You spin me right round...

Well, Santa came early for me today, as I picked up a special item from India - no photo's yet, its recovering from its journey in the bedroom. I have given it a try , but will need more peace and time to do it properly !

I have to say I would have been tempted to steal Indias' cats away as they are GORGEOUS, Isis kept coming over to lick me - I think that meant I was okay! And on the subject of animals - as I was driving up to Paisley this afternoon, a wonderful looking bird of prey (buzzard I think) flew over. It looked so beautiful flying against a bright blue sky . I've been looking out for Birds of Prey at the roadside ever since Juniors falconry session last October Hols .

Proper knitting is being put aside tonight so I can knit my poppy. Karen has adjusted the pattern so that it turns into a corsage style poppy and not a wreath, and her mum was kind enough to buy yarn for us all to share. I shall put more cash in the Poppy appeal box tomorrow .

Well apart from being the installation art in Cafe Flava (knitting in the window seat , well it does have the best light), I have been trying to cook wholesome warming dinners . Last night was sausage casserole, with leek and winter squash - big success. Tonight was beef casserole with green pepper and ginger , another success, in fact I just put all the ingredients together because I fancied them! And I love ginger.

I used stewing steak (British of course) , browned it, fried some leek, celery, pepper and mushrooms, added some veg stock, simmered for a while (45 mins), added chopped ginger, simmered again (20 mins) , then served with mashed potato and steamed broccoli . Delicious .

Photos' tomorrow, better get knitting that poppy .