Long cold winters in Cockfield aren’t much fun when you chose to shave your head and I was hoping for a couple of new hats as part of my Christmas presents. As it turned out, I was lucky enough to receive three. Two were beanie type, but my favourite was a brown fur ’Trapper hat’ that Mrs Blog bought me and it keeps my head and ears warm on the coldest of days.

I must admit I’ve had a bit of stick off the lads when I’ve worn it to the pub, but no more than I’ve given out to the likes of Peter (Barnowl) Barns when he’s turned up in a new hat, - See 2nd picture! - But I didn’t expect it on a recent visit to the shops in Darlington.

We look after our daughter’s dog on occasion and last week Mrs Blog asked me to call at ‘Pets At Home’ to pick up a new dog bed. Seeing as it was snowing, I got well wrapped up and donned the trapper hat.

The shop was quiet when I called and I very quickly sourced the bed and was walking down the aisle towards the tills when I noticed two of the check out girls pointing and laughing at me. Suddenly, one of the girls leant towards the tannoy microphone and announced, “Security, security, there’s a man trying to sneak a rabbit out on his head!”

If that wasn’t bad enough, the security man walked over laughing and enquired if it was an Angora, because they have floppy ears!

To be fair, I wish I’d thought of it. Great craic girls!

2nd Jan 2011; The years flying by!

Down to The Bottom House to watch the Newcastle match and then a couple in the Middle House and a bit of craic with Tupper.

“Nice hat!” says Tupper with a big grin on his face.

“Aye lad” says I. “It was either this or a transplant”

“Nah,” says the legend. “You’d look silly with a KIDNEY on your head!”

1-0 to Tupper!