Magic Custard Cake!

Being an absolute lover of both cake and all things custardy, I was excited and a little intrigued when I stumbled upon this recipe for "Magic Custard Cake".

What's not to love about that I asked myself...

Keen to get started, I checked the pantry for my ingredients (nipped round the corner shop for the one or two bits I didn't already have) and got straight to it.

The ingredients are fairly basic, as is the method, but the end result is something quite deliciously special, which certainly doesn't disappoint.

So why magic?

Well, the magic all happens in the oven... pop in a a rather runny, lumpy looking cake batter and 30-35 minutes later take out a scrumptious custardy, cakey sweet treat of three separate layers... how on earth does that happen?! I'm sure someone with even a slightly more sciencey brain than me could explain, but then again that would only shatter my naive sense of wonder!

 Anyway, somehow during the baking process the batter separates, creating a lovely semi-firm custard centre, sandwiched between a thin base layer and a cakey textured topping. Marvelous!

So if you fancy giving it a go yourself, the ingredients and method are listed below.

There's a cocoa version too for you chocoholics out there - simply replace a third of the flour with cocoa powder and voila... a Magic Chocolatey Custard Cake!

The Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 190g caster sugar
• 125g melted butter (unsalted)
• 190g plan flour (sifted)
• 500ml milk (lukewarm)
• 1tsp vanilla extract
• own choice of topping/accompaniment (see suggestions below)

The Method

• Pre heat oven to 170 degrees c
• Line a 20cm cake tin with greaseproof paper
• Separate eggs
• Beat together egg yolks and caster sugar until creamy and light in colour tip: do-able manually, but much easier with an electric whisk
• Gradually add melted butter and vanilla, mix on a low speed until combined
• Add flour a spoonful or two at a time into the egg yolk mixture, combine graduall tip: your mixture will become very dry at this stage... don't worry!
• Gradually add lukewarm milk, mixing on med speed as you go and until fully combined tip: mixture will become runny and batter-like... it's meant to
• In a separate bowl, whisk egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold into the batter mixture tip: don't over mix - lumpy is good!
• Pour your batter into the prepared cake tin and bake for 30-35 mins and until golden brown on top tip: should be a little bit of wobble - will firm up as it cools
• Allow to cool in tin before removing, slicing up, and serving however you choose.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Serve just as it is, perhaps with a dusting of icing sugar
• Replace vanilla with lemon extract / sprinkle over a little grated lemon rind just before serving
• Top with a dusting of sweet spice (Cardamom, Nutmeg, Cinnamon)
• Serve with a dollop of creme fraiche / ice cream / whipped cream
• Pour over some single or double cream
• Serve with a side of berries/summer fruits and drizzle with a summer fruit coulis
• Replace approx 1/3 of the flour with cocoa powder for a deliciously chocolatey version

 

Experiment and enjoy... the possibilities are endless! 

Lockdown Lessons and Affirmations

 As some of us begin to emerge from our lockdown bubbles, I'm guessing there's not a single person out there who hasn't reflected on their lives more than ever over recent months. 

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 We've all missed those simple pleasures that perhaps some of us have been guilty of taking for granted... a trip to the theatre, the experience of summer festivals, a pint in the pub, and those very special cuddles from loved ones.

 I've certainly spent a great deal of time not only dreaming of the things I've missed, but also thinking about some of those things that I'm in no rush to have back in my life, such as the dreadful daily commute - I've literally re-gained around 2 hours productive time per day!  I've also given considerable thought to some of the unexpected pleasures of lockdown that I really don't want to let go... lunch breaks in my lovely garden, being at home with the pets, well-managed, efficient and orderly queues at the supermarket, not to mention everyone generally paying more attention to hygiene!

So, I thought I might put down on paper, and share, just a few of my own lockdown thoughts, lessons, and affirmations - some more significant and poignant than others, but all undoubtedly provoked or awakened by these unprecedented and surreal times. 

