The winter that was

As the thermometer climbs into the set of numbers above zero, I would like to remember the winter that was past (and pray that it doesn't return again soon).

Last wednesday we had about 3 inches of snow which proceeded to hang around all week like that guest from England who just won't get the hint that at some stage you will need your lounge back.

The good Doctor and I went for a walk in the snow and attempted to make New Jersey look pretty. The layers of snow covering the street helped quite a bit.









The light rail station at the bottom of the hill leading into Hoboken







The Park in Jersey City Heights that overlooks Manhattan and Hoboken







A view from Jersey City Heights over Hoboken (it's out there somewhere)








The good Doctor trying to keep warm










Nothing is more important in the snow than a stout pair of leather boots



I would like to thank the following for making this winter possible;

Grandmother and Mrs Watson for seeking out and sending the stout leathers, Mother for the very warm and much used hand knitted woolen scarf, and lastly the good Doctor herself for the most vital winter jacket complete with furry bits.

Sgt M

Superbowl

It was Superbowl Sunday over the weekend, and if one believes the hype, it is the biggest party of the year (as it would appear that the parties are more important than the game itself).

For those of you who are unaware of what the Superbowl is, I shall explain;

The most macho of American sports is called football. But lets not get confused here. When they call it football they are not referring to Soccer, AFL, ARL or Rugby League. They are instead referring to American Gridiron.

So how does Gridiron work?



Two teams of big, burly men don skintight spandex, shoulder pads and helmets, then prance around on the field trying hug each other to catch each others balls. Every time someone hugs someone else, they all stop play, walk around a little bit then line up in a row facing each other.



One gentleman called a "tight end" bends over and throws a ball between his legs which another team-mate catches and then throws away. Hopefully someone from his same team will be there to catch it so they don't have to get another ball. The person who caught the ball then gets a big hug from the opposite team and the whole process starts all over again.



And just to make sure they make the most of their time on the field, they stop the clock ach time the ball stops during play. You may notice that the game has been going on for 15 minutes, but only 4 minutes have passed on the clock. They really love their game.

So how did the good Doctor and I celebrate the Superbowl?

We went to an Australian Bar and watched the cricket. Huzzah!!

All that ails ye!

What the deuce?

I have been struck down by the wicked hand of illness! The minus 10 degree weather (minus 20 if you count the windchill - and yes, that is an accurate figure) has caused me to become inundated with all of the symptoms of that dreaded fiend; the common cold.

It has been decided that it would be pertinent to avoid the infirmary in this country, as one is likely to go in with a head cold and leave minus an arm and leg. The only prescription then would appear to be bed rest and plenty of fluids, to which I go now.

Adieu