Virginia Water…

One Sunday recently we met Terry and Gill and went for a walk in Windsor Great Park by Virginia Water and joined the many families out and about with their kids and dogs to perambulate along the lake side. We walked tow the fabulous cascades and then back to the pub where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. It was cold out but bright and full of promise. 

The Birthplace of British Motorsport & Aviation…

We had a great day out at the Brooklands Museum where there was a display of British Marques cars along with the permanent display such as the Concord, Vickers Vimy, London Transport Bus Museum, the Barnes Wallis Stratosphere Chamber, Grand Prix exhibition, and various historic cars, bikes (bicycles and motor cycles), planes, all in the historic site with its club house, hangers and the famous banked track. 

The White Stuff…

We have had some late winter snow here in the UK and it has been worse in some parts of the country than others. For us it was just a few inches of the white stuff, but it hampered travel and so as I have the technology I worked from home for a few days on my computer with only Netflix for company and occasionally venturing out for supplies to the local shop or to clear the ice blocking the condenser pipe from the boiler. Called the 'Beast from East' on the news it did cause many problems in Scotland and the north of the country especially with large drifts blocking access to rural communities. In Finland, we understand they called it ‘just another day’. 

More of wot I have heard…

Nat ‘King’ Cole & Me by Gregory Porter

In Winter by Katie Melua

Edge of the Sun by Calexico

Bob Harris Country Sessions by various artists

Turning Tides by Wildwood Kin

More of wot I have read…

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Pulitzer prize winning post-apocalyptic novel that was turned into a riveting film is a dark and haunting read about hope trying desperately to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds.

‘A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

The Road is the profoundly moving story of a journey. It boldly imagines a future in which no hope remains, but in which the father and his son, “each the other’s world entire,” are sustained by love. Awesome in the totality of its vision, it is an unflinching meditation on the worst and the best that we are capable of: ultimate destructiveness, desperate tenacity, and the tenderness that keeps two people alive in the face of total devastation.’

Ship of Rome by John Stack

An interesting story for the historical elements, though somewhat lacking in narrative or character development.

‘Against a backdrop of the clash of the Roman and Carthaginian empires, the battle for sovereignty takes place on the high seas Atticus, captain of one of the ships of Rome's small, coastal fleet, is from a Greek fishing family. Septimus, legionary commander, reluctantly ordered aboard ship, is from Rome, born into a traditionally army family. It could never be an easy alliance. But the arrival of a hostile fleet, larger, far more skilful and more powerful than any Atticus has encountered before, forces them to act together. So Atticus, one of Rome's few experienced sailors, finds himself propelled into the middle of a political struggle that is completely foreign to him. Rome need to build a navy fast but the obstacles are many; political animosities, legions adamant that they will only use their traditional methods; Roman prejudice even from friends, that all those not born in Rome are inferior citizens. The enemy are first class, experienced and determined to control the seas. Can Atticus, and the fledgling Roman navy, staffed with inexperienced sailors and unwilling legionaries, out-wit and out-fight his opponents?’

The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss

The Wise Man's Fear, also called The Kingkiller Chronicle: Day Two, follows The Name of the Wind in a similar style with a detailed portrait of the world and its inhabitants that our hero wanders through and encounters in an almost random manner. The supremely capable and rather arrogant main character develops a different set of skills now as slowly he continues to reveal snippets of information that may lead him towards his goal.

‘In The Wise Man's Fear, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. Along the way, Kvothe is put on trial by the legendary Adem mercenaries, forced to reclaim the honor of his family, and travels into the Fae realm. There he meets Felurian, the faerie woman no man can resist, and who no man has ever survived...until Kvothe.

Now, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.’

Old Man’s War by John Scalzi

This idea of a new second life after a full one seems intriguing, but I found I was more interested in why the Earth got in the situation it did, why it was so isolated, and why only Americans joined the Army? The aliens, bizarre mixture of high and not so high technology, and state of constant war was less enthralling.

‘At seventy-five years old, John Perry is after a fresh start - so, naturally, he joins the army. Earth's military machine can transform elderly recruits, restoring their lost youth. But in return, its Colonial Defence Force demands two years of hazardous service in space. This is how Perry finds himself in a new body, crafted from his original DNA. A genetically enhanced and upgraded new body, ready for battle.

But upgrades alone won't keep Perry safe. He'll be fighting for his life on the front line as he defends humanity's colonies from hostile aliens. He'll pay the price for his choices, and he'll discover the universe is even more dangerous than he imagined.’

  

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin

After the author passed away recently I thought I ought to read one of her books to see what it was all about and started with this one. I don’t think I will be trying the others any time soon. I did not have any sympathy for the main character and was not engaged in the narrative either.