1. Solitude suits me:  Whilst I enjoy a friendly gathering and a good old natter as much as the next person, I've noticed that in comparison with others I've spoken to during lockdown, I haven't missed social interaction or workplace bants nearly as much as I thought I might. Maybe certain life experiences have somehow prepared me to convert separation into a positive state of being, allowing time for contemplation, self-examination, reflection and growth - or maybe I'm just turning into a grumpy old loner! Either way, lockdown has certainly affirmed for me that not only am I completely comfortable with just myself for company every so often, but that increased time alone has had a noticeable positive impact on my overall well-being and state of mind.  

2. The importance of gratitude: Of course solitude is very different to loneliness, and being alone is easier to embrace and enjoy when it's not constant. Whilst lockdown hasn't been a negative experience for me personally,  I'm all too aware that for many it's been lonely and isolating.  Let's face it, home isn't a safe haven for everyone, many have lost livelihoods or are struggling to keep afloat during these difficult times, and far more people have experienced ill-health and lost loved ones than any of us could have ever imagined. Covid has also served to remind us all of the ongoing and numerous inequalities many experience in every day life.  I like to think gratitude is something I've always built into my daily thought process, but boy oh boy has this dreadful pandemic affirmed just how much I have to be grateful for. 

3. Hairdressers work miracles: On a lighter note... how on earth have we all coped without our hairdressers?  Some lockdown days I've looked in the mirror and quite literally haven't known whether to laugh or cry!  My hair's pretty thick, and there's lots of it (something else to be grateful for I guess as the years roll on), however if it's not professionally thinned out, it grows into a shape that resembles a triangle... anyone remember Crystal Tipps and Alistair, well Crystal's my doppleganger (except my unruly barnet isn't purple, just increasingly grey!)   My eventual and long-awaited return to the salon recently was something of a surreal experience (masks, screens, face shields, belongings in a bin liner... and worst of all, no drinks service!), but I was overjoyed and relieved to see the back of my silver highlights and ridiculous polygon styling - heartfelt thanks Chloe! 

 4. I love being at home: The Work from Home option isn't something my employers have really bought into in the past, insisting that we all need to attend the office in order to be efficient and productive... that is until the hand of lockdown descended upon us.  So, having little choice in the matter, I've now been WfH since March and absolutely loving it. Productivity and efficiency has actually increased, IT systems haven't crashed and burned under the pressure as some had feared, and what's quite possibly of even more importance is that my work-life balance and overall sense of well-being has never been better.  No commute, lunch breaks in the garden, Skype meetings in my PJs (obviously audio link only!), pets at my feet loving the company, and the simple freedom and flexibility to manage my work and home commitments in tandem. Obviously, like everyone, I'm hoping this damn Covid 19 will do one PDQ, but I have everything crossed that my WfH situation will continue for the foreseeable. 

5. Technology is amazing:  Having been around before the existence of the World Wide Web, and remembering when duplicating and fax machines were considered state of the art, even before lockdown I did of course completely appreciate how far technology has brought us (she says with less than fond memories of manual typewriters and correction fluid!)

I have close family on the other side of the world, which does indeed pull at the heart strings from time to time, but with the use of the fabulous technology most of us are lucky enough to have at our fingertips, we can still communicate and "see" one another - not quite the same as a full on bear hug, but the next best thing in the circumstances.

Of course technology has served us well for quite some time now, but I'm sure few would disagree that it's usefulness has been on another level during lockdown, especially in combating isolation and improving safety. I mean, who hasn't enjoyed the occasional Zoom "Pub" Quiz and Virtual "Charity" Concert, and of course the eagerly awaited cutting edge Test and Trace App that was going to save the day... erm, maybe best not go into that!

Even those who were perhaps a little reluctant to embrace technology pre Covid have joined in (seriously, who knew how much fun "scan as you go" shopping could be?) and that most of it's not that scary or difficult to learn.  I think we've all realised, if we didn't before, that yes there can be a dark and dangerous side to technology in the wrong hands, but what a positive impact it can have when used responsibly. 

