After a cold spell for most of December, it turned mild on the 22nd and has remained so all through January. The result in the garden has been that the plants think it is spring already. The snowdrops were late but now crocuses are all out and the daffodils wont be long. There is the first flower on the forsythia and the hawthorn has a few leaves bursting out.
More worrying are the roses where I noticed yesterday that the first new leaves have opened. I don't usually prune until February or March, but this is before the first leaves appear. So I have to hold my breath and prune then today.
Monday, 28 January 2008
The Detectives
One of the great features of Sky Plus is that it can automatically record every programme in a series. So now that the Paramount Comedy channel is showing The Detectives, we will probably be able to see all of the 30 episodes of the five seasons that were made between 1993 and 1997.
Starring Jasper Carrott and Robert Powell as the two inept and bungling detective constables and George Sewell as their unfortunate Inspector, there were also guest appearances by numerous well known personalities. The latest included Bill Oddie in an early and fictional role as a bird watcher. The comedy is basically stupid, but the delivery and the interaction between the two stars make it incredibly funny. Well to me anyway.
Thursday, 17 January 2008
We Own the Night, I am Legend and Charlie Wilson's War
A rather dull police thriller, We Own the Night is a fairly depressing story of two brothers, initially on opposite sides of the fence, who come together when Joacquin Pheonix finds the protection of family is bigger than lifestyle he enjoys as a seedy night club manager. The problem with the film that is all dark, reminiscent of The Departed but this time with a happy ending.
I am Legend was always going to be a difficult to sustain interest as it is primarily a solo effort from Will Smith. That it succeeds says much for an actor I have never previously rated. The location filming in New York is excellent, the pace rarely flags and the shocks are sparingly spaced.
As soon as we get to the new year, it is time for the American oscar contenders to hit our screens. They come thick and fast and the first is an absolute blinder. Charlie Wilson's War is suberbly written by Aaron Sorkin (justifying the position in the credits at the end, straight after the first of director Mike Nichols), brilliantly acted by Tom Hanks (you just forget it is him in the role of Charlie), Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Beautifully shot, a credit to all those involved.
I am Legend was always going to be a difficult to sustain interest as it is primarily a solo effort from Will Smith. That it succeeds says much for an actor I have never previously rated. The location filming in New York is excellent, the pace rarely flags and the shocks are sparingly spaced.
As soon as we get to the new year, it is time for the American oscar contenders to hit our screens. They come thick and fast and the first is an absolute blinder. Charlie Wilson's War is suberbly written by Aaron Sorkin (justifying the position in the credits at the end, straight after the first of director Mike Nichols), brilliantly acted by Tom Hanks (you just forget it is him in the role of Charlie), Julia Roberts and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Beautifully shot, a credit to all those involved.
A week of disruption
We had never before had a new kitchen fitted. Last week was planned for the installation for installation to start. The units arrived the previous Friday at just after 7am in the dark. On the Sunday we had to clear everything from the old units and so for a week, the contents of the kitchen were spread between the lounge, the utility room, the garage and even in the study. This is not a pleasant experience.
Monday saw the removal of all the old units and it was off to Pizza Hut for our favourite deep pan supreme, and it was very tasty. On Tuesday the new oven arrived, but not connected, so we went to the Five Bells for dinner, which was also very good. By Wednesday, we had the oven available so we were able to cook, but the washing up had to be done in a bowl on the floor. And finding plates and implements was a nightmare.
It was Friday lunchtime before the units were complete and we could start moving stuff back in. There should have been two fitters, but one was ill, so it took longer than expected. But it was all worth it in the end. Our fitter was excellent. He did all the plumbing and electrics and made a very good job, even setting the units back from the wall so that the dishwasher no longer stands proud. Friday also saw the men arrive to make templates for the Corian worktops.
By Sunday, the lounge and study were tidy and we are left with a few things in the utility and garage awaiting some drawer liners which I have just fitted. This week I have been sanding down where I filled after taking off the alarm trunking, where the old tiles are being replaced by paint etc. Then using fine filler (what a find this has been) to smooth over the joins. All ready for painting this weekend before the worktops arrive next Friday. Then all that is left is the wall tiling on the sink and oven wall, and floor coverings yet to be chosen. Photos to follow when all is finished.
Monday saw the removal of all the old units and it was off to Pizza Hut for our favourite deep pan supreme, and it was very tasty. On Tuesday the new oven arrived, but not connected, so we went to the Five Bells for dinner, which was also very good. By Wednesday, we had the oven available so we were able to cook, but the washing up had to be done in a bowl on the floor. And finding plates and implements was a nightmare.
It was Friday lunchtime before the units were complete and we could start moving stuff back in. There should have been two fitters, but one was ill, so it took longer than expected. But it was all worth it in the end. Our fitter was excellent. He did all the plumbing and electrics and made a very good job, even setting the units back from the wall so that the dishwasher no longer stands proud. Friday also saw the men arrive to make templates for the Corian worktops.
By Sunday, the lounge and study were tidy and we are left with a few things in the utility and garage awaiting some drawer liners which I have just fitted. This week I have been sanding down where I filled after taking off the alarm trunking, where the old tiles are being replaced by paint etc. Then using fine filler (what a find this has been) to smooth over the joins. All ready for painting this weekend before the worktops arrive next Friday. Then all that is left is the wall tiling on the sink and oven wall, and floor coverings yet to be chosen. Photos to follow when all is finished.
Monday, 7 January 2008
Christmas and New Year - The Best Bits
This was the title of one of my first blog postings, so these are the best bits of the holiday for 2007/8.
It all started on 20th December when Alison finished work and we had our traditional Christmas visit to a local restaurant. This year we went to Rossini's in Wendover after an enjoyable visit last year. We were given a table next to the window overlooking the high street, which for us could not be bettered. And the meal was excellent.
