Celebratory Lunch

I had a celebratory lunch today. I was celebrating the fact I didn't have any sickness or nausea for the third day running. And also my lovely friends birthday.

My friend is so lovely that on her birthday last week she sent me a new top in the post. I only managed to send her a card, thinking I was seeing her today so I would pass on my gift to her then. I felt rather bad about the fact that I was the one with the gift last week.

We have been friends for about 5 years now. In fact, the circumstances of my initial diagnosis led to us becoming good friends. I didn't know her that well then, more a friend of friends. She had just qualified as a reflexologist having left a very successful career as a solicitor. Law just wasn't for her. And in her thirties she found herself able to retrain. So when she heard I wasn't well she offered to give me some reflexology to help get me through my first, and back then we thought it would be my only, course of chemotherapy. I didn't even know what reflexology was. But she gave me the wonderful gift of visiting me at home a couple of times a week, giving me treatments, and chatting and encouraging me.

Since then we have remained good friends. I have had lots more reflexology since then from her. I have no idea why rubbing certain points on your feet can have the impact that it does. I believe we are fearfully and wonderfully made and all I can say is I have left with migraines cleared, slept better, and also found it particularly helpful at alleviating the side effects of various hormone treatments I been prescribed.

But more than that we have shared our laughter and tears. Ups and downs of each others lives. And although I would never of chosen the circumstances of us becoming friends, I am really grateful to have her in my life.

She has just had a little boy so it is limited how much reflexology I can have from her right now. But she was offering me to turn up to her home in my PJ's and use out in her spare room, her bath, anything really and be in chemo land in her beautiful home and she would look after me any time. I will have to see whether I take her up on it but I promised I would think about it.

Life may have dealt me some really tough cards but I know I do have some really lovely friends. I know I didn't need to get cancer to tell me that, but to feel the strength of their support is something really quite wonderful.

Pancake Day

I have just had lots of laughter and fun over a stack of delicious pancakes at my friends home. Lemon and sugar is the best way to serve a pancake in my book.

Last year I gave up clothes shopping for lent. This year I am giving up nothing at all. Far too hard given the elephant situation. There is a time for discipline and a time for enjoying grace.

And now is a time where treats are very much allowed.

Well done United

At last. I hear you had a good game.

Well done Wayne Rooney especially. 4 goals. The boy did good. And I am personally grateful to you for raising my husband's hopes for the league.

I am told we are big fans of Manchester United but not big fans of the Glazers. I don't understand the debt issues, but I hear they are not good. I haven't actually tried to understand them to be fair, but as a qualified, all be it not practicing, Chartered Accountant, I maybe should be able to get my head around it.

All I know is that if you are a true fan then you didn't wear your red and black United scarf to the match today. You wore green and gold.

Any one know the significance of green and gold?

Birthday Fun for Debra

Just back from a lovely evening celebrating Debra's birthday. Misbah cooked a fantastic meal. Again. Dahl curry and rice and salad was delicious.

I made the Nigella damp lemon and almond cake as a birthday cake pudding, and it came out rather well even if I do say so myself.

Debra got some lovely smelly White Company toiletries and a make up book. She is the queen of make up. And a fab friend too.

All round a really nice evening with two great friends.

I made a slight hitch with the time we were meant to be meeting so for the second time today caused all sorts of alarm bells with my very unlike Jo lateness... sorry girls, and Sal this morning. I will try better at getting up on time and arriving when I need to. Brain like mush sometimes these days....

Down South

We are back home now after our Christmas travels. We made a speedy return home, despite weather warnings. Just as well it was speedy. I developed a migraine quite quickly into our journey and didn't feel very well at all. A large dose of cocodemel and some shut eye meant I actually slept most of the way home. Jonny has a cold but was still very kind and drove us all the way.

We are currently collapsed on the sofa. I think there is something wrong with our TV. It seems to permanently be showing episodes of Top Gear. Anyway, after a couple of hours of rest, the show will go on. I will perk myself up and put on a pretty frock and make it round the corner to lovely Sally's house for New Year celebrations.

We had a nice couple of days up north. We went over to Manchester yesterday for Jonny to go to the match and see Kate and Tim and nephews Freddie and Flynn. They are all well. The boys were busy with their toys. Freddie is very good at reading. Flynn is very good at playing with/destroying his farm. When they were all tucked up in bed and the bigger boys, Jonny and Tim, were at the match, us girls had a nice dinner and then watched the Turning of the Screw on TV with a glass of wine. I am wondering if the white wine and chocolate combo may have triggered this nasty head thing today, as it has before. Must remember that.

