Xmas 2011: blue sky, 10°C, and not a flake of snow outside

In those conditions we could've done a bbq on the terrace and started tomato seeds in the cold frame. 50°F in December? That's a lot warmer than usual in the chestnut forest this year but regardless of how Grinch or the economic pinch stole xmas, traditions will always hold fast when it comes to the christmas day lunch. Good food, good drink, and oh, good music.

Sung to the tune of Jingle Bells

Wishing there was snow
But none as of today
Winter where'd you go?
The forest is this way
Bells on church tower ring
The sun is shining bright
What fun it is to bag the duck
And set the fire to light

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh, what fun to make pasta dough and shape it in this way
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Croxetti “coins” with pesto sauce to serve on xmas day

The best was yet to come
Say fromage and I'm undone
The vino was one big splurge
Gourmet biscuits ain't for birds
But the interesting thing to see
Was not only Italy
But England and France to tighten our pants
As we ate and drunk with glee

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Oh, what fun to eat dessert - not once but twice oh YAY!
Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way
Four days to go 'til this year is o'er - Greetings all and Happy Holidays!