My it has been perishing cold has it not? Our trusty log burner has been wonderful and a nice hot water bottle has been most welcome during the chilly nights. For some strange reason I have had some lower back pain which has been annoyingly persistent. I think it may be due to the fact that I have not been able to engage in my usual exercise classes and swims after having flu over the Christams season. My dear friends I have seized up ! Happily this morning I returned to my Aqua Oki class, yes, we sing (loudly) as we cavort, a lot of fun.

In other news I have been using up some of my mixed fruit stash, inherited from my late mother-in-law.  I don't often make cakes but decided it was time for a fruit cake, to have with a good pot of tea or two. A simple recipe from the kitchens of HRH Queen Camilla. This particular fruit mix had cranberries and apricots in, very tasty.

I also wanted to show you the latest member of our family. I found him at a local auction house, and after my initial fear of his grumpy chops, I found him most friendly and needless to say charming, with a lovely energy about him. The name Mephisto popped into my head, but having subsequently researched who Mephisto was , I have decided to call him Maestro. He is Victorian and quite a large chap with enormous hands. I told my son I would smudge Maestro with a large amount of sage before he settles into our home. Our son is convinced I am bringing the Devil in, ha ha. But I am smitten. What do you think?

 My besom was busy today, brushing away the bad luck from the house, straight out the backdoor and brushing with intent the good luck in through our front door. A feeling of a job well done. A fresh beginning with a new year to look forward to.

 

Charming image by Shawn Braley