My cat is spooked tonight. For some reason she is cowering under tables, got in the wardrobe, looking up at me in a strange way. So, she is now sitting on my lap being stroked (between typing) to make her feel secure. Usually she just sits on her mat in front of the Rayburn. You know, cat sat on the mat kind of thing.
Right! Let's bring this back to food!!
My favourite cheese of the month is:

MATURE BLUE STILTON
Absolutely fanbloodytastic with crackers (poppyseed and sesame) with an olive on the side.

Menu of the Day

Baked Scottish Scampi in breadcrumbs
Morrisons Finest oven chips
Frozen green beans boiled on the Rayburn
Stuffed olives with feta cheese
Jalapeno peppers
Red pepperdew peppers

Green and Blacks Dark Chocolate bar
Cup of hot chocolate with splash of Baileys

Friends, there is a new category in the 1st Annual Bloscars. Apparently Landers has decided to add 'Best Menu of the Day' to the list. What inspiration that guy has!
Now, who to nominate????

Breakfast of the Day

Cholesterol on toast

A friend has deleted themself from my list, it's like being back at school, not being chosen to be in someones gang.............
I'm going to sulk.

So, the standard has to be raised. If you go to Landers Blogsite (sorry, can't do links) you can find out all abaht it. Or email bloscars@thelonesomepine.co.uk I suggested a new category - Best Menu of the Day..........
So, I've got an idea who I'll vote for Best Blogger Male and Female category.
Meanwhile, the Cat indeed has Sat on the Mat - right in front of the Rayburn. She has her nose a finger's breadth from the door, cooking nicely!
So, off to bed soon with Carl Hiiason (or however it's bloody spelt).

Got 3 days alone as Mr Avrilo is away working again. Today a bit dreamy, I can actually do whatever I like, read, play guitar or piano, go for a walk, in the end I sat watching the fire in the woodburner, keeping warm. No enthusiasm for dish of the day (not Mr A, food!) so just had tapas:

Green unpitted olives
Green olives stuffed with feta cheese
Jalapeno peppers
Gruyere cheese
Walnut and blue cheese bread

Read someone's blog talking about souls, and how he thought some people might not have them, cos they seemed so lacking in enthusiasm etc. Got to thinking about it. Yup, that's all your'e gonna get!

Bird Blog - Robin as cheeky and bold as ever sat and posed for photo. Chaffinch coming around now, and a very shy Jay who flies off first thing when the curtains are opened. Still lots of blue and marsh tits, plus nuthatch.

My Dad was a life long Trade Union guy, a committed political activist and Communist. My sister is in the Green Party, me? I'm never going to vote Tory, but did vote Labour, then LibDem, now, I may vote Green Party, but not sure.
Read a great book, in it, the author talks about praying. His mother had said 'you don't pray to get something, you pray for guidance, or strength to help you in making your own decisions'. Something like that, I thought it made a good point.
Oh.. and a cup a soup.

For early dinner, supper, whatever, I'm going to put the roast in the oven, so we will have:
Roast leg of Welsh Lamb
Roast potatoes
Roast celeriac
Organic cabbage
Roast organic parsnips
Super duper gravy
Horseradish sauce

Looks familiar? Almost a repeat of last weekend. We have not had so many roast dinners as we've had recently for a long time. Trying to use as many organic veg as poss.
Mr A put in shallots and dwarf beans today. Glorious sunny day! My room is being sorted, carpet laid, and it's starting to look great. With a wood burner in it's cosy and will be a great room for making music.
Had a thought, brought on by seeing these old drawers (about 5 of them) that were in the hallway for ages, and now been moved outside. A lot of life seems to be moving things around! Now, that may seem simplistic, but it struck me that those drawers will be moved around and only be gone when they are smashed up and burnt. Then they will be put on the garden as wood ash. Part of sorting out my room is finding a place for everything, as it's been in boxes for ages. I have to be ruthless and stuff that I don't use, has no value as keepsakes, must go! Probably end up in the bin. So it's still getting moved around!
It's 4pm so time to start cooking!

FRIDAY

Lobster tails in breadcrumbs
Chips in olive oil and garlic
Salad a la moi - lettuce, watercress, onion, 3 capers, hot green peppers, pinenuts, olives, red pepperdew peppers, cucumber, tomatoes in olive oil and lemon juice dressing
Excellent Banananananna(help! Can't stop...)Cake
The lobster tails are frozen, (I just rushed into the kitchen to check the packet, it's ok it can be cooked from frozen, phew!)

So, talking to Mr A on the phone earlier I told him what I was going to cook for him. He said "I can't wait to come home." Ahhh! First he is going for a drink (end of the working week) with a mate, so should be back around 8.30. I've got abour half an hour before preparations then. So, Blog On!
I have made myself a 'wrist rest' for the mouse hand (no, I'm not turning into a rodent). In fact, it is my bed socks, purple and fluffy. Does the job though.
Bird bloggers - have you noticed how curious robins are? Thinking back, when in the garden, one usually comes, checks out what I'm doing and hangs around a bit, quite boldly just watching. In the birdfeed tree it sits and looks at me watching it from the window, with a real spark of interest in its eye. The other birds, mostly tits, flit around, not looking anywhere else except where they are going and at their food.
True chicken story: I used to keep chickens. One of them had an abscess on her foot with a thorn in it. I brought her in the house, sat her on my lap and lanced and dressed it. Forever after that (her foot got better), she would come to the kitchen door, hang around hopefully, wanting to come in again. So, they do remember!
I seem to have ostracised my ability to write about deep and meaningful things of late. I used to get inspirations and a subject would come into my head and I would post a photo (got to my limit now, can't put any more up) then discuss matters relating to it, or not as the case may be. See, even now I can't seem to pluck an interesting sentence out of the air!
However, I seem to get more comments since I started 'menu of the day' so if this blog were a newspaper, I'd probably be The Daily Mirror.
How's this for a fascinating discussion - If your Blog were a newspaper, which one would it be? And why? Actually, my blog seems to have evolved into more of a 'Womens Weekly' type of magazine. Ok, you can also have magazines. Is there a 'Hello' or 'OK' blog out there? If so, let's have some gossip.......

Have not yet decided what to cook for tonight's repast. It may seem that I do all the cooking, but not true! Mr Avrilo has to commute 3 hours a day and work full time, so me, having time on my hands (and flour if we're lucky), am happy to cater for such a gorgeous gourmet. When I am working, usually getting home around 10-10.30pm he cooks for me. Just thought I'd clear that up.
Had the valuer around to see what our (will be, will be,) house will be selling for. So, I stopped up the drains, broke most of the windows, placed the itinerant family in their caravan out front (complete with lurcher dogs.) The mountain of rubber tyres smouldering might have been a tad too much though. However, it should put the price down a bit.
So, I am off to the shops to collect the items needed for a scrumptious mini feast and swop Mr A's slippers for a larger size. 12's if you're asking. Well, he is 6'5", (and all in beautiful proportion too!)
So, stay tuned to see what we satisfy ourselves with. The food I mean................
p.s., thanks to Fatal for her tip of putting garlic in with the chip oil. She is recommended for - Handy Cooking Tip of the Week!!DA! DA!

Bit of a let down for tonight's menu:
Fresh (bit smelly, so not sure how fresh) Plaice
Frozen green beans
Frozen petit pois (peas)
Chips

Went to the freezer for the oven ready chips (a fairly recent convert) to discover we only had less than half a portion so -
Chipped up potatoes and fried them in olive oil,
Yes! Olive oil, which I can reuse, so it's not that extravagent. Put the chips in the low oven to keep warm while the fish was falling apart in the frying pan, only to discover that they went soggy in there. Apparently you shouldn't cover chips after they've cooked. I should have taken them out and just plunged them into boiling oil for a moment before serving. Ah well. They tasted nice, but not crispy.
Still, we had my banana cake for afters, lovely!
Went clothes shopping. A rare event for me. Got a pair of slipper boots, really warm, so I can sit here and type and my feet don't get cold. Got Mr Avrilo slippers, but they are too small, will have to change them. Saw a fantastic coat, for £90, and the tight arse that I am I couldn't justify spending that much. It wasn't even wool! I did find a nice item of heh heh lingerie, red and black lace. Ok, it was a bustier, and it does, (make me look bustier.)
My son is having a very loud party next door on Saturday and kindly let us know, so we could get in stocks of ear plugs. So, Mr Avrilo and I may well go away for the night, find a hotel, sign in as Mr and Mrs Smith and pretend we're not married. It has been a long time since we've gone anywhere else together.
Had a brilliant sing last night. Brenda was asking our opinion on what incense to burn, reeling off these exotic names. I made the comment that "could you imagine a bunch of guys having an evening like this?" We were also comparing our hairy legs and armpits. Generally being silly and 'girly' (whatever that is).
Have a wedding gig on 3rd Feb so had to get some songs good enough for that. We've finally finished my new song, the one that goes into 5/4 timing. Wooweeeee!