On Saturday the 22nd, it was off to my see both my brothers and their wives, this year at John's place in Dorridge. It was good to catch up and we had a lovely lunch as usual. The next day Zoe, Peter and Hannah came over. I had only seen them a week before when Hannah had her third birthday. The highlight was bringing out an old Palitoy tree house that belonged to Zoe when she was the same age. Hannah loved it and her mother was a bit overcome as she did not know I still had it and had not seen it for over 20 years.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day were quiet. The next day we were off to Cheshire to see Alison's family. We had a very nice time, except for the drive up.
The weather was much nicer from the 22nd December than the previous two weeks that were cloudy and cold. So I was able to enjoy some very good walks including meeting Alison after her runs at Ashridge on 24th, and Marsworth on Boxing Day.
It all started on 20th December when Alison finished work and we had our traditional Christmas visit to a local restaurant. This year we went to Rossini's in Wendover after an enjoyable visit last year. We were given a table next to the window overlooking the high street, which for us could not be bettered. And the meal was excellent.
On Saturday the 22nd, it was off to my see both my brothers and their wives, this year at John's place in Dorridge. It was good to catch up and we had a lovely lunch as usual. The next day Zoe, Peter and Hannah came over. I had only seen them a week before when Hannah had her third birthday. The highlight was bringing out an old Palitoy tree house that belonged to Zoe when she was the same age. Hannah loved it and her mother was a bit overcome as she did not know I still had it and had not seen it for over 20 years.
Christmas Day and Boxing Day were quiet. The next day we were off to Cheshire to see Alison's family. We had a very nice time, except for the drive up.
The weather was much nicer from the 22nd December than the previous two weeks that were cloudy and cold. So I was able to enjoy some very good walks including meeting Alison after her runs at Ashridge on 24th, and Marsworth on Boxing Day.
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
A year ago today
It is hard to believe that I retired on the Tuesday before Christmas last year. The last 12 months have gone so quickly, possibly even faster than they did while I was working. I am quite pleased with my blog, and I see there are over 70 entries. I hope I can keep this up.
My main retirement project is the history of Edward Seymour's protectorship for the three years from 1547 to 1549. I had no idea it would take so long. This year has primarily been about background reading. Since my blog of 27th November, I have found Hester Chapman's The Last Tudor King and passages from Alison Plowden's The Young Elizabeth and David Starkey's Elizabeth. I have a routine of taking notes by hand and then typing them on the computer. These are now all complete and in January I can start amalgamating them by cut and paste. I'm looking forward to that.
My main retirement project is the history of Edward Seymour's protectorship for the three years from 1547 to 1549. I had no idea it would take so long. This year has primarily been about background reading. Since my blog of 27th November, I have found Hester Chapman's The Last Tudor King and passages from Alison Plowden's The Young Elizabeth and David Starkey's Elizabeth. I have a routine of taking notes by hand and then typing them on the computer. These are now all complete and in January I can start amalgamating them by cut and paste. I'm looking forward to that.
Saturday, 15 December 2007
Beowulf 3D, Hitman and The Golden Compass
I wanted to see Beowulf in 3D and Milton Keynes Cineworld was using the Real D format for the first time. (Real D uses a single projector and an LCD screen. Images are projected alternately left and right to create the 3D effect). I thought the technology was better than the film. There was little story and the dialogue was disappointing. There were too many occasions where a scene had been deliberately staged for a 3D effect, and it showed.
Hitman was far better than the reviews. The film had pace and the action was fast and furious. Similar to the Bourne movies with the hero hunted by ex-employers. The characters were a little wooden, Timothy Olyphant and Dougray Scott not well cast (might have been better in opposite roles) and submerged by the action. But the direction was first rate, especially the action set pieces.
Having read only the first book, Northern Lights, of the Philip Pullman trilogy, I went to see The Golden Compass expecting it to be dominated by CGI typical of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Instead I was very surprised to find a beautiful and ultimately highly emotional film. The casting was perfect. Apart from the obvious leads, the highlights are Eva Green as Seraphina Pekkala, Tom Courtenay as Farder Coram and Sam Elliott as Lee Scoresby. The early part of the film in Oxford is just long enough to set the story before heading north for Lara's search and rescue mission. I probably read the book four or five years ago, which might have been why I found the film so successful. It had been long enough to be reminded about what happens, but familiar enough to understand the plot. Lara's first meetings with Seraphina , Lee and Iorek Byrnison, the armoured polar bear, were brilliant and that's where, for me, the emotion started and stayed to the end. Fantastic.
Hitman was far better than the reviews. The film had pace and the action was fast and furious. Similar to the Bourne movies with the hero hunted by ex-employers. The characters were a little wooden, Timothy Olyphant and Dougray Scott not well cast (might have been better in opposite roles) and submerged by the action. But the direction was first rate, especially the action set pieces.
Having read only the first book, Northern Lights, of the Philip Pullman trilogy, I went to see The Golden Compass expecting it to be dominated by CGI typical of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. Instead I was very surprised to find a beautiful and ultimately highly emotional film. The casting was perfect. Apart from the obvious leads, the highlights are Eva Green as Seraphina Pekkala, Tom Courtenay as Farder Coram and Sam Elliott as Lee Scoresby. The early part of the film in Oxford is just long enough to set the story before heading north for Lara's search and rescue mission. I probably read the book four or five years ago, which might have been why I found the film so successful. It had been long enough to be reminded about what happens, but familiar enough to understand the plot. Lara's first meetings with Seraphina , Lee and Iorek Byrnison, the armoured polar bear, were brilliant and that's where, for me, the emotion started and stayed to the end. Fantastic.
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