282: It's a big box.....

I have fond memories of the auction house that used to be in Ramsey. Two memories in particular: the first one was when I was inside the auction room watching was going on when suddenly my Dad appeared at the door, saw me and waved. Unfortunately he waved just at the moment they were auctioning an old television and his "bid" was accepted! It took all my powers of persuasion before they agreed that he didn't have to pay for it and it was auctioned again. The second memory is when they used to sell second-hand computers, some in boxes with other 'bits and pieces'. I remember the auctioneer used to say "it must be good, it's in a big box"!
My treadmill arrived this afternoon. It must be good, it was in a big box! Wish I had decided to pay the extra to have it put together. I managed, of course, but that's the afternoon gone. I had to test it out as well and can report that everything is functioning as it should - apart from me, I need to get my breath back. Let's hope this is the beginning of a long and healthy relationship between me and the treadmill.
Quite a coincidence that it arrived today - so did the Russian winter. -8 outside and the temperature is falling all the time. Whereas on the treadmill my temperature, and pulse rate, was rising. No selfies!
The video clip has to be the inspirational Vangelis "Chariots of Fire".

281: Still Christmas!

One more party to come and that is old New Year, on 13th January. Until then Christmas trees and all the other associated paraphernalia are still to be seen. This photo was taken in Metropolis shopping centre yesterday. Note the angel hanging off to the side of the tree.

I've just come back from a short run. Sitting in the dentist's waiting room last week I came across a copy of Runners' World. I used to subscribe in my younger days but hadn't read the magazine for years. Anyway, there was a chart showing how to go from zero to being a runner. I took a photo of it and have decided to use it to get back into running. How long will the motivation last? Only time will tell. I have ordered a treadmill, which is due to be delivered on Tuesday. Spending that much money will surely motivate me to keep going and strive (stride) for fitness again.
There has been a light fall of snow and it was interesting to see the footprints in the snow as I was running in the park: bird footprints and dog footprints, but NO BEAR.

Saw this "I love Moscow" painted on a wall recently. Can't say I feel the same way about the city but, on the other hand, I don't hate it either. Well, not often anyway. Note the wind turbines - modern art!

For my video clip I have chosen Jona Lewie singing Stop the Cavalry. A family favourite that we treat as a harbinger of Christmas. When we hear it we know that Christmas is just around the corner (на носу?)

280: Goodbye 2013, Hello 2014

Just arrived back in Moscow this morning after a pleasant overnight flight with British Airways. Snatched a few hours sleep and now I'm ready to face what's left of the day.
The temperature in Moscow is unseasonably warm. Whereas we might usually expect about -10 to -20 at this time of year it is only hovering around zero. I think the guy fishing on the lake in such warm temperatures is chancing his arm. Surely as thoughtless as those daft people in UK who went right to the water's edge during our recent violent storms that were lashing our coastline. At least one person has been swept out to sea.

Nonetheless there was snow on the ground to remind me that it is winter. Here is a picture from my window at 8 a.m. this morning.

Russia is on holiday at the moment. From New Year's Eve right through to 9th January is a time for relaxing, or revelling, whichever takes your fancy.

Moscow's roads and pavements are almost deserted and it was very pleasant to get a seat on the metro. Usually the metro is packed, even at 7 a.m. on a Sunday.
Let's finish with Abba singing "Happy New Year". Spot the missing apostrophes.

279: White Square

Went to visit Red White Square yesterday to help get myself in the mood for Christmas & New Year.

Here are a few photos to show how Red Square is looking at the moment all dolled up for the festive season. 

This week was worthy of note. Not only because yesterday (21st December) was the shortest day and we will start to get more daylight, but also because it was the anniversary of Joseph Stalin's birth. Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili was born on 18 December 1879 in Gori, Georgia. Here is what the BBC History page has to say about him. (I mean the hyperlink, not the video)

278 - Turn right at the didgeridoo!

My well-earned break in Malaga is almost at an end. It has been great to slow down the pace of life and simply potter about, tinkering with my I.T. systems (how sad is that!) and going for slow runs along the beach as the waves from the Mediterranean lap against the sand.
Back to Moscow, via Gatwick and Heathrow, tomorrow night. The temperature has ranged from a slightly chilly +9 in the early morning and late evening up to a very pleasant +20 in the afternoon. Sunshine!
Why the strange title? On the way to the hotel room there is a collection of bamboo on display and it reminded me of a didgeridoo - the instrument made famous by Rolf Harris before he too became tainted by the fall-out from being an entertainer in the 60s.

All these people turned out to welcome us to Malaga!	A reminder of President Kennedy's speech in Berlin when he called himself a doughnut! The joys of language!
Note the beggars at the gates.

My video clip is from 1969 and shows Rolf Harris "singing" Jake the peg. Enjoy.

277: flight delayed, but so what

Anyone who has ever travelled anywhere by train in Russia will be able to identify with these photos. Looking out of the window, there are trees everywhere, mile after mile after mile. This was just on the 45 minute journey from Moscow out to Domodedovo airport but I've been on longer journeys (20 hours+) where trees begin to bore you. Russia could exist for ever making and selling matches!
This next photo is the wintry view through the window of the S7 business lounge at Domodedovo airport. I dithered for ages and ages about treating myself to a card to give me access to business lounges so I can relax before the flight (Domodedovo at the weekend is like Wembley stadium on cup final day). Already I am pleased I decided to "waste" the money because today's flight to UK has been delayed due to a software "glitch" at Swanwick Air Traffic Control centre. Have to take care not to drink too many free beers though - must save myself for the G&T on the plane, and wine with dinner. I've picked a seat right at the back of the 747 jumbo jet and, with luck, perhaps there'll be nobody else there and I can stretch out across several seats. A well-seasoned, and sometimes half-pickled, traveller.

The video clip could only be "leaving on a jet plane"from John Denver. Apologies if I've posted it already. One day, I'll catalogue the photos and videos on the blog. One day!

Word perfect? Marvellous, I haven't drunk too much then! Nice weekend everybody.

276: Relationship difficulties!

The daughter of my sister (i.e. my niece) has just given birth to a 7lb 5oz girl, who they will call Emily. Congratulations to Sarah, and to Rob of course, as he obviously had some input into the proceedings.
In English I am now a great-uncle. Great.
In Russian I am now a двоюродный grandfather! I shall be having a few conversations with my Russian students over the next day or so in order to try and get my head around that concept.

The temperature here in Moscow is going up and down more often than a tart's drawers. Can I use slang like that on a blog?  Yesterday the temperature was -7 to -10 and every was slippery. I had to walk like David Suchet's Poirrot. Today there has been a big thaw and the temperature has risen to +1. There is slush (слякать) everywhere. Almost needed a boat.

I'm really looking forward to next week when I will be in Malaga and the sun should be shining and the temperature should be in the region of +15. Not enough for a sun tan but enough to lift the spirits.
For my song I have chosen Barbara Streisand singing, of course, Emily. Couldn't find lyrics - sorry.