Slacker Sunday

I had plenty of plans for today, but I'm not sure what happened. I've played around on Facebook and Twitter forever, I couldn't stop watching reruns of the Olympics and I didn't get dressed until two hours ago.

I have to say though that it is rather nice to do "nothing". And the plans I had for today can wait until tomorrow or next weekend. So I think I will go back to finish reading Red Magazine, then take a hot bath and then cook Sunday supper. You can't always be on top of things, right?!

I loathe snow

This is going to be a a rant about snow. At this moment I loathe snow. First snow arrived right in time for Christmas. That was rather nice and we had the first white Christmas in 10 years. That was fine. Then more snow arrived and more snow. Then it became extremely cold with temps hoovering around -15 during the day. Well at least no more snow arrived, but at soon as it got milder (-5 is now milder...) it started snowing again.

Airports have been closed, trains, buses, trams are not running. Roofs on sports centres all over the country have caved in because of snow. Schools have been closed down in fear of collapsing roofs. The only thing people are talking about at the moment is snow and how to get rid of it. People with houses clearing their driveways don't know where to put in any longer. Right here in the the middle of the city we currently have 55 cm of snow. Some piles of snow are even as high as me. Even the kids are starting to get tired of the snow. It's not fun to play in it when there is so much of it you can hardly walk.

Today we got another 5 cm after almost a week of constant blizzards This is not funny any more. It's almost March and you're suppose to start looking for signs of spring. Not for a day without snow. Enough (s)now.

Detective Inspectors

I have always had a thing for British crime and mystery stories. (It's the Anglophile in me again...) Compared to American ones the stories have a special feel to it, even if the stories are horrifying sometimes. Don't know if it has to do with the fact that British police rarely carry weapons. Even the DIs and DCIs. Neither do the the boobies, which I found rather comforting. Of course all of them carry a weapon if they have to, but using it is not the first thing that comes in mind.

My favourite has always been Inspector Lynely. I mean he's a lord and all. On top of that he's rich and handsome, has nice estate in Cornwall, nice flat in London, but most of all he's passionate about his work and I have feeling that if he could choose he wouldn't be a lord. I really like his assistant Sargent Havers as well. They are a good couple and over the years they have learnt from each other that thing aren't always what you think they are.

Another couple is Dalziel and Pascoe. How is it not possible not to love the true Yorkie Andy Pascal and his assistent Peter Pascoe? You just have to. And of course DI Jack Frost with a heart of gold, loves curry and puts all the bad guys in the nick. What a detective!

My latest favourite DI is Tom Thorne created by Mark Billingham. Set in London the stories are usually very dark and terrifying, sometimes even gorey. I love the fact that DI Thorne lives in my old stomping ground Kentish Town and Camden and when he gets take away at The Bengal Tiger I'm pretty sure what Indian restaurant it's suppose to be. The books tell the story of a city that I love but the dark side of it, something you really don't want to talk about. Somehow I think it's pretty good to know that there is dark side of the city as well. Even though it's still just fiction. I also love that Tom Thorn is opinionated and strongheaded and sometimes goes his own ways. Just like me. Maybe one of the reasons why I like the books so much. Or maybe it's just the bookworm in me who loves a good story and the feeling of total relaxation when reading.

Anyhow I love my DIs and can't wait until there a new book out with any of them.

Strained ankle

Stupid snow. Stupid ice. Stupid ankle.

Being snowed in yesterday and not being able to take the train to go and see the best 3 year old in the world and celebrate her uncle's 30th birthday I was forced to go the shop. Since the plan had been to be away all weekend the fridge was pretty much empty. And of course having been snubbed a great weekend away with friends and family I deserved some nice and comforting food as well... And wine... Talking to the best 3 year old in the world's mum she was telling me about the wine, cheese and other goodies she had bought just because I was coming and how much she had looked forward to a late evening on the sofa catching up. Stupid Mother Nature!

