FESTIVE SEASON OR HUGH JACKMAN SEASON?

Apologies for such a long time between blogs. Things have been extremely hectic with packing, moving and Christmas and now I’m currently living out of an overstuffed backpack as most of my stuff is currently being transported to Darwin. Where I’m going to pack my newly purchased post-Christmas sale shoes and miscellaneous items I forgot to pack before, I have no idea.

Unfortunately my entries on the Great Ocean Road and multi-Christmas will have to wait as I have left my camera in Sydney. In the meantime, here are some movie reviews for the holiday season.

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IN CINEMA

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Happy Feet: 3.5/5

Cast (Voices): Elijah Wood (Rings Trilogy), Robin Williams (Aladdin), Hugh Jackman (Kate & Leopold), Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge).

In a nutshell: Cuter than a button, but not quite up to the hype.

Brief Synopsis: In a community of emperor penguins where singing is a social necessity, tone-deaf Mumble, with his quick tapping feet finds himself an outcast.

The movie starts off at 100 kph but then slowly decelerates all the way through. The baby penguins are possibly the cutest thing you will ever see on the screen, and the opening scenes are extremely funny. But once you get to the half way mark, the story line seems to loose a bit of steam and meanders…not aimlessly… but lacking some oomph. The ending was a nice idea, but the execution somehow seems a little silly and possibly too hasty. However, overall, the quality of the animation is top notch, and the characters are a treat, and there are some great family moments to be had.

Eragon: 2.4/5

Cast: Jeremy Irons (Lolita), John Malkovich (Dangerous Liasons), Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting), Rachel Weisz (The Constant Gardener)

In a nutshell: Great start that turns into a cliché fest.

Brief Synopsis: Based on a book, it is the story of a young man who becomes a dragon rider and the one hope to oppose the evil king.

The actors are really good, the CGI dragon looks amazing, the story is the stuff that good kids books are made of, so why is this only an average movie? I can only guess, but maybe firstly it has to contend with comparisons to the Ring Trilogy, and secondly, they have tried to fit a big story into a short movie. The movie starts off wonderfully, but from about the mid point, it turns into cliché followed by cliché, then in true trilogy style, leaves you hanging at the end. Not particularly satisfying at all, perhaps you can wait for this on DVD.

Flushed Away: 2.5/5

Cast (voices): Hugh Jackman (Van Helsing), Kate Winslet (Finding Neverland)

In a nutshell: Enjoyable, but we expect more from Aardman.

Brief Synopsis: Roddy, an upper class pet rat gets flushed down into the sewers and embarks on an adventure to get home.

Dreamworks and Aardman – sounds like the perfect mix. Unfortunately this doesn’t quite get there. It’s cute and probably a great one for the young ones, but for this try-hard adult, there was a lack of wit that would have improved my enjoyment exponentially. Having said that, there are some great characters and funny moments, but there should have been more.

Casino Royale: 3.75/5

Cast: Daniel Craig (Layer Cake)

In a nutshell: Best Bond of the last few years, but falls down slightly towards the end.

Brief Synopsis: James Bond becomes 007 for the first time and sets out to thwart a corrupt banker who has lost the money of terrorist investors.

Like most, I was a little dubious about the decision to make Daniel Craig the next Bond and like most I would say that he definitely surpassed expectations. He is not debonair like Brosnan or Connery, but he brings a steely determination and a dry sense of humour that makes for a good 007. It doesn’t hurt that he is supported by amazing Jackie Chan like action scenes and some very clever script writing. However, in the end, this is another movie that starts off well and then leaves a little to be desired in the resolution. What killed it for me was the clunky way in which the romantic section of the movie was developed, which unfortunately was an integral part of the plot. As a positive though, it is an interesting way to explain why Bond is the way he is and definitely worth watching on the big screen.

The Prestige: 4/5

Cast: Hugh Jackman (X-Men), Christian Bale (Batman Begins), Michael Caine (Ciderhouse Rules), Scarlett Johansson (The Island)

In a nutshell: Darkness, intrigue and wonderful unravelling, just what we’ve come to expect from Christopher Nolan.

Brief Synopsis: Two rival magicians go to extraordinary lengths to outdo each other.