I haven't got much further with my New Years resolution list. I think I should drink more water. And focus what is going on in my life that is positive rather than what isn't. It's a fine balance though. I think I also have to acknowledge what I am grieving for. The loss I live with daily. To ignore it is unhelpful. Being positive in my book is not to dismiss or ignore what is going on, or what is lost.

This morning I was prompted to think of good things that have happened in 2009:

• Great holidays: Baja, Tuscany, Jordan, Vancouver Island, Barcelona and Jerusalem. Yes - all great trips indeed for which I am very grateful
• New friendships
• My church has been a great support and blessing to me
• Faithfulness of lasting friendships, who acknowledge the elephant, but still see me as me.
• Family fun - celebrating birthdays etc or just time together
• Started my course - after much deliberation, which has been a positive thing for me to do
• Jonny still has a job despite a volatile situation in the city
• United won the league

I know there are more things I could add to this list.

I also know this is only part of the story. Sometimes I feel people just see what they want to see. It is too hard to see what else is going on, so we just see these things that I have done. Yes I do some great things. I have some great people in my life. I also have this bloomin elephant. And a heart that has much loss and pain in it. There is such a mesh of emotions. And like others dealt tough cards in life, I just get on with it the best I can.

And the best I can do for tonight is have a nice long bath, put on my make up and a smile and go and enjoy seeing in the New Year with my Jonny by my side, in my lovely friends home, a glass of champagne in my hand and faith in my heart.

Happy New Year.

Midnight mass at St Georges

We ate extremely well yesterday evening. After a quiz that I did in fact WIN due my expert knowledge of bananarama tracks and 1980's tv theme tunes. This is the first time ever that I think I have beaten Jonny at a quiz. Anyway we had a feast. Sanna, who is Finnish, is also here for Christmas. In Finland the big day is Chrismas Eve so we didn't want her to miss out:

We also presented our secret Santa gifts last night. Kate seemed to genuinely like her Star and Bucks tacky mug and olive wood camel:

I was very touched by a beautiful olive leave pendant which represents steadfastness. It moved me. Jonny got a "visit palestine poster." Sanna got a lovely pendant. But John did the best. The revolving lamp is quite possibly the tackiest thing I have ever seen. Hilarious.

Anyway Kate and John and I walked to st Georges, full of pink champagne:

It was a beautiful service. I don't really like "high" but somehow this seemed special. It was the same sermon as earlier by the same Bishop. But the singing was amazing. Helped massively by the presence of Clare College Cambridge choir in the congregation. Silent night by candlelight has never felt so Christmassy. This is the candle for my BBBs.

I think today is going to be all about the food. The turkey is huge. So huge it literally fills the oven:

There are so many things about living in the UK that we take for granted. Like Waitrose. Kate had to order this turkey from the only Christian butchers in Bethlehem. And a whole load of Christmas food in from the UK. You just can't get the range of food we are so used to here. But as most of Jerusalem is still open for business as usual we can always pop out if we have forgotten anything.

Christmas blessings to everyone.

Christmas Day: Take 1

I've just had a lovely Christmas Day. I know it isn't actually December 25th today, but as we are away for Christmas this year, my side of the family celebrated today.

As we were hosting, there was a big emphasis on planning the menu:

Starter: Smoked Salmon platter (courtesy of Sarah and Jon) with Dates stuffed with cheese wrapped in pancetta.

Mains: Roast Turkey crown, Fully festive Ham, Pigs in Blankets, Roast Potatoes, Roast Parsnips, Gingerbread Stuffing, Sprouts, Carrots, Bread Sauce, Cranberry Sauce, Gravy.

Afters: Bouche de Noel, Jelly (courtesy of Mum,) Ice Cream (courtesy of Green and Blacks)

I started preparing 2 days ago. Nigella provided the instructions for most of it, she rarely lets me down and the first section of the Feast book was the source of guidance for most of the mains.

The Ham is my traditional thing to make at Christmas. I have never cooked a turkey before though so followed her method of soaking it in water with lots of spices, which apparently guarantees that it will not dry out. It didn't. The Gingerbread stuffing was also a new one for us. It was recommended by a friend. Jonny didn't like it but everyone else did.

After our night out last night I was a little weary this morning and there were quite a few dishes on the go. Fortunately we had prepared a lot in advance and brainy Jonny provided me with a timing schedule. It was still a bit hectic when we all sat down but everyone ate well.

