Two movies in two days

...it must be holidays.  I could go to the movies everyday so getting the chance to indulge two days in a row is pretty blissful.

Firstly, Sherlock Holmes...
Loved it.  I am not a huge fan of the books and perhaps have let myself down a bit but denying myself the chance to enjoy the subtle brilliance that Arthur CD has developed in his character.  Holmes is a total geek and I would have to say I thought the movie version was brilliant.  Definately sexed up for the 21st C and probably lacking in integrity for the perfectionist but who cares?  I loved the pace, the detail of the set, the action and adventure, the relationship between Holmes and Watson and did I mention the stunningly gorgeous Robert Downey Jnr is Holmes?  I melt at the very sight of that man.  Although weather beaten and wrinkled he is still a gorgeous man.  Aside from my misguided love of a movie star, the film was just bloody good fun.  It was dark and mysterious and you can see the hand of Guy Ritchie in the direction with lots of gorgeous stuff happening.  Can't wait for the sequel.  Thanks to Jonty for choosing it.

Last night Alex and I got together to enjoy Julie and Julia.  What a sweet film.  I know some have said it wasn't 100% acurate in the portrail of events but it was lovely.  I went home and Googled it and visited the blog and even thought about making a few of the recipes although I am not a huge fan of traditional French cooking.  I like Amy Adams for her down to earth qualities and anything with Meryl Streep is a winner.  She was great.  Loved the love story of her and Paul, whether that was accurate or not, it was charming.  I suspect it was totally accurate.  I think I might have to persue some of her books.  I am sure I am not the only one.  Another good holiday film.  Felt excited to be out and about and in the imaginary world for a few hours.

Just finished reading #27

One Day - David Nicholls

Great book.  Funny and interesting especially for those of us of a certain 40+ age group.  Dexter and Emma hook up at the end of their university days on the 15th July 1988  (St Switherns day, by the way) and remain friends for the next 20 years.  The book chronicles both their lives on that same day every year and cleverly depicts context through popular culture, music and some politics of the time.  Most of all it is a great yarn,  about two people growing up through their 30's and 40's.  David has written beautifully and every word is in its place.  Loved it!

Richness

Contemplating Christmas ....grandad
love

Friends
Nice...

crackers

friends and family

sunny garden (you can just see the bbq spit roasting the turkey in the background)

pink perfection

Cruising in the garden

Nic's childrens table with adornment and'activities'

The haul
*******************************

What you CAN'T see due to the need to abandon the camera for cooking and hosting duties

• 2 x 1.5 hour Skype sessions with Louisa and Co in Leicester
• Skype session with Jasmine in Dunedin
• Chatting with Philippa in Troutbeck
• Julian, Lesley and Ria enjoying pudding in the backyard in the late afternoon sun (yummy panna cotta, chocolate roulade (thanks Marie - Anne), fresh raspberries and strawberries
• Present opening
• The SPREAD mmmmm
  
  ...ending on a sad note, thinking about a young colleague waiting to meet the angels, people who can't bring together a happy Christmas for all sorts of sad reasons

...and the winner is

...jeepers, that was something I hadn't thought of, having to pick a winner out of my friends. So, here is what I managed to come up with....K and A and Lou are my lovely friends and family and there are presents under the tree for them already. Peach is a mate and he wins the main prize because it was really funny and I REALLY miss him and miss laughing a lot at work. Now, Jus is new bloggy friend and is also really funny so I bought her a little something at Ballantynes last night, in the form of a decoration, that I think she will really like. So THANKS you guys for sharing your stories. I loved them all and each on had memories for me attached which is very special. So thanks again.

Peach, I need your new address pronto to get your prize in the mail. And Jus, same with you. I will set a thingy on the blog to send me a message.

Love you all lots

Nic's week

Last night playing the ukulele for the first time, singing with Emily and totally stealing the show...well I thought he did. This was the piano teacher end of year celebration.

