When I picked Maureen up to go to Abbey Quilters last night, she said that she had a bar of chiili chocolate for me. It had been given to Alan, her partner, for Christmas. He had tried a small taste of it, and after she had revived him, he declared that it was simply too hot to eat! So, of course, she gave it to me, knowing that I like spicy food. We had a little taste this morning after breakfast ....... and yes, it is very hot - I coped slightly better than Malcolm! So I suggested that I could have some in my afternoon mug of hot chocolate. When Malcolm brought the hot chocolate out to the studio this afternoon, I assumed he would only have put a little bit in, and took a normal sized mouthful ......... big mistake. I eventually managed to draw breath again, and then taking moderate sips, thoroughly enjoyed it (Malcolm says he only put the smallest piece in). So whether you want to try, or avoid, the chilli chocolate, here it is
Maureen also gave me this exceedingly cute owl as a thank you for giving her a lift to Abbey Quilters every month - he will be joining the Parliament on the yucca plants in the back lounge
we went for lunch to the Woodside Garden Centre
where we enjoyed delicious carrot and lentil soup
on the way home we could see snow on the hills in the distance
and Fatlips Castle standing proud on the crag
it may be the middle of winter, but in the sheltered corner of the front garden, the daffodils have appeared
in the garden this morning, the sparrows were perplexed by the frozen birdbath (don't worry, Malcom defrosted it after I took the photos)
the seed and fat ball feeders needed refilled, so there was a bit of squabbling over the peanuts
while the blackbird just hopped about looking handsome!
I'll be back tomorrow with my latest report on the Aunts' Quilt ......... have I managed to complete all the blocks in time??!!