Christmas food and Boxing Day

Hello,

I trust everyone had a great Christmas and were able to spend it with family and friends. I had the privilege of being invited to a friend’s house for turkey, ham and all the fixings. It was nice to celebrate Christmas this year. As many of you know I have spent the last 3 years away from family so this year I enjoyed Christmas with friends. We even tried some European desserts such as minced pie. I must say it was actually pretty good. Now I know what you are thinking, minced meat? Actually this type of pie is eaten during the holidays and does not contain meat. It is a sweet pastry dish "pie" filled with preserves typically apple or dried fruits such as raisins and spices. It is a must try.

Lucky Nikki and Misty, I was given leftovers to bring home to them. Can’t leave the dogs out at Christmas!

In the states most people enjoy the day after Christmas shopping for that great sale. In the UK the day after Christmas is known as Boxing Day. It started by giving servants the day off from work and has evolved to a day of shopping, spending time with the family and enjoying sports. In addition, the traditional Boxing Day also includes giving money and other gifts to those who are less fortunate as well as hired help. It’s nice to see that people still enjoy giving and understand the true meaning of Christmas. Well until my next entry I hope you enjoy the last few days of 2009.

Cheers

Garden

What we call a backyard in the states is known as a garden in England. This photo was taken from the master bedroom. My garden is probably bigger than most in the area which is great for Misty and Nikki to run around in.

Bidet

Since I'm in England many of you have asked about the restrooms and if I have a Bidet. Well the answer is yes. Here is a photo of the Bidet in the Master bathroom. I've never used it and not sure if I would even know how. Anyway since it has not been used I felt safe placing a picture on the blog. After all I am sure some of you were curious and now you know.

Master bedroom

I wanted to take this picture of the Master bedroom to show you the size of the room. I am standing in the doorway of the master bathroom. The left side of the photo is the large windows that overlook the backyard.

Polish food

OK, many of you are going to read the following entry and it will send shivers down your back. However, I said I would try new things and let you know about them. Well as I mentioned in a previous entry I visited a Polish deli. One of the items I purchased is called Kiszka which is a traditional blood sausage and is part of the Polish cuisine. It’s made of a mixture of pig's blood and buckwheat stuffed in the casing. Kiszka may be eaten raw, but traditionally it’s either grilled or fried with onions and served with potato and sauerkraut. I know every ones stomach is in knots but it is real good if you can forget about the name and the ingredients. I bet I could slices it up and put it on a plate with cheese and crackers and no one would question the ingredients.

Wednesday December 23, 2009

Stopped by the store on the way home from work to grab some last minute items for Christmas and almost walked out forgetting the Egg Nog. It's not Christmas without the Egg Nog. One more day of work and then it's time to put on some warm comfortable clothes grab a cup of Egg Nog with a little rum and enjoy all the Christmas shows coming on TV.

Dessert

Pierogi, this is my dessert for tonight. I first had this at a friends house for dessert a few weeks ago. When I went to the Polish deli over the weekend I picked some up for myself. I found some information on the Internet regarding Pierogi and thought I would share it with you. Pierogi are served in a variety of forms and tastes from sweet, salty to spicy. In Polish cuisine they were traditionally peasant food, but eventually spread in popularity. They are served at many festivals, playing an important role as a cultural Polish dish.

Backyard with snow

Here is a picture of the gazebo in the backyard. I think it will be great in the summer time while enjoying a good BBQ.

Front yard with snow

This is a picture of my front yard today after last nights snow fall.

Stukeley Inn

This is the Stukeley Inn Hotel, a 16th Century Inn. This Inn is in Little Stukeley about 5 miles from Huntingdon and 10 miles from St. Neots. When you enter the building there is a small pub on the first floor and the rooms are on the second floor. Notice how dark it is. This picture was taken around 4:45 pm. If I look cold, I am. Notice the thin layer of snow on the picnic tables behind me.

Huntingdon City Center

I was standing in the city center of Huntingdon and thought this would be a good picture showing one of the side streets. Despite the cold everyone is out shopping and enjoying the weekend. I also thought this would be a good picture to show you how narrow the streets are and how close the shops are to each other.

