Bright Lights And Tinsel

Well its that time of year again when things get a little hectic on the social front. Not been out walking much as Jon as been busy on work projects and the days are too short. Apart from that things have got very busy. The Christmas period as seemed to have kicked off. It all started off on December 3rd my birthday with a trip to Aston Hall. Aston incidentally is where most of the Houghton side of my family originate so nice to go back to some roots. Aston Hall by candle light was very atmospheric and a Jacobean Christmas was created for us. We saw sword fighting, and actors all round the hall playing their parts very well. The most enjoyable part for me was the music in The Main Hall and a musician playing the hurdy gurdy. I also found the Jacobean kitchen very interesting too.

This week also saw us at a pig roast and Christmas fayre with our friends and their family at Hoars Farm, Warwickshire with carols a brass band and some rather large working dogs giving children's rides. We had a nice free mince pie and a hot glass of mulled wine to wash it down with, which was very comforting on such a cold evening. Our friend's son got to see Santa and then it was back to there place for a nice welcome cup of hot chocolate.

This Saturday saw us having a wonder around Coventry City Centre mingling with the busy Christmas shoppers and admiring the carousel , Christmas lights and a rather large Ferris wheel that as appeared for the season. A sit down for a nice hot jacket potato and a cup of tea before heading back to the car via the canal basin which had been spruced up for Christmas with a few lights and a tree.

Sunday we had a very enjoyable evening out in The City of Birmingham for The Christmas Canal Boat Parade. It Was great fun with fireworks and some very imaginative illuminated narrow boats which paraded down the canal from The International Convention Centre to The Mail Box. Wish I could share more photos of the boats but it was rather difficult taking photos of moving objects at night.

We then took a stroll through Centenary square past symphony Hall and the seasonal out door ice rink where I like to have a skate sometime over the season. Then it was past the theatres that will soon be filled with the laughter of the traditional pantomime. After it was up Broad Street with its many clubs and restaurants where we enjoyed mingling with those out for there evenings entertainment. As we strolled we took in the sights and sounds of the bustling street with its many lights.

I will be in Birmingham again on Wednesday with a friend but this time it will be in the day time. I am really excited as it is the first time I am going to see the Nut Cracker Ballet so looking very much forward to that.

that's about it for now if I don't update my blog before Christmas have a good one and all the very best.

Birmingham At Night And Canal Boat Parade

Birmingham At Night And Canal Boat Parade Slide Show

Aston Hall By Candle Light

Aston Hall By Candle Light Slide Show

PS: Would Have Had More Pictures Of Aston Hall but Photograghy was forbidden and this all we could get away with

December 2006 More Photos

December 2006 More Photos Slide Show