July 30, 2009
July 27, 2009
My, my, what big eyes you have!
Ironically, Mr. Fox is dressed in traditional fox hunting attire, as the hunter, not the "huntee", which I found rather amusing!
Fox hunting facts:
- an activity involving the tracking, chasing, and sometimes killing of a fox (traditionally a red fox, by trained foxhounds (or other scent hounds), and a group of followers led by a master of foxhounds, following the hounds on foot or on horseback;
- originated in the UK in the 16th century;
- earliest known attempt to hunt a fox with hounds was in Norfolk, England, in 1534, where farmers began chasing down foxes with their dogs as a form of pest control;
- foxes feed on rodents, rabbits, birds (including chickens) and other small game (thankfully, they never developed a taste for penguin);
- has been (and unless banned) is still being practised all over the world, including Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Russia, and the United States;
- fox hunting is controversial, particularly in the UK, where a ban on fox hunting was introduced in November 2004. Proponents saw it as an important part of rural culture, vital for conservation and pest control, while opponents argued it was a cruel and unnecessary sport.
July 23, 2009
Hangin' Out with Post Man Pat & his little Black Cat!!
July 21, 2009
Whoa!
July 20, 2009
Sitting by the Seaside
July 16, 2009
Hangin' with the Minotaur & Hare
July 14, 2009
Staying Cool
Hanging out by the fountain is one way to stay cool on a warm day. As you all know, I'm one cool penguin dude and surprisingly, I have not lost any of my "coolness" going exclusive with Glammy Glacier.
Most have a desire to be "cool" at some point in time, however, I find not everyone makes the effort to be cool which is understandable, given the effort. It takes dedication, time, and creativity. Being cool could bring about some positive changes to your life: ie: you'll find yourself in control, and well-liked, among other things. So with this in mind, I've decided to share a bit of "Slappy Wisdom" on how to to be cool:
Exert Self-control: If you lose your composure, you are at risk of doing something irrational, potentially even uncool.
Be Patient: It takes time and practice to be cool; it won't happen overnight. Depending on how much effort you expend, it could take weeks, months or possibly years. Besides, no one likes someone who is easily rattled and complains. Being a chronic complainer is definitely not cool.
Have a good sense of humour: Who doesn't like to laugh? If you make others laugh, you'll be cool. (just don't make fun of others when attempting to be funny.)
Be Humble: just like complaining, it's not cool to be a bragger or arrogant. If you're cool, don't brag about being cool. It's just not done.
Be Confident: there is no reason why anyone shouldn't like you, right? Don't waste any time trying to be liked by everyone. The fact is, not everyone will like you, and if they don't, that's their problem.
July 12, 2009
Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
July 11, 2009
Grabbing a Starbucks
Did a little shopping today in Cheltenham. Didn't find much to buy (surprising how few shops cater to penguins in the UK!). We stopped to rest of weary flippers and refuel with a coffee. As we love to people watch, we snagged the much coveted window seats, looking out onto the busy town centre. What did we order you ask? I had a grande tazo chai (extra hot) of course, and Glammy Glacier had her favourite: a tall non-fat caramel macchiato. Yummm...
July 9, 2009
Rollright Stones
Spotted these stones in the distance while on an evening walk in the English countryside. Upon investigation, we found out that these rocks are a 5000 year old burial chamber, believed to be part of a Neolithic long barrow, called "The Whispering Knights Dolmen", a small group of five upright stones, who got their name because of the conspiratorial way in which they lean inwards towards each other as if they are plotting against their king. Amazing to think these stones (which would have been put in place somewhere between 9,000 and 8,000 B.C.) have been left untouched in their original position for all these years!
July 7, 2009
Fun at the Village Fete
A momento from our visit to Barton on Heath's village fete. Our photo was taken under a huge oak tree planted in the centre of the green on which brass plaques were affixed commemorating the Silver Jubilee of King George VI, Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth and the marriage of Diana and Prince Charles.