Auld Lang Syne...

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,and never brought to mind?

I thought I’d just write a quick line or two to wish everyone all the best on this night of Hogmanay.

Don’t get too drunk guys!

Now for all my Scots mates this is especially for you guys…

Hoots! Ah’m gaun aff fur the tradeetional Haggis Hwnt amang thae snae an’ eerie mirk o’ thae gloamin, an’ thaine laeyter we’ll cuik the blichan an’ hae it wi tatties, ‘neeps, ‘n’ suaddes, ae wee heavy or twa, ‘n’ ae wee dram o single malt or twa.

Och! Ah hope ye aw hae ae guid teime tae’nicht een thoch it mae be ae cauld ane, an’ gae the first foot ae guid hug the noo.

For all those who cannae understand the above please visit the two websites below:

Scots Words & Pronunciation:

Dictionary of The Scots Language:

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 31st 2008

Congratulations Simon & Amy...

My son and his girlfriend are now Engaged...

Hi Guys,

Well my son Simon popped the magic question on Christmas morning and proposed to his girlfriend, Amy.

His Mum, Margaret and I are over the moon for them both and want to take this opportunity to wish them both every happiness together.

We would also like to say Congratulations to my best friend Paul and his new fiancée Cyn. Again Margaret and I are over the moon for them both and want to take this opportunity to wish them both every happiness together.

Well it seems this Christmas season has been full of love and special events, let’s hope 2009 brings more of the same.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 30th 2008

Last Minute Stuff and Congratulations...

Some Festive Odds and Ends and a Special Christmas Delivery...

Hi Guys,

Well the weekend went well at Paul’s birthday bash and yes you guessed it, we used the Karaoke event to its fullest…as usual.

Today I just thought I would remind you guys of the competition and the special offers I am running over at the Wizards Keep website, as there are only a few days left now to participate in them.

Just in case here they are again:

You need to get yourselves over to the Wizards Keep Website News Pages to check out the latest festive competition and it’s simple to get involved in.

All you need to do for this one is send in a Christmassy Worlds End picture of one, or more of the characters from the Worlds End Graphic Novel series, you can see what they look like, if unsure, at the above link.

Format of the Drawings:
The Drawings can be black and white or colour
A5, A4, or A3 in size
If sending via email, please use jpeg file format at 72 dpi
If sending artwork via Royal Mail please do not send the original, please send us a photocopy.

Prizes:
The winner will receive a copy of the Worlds End Ashcan, which contains artwork and extras that will not be available in the Graphic Novel, and a Worlds End Large Format Poster. Or, if you already have these in your collection, I'll send you a Limited Edition Worlds End, BriteMat, Mouse Mat.

There, it's that simple, so start scribbling down your ideas now.

To enter simply send your sketch via email to christmasatworldsendcompetition@wizards-keep.com

Or by Snail Mail to:
Christmas at Worlds End CompetitionWizards Keep Limited11 Walton CrescentBlackburnLancashireBB2 3TQ

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
If sending via the Royal Mail, please realise this option will only be available to UK residents, as it will need to be posted via First Class today or via Special delivery by tomorrow the 30th of December, to guarantee reaching us in time.

If sending via email your artwork must reach by December 31st.
The closing date for this competition is December 31st.

I have decided to give you an extra day to get your entry in.

Entries received after this date will regrettably not be entered into the competition.

The winning entry will be announced and displayed here on the website on January 1st.

GOOD LUCK Guys!!!

Also a reminder about our Special Offers:

A CHRISTMAS DELIVERY OF A DIFFERENT KIND…

I would also like to extend our best wishes to my good mate, Simon Clegg who along with his partner Maryna had a little package delivered over the Christmas holidays on 5:22 a.m. on 27th December.

Congratulations on the birth of your baby daughter, Alexandra.

We are all looking forward to seeing you all soon.

One last thing I cannot believe the amount of emails I have received regarding the last post of Bradley and the rest of the Clan Perkins Doggies. Thanks so much for taking time out to write. There will be more photographs and Blog about Bentley and the rest of the guys soon.

Anyhow, it's back to the drawing board for me, but please don’t forget to get your drawing entries in and any orders too and please don’t forget the Special Offers are open on-line until the end of January 1st.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 29th 2008

Bradley and Friends Christmas 2008...

A first look at our new Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier...

Hi Guys,

Well today as promised here are some photos of the new addition to the family, Bradley our Blue-eyed, Blue, Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There are also photos of the other family pets and their festive shots around here.

