As I explained this time last year, this is an example of accidental art at its best. Taken in less than 10 seconds from opening my bedroom window to slamming it shut again it turned out to be rather a splendid photo which is now the frontispiece to our Christmas card. Just as I type this at 10.00 am on this Sunday before Christmas the churchbells have begun to peal - and yes, since you ask, I did have to double check with my OED as to whether it was 'peal' or 'peel', ignorant fellow that I am! Alas, no snow to make it 'pretty-pretty' but anyway St. John's is a handsome old church, the centre of which goes back a thousand years. The church is shared nowadays so the 'Left-footers' have their chance at 9.00 and now it is the call to prayer for the 'Anglos' who, mostly elderly and, to use the biblical expression, many of them 'halt and lame', will make their slow and careful way along the uneven church path. I envy them their faith and admire their perseverence.
And as they pray, let me offer up, for what it's worth, my fervent prayer that all of you enjoy the warm companionship of your families over the festivities and enjoy an excellent Christmas.
Thanks for the good wishes, Duff, and please accept my own for you and yours.
(I write as one of your lurkers who read your blog regularly, and have never posted!)
Posted by: Oswald Thake | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 11:30
Very wise, Oswald, you can meet some very deeply weird people hanging around here! Anyway, thanks for you wishes and enjoy next week.
Posted by: David Duff | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 11:43
I resent that aspersion being cast my way I am not in the slightest 'weird', merely a touch eccentric (or is that just my guilty conscience jumping to conclusions?). Nevertheless, best wishes to you and yours Sir.
Posted by: Able | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 15:05
Oh, not you, Able, a veritable beacon of sanity, you are, if I may mix my metaphors! No, no, it's the old coot who runs this place who worries me . . . ooops, er, shurely shome mishtake methinks.
Posted by: David Duff | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 15:32
Merry Christmas to you and yours David - and a sparkling New Year!
Posted by: A K Haart | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 16:02
Keep on truckin', Duffers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXeHTswsJFk&feature=related
Posted by: dearieme | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 17:35
We're trying very hard to give us some Christmas cheer David, I think maybe if some of you UK folks'd add your names to the list we could all enjoy finally, some real Christmas cheer!
http://news.yahoo.com/despite-conservative-support-petition-deport-piers-morgan-still-213316378.html
C'mon now, ya'll join in for a big, Merry Christmas!
Posted by: JK | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 19:36
Thanks, AK, and I promise to do my best to sparkle in the New Year!
Dammit, DM, you know where to find 'em!
No chance, JK, otherwise the little shit will come back here. Mind you, if you remember, I did say nice things about him a few months back.
Posted by: David Duff | Sunday, 23 December 2012 at 20:56
Nice Pic David. I wish you all the best this Xmas and the following year.
Posted by: Jimmy Glesga | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 03:06
Worth remembering David, you do miss'im dernt'cha?
We've never done drawing and quartering well - tarring and feathering I suppose...
But we'd be receptive (and eager) should you send us one of those "DIY videos."
Posted by: JK | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 03:23
Thanks, Jimmy, and likewise to you and yours.
It's easy-peasy, JK, just take one of those huge hunting knives you all love in 'Arkieland' and use your imagination!
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 08:55
Very best wishes for a happy Christmas, DD.
Posted by: Whyaxye | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 12:06
Thanks, 'W', you, too.
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 14:04
Merry Christmas to you and yours, dear Duffers.
Posted by: missred | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 15:02
Thank you, darling Miss Red, and a glass of something suitable will be raised in (roughly) your direction tomorrow.
Posted by: David Duff | Monday, 24 December 2012 at 16:16
Too bad our climate here doens't allow for such nice pictures! That being so, we'll take comfort from some boring sunny beach.
¡Feliz Navidad y Próspero Año Nuevo le deso a usted y a todos los suyos!
(that's an easy one for the google translator)
Posted by: ortega | Tuesday, 25 December 2012 at 19:42
Thank you, Ortega, and it's good to hear from you - I was beginning to worry! However, Google Translate has ordered you to write 50 lines because you forgot the second 'e' in "deso". (Thank God I'm not the only one to make spelling mistakes!)
Posted by: David Duff | Tuesday, 25 December 2012 at 23:02
Oops!
Not only I'm not improving at all in english, but I'm forgetting the few spanish I had learnt. Maybe next year...
Posted by: ortega | Wednesday, 26 December 2012 at 12:57
At our age who cares, Ortega, just open another bottle of Rioja!
Posted by: David Duff | Wednesday, 26 December 2012 at 13:52