Christmas…gaining momentum…In our house, the tree is up…The cake made, just the marzipan to make, the sauces made, I will be making the first mince pies and sausage rolls this weekend…Later this year but because it is hot here and just us..I try to save the Christmas goodies until last to try and conjure up that Christmas vibe…
Thank you to everyone who follows and supports my blog …You all rock!
Let’s see what is going on around the world at Christmas time then shall we…?
This post will be all I love about Christmas so there will be a few of my favourite tunes…My Christmas cake is smelling rather enticing I am going to make the marzipan later today and get that on to dry out and then ice it at the weekend.
My first Christmas ham is on…and the smell of the spices is wafting into my office space…This is only a small piece just over a kilo…Our test piece…
Let’s have some music…
Disappointingly for me, the last 10 years Christmas numbers ones haven’t been Christmassy at all…Mariah takes the top spot for the most played Chrismas tune which although it is catchy it’s getting boring…
This is one of my favourite versions of Rocking Around the Christmas Tree…Brenda Lee…Who made this record when she was 13 years old she certainly had some pipes on her …
Did you Know?
Who earns the most royalties from their Christmas songs? Well, Mariah Carey makes about £375,000 per year from All I Want For Christmas and The Pogues make about £400,000 from Fairytale of New York. But top of the tree is Slade, who are reckoned to earn £500,000 per year from Merry Christmas Everybody,
That some spondoolies isn’t it?
Plant-based recipes are getting more popular…This is good as I do think people should eat more veggies although I do think a healthy balanced diet is better for our long term health and also how we cook our food…Today over @Smorgasbord Magazine ..Sally is resharing my Vegetarian Christmas Menu…
One of my favourites is the celeriac I just love celeriac….
Christmas Averts I know I am not the only one who looks forward to adverts and I am sure some of them cost a lot… John Lewis, it’s been reported the Christmas campaign, which is John Lewis’ first joint-venture with sister company Waitrose, cost an eye-watering £7million to make.
By contrast, this little locally produced one cost £100 and already getting lots of views and could claim the top spot…
It is from a little known hardware shop in Wales that starred the owner’s own little son.
Time for a story…
This is a continuation of a short story started by author Steph Richmond with the offer to contribute …intrigued I took her up on this offer so as you will see I write the occasional chapter…Will this be finished who knows.?.. The girl as yet doesn’t have a name just an unknown past…Enjoy!
The Charade – Chapter 16
She sat with Kathy for a while in the kitchen, they chatted as they ate the delicious cakes, she felt confident with Kathy they were beginning to become good friends and she thought it was time to share some of her thoughts about Carl with her. “I really liked him Kathy but now I’m not sure what to think.”
“Don’t have anything to do with him, he’s a slippery character is my advice.” Kathy seemed stern as she said it. “He’s after something for sure.”
“Yes, I’m beginning to think it’s nothing more than my necklace. I don’t know what’s so special about it anyway. It’s got to be something to do with my family.” She said as she licked buttercream from her fingers. “Do you know anyone called William that’s connected to him?”
“I know a few William’s but not one that would lower themselves to work with him.”
“You really don’t like him do you?”
“No, I don’t!” That was obviously the last she was saying on the matter.
They sat a while longer in the warmth of the kitchen chatting about cooking until a bell rang. “That’ll be Mr. James wanting his tea, I’d best move myself.” Kathy smiled.
She finished her tea and put on her wrap to leave when Kathy shouted through. “Mr. James wants a word with you before you go.” She walked through the house until she found Mr. James in his armchair before the fire. He smiled up at her. “I have a job for you, you’ll be away for a few days, I’m sending you to York.”
“Oh okay, can’t anyone else do it?”
“No apparently not, you have been requested. You have clearly made an impression on someone.”
“I don’t know anyone in York.”
“A Mr. Peasbody has requested that you help him to welcome guests to his party, he will pay you handsomely. He met you at a party here a few months ago.”
“Okay, and you think I should accept?”
“I do, I have left a small case in the hallway, you can use it to pack a few things you may need, he will send a carriage for you tomorrow afternoon.”
“Mr. James, do you know a William connected to Carl?”
“I’m sure I don’t know child.” Those were the words that came out of his mouth but his eyes projected something different.
