Funny festive feast

On Saturday Mas was feeling rather depressed and end of yearish, but we did our usual things and tried to have a reasonable day in spite of this, and watched something on TV in the evening.

Today, Sunday, we went to Tania and Robert's home at midday, as we had been invited for lunch together with some relatives and friends; in total there was nine of us. The weather was cold and bright, and when we arrived we joined the others and had some welcome mulled wine and mince pies. We all chatted while we waited for the Christmas dinner to be served; Tania's relatives were laughing a lot, and we soon found out why.

Apparently Tania had bought such a huge turkey that it would not fit into her oven, as she also wanted to roast some vegetables. Seeing the dilemma, Tania had secretly dug a huge hole in the garden the previous day, as you do, and put in some charcoal.

Today she slipped out of bed before Robert was awake, so avoiding inevitable criticism. She then set fire to the charcoal and placed the turkey into the hole and covering it carefully, and filled in the hole with earth again. The relatives kept asking Tania to open it up, to see how it was going, but as Tania pointed out it would let all the heat out. I was shown the site where the turkey was planted, and a thin trickle of smoke or steam was rising from the soil. There were many jokes about the turkey having the Last Rites, and people tapping their watches and laughing. The smoke alarm went off twice, adding to the hilarity. Eventually Tania dug up the turkey, only to find that it had not really cooked all through; one of the friends gave an imitation of how the turkey looked. As a precaution Tania had also cooked a small turkey without legs, and diner was soon served with all the festive fixings to go with it, and was delicious.

After this Tania bought in a traditional Christmas pudding, complaining that it would not catch fire as she had poured lots of rum on it (more laughter), and then a cheese cake with chopped fresh fruit in it; when asked what the fruit was, Tania replied that it was fresh piss, being unsure of the pronunciation, which caused another burst of laughter. Thinking about this later I suspect it was Persimmon, or Sharon fruit. Then to top this, a meringue was bought in with pomegranate and passion fruit sprinkled on top of it! At this point it would have been impossible to eat anything else, and we did not need the big turkey!

When sitting down later we had some champagne and Tania showed us the small winter hats that she had been knitting, most too small for a human head, and, by this time all restraint had
gone, and a new crop of jokes was produced with more laughter.

I think Tania is one of the most generous people I know, and she was joining in with the laughter too. I don't think I have ever been to a meal where everyone had so much to laugh about before, and I am sure none of us will forget it.

Christmas day and Boxing day

On Christmas day we were woken at 9.30 am, which is late for us, by a neighbour. We had a very relaxed day talking and watching TV. Pete called, and we chatted for a while. We saw Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which we both thought was the best of these films that we had seen, and some of the Battlestar Gallacticas that Toby had sent. A cozy day with Salty in front of the fire; we tried out the new laser light cat toy, but he got so excited we had to stop after a short time.

On Boxing Day Monica phoned to postpone our visit as she was, sadly, feeling rather ill, but the boys were feeling better by now. We had a surprise call from Eileen saying that she and my brother Alex would be in our neighbourhood in the evening, and could they visit us, and so they arrived later bearing whisky based mince pies and a bottle of wine. We sat in front of the fire chatting about their holiday; visiting St. Petersburge, Estonia and Finland, while Alex played with Salty.
It was nice to see them both.

Christmas Eve

This week we spent a lot of time watching TV, and contacting friends. On Christmas Eve we went up to St. Albans and met Robert and Tania at the Bua Thai restaurant where as usual we had a lovely meal and had lots to talk about. As we left the restaurant it was getting dark, and the market was lit up, and so were the decorations. It looked very cheerful, sadly I had forgotten to take my camera.

We drove home, and unpacked the fruit and vegetables. Maheena called round bringing Christmas presents, and we had some herb tea and cake, and as usual with Maheena we had a lot to laugh about.

A relaxed breakfast and chats with Monika

Today is worth celebrating as it is the shortest day, and the days will lengthen from now on.

Mas and I went off for an earlyish and slow breakfast at The Man in the Moon, after our usual waking up coffees. It was a nice bright day, and afterwards we got some shopping before returning home. Monika phoned to check her intended menu for Boxing Day, and to try and persuade us to accept a lift from Oktay on that day. Milan was not feeling well, so she said she would phone to confirm our arrangements on Boxing Day.

In the evening we finished watching Pete's Frasiers, and looked at another one of our sci-fi series.