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So, in conclusion...

When faced with difficulty, it's sometimes hard to see light at the end of the tunnel (particular thoughts go out here to everyone suffering the aftermath of the recent explosion in Beirut... last thing they needed), but one thing in life's for sure... nothing lasts forever!  Good times, bad times, emotions, and even life itself, all have a beginning and an end of some sort - let's hope Covid meets it's end sometime very soon. 

There's a Japanese term "Mono no Aware" (for which I don't think there's an exact translation... perhaps you can correct me if I'm wrong), but it relates to having empathy around ephemera, an awareness of impermanence, and an understanding that everything in existence is temporary. 

All the more reason I'd say to try and look for positive lessons in whatever circumstances we find ourselves, however dreadful they may seem at the time. 

Stay safe and positive! 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired by Folk... and in Loving Memory

So, I decided to have a go at writing folk songs... perhaps not as random as it might first seem!

Having spent the weekend in the fabulous company of Beardy (and non Beardy) folk, at our first Beardy Folk Festival, I felt totally inspired to put pen to paper and try come up with my very own folk song (or rather songs plural as it turned out!)

The festival 'arena' set within the enchanted walled garden at Hopton Court, in South Shropshire, proved to be the perfect setting for a heady, summer solstice, festival experience, bursting with talented lyricists and gifted musicians.

Yes, I've been to festivals before, and been left feeling completely in awe by some of the many incredible live performances I've seen.  So what was different this time?  Well, having lost both parents now (dad fifteen years ago, almost to the day, and mum just a few months ago), I've been somehow searching for an outlet to express my feelings for them both, and to create some kind of personal tribute in their memory. What better way than to have a go at creating my very own folk song(s), especially for my very own folks?!

With inspiration bubbling over, I couldn't even wait to get home before having a go at some lyrics, and began jotting down a few ideas on the back of a discarded envelope, while my hubby drove us back in the old MoHo to Leeds.  Once I'd started, the words just seemed to flow, and somewhere along the M1 I realised I'd put together a series of rambled lyrics for not one, but two potential 'songs'.

Admittedly my musical expertise is limited, however my love and enthusiasm for the art-form certainly isn't.  Though I play a little guitar and have dabbled on the Uke, I'm expert at neither, but know enough chords to throw together a simple melody.

So that's my next challenge, to put music to the words, in the meantime here's my first attempt at folk lyrics... in loving memory of my very special folks.

Firstly mum, passed away just a few months ago. Strong, determined, and fiercely independent lady who survived many challenges. Although no longer with us, she'll continue to be a huge influence and source of inspiration as I make my way through my own remaining years.  Modest, Yorkshire lass, never liked a fuss, and definitely didn't have time for life's needless frills...

No Fuss, No Frills

Verse 1: Alone at the station, a girl nine years old, a pillow case swaddling her world and her clothes

Leeds just wasn’t safe, Kirkstall Road had been hit, but little Mo drew on her strong Northern grit

 Chorus: Keep it real, keep it true, want no fuss want no frills, remembering days ‘neath those Pateley Bridge hills

Where life’s lessons she learned, not from mum nor from dad, meant for sweet-simple pleasures she’d always be glad

Verse 2: Life moved-on and she wondered how things might have been, if she hadn’t have seen all the things that she’d seen

Yet with steely de-ter-min-ation carried on, onwards and upwards, what’s gone now is gone

Verse 3: Though she worked hard to raise them, she asked not a lot, and the grat-i-tude she deserved it meant diddly-squat

To the self-centered folk who be-came long-estranged, taking with them her cash… leaving her with their pain

Verse 4: Then a soft Scottish voice spoke to her as they danced, and she decided she might give this stranger a chance

Three months later they wed, no champagne, just a cuppa, as they made their life plans o’er a fish n chip supper

Verse 5: When di-ag-nosed ter-minal, did she break down, no not a chance, though she did bear a frown

What with so much to do, yet with so little time… she lived, loved, regardless, so proud she was mine

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And for dad, who died suddenly 15 years ago.  Small in stature, but with a huge heart and strong beliefs. A natural when it came to the art of poetry and music, but never realised his own worth. Proud of his homeland and of being a Scot, but willing to leave it all behind for the love of his life, and their future together...

