Well, it' s not that I have any particular fondness for this date. It's not my birthday or anything. But today I've completed the challenge I set myself. Or will do as long as I get this finished and posted before midnight UK time. Earlier today an email took me to this post. And that…Read more the 31st May
Drinks
Meeting up with friends
And from tomorrow we can. In small groups* and outside. Nicola Sturgeon"s announcement today had been expected, so we've already got an invite for coffee with friends next week. In their garden. It'll be nice to sit and chat with them. We've had conversations across the road when our daily exercise paths have crossed, and…Read more Meeting up with friends
A good cocktail
Carefully mixed and preferably served in a classic Martini glass, a good cocktail is my favourite indulgence. Although gin is my spirit of choice for a simple mixed drink it's not an ingredient in my favourite cocktail, the Manhattan. Three parts whisky and one sweet vermouth, mix over ice, strain and serve with a cocktail…Read more A good cocktail
San Sebastian/Donostia
It wasn't the first, nor the longest stop on our holiday but it just might have been our favourite. I didn't know a lot about it when I chose it as a stop off, and it doesn't have masses of "must see" sights*, it's simply a lovely place to be. It was quite astoundingly…Read more San Sebastian/Donostia
(still) being European
Don't misunderstand, I've nothing against the other continents, I'm just delighted that we've got a little reprieve and still belong to the EU and all the benefits that brings. We're just back from a three week trip through France, Northern Spain and Portugal, taking advantage of DogStarke's pet passport for what may be its last…Read more (still) being European
Sevilla
Or as you may know it, Seville. Fourth largest city in Spain, known (according to MrS) as El Sarten - the frying pan, due to its hot climate. Summer runs from May to October so we enjoyed a change from the wet and wind of home. Mmmmm, temperatures of 30 degrees, bright sunshine and warm…Read more Sevilla
Cartagena
We sneaked away from the Easter snows and enjoyed a few days in the city of Cartagena. The one in Spain, though I'd like to visit the Colombian one too. What a fascinating place, inhabited for nearly three thousand years, layers peel away, almost literally in some cases* to display its history. Now MrS is…Read more Cartagena
Las Islas Canarias
Well the ones I've been to anyway. Last Christmas (2016) we flew off to Lanzarote to escape our renovation works at home. There we discovered the delights of mojo, wrinkly potatoes and its unique volcanic landscape. This year (2017) we spent Christmas and New Year at home, having fun with lots of family and…Read more Las Islas Canarias
lazy lunches
Because lazy lunches mean holidays. Even if just for a day. Often out of doors (DogS comes too), sometimes with wine, always with pleasure. Lazy because there's no rush to get back to work, or do anything in particular, just being in the moment with some good food and company, my own can be enough.…Read more lazy lunches
juniper
Or more specifically juniper berries or even more specifically their best known product. Gin, which in its Dutch incarnation is Jenever. Ok, ok they are not strictly speaking the same thing but Jenever is the ancestor from which gin evolved. Both have been considered medicinal, though gin was also known as "Mothers Ruin". When I first started drinking gin,…Read more juniper
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