Final day of the year

Had a slow start in this household! I was awake when Tim went to work at 1.30am this morning, having gone to bed quite late (for me) after our friends had gone home. Then I decided that since this is the longest day of the year I was going to lay in bed until after 9am and take it very easy all day.

The good news is that Genghis is once more sitting on his cushion underneath the computer desktop as I type this post, so things are looking up for him! He is taking his medicine, eating a little more and seems to be regaining weight so we are over the moon right now. It's so hard when a family member/pet is getting on in years, especially when you have been through so much with them, and spent a lifetime as one another's companions, to accept that a time is approaching when they have to leave you, but Genghis is made of hardy stuff so we remain optimistic. That awful feeling I had went, just as suddenly as it came, and I am sticking with that intuitive, gut feeling to tell me how he is really doing. Finka is relieved too!!

There are fireworks going off already here. I have got the sedative for Finka this evening, and so far she is doing fine. Genghis doesn't seem to be affected any more, but she jumps at the slightest thing so needs to stay calm. Her current 'no no' is playing my ipod downstairs. First sign that music is going to be played and she runs off upstairs! She disappeared whilst our friends were here last night, but no sooner had I shut the front door than her paws were racing back down stairs again and into the living room to sleep! Such a dear, funny thing she is!

I am thinking about Resolutions and what my one word for 2012 will be. Not got there yet! Still one day to go............

Be safe this evening with all those fireworks everyone, and I wish you a VERY HAPPY 2012.
Thanks to all for reading my musings for yet another year!!
Sue xx

Dinner Party

This evening the usual suspects are coming round for dinner here. Tim will be enjoying his a tad early as it is his night for early to bed, early to rise, especially given that it is probably going to be a marathon one!!
Last night his baker came round with his special home-made garlic sauce for our Gourmet on Sunday, and 6 delicious Apple Beignets for us. We had a lengthy chat which was really nice, and there is also  a real chance of a job in the summer for Tim if all goes to plan. That would be fantastic!

This morning I went off early to get my hair cut - quite a shock after it being rather long and curly for a while now. It will grow back!! Then I have been slowly preparing parts of the meal so that I don't have to rush later on, and can enjoy it all free of stress. What are we eating?

Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Parsnips in Maple Syrup
Chardonney Carrots
New Potatoes
Cranberry and Orange Sauce
Garlic Bread
......
Strawberry Champagne Pannacotta
Black and Redberry Trifle
Warm Winter Fruits with Orange Chantilly Cream
Chocolate Rum Cake
.......
Coffee.

It all sounds really good so if I cook everything perfectly then it will be a triumph!!! If not..........ah well, there's always next time!! I have never made a pannacotta before so I did a couple of tiny taster pots for me and Tim last night, and I was delighted with the result. The hard part will be getting it to pop out of the tin in one gorgeous go! The trifles are always fine, and the cake is my special, keep it in the freezer, one a year highly calorific dessert that we just lurve. As you can see, I prefer making puddings to mains but I am fairly safe with a chicken!!

It is a beautiful day here actually. The sun is a winter one so not warm but it does look inviting outside. Finka went for a little plod around in the back, but it was too cold for her I suspect. Genghis is eating better but still has an upset tummy so although I see signs of improvement, he still is not off the worried list.
Sue xx

Feeling better

possibly - I think Genghis is feeling a tad more lively today. He came upstairs, he tried some cat biscuits and he has eaten some Turkey; all very good signs I think. We just gave him a shot of medicine in his mouth which shocked the poor boy somewhat, but it is worth seeing if it helps with whatever it is that is bothering him.

Today I took all the decorations down again. I hate having them up once Christmas has passed. I like things to return to normal and prepare for the coming year. It takes a while to lose that Christmassy look around the house, it all seems so bare by comparison, but it is Christmas Past already, and we can look forward to next year and all being here together.

Last night we had a go with my little portable printer. It worked fine but I need to discover how to place the photo correctly to prevent the chopping off of heads!! Colour etc is fine, so I am eager to print out all the Christmas photos and complete the mini album I started. Something to look forward to tomorrow morning.

Friends coming on Friday evening for supper so that is a wonderful reason to cook something different!
I want to start tomorrow so my thinking cap is going on and I am flipping through my cookery books with pleasure once again.

Stil to face the ironing....................there's a lot of it so that is what is keeping me from attacking it I suppose. Ah well, won't get done on its own I suppose...........
Sue xx

Shopping

Tim is going to Sweden in February for three weeks so today we took advantage of the sales and went to Alkmaar to search for a coat and some good shoes/boots for him. A coat? We looked everywhere but simply couldn't please the young man at all! Then we searched for a shop selling Timberlands because that was absolutely the one and only make he was prepared to contemplate. I suggested we go in all the different shoe shops since you can't tell unless you go in and ask, whether they sell them or not, but no, he knew better than me. Took so much longer! Finally we stumbled across exactly the same pair as he had at home but in the wrong colour and several years old, but not at the sale price. All the ones next to this pair were reduced. I refused. I suggested he try the other colours which were reduced. He preferred the first pair. Eventually the sales guy offered the pair Tim preferred at the same sale price and we all left the shop happy bunnies!!! We got some pyjamas as well, since I reckon he will be staying in a sort of youth hostel where he has to go down the corridor to the bathroom, therefore needs something to wear in the night.....he is convinced otherwise, but I feel sure he will be thanking me when he gets home!!! The coat did not happen. He has an idea in his head of what he is looking for - and we didn't see it. A chip off the old block(s) if ever there was one!!!!
A nice early lunch in our favourite cafe-bar and off to the vets for Finka's sedatives. She needs them for 31st December and the fireworks at midnight. Worked a treat last year. Whilst we were there I mentioned our concerns about Genghis to the assistant and I am just waiting to speak with our vet and decide how we can help him for the best. Its just this feeling I have about him..............
Sue xx

Not such glad tidings

My mother was admitted into hospital on Christmas Day following a recent fall. She has fractured her pelvis in three places, and is generally unwell. Thankfully my sister lives close by and is there to make sure she gets the right health care etc. Sometimes it is difficult living on the other side of the water!!! Just have to wait and see how she fares this coming week and hope for the best.
Sue xx

Last check

and Santa is on his way! Google Earth has a Santa Tracker which shows exactly where he is and where he is going to next!! He was heading for Lithuania when I looked so getting closer all the time!
I've put out his Mince Pie and some White Chocolate Liqueur this year as a change from the usual Sherry.
Hope everyone has a lovely Christmas!!! Time for bed I think.
Sue xx

The day before the day...........

is all about shopping, cooking, last minute jobs, listening to carols, watching films, and generally getting ready!!! So what have I done so far this morning?......................

seeing the tulips starting to fill out

Seeing the cats loving their Christmas present!!!

Adding the last decoration to the top of the tree

Starting off the Bread Sauce

Breadcrumbs for the sauce!

Orange and White Chocolate Mousse Cake for in the freezer!

All in all I am satisfied with the way things are going. Tim is still not home having started in the bakery at 1a.m - it now being 12.30.......so I am anticipating an extremely tired young man home this afternoon. He worked over 12 hours yesterday, and long days since Monday and his mood was not getting any better last night!! He did get some cash though, which was really nice of his placement as the kids don't get anything for all they do when they are in school. He can save it towards Sweden!!!
Finka has taken a dislike to my CD of  Carols and departed as fast as her long legs could carry her when I put it on this morning! Genghis is too worn out to even think about moving from his soft spot on the radiator...........I am still worrying about him.

Last night I stayed up late (for me), and watched The Nativity on BBC 2 which I loved and laughed at. Then it was The Miracle on 34th Street of course, which is a must at Christmas, so all that is left is to find something for this evening, continue with the dinner preparations, bring out the presents once Tim is in bed.............put out the sherry and mince pie for Father Christmas...............and wait.
Sue xx

T'was the Night before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Morning market

Off out into the dark shortly as I want to get to the market early and be able to park the car!! Then its picking up our Turkey, and doing as much of the food shopping as possible today. Still no decision about our pudding so we have to think about that still, but for the rest we are satisfied with our choices.

There was reason to celebrate here last night but I will wait to elaborate until the good news has been shared elsewhere! But we are very, very happy!! Sometimes being happy for someone else is just as rewarding as if it were for yourself.

Tim was up and away in the early hours as he is anticipating a really busy day at work. He had made a delicious chocolate Tulband yesterday of which there was little left by the time I came home! I need to marzipan our cake today as well.....its so small I keep forgetting it is there! The fudge has set better now, so it is in chunks in the fridge, and still highly edible. Might make a present from it yet!

I am off in search of a cat hammock this morning as it is supposed to be their present! We had one last year but Finka practically shredded the fur on it so it is kinda bald in patches. They are pressed against the radiator on my stool right now, so I think they are hinting quite clearly that the hammock is better!
See what I can find......................
Sue xx