Goodbye 2020

 It's been the strangest of years, and fireworks somehow don't seem quite appropriate - so here is a candle, in remembrance, in hope, and to say (with a little trepidation) . . .

Hello 2021

Stay safe and well, and hopefully we'll be able to see you soon!

Cake Update

 And here is the traditional 'decorated' cake post as promised!

Have Yourself a Merry 'Little' Christmas

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
We must do what we know is right
It might take a while
But these troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Keep the spirit of the Day
Even if . . .
Your loved ones are still far away
 
Remember how it was in pre-Covid days
Happy golden days of yore
Soon they’ll return to be here with us
Family near to us once more
 

In future years we all will be together
When the fates allow
At least this year there won't be any family row!
So have yourself a Merry Little Christmas now

Paddling Pool?

With all the wet weather we've been having recently, the top of the garden has once again developed 'pond' tendencies, and the bonfire pit has filled with water.

It's a bit like having a paddling pool at the top of the garden - wouldn't mind so much if we had a swimming pool (miss my swimming - our leisure centre is still designated as a field hospital and the pool is closed).

Anyway, various drainage schemes are under consideration, but for now this will have to do . . .

Stollen #2

More baking (Christmas not Lockdown!) - and time to revisit stollen, sourdough style:

This recipe was for two 'loaves' and involved an overnight rise, before mixing in the fruit on the second day.  

After their final rise / baking the result looks pretty good:

And tastes yummy - will be making this one again!

Back to Lockdown

 'Nuff said . . .

Christmas Bling

In these 'interesting times' the lights of Christmas add a welcome bit of sparkle to life - so time to get our bling on . . .

Tree - check 

Flickery candle lights - check

Tinselly led strings round windows - check

Outside lantern - check

 

'Heirloom' plastic church - check

I do like my bling - it's always such a pity when it has to come down again . . .