Perfect Chick-Lit - for blokes!

A Christmas Feast and other stories by Katie Fforde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Perfect for the Christmas season. OK, so it's chick-lit, not really aimed at the male reader. But the woman who stood next to me at the bookshelves in ASDA said I would enjoy it. And enjoy it I did. A number of short stories that were a delight to read, even for a male reader.

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The Eve before Christmas

We are ready. My sausage rolls turned out pretty good, jumbo size to say the least. It has been a tradition in my family to start Christmas morning with sausage rolls and English mustard. My maternal grandmother would make them, and then my mum and now me.

These are my jumbo sausage rolls. Not particularly uniform in shape but they taste delicious (already eaten the smallest one!)

The gammon joint has been roasted ready for cold meats on Boxing Day. The pigs in blankets are made and the Turkey crown is marinating. Brussel sprouts and Chantenay carrots are prepared together with glazed parsnips. I shall fry the sprouts with water chestnuts, onion and bacon lardons in a little olive oil. This will be complemented with sage and onion stuffing balls and roast potatoes. Followed by Christmas pudding and Devon custard. Stilton cheese and a glass of port. Espresso coffee accompanied with a glass of 18 YO Aberlour single malt.

This will inevitable lead to a period of dozing on the sofa in front of the TV.

Sounds like Christmas....

The Eve before Christmas Eve

It has been a quiet day for me. The eve before Christmas Eve. A time for contemplation. My wife enjoyed her firm's Christmas lunch so I had only to cook for one this evening. Me. My only chore today was to buy Brussel sprouts and Chantenay carrots to complete the ingredients for Christmas lunch. Time then to enjoy some comfort time with our three cats - Bertie, Oliver and Riley. Peace on Earth, at least in my home...

I enjoyed a lunch of boiled eggs and a buttered, fresh baguette, followed by two satsumas - plump and juicy. I listened to the wonderful music of The John Tavener Collection, spiritually uplifting, particularly the track entitled 'The Lamb', performed by the English Chamber Orchestra, the Temple Choir and the Holst Singers. A uniquely significant choral work. Music for Christmas. Music for quiet contemplation.

Presents are wrapped and placed under the Christmas tree. I cannot wait to see my wife's face when she unwraps my gift to her. Something I have wanted to give her for so long. A diamond solitaire ring. Diamonds are forever as we are for each other. You have always shone bright for me, Ros...

So, for now I would like to wish you all peace and joy at this special time of year. May your Christmas be perfect.

A Good Year for Reading

Goodreads is one of the best apps I use. It enables me to keep track of the books I have read, the books I plan to read, what my friends are reading, to receive recommendations and to read reviews.

Goodreads generates interesting statistics ( probably only of interest to me) but for the record:

In 2014 I have so far read 50 books. I know there are others who have read far more but this still counts for a book a week on average. Total pages amounts to 15,563. The longest book I read was 'Nemesis' by Jo Nesbo at 695 pages.

If you enjoy reading why not take a look at https://www.goodreads.com 

"Holy Grail" of rare records sells...

This is a story that will have my brother salivating. A Northern Soul track dubbed the "holy grail" of rare British records sold for more than £14,500 in a frantic auction last night. Collectors crashed the auction website as they tried to enter last-minute bids for the 7in vinyl single "Open the Door to Your Heart" by Darrell Banks. The copy of the 1966 classic surfaced in June.

Thea Gilmore - Book Of Christmas

If like me you are tired of the usual X Factor garbage that fills the airwaves at this time of year, try this spiritually uplifting track from Thea Gilmore: 'Book of Christmas'...

The Missing

I don't get much time for TV at the moment but there are certain programmes that I list in my 'must watch live' calendar. "The Missing' just aired its final (8th) episode tonight on BBC television. For seven episodes I have been totally enthralled. My wife and I have discussed every episode and had our own theories, one of which came close to the truth But no-one could have predicted the outcome of the final episode.

The lead cast in this compelling series are utterly convincing: Julien (TCHEKY KARYO), Emily (FRANCES O’CONNOR) and Tony (JAMES NESBITT). It is difficult to discuss the series without giving away the plot and, ultimately, the outcome.

SPOILER ALERT

During a holiday to the continent, the Hughes’ family car breaks down, forcing them to take an unscheduled stay in a small French town. After taking an evening swim with his father, five-year-old Olly suddenly vanishes, quickly triggering a major search. Written by Jack and Harry Williams, this 2014 thriller takes viewers inside the mind of a man desperate and determined to find his lost son. When the police and even his wife Emily appear resigned to never seeing the child again, Tony refuses to give up, enlisting the help of retired detective Julien Baptiste. Is it now too late, or does hope still remain for an eventual reunion with Oliver?

I hope that this series is broadcast on US TV because it is a spellbinding and compelling programme. Probably one of the best dramas aired by BBC TV in 2014.