The 49th parallel

There's a lot of people who bemoan the weather, particularly at this time of year and particularly so of late with all the rain we've seen. I think it's a gift, seriously, I mean I love winter anyway, but still it's great because there is nothing better after spending the day out and about with my baby in the rain and cold than to return late afternoon, as the night is descending, to a warm and dry home. We both commented on it as we made our way in through the front door and took off our shoes and coats, it's just so welcoming and such a relief to feel the warmth surround you and take away the chill. It's poetry, unwritten poetry admittedly, but if it did contain verse it would be the most magical piece ever written.

That theme has continued throughout the rest of the night, we didn't have lunch whilst we were out because we weren't hungry; after the mega pizza meal last night and the cooked breakfast this morning it's seen us through. But after strolling around together for many an hour in the fresh air we were certainly more than a little peckish come tea time; and what better way to rid our hunger pangs than with a good old fashioned stew. Admittedly, I didn't make it myself, I picked it up from Sainsburys yesterday when I went shopping; regardless of whoever made it is was awesome. Beef and ale casserole with dumplings; and we made some mash to go with it, it was just divine, real hearty winter food and absolutely perfect after such a day. And I say we made some mash to go with it because we did, it was a team effort, I only highlight the fact because it was such fun cooking with my baby in the kitchen. It's rare we cook together, it's usually only one of us whilst the other relaxes; we should do it more often we had great fun.

We had after dinner coffee and just kind of basked in the warmness with full stomachs, clear heads and warm hearts before we did what comes naturally to us - although I'm not going to linger on the ins and outs of it tonight. (Sorry I couldn't resist, but that's all I promise.) We shared a piping hot Molton Brown Black Pepper bubble bath together and I mean almost blister inducing hot but it soaked away any remaining aches or pains. The black pepper is divine by the way, it's the most gorgeous winter time bath you could ever have; the smell is intoxicating and although I appreciate it's £16 a bottle you should just buy it and try it. Trust us, if you want a winter pick me up, it will do it, it's our favourite bath and shower product ever.

Now we're sat together on the sofa, super relaxed, dressed down in loungewear and just so comfortable and happy; my baby has a glass of Brandy and my glass is filled with Whisky. Hymns of the 49th parallel by KD Lang is playing softly on the stereo, I put it on quite deliberately, it's one of favourite winter records and suits the night so well. It's the first time my baby has listened to it, he's quite taken aback but it doesn't surprise me - it's an absolute gem of a record. The cover of Joni Mitchell's "A case of you" is one of the most perfect pieces of music ever recorded, it just touches my heart and makes me emotional. To top it all off Rach has just sent us the most beautiful email thanking us for last night and despite us replying already we just want to say thank you again to her; one of our best straight mates, we love spending time with you even if we do get told off occasionally! But it was a great night and I'm glad I managed to capture it so well on here; in fact it's been a great week - friends, family and loved ones, for all of you with whom I've spent time with this past week and this weekend especially, you've made a difference, you always do. I'm starting to cry, I love you all to bits xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox.