Christmas Party for friends in gypsy theme

Scenes from the bbq last night, for friends. Great night - lots of salads and tapas, and live music provided by guests and myself - 2 cellos, 1 violin, 1 flute.

Chchchanges. . . garden, gingerbread men

Truffles for Christmas

Feeling a little bit ill - someone has to clean out the bowls after cooking these fiddly wee things. I just CAN'T let it go down the drain. These have a pudding base, rather than cake, and taste rather rich and brandified, which is all good.
and the left over choc/kremelta mix I just added rice bubbles and coconut to, and put them in these paper cups. Then left over white choc mix and half a marshmallow. Nice.

Christmas lights along Franklin Road

Jan and I did a wander down Franklin Rd on a lovely balmy evening last night. All the lights were wonderful and quite magical as the sky lost its pastel glow and descended into reflex blue.

Mandolins, Mum and Magpies

Went to a Gallery opening yesterday, called The Magpies, in honour of the women all exhibiting who termed themselves Magpies, after those cocky black birds from Aussie that love collecting. Bought a bag from Barbara, the woman third from the right.
And Friday night was all about my Mum and her Mandolinata Orchestra - celebrating 40 years of playing. I think it was the last time Mum intended to get her Mandolin out and play with a group so a bit of a special event. That's her in the purple blouse surrounded by friends.
Helen and I, above, and Dad, Helen and Liam below, all came as support.
Lovely night and I think they all enjoyed themselves.