She knew she would get no more out of him, she turned to leave, feeling more than a little nervous…
TBC…
A Christmas Cocktail…
A Dirty Martini…What is a Dirty Martini or drink? A drink in which you may slightly change the color and taste by adding or changing some of the essential ingredients. A dirty martini, for instance, contains olive juice. The first time I tried one of these was at my besties birthday party in Pattaya a few months ago now…very nice it was too…
That’s all from me today on Whimsical Wednesday… I hope you have enjoyed reading this post…xx This will be the last Whimsical Wednesday Post until after Christmas now…I hope you all have a wonderful Festive season and enjoy it! xxx
About Carol Taylor
Enjoying life in The Land Of Smiles I am having so much fun researching, finding new, authentic recipes both Thai and International to share with you. New recipes gleaned from those who I have met on my travels or are just passing through and stopped for a while. I hope you enjoy them.
I love shopping at the local markets, finding fresh, natural ingredients, new strange fruits and vegetable ones I have never seen or cooked with. I am generally the only European person and attract much attention and I love to try what I am offered and when I smile and say Aroy or Saab as it is here in the north I am met with much smiling.
Some of my recipes may not be in line with traditional ingredients and methods of cooking but are recipes I know and have become to love and maybe if you dare to try you will too. You will always get more than just a recipe from me as I love to research and find out what other properties the ingredients I use contain to improve our health and wellbeing.
The environment is also something I am passionate about and there are now regular columns on my blog this year. It is important that we are mindful of the world we live in…
Exciting for me hence the title of my blog, Retired No One Told Me! I am having a wonderful ride and don’t want to get off, so if you wish to follow me on my adventures, then welcome! I hope you enjoy the ride also and if it encourages you to take a step into the unknown or untried, you know you want to…….Then, I will be happy!
Thank you once again for reading this post I hope you all have a creative week ahead xx
Retired? No one told me! 
Wonderful, Carol!
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Thank you, Jennie..
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You’re welcome, Carol.
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Dirty martini is my favourite cocktail and I like at least three olives as garnish.
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It is becoming mine as well, Mary and 3 olives..Why not!…Cheers x
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Dirty martinis are my favourite cocktail – with at least three olives as garnish.
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Well, Carol, you certainly know how to do Christmas in your house, wherever you live! Your delightful post has everything! And your menu..oh my goodness, I am so hungry now! Happy Christmas to you, have a wonderful time! 🙂 ❤ xxx
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I live in Thailand and have done so for a number of years hence why Christmas is more low key as it is not celebrated here…Happy Christmas to you and your family Sherri 🙂 xx
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I’ve never been to Thailand, Carol…must be fascinating. Lovely and warm now, I bet! Thanks so much…and cheers! 🙂 xxx
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It is and it has never lost that for me…Yes it is lovely and warm now although the last month it has been quite cold as low as 9 degrees at night which is very cold to me but the last few nights I have ditched the 2 quilts and am using my thin one once again…haha…I really don’t do cold anymore I even was wearing a cardi…xxx
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Whimsical Wednesdays always produce something entertaining. It’s funny how Mariah lost a lot of her luster over time. I enjoy Christmas, but I have to admit that some of the songs get tiresome after a bit. I don’t want to turn into a Scrooge, though.
That was a cute commercial. Sometimes the local ones are the best.
I enjoyed the beginning of your story. When will we get part two?
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Yes I agree Pete..nothing new over the last few years…Thank you pleased you are enjoying the story next chapter after Christmas…I hope you and yours have a fabulous festive season Hugs x
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Next year I vow to make a mincemeat pie! terrific collection of holiday joy!
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If you like rich fruit cake you will love these, John …Merry Christmas x
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I just love your whimsical posts Carol. I agree with your song pick Brenda Lee over whiney Mariah any day LOL.Loved the advert too! ❤ xx
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Thank you, Debby… I hope you have a Joyous festive season with lots of great food and. Music.. Gotta have some tunes don’t we…. Xxxx
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Abso!!!!! Thanks Carol. Merry merry my friend! ❤ xxx
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Ahhhh…I will Dear Debby…I will…Hugs xxx
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❤
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I can almost smell that ham cooking in your oven while Christmas carols play in the background, Carol.
Wishing you and yours a very happy holiday!
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Thank you, Jacquie thats what I love about Christmas the smells and music they give me such a warm feeling… Merry Christmas to you and yours.. X
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Love a nice very dry martini with a twist – cheers, dear Carol!
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Cheers, dear Dolly…Merry Christmas xx
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Happy holidays, dear friend!
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Wonderful whimsical post today Carol.. thanks for boosting the menu and will share in the blogger daily this evening.. and might have a dirty martini to go with it..hugsx
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Snap they my new favourite drink.. Thanx Sally Hugs xx
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Great Carol…. when we meet we can get dirty together….xx
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Haha..That could get messy….xx
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