Bradley & Simon

Bradley & Simon

Bradley & Simon

Bradley & Simon

Bradley & Simon

Bradley & Margaret

Bradley & Amy

Margaret and our Christmas Tree on Christmas morning

Bradley meets Colin

Bryndal

Colin with his Christmas Chewy Stick

Bentley with his Christmas Chewy Stick

Morgan with her Christmas Chewy Stick

Tilly with her Christmas Cracker

Tilly with Simon & Amy's Champagne

Casper

Charlie

As well as being Breadley's first Christmas it is also Bentley, Morgan and Tilly's too.

These photos were mainly taken on Christmas morning, except for the ones with Bradley with Simon and Margaret.

As you can see they all had a wonderful time.

We are looking forward to hearing back from folks with their views on the little fellow and his mates.

In upcoming Blogs I will be showing lots of Bentley's first time events like his first hair cut and his first long walk.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 28th 2008

Happy Birthday Paul...

Best Wishes to my Best Friend, Paul Roberts...

Hi Guys,

Well today we are celebrating my best friend, Paul’s 50th Birthday.

So this is just my way of kick starting the day’s events.

Hope you have a great time today, mate!!!

Later…Karaoke!!!

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 27th 2008

Boxing Day and the countdown to the New Year...

Last few days for the special offers...

Okay Guys,

Once again it’s that time of year and here's the deal, it's your last few days to take advantage of the Special Offer "Freebies" from both Wizards Keep and Believe in Dreams.

The Offers are valid up to and inclusive of January 1st 2009.

For all those that have taken advantage of the offer during December before the Christmas postal deadlines you should already be in receipt of your goodies.

For all those that have done so since the deadlines passed, your goods will now be dispatched on Monday 29th December.

For those of you that are taking advantage of the offer up to the end of New Years Day your goods will be dispatched on the 3rd of January.

We hope that everyone had a great time at Christmas and would like to wish everyone a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Here's to a Great 2009.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 26th 2008

Merry Christmas...

I hope Santa made it special again…

Hi Guys,

Just a very quick line, before opening my pressies this morning, to wish everyone…

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 25th 2008

And to all a goodnight...

Early to bed tonight, kiddiewinks…

Hi Guys,

Well it’s Christmas Eve again and I just wanted to give a quick reminder to all the kiddiewinks here to go to bed early tonight and remember no peeking, or Santa won’t leave any presents.

And that goes for you grownups too!!!

Go easy on the mulberry wine and mince tarts.

Have Fun – Eat, Drink and be Merry!!!

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins...
December 24th 2008

Silent Night...

My Favourite Christmas Carol…

Hi Guys,

I thought I would share the lyrics to, what for me is, the most moving of all the Christmas Carols.

The origins of this Christmas Carol go back to the nineteenth century. It was 1816 and an Austrian priest called Joseph Mohr wrote a poem. On Christmas Eve in 1818 in the small alpine village called Oberndorf the story is told that the organ at St. Nicholas’ Church had broken. Joseph Mohr gave the poem of Silent Night, which was then known in its native tongue as Stille Nacht, to his friend Franz Xavier Gruber and the melody for Silent Night was composed with this in mind. The music to Silent Night was composed for accompaniment by a guitar and its simple score was finished in time for Midnight Mass. Silent Night is the most famous Christmas carol of all time and also my favourite.

Silent Night

Silent night, holy nightAll is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

A beautiful song, it never fails to bring a tear to my eye when I hear it sang.

As a post script to this Blog, we have a new addition to the family as of yesterday.

Our little family of doggies have been joined by our latest little puppy, Bradley, a Blue Staffordshire Bull Terrier. He is only seven weeks old and I will be posting photos of him and the other pups over the holidays, along with some festive photos of the family.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 23rd 2008

Jingle Bells...

Written by James Pierpoint

Hi Guys,

Here is the penultimate Seasonal Song on my list for this year.

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow
On a one-horse open sleigh,
Over the fields we go,
Laughing all the way;
Bells on bob-tail ring,
Making spirits bright,
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way!
O what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh

A day or two ago,
I thought I'd take a ride,
And soon Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side;
The horse was lean and lank;
Misfortune seemed his lot;
He got into a drifted bank,
And we, we got upsot.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way!
What fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

A day or two ago,
The story I must tell
I went out on the snow
And on my back I fell;
A gent was riding by
In a one-horse open sleigh,
He laughed as there
I sprawling lie,
But quickly drove away.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way!
What fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Now the ground is white
Go it while you're young,
Take the girls tonight
And sing this sleighing song;
Just get a bob-tailed bay
Two-forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! you'll take the lead.
Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way!
What fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.

Jingle Bells, originally entitled “One Horse Open Sleigh”, is one of the most famous of all the American Christmas songs, and was originally written for Thanksgiving.