Maisie had little / no interest in her sleep today. So was a little over excited. We opened all our presents around the tree after lunch, the way we always do, and the biggest hit with Maisie was her Peppa Pig umbrella. We all got lots of nice things.

I sit here rather tired this evening, despite the assistance of lots of hands to wash and wipe and a dishwasher. I have that content Christmas feeling though. Grateful for a lovely day. Grateful for family. Just grateful for today. Christmas day: Take 1.

Oh no - BA Strikes - Grrr...

I can't believe it.

BA have just announced that cabin crew will be striking from 22 December til 2 January. We are due to fly on 22 December to be with our dear friends in Jerusalem all over Christmas. And our flights are with BA.

Apparently they will continue with talks and there is still hope that the strike will be called off. Can I just say:

Dear BA Crew Union or whoever you may be,

I understand you are upset that your company is not making as much money and this has an impact on your employment contracts. I appreciate that you are having to work longer hours with less crew. I accept this is tough for you.

BUT this is common to most industries at the moment. Things are just not fair. My husband researches tech companies for a bank. He had NOTHING to do with any of the decisions around dodgy US mortgages, but as he works for a bank, he has to pay a shed load more tax than the rest of the UK population and has been working ridiculous hours all year and will not be receiving financial compensation for this either. We don't think this is fair. But my husband still gets up at 5.30 every morning and goes to work for 12 hours because that is the way life is right now.

This is the global financial situation we find ourselves in. And for us, who have had a shed load of other rubbish thrown at them this year with my health, we have been very much looking forward to Christmas with our friends. More than you can imagine. We have to take the rough with the smooth.

Lots of people don't have jobs. If you don't turn up to yours, then the impact on people like us - who are also suffering "unfair" compensation because of the recession, and loads of other stuff that is unfair actually - will be hugely disappointing.

I know you don't know us. But I am asking you to think of us. Two people who have paid for their flights to be with their friends for Christmas. Who have planned their Christmas time. And really need YOU to go to work. Please.

Best wishes

Jo Blogz

Christmas Jumpers

My friend Beth had a birthday quiz at The White Horse in Richmond on Saturday night. The dress code was "Christmas Jumpers," which not all of us rose to but here we are - looking fully festive I think.

Great Christmas buffet. Great Quiz. Just a shame that without Jonny sat by my side my team came last. We even drafted in help from actor John Hannah, who was in the pub with his very beautiful wife. He tried to help us out with our Disney round but couldn't remember much either. Nice man.

Happy Birthday Beth-star.

Christmas Party Wardrobe Crisis

I have Christmas drinks this evening at Jonny's boss's house. They are really lovely people and I am happy to go along it's just that...

... I never know what to wear or what to say at these things. I know the safe option for these things is black. I just look like a ghost in too much black. I shared this with my friend earlier in the week who then let me raid her walk-in wardrobe that is full of lots of beautiful things. I had serious wardrobe envy. BUT this just about saved the day as I now have 3 possible dresses, different shades of tights, 1 pair of boots and 1 possible pair of shoes and it has to be a combination of these.

So that is clothes sorted. I just need to find my voice. Seriously I sound like an ancient croaky lady right now. I have had a sore throat all week and now my voice has gone really funny and it is a bit of a strain to talk.

Maybe I should wear a sign saying I have lost my voice and then I won't need to stress about what to say either.

Not sure that is going to work and I really should have spent more time reading the financial section of the paper the last couple of days so I can keep up on any intelligent chat about current affairs such as Alistair Darling trying to destroy the service sector 20 years after the Tories destroyed the country's manufacturing base. Or the Nobel peace prize going to Barack Obama before he has done much. Instead I think I may need to seek out another WAG and talk about the X factor or Strictly Come Dancing. I wish I had more brain cells.

UPDATE:

Had a lovely evening. Was suitably dressed in a sparkly enough outfit and was good to put names to faces. Beautiful home, free flowing champagne and very nice canapes made for a really nice time. Turns out if I talk cooking and pilates I can get myself through a social evening like this too. No reading of the FT needed. Either that or it is blindingly obvious that I am just not that intelligent. (I'm a qualified Chartered Accountant actually, but just not a very clever one.)

Anatomy Lesson - Take 2

It has been a busy weekend. Around about Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week I was worried about whether I would have enough energy to keep going. As is often the way, things had all fallen on the same dates. I had my course yesterday and today and the bash last night. However, I have managed to do all these things.

As I woke to the alarm at 9.15 this morning I was glad the studio was 5 minutes round the corner. I was not sure how much anatomy I would be able to take in today though.

The teacher is great though and I had a really good day. I "got" more of it today than the previous lesson. I have the approach. Place the bones in the right position. The muscles on top. And then strengthen, stabilise or stretch those muscles (and breathe) depending what is needed.

I have my practice session next week, before the Christmas break. I think January will be busy with the course, with all of us feeling like we need to give it a big "push" then. But I think doing this, this weekend, has made me more energetic rather than less, and also made me just get on and do the things that make me feel good. Am firmly set up on the sofa in front of the sky plus box for this evening though. This body needs a rest now and I know it. And how nice to come home to a decorated Christmas tree. Thank you Jonny.

The Masked Ball

Last night we went to the Masked Ball. The event was to celebrate the 40th birthdays of one of Jonny's football friend and his wife. I found myself in the slightly strange position of not knowing either of the hosts and yet being invited. The theme was Masked Ball - White Tie for boys, and Moulin Rouge/sluts for girls. Ahem. Bit of a challenge when you don't know the hosts and only know a couple of others going. As usual, easy for the boys. Jonny ordered a white tie suit to hire from Moss Bross. Mine was a slightly harder challenge. I ended up wearing the Burgundy Bridesmaids dress and a fur borrowed from my sister. Adding the masks we bought off the internet, this is what the JC's came up with:


But enough about us. This was someone else's bash after all. And what a do. I was amazed by the marquee - fully draped in purple velvet, with candlesticks and huge flower arrangements. The most amazing thing on arrival was the champagne table. The masked lady was inside the table to hand us our drinks:

There were magicians, a live snake, a fire eating belly dancer. The drinks and canapes were free flowing. The hosts changed their costumes about 4 times in the evening. Some had hired the most amazing moulin rouge outfits. Lots of feather bowers, push up corsets and fish net tights. So even though we didn't know that many people, there was lots of people watching to be done.

I was worried about whether I would have enough energy for the evening. But I did keep going and had a fun evening. There was a slightly worrying moment when we couldn't locate our taxi driver at about 2am this morning... he had fallen asleep whilst waiting for us. Falling asleep in a marquee in Bucks was not really in the plan. Instead we found him and I snoozed in the cab all the way home. I made it to bed about 3.30am this morning. Now that really doesn't happen very often for me. What crazy kids we are.

PS. Couldn't resist posting a picture of the very pretty fairy cakes. Yum.

December

Nice month. I'm not ignoring the elephant but I'm just too darn tired to go there with the emotions right now. So plan on just trying as best I can to enjoy the next few weeks. We have nice things planned. I'm going to masked ball on Saturday evening. Apparently the champagne is going to be free flowing. I'm looking forward to Christmas meals and very much to Christmas in Jerusalum. A time of friends, family, faith.

On that note. Time to go and get the fibre optic snowman village out of the loft. I will post a picture. It has to be seen to be believed. Woolworths tat at it's finest.

Top UK on-line Christmas Shopping websites

So. I have spent the day stretching. A lot. All good. Am enjoying a lot. And came home and did some more Christmas shopping. I have done a lot of Christmas shopping this week. Without leaving the sofa. In no particular order, these sites are great:

http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/

Great for original gifts for any occasion. If you are ever stuck for a birthday gift idea or Christening gift, or something original this is the place to go. Has saved me on more than one occasion

http://www.pedlars.co.uk/

New discovery this year. Great for vintage British gift ideas. Anything from kitchen gadgets to games to clothes. Used this quite a bit this year

http://www.amazon.com/

Can't beat it. Why would anyone buy books or cds from anywhere else? Can also get loads of other stuff here these days, from hoovers to gym gear to kids toys. They are no longer using Royal Mail. I have had several big boxes arrive next day this week.

http://www.marksandspencers.com/

Those who know me well, know my soft spot for Marksies. They come up with the goods again and again. Very reasonably priced and friends can return if they don't like with no fuss.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/

Not necessarily for second hand stuff, lots of traders use this as a point of sale these days. Cath Kidston noticeboard anyone? This is the place to be. Also if your nearest and dearest happens to ask for a 20 year old meccano set for Christmas, check this out.

http://www.breastcancercampaign.org/shop/products/

Couldn't help plugging my charity of choice. Bought all my cards and wrap from here and well...if you are struggling for knowing which charity to support then, why don't you?

http://www.thewhitecompany.com/

Beautiful things at slightly silly prices. But who wouldn't like something from the White Company. I am dreaming of the full length cashmere gown...

http://www.johnlewis.com

Newly done website - a lot more available on line than there used to be and my sources on the inside inform me that you can now arrange for your order to be sent to your local Waitrose and you can pick it up from there so you don't need to wait in for a delivery of large items. Nice.

