We axe for what we want

The Vikings were alive and well in a small corner of Bristol last night, when I hosted a tribute to Up Helly-Aa... or Up Hell's Alley Without a Fire Extinguisher, as somebody re-christened it (you know who you are)... which is really quite apt and has been making me giggle every time it comes to mind :o)

Thankfully, no extinguishers were needed: the Vikings-in-residence were very well-behaved, and the burning of the cardboard 'galley' (handmade by Mr Newlywed) went off without a hitch - nay, nor even so much as a single singed beard hair. Phew. Although there was one slightly nerve-wracking moment when a guest attempted to put out the final embers with the dregs from his glass of highly flammable whisky... Hmm.

Before...

... During...

... During again, this time more energetically...

... and After.

So, a good time was had by all (I think). And just before I move off the topic, a quick update for all you beard-fans out there: there was some passable beardage on display amongst the guests, but no-one else had knitted themselves any Instant Whiskers. Funnily enough. They did, however, appreciate laugh at my own attempt... but one guest asked if the beard could magically morph into a monkey, à la the cars/robots in Transformers. I despair, I really do: you give people the world, and they ask for the moon on a stick.

Not a monkey; but very cosy on a winter's night

Finally, on a completely unrelated note, Waldorf would like to say thanks so much to everyone who has entered my 100th Post Giveaway - he's been quite overwhelmed by the number of commenters who are willing to give him a safe new home. If you haven't entered yet, there's still plenty of time: just leave a comment on this post before Sunday evening.

Wanted: new owner for one small monkey. Fully housetrained. May smell slightly of tea.