I can't believe it's December

December has been cold and snowy but full of mulled wine and gin so everything is ok. Our little hen Myrtle has survived the sub zero temperatures and remains chirpy and up beat. Now all we need is some new chickens so she can have some friends, as she gets a bit lonely sometimes.

Christmas provided all the usual Yule time festivities. Christmas Eve at the Wheatsheaf pub, Midnight Mass with the family, members of my family being slightly too merry and pudding’s and monopoly at the Millards.

I managed to create Pheasant Pie on Christmas day that was lovely. I went pheasant beating back in November so I’ve had it in the freezer skinned and gutted ready to be cooked. I put together two recipes that I found online so in total it contained leeks, mushrooms, chestnuts, a lick of cream and a slurp of orange juice- and of course some lovely bits of pheasant. It was a treat. I’m hoping next year I can make another one and by then my home made sloe gin will be ready-can’t wait.

The snow has finally begun to melt in Wiltshire and once more I can see the grass in the fields. As I look out my window a worrying shade of grey lingers in the sky. There is a mist that needs to be shaken off. The last few days of December need to shake off the lasting bitter dew.

McFly in Malborough

It was all about Malborough on Monday evening as one half of McFly dropped in to independent record shop 'Sound Knowledge.' Harry Judd and Dougie Poynter came to the Wiltshire town to promote their new album 'Above the Noise'. But by the numbers of fans that turned up I don't think the album needs any promotion! Hundreds waited in the cold November evening to catch a glimpse of their favourite popstars.

Dougie said he "was happy to be in Malborough" and when I asked which half of McFly he and Harry were, he said it was definitely the "Fly" half. I think the many girls waiting to see them would agree. On a serious note, Harry did mention how important it was for the band to come out and meet their fans.

Harry and Dougie seemed perfectly happy sat talking to their fans signing anything from guitars to posters. It seems they've grown up a lot since they first hit the music scene about 7 years ago. Harry seems to be more focused now and Dougie said he loved the sound of the new album. I certainly saw a lot of people clutching the new album and single so I'm sure the McFly boys will do well this year. McFly are going to be touring in Spring next year and their new album is out now.

'Sound Knowledge' is becoming a pop star hot spot. McFly are just one of the many bands to visit the store. Scouting for Girls, Ash and Turin Brakes are just some of the others that made the Malborough music hall of fame.

Storm in a 20s Tea Cup

Flapper dresses, long cigarettes, sequins and feathers, what more could you ask for on a night of smokey fun in London?

Bloomsbury Ballroom was the secret hideout for a 20s swinging party. Forget the fireworks and the sparkles in the sky, it was sparkling dresses and colourful drinks that lead the way. What was brilliant was the flurry of people in lavish outfits as I got off the tube at Holborn. Everyone was discreetly searching for the venue whilst glistening in the London lights.

Last nights 'Prohibition' party was just one of the many underground hits that seem to sizzle in the coldest of winter evenings.Smooth jazz on stage and roulette wheels on the floor. A range of cocktails on demand and tea cups for your ever strong 'Gatsby'.

Everyone had gone to town on costumes, no one looked out of place and it was very much like being in the Bugsy Malone film. Wonderful. Bright red lipstick and bright blue eye make up, it was an assault on the senses.

Everywhere I looked everyone had a smile on their face, much of this was due to fact there was someone selling bagels and cupcakes; a nice touch. I'm always happy when there is food in close range! But it was truly a brilliant night...a different take on festive fun but one that I very much enjoyed.

Bands, Bristol, Bonadventures...

Folk Night Bristol by bribriwilliam


I haven't been to a gig in Bristol for some time, so when I saw that Ellen and The Escapades were hitting the city I bought my ticket quickly. The band have played the festivals all summer long and even won Michael Eavis' heart at Glastonbury this year. So Bristol bound, I looked forward to night of folky rock.

They played at St Bonaventures Parish Social club which I didn't know even existed let alone held gigs. Trying to find the place to begin with, I asked a man on the street "Is it a real church?" to which he replied "Yes it is...well it's catholic...". I won't linger on that but it made me chuckle!Anyway, the social club is like a working men's club stuck onto the back of a church. Red covered booths and doombar on tap, a classy joint. But it wasn't the decor and choice of drink that was important, it was the bands.

Kicking off the night was singer /song writer Nick Parker with humorous ballads and gentle guitar playing. Nick tried to woo the audience with his vulnerabilty and continuous guitar tuning and it seemed to do the trick!

Next up was Scottish/ Leeds lad Gary Stewart who was surprsingly punchy. A unique voice and some really captivating sounds. For just one man and his guitar he filled the room effortlessly with northern passion and a bit of Bristol soul. I was impressed (which isn't an easy task). One of my favourite tunes was Behind The Door. The lovely Ellen accompanied Gary on stage to sing and it was great. I don't know how else to describe it so I'll let you have a listen and see what you think...



Finally Ellen and the Escapades settled on stage to introduce the backhalls of Bristol to their earthy sound. Each time I hear them play I can't get over the rawness of Ellen's voice and the soft harmonies that trickle through each song, magical. Very much still an emerging band we were treated to a few new, albeit unfinshed, songs. I look forward to hearing more of them. Coming Back Home always puts a smile on my face and the crowd rather enjoyed it too.

