A glimpse of home....

Today we received part of a parcel that Chris and Lizzy had sent back from Mumbai, including all their Indian bird books, some feathers, stones, a porcupine quill and two pots of saffron. It seems so strange to think of them enjoying themselves in Thailand while we're finishing our final preparations for Christmas. Today I cleaned out the fridge (long overdue) and used up some of the accumulating root vegetables in a delicious cock-a-leekie stew. I also baked a large dish of golden and red beetroots with garlic, lemon thyme and balsamic vinegar - this method of cooking lifts the flavour and tastes great hot or cold.

Last night Pete and I wrapped all the presents - I don't think we've ever done it so early. I can remember many weary Christmas Eves finishing wrapping the last parcels just in time for them to be opened again in the morning by the boys! So Chris and Lizzy, if you're looking in, here's a reminder of Christmas at home...we are missing you a lot xxx