Happy 2011!

2010 be gone.....

2011 be welcome.....

I hope everyone had a great Festive period. I did. It was good to be able to be home for 2 weeks to help out when my parents needed it most. To support the people that have supported me all my life and to make sure they relaxed, got healthy and enjoyed Christmas. But it was also great to catch up with friends from near and far (farthest was Costa Rica). The weather was mighty cold - temperatures of -15 over a number of days.......brr.....beautiful but brr....

I was in charge of Christmas dinner this year. The menu:

1. Homemade smoked mackerel pate and smoked salmon with oatcakes and soft cheese

2. Jamie Oliver's Spinach and red lentil soup (my favourite)

3. Lidl's Venison in port and red wine, with cabbage compote and roast potatoes - delicious

4. Delia Smith's Carmelised orange trifle

I could highly recommend all the recipes - easy and tasty!

New Year I was at friends in Edinburgh, at their new house...there were 14 of us, food, drink and fireworks. New Year's Day we had a massive cooked breakfast and a walk up Corstorphine Hill. Saw a few funny things whilst we were out......

And why is it that boys can never avoid walking on the ice......

To a happy and healthy 2011 for all! I know that I will be running again, learning to use my new sewing machine, hoping that my kitchen will be finished (oh I must be growing up - I bought a fridge freezer and washing machine today), having a house warming party, seeing friends and being better at staying in touch with those further afield and hopefully doing a little travelling!