‘The first book of "Earthsea" is a tale of wizards, dragons and terrifying shadows. The island of Gont is a land famous for wizards. Of these, some say the greatest - and surely the greatest voyager - is the man called Sparrowhawk. As a reckless, awkward boy, he discovered the great power that was in him - with terrifying consequences. Tempted by pride to try spells beyond his means, Sparrowhawk lets loose an evil shadow-beast in his land. Only he can destroy it, and the quest leads him to the farthest corner of Earthsea.’

Diggers by Terry Pratchett

Aimed at a much younger reader this book is light and humorous with just a few hints of darkness and deeper subtext.

‘'And Grimma said, We have two choices.

We can run, or we hide.

And they said, Which shall we do?

She said, We shall Fight.'

A Bright New Dawn is just around the corner for thousands of tiny nomes when they move into the ruined buildings of an abandoned quarry. Or is it?

Soon strange things start to happen. Like the tops of puddles growing hard and cold, and the water coming down from the sky in frozen bits. Then humans appear and they really mess everything up. The quarry is to be re-opened, and the nomes must fight to defend their new home. But how long will they be able to keep the humans at bay - even with the help of the monster Jekub?

Diggers is the second title in a hugely inventive and hilarious fantasy trilogy about the nomes, a race of little people in a world of humans.’

Family Fun...

Jamie and Gia visited us recently and gave me a lovely National Geographic coffee table book. We caught up and played a couple of games until Barbara and Deb joined us for a Chinese inspired dinner that included our steamed buns. We also managed to get them all to play Sushi Go Party before Barbara took Deb home again. The next day the rest of us had a leisurely start and a pleasant walk to the train station where we said our goodbyes.

Birthday Treats...

For my birthday this year, Sue spoilt me rotten. On the Saturday we visit Two Temple Place where there was a Jazz exhibition called Rhythm & Reaction in a fabulous building that is not normally open to the public, then we went on to the National Gallery before going to the matinee of Young Frankenstein, and finishing up with a few drinks at the Savoy American Bar. On Sunday we had the godsons and their parents over and we played a couple of games I had bought them at Christmas – Charly and Virulence– both were hits with the group.

Uncle Tony...

Sue’s Uncle Tony lost his battle with cancer in January and we attended his funeral which was packed out with friends, family, and business colleagues all coming to pay their respects. It was a very moving day. 

Whilst the cat's away...

Sue, Deb, Carole and Blonde Deb visit Marrakech for Blondie’s 50^th birthday where they stayed at the Eden Andalou Hotel. Whilst they ventured out into the town and the markets, and took a drive up into the Atlas Mountains, I had the boys around and we played a variety of games (whilst the cat’s away…).

Old Wood...

Marc had another visit with us in January and we played a few games, with Sue stuffing us at Ticket to Ride. We also took a drive out into the countryside and ended up visiting a 4000-year-old Yew Tree at Crowhurst. 

Fun with Friends...

Marc & Heather & Elise came over from Sweden and stayed with us for a few days over the Christmas/New Year period whilst they visited friends and family. We kept them busy but managed to get out to play in the park and to feed carrots to the donkeys. Another semi-regular event is a walk and talk with friends and colleagues old and new. This time we were at Dinton Pastures Country Park near Reading where we walked around the ponds together (Marc played with Elise in the fabulous play area) and later we went on to have a meal at a pub called the Jolly Farmers in Hurst.

 New Year’s Eve was spent at home with Whittenburys and Harrison-Dinniss clans. We had a convivial time eating a lovely meal, chatting and consuming a few drinks that culminated in watching Jools Holland’s Hootenanny.

On New Year’s Day, we went for a walk in Banstead Woods where they have a new Narnia Trail (a wood carving artist has created large sculptures out of dead trees, and other wood products, that represent things from the children’s books). We went on over the muddy and slippery paths (unfortunately Marc had a couple of tumbles) until we got to the Ramblers Rest where we recovered.

Christmas by the sea...

Christmas and Boxing Day was spent at Seaford at Chris & Lynne’s home that had been decorated in style and where the provided a fabulous spread. We were joined by Barbara and Debs and had a merry old time. On Boxing Day, we had a brisk walk along the cliffs until a squall forced us into a pub seeking shelter. 

Furlong Road Residents and Supporters...

We have a semi-regular gathering of Furlong Road Residents and Supporters, and before Christmas this was in Dorking (our local curry house having shut down), at the Mirch Mahal where we have lovely food and enjoyed the company. 

Period Festivities...

To get some fresh air we went and visited Polesden Lacey where they decorate the house up in a Christmas style in keeping with the period of the building. There is much festivities and even a ‘reindeer’ drawn carriage ride for the kids (horses wearing antlers and red noses).

Festive Tunes...

A regular event that heralds the festive season is the carol singing arranged by my Uncle Terry in a neighbour’s house at Tring. It is always well attended by talented musical friends and enthusiastic amateurs all in good voice and humour.  

Celebrations...

