Welcome to the family little man

I am writing this through a mist of tears. Happy, joyful tears absolutely - but tears with a hint of sadness also.

You see today my handsome nephew was born in Australia.... and I am here in Paris.

I really wish I could be there to hold him and tell him how much we all love him and have looked forward to his arrival. To smell that incredible baby smell that is better than any perfume. To marvel at his little fingers and toes and his fabulous chubby little cheeks.

Yes, for a family where babies are normally measured in ounces or grams, this little boy has topped the scales and is very definately in pounds or kilos! I think his birth weight probably doubles the total birth weight of his Dad, myself and his other Aunty combined.

Well done to my brother and sister-in-law. Once again you have created a perfect, gorgeous little being.

As for us, we shall toast his coming into the world with champagne tonight... and possibly a few sentimental tears as well.

Soft, gentle and beautiful

Aren't these the most gorgeous paws you have ever seen.

Our furbaby is named Guy la Griffe, which translates as Bill the Claw. A bit of a joke as he rarely uses his claws.... well except to unwrap presents, open doors and cupboards, unpick ribbons and string, steal small things to hide away (like the trackball in my mouse the day before my exams...), etc etc etc..... maybe he is aptly named after all.

The surfeit of the season, or an elegant sufficiancy

Well, Christmas Day plus 2......

On the day itself we feasted. Lunch at Le Petit Zinc in St Germain des Pres. Picture panfried mushrooms with a soft boiled egg and a crisp wafer of toast, followed by langoustine with a champagne sabayon and thin slices of vegetables. Dessert was profiteroles with vanilla bean ice cream and hot chocolate sauce. Champagne and red wine flowed and all was well with the world.

Dinner was, well, not even thought of.

Boxing day became another food marathon. Scottish smoked salmon, Scottish roasted smoked salmon, avocado, lemon and caviar with a glass of very good champagne. Chased by roast pork with lemon myrtle herb and honey glaze and a veritable allotment of roasted vegetables, washed down with a rich and delicious graves. Room was found for comice pears poached in red wine and spices, then drizzled with melted chocolate and thick cream.

Again dinner became a non-existant event.

Today we are resting our overfilled stomachs..... supposedly. That would be why we have already had coffee and Armenian treats with our friends and are contemplating what we are going to cook and eat for lunch and dinner today. Sigh.

I give up and declare myself ready for the next meal. Let the feasting continue!

How to commence.....

Well, here it is. I have finally done it. A blog is born.

What do I say.... what do I show you.... how often should I write here.... questions galore race through my mind.

One thing I am certain about is that I will endeavour to use this as a place to keep family and friends updated on our life here in Paris and our adventures around the world. There may be food, travel, books, painting, friends and family - in fact anything that occurs may well find its way onto these pages.

I hope it finds a home on your bookmarks list and fulfils the curiosity regarding our life and happenings, bringing the distance between us all a little closer.