Tonight I will be eating out at Brenda's local pub. The food is cheap and really tasty. I usually (once a week) have 'starters' which is a huge platefull of potato wedges with chilli and cheese and salad. For £2.75 it's a bargain!
We will be having our weekly sing together, the 5 of us after eating.
Brenda's doing well now, after chemo and new hip. She dj's twice a week, goes to Salsa once a week and plays in the Swansea Samba Band once a week. She also helps to lead the Samba Band as well.
She is so lovely, I wish you could all meet her, she would brighten up your day!
The Rayburn was left open last night and went up to 550 degrees farenheight by this morning! Discovered that the screw holding the firebox door needed changing as it was letting air in and heating up the fire. Mr Wonderful, I mean, Avrilo drilled out the old screw and replaced it.
I baked a wholemeal loaf in it. Next time I will use some white flour as, I wouldn't say it was heavy but it could be used as foundations for a house! Haven't eaten it yet, it's cooling.
Mr Avrilo can heat up last nights bolognese and make himself maybe a chilli con carne, with red beans. His throat is better now, thanks for asking.
We will go through my new song 'Blackbird' (though I don't know if that's going to be the final title yet)tonight. It's new and fresh and goes into 5/4 after 4/4 rythmn!
So, I will warm up the ol vocal chords and leave you with a "tra la la la LA!

Tonight's menu was The Old Standby, Don't Have To Think About It - Spaghetti Bolognese.
With brussel sprouts.
Dreamy sort of day for me, playing guitar, working out bass lines in between chords. I now have fingertips of steel!
A pleasant evening, and tonight's culinary delight...(host of trumpets fanfare)!!!!!!
BANANA CAKE
It is sitting on the griddle awaiting first slice bliss bite.
I'm back, with cake minus 2 bites. MMMM!!
The recipe is from the Rayburn Cook Book. I added pine nuts though not in the recipe.
Other news: Started HRT, an Oestrogen and Progesterone hormone mix. Reading the leaflet was a bad idea, some of the side effects sound awful. I will give it a go, this is day 2 and it is a very low dose. I'm taking it because I've been bursting into tears at work, which isn't helpful to anyone, and means I can't do my job properly.
After talking to other men o pause al women I feel better, cos they all say they had a real hard time too. So it's not just me.
I've never been a 'girly' girl, in fact I'm quite proud of my complete lack of interest in cosmetics, fashion, and Barbies. So if I start to follow the Barbara Cartland school of make-up I shall stop taking the tablets pronto! Yes, I've heard about Starflower, Evening Primrose and alternatives which I will take as well.
So, I am an Elder of the Tribe now. I can get real bossy, not give a toss what anyone thinks and give lots of advice, whether asked for or not! Hang on, that was me before!
So let's have a big round of applause for menopausal women!
Change of life? My arse!

MONDAY MENU

Roasted Stuffed Sweet red Peppers
(Basmati rice, garlic, onions, leftover roast parsnips, celeriac, sweet potato, roastlamb chunks, flavoured with Worcestshire sauce, tamari (soy sauce), dash of balsamic vinegar)
Fresh Asparagus with butter

Dessert
Blacks Dark Organic Chocolate
Hot drinking chocolate with Baileys

Went to a great gig on Saturday, a trio of female musicians, guitar, bass and drums playing original songs. Great to dance to.
Right! Back to menu of the day..

