I think I had an idea that my last post for #blogeverydayofjune was going to be profound and amazing, some sort of wondrous paean to all you wonderful bloggers who played along with me for the last 30 days. Alas, I am too tired and uninspired to come up with anything amazing.
Never mind.
It all started when I read Bookgrrl’s blog post; she said that: “For the mad month of June, I will post EVERY DAY.” I thought it was a good idea, and thought I might see if anyone would join me.
Thank you all for taking up the challenge! I wasn’t expecting such a response when I asked the question on Twitter.
I’m not going say farewell or anything like that. I’m definitely going to be blogging still, as I’ve got quite a few ideas and yet to write my responses to a number of posts. I look forward to continuing to read all your blogs. Maybe we can do this again next June. (We’ll see. Actually I have a couple of ideas for more virtual group thingys. Will share over the coming days.)
I really wish we could have a party this weekend to celebrate. Such a pity we’re scattered all over the country…
Christmas Day was spent with M’s family. We all made an effort but many of us haven’t really been in a festive mood this year. I suppose it’s only to be expected. It was very good to spend time together though.
The weather wasn’t too bad, given that we were indoors for the hottest part of the day.
Of course, we had the requisite huge amount of food.
My contribution to the feast was this bowl of trifle. It was the first time I actually made trifle. It’s so easy it felt like cheating. I was a bit worried that my trifle wouldn’t pass muster, as it was something Janna used to make every year. I had decided I wouldn’t try to copy Janna’s trifle, which comes complete with chocolate freckles, jelly babies and a whole cornucopia of other goodies. However this trifle seemed to do the trick. I left the lollies out - apart from the usual custard, cream and jelly, it also had strawberries and tinned peaches in it. (Thanks, tfp, for the guidance of your recipe. Note that I had to make a larger version, for seven adults and eight children!)
I also brought shortbread and gingerbread teddies. This was also the first time I made shortbread. Shortbread is also so easy I have no idea why I haven’t made it before.
I hope you have had a good Christmas too.
Gong xi fa cai! Happy New Year!
This year the first day of the new lunar year falls on the Australia Day public holiday. Celebrations started yesterday, with the traditional family reunion dinner. Today we will be visiting a few relatives, to pay respects. I am currently getting into the mood by listening to new year songs sung by Teresa Teng.
I will celebrate Australia Day at home. Like Librarian Idol have mixed feelings about the way we celebrate it. I agree with Mick Dodson, too - let’s find a more inclusive day to celebrate.
The illustration? A sample of my Chinese calligraphy, done using a brush pen. I made all my Chinese New Year greeting cards this year. I didn’t do anything fancy - just got some red card and wrote traditional greetings on them. My handwriting could use work - must practise regularly! Transl(iter)ations at Flickr, should you be interested - 1 and 2.