My favourite movie of this bunch. Seriously, with Jackman, Bale, Caine, Johansson behind the lens and Nolan at the helm, how could you go wrong? Like its subject, there is a well built anticipation of what happens next and a mystery of how it happened. The storytelling is intelligent and compelling and the atmosphere suitably dark. Towards the end, the story does take a little bit of a strange turn which doesn’t necessarily make for as captivating an ending as the journey, however, this is only a small quibble. Not for everyone, but certainly excellent movie making.

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FROM THE LOCAL DVD SHOP

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She’s The Man: 3.5/5

Cast: Amanda Bynes (What a Girl Wants)

In a nutshell: A guilty pleasure. A surprisingly good laugh.

Brief Synopsis: Take the Twelfth Night and throw in a bit of Bend It Like Beckham, and you have She’s the Man. Viola pretends to be her twin brother in order to play highschool football (Soccer).

Admittedly I entered this viewing with no expectations, which always makes for a better than expected movie! The basic story line is a good one, being sourced from Shakespeare himself and it has been translated into an enjoyable teen flick. Big kudos to Amanda Bynes as Viola, her comic timing and willingness to jump into the role wholeheartedly certainly makes the movie.

My Super Ex-Girlfriend: 2/5

Cast: Luke Wilson (Royal Tenanbaums), Uma Thurman (Truth about Cats and Dogs), Anna Farris (Scary Movies)

In a Nutshell: Funny pretence but the movie itself is not particularly funny and a bit awkward. Watchable…just.

Brief Synopsis: Guy dumps girlfriend who happens to be a superhero and in the process incurs her wrath.

One spends a lot of time during this movie thinking “That’s just stupid”. Uma’s character is painful to watch, Luke Wilson is a wooden and the funny bits may deserve a slight chuckle, but not much more. On the upside, the ending is not a bad one, especially when so many of the movies I’ve seen in the cinemas lately have such predictable or crappy endings.

TEAM TROLLZ MARK II

On the 2^nd of December, Team Trollz went at it again in the Melbourne Amazing Race hoping to improve on our 4^th placing from last time. This time we were team yellow (better omen than burgundy I say) and Gideon and I were joined by the very lovely Rachel, Jasmine & Gemma.

After a slow start at Albert Park on the putting greens and jigsaw, we managed to make up some time getting to the Exhibition Building and doing the origami task. The girls then did a great hustle of forcing people and small children to take photos with us at Southgate. This brought us in at 2^nd at the first pitstop.

After lunch, technical difficulties dropped us back to sixth. But we soon made up a couple of places - making the right decision to do the word puzzle (rather than running up and down 4 flights of stairs for an unspecified number of laps – which ended up being 6 laps each), the heroic efforts of Rachel and Jasmine riding bicycles by the Yarra and then Gemma at the eating broiled chicken feet task. The Christmas shopping task was an exhausting and frustrating one, but seemed to be the same for all teams. Then we were headed for the Melbourne City Baths for the swim leg.

At this stage we were coming fourth, and the third team (Black team) was leaving the pool just as we were arriving. Gideon and I quickly jumped in the pool and did our 25m each, quickly got dressed and headed out to catch the tram to the last pitstop at the Riverland Bar & Café by the Yarra. To our lucky surprise the black team was still waiting for a tram, and then when one finally came it was a race from the tram to the finish line. With great skill and determination (mmm… lots of luck more like it) we beat them to the finish line only to find out that we had come 2^nd rather than 3^rd. Great way to end an awesome day!

Here are some photos care of Uplift Events – www.upliftevents.com.au (Check it out for info on their next public event).

<>Does it look like we have no idea?
Building an origami box.
<>

Yay Team Yellow! Second Place!
Me, Gemma, Rachel, Gideon & Jasmine at the last pitstop.

Merriness (and not in a Hobbit sort of way) to you all!

Hi All!

Just wanted to send you happy thoughts and wishes of glad tidings for the New Year! Hope you all had a special Christmas as well.

Love Gayle

ps. many more updates to come shortly!