Adventures with Salty

Today as usual, I took Salty into the garden, after a brief but dangerous struggle to put his halter on. He went happily round the garden and he sharpened his claws on several trees, trying desperately to sprint up them all, but being restrained by me. As we were coming back, Mas came into the garden, and before I noticed, Salty had got free from the halter and had rushed to the side gate that leads to the front garden and road, and I rushed after him. Salty turned to face me and hissed, which was a first for him, and surprised me too!

Later Mas was sitting in the kitchen chatting, with Salty on his knees, and they were both watching me while I took the lentil and vegetable soup I had made, and put it in the blender. Without thinking I turned on the blender which is very loud, and the cat sprang upwards and backwards and was plastered on Mason's face which had also caused Mas to do one of his startled jumps for which he is rightly famous. The cat shot away, and it was along time before Mas and I could stop laughing, and go to find him.

In the evening we began watching Battlestar Gallactica which Mas had been looking forward to.

Sherry with Glen and a small party with friends

On Friday Glen came round as planned during the morning and we had biscuits and sherry and generally put the world to rights.

At seven we walked round to John and Margaret's where eleven of the usual suspects were gathered. As usual they had prepared a wonderful spread of tasty party food which we all enjoyed. We all had a really nice time chatting, and we suddenly discovered it was almost midnight, and went our separate ways home.

When we arrived home, we found that Salty had taken off all the small decorative birds that Tania had stuck on the holly wreath that she had given us, and had carried about a dozen of them all over the house, and there were toys strewn about everywhere too.

Knee deep in the North Sea with Barra Brieth and presents

On Monday morning the postman delivered a beautiful book that Diane had sent. Mas spent time on the computer and eventually fixed the problem. The next day was raining and dreary, and Mas had a bad back ache all day, and rested it a lot. In the evening ,after washing up I listened to Late Junction which is a radio programme I really like as it features world music, ancient and modern; one of the tracks I liked was by the Portico Quartet called Knee Deep in the North Sea http://www.babellabel.co.uk/

On Wednesday Glen called in bringing a large Barra Brieth, Welsh spotted bread which is fruity and delicious; she was surprised at how large Salty is now. Mas received a present from Romy and Tobe which pleased and surprised him. I went for a short walk posting letters and delivering cards to neighbours.

Misbehaving computers,cats and unusual animal parade

The computers were misbehaving all day and it seems that AOl were having problems too, so this kept Mas busy and frustrated most of the day. For a break we watched Merlin and later the dreary Wallender again.

On Monday I received a lovely surprise Christmas present from Diane, so I phoned her later, and she seemed in very good spirits which was nice too.

Salty on the other hand, seemed to have disapproved of the economy litter we had bought for him to use, and had dug up a planter in the conservatory and used that, but he had obviously enjoyed using earth and had thrown it all over the floor and window sills with great enthusiasm. I put it all together again, covering the earth with black plastic and orange peel, and put the more expensive litter back in his tray!

Joan sent some pictures, one with this unusual horse, a Gaited Leopard Appaloosa who is 26 years old.

This is a Bernese Mountain Dog. Every year in a village not too far away from where they live there is an All Animal Christmas Parade, but it is possible to see the owners and talk to them.

Optimistic hospital visit and general cheerfulness

We got up fairly early today as I had to go to the hospital again. Mas gave me a lift to the station and I took the tube to Belsize Park. Once in the hospital I went to the general surgery clinic and saw a surgeon and we discussed my progress. It was decided that I should have various tests next year, and a follow up appointment in June. I will be monitored by my usual department in the meantime, and have contacts should any problems arise. I left feeling optimistic.

As it was a nice day I walked up through Hampstead, calling in at the Post Office on the way, and being generally pleased that I was alive and a lot of things seem right with the world. I went home and had a catnap with the cat.

On Saturday we went shopping and had lunch at The Man in the Moon where it was surprisingly quiet for a Saturday,but it was pouring with rain. Later I spoke to Diane who seemed rather cheerful, and later to Toby who was also cheerful.

We watched a very good Italian film, which we are hoping will be a new series, called Inspector Montalbano. It showed lots of interesting scenery, and the characters were very nice and unusual. This caused us to stay up much later than usual, but we still had to play Salty's special mouse game before we could go up to bed!

Swiss surprise and a harnessed cat

This morning we received a package from Switzerland. Christian sent us a series of CDs he had made for us which we will enjoy looking at. Monika phoned with another kind invitation.