Musselburgh Pride

Verse 1:  Wee laddie from Wallyford, head of red hair, for music and poetry he had a flair

He never did make it big, not in his own eyes, and he re-al-ised not where accomplishment lies

Chorus:  In his pride, in his patience, in his Musselburgh roots, lay the heart of a gentleman twice size his boots

In his sentiment, principles, left wing beliefs, lay the heart of a giant, that now rests as he sleeps

Verse 2: He loved to play fitba’ in shorts to his knees, he’d cheer on Hibernian, Hibs if you please

So proud of his homeland, oh some they might say, why don’t you go back there if you feel that way

Verse 3: Well he married a lassie from Yorkshire you know, and the seeds of a future in Leeds they were sown

Settled and con-tent as a young man could be, he’d remember old Scotland, raise a glass of whiskeee

Verse 4: As a proud dad, he doted on his little girl, and had it been his, he’d have giv’n her the world

It was Fathers’ Day last when he held her soft hand, unbeknown to them both then he’d not long to stand

Verse 5: So this wee lad from Wallyford, Musselburgh’s pride, he left a great void in our lives when he died

Taken too soon, from the ones he held dear, sound-of-fiddle and bagpipes will keep his soul near

As I read the lyrics I've managed to cobble together, I can almost hear the melody, just need to figure out the chords now to make it happen! Perhaps my old dad with his ear for a tune, might give me a celestial hand!

Thanks for reading.

Their Karma, Your Karma

 Be mindful of your own behaviour, it will almost certainly impact upon others, and remember...
Karma is watching!

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If you've ever been wronged, even slightly, you'll know that it can leave a person feeling somewhat grazed and disgruntled, but then hey, life's not fair, and so we move on.  However if that wrong-doing is of a more serious nature, perhaps unsubstantiated claims or false accusations where you find yourself the convenient and random mule for someone else's deepest issues and insecurities, now that's different, and much more difficult to simply shrug off.

Such experiences may well result in feelings of extreme hurt and betrayal (especially if you considered the perpetrator a friend, and have actually gone out of your way to support them many times). They may leave a person feeling confused and bewildered, and questioning themselves (especially if the nature of the accusations is illogical, absurd, and completely unfounded).  Who, in this predicament, wouldn't feel an overwhelming urge to clear their name and set the record straight?!

At just turned 50, I've made a few mistakes in life, and am not entirely proud of everything I've said and done during my first half century. Equally however, I have been on the receiving end of unpleasantness before, and have learned over the years (sometimes brutally), that one's words, actions (and reactions) most certainly have consequences. Karma? These lessons are not part of any school curriculum, but are learned by most of us between the lines, through our own experiences, but we can only benefit from them if we choose to learn and not ignore. If there is such a thing as Karma, I prefer not to think of it as punishment delivered by some cosmic force, but as a learning curve.

For me, "Karma" isn't about religion, retributive justice, or even spirituality, but about accepting the inevitable consequences of my actions, and the actions of others towards me (good or bad) - simple cause and effect really I guess.  The real power of so called Karma however comes from what these consequences teach us and how they can shape us moving forward. Just by being aware that our actions will have consequences sooner or later (and that they might not be pleasant) can certainly act as a prod from our conscience, and even act as a deterrent. It can also serve to encourage the good in us, trusting that in time Karma will deliver our just rewards.

