Wednesday before Christmas

The last catch-up post from 2016

It is getting close to Christmas now - we were having our first celebratory meal tonight with our neighbours Sean and Sharon - in recognition of Sharon's dietary requirements we are having a vegetarian meal and as I think vegetarian's generally get a bit of a raw deal with lack of imagination in their meals when eating out I wanted to try and do something nice - it had meant a little thought and inspiration from watching the current Masterchef competition on TV.

As I have said the weather is poor for this time of year - I pity holidaymakers who have come out for some winter sunshine - it is sadly lacking - we can see snow on the Troodos from our roof terrace although it doesn't look to be too bad from a distance they have been putting out warnings if people are planning on taking their vehicles up there.

We did have a little early morning sunshine - enough for me to nip up on the roof terrace to take my picture of the mountains and to find Minnie looking for a bit of sun - she is not very impressed that her cushions have been taken in - she likes her comfort and the wood just doesn't cut it in her book!

We had some Christmas cards to deliver today so wanted to go out and get them done before getting the food ready for this evening.  We had hoped we would get to see Gregory and Helen from Inea in person but they were out when we passed by Dionysos House - we met them through our neighbours George and Pam and promised we would keep in touch with them.

We called back via our own post office to check to see if anyone loved us - no-one did but we picked up some post for Klaus and Sheila which we delivered and some post for Sharon and Sean which we also delivered.  We aren't too surprised that the number of Christmas Cards we receive gets less each year.  We only send a few preferring to make a donation to charity and send an electronic card in lieu of physical ones.  That seems to be a popular choice nowadays and when you take into consideration the cost of sending cards that money could be better spent elsewhere and there are just so many worthy causes that benefit by people making that choice.

We may not be enjoying this weather but the cats are because they are benefiting from us having the wood burner lit for most of the day and when we are having visitors John makes sure that the house is toasty warm.  We even put the kerosene heater on in the conservatory - it is a bit smelly but is about the only thing that manages to raise the temperature of that big space.

We were all prepared for our evening - the big table was laid - I am loving my big table and so happy that we will be able to sit in comfort to eat irrespective of whether there are four of us or eight of us!!

We had our presents all ready for the present game (maximum cost for each gift to be no more than €5).  We have refined this game over the years so that even if there are only four people playing it is fun.  The idea is that you each buy a present and then shake a dice and score a six in order to secure a gift for yourself - it could be the gift you bought or one which someone else bought - it could be something you like or something you hate - it doesn't really matter it is just a bit of fun!  It is amazing what you can get for your €5!!!

I think the meal went down well - we started with courgette and halloumi fritters served with a side salad and sweet chili dip, this was followed by a mild curry made with black eyed beans (thanks Mum) chick peas and fresh mango (thanks Jennifer) - this was served with jeweled rice and flat-breads.  Sharon kindly provided the puddings - traditional Christmas pud and/or profiteroles.

Sharon and Sean brought a new quiz game which was great fun and the girlies team were victorious - we shall have to resurrect our crib nights in the New Year - the girlies are generally victorious with that as well.  A good night all round.