The Only Way to Travel

Apologies for the long over due blog – much to catch up on... here's an index:

1. Surprise!...Sneaky bastard.
2. Sun, Sea, Sorrento
3. Cycling Etiquette
4. Flags of Our Fathers in style

SURPRISE!... SNEAKY BASTARD

A month or so ago we had some spare time

to kill during which I intended to give my bike a much needed dose of WD40, towelling and chain oil. Gideon insisted that I go for a drive with him – I should have been suspicious then. Getting out of the lift on Basement 3 a strange car was parked in his car spot, I wondered if we had got off at the wrong level, then wondered if he had hired a mini cabrio (the car he had been wanting to buy) for the weekend. In fact, it was his brand new Mini Cooper S Cabrio with THE coolest detailing you will see in Melbourne – I love it! A month before that he had been to the Mini Dealer, but came home telling me that he didn’t buy it, but in fact had purchased it and not told me…. Very very sneaky. But lucky for him, I loooove surprises. It is the most awesome, cutest car! I still get happy vibes every time I see it!

Rene's 30th Birthday

SUN, SEA, SORRENTO

Sunday of Cup weekend – nice time for a drive to the beach… especially in the coolest convertible around! What perfect weather. Here are some happy snaps!

Those Crazy Frisbeers - Tania, Geoff & Paul

Dancing Sophie & Anne

Geordie enjoying some very melted strawberry icecream.

CYCLING ETIQUETTE

(Alternatively you can refer to blog on 1 June 2006 re. morons in the swimming pool – this is somewhat similar, but not in the water.)

These days I am mostly riding the 4km to work in the morning, then the 4km home in the evening. St Kilda Road (Or as the GPS says “S.T. Kilda Road”) has a dedicated bike lane, so it’s relatively smooth and easy riding. Getting out of bed at 8.15 for a 9am start is not out of the question.

It’s on these short sojourns that I often get frustrated by riders who really have no idea or who are just damn inconsiderate. Case in point… a week ago, I was riding home. A gorgeously warm and sunny evening, when riding is almost like gliding and it’s only 15 minutes before I get home and relax for the evening.

Enter the slow rider with no idea. Following someone slow for a bit is tolerable, after all, one can always overtake if you are really in a rush, as was the case for many of the cyclists, including yours truly on the day. The problem was that this guy kept catching up at traffic lights and pushing his way to the front of the line of bikes!?? This happened at every traffic light. At one stage I think he had a queue of at least 10 frustrated cyclists behind him.

Drawing a picture of the whole situation, including spokes and pedalling detail was going to be too difficult! Instead, just for kicks, here’s a picture of my current bike. It looks like it's going really fast!

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MOVIE REVIEW

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FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS IN STYLE

3 course meal in Gold Class… not a bad way to spend a Wednesday evening… the movie was pretty good too.

Flags of our Fathers: 4/5

Cast: Ryan Phillippe (Cruel Intentions), Jesse Bradford (Bring it On), Paul Walker (Fast & the Furious)

In a Nutshell: Well told war story with a good balance of realism and emotion.

Brief Synopsis: Follows three men who were involved in the raising of the flag at The Battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in WWII.

Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would… war movies are generally not my thing. Clint Eastwood does it again, bringing out the human emotion and experience in any story he chooses. The war scenes are stark and powerful, but all the time supported by the emotion and reminiscence of those who experienced it poignantly edited in. Personally I enjoyed this more than Million Dollar Baby, but I might be in the minority.

I'm having a Short Day

This is a bit out of sequence (Stilllll writing the other promised posting), but I wanted to let it all out while it was still fresh!

Getting general admission tickets to music concerts is about the only time it really sucks to be, as they say, "vertically challenged". Everytime I do it, I say never again, but apparently I'm a very slow learner.

Tonight was the U2 concert. Paul, Tania & I rocked up at an eager 4pm (5hrs before the band hit the stage) only to find we were quite far back in the queue. All considering we managed to get reasonable positions, about 3 deep behind the railing of the second section (somehow Paul's brother got 2 rows from the stage despite showing up 30mins later...go figure). Still, for one of great shortness, even 2 deep is too deep. With two tall guys in front of me, with an extra inch assistance from the raised floor they were standing on, there was not much to see except for a lot of backage.