(E and the E are missing their bassist Andy Calder who is recovering from pneumonia which isn't very nice. Hopefully he'll be back on the scene soon. Gary had to step in to help and I think he rather liked it.)

What was great about my Bristol folk night is that all of the acts were friendly and engaging. Not one let us forget that it was them we were here to see. Who needs X-Factor?!

Wiltshire Rambles

It’s getting colder and crisper as we settled into Autumn. But sometimes that’s a good thing. The log fire can roar, the winter coats come out and leaves can crunch.

What better way to get warm than to go on a brisk walk. I joined the West Wiltshire Ramblers just south of Trowbridge on one of their walks. I was met a pleasant group of sixty something’s and Bailey the dog. A lovely bunch who welcomed me into their group.

As we set off I was intrigued to learn why these people had joined the Ramblers. For some it was the sheer joy of walking and getting out into the countryside, but for others it was life changing. One lady I met told me that after her husband died “Sunday’s were the worst” and the Ramblers saved her in way. When I hear comments like this it makes me realise that life should not be taken for granted and we should make the most of it whilst we can. Do the things we dream of.

Rambling is a social occasion as well as a health benefit. It’s also a great way to get out and see the beautiful landscape. Along our walk, much to my delight, we spied some sloe berries. I’ve cleaned them up and put them in the freezer, I can start making sloe gin soon! So not only did I get to meet some great people I also got thrown a great recipe for sloe gin. Good Times, Good Walks.

Jamie's Italian, Briohny's Disappointment

I finish work and head into Cardiff city centre to meet me friend for a coffee. But hey it’s nearly half six and there isn’t a queue at Jamie’s Italian. As they have a ‘no book’ policy I decided for a treat it might be a good idea to take advantage of the quiet Wednesday evening and go for dinner. I wish I hadn’t.

My friend and I were taken up stairs to where the light was dim I could hardly read my menu. Great. I was pretty hungry so decided to order a hearty pasta dish for my main ‘Mushroom Panzerotti’ and some chips and a selection of Italian bread to keep me going in the mean time.

Let’s just say the chips and bread were more style than substance. I think I counted about twenty chips. Just the fact that I could count them disappointed me. They were nice don’t get me wrong, but for the price they were, one may have expected a few more! Now, the bread. Is it just me that remembers a time when bread was just brought to your table? No charge, no ordering, just a nice crusty selection to nibble on whilst your choosing what to have. This tradition seems to have vanished in many restaurants and Jamie’s is no different.

On the plus side, my main meal came pretty swiftly. After just a few minutes of munching on chips and bread along came my pasta dish- described as ‘Home-made half moons filled with our mate Mike the woodman’s brown cap and porcini mushrooms, ricotta and parmesan, with crispy fried sage and gremolata.’ I’d quite like to know who this Mike is, I’ve never met him before. The dish arrived tepid. If it wasn’t for the fact I wash pushed for time I would have sent it back so that next time around the food may have actually been hot rather than being on the cooler side of warm. I was not impressed. The meal was alright, nothing extraordinary. It wasn’t as flavoursome as I thought it was going to be especially because it had Mike’s mushrooms in it. The crunchy sage was lovely, probably the best part of the dish! But once again, there wasn’t a great deal of this dish. I’m not someone who enjoys eating massive portions but I do like a meal that fills me up and doesn’t leave me still feeling hungry. But that’s exactly what I was after finishing my main meal.

On a positive note, because I was still feeling rather peckish I ordered pudding, and I’m very glad I did. ‘Awesome Chocolate and Espresso Tart with sticky glazed figs and orange crème fraiche.’ It truly was awesome. A rich chocolate taste with the dark bitterness of the coffee settling in the mouth, lovely. I’m a big fan of figs and I think they go with any dessert so I was a happy bunny. The tart pastry was thin and light, perfection. The tart’s texture was unbeatable. Smooth and dense, it never failed to satisfy with every bite.

I think I’ve learnt my lesson-enjoy Jamie’s desserts, just not his Italian.

September Sea

I haven't been abroad for two years, but this hasn't dampened my spirits...well not quite. I often forget how wonderful the U.K is. Just a few hours from Cardiff I found myself at Oxwich Bay. It had been raining all week but luckily the sky was kind and the weekend proved to be bright with sunshine and crisp with wind. On such a glorious weekend I was surprised to find the beach empty and bare. As I walked into the cool sea, there was hardly anyone around to hear my shrill voice as I entered the rough water. The waves tossing my limp body as I floated as best I could when the power of Neptune's force was hurtling itself at my back. Lovely. In the space of 24 hours I entered the sea three times on the Gower coast. Each time was like a separate holiday in itself. How wonderful the sea is. I'm always amazed at how great I feel after jumping in it. I still get the sense that I can do anything by just standing and looking into the empty unknown of the glistening blue that lies before me.

I'll stop gushing now. It was truly a great Gower weekend. Pasta on the camping stove with a small bottle of champagne, the waves crashing and singing the evensong.

Da Iawm