The Past Few Days

My sister, brother-in-law, nephew and baby niece arrive back from their big trip.


Christmas Eve canapes and cocktails with A.


Christmas Day lunch, complete with Yamba prawns.


Alisha and I after a day on Shelly Beach in Manly.

Highlights of the past few days:

+ Going to the Fish Markets at 11pm on the 23rd for seafood. It was busier than I've ever seen it, with a real village atmosphere feel. At midnight I finally gave in to temptation and ordered a dozen Tasmanian oysters, to enjoy while people-watching in the pitch black.

+ Christmas lunch with mum's side and Boxing Day lunch with dad's side was really pleasant and relaxed. It has been known to get tense at times but this year was lovely and hassle-free.

+ Presents included a Robert Doisneau Paris diary from la bella TJ, great holiday reading with Merde Acually, the stunning new cookbook French by Damien Pignolet (notice the theme?), Earl Grey biscuits from Natalie, money and lots of gorgeous souvenirs from Colombia.

+ Spending the public holiday at Manly with Alisha and two of her friends. Lunch, ice-cream, then the afternoon lolling on the sand and in the crisp water. Finished the day with cocktails and sunburn. It was bliss.