Oh, Edinburgh! Dearest city mother with too many children; lady of grace with so much to do; cherished nursemaid laden with contracts of responsibility. Yet you tend to it uncomplaining. You raise your progeny consistently, watchful over everyone who lives here and passes through as you sleep lightly, keeping one eye half open. I know … Continue reading Edinburgh Resting
I was at my first Christmas gathering last night; a party hosted by F. and superbly catered by P. and E. I was welcomed in from the crisp night to an equally crisp glass of champagne. A red carpet of an evening was rolled out with good company, delicious food and enchanting wine; a glass … Continue reading Party Season
Cake, then a walk, and then cake again. Yesterday was a day of belated birthday celebrations (actually, three belated, and one anticipated) and it all centred around cake, two types. K. and S. came over the day before to help bake them: a Victoria Sponge, so large it was borderline rude, and a less-shouty carrot … Continue reading Cake, Two Types
Happy Birthday to E., to R. and to L. To the two of you who live here in Edinburgh, I hope to see you both soon. (I know it will be a little after the event, but there is cake and a cup of tea - maybe more - going at mine next month on … Continue reading Happy Birthday
Today is the twelfth day of Christmas, the end of the season, the Epiphany, marking the arrival of the three Kings to the birth of Jesus. In Ireland, this day is known as ‘Little Christmas’ - also called Nollaig na mBan, which translates as Women’s Christmas. It used to be quite widely celebrated and apparently … Continue reading The Dead
What are you up to tonight? This evening, when the wind that is currently whipping through Edinburgh abates, might you head up Princes Street to see the fireworks going off by the Castle? Will you stop for a romantic kiss under the Balmoral Hotel clock at the stroke of midnight? Or will you just stay … Continue reading Auld Lang Syne
Cheeses: I’ve been researching all of the different types, in other words, I’ve been tasting them. You see, I’m off the hook for cooking dinner on Christmas Day and I’m in charge of the cheeseboard. I’m happy with my task. I reckoned it would be an easy job: one blue, one hard, one soft - … Continue reading Vacherin
Are you - as they say in Irish drinking slang - going for ‘a few scoops’ this Christmas? Of course you are, most of us will be at some stage. The work-do, family meal out (or in), an annual girls or guys get-together; I’m sure there will be an offer, or an opportunity to let … Continue reading A Few Scoops
My Edinburgh Press 