Paddington (The Film)

Another very clear but frosty morning. Although the water in the marina was not frozen, there was a thin layer of ice on the canal and the jetties were covered in frost.

(Sorry no photos today - not sure what happened but the computer seemed to download as normal and then delete from the SD card but when we looked for them there was no trace! If you come back and see some pix then it means that they came to light later!)

Christine tried a new hairstyle for Jess.

However, as we set of for a walk to Tesco along the footpath, the puddles were quite firmly frozen - as well tested by the girls. We only bought a baguette and a newspaper, but felt a lot fresher after the walk.

Mike dipped the diesel tank and discovered that we really are rather low but the nearby place is closed until Saturday. We tried ringing Iver but then realised that they are not open normally on a Monday so we will have to wait until tomorrow to see if we are likely to run out of hot water!

After lunch we set off for Uxbridge, taking the 222 bus after walking to the nearest stop. Is is a very convenient service, every 7 or 8 minutes and right to the shopping centre.

As soon as we arrived we found the cinema and bought our tickets, just in case it gets full. Mike wanted to look for a new coat but neither of the possible shops had anything remotely suitable.

After calling at a specialist sweet shop (really to stock up Mike's depleted licorice store) we headed back into The Chimes and the Odeon cinema. After visiting the Candy King and the popcorn stall we found our seats and had just a short time before the programme began,

Although the girls had seen the film before - Paddington - they opted to see it again rather than the badly-reviewed alternative, Annie. (It seems that it is even more schmaltzy than the original, if that is possible, with worse music) Actually, the choice was really Christine's as she wanted to see a film that she would enjoy as well!

It is a classic British film, well made and with quality acting from a range of recognisable actors, led by Hugh Bonneville.

Time then to return to the bus stop and a quick ride back. It takes little more than half an hour from boat to shops (or vice versa).