There you have your starter for 10. Will update with more should if I have missed anything. Happy Clicking.

Christmas Cake 2009

Right. Enough of all that doom and gloom of yesterday. Today is another day. I did mention that I baked my Christmas cake yesterday. This is all slightly nuts as proper Christmas cake rarely all gets eaten. I'm also now on a sugar strike. It's not that mine is not any I good I'm sure. It's just that it's not that popular.

I, however, always make one. To be honest the main reason is because I love to feed the cake. You see Delia says that to get the best rich cake, then you need to make it many weeks in advance and then feed it some brandy at regular intervals. I love this bit. It's like nourishing your cake to make it even richer and more Christmassy. So, if any one wants any around Christmas time - this cake is going to be laced with booze.

It take about 4 and half hours on a low temperature to cook. And preparation time starts at least 12 hours earlier when you soak all your fruit in brandy. I put mine in the oven last night before we went out and returned to the house full of those lovely spicy Christmassy smells. I even had that smell on waking this morning. A bit like when I do the festive ham and boil it for a couple of hours or so.

Anyway, the upshot of starting the cake is that I also need to start thinking about Christmas. I have had emails and phone calls from family asking what we want. The main problem being Jonny who is SO hard to buy for. As we are away this year it also feels like I need to start getting organised a little earlier. Christmas cards and wrapping paper have been bought. Is it worth sending any given the post issue? Whatever. Send them anyway.

I love Christmas. I'm ok with cold weather and getting dark early up until then. And I like the preparation and the project of it all. And this year I am going to be in Bethlehem. Now it doesn't get much more Christmassy than that.

Jamie's Recipease: Northcote Road

Last night we went to learn "How to cook the Perfect Steak." I've been to a couple of other places for cooking evenings. I'm quite big on experiences these days, so this was a great birthday present. And the fact it was steak even got Jonny interested.

This place was a lot more informal and relaxed than other places I have been for cooking lessons, and definitely had that Jamie feel about it. Small group - 10 max, and you can see from the picture you got your own workstation in this area that just forms the rear part of the store.

We started with a glass of wine whilst our host explained to us the different cuts, and showing us how to cook them. We get to try them to get the taste buds going. We learnt that, in her opinion, rib eye gives the best flavour, whilst fillet is the most tender but less strong flavour. So, from what I can remember, your top tips for the perfect steak are:

• Finger test. Thumb to forefinger - meaty part of hand texture = medium rare. Thumb to middle finger = medium. Thumb to ring finger = well done.
• Medium rare is best flavour as the blood and juices are what gives it the flavour
• Get your plan REALLY smokey hot
• Bring steak to room temperature before placing on hot pan (about half an hour)
• Add oil and seasoning generously whilst your steak is on the board. Never add oil to the pan.
• Once steak is in pan, prod it a lot but do not move it.
• Once steak starts to lift from pan - it is sealed and you can turn it
• Only need to turn a steak maximum of 4 times
• Once you see the blood juices coming through - you have a pretty good indication of medium rare
• Allow the steak to rest for approx 5 minutes before serving
• Cut against the grain of the steak

I had to upload this one as it is such a rare picture of Jonny cooking his own dinner. Bless.He looks so serious about it too:

After the steaks were cooked to perfection, we all sat down and ate them with salad and new potatoes and maybe a little more wine. As it is a small group, there is ease of conversation with others at the evening and lots of fun. I tell my fellow chefs that I will be writing a review of this place on my blog so what do they think of it? The overriding consensus is that it is a really fun evening and everyone would definitely go again. Jamie's development points (oh dear I still sound like a big 4 firm consultant...) were:

• Could have brought in more about how to cook the trimmings like potatoes etc
• Most people would have liked some guidance on the sauces you can make with your steak
• No goody bag. A little take home recipe card or something would have been a nice gesture.

After closing the four of us wander on for just one more drink. We end up in Be @ One where I haven't been for 8 years when I first moved to London. We may have ended up doing some good moves to cheesy music (like Baywatch theme tune!) whilst Jon Young played his leg air guitar. Oh dear. But was a very fun evening. Thanks Sis.