Huntingdon

O.k. not exactly happy with this picture. It was a cold Saturday when we went to the Polish deli in Huntingdon. This church is in the city center and and is across the walk way from the building where in or around 1610 Oliver Cromwell went to school. Oliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader known for his involvement in making England into a republican Commonwealth and for his role as Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland.

St. Neots

This photo was taken at town center in St. Neots on the Saturday before Christmas. Between the shops and the few merchants that came out for the farmers market it was a busy day of shopping.

Front yard with snow

This photo of my front yard was taken Thursday night showing the snow that had fallen by 8pm. Of course the dogs had mixed feelings about the snow. They thought it was fun for a while however, Misty decided to bear the cold and try to eat all the snow in the backyard while Nikki decided to come in and stay warm.

Rudys

Nothing to say except A little bit of Heaven.

Thanks Suzanne.

Food and Fun

It has been a slow week so I decided to take it easy on the blog until the weekend. We received snow on Thursday and into Friday. In some places it was over 3 inches. I know for some of you this is nothing but coming from TEXAS "HOOK'EM Horns". I am cautious when driving. ( I just had to do a shout out for the University of Texas football team on their way to the Championship game.)

Last night I walked to the local pub / restaurant for a steak and ale pie. A steak and ale pie has huge pieces of meat in a gravy style sauce served in a oven proof dish and topped with a pastry crust and a side of chips (fries). This is good hearty food on a cold night, it warms the soul. I also met some of the locals from the town I live in and had a great time.

Today I'm off to meet some friends. We are going to a polish deli for lunch. Of course I can not forget the Farmers Market and hopefully purchase some fresh foods. Since the snow is melting and the sun is out I expect the market will not be cancelled. The camera is charging....so expect photos of the market and snow later. Until then have a great weekend and remember why we celebrate Christmas.

December 17, 09

Thursday night, it snowed for a while. Just enough to cover the ground and make everything white. I expect it will snow later tonight but not enough to keep me from work in the morning. Wow it would be great to have 3 days off. Wishful thinking.

The weekend is almost here and it's looking to be a busy one. I'll check out the local farmers market on Saturday. Here I'll have the opportunity to purchase everything from fresh home made cheese, jelly, fudge and bread as well as a variety of sauces and sandwich spreads. They also sell fresh eggs, poultry and beef. There is really to much food to mention. I do know I will not shop on an empty stomach or I might buy more then I can eat.

Check back on Sunday to see the pictures from the farmers market.

By the way, just to let you know I received a bottle of Rudy's BBQ sauce in the mail. For all those in San Antonio you might want to place bets on how long that bottle lasts. Not long.......

Cheers

December weekend

Wow, a busy weekend!. Friday night I met some people from work for a friends birthday party at a local restaurant called The Bramptom Mill located in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire with stunning views overlooking a river that runs through the village. I’m looking forward to going back in the summer to watch the boats cruise up and down the river.

Saturday was another Christmas party held at The George of Spaldwick which was originally a private residence belonging to the Dartington Family. The ‘George’ opened as a Coaching Inn in 1679 in the quiet, beautiful and quaint village of Spaldwick . It sits beside an old Manor House and overlooks the village green. It is the quintessential Old English Country Pub complete with a recognized fine dining restaurant.

Both of these restaurants have great food at a very reasonable price and they are rated as being excellent places for social events and date nights. I have added both their links below for your review. I do not endorse either one, however, I think the food at both is better than good, they each have a relaxing atmosphere and that they are equal to more of a dining experience rather then a pub feel.

Anyway back to the work week. I’m hoping to get Dallas on the television later. By the way, for those of you who follow college football---GO TEXAS! HOOK'EM! I said at the beginning of the year if Texas made it to the championship game I would get there to see them. Well things did not work out this year but there’s always my San Antonio Spurs!

Till my next entry I hope everyone stays safe and has a great week.

Cheers
Mike

http://www.thebramptonmill.co.uk/index.htm

http://www.georgeofspaldwick.co.uk/

City Center

This picture is of the City Center in St. Neots. The trees are decorated with blue lights and a huge Christmas tree on the corner. The bridge that crosses the River Ouse has huge decorations that have been placed on the light poles lining both sides of the street.