After about 1.5-2hrs of waiting around in squashy, sweaty confines, I decided to leave Paul & Tania to battle the crowd and went out on my own. I figured, standing out on the side would be a less crowded wait, and I had at the very least a clear view of the screens.

It turns out that having a clear view of the stage was really just not meant to be for me. When the support, Kanye West, came on, I could just see his head if I stood on the tips of my toes. Should have known that when Kanye said that his most favourite cities in the world to visit were 1. Tokyo, 2. Japan, 3. London, 4. somewhere else and 5. Melbourne that it wasn't going to be my night.

Then U2 came on. It was definitely the biggest concert I've ever been too, and the atmosphere was pretty charged, the view of the crowd on the way to the toilet was quite aweinsiring. The set was bright, flashing and damn cool. However, standing out in the smokers corner, by myself, next to the totally pissed guy who kept tripping over my bag, having to deal with really tall people continually standing in the space in front of me without even checking to see whose view they were blocking, took the shine off it a little. Admittedly, U2 are not one of my favourite bands, but I do recognise that what they do is pretty good. There was one moment though, when they sang One, that sent shivers up my spine... or maybe that was the cool night air resulting in me not being ensconced in the warmth of the squashy tall bodies in the middle of the stadium? (just joking) I ended up leaving during the encore to avoid the masses, and actually got my best view of the stage all night behind the lowest section of seating on my way out!

The hot jam donut outside the stadium was definitely a highlight of the night!

Dear Blog,

Apologies for neglecting you. There's a posting coming, it's being written as we speak...

I don't know..... Children of Men

Just a movie review... coverage of this weekend's spectacular events to follow shortly :)

Children of Men: 2.8/5

Cast: Clive Owen (King Arthur), Julianne Moore (Boogie Nights), Michael Caine (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels)

In a Nutshell: Good ideas, but doesn't quite follow through. Enjoyable nevertheless.

Brief Synopsis: In the future the women have become infertile, it has been 18 years since the last child was born, and the world has become a war zone. Theo (Owen) gets drawn into the role of escorting a pregnant woman to safety.

It wasn't a bad movie. The pretense is clever, and sometimes it is transformed to screen quite well. There are quite a few funny through away lines too. However, for a story where there is much scope for some amazing drama and suspense, this movie doesn't quite get there. Perhaps it is that the main character Theo is feeling lost and not sure of where to go next and that is what is conveyed to the audience. Without going too much into it, there is one extremely powerful scene towards the end of the movie, but more like we expect from Cuaron, however it is over quickly the movie is resolved, but not completely satisfactorily.

The tallest Black Forest ever!

RAINBOW G'S MINTY BIRTHDAY

Well, the 21st of October was a very happy pseudo birthday indeed. My 30th celebrations were belated, but thanks to all who attended and made it a really special evening! I really appreciate having you all there (sorry about the crap speech at dinner). And thanks for all the coolest pressies!

All Smiles - Lisa, Ben, Susie & Paul

Me & Lloyd!

Sparkly Anne, Sophie, G & Jo

Vavoom - Mel, Danni & me

The Salsa class was awesome and everyone left with twinkly toes and a few smooth salsa moves under their belts. Thanks Corrie for giving everyone a taste and leaving them wanting more!

Gideon...
You can dip me any time!

Anne & Campbell looking professional!

Gideon & Sonia show us how it's done!

with Corrie
Getting dizzy now...
(Thanks MattT for the photo)

Finale!
(photo c/o MattT)

Dinner was laid back and yum - the most stressful point of the night being attempts to cut up the 30cm tall blackforest cake! Huge thanks to Cath and Geoff for getting the cakes there in one piece - a feat indeed!

Where's the food?
Paul, Cath, Geoff, Beatriz, Brendan & Andrew

Amy, Monica, Peter, Jase, Chez, Aimee

Gideon, Sandra, Lee, Jane, Rachel, Nick, Jasmine & Marty

Me and the cake taller than me!
(Thanks G for the photo!)

Big hugs for all those who soldiered on and made it to Heist and danced all night to the point of injury! Hope you all had as fantastic a night as I did. :)

Love g

ps.

My next investment.... maybe...heheh.

An Interesting week….