SUNDAY
Roast half shoulder of Welsh lamb
Roast parsnips
Roast cerleriac
Roast potatoes
Sweet potatoes boiled
Cabbage
Really brown and tasty gravy
Horseradish sauce

MmmMmm! Mr Avrilo went to dismantle a greenhouse and bring it back for us to use. I should have gone, but was still in bed when he left after getting home after gig at 4am. Luckily a couple of friends came along so he had help. Kate unfortunately cut her hand on a pane of glass, not too badly though.
So, I thought they would want to eat the roast upon return. Kate being vegetarian, I would have had something meat free for her.
They got back, tired, weary with hard work dismantling and moving the greenhouse, after dark. No, they were going straight home as Kate had essays to write. Thanks all the same.
So, Mr Avrilo and I managed again, to eat a meal meant for 4! There were spuds left over, and I hadn't cooked the cabbage till they returned so that was ok. Oooo it was gorgeous! Best gravy ever. I have Mr Avrilo to thank for showing me how to make proper gravy, in the roasting pan and have never looked back.
Settled in afterwards in comfy chair with NEW TERRY PRATCHETT book, Thud. Electric blanket on, pyjamas warmed on the Rayburn. Shot of Baileys in hot chocolate as last drink of the night.
Slept well..Thank you Goddess of the Roast.

Back again, after day off from blogging. Menu of the day was not up to the usual standard of haute cuisine, so I didnae bother posting it.
Basically, I heated stuff from the freezer, oven chips and scampi! Well, I did actually fancy that! With tartar sauce and wedge of lemon. MMmmmm.
Tonight we shall be eating:-

Chicken breasts in white wine sauce
Basmati rice
Salad a la moi (or a la deux)

Mr Avrilo came back yesterday from working away with a throat infection, so that rules curry out, as he can't take too many spices at the mo. He's much better today, on the old antibiotics, which are starting to clear it up. While I was having scampi and chips he had a bowl of soup and ice cream.
Saw 'Round the World in 80 days' which was enjoyable. The woman co starring looked a lot like Bridget Bardot! She was French too.
On the bird blog front, we have had a nuthatch along with the usual tits, and female chaffinch. Still seeing buzzards on top of telegraph poles. It's great to stop the car, have a good look, see them watching me with a haughty look!
The new Terry Pratchett book is waiting for me at the library, will pick it up tomorrow. What a service! I can't think of anything thought provoking at the mo., still, EML says she enjoys reading about the 'little things', so this mundane tum ti tum should go down well!

I've just deleted a long post about memories of my mother. I just couldn't air it for viewing. So I'll rewrite what feels more acceptable, to me.
There are painful as well as happy memories. My behaviour as a teenager was awful and our relationship changed from that point on.
She died when I was around 23, and I don't think about her much. When I do, it is usually with some regret that I didn't make more of an effort to have a closer relationship with her.
I was judgemental with her, I didn't share much of myself with her. I blamed her for my parents splitting up when I was 13. That's when things started to go downhill from being her image of the perfect little girl to the teen who would lock herself away living a secret life.
So, this revised post maybe will help to bring into the light of day those memories that I hardly air, the past I like to forget.
I should mention that we did have good times, holding ourselves to stop shaking from laughing about something. The more estranged memories seem to outweigh those good memories though, however hard I try to balance things out.
I just hope she found peace with her ancestors, the peace she didn't find in her final years.
This frame of mind was sparked by Graemes post about his memories of his dad, and how he was missed. It is easier for me to write about my dad, the memories are clear, he was able to share my life up to 3 years ago. It is much harder to write about my mother and I still can't fathom why I've dredged all this up.
Still, it makes a change from menu of the day.....

