December Month 11

It’s been a bit Nigella Lawson here. Challenge, complete, repeat. So up Table Mountain I went again. Originally this was a challenge because there’s the mountain, on my doorstep, and I never climb it because I’m too busy or am away and anyway, there’s always tomorrow. Now I can pop up there every day. Here are the cows we saw on the way up this time – one gently rubbing horns against the other one. So very cute for a very large cow.

At the start of the month I ticked off the next stage of the canal walk. Llanfoist to Bridge 84 (and back). I was hoping to get to Pontymoile this month but as we’re in yet another lockdown, and it needs a drive, it will have to wait. Earlier in the year I was disappointed as tasks I’d set myself were becoming unattainable. Now I shrug my shoulders!

Cooking. Because I love cooking and had been neglecting it, I originally challenged myself to try a new recipe every two weeks. This has become a bit tired over the year of endless cooking – the highlights this month were baked potatoes with baked beans, and macaroni cheese (twice). No photos. But going back to Nigella, I was inspired to make her spiced bulgar and look what it did without any help from me. Then quickly, before the year descended, I decided on Ottolenghi’s kofta for New Year’s Eve. Phew! One recipe every two weeks. Tick.

You may remember that last month I drew some birds. This month I drew AND painted one. To paint a picture was a challenge up until now failed, so I’m rather pleased with this!

Matt sent Katy J Pearson this month. It took me a while to get around to listening and I’m sorry I waited. As usual I find a lot of the lyrics hard to make out, but musically it’s mostly uplifting and a very pleasing listen.

This month’s donation was to a Welsh charity working with homeless people. It’s never a good time to be homeless but it’s unimaginable in winter during a pandemic lockdown.

My ‘study a composer’ music challenge took a slightly different turn this month as I decided to study opera. I signed up for a Great Courses Audio Course – How to Listen to and Understand Opera. The lectures are rather dense and complicated. Totally wrong for me. I would have preferred to go to operas and immerse myself in the music, singing and drama. But never mind, I tried.

Chocolate making. I moved on to truffles. A bit messy making them but worth it. I have some leftovers if you live close by.

Bookclub books. The library Bookclub book for this month is The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Those of you with a good memory may recall that it was also a book from the Bookish Bookclub and so already read. This month’s Bookish book is Away with the Penguins. A sweet novel, not at all demanding and perfect for the time of year. Although I did think it could have been a little shorter!

As it was ‘the time of year’ I read some other undemanding novels – One by One by Ruth Ware, a murder mystery set in a ski chalet which made me miss my usual pre-Christmas skiing holiday and so made me a bit sad, and Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club which the whole world is reading! Murder in a retirement village, investigated by residents. Absolutely delightful.

I’ve resisted looking back on the original ‘challenges’ I set myself. Let’s face this, the year has been a challenge in itself. I could have just said, “get through it!” However next month will be month 12 and there will be a thorough audit of progress and the lack thereof, and maybe an announcement!

But before I go, yes, it was Christmas and it was a challenge for me this year. I’m not a Bah Humbug type, but we don’t usually ‘do’ Christmas in any ‘bauble’ sort of way. Mainly because we were often away and haven’t established any traditions. This year was different and I wanted to have a go. Out came the small box of decorations. Most of these were from the Christmas shop I lived above on Sacramento Street in San Francisco. That was 40 odd years ago….. Then came a tree, candles, lights, cards, an advent calendar (albeit a gin and tonic one), and a cake. Not a turkey dinner though. Duck confit.

Decorations have been put away today, but not the lights on the coat stand. I decided that they’re staying until ‘the end of the pandemic.’

A Happy New Year everyone! I’m still an hour ahead and am definitely not staying up until 1.00am