Christmas Greetings

Ellwood's Favourite Christmas Film is The Cat and the Canary.  The X-rated version.  Director's cut.

Uncle Stanley

Rest in Peace Uncle Stanley - Dr Stanley Crooks, 1925 to 2013.  Solider in the Burma campaign, businessman, academic, and author.

Trying to get into the Festive Spirit

That time of year when, too mean to buy cards, I design my own; and have for the last couple of years designed a friend's as well.  Most have been rat-themed - well what could be nicer or more apt? - but said friend discovered that Christmas cards bearing rats were introducing a slight chill into his relationship with friends, and wanted a reindeer - a "sad reindeer" - this year instead.

Well how the Hell do you draw a sad reindeer?  It's not exactly appropriate - and I've had no end of trouble coming up with anything.  Maybe I've got a design now, but one of those he took a look at and thought "perhaps not" is offered below....   I can see why he thought it just a little unlikely as a Christmas card - but it does reflect my mood rather nicely when asked to draw bloody reindeer....

I did another as well - which was neither particularly sad nor particularly funny - but I took a shine to a photograph on Google, to whom I offer appropriate acknowledgement even though I've changed it a good deal; I don't know - maybe I'll use this one on my own cards; those that are fit to be seen by elderly relatives, anyway....   In my defence, I've never drawn a reindeer before, nor yet any other kind of deer; but it was quite fun.....

I really needed more information than I had in order to draw the critter properly - preferably, a real live reindeer: but there are so few of those in Niton Undercliff.....

Skype, You're As Slow As Death ...

A friend of mine keeps in touch with me, or tries to, via Skype since it took over from Instant Messenger.  It would be quicker if he sent smoke signals or used carrier pigeons.   I've seen faster state funerals.  Maybe, Skype, if you really can't do it, just give up?