Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas, everyone!

To all my blogger friends, in whatever way (or none) you celebrate this day, I wish you a very Happy Christmas, or December 25th, or Crimbo.


Just a few photos from our day, which has turned out differently than expected.

This morning, we got news that Longford Cathedral, the church where I was christened, had my First Communion, Confirmation, Funeral Service of both my parents, was badly damaged by a fire that started at 5am. I often fantasise about going there for Christmas Day Mass, which would bring childhood memories flooding back- being a little girl who has just got her doll and pram from Santa, being surrounded by brothers and sister on Christmas Day, looking forward to Christmas dinner, going to visit the Baby Jesus in the Crib. You get the picture.





It was a bit of a shock to hear of 2 million euros damage to that church, the Gardai (police) have been called in, arson is suspected. Some of the damage is irreparable, stained glass windows were blown out, the organ is damaged. I'm presuming the choir gallery, where my family sang on many, many occasions, is also gone.



We have had a quiet day, just the 5 of us, with a couple of visits from friends, and a visit to church for myself. Some other plans had to be shelved, as middle daughter wasn't feeling well.




I'll leave you with a couple of dessert photos, the first is a vegan sleigh that I made and filled with vegan chocolate truffles, and the other one, much less impressive though also delicious, "bought in cos of time shortage"- God, I hope those of you who cook up lovely things don't forever stop reading my blog! Honestly, it was needs must!



Tomorrow, I'm looking forward to a quiet day at home, maybe a walk if the paths are not too slippery, and maybe a bit of baking. That's the way it is here, because I make lots of aromatherapy hampers and products, prior to Christmas is very busy, and the baking is done in the days after. But the goodies are no less welcome for it, and the Christmas Cake and Pudding taste really good in those lazy days between Christmas and New Year.


Hope you all have a really lovely, lazy holiday, wherever you are.


11 comments:

  1. Lovely AND lazy! Yes, thank you.

    Aromatherapy hampers... sounds very interesting. Especially since the Christmas oil burning in my little cup of water over the heater is delightful.

    Sad news about the church. But, hey let's bring on the chocolate. And now about that iced tiramisu meringue...


    Love,
    Eleonora xx

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  2. Oh, that is so sad about the fire. So many memories...fortunately, fire can't destroy them.
    Store-bought goodies are perfectly OK with me. I like the idea of baking when you ahve lots of time and can enjoy the process.

    My chef son will be roasting a leg of lamb for us in a little while. So, nice to be able to just be his sous-chef. Chopping is fun!

    Enjoy the smells and tastes of Christmas with your family.

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  3. Wow, that sleigh looks great.

    How sad about the fire.

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  4. Lovely sleigh and I bet the other was delicious. Sorry to hear about the fire. Memories will be forever ingrained. However, when we see a place we love, hold sacred and need to know that it will be there no matter what, go up in smoke or be torn to the ground, there is an empty place that causes our hearts to grieve.
    Hugs,

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  5. The fire looks horrendous but ace that you managed to find postives in your day...The cakes were amazing. I need me ten of those ;0)

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  6. Both foodie pictures made my mouth water, Mimi. I'm sorry to hear about your church. It's heartbreaking when we realise people actually do these things on purpose. A couple of years ago a church near me was destroyed by arsonists, it will take years to rebuild it. Fortunately they can't destroy the Love of God. Hope you have a Happy New Year.

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  7. Mimi, I'm so sorry about your church! I hope they can make the repairs but of course it won't be the same! Your desserts look dee-lish! :)

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  8. Thanks for your comments, everyone.
    I've been having a lovely holiday, just baking and eating! Oh, and walking, trying to undo the eating!

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  9. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I am sorry to hear about the church!

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  10. That sled is cleverly made! People have so any skills!

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