Even though the shop is only 5 minutes away getting there was quite an adventure. After opening the front door I was standing in snow up to my knees. Mind you I'm quite tall (1,75 cm/5'8 ft) Trudging around the corner I had my first fall and I just laughed since it was so soft. A guy a couple of meters in front of me fell as well and we just laughed. The wind was pretty bad and it was snowing heavily as well. We continued our journey through the drifts and then I fell again. This time it wasn't fun. I had either stepped on a patch of ice or something uneven and now my ankle hurt real bad.

Having strained my ankle I don't know how many times and even had surgery to shorten one of the ligaments because it had been too stretched I know exactly what had happened. [Insert swearwords] I limped along knowing that my pretty tight boot would help a bit, and that I needed food. At the shop I felt like screaming for each step, but I didn't. Superwoman... When queuing up to pay, which took forever, I started to tremble and I'm sure the cashier thought I had a bad case of hangover. Walking home took forever since I tried to find a way or path that had been cleared. Unfortunately no luck, so I probably walked an extra block. Back in my building the lift didn't work. Three floors have never felt so long...

Finally in my flat I almost didn't dare to look at my ankle. The the outside bump had doubled in size and the part above the ankle was pretty swollen as well. It's in situations like this I hate living by myself, but what to do? You just cope. So heavy bandage, elevation and plenty of rest. I've kept a pair of crutches in the closet in case of, and now I'm using them again. Sigh!

With all the snow there's is no way I will be able to get to work tomorrow so another day of working from home. (With more snow on its way, it feels rather OK) Maybe on Tuesday I will be able to walk with just one crutch since the ankle has improved tremendously just in one day. But no running or long walks for a while. For exercise it's back to bike, which I hate having done it so much over the years, but it is easy on the ankle. And just as the best 3 year old in the world said the other day – You're old, Cathy.

So easy does it.

Feel good song

Been feeling a bit blue lately. Winter feels endless and summer holidays very far away.

I'm one of those many women who loved Sex and The City and have seen the series and film (probably too) many times. I loved Jennifer Hudson in the film and her song All dressed up in love is a real feel good song. The beat, the lyrics and of course Jennifer Hudson's great voice makes you fee happy. After all life isn't that bad, the snow will go away and the summer holiday will come as well.

Funny how easy you can trick yourself just listing to great music.

It's complicated

Went to see It's complicated at the cinema last week with a friend. She's in her mid 50's and probably the type audience for this film. Being 20 years younger I'm sure I brought down the average age in theatre.

Meryl Streep is always good and Alec Baldwin was rather sympathetic, even though I really think he has become old. No need to think what I have become than... Steve Martin, well I just felt sorry for his character as well as I thought he had become very skinny.

Anyhow, of course I laughed and smiled at all those hilariousness situation (for the bystander at least) that comes with being in love, having an affair and being the other woman. One thing is sure though, love is complicated no matter what how old you are.

But is it a film I'll remember? No, to be honest it was just entertainment for the moment and now one week later I have forgotten most of it. But it's always good to laugh. Makes life so much easier. And I got a nice evening out with a friend. Cinema and a glass of wine right in the middle of the week.

Afternoon tea at The Dorchester

One of the many things aunt and I did in London were to have afternoon tea at The Dorchester, or really champagne afternoon tea.

I've walked passed The Dorchester many times and every time I've thought about the people staying there. Just looking at the cars outside make you realise that it's not a hotel for my budget. So when my aunt and I started to talk about doing afternoon tea I very quickly said let's do it at the Dorchester. It will most likely be the only time we get to spend time time (and money) with the super rich.

Arriving on the dot we were greeted by a man in morning dress who showed us to our table. Making sure we were comfortable another man in morning dress arrived asking what sort of champagne we would like, Pink or Brut. Both aunt and I opted for the Brut and felt quite sophisticated sipping champagne and watching people. Excellent finger sandwiches arrived very soon. Cucumber with cream cheese, egg mayonnaise with shiso cress, chicken with wholegrain mustard mayonnaise, smoked salmon and the week's special tuna.

Finished with our sandwiches we were offered another round, but starting to get full already we only went with salmon and chicken. To clean our pallets from the champagne and sandwiches we then got a small glass of pannacota. Just perfect.

Loving tea I had decided to go with the recommendation to have Dorchester Blend. A blend of silvery Ceylon and golden Assam. Aunt who's not such a big Anglophile as me decided to go with filtered coffee. The tea was wonderful and when the scones and clotted cream arrived I was already on my second cup.