Banishing Birthday Blues

So. I have been a little blue in the lead up to this birthday for various reasons. I was being difficult about wanting to do anything really. I am going to Jamie's recipe place on the Northcote Road to learn "How to cook the perfect steak" on Friday evening courtesy of my sister, so thought that would be my little celebration. That would be good fun, and that would be that.

But, when my lovely local friend said to me last week "can I at least cook you dinner on your birthday?" I found myself saying yes without hesitation. Life has dealt me some tough cards, but I have always been blessed with some really great friends. And I have been so amazed that, despite the presence of the elephant in my life, I have still been able to make some really special local friends too. And last night turned out to be a small but lovely gathering of some of my Sheen and Richmond buddies who I share my life with.

A really fun and relaxed evening. I felt spoilt with little gifts and cards, great food and company. I am really grateful for such a lovely evening.

I had some really nice presents for my birthday. Now, it's not that my other gifts are not going to be cherished - but special thanks to 9 year old Harry for this cake:

Jamie Oliver in the making if you ask me. Tasted fab.

Wedding Anniversary - Brouge Restaurant Richmond

It was our third wedding anniversary yesterday. Anniversaries, birthdays and celebrations can be hard sometimes, bringing to the surface emotions of how life could have been or should have been. However, we had a really nice evening at this restaurant that was recommended by some our local friends, despite the fact when I meet Jon at Richmond station we both confess we are feeling rather tired. I love evenings that surprise you like that - where you end up actually having a really lovely time.

The only hitch in the evening really was that I managed to book the place by phone, without knowing exactly where it is. There was mild humorous grumpiness from my Jonny as we stood in the middle of Richmond, his blackberry not working, and neither of us being able to see the place, despite having walked up and down where I thought it was. Thoughts of "that's the end of that" came to mind. Should you ever find yourself in the same pickle - it is on the same side of the road as All Bar One, to the right of it as you look at it and downstairs. To be fair to me this place is a little hidden.

However, once inside it is clear it is popular - it is busy with locals. No sign of the credit crunch in here.

The drinks menu is extensive with a great selection of Belgian beers and french wines. They even have a champagne beer that takes our eye, but we pass on it and Jonny has a satisfying pre dinner lager and go for my predictable glass of fizz. If nothing else the beer menu is a great talking point - raspberry beer and banana beer are on offer for example and it gives good advice as to what courses or dishes these would be good with if you are up for being adventurous.

The Belgian menu is fab. The specials board has 3 starters, mains and puddings, which to be honest we would have been happy to eat any of. We both order from the specials for starters, Jonny has the prawn and avocado cocktail. I have the figs and goats cheese wrapped in parma ham with honey and balsamic dressing. These were delicious and we talk about how the retro prawn cocktail is making a come back and really it should never have gone out of fashion as it does exactly what a starter should really. Not fill you up, but get your taste buds going.

We both go for Moulles Frites for our mains. Jon from the specials again has one with smoked haddock chucked in, I go for the dairy free (yey!) lemongrass cooked in coconut cream variety. Huge portions - so delicious we pollish off the lot.

As for dessert. We really are too full. But as it is a celebratory dinner and are having fun we decide to go for it anyway. Jonny has a meringue and strawberry thing - I ask the kitchen to produce me a Belgian waffle with chocolate sauce and no ice cream - this is no bother at all and we end up eating most of them.

All in all I thought this place was great. We had nice wine, but not including drinks the bill came to £60 for 3 courses for both of us, and I think if we had eaten this food in town (say J Sheekey)it could have cost double that. And the service was attentive and helpful.

So we had a nice evening. Nothing too emotional and we stay on a level of just enjoying it for what it is. Best line of the night. I say to my husbund "So, what was your favourite part of our wedding day?" He looks worried, in a kind of "I'm really worried I am not going to get the right answer to this one, and I wasn't expecting that" kind of way. He pauses... "Er - Getting married?" I wasn't looking for anything deep, good job really, and that's a good enough response for me.

We don't do anniversary presents. Well, apart from last year, when I bought myself a mulberry wallet and told Jon it was my anniversary present from him, which he went a slightly funny colour at - he was thinking more along the lines of just a card I think - but given it was bought and in use, it was no time to quibble. We did get a lovely little something in the post from a friend though. How cute is this:

Biscuits in the shape of champagne and a lovely little message. How nice and thoughtful is that?