What have we here?

All the way home, I was wondering if there would be any parcels waiting for me today - it would be ironic if there weren't, seeing as today is the first day of my blog.
Relief!  Two parcels sitting patiently for me - one was the familiar book shaped jiffy, whilst the other was just a tiny little thing with a hand written address - how intriguing!
Here is what it was  - how lovely!  A foil blanket - just the thing!

Now, I certainly don't remember ever requesting this one but of course it will come in useful for the snow that is bound to appear by the end of the year.

I could have used this in December 2009, just before Christmas when I had the journey from hell on my way home from work.  A journey of 25 miles that usually takes around 40 minutes turned into almost 5 hours of hell. Me and my little trusty Clio slipped and skidded our way home across snowy Nottinghamshire and into the wilds of Lincolnshire
An awful journey, my fuel light came on, I needed to wee and I was hungry, I've never been as pleased to see my front door as I was that night.
Of course, I  now carry essential items for times of emergency and this wonderful foil blanket can join them, I've just checked the contents of my essential items in my boot - oh yes those 17 hessian shopping bags, a torch with no batteries and a pair of flip-flops will get me through anything - I don't think!

My book shaped parcel was a bit of a mystery too - no compliment slip or return address but I think I've worked out that it was sent by Macmillan Publishers.  It's an advance reader's copy of The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno by Ellen Bryson.  What a title!   Reading the blurb on the back, I think it's going to sit nicely alongside Jamrach's Menagrie - the book I reviewed a few days ago.  I now have a pile of 5 review books to read - better get on with then!  I'll be sure to let you all know what I make of it.