But what about those who unwittingly do wrong, or who are genuinely remorseful (sometimes good people do bad things right?) does Karma come back to bite them on the bottom too? Well if you believe there is such a thing as celestial justice, this possibly lies in the reaction of the person wronged.  If they can forgive then perhaps Karma deems there is no 'grudge' to settle, and the vicious circle of revenging one another ends. If there is no forgiveness, then I guess Karma steps up and does its thing... who knows?  I guess it's worth remembering though that at some point we all make mistakes, but if we repeat them they're no longer mistakes, they're decisions!

So, where did all this deep and meaningful stuff come from? Well, as you may have already gathered, I've been on the receiving end of some unpleasantness lately, namely utterly false and completely unsubstantiated or evidenced accusations. My initial reaction was to retreat, lick my wounds, and admittedly feel a little sorry for myself - but we all know that gets us nowhere.  So what next?  Well, I decided that a great big slap around my own face and a few positive affirmations were in order.

• Don't over-analyse false claims. If someone believes something untrue about you, that is their problem not yours.
• Don't blame yourself for being falsely accused. You are responsible for the truth in your own words, not someone else's.
• Don't ask your perpetrator to retract their false accusations more than once, their goal may be simply to bait you into further conflict.
• Remind yourself that one person's opinion of you does not define you.
• If someone says something you believe isn't true, it is appropriate to state your truth clearly. Once.
• How people treat us is their Karma, how we react is ours.
• Be kind to others, but just as importantly be kind to yourself.
• Seek out the counsel of wise, caring and supportive people who you can trust and who will help you rebuild your self-esteem.

Thankfully, I have a wonderful circle of support. Shout-out in particular here to my handsome hubby, super son, and absolutely marvelous mum... not to mention my darling daughter who, although on the other side of the world, shared her very sound advice. I consider myself truly blessed to have these people in my life, and love them all more than they will ever know. They are fabulous!

And what of my particular perpetrator, do I hope Karma kicks their sad, sorry, unscrupulous ass until it well and truly hurts?.. well no actually I don't.  However what I do hope is that they reflect and learn, and think very carefully about the consequences of their actions in future.
In particular, I hope they realise...

• That they cannot project their own insecurities on the nearest unsuspecting person, simply because they cannot bear to accept anything negative about themselves.
• That their false accusations, distortions or smear campaigns, have the potential to cause enormous emotional hurt, and even impact on a person's profession or personal reputation and character.
• That seeking to create divisions by sabotaging good relationships around them will not work in the long run.
• That if they are going to make allegations of a serious nature against someone who has done nothing but support them, they need to be able to substantiate those allegations, and have some idea of what they expect to achieve once the distress they have caused begins to ease.

I fear if they don't learn at least some of these lessons, then life is going to be very very difficult for them, and presumably Karma will certainly not be on their side.

So what have I learned so far from this very unfortunate experience (and I say so far, as it is ongoing)? Well actually an awful lot, and dare I say, so much so that I'm almost grateful for it!  These difficulties have certainly served to remind and reinforce the wisdom behind words such as these...

"You can't change how people treat you or what they say about you. 
All you can do is change how you react to it".
Gandhi

"Don't let the behaviour of others destroy your inner peace"
The Dalai Lama

Thanks for reading.

Love Changes... Fact!

For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health - one thing's for sure... love changes.

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Remember when we first fell in love?!   All that dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, testosterone and estrogen (what?!)  Yes, a potent cocktail of hormones more proficient in tricking us to declare our undying love than any Strawberry Daiquiri or Sloe Comfortable Screw could ever be! And so, all-consumed with chemicals and besotted with the euphoria of having found our perfect match, we embark on a journey of passion and indestructible love. Some may say unfortunately (and other perhaps thankfully) this stage is not sustainable, we'd never get anything done and our bodies and minds would be shot to pieces.

If, by this time, we haven't completely exhausted ourselves and our feelings for one another, we'll probably begin to deepen our bond, we feel cherished, safe, comfortable.   Our physical interactions may not be so wild, rampant or spontaneous as they used to be but they're sure to be more meaningful.

