Friday 31 December 2010

Hogmanay

Today is Hogmanay here in Scotland - the last day of the year. 
When I was young, traditionally it was a day when the house got cleaned ready for any visitors who may arrive in the evening.  Just before midnight there would be a bustle of activity - shortbread, madeira cake and sultana cake were cut up and put out, drinks poured and everyone gathered round the TV or radio to hear the bells chime midnight!  Then we wished all those around us a happy new year - and waited for our "first foot".  This is supposed to be a tall, dark haired man and he can't arrive empty handed!  Sometimes, one of the men would go out the back door and come in the front door - just for good luck.  Then we'll all have a few drinks and a laugh and probably sing a few Scottish songs.  In those days people used to go out and visit neighbours and friends, but that doesn't happen so much now.  We still keep many of the old customs - we always welcome the New Year with a wee drink!
Midnight is known as "the Bells" - church bells ring and here all the ships on the river sound their foghorns.  It's bad luck to wish anyone a happy new year until after midnight, so until then we say "all the best when it comes"!

Tuesday 28 December 2010

Flu!

I was so sure that I was going to be a regular blogger - especially at the beginning, but since my last post, I've been laid low with flu.  This is the first day since Christmas Eve that I've felt OK, but it looks like hubby might have it now - oh well, share and share alike!
Its a right dreich day here in Inverclyde, so I'm going to post a pic of a nice, cosy little Christmas vignette. I'm off for a wee cuppa!

Love, Liz

Thursday 23 December 2010

Snowy Scotland

Hi

This is my first blog post - I hope its the first of many! 
Enjoy this photo of a frosty tree taken right outside my door.  Going to wrap all my gifts now - its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Love, Liz