He's A Monkey AND A Jedi!

First of all, I'd like to say a massive 'thank you' to everyone who left birthday wishes for me either here or on Facebook, it means a lot to this aging geek!

I'd also like to invite you to say hello to Mon-Key Wan Kenobi, my super surprise birthday present from Rachel.

He was an unplanned addition to our family when we visited the Bluewater Shopping Centre yesterday and wandered into the Build-A-Bear Workshop.

It was as much a surprise to Rachel as it was to me, but we simply couldn't ignore the pull of the Star Wars themed costumes and characters.

Two of my favourite things wrapped up in a single package!!!

The young lad operating the stuffing machine didn't miss a beat in his patter when he asked who the monkey was for and I said: "Me!" We still went through the ritual of filling Mon-Key's little red heart with love and cuddles, as I had to solemnly rub it on Rachel's nose, her cheeks and behind her ears before it was surgically inserted through Mon-Key's back to give the young padawan life.

We also opted for the inclusion of a small device which, when his right paw is pressed, plays the Star Wars theme tune.

And talking of monkeys joining our family, my adoption of Kai, the orang-utan at Dorset's Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre has been renewed for another year. Really must try and get down there to see my boy this year!

Kai