Fast forward a little, and we may even marry, build a home together, have children.  Fast forward a little more, we may have taken to spending our Sunday mornings mowing the lawn, washing the cars, cleaning the house... (hold on, what happened to Sunday morning breakfast in bed, relaxing, reading the papers, chatting, joking, laughing together?) Remember those little things we used to find 'cute' or 'quirky' in our better half?  Well we may now find them infuriating and intolerable. We're no longer excited at the prospect of spending time together, instead we simply co-exist in a state of relative comfort, which is sadly lacking in intimacy or adventure.
Time to take stock maybe?

To quote George Bernard Shaw "when two people are under the influence of the most violent, most insane, most delusive, and most transient of passions, they are required to swear that they will remain in that excited, abnormal, and exhausting condition continuously until death do them part".

So what next?  Well, some go on, and on... perhaps lacking passion, but with comfort and familiarity being good enough. Many make it through this stage to find true and meaningful long-term love and togetherness. Others are unable to rekindle a flame bright enough to see them through, and may ultimately decide to part ways. 

And the ultimate love goal?  Well, in some respects we probably all have varying opinions on that one.  For me, a shared sense of fun, humor and adventure are crucial, and can overcome most obstacles.  But I think for most of us, love also means being with someone who not only excites and arouses us, but who loves us for who we are (warts and all). Someone who appreciates the good in us, and understands that any bad may be a result of past experiences that still live with us. 

I reckon at just turned 50, married twice and divorced once, I've felt the force of most love-related emotions... euphoria, passion, excitement, disappointment, betrayal, heartbreak, guilt, utter disbelief!  My experiences have taught me (amongst other things) that without question, whether good, bad or indifferent.. love between two people will never remain the same over time, it is ever changing... and thank goodness for that!

Today, Valentines 2018, marks the 9th anniversary of my second marriage.  To say it's been a turbulent 9 years is something of an understatement!  We're a passionate and emotional pair, which makes for some spectacular ups... and downs. Safe to say it hasn't all been plain sailing but we've reached a stage where we're secure and content with one another and in fact a bit of occasional turbulence is welcomed... it helps keep things alive. My hubby and I have been through an awful lot to be together, overcoming a certain amount of judgment and prejudice, especially in the early years.  For us, acceptance of and adaptation to change has been pivotal to the survival and growth of our relationship.

I was born an incurable romantic, however life has taught me to also apply a sense of realism when it comes love and relationships.  Valentine celebrations are fun, and a wonderful opportunity to express our love for that special someone.  We don't have to wait for February 14th though to invest a little time in nurturing our relationships, cultivating and strengthening them in preparation for the inevitable... change.

Here's a reading from our very special Valentine wedding ceremony 2009...

"Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on Valentines, and romance in the movies.  We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true.  Love is the creator of our favourite memories and the foundation of our fondest dreams."

Happy Valentines everyone! 

Thinking of Summer... Dreaming of Asia

So, how do we fill the void between Christmas and New Year, and the next consumeristic circus events that are Valentines and Easter?..  we plan our summer holidays of course!

And, as we begin to dream of new faraway adventures and wonderfully warmer climes, we probably also reminisce about some of the places we've already visited... South East Asia being right up there on my list of favourites. 

It's no wonder January has many of us turning our thoughts to summer, the first month of the calendar year cannot exactly be described as the best. For a start it's cold, dark and dreary. Many folk are being good and partaking in 'Dry January' (what are they thinking, putting the rest of us to shame?) and we are well and truly over the excitement of the festive season.  The real cost of that oh so wonderful Christmas is perhaps catching up on us in more ways than one... maybe our credit card statement has dropped on the doormat/appeared in our inbox, or perhaps we've begun a ridiculously brutal workout and diet regime, in line with potentially unrealistic new year resolutions (which seemed like a perfectly good idea at the time). 

