Some things continue to amaze, year in, year out. Like the apparent surprise expressed by councils the length and breadth of Cruel Britannia that snow and ice might actually be a reality in December. Like the scenes of near-riot in any given supermarket or department store on any given day in the lead-up to Christmas. It seems to begin slightly earlier every year.
Anyhoo, my up-at-the-crack-of-dawn-to-shop approach (see previous post) worked in the end, and I pretty much have everything done that needs to be done. Plus I managed to traverse Satan's Slip-Road (Southern readers: the M62) without too much grief earlier today. Never a relaxing trip at the best of times.
Of course, in accordance with government guidelines, I'd packed a thermos of coffee, some blankets, stout walking-boots, some flares (no, not the trousers) and a supply of glucose tablets, just in case of climatic Armageddon. Over here, you just never know.
Ok, onward into the Season of Goodwill we go.

The scene at 7.30am this morning, as I trudged my way through the local streets to go swimming with the dolphins. Yes, you read it correctly dear reader. Swimming. I even opted to travel on foot, as the Sonic Chariot was sufficiently buried in ice that I decided to let the sun do all the hard work later in the day.
Let's face it, I'm about to spend the next week laying on a settee in the land of my forefathers, with a TV-remote in one hand, a flagon of wine in the other and a vast tin-box full of Cadbury's Roses on my chest. Just like it says we must in The Bible. So in preparation for this joyous celebration, I figure it's probably best to snatch a few minutes of rogue exercise while I can...catch my body all unawares, like.
I also have some last-minute-but-crucial Yuletide shopping to do, which will see me in the local town centre tomorrow before sun-up.
I actually tried this earlier today. Drove 5 miles, parked the SC near as possible to town, walked for 20 minutes and, upon arriving in Leeds, was presented with what looked like a series of out-takes from a George Romero flick. Queues everywhere. Queues to join queues. I turned on my heels and headed back the way I'd come, without so much as a greetings card to show for it.
Tomorrow I shall repeat the exercise but at a ridiculously early hour, before the Army of the Undead have risen, and begin their day's shopping. I shall report back.

Ok mon petit blogettes, as mentioned in the previous post, I've been putting together a Yuletide music mix, and there it is, over there on the right. Click on the green arrow to listen, click on the link below to see track-listing and download. I tells ya pop-kids, some of those selections are not easy to find these days. The Bebop Santa Claus has long been a Festive favourite of mine, and I never get tired of listening to Porky Pig's reading of Blue Christmas. Lou Rawls, The Ronettes, White Stripes, Little Cindy, the Brady Bunch and more. All the greats in one 26-track long Festive procession of Yuletide jollity.
I actually compiled this because I can never find a Christmas selection that I like enough to buy, so here's the answer. Lovingly crafted by my own fair hands, and free for y'all to download - until Twelfth Night that is, as tradition decrees. Enjoy.

Greetings music lovers. As I do every year around this time, I'm getting the Christmas Fear. I'm hoping that the ritual dressing-of-the-tree ceremony at Chéz Sonique later today will ease the fear factor a little. Naturally there will be some ritual drinking-of-the-alcohol to accompany the proceedings. Tradition in these matters is of the utmost importance.
Anyhoo, in the Yuletide spirit of Giving, I present to y'all my latest Sonic Odyssey, Live at Chéz Sonique Vol 2. Click on the orange arrow over there on the right to listen. Click on the link below to see the track-listing and download.
Tastemakers at large have already given Vol 2 the thumbs-up and it has been broadcast on the Joe McKechnie Show, alongside a superb Underground Resistance mix. See what you think pop-kids.
I'm currently preparing something with a seasonal theme, so stay tuned.