of that to follow next week.

Kenilworth Fireworks

John and Hetty both came to see the fireworks this year, as a sort of detour to collecting Evelyn. Having parked about 3 miles away we hiked to the field in time to see the bonfire being lit. The wait then began for the [inevitably delayed] fireworks, but as usual they were quite superb.

Note to self - Must remember to bring portable sofa and thermos next year. Might also be wise to hire a Landy which would make parking a lot easier and allow for an easy escape across the Warwickshire countryside.

The arty pictures are courtesy of John and his inability to hold the camera still. He will claim that it was deliberate but I can personally vouch that all 91 images were wobbly. These are just the best ones!

Better than MySpace?

I'll try again. Couldn't get MSN Myspace to work. I just need somewhere to share pictures! Maybe this time i'll be succesful

Coombe Abbey Mediaeval Banquet

Both Dianne and Simon have had recent cause for celebration and we were determined to ensure Mark's departure would be not marked by a somber occasion. I'm sure the mead helped a bit, but when combined with the red wine it certainly resulted in a rousing (if not exactly tuneful) night!


Mark will certainly be missed, but at least we all have a good night out to remember him by. The evening was enjoyed by all. Even Simon - who had nothing to drink and professed to being sceptical about anything requiring audience participation!

Michelle and Paul's Wedding

Michelle Fox and Paul Farmer married in Metheringham Church, Lincs

Anglesey - July 2005

Henllys Hall near Beaumaris, Anglesey was the setting for this family reunion. Andrew Michele Sylvie and Iain had already travelled all the way from California to Lincolnshire to see the Grandparents, so this was a relatively short hop for us all to meet up. There were strong family ties too for Siân as she was born in Bangor and has cherished memories of the area.

A trip on the Blaenau Ffestiniog Railway aboard the Iarll Meirionnydd transported us all back through time. Not least Grandad who remembered staying at Tanybwlch Station as a child. We stopped there and had a picnic at the waters edge (Llyn Mair) where we all got a chance to paddle on what was a very hot day.

Both Siân and I managed a few other trips to see Caenarfon Castle, Plas Newydd, Penmon, Penrhyn castle, and the Neolithic Lligwy burial chamber. In all it was a great success, apart from coming home to find the local Constabulary had sent me a letter asking me to come back soon. (I decided to donate the £60 directly rather making a personal appearance).

Sussex - June 2005

One week in East Sussex staying B&B in what was originally a 15th Century Hall? Sounds like a good idea to me. In addition to being a unique place to stay, the hospitality, food, and general surroundings were superb (notwithstanding the mutant three legged sheep)

From this humble homestead we were able to take in all that Rye, Dungeness, and Hastings had to offer. Obvious attractions in these parts include the gardens at Sissinghurst, and the castles of Pevensey and Bodiam. (No sign of Adam Hart Davis!)

Less well known but equally enjoyable were the landscaped grounds of Scotney Castle Gardens and Estate. Bedgebury Pinetum was ideal for a picnic stop with its’ Leylandii cathedral and huge diversity of coniferous trees.

Leeds Castle was truly impressive with a nice approach to photography (i.e. film what you want inside and out – unlike Hever Castle). The Falconry display, Maze and Aviary all made it a great day out with a nice finale by one of the resident peacocks!

Potfest - 2005

Quite a bizarre location for an international festival of pottery but I guess these ceramicists get their kicks anywhere they can: Cattle sheds probably don’t jump to mind as the most appropriate venue but I suppose it focuses the mind towards the wonderful artwork rather than allowing you to drift off into some sort of reverie

By and large the work was superb. It was great to see Mel again and nice to see how her work has ‘grown’ into more organic textured pieces from the last show we saw.

Bunny Links

Usagi Yojimbo

Giant Pink Rabbit

Are you a Happy Bunny?

Nabaztag

30 second bunny

I'm a lagomorph, Sam! Look it up!

That's no ordinary rabbit!

Bunny Village

Bunny Suicides

Jumping Rabbit

Sitting Rabbit

Never underestimate a bunny (or 24)

Max looks for his keys

Bunny relaxation

Green Bunny

Rabbit on the Wall

Mars Bunny

Big-Bunny

Make Glove Puppets with Dylan

Pop-Up Bunny

The Perfect Pet

Get this rabbit off my cursor!