So, as I turn my thoughts to summer, I can't help but reflect on how fortunate I've been this past few years, and what fabulous experiences I've been able to enjoy, in some very special parts of the world.

Vietnam

In 2016, my hubby and I visited my daughter in Sydney (also up there on my favourites list and definitely one for a post of its own), and on the way, decided to drop in at Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An. We only had a week in this amazing country, but that was long enough for us to fall in love with the place.  

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is marvelously mad!  The fusion of intense humidity, and delicious street food aroma is intoxicating.  Bustling markets are everywhere, and there is literally nothing you can't buy from the charming, friendly (and occasionally cunning) locals.  As night falls, this city of apparent organised chaos, steps it up a notch (as if that were possible), with the markets and street food stalls becoming an even greater, and very pleasurable, assault on the senses.

  I have never seen so many motorcycles and mopeds in one place, some carrying a load that you'd struggle to fit in a transit van, and others transporting literally whole families around Saigon's busy streets. Hundreds upon hundreds of two-wheeled vehicles (which by the way often mount the pavement to avoid the traffic signals), make crossing the road in this pulsating city an experience in itself.  It's certainly not for the faint-hearted!

Now well and truly ready to slow things down a little, we then made our way to the delightful city of Hoi An.  Situated on Vietnam's central coast, Hoi An boasts a very impressive and well preserved ancient town, not to mention a beautiful beach... it was the perfect contrast to Saigon. We had just four days in Hoi An, but boy did we cram a lot in.  We hired a moped which allowed us to explore the many quiet lanes off the beaten track.  Taking in views of rickety floating bridges, rice paddies, and traditional villages along the way, the moped allowed us a sense of real immersion into local life.  The absolute cherry on top of my delicious Hoi An cake, has to be the Lantern Festival, which I believe takes place once each month... breathtakingly beautiful just about sums it up!   

Thailand

Our tiny taste of South East Asia, certainly whet our appetite for more, and the following year we decided to try Thailand. 

First stop Bangkok,  where we met my daughter and her partner for what we hoped would be a fabulously exciting cultural and culinary adventure... we were not disappointed!  We spent three nights in Thailand's capital, and loved every minute.  From huge (but friendly) monitor lizards in Lumpini Park, to state of the art shopping malls (not especially my thing, but impressive nevertheless), the crazy buzz of Khao San Road (where scorpions on sticks are the must have snack, and where ladies are more 'creative' with ping pong balls than you could ever imagine (so I'm told!)), this city has it all.   Take a river boat ride, visit a temple (spiritual type or not, they're seriously  impressive), take a tuk tuk to China Town (or anywhere), and (don't be shy) have a wander down Soi Cowboy... a little seedy? yes, for children? no, great fun? absolutely!

Again exhausted with the excitement of the big city, we then took a flight south to Krabi... absolutely beautiful, and a fabulous base from which to do a bit (or quite a lot) of island hopping.  Pretty much daily we took a boat at the end of the road to some amazingly picturesque settings (Railay Beach probably my favourite of all).  
Beach barbeques, the most magnificent sunsets, speed boating, bio luminescent snorkelling, cute little monkeys, turquoise waters with stunning limestone cliff backdrops... I could go on, but you need to see it for yourself.

It kind of goes without saying that if you love diverse and delicious food, made with the freshest of local ingredients, you're in for a culinary treat in South East Asia.  And if clean, comfortable accommodation, with unrivaled hospitality at ridiculously low prices is your thing, then this part of the world is for you (though do check Trip Advisor, like anywhere there are also some flea pits to be found!).  

So what are you waiting for?  Check out Asia, you won't be disappointed!

