Beserker

Today's the day ...................... to go a little mad

This chap was given to me today - most likely the last Christmas present that I shall receive for this year.

He stands about three inches tall and is a replica of one of the Lewis chesspieces, dating from the late 12th and early 13th century, found some 700 years later near Uig on the Isle of Lewis.  They were carved from walrus ivory and probably made in Scandinavia.  He is a beserker  - champion Norse warriors who fought in a trance-like fury.  This is from where the English word 'beserk' is thought to have been derived.  I just love those teeth biting down on his shield!

The traffic on the M6 went a bit beserk this afternoon as we drove home.  The motorway was completely blocked by an over-turned lorry somewhere near Junction 39 near Shap.  That meant that all the south-bound traffic was diverted via Kendal and quickly caused a complete gridlock on all the country roads.  Good job we knew a few shortcuts, but even so, it took us quite a while to reach home.

It's lovely to go away - but it's always nice to come home ......................