Some time back now we visited Jamie and Gia in London when her mum was over. We went with Barbara and Deb and had a pleasant time together.

For Debbie’s latest birthday we went to the Railway Tavern near where she lives, and where many of her friends meet. There was a DJ set up in one corner playing Northern Soul classics and the place was heaving with people enjoying themselves. 

Relocation, relocation, relocation...

Late last year I relocated to an office in Horsham as our management has been insisting on us office workers being physically in the office every day, even if we have previously agreed to work from home a couple days a week. Considering we are a global company technology company, all have laptops and mobile skype communications, have bosses and colleagues in various locations across the globe, it seems to be an issue of trust, or the lack thereof. So, I have arranged to work from one of our group company offices closer to home even though it has no direct relationship to the work or business I do. The journey now is half the time and distance and avoids motorways and the town is quite pleasant (there is even a board game shop there). 

More of wot I have read…

Death’s End by Cixin Liu

This is the final part of an ongoing series about humans and aliens and the possibilities around their interaction. Over this series, the author has endeavoured to put forward several grand ideas and has postulated how our civilisation may evolve and the dangers we may encounter because of humanities reach into the unknown. The final book goes even further than the others, all the way to Death’s End to explore a possible conclusion (or is it?) to the story he has woven so skilfully.

‘Half a century after the Doomsday Battle, the uneasy balance of Dark Forest Deterrence keeps the Trisolaran invaders at bay.

Earth enjoys unprecedented prosperity due to the infusion of Trisolaran knowledge and, with human science advancing and the Trisolarans adopting Earth culture, it seems that the two civilizations can co-exist peacefully as equals without the terrible threat of mutually assured annihilation. But peace has made humanity complacent.

Cheng Xin, an aerospace engineer from the 21st century, awakens from hibernation in this new age. She brings knowledge of a long-forgotten program dating from the start of the Trisolar Crisis, and her presence may upset the delicate balance between two worlds. Will humanity reach for the stars or die in its cradle?’

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This was a book given to me by a friend, which is the first in the Kingkiller Chronicle. As the first book in a planned trilogy, the author spends a lot of time developing the main character, explaining his origins and motivations that will guide his actions in the future. This could be a slow and drawn out process but he is a skilled writer who paints a detailed and intriguing world without giving away all its secrets, leaving you wanting more.

‘My name is Kvothe, pronounced nearly the same as "quothe." Names are important as they tell you a great deal about a person. I've had more names than anyone has a right to. The Adem call me Maedre. Which, depending on how it's spoken, can mean The Flame, The Thunder, or The Broken Tree.

"The Flame" is obvious if you've ever seen me. I have red hair, bright. If I had been born a couple of hundred years ago I would probably have been burned as a demon. I keep it short but it's unruly. When left to its own devices, it sticks up and makes me look as if I have been set afire.

"The Thunder" I attribute to a strong baritone and a great deal of stage training at an early age.

I've never thought of "The Broken Tree" as very significant. Although in retrospect, I suppose it could be considered at least partially prophetic.

My first mentor called me E'lir because I was clever and I knew it. My first real lover called me Dulator because she liked the sound of it. I have been called Shadicar, Lightfinger, and Six-String. I have been called Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe the Arcane, and Kvothe Kingkiller. I have earned those names. Bought and paid for them.

But I was brought up as Kvothe. My father once told me it meant "to know."

I have, of course, been called many other things. Most of them uncouth, although very few were unearned.

I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

You may have heard of me.

So begins the tale of Kvothe—from his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, to years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-riddled city, to his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a difficult and dangerous school of magic. In these pages you will come to know Kvothe as a notorious magician, an accomplished thief, a masterful musician, and an infamous assassin. But The Name of the Wind is so much more—for the story it tells reveals the truth behind Kvothe's legend.’

Quality Time…

As part of uncle Terry’s birthday we met in London and visited the Science Museum, and in particular the Clockmakers of London exhibition (displayed in a non-ironic chronological order). Here we saw some very interesting pieces and got to appreciate the impact changing society had on timepieces and vice versa (such as global navigation and Joseph Harrisons marine clocks). We also saw a few of the many other interesting items on display while we were there (Babbage’s Difference Engine, Stephenson’s Rocket and a small part of the Wellcome Collection). We then walked through the Christmassy Covent Garden down to Rules restaurant where we had a most enjoyable luncheon. 

Countryside Crafts…

We supported our friend, Paul’s, new Hedges & Hurdles venture by participating in his two-day hedge-laying training course. A hands-on practical experience where you learn basic tool use and what types of wood to use for what purpose. The course starts with a day of preparation where you coppice raw materials, split wood and get used to the equipment. The second day you tackle the unruly hedge, cutting, shaping and laying the living plants and securing them in place with the stakes and binders made the day before. A very rewarding and informative course run by a champion hedge-layer and enthusiastic woodsman.