Its author and composer was a minister called James Lord Pierpoint. He composed the song way back in 1857 for children attending his Boston Sunday School to celebrate Thanksgiving. The song was so popular with the parishioners that it was repeated at Christmas, and continues to be heard even to this day.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 22nd 2008

Let it Snow

Written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne

Hi Guys,

Here is the third of the five Seasonal Songs and Carols in my favourites list.

Let It Snow!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we've no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

It doesn't show signs of stopping,
And I brought some corn for popping;
The lights are turned way down low,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

When we finally say good night,
How I'll hate going out in the storm;
But if you really hold me tight,
All the way home I'll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying,
And, my dear, we're still good-bye-ing,
But as long as you love me so.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Another feel-good factor tune, Let It Snow was created by lyricist Sammy Cahn and the composer Jule Styne in 1945. The words and lyrics of the song exude that strong feeling of warmth and surety that we associate with the Holiday season.

With its seasonal lyrics, "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" it is commonly regarded as a Christmas song. Yet despite all of its cheery, holiday feel, it is really a love song with no mention of Christmas in the content.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 21st 2008

Winter Wonderland...

Written by Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith

Hi Guys,

Here is my second of five favourite Christmas tunes.

Winter Wonderland

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening,
In the lane, snow is glistening
A beautiful sight,
We're happy tonight,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Gone away is the bluebird,
Here to stay is a new bird
He sings a love song,
As we go along,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
Then pretend that he is Parson Brown
He'll say: Are you married?
We'll say: No man,
But you can do the job
When you're in town.

Later on, we'll conspire,
As we dream by the fire
To face unafraid,
The plans that we've made,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

In the meadow we can build a snowman,
And pretend that he's a circus clown
We'll have lots of fun with mister snowman,
Until the other kids knock him down.

When it snows, ain't it thrilling?
Though your nose gets a chilling
We'll frolic and play, the Eskimo way,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Walking in a winter wonderland,
Walking in a winter wonderland.

Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith wrote “Winter Wonderland” in 1934. The original recording was by Richard Himber and his Hotel Carelton Orchestra on RCA Bluebird in 1934.

It has since been recorded many different times by such artists as Perry Como, Johnny Mathis, Karen Carpenter, Cyndi Lauper, and the Cocteau Twins.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 20th 2008

Frosty the Snowman...

Written by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson

Hi Guys,

Today’s Blog is the first of five Blogs where I am going to share some of my favourite Yuletide Songs and Carols, ending with my favourite the fifth one, on December the 23rd.

Frosty The Snowman


Frosty the Snowman
Was a jolly happy soul
With a corncob pipe and a button nose
And two eyes made out of coal

Frosty the Snowman
Is a fairytale they say
He was made of snow
But the children know
How he came to life one day

There must have been some magic
In that old silk hat they found
For when they placed it on his head
He began to dance around

Frosty the Snowman
Was alive as he could be
And the children say
He could laugh and play
Just the same as you and me

Frosty the Snowman
Knew the sun was hot that day
So he said let's run
And we'll have some fun
Now before I melt away

Down to the village
With a broomstick in his hand
Running here and there all around the square
Saying, catch me if you can

He led them down the streets of town
Right to the traffic cop
And he only paused a moment when
He heard him holler stop

Frosty the Snowman
Had to hurry on his way
But he waved goodbye
Saying don't you cry
I'll be back again some day

Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Look at Frosty go
Thumpety thump thump
Thumpety thump thump
Over the hills of snow

Frosty the Snowman was written by Steve "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson and recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys in 1950. Like Jingle Bells and several other songs with winter themes, Frosty the Snowman is known as a Christmas song despite there being no mention of Christmas at all in the lyrics.

It followed the successful "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", which sold two million copies. Frosty the Snowman has been a firm favourite with children and adults alike since the very beginning. Not only is it a really cute children’s poem, it also has that, much-needed feel-good spirit that ensures it remains a holiday favourite.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 19th 2008

JIGSAW MANIA...

Created by Artist - Writer - Designer, Mike Jupp…

Hi Guys,

Today I thought I would promote the fantastic artwork of my good buddy, Mike Jupp.

Juppy, as everyone calls him, is also the creator of the famous animated cartoon series from the early nineties, which I drew the comic for, Dreamstone.

He is a first class illustrator and there is a link to his website on the Wizards Keep website under the Illustrators section to see more.

The latest one for sale is the re-named Millennium Jigsaw, now entitled, “I Love Great Britain”.

Other Jigsaws include:

“Rustic Revels”, a series of four matching, seasonal, countryside paintings.

“I Love Car Boot Sales” an accompanying Jigsaw to the Great Britain one.

