How Was It For You?

Having had a busy few days on the run up to Christmas, Christmas Day itself was spent at home with Clare.  It was lovely too.  We opened presents (I had 3 bottles of gin), had dinner and spent the day doing very little indeed.

Boxing Day was similar although we did take a stroll to the local retail park to see if there were any bargains to be had, mainly just to get some fresh air.

Today we headed to the Bull Ring (despite the shooting yesterday) to see what the sales had to offer. Not a lot if truth be told!  I'm lucky enough not to want or need anything in particular and so 20% off something I don't really want or need wasn't enough to tempt me to put my hand in my pocket.

It might not be everyone's idea of the perfect Christmas but it suited me just fine.

Christmas Eve

It's Christmas Eve!  If we have forgotten anything then it's too late now!  Having just said goodbye to friends, who popped round earlier, it's time to close the door, settle down for a quiet evening in front of the TV and wait for Father Christmas!

Last night we had a bit of a get together at a friend's house.  We do it every year and it really does put you in the Christmas mood.  A couple of people couldn't make it, which was a shame, but the of 8 us left had a good time.  I was still feeling the effects of the night before but it was nice to eat, have a few drinks and just relax in the company of friends.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Anderson's Bar and Grill - St Paul's Square

It was Clare's company's Christmas night out last night.  Anderson's Bar and Grill in St Paul's Square was the venue and a good choice it was too.

The place itself is warm and inviting, located in an eighteenth century cellar, with a small  bar area where I had a couple of Gins and Tonic while we waited for our party to arrive.  It was quite busy with the remnants of an earlier office party, and quite loud, but the stragglers eventually filtered away.

A steak house is possibly not the best place for a vegetarian but there was enough on the menu to keep me happy and although I couldn't have my first choice of main course I was offered various alternatives.  I went for Butternut Squash Risotto. It was lovely but it was nothing compared to my starter! Baked goats cheese with soft basil tomatoes, balsamic syrup and fresh rocket pesto dressing was fantastic. 

Desert was a Creme Brulee.  Not my choice, it was ordered for me and I was told to down it in one. I tried, I failed. Thanks for that Mike!

I stuck to wine during the meal, going for the Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir, a New Zealand Red which was lovely.  Afterwards I had a couple of brandys to wash it all down.

I hadn't met all of the people around the table until last night but everyone was really friendly and I came away having had a really good night although I am suffering a bit this morning!

http://www.andersonsbarandgrill.co.uk/

Hymn For A Village

Popped along to St Mary's Church In Acocks Green last night for a carol service.  I'm not religious in any way but it is a nice way to get yourself into the whole Christmas vibe.  Afterwards there was mulled wine and mince pies.

There is a Yew Tree in the front garden and since the snow has arrived it has been full of birds. It still has berries and now times are hard the birds have been flocking to it.  20 x Redwing and Long Tailed Tits in double figures. There are also Song Thrush, Blackbirds, Blue Tits and even a Robin.  It's fantastic to watch them all coming and going.

Northern Light Orchestra - Free Download

With less than 2 weeks to go the weekend was spent Christmas Shopping.  I had been expecting the worst but to be honest it was quite painless (an early start helps). It's nearly done now with only one or two things left to get.

If you are still struggling to get into the whole Christmas thing then perhaps some music will help (although I'm not sure this will - it's pretty bad).

The Northern Light Orchestra seems to be some sort of super group, featuring members of Whitesnake, Sly and The Family Stone, Sister Sledge and Survivor amongst others.  You can download their version of Away In A Manger/Come Let Us Adore Him here.  If you like it you can download more of their Christmas stuff from the site below.

http://www.carangel.com/northern-light-orchestra/freechristmasmusic.html