Back on line after electricity power cut off the computer last night. Also, just a quick post on Saturday due to guests. So:-
SALAD A LA MOI
I've been asked what this is, so:
lettuce
cucumber, chopped in bits
3-4 capers
pepperdew red peppers, chopped
sometimes onion
olives
sometimes feta or goats cheese
sometimes grapes halved, not many
pinenuts
olive oil and vinegar/lemon juice poured over
Sunday was the parsnip and cider soup again, even nicer on second day.
Monday, I was on my own (Mr Avrilo gone away to finish job) so lunch was soup, even better that yesterday!
Spar's spaghetti bolognese for supper. Yup, I couldn't be arsed to cook! Didn't even do a salad. Still, I did have the exuse that there wasn't electricity until 9.30! Then -
Watched 2 dvds. Second one was Spinal Tap. Laughing out loud I was, there was a second disc with lots of other scenes they couldn't fit in the film. So, I eventually got to bed at 4.00! Also watched Van Helsing, crap film! No character depth, totally illogical, well, I know it's a film about vampires, werewolves etc, but it didn't even try to be believable! Hugh Jackman was good in an Indiana Jones kinda way, but with such a poor script he was working hard! Kate Beckinslade, or whatever her name was, not particularly good or memorable. Still, Spinal Tap made up for the first crap film.
Had the weekend soup for lunch, even better! It has all gone now. I won't print tonight's menu, because it is a bought ready made one, tagiatelle with ham and mushroom. I will make a salad though, got to have some greens! Hold on, I'll just pop it in the Rayburn oven...
There we are, that's going to take 30 minutes, so I'll go visiting in cyberland..

Our dinner guests of yesterday called to say they couldn't come tonight but would come Sunday. This is when the roast had just gone in the oven. So, took out some of the spuds, and Mr Avrilo and I stuffed ourselves with great satisfaction! He had made a soup to start, which we didn't have as it would have been too filling so, todays lunch, with the 2 guests was:-

Parsnip and cider homemade soup
with celery and onions, garnished with a bay leaf
bread
leftover chicken
salad a la moi
Chilled white wine

cheese n biscuits to follow, including:-
Somerset goats cheese
Mature blue stilton
Y Fenni, local Welsh cheese with mustard seeds
Camenbert
Strong cheddar

So, our guests are still here, I've been extremely rude and come in here to let you all know what we ate. So, we may well have tapas later...

Tip for baked beans on toast. Add some Wocestershire sauce...delicious!

Mr Avrilo has inherited the 'soup gene' from his mother. She makes superb soups.

Hi to my gourmet epicurians! Today shall see a roast dinner fit for a Sunday. We shall have: -

Roast organic free range chicken
Roast potatoes
Roast celeriac
Roast parsnips
Organic carrots
Mashed swede with butter and black pepper
Brussel sprouts
Mr Avrilo's superb gravy
Horseradish sauce

For dessert:-
Walnut and advocaat icecream with
Maluka creme (like Baileys but nicer) dribbled over

We shall be eating about 7 oclockish.
Seating originally for 4, but reservations can be taken. I can also make reservations of my own....

As requested, we shall mostly be eating:

Monkfish, sauteed (not sure spelling) in olive oil
Tomato and onion sauce with tbs of port and dill
Basmati rice with cardomom seeds (2)
Salad a la moi

Maybe I should write a recipe book? What do you think? My nomme de plume could be -
THE FULLY CLOTHED CHEF

Had an appointment with the solicitor at 9am this morning! Well, for me, that's early. Anyhoo, things are in motion and there is hope that it will all be sorted out satisfactorily for everyone.
Getting a mortgage on a wooden house could be a bit tricky I have heard, so those positive affirmations will help.......
Yes, nice meal last night, almost not enough chips, I'd used most the previous night, when I overcooked them into concrete. I've had a request to share my menu's of the day (thanks Jamie), so I'll post later after shopping.
Over New Year, visiting friends, Mr Avrilo said he may have a party near his birthday, and promptly forgot all about it. One of his cards yesterday was from same friends saying they were looking forward to the party on Saturday! So, do we go for a party, or just invite them for dinner? Rhetorical question, it'll have to be just dinner. It's too windy for balloons and banners.......
And finally......... a space for you to imagine the best post you've seen for a long while.

Well, it was short and sweet!

Now that I've got your attention.....
Mr Avrilo's coming home in about an hour.Yeeha!! He lost his mobile in a field which is why I didn't get a call until just now. He knew I was blogging cos I picked up the phone straight away. As it was through him in the first place I got into this lark I think he is pleased that I'm enjoying it so much.
What do your partners' think about you spending so much time blogging? I guess some of you blog at work, so what does your department think of you blogging? Or your families, or your pets.
It's going to be beefburger, chips and salad tonight. First two items in the Rayburn oven. Will keep an eye on it tonight!