The scones made us rather full and when the French pastries arrived we looked at each other and laughed. How in the world were we going to be able to eat or at least try all of them? I did afternoon tea at Le Méridien Piccadilly about 10 years ago, and the same thing happened then. Me who never say no to cakes, cookies or sweets had enough. My aunt is the same but after having a tried 4 of the 5 pastries we almost felt sick. Ordering some water and yet another glass of champagne did the trick and for about 30 minutes we just sat there very happy and content watching people. Some sort of black tie affair was about to start so it was great fun to watch and comment on dresses. I'm sure the second glass of champagne had nothing to do with that... Very giggle we then took a taxi over to Dominion Theatre to see We will rock you, and continue our Friday night out.

Quote of the day

Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.

~ Martin Luther King Jr ~

A special weekend

I've spent many weekends in London with friends, family, lovers or all by myself and I have loved every single minute of it. But this last weekend with my aunt is probably the most special to me. With 6 aunts to chose from on my father's side Eva is the youngest one and has always been the coolest and most fun. From time to time she and the rest of her family have been my second family, and still are. Especially now when my family has become even smaller.

We did all the things I've been wanting to do with mum for ages but never will do. Staying at rather posh hotel next to Hyde Park on the 17th floor with a fabulous view over London. Going shopping on King's Road, drinking wine at lunch time, having tea at The Dorchester, going to the theatre, laughing and talking, and then laugh and talk some more. Eat and drink whatever you fancy and visit cosy and not so cosy pubs. Probably a very "classic" London weekend, which for me meant that I finally got to show the city I love and adore.

Now I can't wait (of course) until my next long weekend in London. Maybe in 2-3 months or so.

To London

It's time to go to London again. A full day meeting tomorrow and then the weekend with my cool aunt. She hasn't been to London in 15 years so I'm pretty sure the weekend will involve a lot of walking and sightseeing, but nevertheless I'm in London.

Some visits to my favourite shops are of course already planed along with having curry. Tea at The Dorchester is already booked and so is We will rock you at Dominion Theatre. It's going to another great visit to London.

Wines from Vallpolicella

Last week I was very fortunate and got a last minute invitation to a wine testing of Valpolicella wines. Italian wines are the wines I know less about and still from time to time have a hard time to like.

The sommelier was great and he said something that I've been thinking about afterwards. Wines from the old world, such as Spain, France and Italy are made to drink together with food. Alone they can be both very rough and bitter. Wines from the New World are the other way around. They are often both fruity ans smooth. Perfect to drink just as they are.

He also said that when starting with wine testing it's always easier to start with wines from the New World but the more wine you try the better pallet get and you get used to wines that can be very special in both taste and aroma. Typical in wines from France, Italy and Spain. So I guess after 4 years of wine tasting I'm slowly moving over the the Old World.

Masi Valpolicella Bonacosta
A wine that I drank a lot when in university. Already back than I tried to stay away form the cheapest stuff. A perfect pasta or pizza wine. Bright red colour of medium intensity with violet edges. Refreshing nose with hints of violets and raspberries Lively and attractive on the palate with intense tastes of ripe cherries and plums.

Allegrini Valpolicella Superiore 2006
Good-value-for-your-money-wine. Brilliant ruby red in colour with a fresh, cherryish perfume. Aroma filled of chocolate and oak barrels

Campolieti Ripasso
Ripasso has always been a favourite of mine and this was no exception. Ruby red in colour with hints of violet. Strawberry, cherry and plum aromas with hints of leather, autumn leaves and Asian spice. The palate is vibrantly fruity and lightly tannic.

Campolieti Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone, the Queen of wines form Valpolicella. Dark red close to brick colour. Aromas of eak and almonds with a spicy and almost rough finish.

Domìni Veneti Recioto della Valpolicella Classsico
A sweet red wine with a somewhat strange aroma of petrol and when tasting your pallet gets almost overwhelmed by chocolate, dried fruit and honey A perfect wine in combination with blue cheese or Parmesan cheese. Sweet and salt in a wonderful combination.