BRING ON THE SUNSHINE

Last Wednesday we were lucky enough to see Little Miss Sunshine for free… here are my thoughts…

Little Miss Sunshine: 4.25/5

Cast: Toni Collette (The Sixth Sense), Greg Kinnear (As Good as it Gets), Steve Carrell (40 YO Virgin), Alan Arkin (Gattaca)

In a Nutshell: Charming look at what family can do to you – superbly written and perfectly acted. Brilliant.

Brief Synopsis: “Dysfunctional” family embark on a road trip to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant, along the way they have to deal with each other and a few mishaps.

Dealing with some serious issues with both humour and sincerity, I laughed and chuckled my way through most of the movie. It is realistic, amusing and sensitive without being sappy. All of the main characters are absolutely delightful in their faults and eccentricities – from the self-help guru father, the son who has taken a vow of silence to the suicidal uncle and the daughter who wants to be Miss America. Do yourself a favour and take a look at this one.

GORY GORY

One more – I finally saw…

Saw: 3.5/5 (Yeah, I know, I’m a bit slow)

Cast: Cary Elwes (Princess Bride), Danny Glover (Lethal Weapons), Leigh Whannell (movie reviews on the ABC’s Recovery!), Monica Potter (Boston Legal)

In a Nutshell: Some sick bastard must have written this stuff. Excellent plot, pretty good execution… pity about the acting in spots.

Brief Synopsis: Enjoyed this a lot more than I thought. It is gruesome, it is pretty sick and it revels in this. The storyline and the way everything is set up is original and fresh. The only thing I found a little disappointing was the acting, especially the further into the movie you get. Whannell is obviously a better writer than actor and Elwes should perhaps stick to spoof comedy…or maybe it was the dodgey makeup… no, it was the acting. Overall though, a well thought out and put together horror/thriller.

FAREWELL

Hope to see you all on the 21st - prepared to be sparkled! Love g

Go Team Trollz!

Last weekend Team Trollz took on Melbourne's finest athletes in the The Melbourne Amazing Race and came an awesome 4th! After coming 3rd for most of the day we were pipped at the Final Pitstop mat for a final placing by 'Couples from Hell' by less than a minute. Fantastic effort guys... next time we will beat them all!!!!!.......Aaahhhhhhahhahahahahahha!

Just like the American TV show, we embarked on a big scavenger hunt filled with roadblocks , detours and pitstops. The race took us around the city of Melbourne, both running and catching trams with the free metcard we were given. There was statue finding in the docklands, shopping lists at the Vic Market, dummy spits at the Alexandra Gardens, dry weetbix at Eureka tower, adding up statistics at Sandridge Bridge (which our 2.5 actuaries failed dismally at!) and puzzles at the City Square.

It really was an excellent way to spend an afternoon. If you are interested in participating in the next public event or even in taking on one of their corporate events you can find all the details at www.upliftevents.com.au.

TEAM TROLLZ: Tania, Paul, Gayle & Gideon

Last weekend also marked the attending of a Young Divas concert complete with guest start Guy Sebastian. There is no doubting the talent of the girls, they can definitely sing - even Kate DeRago was good. But there was something missing. Personally I think the venue was too small and so when they tried to get the crowd excited with some audience participation it was just lame... but who am I to judge?

Young Divas: Paulini, Kate, Ricki-Lee, Emily

Random photo of the week:

My current favourite photo subject: Miss Zoe Hayne
(Sorry Katherine, but she has youth on her side!)

Hope you enjoyed this episode of Lifestyles of the Minty Rainbow.
Love g

Dreams of being a disco ball fulfilled...

The Le Bop Ball was a couple of weeks ago and it was HEAPS of fun. Lots of dancing and performances (lots of stuff ups from yours truly! Hahah). And lots of awesome costumes. Here are a few pics!

Born to be Alive

Gideon & Colleen glam it up!

Matching hair - Lori & Gayle

All shiny - Gideon & Gayle

Girls and their catsuits!
Loir, Jane, Sandra & g

Kool Kats - Lori & Nick

Hair & flare

Blame it on the Boogie!

