Happy New Year!

The Scottish Granny

If you find yourself on a dark wintery day in need of a good laugh, these videos are for you. This Scottish granny (but possibly in Australia) reads regularly to her little grandson Archer.

Not recommended for anyone who has had recent abdominal surgery ;)

I'll bet she's looking forward to the day Archer will giggle along with her.

More information about the books she's reading can be found on the YouTube channel. 

Merry Christmas!

@Mows510

Icelandic Adventure

Iceland's National Park, Thingvellir, is a popular tourist stop on the Golden Circle Tour. It is a place of significant history, where Iceland's Parliament began and where for centuries Icelanders met annually to resolve differences and achieve unity.

The reason for using this location is understood when realizing that the geography of the place is of such great significance: the tectonic plates of North America and Eurasia meet here. Between them is a rift, Silfra, which is filled with 1 - 2 degrees Celsius water, spring water as well as run-off from a nearby glacier. The rift, more than 60 metres deep, first showed up during an earthquake in 1789 and has been widening ever since every time there is another earthquake. 

Now it has become the site for a popular tourist adventure in a land of many adventures: it is possible to take a guided snorkel tour of the rift, with equipment, including warm clothing, dry suits and snorkel gear provided. 

The icy cold water is fabulously clear, a rich blue colour with yellow glowing alga. Since I'm not keen on being cold and am also claustrophobic from the moment I put on a mask, I'll watch a video, thank-you to those who make them!

Here's a similar video from a female perspective. In case you can't be bothered to watch the videos, I'll let you know that the current in the fissure just carries you along - not much effort needed by a snorkeller - and the dry suits are very buoyant so if you drop something in the water, you will likely not be able to recover it. 

More info here. 

Patterns in Nature

James Brunt is a British artist, based in Yorkshire, who creates wonderful patterns in nature using natural materials. Visit his website or follow him on Twitter or Instagram.

Often the designs are quite large and Mr. Brunt has volunteers assist him in their structure.

@RFJamesUK

James Brunt sells prints of his works in his Etsy Shop which you can visit here.

I noticed he also has ink drawings for sale. This 12x12 mounted print sells for CA$69.66 which seems very reasonable. Shipping might double that amount.

Smart Home

Does your family have one of these modern conveniences yet? Or is it going to be under your Christmas tree, maybe? Heh heh!