I keep getting the above message on a page from the site owners.
Charming!

I made a statement about a political situation in the Middle East and got my facts wrong. I rather ranted a bit and a fellow blogger pointed out that they were surprised at my ignorance. Also, ranting about war I stated "bloody men, bloody egos". This was picked up as well. My keys were well and truely slapped. I mention this just to point out how easy it is to say something without checking it out first, especially about politics. However, I still stand by BLOODY MEN BLOODY EGOS.
I don't, as a habit, generalise, but how many women are coup leaders? You could point out Winnie Mandela as having a hand in some spurious undertakings in South Africa, but few and far between.
What drives a man to want such power? Money probably figures, but it must be that indefinable urge to 'be in charge'.The majority of ruthless and unkind leaders who have overseen the killing of so many innocents are men. I don't know how they can square the killing with their conscience when they know they instigated carnage, rape and murder.
The Hutsi and Tutsi killings are horrific, and here am I displaying my ignorance again, cos I can't quite remember if it was the Tutsis' that were mostly killed or the Hutsis'. I could go on with partly remembered facts about other massacres, but the message is clear. These people (mostly men) will find their actions will catch up with them at some time.
As I said, I don't like generalisations usually and I'm sure someone will come up with some terrible deeds committed by women. This rant is about those who instigate and propagate WAR.
So, in my original rant, I was corrected when I said that Israel went and grabbed some land, without asking first. Apparently it was the British who gave it to them. Well, I didn't know that!
There is so much in politics I don't know. When it comes down to facts about the suffering of people however, I think the rant justified.
I will probably delete this later..............

So, after listing my menu yesterday I have to say I let meself down by overcooking it! I put the kebabs, chips, felafal and apricots in the oven and came to write my post. Well, the oven was really hot and I left it too long! The chips and kebabs were like rock! Felafal ok though. That'll teach me!
Oven chips are a new thing for me, I resisted them for ages with my Luddite ideas! They are great! No more splattering grease, smelly kitchen and potential danger of fire! I still haven't got a microwave though...
Mr Avrilo due back tonight and it's his birthday today. Hurrah! Menu not sorted yet, I may or may not reveal it later....
On a serious note - soh! (A needle pulling thread).

Yesterday I had more viewers than ever, and you know why? FOOD! I typed up my evening's menu, and I had to wipe the drool off the screen from salivating readers who's digestive systems I had reached. So, tonight I shall be mostly eating:

Morrisons Best Sheesh Kebabs
Felafels
Raita (yoghurt mint sauce)
Salad a la moi
Chips

Baileys coffee to follow.
Sounds nice, huh! Cost about 2 squid in all.
As I said to me mate Helly, most likely I'll be back on the cheese n onion toasties tomorrow.
What was different about today? Well, the sun was shining, it felt an optimistic day. I gave the hall mats a good banging outside to get rid of mud etc.
Dusky pissed on floor in the night. I'll have to start chucking her out at night if that's her game. It may have been this morning though, I was late getting up and maybe she couldn't hold it in.
As cats are generally clean, she did find a plastic bag to pee on!
Got 2 dvd's out for my delect entertainment ce soir.
'Robots' and 'Madagascar'. Kids films. Sad innit? Car bloody toons, digitally made, not even handrawn. sigh. Our Spar has crap films, ah well, at least I'll be glued to the telly!
Mr Depp made an excellent appearance last night. What cheekbones! What fullsome lips! Oh my! He can show me around his chocolate factory anytime.......

