Chipolatas and Chocolate Coins

Merry Christmas!!

I am guzzling down the chocolate coins I found in my stocking while looking forward to the best Christmas tradition of all - the re-heated Boxing Day feast of burnt chipolatas which my mum will serve up alongside left-over turkey and a pile of brussel sprouts.

Later Love Actually will be on TV, but I will have had some wine by then and will have trouble following the storyline.

For the first time in four years I am at home for Christmas.  The preceding years have been spent sipping cocktails by my swimming pool in Perth, enjoying a BBQ in Santiago and losing myself in the snowy mountains of Banff.

Less glamorous perhaps, but it is good to be home.

'Snow' problem - yikes!!!'

Why is there so much negativity in Scotland?  Are we really so miserable that we cannot see all the wonderfulness around us?

Yes, I do see the irony in bitching about bitching, but SERIOUSLY people life is good!

So who cares of it's been snowing a bit this week?  I love being able to walk through Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park at 5pm without fear - the usual winter darkness replaced by a wonderland of snow.  From the hordes of people sledging, and even snowboarding (show-offs) down the hill next to the duck pond to dogs having a right good frolic.

The only downside for me is when I catch a glimpse out of the corner of my eye, a massive white shape leaning above me, a huge abominable snowman!!!!
Until I realise it is the Unknown Soldier atop the war memorial, blanketed in snow and wondering what the hell I'm freaking out about.

The Government and Council have totally buggered up their preparation for this kind of weather, but don't let them turn you against the snow people!
It is NOT that cold and the snow is NOT that bad. 

Their lack of planning alone is making you suffer and skid over streets of ice.  Look at Canada, Japan and any number of other countries as examples.  They deal with far worse conditions every year and their lives go on as usual.  From hitting the slopes in Canada to taking a steamy outdoor Onsen in Japan - they rather enjoy it!   Moreover, they get their act together with diggers and grit and even country roads remain open with minimal travel disruption!! No Way!!!

Normally at this time of year we would be stuck inside, hiding from the rain stoting against the pavement.  This year everything is crisp and fresh. 
What beats wrapping up warm and stepping into the snow with only your nose peeking out? 
Somewhere in the distance Christmas music is playing and there is a starry sky overhead.
It's a wonderful life : )