DVD Review:

Derailed: 2.5/5

Cast: Clive Owen, Jennifer Anniston, Vincent Cassel

In a nutshell: Keeps you interested most of the way through, a touch long perhaps

Synopsis: Couple having an affair get caught in the act and blackmailed

Not a bad plot, but seemed to take a long time to get where it was going. The acting wasn't bad. Clive Owen is suitably gruff and vunerable at the same time. Vincent Cassel is great, but getting sick of seeing him in the same sort of baddie role. Quite dark and atmospheric, but just didn't get me in emotionally enough.

Breaking new ground in dessert presentation

Saturday 2nd September - Cheryl, Jason, Amy, Gideon and I convened at Ing Doi (Victoria Pde Collingwood) for some yummy Thai food. All was going swimmingly well until it was time for dessert. A glance at the beautiful pictures on the dessert menu had us thinking we had eaten too much of the good food. The arrival of the desserts confirmed our suspicions.... See for yourself...

No, the dessert did not arrive already eaten, this photo was taken after the banana fritter and icecream was eaten.

Short and Sweet...of course!

CONGRATULATIONS

Huge congrats to Milo on his upcoming debt. The lad has finally gone and got himself a dwelling of his very own. Good stuff Mooch.

DANCEHOLISM - A DREAM COME TRUE

Been dancing lots. Almost 7 straight hours last Saturday. Salsa & Le Bop.

Sadly last Friday was the last weekly Park Hyatt. They will now only be on the last Friday of every month...the next one is the 29th of September for anyone who is up for a bit of a salsa!

Then the Le Bop ball is coming up on the 9th of September. Tickets are only $38 if anyone is interested in coming along (Details www.lebop.com.au). Lots of dancing and performances (Gideon & I are both involved). The theme is DISCO FEVER - it is going to be awesome! I finally get to fulfill my dream to BECOME A DISCO BALL! :D

CELEBRATION ELATION

Hmmmm.... the big 30 is coming up soon. There is a plan in the works to party in true Rainbowg style...I will have details as soon as I can confirm a thing or two. Will be one of the last 3 Saturdays of October.... I know, not very specific.... stay tuned.

PHOTO OF THE BLOG

Little Zoe gives us a smile.
What a heartbreaker!

More soon, I promise!
Love g xoxox

One Day Snow Season

YEAH BABY!

First things first.

CONGRATULATIONS Qwerty on making it to the Grand Final! – only the second time in our long history. And an even bigger congrats to the players on playing so well in the final – losing by only 6 (34-40) in a very aggressive and fast paced game, to the team who was unbeaten all season (pretty much). A big thanks to all our supporters who yelled loudly and waved orange pompoms in the stands… we definitely had the best and loudest fans!

HUBBA HUBBA !!

Can you believe it? It finally dumped all of 20cm in one week! The Victorian snow season has been a big fizzer this year, and the natural snow level finally got up to 40cm the first week of August. Compared to any other year or country, it’s still crap, but Paul, Tania & I decided we would take what we could get, and headed up to Falls Creek for a day of boarding.

On the upside, the weather was sublime – perfect blue skies (something absent last year) – I found myself sweltering in all my layers. The snow was also surprisingly good, dry and relatively even… that is as long as you kept to the main trails where all the man made was.
Perfect for Tania & I, beginner/intermediate boarders… Paul got bored a little more quickly (as you would if you had only just been to the Japanese mountains).

I enjoyed the day, taking it easy, remembering how to board again and practising some switch and 360 turns. Unfortunately the day ended a little more early for Paul & Tania due to a lost strap and twisted knee respectively. Still, we all went home in one piece, more or less and had a little taste of snow to keep us going for maybe a few more months. Here are some happy snaps!

Start of the day.
Look at them blue skies!
Big grin from Paulie.
Anticipation of those oh so sweet turns.

The good stuff... crisp white snow...
good enough to eat. Yum.

View from Drover's Dream.

Paul & Tania - professional boarders!

G&T rev up for some hardcore snow action.

Tania executes some silky smooth turns.

Is ths heaven?

USS Voyager?... no, just a chair lift.

Suspicious black hooded people skiing very close in groups of four.

P&T, get a lift.

Photo of the day:

School Bus in the snow...Cool.
Boarder jumping over bus.... even cooler!
(you can just see him if you look hard).

Snow Angel!
What a lovely day. :)