"Christmas? - Bah Humbug!!"

I was really lucky to find this chap to photograph, when we went out on a bliphunt to take Mum-in-law for a walk through Pets' Corner into Jesmond Dene.

I think he reckons Christmas is an overdone tradition. At least, I suspect he hopes it is. And this late in the day, he's probably a survivor...for this year anyway!

Seemingly turkeys originated in Mexico, not Turkey, and from the fossil record they've been around for 10 million years. They're believed to have first been brought to Britain in 1526 by Yorkshireman William Strickland - he acquired six birds from American Indian traders on his travels and sold them for tuppence each in Bristol. Henry VIII was the first English king to enjoy turkey, although Edward VII made eating turkey fashionable at Christmas: it replaced peacocks on the table in Royal Courts.

There's more interesting turkey info here.


PS (Later in the afternoon) Son#3 has just called to visit, bringing with him his first Christmas present - from his partner's Mum & Dad. He's pictured in the extra with the pressie (I had 4 extras left for this year, so I may as well use them!). Apparently it's Jack Skellington from The Nightmare before Christmas. Particularly appropriate as Son#3 is called Jack.