That’s Jentertainment

I’ve been to London a couple of times but because it’s so close to home I’ve never felt like a tourist there. I realized during my visit in February that that’s probably because I had never done the tourist ‘thing’ before. I had never seen Big Ben or the London Eye because I always felt there were plenty of other things to do. This time however, Sinéad thought it was time for me to take the plunge and we had a lovely walk up the Thames during one of the days of our visit. I took a few videos but I haven’t had any time to have fun with editing since I got back. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance this week but until then, I’ll post some of the photos I took while being a tourist.

Our lovely hotel was stocked with Molton Brown Goodies.

The Millennium Bridge where we reenacted Harry Potter, of course.

Hotdog Helmet Man.

Holiday Treats.

Eye see you!

Sinéad’s Friend.

Now all we need is the hat.

I don’t know why these photos uploaded so low-res but I’m tired now and hope you enjoy them anyway.

I think it’s very apt that the colour of snow is white because to me it represents the delirious happiness that snow brings to pure innocence. As I watched the news today, most people spoke of the devastating consequences of snow. Flights being cancelled, trains and buses not running and not being able to go to work as a result. I’m petrified of driving. I’m worried sick about everyone I know driving home from work. I’m afraid of slipping. My feet are freezing. This is something I have no recollection of as a child. Of course the news was on and there’s no doubt that people complained back then too but that stuff does not matter when you’re young.

It has been a long time since I have heard the sound of snow crunching under my feet. It brought me back to a time when this white entity that fell from the sky caused pure exhilaration. It meant that school would be closed. You start seeing household objects in a new way. The kitchen table looks like a great sled but your mother would never allow it. Would she notice the garden furniture missing? All you wanted to do was run out and roll in the snow, throw snowballs at your brothers but your mam stalls you and insists that you wear four jumpers and two pairs of socks with a plastic bag over them. You knew no shame then. You felt great.

Halfway through the best day you can remember, you can’t feel your hands anymore. You go inside and put them under hot water even though you’ve been told not to. They burn and you then know why. Not long after, you run back outside warmed from hot chocolate and ready brek. You have a fashionable new addition of socks on your hands, as all your gloves are drenched on the radiator. In your pocket are a carrot, one lump of coal and several pebbles. Your spirits are refreshed.

The next day, you run to the window and your heart sinks as you realise it’s all over. That delightful snowman out your back garden is no more. All your delight has faded away overnight. This feeling, just like snow melts away with time and we suddenly forget the simple joys of a snow day.

Even though she's a little old lady, my dog Buttons still appreciates a walk in the snow.

It’s January and I thought I’d start this first post retrospectively. I want to look back at my favourite time of year and since it’s still winter- absolutely freezing and snowing out, I feel that it is appropriate. This December was great. I had no exams from college since I’m on continuous assessment this semester. For the first time in a couple of years, I felt I was able to enjoy the holidays properly. I remember being so depressed last year being in work on Stephen’s day and New Year’s day. Why is is necessary to open shops these days? Can’t people take a little holiday from shopping too? I really appreciated my time off. I got to go to a Christmas fare- the one in the IFSC, play lots of guitar hero, spend time with my family, annoy the hell out of everybody by constantly blasting Christmas FM in the kitchen and in the car and watch lots of Christmas movies . It was wonderful.

My favourite quote of the season would have to be my mother, walking into the sitting room on Christmas day looking concerned. My immediate thought was that she was having some sort of crisis in the kitchen. She breaks the tension by asking “Is the internet open today?”

Here are some photos I took over the season. Even when it’s dull outside, you can get some bright, happy shots.

tinsel toes

Bare Tree

Santa Spying

Santa Shaker