If only bat made contact with ball, however, the energy and enjoyment far outweigh the skill right now.

Writing to Santa - '...can I please have a new school bag. Green please....'

Loving that Jasmine

Getting ready for the 'Hoedown Throw down' class party at Grace's.

Before we I sign off I want to say how much I love the first five 'present comments'. They have made me laugh and cry a tiny bit. Now I have to choose...eeek.

Happy 300th post Christmas

Hi my bloggy friends. This is my 300th post and as it is Christmas I thought I would send a present out to someone in bloggy land.

I don't have a huge readership but I know there are some regular readers who don't comment as well as those who feel moved enough to make a comment. I love hearing from you.

Sooooooo....

Please leave a comment telling us all about your most favourite Christmas present and why you loved it. In a week I will pick the one I like best and send you a wee Christmas pressie for your tree. (see, it is made of little people holding hands??? ohhhh)You can leave a comment with out being a blogger, just go anonymous and then we can hook up later.

Really looking forward to hearing from you all...Love Sally

Social 2#

So, how has it been? Thanks for asking Jus. I have been trying to summons the strength to write about it. Like you I am fairly knacked. I have to admit out loud that I piked on a few things. Oh the shame...

Tuesday lunch, very fun and delicious and post upholstery class drink, very nice. Will post a picture of the chair sometime soon.

Wednesday - Party at Jasmax...very fun!! Had a great time, so great that I was late for my next bit and had to sprint down there without changing and also without my wallet that I had inadvertently left at home. Still, financially bailed out by Alex, I enjoyed the evening. Picked up a few books too. Lovely people.

Thursday - Bishopdale breakfast, Very pleasant. Sadly after a full on day at work, I piked for drinks outside at the Dux. Shame.

Then on Friday I piked for an early breakfast for Khrys but did catch up with her in the afternoon. Friday farewell drinks didn't happen either... got caught up at the pub with the people I was meeting with in the afternoon then had to get into work to pick up stuff for AFFIRM the next day and then Jasmine was in town. Shattered by then.

Saturday....a stunning morning at AFFIRM and then afternoon shopping and cooking for Lesley's birthday. Great night, a groaning amount of moreish food and bubbles.

Wayne taking an amazing amount of care in his drawing of what he would like to see in his Aranui library Our first photo wall contributor A photo wall close up. Very proud of this. Gorgeous Clare with the wheelbarrow of books

Saturday - The children at the birthday party. Of all the photos these are the only publishable ones. Not one adult managed to smile nicely for the camera. Love these little faces.

Sunday night was a repeat as we needed to get through the leftovers. OH DEAR GOD!! Seriously, I put on 1kg last week. Sunday - The gingerbread house (on Acid) I made with Nic, Olivia and Ben

Today! 12 stunning cupcakes courtesy of a supplier. Made by Cup Cake Parlour...the box looked exactly like this. I couldn't resist. It is just all too much, in a very good way. Heading for a lie down soon. More little gatherings are materialising and I know I am going to explode.

Sorry about the GIANT post but the next is my 300th and I want to save it for something.

Just finished reading #26

Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest - Stieg Larsson

Shame that lovely Stieg died. He is a hot writer. I so enjoyed this the last of his trilogy. It totally lived up to expectations and I can't tell you anything about it as you need to read the other ones first and I know you will want to read this and become an addict like everyone else who has read these books.

So to recap we have

• The Girl with the dragon tattoo
• The Girl who played with fire
• The Girl who kicked the hornet's nest

And if you need a reminder, the books are set in Sweden...in itself really interesting, the main characters are a couple of journalists, a maths genius, some cops, criminals and a pile of others.

I read the library copy as the bookgroup one is in hot demand. Bookgroup dinner last week at The Crumpet Club was superb. Food delicious. Go there and enjoy the tapas and the puddings. They make the best desserts in town. Complex, refined and perfect.