As Salty enjoys going out so much that he trembles with joy I made him a harness to wear so that he can walk about in the garden rather than me holding him. Just now we are frightened to give him full freedom until he is older and can find his way home again.




















In the evening we watched Quigley down under which starred Tom Sellick as a cowboy in Australia. This was an interesting film which showed the abuse of the Australian native people by the settlers, but in a fictional format.

Hot meal and cold shopping

On Wednesday we drove off to St. Albans, and got our shopping from the market early as it was very cold. We were happy to meet up with Tania and Robert and drink some nice hot jasmin tea in our usual Thai restaurant and have lunch. Tania had bought us a holly wreath that she had made for us, which will be the first decoration we put up.

When we left the restaurant it had got even colder, all the traders were blue, and on the fish stall the fresh fish were frozen rigid and I knew how they felt! It was 3° as we drove home. We had a beautiful drive home, the sky was translucent with the afterglow of the sunset, and there was an almost full moon in the sky.

We were glad to get indoors and have a hot cup of tea before we put our groceries away.

Vet visit

On Tuesday morning we put Salty into the cage we had borrowed from a neighbour and drove off to the vets in Boreham Wood. Salty went through his entire repertoire of meows, biting and scratching the plastic cage in between.

Once with the vet, Salty was the model of sweetness and good behaviour which lasted until we were back in the car again. The vet gave Salty an injection in his neck which he did not seem to notice at all, and we left with a worm pill to give him in two weeks time.

Irish hospitality and over eating.

On Monday, as arranged, we picked up Margaret and John and drove off to Hendon where we were meeting Christiane and Eddie at an Irish pub called The Claddach Ring. We had a lovely three course meal together, wearing paper hats.

Christiane and Eddie had bought Christmas gifts with them, and we had a very cheerful time. We were all so full, that we had to take home the mince pie that was served with the coffee to eat much later. We certainly did not need an evening meal either. That was a fun occasion.

TV fest and wild turkeys

Sunday 7th, we got some shopping.Later I began to do some of my Christmas cards; Mas has already done most of the family cards. We watched 'Allo 'Allo and Diagnosis Murder for an afternoon break.

In the evening we watched another episode of Wallender which, to me, is rather like watching paint dry, especially as everyone seems reluctant to answer a direct question or act spontaneously, and we have to go through every nuance of facial expression before any action is taken. Apart from that it is gorgeous.

Joan sent pictures of wild turkeys taken through her kitchen window!

The postman called while we were having breakfast. I received a parcel from Tobe and Romy containing some beautiful wool made by the Fleece Artist in dark bluey greens and some black wool to knit a beret with, and some bamboo knitting needles. I can hardly wait for my hands to be healed enough so that I can begin knitting! Also included in the parcel was enough of my favourite soap to last a year; what a luxury.

Monika, Oktay, Milan and baby Radovan arrived as planned, and we had a lot of talk to catch up with. Monika is frightened of cats, which I had not known, but she let the children play and touch him so that they would not be made to fear cats as well. Salty was on his best behaviour, and although he fights me with tooth and claw was really gentle with the children.



















Later we were invited to go for a Chinese meal in Edgware which we enjoyed. The restaurant was cheerful and busy, and the meal was self service where people were invited to eat as much as they could. I also enjoyed tickling Milan who has an infectious laugh. It was a nice day.

Car crash and crashed cat

We woke up to a severe frost, and found that someone had skidded on the corner and crashed into the car parked in front of ours which had been knocked into our car. Luckily there was not much damage to our car, and we decided to ignore it as it was mainly cosmetic.


As it was so cold we lurked indoors most of the day.














Monika phoned, and arranged to call in to see us tomorrow as they have to visit Edgware anyway.

Cheerful lunch and depressing television

On Wednesday was very cold and frosty, and as Tania and Robert could not meet us today we did not go to St. Albans as usual, but we got some essential shopping and had lunch at The Man in the Moon. There were two jolly groups of people having an early Christmas get together which was cheerful. We went home again, and spent the rest of the day keeping warm indoors.

Thursday was wet and cold.

I had a surprise e-mail from Ruth, and in the evening we watched another episode of Wallender which was even more depressing than the last one. We also watched one of a series called Apparitions with Martin Shaw as the priest who does exorcisms. This was also depressing!

We switched to Frasier for a little light relief.

