Beloved Eleanor

Hello everyone – good grief it’s 2010!  I hope you are all ok, especially in the UK with the current exceptional Winter weather.  We have had at least 4ft of snow here, and there isn’t much in the way of gritting happening on paths and roads, so it is quite hazardous at times, and quite arduous getting anywhere.

I am back at work at the day job, have passed (thankfully) all my coursework at Uni, but am now coming up to my exams, so times are a bit busy and frantic here, apologies for the lack of posting.  I have some castle news to share shortly, but this will come after my exams and busyness at work.

I was very sad to see David Tennant go at the tenth Doctor in Doctor Who, only Christmas viewing I really watched, really enjoyed his performance.  I’ve also been experimenting with some new reading and music (relaxation time has officially left the building now).

Here is the music I’m really liking, Bat For Lashes, and Daniel.  Any suggestions for other people/bands appreciated.  Speak soon!

Doctor Who The End of Time

Bat For Lashes: Daniel

I know, it’s another video, but as I’m not up to writing much at the moment I thought I’d share the new Sherlock Holmes trailer with you.

Not particularly what I enjoy Holmes-wise (plus the fact I can’t stand Ritchie or Law), but a fun action movie I think I may enjoy anyway -  if I get to see it anytime soon what with snow and ice making visits outside the house rather unpleasant.

Hope everyone has had a nice Christmas so far, and hasn’t eaten or drunk too much

The castle looked lovely for the Christmas weekend, with its’ natural decoration from the estate and other Victorian inspired decorations.  We had a peaceful, but steady weekend along with Father Christmas, and the week of Carol concerts also went well.

We here, have been enjoying the return of the Victorian Farm for Christmas, and a special two part episode of Cranford.

I’d like to wish all of my readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year specially decorated with two of my Victorian Christmas cards from my collection.

Also, why not add a bit of Wizzard and stir, eh?!  Have a good one!

Well you know what they say about famous last words.

Both the Mum and I really felt the loss of Gilbert the last rat, and the Rat Palace had been tidied away.  The house just wasn’t the same…

So…I arrived home from work to discover…

Namely, nine week old MacDonald, Wilberforce and Cuthbert.  Obviously the Mum was weaker than I, and went in search of them.  There was supposed to be only two left, but one had hidden himself in the pipe.

Baby ratties could warm even the coldest of hearts.

It looks so good I had to say it twice

Seriously though, have you seen the new Robin Hood trailer?  Russell Crowe looks really good in the role, and I confess did take me back to Gladiator days…

Did I mention I loved Gladiator?  No?  Where have you been?!  You must have remembered that I love all things Robin Hood right??

While we’re on the subject of old stories, how good was the last episode of Merlin?  A totally non-guilty pleasure of mine.  Here’s to series 3.

An update of all the creatures that have been created lately, some comissions, some for Christmas.

The Nativity set was comissioned, and contains the full set of characters and animals with stable – only the characters are all bears!

We completed penguins again this year, as they were so popular last year.  We also did a few snowmen.

We also tried out mini Robins!  These were very popular – it seems that the birds always are!  They also led to a collection of assorted mini snowmen, penguins etc.

We were very pleased to see many of these creatures make their way to raffles and charity events, as well as gifts.  The house does seem a bit empty without them now though…

A chance comment on the radio today about a film being made of the book Pride and Prejudice and Zombies reminded me of this cool trailer for the next book that I saw some time ago, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.

It’s a bit daft, and the end is a bit gory, but I still laughed like a drain   Hope you enjoy it.

I shall be castled all weekend for the Christmas events, but I have some Christmas creature projects updates coming shortly.

Just briefly putting my head above the essay parapet to record the death of Gilbert the rat, my last ratty.

I miss him already, but I know he was ready to go and be with his brother. 

The pets are getting depleted, but I have no plans to get any more rats in the near future.  Goodnight, Gilbert, sweet dreams.

Take a look at my lovely ‘new’ 1880s picture of Eleanor’s cross at Waltham.  I had not seen this particular image previously, and was admiring it last week.

Enter the lovely Carol – who got it for me!  Sending lots of hugs your way

All I can say is – pure genius!

I loved The Muppets as a child, still do.   Who knew they also have a channel?!

Plus, a Happy Eighth Birthday to The Nephews