OUT!
Bammmmm!
It was seriously needed I guess.
I am feeling not too bad, surprise-surprise, and so, Pete and me decide to go for an afternoon walk (unpacking, my least favorite thing to do can wait), to collect some evergreens for the beginning of my season's home trimming. I love to dress up the house, for any and every occasion. (poor Prince, as there is always something to get me going... if autumn, if cherry blossoming, or anniversaries of any kind, always a reason to redecorate)
It just makes home even homier.
There are a lot of Xmas ornaments available in the Sintra mountains. Red berries, pine cones and lots of different greens. Cutting branches always makes me feel bad though. Prince says it is only like a haircut for the tree, and the trees like it, as they grow healthier and stronger after. But how do I know this is true, as most of the time trees don't tell me their feelings. Or I don't understand tree-talk (yet)?
So I am left with a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, even when I thank each proud species, for their kind offer of Xmas accessory.
We return with full baskets and I am extremely excited. First thing on my list (after turning on the fireplace and cooking up some GLUEHWEIN*) is making the front door's wreath. I have a straw skeleton ring from IKEA (like everything else this year), which is somewhat of cheating, but also makes life much easier. Just tie the greens and the berries around the wreath and then add some balls and bows and voila, wreath ready!
Our door looks dressed for the season now, happy entrance!
Since nobody is in the mood to slave in the kitchen, we go for dinner at a cute restaurant in St. Pedro. The little road is all decked out with glittering stars and the air is crisp and clear.
I take a huge breath of this oxygen-laden night, what bless after the polluted stink of a big city.
Chateau Briand for the 3 of us and very good wine served by the mischievous waiter with that certain something in his eyes...
Happy happy and good night
I come across a lovely sentence today:
"Here in this moment called NOW...Life is dancing. Come reside in that place called the moment."
I will try to always remember this, especially when I am counting spots!
*Gluehwein (hot wine) Recipe
1 bottle of decent enough dry Red (Lidl wine will do)
2 oranges, juiced (keep the orange skin halves, if organic)
3 cinnamon sticks
10 cloves
6 star anise
honey to taste
Pour the wine in a pot with the orange juice. Add the cinnamon sticks and the cloves and anise (you can also put the spices into a tea egg, as not to strain the wine after) and the orange skins(if) and bring to a gentle boil. So longer and harder you boil, so less alcoholic the brew will be, obviously. I prefer mine on the stronger side.
Stir in enough honey to sweeten to your liking. Again - be aware - the more sweet, the more powerful the alcohol will be. Gluehwein can be the ultimate giggle material, hitting your head without warning. But hey, it is Christmas, what better reason to giggle...
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