One blue bauble

We have at last got a tree up for Christmas and here is one of the ornaments now hanging there. It's here because, after years of beautifully co-ordinated decorations, e.g. silver or gold, this year is to be a free for all. With all the family here, including children, I decided that some of the multi-coloured decorations, chosen years ago, will have an outing. That includes this ornament, bought in Amsterdam many years ago, and which has never fit in with any colour co-ordinated scheme. It isn't very sparkly, but I think it's rather pretty.


The Hobbit
We went to see The Hobbit last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is fabulous.

Some critics have made the point that Jackson has tried to make three long films out of a relatively short children's book. I accept that he has done this, but can't actually see the problem. Yes, there is a lot of detail and extended episodes, but what I think he has done is kept to the children's book ideology very effectively. Compared to the Lord of the Rings, the plot here is simpler, there is more detail, there is a clearer distinction between good and evil, battles are extremely fierce, but not graphically horrific . . . and most of all it is funny. There are some wonderful one-liners and some great characters. Martin Freeman is perfect as Bilbo.

Then there is the scenery - totally fabulous. And this time next month, I'll be on my way to New Zealand seeing it all - well some of it anyway!!