Special Silver

Would you just look at this new shiny?!? 

For the first time, the Royal Mint have issued a silver version of their world famous Gold Sovereign coin. Measuring exactly 22.05 mm diameter, stamped for 2025, with images of King Charles and St George killing the dragon, this proof coin is truly beautiful. Just over 50,000 will be produced and no doubt if popular another may be produced for 2026, however there's nothing quite like having the first edition is there?

Paradise Lost

This second spin-off from the extremely successful BBC series, Death in Paradise seems a bit of an odd affair. Filmed in beautiful Australia and staring a largely Aussie cast it seems to have dropped the "fish out of water" scenario of the original. One episode in and it's yet to be revealed what will replace this component that will make it stand out from so many other police shows.

Having said that, since its release in Australia on ABC in September and this month on BBC One in the UK, obviously it has been sufficiently successful that it seems a second series is more likely than not. As with the original this is drama with a light touch; there's humorous moments and a main storyline that's not too taxing. Well worth giving a go.

Hole In The Toad

...as I used to call it as a child LOL. 

Served with vegetables and mustard mash, yum!

Bert Not Ernie

The UK's Met Office has proudly told us Storm Bert has delivered the equivalent of all of November's rainfall in two days. Kind of fed up with all the wind and rain now.

Tea Leaf*

Part way through this series from ITV, based on real life events from the 1980's. Fun story and cool music to bring back fond memories. Some of the fashion choices, however, are best left back in the "decade style forgot" LOL.

* Rhyming slang.

Can

Made with a product, (traditionally) made using brewer's yeast. Cheers!

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.