You No Love Bunny

Tragedy of the bunnies

Bunny Hop Game

God Bless America

Bruna's Colouring Book

Chas n' Dave

Dylan

Heather Corfield Rabbits

Ninja bunny - snowball

eehhmstm

giant bunny

3 legged legs

vw rabbit

oolong

aardman bunnies

Lago abnormal

Nabaztag tag

Raving rabbids

peter rabbit

pirate bunny

bunny v snake

essence of rabbit

Suicide Rabbit (China)

National Rabbit Week

Mashimaro

Tuzki

Rabbit island

rabbit of death

getrabbithome

french rabbit

rabbit ranch

jellibat

hot hare energizer balloon

Dylan Deliberates

Dylan is a rabbit of few words. In fact, loquacious rabbits are hard to find. But when speaking, or being spoken of, they can be profound:

“I’m a rabbit,” said Dylan.
"But I'm a rabbit who sleeps. I'm not the hopping kind."
Eric Thompson (Writer, Actor and Director, Born Sleaford, Lincs, 1929 – 1982)

Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen."
John Steinbeck (American Novelist and Writer, Nobel Prize for Literature for 1962, 1902-1968)

"I don't see much sense in that," said Rabbit.
"No," said Pooh humbly, "there isn't. But there was going to be when I began it. It's just that something happened to it along the way."
A. A. Milne (English Humorist and Writer, creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, 1882-1956)

"Man is the only creature that consumes without producing. He does not give milk, he does not lay eggs, he is too weak to pull the plough, he cannot run fast enough to catch rabbits. Yet he is lord of all the animals."
George Orwell (English Novelist and Essayist, 1903-1950)

"The difference between sentiment and being sentimental is the following: Sentiment is when a driver swerves out of the way to avoid hitting a rabbit on the road. Being sentimental is when the same driver, when swerving away from the rabbit, hits a pedestrian."
Frank Herbert (American science fiction Author and Writer, 1920-1986)

Dylan Deliberates

Dylan’s Dream

Dylan was sleeping - a bit restlessly - and dreaming of carrots and other delights, when Dougal came along. If there was a sleeping contest, thought Dougal, this rabbit would win.
“Better get up,” said Dylan, yawning.
“What we need in this garden is a rabbit-chasing dog - I'm too kind-hearted,” said Dougal.
“Er ... friend,” said Dylan.
“Yes?” said Dougal.
“Is it daylight yet?” said Dylan.
“Is it what?” said Dougal.
“Daylight,” said Dylan. “Everything seems to be dark. Are you sure it's not still, like, the middle of the night?”
“I'm absolutely positive,” said Dougal. “I've been up for hours.”
Dylan thought about this...
“Then there must be some explanation,” he said.
“Try opening your eyes,” said Dougal.

Florence ... boing! ... met Zebedee.
“Lovely day,” she said.
“You are a comfort,” said Zebedee.
“I know,” said Florence.

Dougal was pondering the problem of Dylan. “Perhaps I could get him drummed out of the rabbits union: For idleness and non-devotion to duty. I don't think I've seen him leaping about and nibbling grass,” said Dougal.
“Hello, Dougal,” said Florence.
Dylan still had his problem. “If it's dark,” he reasoned, “it must be night and if it's night I should be sleeping. . .”
“Made any progress?” Dougal asked, as he showed the problem to Florence.
“Don't speak, man,” said Dylan. “At this time of night you shouldn't be here.”

Brian came along to complicate matters...
“Before we get embroiled in snails,” said Dougal, “may I suggest you lift your ears and let in the light.”
“It's a great idea, man,” said Dylan, “but they appear to be, like, stuck in this position.”

Brian had brought a boat.
“That's a great help,” said Dougal.
“I'm going boating,” said Brian.
“No, you're not,” said Dougal. “You are staying here and helping us.”
“Anything you say, old martinet,” said Brian. “Hello, rabbit.”
“This isn't getting us anywhere,” said Florence. “We must unstick Dylan's ears.”
“Why?” said Dougal and Brian.
“At least he's quiet like that,” said Dougal.

Dylan was saddened by their lack of sympathy. “I give you music, friends,” he said, “Will you not give me help?”
“What a heart-rending speech,” said Dougal.
“I'm rent,” said Brian.
“Yes, you would be,” said Dougal. “I have never known anyone as gullible as you.”
“I'm not gullible - I'm a snail,” said Brian.

But suddenly there was a dramatic change in the situation - Dylan's ears unstuck.
“Daylight,” he said. “Oh, comfort and joy ... like ... joy”
“Perhaps,” said Dougal, “we can now get on with life.”

Dylan snores