After all that reminiscing of far-flung and fabulous travel experiences, it's a little difficult to accept that this summer we're probably holidaying in the UK (camper-life rules right?!)  Yes, it's time to try and recover a little financially from all those trip-of-a-lifetime shenanigans (I know, dull, but true!).   However, it's only a matter of time before my feet touch Asian soil again... I feel a certain affinity with this part of the world.  Perhaps next time I'll visit Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, or I might  decide to return to Vietnam and Thailand.  I was lucky enough to visit South Korea some years ago and could also be very tempted by Japan and China, or maybe I'll try South Asia... India, The Maldives, the possibilities are endless (if only my bank balance was too!)  

Happy Holidays!

2018 - Brand New Year, Same Old Me?

So, did life suddenly change for you at the stroke of midnight this New Year's Eve?

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Well maybe for some it did, but I'm guessing for an awful lot more of us 2018 will hold much of the same old, same old... and perhaps that's not such a bad thing.

Having probably spent the past couple of weeks (and in some cases possibly months) eating our way through mountains of mince pies, spending obscene amounts of money, and having watched endless TV repeats of festive 'classics', I don't know about you, but I'm more than a little relieved to get back to some normality this week.

With Christmas behind us yet again, our thoughts now turn to the brand new year ahead and what it might hold for each and every one of us.  And, once the multi million pound firework displays have quite literally gone up in smoke in capital cities across the globe (whilst children starve and the homeless perish), when the party popper streamers have been eaten up by the Dyson, and when you've finally managed to shake off that Prosecco party hangover, what next? Will we, and/or the world around us change and improve overnight simply because we are entering a new calendar year? I think we all know the answer to that one!

Of course change (for better or worse) just happens, it is one of life's few inevitabilities, and I shared my thoughts on this in an earlier post 'My Thoughts on Change... the Only Constant'.  However the kind of change or improvement many of us look to make each new year include things such as give up alcohol, eat less chocolate, and not just join a gym but actually visit and work out there once in a while! Sounds great eh but if you're anything like me, whilst all of these things are not impossible, buckets full of determination would be required to achieve them; as well as a level of commitment which, if I'm going to be totally honest with myself would not last beyond mid-February... at best!

So, (not for the first time) I've decided once again that for me the dawning of a new year will not only provoke thoughts of things I might want to change or improve, but also of those things that make me happy just as they are.  I will not therefore be half killing myself at the gym in an attempt to achieve that washboard stomach or pretending to myself I could ever become teetotal (hey, I turned 50 this year, I know myself very well... and neither of these things are ever going to happen).  Instead I am determined to regularly count my blessings and appreciate the things about myself and my life with which I'm already absolutely content... those things which I hope will never change.

Of course there will always be things in our lives we may well want to change and improve, but know (for whatever reason) that we never can, some things are simply beyond our control. Acceptance in this case, I have found, is the key to peace of mind (indeed sanity!)   Looking back, during my younger years, I caused myself a great deal of upset and anxiety trying to achieve the unachievable, to convert the unconvertible.  These days,  I find it easier to accept things (and people) for what they are, take them or leave them, love them or loathe them - c'est la vie!  Cliche but true, we may not have control over everything around us, but we do have control over how we react and respond to what life throws our way. 

Don't get me wrong, far be it from me to rest on my laurels... I know there's always room for improvement and that it's healthy to strive for it.  Indeed I will for sure (okay perhaps) try to drink less alcohol, eat less chocolate and work on improving my fitness level (just a little!). However, I certainly will not be losing sleep or be beating myself with a big stick if I happen to have lost the will by Valentine's Day!

And maybe... no hopefully, no definitely, I won't be just the same old me in 2018.  But the new and improved me won't be the result of anything to do with chocolate, alcohol or any old treadmill, it will be the result of my realisation that there's an awful lot to be said for just being happy and content with who I am, and with what I have.  Each day of the year may well be an opportunity to change and improve, but don't forget each day is also an opportunity to celebrate and be thankful for some things... just exactly the way they are.

Happy New Year, and good luck with those resolutions!




(Adapted from my original 2016 post... two years on, sentiment remains pretty much the same!)