Wednesday, December 31, 2008

The frozen south

Hello, people! I am blogging from the frosty Midlands, where I'm staying with J's family.

I came out of the other end of Assignment Time and was instantly plunged into finishing up my Christmas shopping, and then socialising with my friends and relations. So I haven't had a lot of time to blog. But I had a lovely Christmas in Edinburgh with J, my parents, siblings and cousins, and then came down to Worcester to spend New Year with the in-laws. It's very chilly, but we've been out for walks and around the town, and seen some friends and their children.

I got lots of lovely books for Christmas:

Diplomatic Immunity (Lois McMaster Bujold)
The Ghost Brigades (John Scalzi)
Beauty and Spindle's End (Robin McKinley)

I've read the first two already, and reviews may be forthcoming shortly on the other blog. Meanwhile I am rereading Bellwether by Connie Willis, as I need a break between all these new stories.

I am being summoned to have a cup of tea - a major part of activities when staying with my in-laws. I'll be back home on the 5th.

7 comments:

Loth said...

Hope you have a happy South-of-the-border Hogmanay!

Pam said...

Hello. Fancy you blogging from there. Glad you're having fun.

Jennette Fulda said...

This has nothing to do with this entry, but have you seen this vid? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ub3sX3praGE It features a guinea pig, so I thought of you :)

--V said...

All right, being a true Scot (instead of a watered-down fifth-generation transplant like me) could you tell me something? My Aunt and my Mom both just say "Hogmanay!" for "Happy New Year." Is that right? 'Cause doesn't "Hogmanay" mean "New Year?"

Just curious.

K said...

Loth - thanks! Yes, we did.

Mum - I wasn't expecting to, either. I did it from B's flat, in fact. Right now, he and J are having a Family Guy session, so I'm left to amuse myself!

PQ - that does very accurately sum up their attitude to life!

V - you are correct! In fact, I think Hogmanay specifically means New Year's Eve rather than New Year. Resident Scots definitely don't say just "Hogmanay" to each other; they call the day Hogmanay but wish each other Happy New Year.

Still, far be it from me to contradict your aunt and mom! Sounds as though it's a family tradition by now.

--V said...

Thank you for clearing that up.

Yes, it is a family tradition, but I think they're doing 'cause they think that's what's done.

ariandalen said...

Glad you're having a good time, and a good rest from all the pre-holiday stress. :)
At least, I hope that's what's happening.