Christmas Trees, Lemon Meringue Pies and another "goodbye"

We sorted out a Christmas Tree today. 
I know it's terribly early....too early for us really (we don't usually embark on the annual pine tree bunfight until the 14th of December or so) BUT  as we have a friend visiting next weekend, we thought we would get the whole shebang over with and make the place look all festive for when our guest arrives.....


Last night we called down to Dyserth for a return meal with the Rector.
It was an impressive meal that was finished off with a cracking homemade Lemon Meringue Pie.
If the Rector does not sweep the board at next year's Cookery Classes of the Trelawnyd Flower Show, well then Mary Berry is a kitchen dunce transvestite!
I think vicar's must always make good pastry cooks..... it's all that time dipping their hands in that cold font water me thinks.

Tonight we are off  to my sister-in-laws home up in the hills. The family is gathering to mark the anniversary of my brother's death. We will raise a glass of champagne to him, let off a whole load of balloons and will share a hotpot supper.

I cannot believe it has been a year since he died.
It's a truism
The older you get,
the quicker time goes.
Scary That!
Sister in law Jayne and My brother......(don't ask!)
am working the 7.30 am to 8.15 pm shift tomorrow!

24 comments:

  1. The older one gets, the more valuable the time.
    Looks like 'shriners' to me (Jayne and Andrew) or 'Alibaba and the Forty Thieves' set.

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  2. A good Lemon Meringue Pie is one of life's miracles.

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  3. Does Mary Berry read your blog?

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  4. The family gathering sounds comforting. Family togetherness is a good way to remember and celebrate a life. Is cookey vicar lonely? Damn... almost forgot the current honey.

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    1. no linda.. he has more friends than soft mick!

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  5. I agree John - it doesn;'t seem like a year since your brother died. Good that you can go and support your sister in law and drink a toast to his life.

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  6. What a nice way to remember your brother's life! I like that balloon idea very much. I made a wreath last year out of organic things found on my property and cast it into the sea for my brother, as he loved sea and land.

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  7. Ooh I do like the Christmas tree. Very bright and colourful. I hope you've got a good security system or I might be tempted to sneak in and pilfer it.

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  8. Am loving your beautiful tree photo! Have to enjoy yours because don't have room for one here, especially since there will be 15 of us on the 27th. My heart took a dip when I read your title: thought you had lost another little creature. Turns out it is a sweet post about your brother. Laughed out loud when I saw the photo of them.

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  9. that year has certainly flown by......and now I have a craving for lemon meringue pie?

    Gill

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  10. John, have a good night at your sister-in-law's tonight. Raise a glass to your brother and share precious memories.

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  11. Mary Berry reads your blog? You might as well have said the Queen reads it. What an accolade!

    Have a positive night of memories. The tree looks lovely.

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    1. she doesn't comment Em.. she does not want to steal my thunder!

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  12. Share all the good stuff tonight, you've had enough of the bad.
    Jane x
    Ps Tree is looking extra twinkly this year it would seem.

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  13. As soon as you get your stride in life, the damn thing speeds up.

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  14. Love the tree, and the photo of your brother and sister in law is priceless. Imagine the responses if it were to be entered into one of the 'what should the caption be' contests.

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  15. The tree looks colorful and cheery, I bet it smells wonderful throughout the cottage.
    I'll be raising my glass to Andrew, I'm sure he'll looking down and smiling at the family gathered together in his honour, and smiling :)
    ~Jo

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  16. Scary indeed.
    Safe trip to you all.
    *hugs* ♥

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  17. yes my Dad used to say that, along with "your health is the most precious thing you could own" and we would roll our eyes, but both proved to be true.

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  18. 'Annual pine tree bunfight'....ha ha, I can just imagine!
    Memories are everything.x

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  19. John, consider me one of your newest fans! I am going to enjoy following your wonderful blog, it's totally cheered me up! I lost my Dad this time two years ago and my Mum one year ago. The balloon idea is lovely. I'm going to light two special candles on the Christmas table this year for them (they loved a good get together at Christmas!) And as for the dogs and other animals...well, I don't know where to start...William smiling into the wind is just great. I have a similar one I'll post of our Parsons Russell smiling back!
    Best wishes, Claire

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