Sunday - a late birthday celebration for Mum

Sunday and we were having Sheila and Klaus over for lunch as a belated birthday meal for Mum.  This is lovely because we haven't done this for a while and Sheila and Klaus were kind enough to feed John in my absence, in fact John hasn't stopped telling me about how good Klaus's crackling was!

John thought I might do beef today but I wanted to play it save and cook something which didn't need me to be tied to the oven!

I had gone to bed early last night with a bit of a headache - it may have been caused by the slightly thundery weather conditions of the last couple of days or maybe something leftover from our stressful flight back on Tuesday.  Fortunately I felt better when I woke this morning with Mr Boo all snuggled up in the crook of my legs - he had seemingly been there all night.  Then Mins came in vocalising just how starving she was feeling closely followed by the ever hopeful Charlie - Pops doesn't indulge in vulgar displays of begging and remained snoozing on the sofa gently depositing his winter coat all over the protective cover.

We were at action stations early to make sure everything was ready for lunch.  John had made his signature no-bake cheesecake and I was busy conjuring up a starter with the koliva that our neighbour had made on Friday.  I added halloumi and made a sauce to add a bit more flavour and moisture.  I like it as it was given to us but it may be a little bland to others.


Main course was roast potatoes, carrots, leeks, peas and green beans and pork tenderloin in a cream mustard, ginger and lime sauce.  I was a bit worried that the potatoes wouldn't roast well as they were 'new' but actually they came out really well.  It was touch and go as to whether we would sit outside as big black clouds kept coming over form the direction of Lara which normally indicates stormy weather but we managed to escape any rain and ate outside.  What we hadn't bargained for were the bloody flies.

It was lovely all being together and I think Mum enjoyed it.  I know these occasions are hard for her but we just have to make the best of things and focus on the positives that we have.

Bless John for dealing with the washing up and leaving me with very little to do.  I new week tomorrow and a new picture to get my teeth into and I am very excited that we will be catching up with Horatiu and Raluca after 7 years!!