Tuesday December 8th

Tuesday night and I am getting ready to iron for tomorrow but thought I would add a few pictures and entries to the blog. Last night I went to the grocery store to pick up some groceries. One of the local stores out here delivers to your home. Place your order on-line and they deliver right to your door. Pretty awesome..... There are several companies that deliver farm fresh milk to your door. I was thinking of looking into that. Wow, imagine waking up on Saturday and opening the door to fresh milk and eggs. I'll keep you posted on my decision....

In Deep Thought

On my trip to Scotland this summer I toured a 16th century house. I was in deep thought pondering the days decision. Finally decided to deal with the thief in the traditional way. Use your imagination.....

Me in London

This photo was taken earlier this year on a weekend trip to London.

Nutcrackers

As you can see I placed a collection of Nutcrackers in the entrance. When people enter the house I want them to know it's Christmas time and it's time to be festive. I forgot how much I love Christmas and realized it's fun to decorate for the holiday's. Let's not forget the reason we celebrate. There are so many reasons to be thankful and remember to spend quality time with friends and family and cherish those special moments.

Fireplace

This photo shows my fireplace with the Nutcrackers, candles and stockings for me and the dogs.

Christmas Tree

As I mentioned earlier I wanted to put up a Christmas tree. This year I was able to do it. I brewed a pot of coffee and put up a tree with lights and ornaments.

December 5, 2009

Well it's Saturday and I just got home from taking Misty to the vet. She has to have some tests done for a lump on her side.

On my way home I had to pay an electric bill and was told that it can be paid at the Post Office right around the corner from the house. As it turns out this post office is also a drop off point for dry cleaning, a small convenience store as well as a pay point for some of my bills. Wow this is pretty cool and convenient I could walk there in about 2 minutes.

Anyway time to put up the Christmas tree and decorate for the holidays. The past two years I have not had the opportunity to put up a Christmas tree. In 2007 I was deployed and 2008 I was by myself in the UK living out of what I would describe as a hotel room. This year I want to put up a tree and all the trimmings. I am looking forward to this because the last Christmas I spent with family and friends was 2006. Stay tuned for pictures of Mike's Christmas decorating. I bet you can't wait!!!!!

1 year and counting

This weekend marks my first year living in the UK . Looking back over the last year I realize it’s been a rewarding yet challenging year. I look forward to 2010 and all the traveling I’ll do, the friends I’ll make and hopefully a successful career. I can’t help but reflect on the support I’ve had through the years. My life has been blessed by the friends I’ve made and the company I’ve kept and the lessons I’ve learned. My success would not have come if I did not have the support of friends and family. I truly understand no one achieves success alone it comes with hard work and the people who you surround yourself with. I am truly blessed. Life can be tough at times and even unfair however, if you are knocked down 8 times get up 9. I hope the New Year brings all you desire and may your dreams come true.

Berlin Wall

This photo is of me standing next to a portion of the Berlin Wall. It was taken the same day I visited Check Point Charlie. It was amazing to walk into East Berlin and visit shops that were not there just 20 years ago.

Christmas Fair

Here I am in front of just one of many outdoor Christmas fairs. The tents behind me are of local vendors selling everything from Christmas gifts to food and drink.

Christmas Fair at night

T The Christmas fairs are open until 11 pm everynight except Sunday. This was a great experience. The air was filled with the smell of every type of German food from Brats, pretzels, roasted chestnuts ( on an open fire ) and all the sweets your sweet tooth desires.

Brandenberg Gate

The Brandenberg Gate is on the West Side of the city and cars used to be allowed to travel through the arches. In the center of the picture you can see a Christmas tree. I must say that Berlin pulls out all the stop for the Christmas.

Berlin TV Tower

I took this photo from the observation room inside the Berlin Television Tower. The Ferris wheel below is one attraction at one of the 60 Christmas fairs in Berlin.

Berlin Television Tower

Hello all, well I am back from Berlin. I had a great time and was able to see a great deal. I will post a few pictures tonight and some more over the next few days. I hope you enjoy them. This photo is of the Berlin Television Tower. You can actually take an elevator ride up to the silver ball. Once up there you have a 360 degree view of Berlin.