Hi, I'm back (says she to the empty air). Dinner fit for royalty, well, middle Eastern royalty, or Eastern European royalty for sure. Dinner as follows:
Sweet potatoes
chorizo sauce with apricots, pine nuts, garlic, onion, red pepper, mushrooms and dill.
Roasted aubergine

Dessert:
Walnut choc ice cream with Baileys Cream dribbled over

Now:
French goats cheese
Mature stilton
Pepperdew red peppers
green olives
Jalapeno peppers

What a gourmet glutton!!All for me. Damned if I'll have another evening with cheese n onion toasties!
Washing up mission accomplished.
Finished book (not that good)
Talked to Mr Avrilo on phone, as he is away working.
Loving endearments sent me shouting"Hurrah!" to the empty room.
Got dvd 'Charlie and the chocolate Factory' to watch. Sigh, an evening with Johnny Depp. Probably the only man I would be unfaithful with.Mr Avrilo would understand though, it would only be for the intimacy, nothing serious.
So, see ya tomorrow then?

This is pre-food blog. I shall be back after cooking,pasta with chorizo in tomato sauce...
Alone again today. Ditto as yesterday.
I think inspiration will come with a contented and full tum. Yes, I feel a 'thought for the millenium' coming on...............
To be continued.......................
Even more dots...............................
Just for the hell of it.......................................................................................................

Have spent the whole day on my own, Mr Avrilo's working away. Can't say I've been bored, read, blogged, travelled a bit. What I haven't done is the washing up! He goes away and I slacken the hold on the domestics. It's been a cold day, my feet are like ice in this room, no heating here. Used the Rayburn to make a cheese n onion toastie, used foil so it didn't stick. Brilliant!
On a lighter note - doh!(female deer)
No particular 'thought for the day' so I thought I'd just share my domestic diary. The inspirational flying particle has passed me by.

After telling you all about how nice it is to live with Mr Avrilo, I realized I was neglecting him a bit through spending so much time blogging. It can be exclusive to the blogee and I can see how a partner would feel left out. So I made an effort to be sociable, but he understood, and make a joke about being a 'blog widow'! It's better to be posting when he is working on his own stuff. There is a time to blog and a time to socialize in the real world! He says that he enjoys reading my blogs, well he's only read the chopping wood and calcite ones, so I guess that's alright then.
Had a couple of friends over for lunch. One of them is a very interesting woman. She sails, goes orienteering, does her garden, originally from Hull. The other female guest is a dj mainly world music and latin. I find I invariably label people by what they do, picking the bits that interest me when there is so much more to them.
The Rayburn steered us through a roast chicken that was accompanied with horseradish sauce. What a condiment! High praise, for it can be eaten with any meat, and clears the sinuses at the same time! If exclamation marks were notes of sterling then I'd be rich!
Chopped more wood for kindling today, sun shining, axe sharp, filled a dustbin when I finished.
Listening to the Alabama 3 'Power in the Blood', good choice Mr Avrilo!!!!!

Hurrah! I've baked a cake! Been a while. The last time I baked banana cake my friend went into labour and had her baby a few hours later. So after she had her baby (at home) we all had a slice. (Not the baby though).
The smell as it rests on a grill, pervading the house is soooo delicious. I am excessively pleased with myself.

A fact that I knew but had never thought about before was that Mr Avrilo's immediate family have never had a divorce amongst them. His grandparents married till they died, his parents are still together after 45 years. Aunts, uncles still married and assorted cousins either single or, yup, married. They are not an 'old fashioned' religious family, in fact, quite progressive. I find this quite reassuring, coming from divorced parents (at 13). On my side however, 'tis a different story. I split from my son's dad when he was just 18 months. My son has just split up with his wife, grandaughter is 18 months. My sister (just the one) is still married but they live in different houses. She said she preferred to live alone. They are the best of friends and see each other a lot still. All of my friends have left a marriage or relationship behind, seems the norm these days. I met Mr Avrilo when he was 22, I was 33 and we married when he was 24 (long time ago now). The age gap doesnt figure. It has been wonderful to see how he has matured and developed into the man he is today. One of the most important things I've learned is to have respect for each other.
We both compromise at times, don't play mind games,and allow personal space when wanted.I hope I don't sound smug, I don't mean to as it is a big commitment to share your life with someone else. I just wanted to share my thoughts about family patterns, wondering how much our parents' lives have influenced us in unthought of ways. My last marriage (second one this) was with a man who used to talk a lot and not listen. Is it lack of commitment that has increased the divorce rate? I don't think people should stay together if they are not happy, there has to be a bond. So, that's my ramblings for today, it's all confidential so don't go and tell everyone else!