There is also a new series due for release in 2009.

Now as much as I respect and admire the man, his work is painstakingly, nay down right obsessively detailed, and if you spend a month studying the artwork, you will still find something else hidden away in the depths.

These magnificent Jigsaws are available from all good stockists

Or Direct from

THE OFFICIAL UK PUZZLE CLUB

Contact: sales@whispers.co.uk
Website: mb@jigsaw-puzzle-club.co.uk

There that’s another stocking filler sorted.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 18th 2008

A Fictitious Letter to Santa...

Wouldn’t it be nice…?

Hi Guys,

I thought I would share a little nonsense thing I did the other day, which made me chuckle, but also came around from looking at what would be great gifts if only they were available.

What would you add?

I’d love to hear from you with your ideas.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins...
December 17th 2008

Some Seasonal Special Offers at Wizards Keep...

A look at the latest festive bargains, over at the website…

Hi Guys,

Well, with just nine days now left until Christmas day, I thought I’d just drop by and write a quick line to say that you need to check out these latest festive bargains.

Also take at a look at our other website: Believe in Dreams for more special festive gifts there.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 16th 2008

Festive Fun Over at Wizards Keep...

A look at the what’s going on, over at the website…

Hi Guys,

Well, with just eleven days now left until Christmas day, I thought I’d just drop by and write a quick line to say that you need to get yourselves over to the Wizards Keep Website News Pages to check out the latest festive competition.

You need to keep visiting, as there will be more offers and competitions throughout the holiday season and a great one launching on the 2nd of January 2009.

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 15th 2008

The World of Quest Volume 2...

A look at the latest trade paperback…

Hi Guys,

My pal in the good old US of A, Jason T. Kruse has the second volume of his terrific book, The World of Quest out at the moment and yet again, what a brilliant book to have.

As Quest comes to grips with having to care for a spoiled Princeling they make their way into the deadly "Forest of Edj" to speak to the Rocks the oldest, wisest and most boring of beings in all of Odyssia to find out the whereabouts of "The Dagger of the Way" before the forces of evil do only to get separated. While Quest is pursued by an angry mob of Snarls, Nestor meets up with the wily, thieving Griffin, Graer, who may have his own agenda.

The book is available from Amazon or your local comic shop.

Here are the ISBN numbers for your convenience:

*ISBN-10: 0759524025

*ISBN -13: 978-0759524026

There if that isn’t enough of a teaser to add this little tome to your stocking filler list I don’t know what is.

And just to make sure you do buy a copy in time for Christmas (and you know you want to now) here are some teaser pages from this second volume:

Cover

Page 7


Page 8 & 9 Double Page Spread

Page 10

Page 11

Page 12

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…
December 14th 2008

A Review of this year’s Pickwick Night…

Festive Fun and Photos…

Hi Guys,

I thought I would let you hear about this year’s night of festive fun and frivolities down in the village of Whalley, on the evening of Thursday 4th of December.

The weather was cold and the snow didn’t stay in some places hereabouts, but it held long enough for all to experience a great time down there.

As always the mother and daughter duo (the UK's equivalent of the Family Grizewold) did a fine job of decorating their houses.

Lots of folks dressed in period costume.

Charities were well represented as always.

The surprise of the evening for me was seeing my brother Chris and his wife Julie, also dressed in period costume, as they do ever year they attend, but this year promoting his new business Mydas Touch.

He bought a brilliant folding card snow globe from the stall for my Mum that for all this world looks like a glass globe, when set up.

They had some great products on show and for sale, more of this in the New Year.

My Dad and I had a supper of fish and chips, which we ate as we sauntered around the village sampling the atmosphere and ambiance of the place.

There were lots of Christmas lights, loud music from the automated and animated organs on display, and the smells of Christmas spice, and mulled wine pervaded the entire village.

The Church looked lovely as usual and the village really is straight out of a picture postcard Christmas card scene, especially at this time of year.

The event always kick starts the seasonal period for me…it was just a shame Mum was unable to be there, although she was waiting up for us when we returned and we had a right old chin-wag until the early hours following the trip out.

It did start to drizzle a little as we returned to my car, which I had parked a five or ten minute walk away, outside my brother’s house, but not enough to dampen the evening.

Here are some photos I took of our time there:

A Cosy Winter's Light in an Alms House Window

A Victorian Peeler & Gentleman

My Brother, Chris and his Wife, Julie in period costume at their "Mydas Touch" Stall

Chris & Friend

The UK Family Grizewold's Christmas Decorations

The UK Family Grizewold's Christmas Decorations

The UK Family Grizewold's Christmas Decorations

Until next time have fun!

Tim Perkins…

December 13th 2008