Wells

This came up as a memory from two years ago. The town of Woking in Surrey, not too far from me, has a permanent tribute to the brilliance of author HG Wells. For those who don't know, his novel The War of the Worlds is set partly in the surrounding area, with Martian tripods towering over Woking.

Many will have read and enjoyed the book and perhaps just as many will have loved the ground breaking musical version from the late 1970's. There is however another brilliant audio adaptation from more recent years, that is perhaps more faithful to the book. Due to Jeff Wayne owning the Rights to the name of all audio adaptations (who knew there was such a thing) this one is called The Martian Invasion of Earth and stars the excellent Richard Armitage.

Anyway here's some Martian related images, watch out for the Heat Ray!

Ye Olde Coin

OK so not even 100 years old but a nice example of a pre-decimal lucky six pence. It's quite possible this one may have found its way into a festive pudding during its life,  you never know.

This one arrived sealed in a lovely display pack and without a degree of destruction it is impossible to see the image of the monarch. Included below is a stock image of King George VI on the face of a coin from 1948.

Roar

I know it's far too early to be putting up a tree but I found this elsewhere on the Interweb. How could I resist..? LOL.

I C U

Just some fun...

Remember

50c RAM Decorations

Have received today this lovely tree hanger in time for the approaching festive period. 

It contains an Aussie 50c coin which features the King on one side and the golden flowers of the native Western Australia Christmas Tree on the reverse. Apparently. Having never travelled to WA, a degree of trust on this end needs to be employed but there's no reason to assume the Royal Australian Mint would be wrong. 

This is a legal tender coin, meaning once decorations have been taken down, owners are free to use it in payment. Obviously in the UK there aren't many establishments that accept Aussie currency and besides it's too nice to part with!

Habit Forming?

Well maybe but sometimes you need to kill time.

Hour

This weird but excellent show has returned for a second season/series. Gripping stuff.

Sisters

Trip this evening to sunny Basingstoke to see the excellent trio, The Puppini Sisters as part of their 20th anniversary tour. Drinks first, of course LOL.

Fawkes

Heard a brilliant comment on the radio earlier today: "Has anyone seen Guy Fawkes? I'd like to offer my assistance" LOL.

We're rapidly approaching the 5th November, when in the UK we mark the attempted destruction of both Monarch and Parliament. Our current government is dreadful, they don't seem to have a clue what to do other than tax us to Kingdom Come. Now I wouldn't advocate violence but can the county cope with a full five years of this shambolic and disingenuous shower?

Build

Took a walk around the University of Reading grounds with ym today. It's probably been 10 years since I last visited (obviously he's fairly familiar with the site these days). 

Needless to say in the past decade a lot has changed, plenty of new construction with state of the art facilities. It was however sad to note the famous LEGO building closed and barricaded, possibly due for demolition. Times change.

Accounts

Loving this comedy drama from DownUnder.

W&G

Coming this December to BBC One and to Netflix in January 2025.

Marrakesh

As some may recall, I have a slight obsession with teeny tiny coffee cups. Or espresso cups to be exact. 

I found these yesterday in a cancer charity shop and thought it really rude to leave them there unloved. They are made by renown manufacturers Denby and the striking pattern is called Marrakesh. Lovely aren't they? I shall enjoy drinking from these on a leisurely Sunday morning.

Marmalade Sandwich

Not many are aware the town of Reading has links with Micheal Bond, creator of Paddington Bear.  

Bond was born in nearby Newbury but raised and educated in Reading. He initially worked in a solicitor's office and later, during the war, for the BBC in Reading, surviving a German bomb that fell on the building he was in. 41 people died and many others injured. It was at the nearby rail station that it is reported he saw child evacuees with card name tags attached to their clothing.

Reading now has its statue to mark Bond's most well known creation. It is situated in Broad Street not a million miles from where Bond had been working in 1943.

Apparently the statue needs police protection LOL.

(Image curtesy of Thames Valley Police)

None The Richer

The Royal Mint have (again) chosen to mark the run up to you-know-when with the release of a silver sixpence. By tradition, a silver sixpence has been given at times of celebration, particularly the one featuring the Fat Man, often hidden inside a pudding. Yes I know totally mad and a potential danger to dental health but in the times before risk assessments this is what went on in Britain LOL.

Note the UK coinage, like most, is decimal and this coin isn't part of regular currency but is technically legal tender. This beauty is decorated with irises, calla lilies and orchids to symbolise christenings, weddings and the December festival it's far too early to mention.

Rice

Not seen these on sale for a good while. Looking forward to them.

 

You're IT

Why have I not seen this before? 

A little dated now but quite funny and well observed.

Incinerator

When you have the urge* to burn things, nothing else will do. Obviously not on my wood decking or too near other combustibles LOL.

* it might be described as a burning desire.

Flash

Taken in my front garden this morning, the first with the flash on (for some reason) and the second without, showing the true colour. Quite amazing the difference don't you think?

Busted

Not the cringe (is there any other sort?) British boy band from years back LOL.

This belt from my mower snapped yesterday and it was only at this point I realised it had worn down to half its original height. More to the point you don't necessarily notice the degree overall performance has deteriorated until the new part has been fitted. Special mention to a certain online retailer delivering the replacement part in under 12 hours and at a very reasonable price. I really wasn't in the mood for buying a new Flymo*.

* other lawn mower types are available LOL.

Pie

As the saying goes, "As American as apple pie." Although apparently it was an imported recipe from the Old Country. Still tasty though, regardless of origin, particularly with custard.

You Got Me

Need I say more..? 

Will be popping down to my local Co-op later LOL.

Beach Huts

This photo came up today, from my storage, as a memory of two years ago. A happy few days spent in West Sussex chilling out, playing tourist and over indulging. I'm quite pleased with this image, even if I say so myself LOL.

Trim

I don't know about everyone else but I do appreciate a nicely trimmed bush.

Ber

We've officially entered the Ber months, ones all ending in those particular three letters. In the UK and Europe it's the first day of Meteorological Autumn. Although given how nondescript Summer has been I'm hoping for a bit of decent weather before the days really do become noticeably shorter.

Promo

Just posting this promotional image, from way back when. Just because I can.

...And she's gorgeous LOL.

No-one Can Hear You

You really can't beat the Alien franchise, can you?

Go Away

According to the children's rhyme, "Rain, rain go away. Come again another day."

You can tell it's the August Bank Holiday weekend, and also time for the world renowned Reading Festival, because it is absolutely bucketing down with rain. After all these years I probably should know this is to be expected. Guess there's nothing for it but to enjoy a tasty curry LOL.

Art?

Well I guess Art is really whatever you decide it is. At only £6 (AU$11.50, US$8, give or take) this wall hanging, from a local charity shop, was most definitely a bargain.

Drop

What's going on here then? 

Somehow 164 feet sounds much higher than 50 metres LOL. 

Rest assured, it's all for charity.