I mean, who doesn't love Chocolate and Zucchini?

So results are in for the 2008 Bloggies and top honour for Best European Weblog went to Chocolate and Zucchini, which I must say I find absolutely deserved. Not that I would have minded taking the top prize myself, of course, but it's all in what you bring to the table, innit?

I have to admit that I knew nothing about C&Z before we became co-contenders for the prize, but I've now perused the site in some depth and have to say that I'm completely inspired by the charming Clotilde, the ideological powerhouse behind the blog [and the books]. Her dedication and commitment to blogging and writing about her passion - food - is absolutely commendable. She's put a huge amount of work into her site [she actually translates it into French] and certainly deserves the accolades she's received. Hats off.

Meanwhile it was a huge honour to be shortlisted [I know, I'm probably sounding like an also-ran at the Academy Awards or something, but I really mean it], I truly enjoyed participating and want to send out a big THANK YOU to everyone who supported the Weather Report [I know there were many of you]. You totally rock.

AND SPEAKING OF WEATHER REPORTS
We're inching closer to spring every day, moving at a snail's pace rather than a gallop, but no matter: We Shall Overcome [the Cold Puddle] and get there, eventually. And anyway, we certainly don't have it as bad as our friends in the UK who reportedly got blasted yesterday and are getting blasted again today. Went out for a brisk stroll around the golf course earlier and it was gorgeous - the sun was out, and the light just so crystalline and clear, turning the surface of the sea into a magnificent iridescent blue. Right now we have 3°C [37F] and sunrise was at 7.59 am, sunset is due for 7.17 pm.

Shortlisted!

So results are in for the 2008 Bloggies and ... the Iceland Weather Report has been shortlisted for Best European Blog, along with the stellar Diamond Geezer, Londonist, Chocolate and Zucchini, and the hands-down winner of the blog with the craftiest moniker, Arseblog.

I suppose this is the part where I should act all cool and indifferent and pretend that I'm above this sort of nonsense, but that would be Very Stupid because obviously I'm thrilled to pieces. Because this is, like, The Bloggies, the Oscars of the blog world if you will if you shall if you must, and even if it wasn't The Bloggies, it would still be a delight to receive this sort of accolade.

However, this would not have been possible if so many of my amazing readers had not taken the time to nominate me, so let it be said once more: you totally rock. The nominations meant that we made it to the semi-finals; however, I have to be honest and say that as soon as I saw who I was up against [I signed up as a panelist and so got to see the 30 or so blogs that were in the running for each category] I more or less tossed the idea of making it any further. Because there were some serious luminaries and heavyweights in there. Which is why this really and truly came as a surprise.

Enough talking: Now that we're in the finals I would really appreciate your vote in the Best European Blog category. You pick one blog per category this time around, but are free to vote in as many categories as you wish. You will also have to enter your email address and verification words, and then confirm your ballot. And do keep in mind that voting closes on January 31, so cast your vote before then!!

WEATHER
Last night around midnight it started to snow quietly and everything was picture perfect. It's still gorgeous today with freezing temps and occasional flurries. Currently -2°C [28F] and sunrise was at 10.33, sunset at 4.47 pm.