The Royal Free hospital and The George pub

Today it was frosty outside, and I went to The Royal Free Hospital again, after another blood test I was advised that the medication was having too toxic an effect on me and that I had better not take the last course of pills. Diane was also attending the hospital, and we met up after we had finished our appointments.


We walked to the nearest pub called The George, which was previously known as The Rat and Parrot. We had a drink, me having my present favourite of Ginger Beer, and caught up a bit before going off on the tube in different directions.

Springing kitten and Swedish detective

Today we relaxed and had a slow breakfast appreciating our coffee. The sun was shining, making rainbows and sparkles all over the ceiling and wall of the dining room because of the chrystal that is suspended in front of the window. Salty, the kitten, spent ages springing at the wall trying to catch the moving sparkles, and pouncing on the ones on the carpet. I think we should have named him Sir Pouncealot.

In the afternoon we watched Diagnosis Murder, and in the evening saw one of a new series called Wallender with Kenneth Brannagh as the Swedish detective. It was interesting but rather depressing

Thank goodness for Thanksgiving

Pete, Lorraine, Mas and I went off for breakfast to the Man in the Moon before returning home and Mas preparing the Thanksgiving meal. Tania and Robert arrived as planned, but sadly Diane was not feeling well enough to come over as usual.

Lorraine gave me a bunch of Freesias which I really like, but had not arranged very well, so Tania did a pretty arrangement of them for me, and she also bought a bouquet of flowers, some from her garden.

We had arranged to have an early meal so that it would not make it too late for the journeys home afterwards, and it was Robert's busy weekend as he publishes and puts together a financial journal fortnightly.

We had a really nice meal, and sat about talking for a while. Robert took Pete and Lorraine off to Mill Hill station so they could catch the train back to Brighton before it got too late. Unusually everyone seemed rather tired, not just me, and when everyone left Mas and I had an emergency rest, the kitten coming for the rest as well, before clearing up and relaxing.

Boewolf and Mexican meal

I spent the next few days feeling tired, but on Friday I managed to pull myself together, and we went off to get shopping and had lunch out then spent a little time clearing up the house which had become filled with cat toys and shredded pieces of paper. In the evening we watched Boewolf , but neither of us liked the animation that was used very much.

On Saturday we were expecting Pete and Lorraine, so I scrubbed and polished the kitten and got him standing to attention. Unfortunately Lorraine lost her case en route, so Mas took Pete and Lorraine to get a few replacements. Afterwards Mas made a huge Mexican meal which we enjoyed.

In the evening we watched a few Frasiers before going off to bed.

Hospital care and car care

Mas had a hospital appointment today for a checkup, and I began to feel rather ill, so phoned the hospital and was told not to take any more of the pills that I had been prescribed, and to call them the next morning at 9.00am. Later Mas took the car off to the local garage as prearranged, and we watched some Frasiers on TV.

Today I went off to hospital, had an abdominal x-ray and blood test, and was told I may not be able to continue with the course of treatment as I am reacting to it quite severely. I will go back next week for another review.

In the meantime , although it was a really cold day, Mas had been clearing up leaves again in the garden while he waited for the garage to call. When I returned home the cat and I had a rest together, then Florence called and we talked for a long time. Mas finally went to pick up the car, and was pleased as they had done quite extensive work for a reasonable price.

Continuing car problems and cat's prayer

We phoned friends to see if anyone knew of a mechanic who made home visits to fix cars, and several of them tried to help, but we found ourselves waiting all day.

I found this charming 'Cat's Prayer'
http://cybermax2005.free.fr/chat/priere-chat.htm

The next day Mas and I managed to drive to Stanmore, and reached it as the car began to boil again. We had a quick lunch and bought some shopping as snow was forecast for the next day; it was certainly cold enough. Later Mas managed to get the car to the nearest garage and the mechanic said it could be one of several faults and to bring it in on Tuesday. In the meantime Mas tried to find out what the problem was with the help of Satish, and this carried on through the next day with Mas doing bouts of leaf clearing from the garden (the expected snow did not arrive, but it was fearfully cold).

On Sunday we awoke to a thin covering of snow, which surprised the cat more than somewhat.
Toby phoned and chatted for a while, and later Pete phoned too, but we were interrupted at one point by the cat stepping on my phone and cutting Pete off! In the evening we watched some funny Frasiers.

Devil cat and cantankerous car

Wednesday, the day we had to take Salty for his flu shot at the vets.....before we set off I wrapped Salty in a towel, and buttoned him into my coat as before, but we took a cardboard box to put him in in case there were large dogs in the waiting room at the vets.

We set off, and the kitten went rigid and pushed away from me, and began to get free, just as we were going through an awkward cross road. When we could, we stopped and stuffed the kitten into the cardboard box which he resisted with all his might, this of course did not stop him and he had soon forced the seams in the box apart, and was pushing his daemon mask full of barred teeth out of the box together with all the clawey bits. Luckily I had a thick jacket on and managed to put my arms across the holes, and then Salty decided to try and shred all the bits he could reach.

It was at this point that the car began to make a strange noise, and we soon realised that it was boiling, and the windows steamed up. And as quickly as we could we pulled into a car park, and turned the engine off, hoping we had done this before there was more damage to the car.

We went into the Vets, and Salty looked as if butter wouldn't melt in his mouth when he was let out of the box. He had his flu shot and a leukaemia shot too and was given a worm pill. The kind Vet lent us a cage to take him home in which was lucky as we had to walk to the car. The Vet also gave us some water and anti freeze. Walking past the shoppers one man asked us if we wanted our kitten, otherwise he did!

Mas attended to the car, and we set off with the cat meowing like a tap dripping; we did not get far before the car was dangerously overheating again, and we had to pull into a petrol station and put more water into the radiator, this now made four bottles of Evian water! We managed to get home just as the car began boiling again! We were so relieved to make it home after all this!

Return of the Pink Panther and snow scenes

Although it was a cold day Mas did some more garden work. I spoke to Pete. I am feeling increasingly tired and did not do too much except the essential housework and playing with Salty. In the evening we watched The Return of the Pink Panther which still makes us laugh.

Mas visited the doctor about his recent blood tests, and is also being referred for physiotherapy as he is still having a problem with his arm. We watched an episode of New Tricks in the evening. Joan sent these snowy pictures, the apples shown are really decorative, but even the donkeys will not eat them. More snow has been forecast!

TV Fest and snow squall

On Sunday we watched a re run of 'Allo 'Allo and in the evening an episode of Heartbeat. Mas watched Spooks which I do not like; I feel I have been involved in enough torturing already this year without looking for more on TV.

Joan sent this picture after a snow squall.

Kibbles for a Salty Katz

Friday the 14th, a sunny morning so Mas went out and cleared some of the leaves from the garden. The good news is that the kitten is eating kibbles, his special dry food for kittens. He has finally got a name now which is Salty Katz!

On Saturday, while having breakfast we had a surprise delivery of Narcissi from Diane which were sent from the Scilly Isles, and Salty really enjoyed the box they were sent in, biting it and dragging his toys into it. Florence phoned and we had a cheery long talk.

Early evening we watched Merlin which is quite colourful and entertaining. Later we saw a n episode of a new series called Outnumbered where two parents are outwitted by their children's naive logic, but we did not think much of it.

Maheena and mouse shopping

Maheena called round to see us. We chatted sitting round the dining room table drinking tea and eating biscuits, catching up on various recent dramatic events, when the kitten, who had been playing, crept under the table and ran up Maheena's legs which caused Maheena to jump and bang both hands on the table which also startled the kitten...both were rather cautious after this.
After this we started talking about the strange people we knew, and some of the things we had done once in Paris which was making Maheena laugh so much she said her jaw ached.

Later we drove over to Boreham Wood to get essential shopping for the kitten, including a mouse toy for you know who! Once he got used to it he loved it.

Fashion victim in St.Albans

Mas and I went off to St.Albans to have lunch at the Thai restaurant with Tania and Robert, and later pick up some fruit and vegetables. Apparently in Thailand white cats with dark tails are lucky cats, we could do with some of that!

This little dog attracted attention wherever he went!

When we got home again we found our nameless kitten had been asleep in his bed while we were gone.

hospital visit and head sitting

Today I had to go to hospital and had the usual blood test. As I had to wait for an hour till it was time for my appointment I left the hospital and walked down to Southend Green, and then to the pond.

When I saw the doctor she said that they were going to discontinue the drip medication now, as my blood was not recovering quickly enough, she did say that the chances that I would make a complete recovery were very good. I still have to take two weeks of pills, then go for another blood test. At this rate I should be finished with medication by the 24th of December.

Picture sent by Joan from Ontario

I took the train back after collecting the pills from the pharmacy, but felt really tired by the time I got home and had to have a rest, and the kitten came too, but had to be persuaded from sitting on my head!