Turn Up the Thermostat. Stat.

Stu, once again failing to look like a normal human being. That must be some kind of record right? Oh wait, I forgot about Carrot Top.

Slightly startled camera-faces may run in the family. Is there a genetic precedent?

Good god Stuart, good god.
Christmas lights outside The Dome. Fancy-schmancy bar we couldn't afford to drink in. Luckily there's no charge for gawking.


Christmas markets.

Do we even use the word thermostat in the non-American English language world? I apologise if not, but I just didn't think turn up the heater had quite the same ring to it.

Emma (Stu's sister) and Tommi (Emma's 'SO' - Significant Other) came up to visit this weekend, which was really great, although Tommi very nearly froze, and the mist and fog hung around pretty much all weekend.

We didn't let a little weather get in the way of our fun but. We went to the Edinburgh Christmas markets, which was actually perfect, because they were so crowded that the collective body warmth was better than any winter woollies I could find in my wardrobe crammed with knitwear. We then headed home to defrost and pretty ourselves up for what turned out to be a raucous night on the town that ended in a downwards spiral of mild depravity. We got home at about 3am, and I apparently decided I wanted toast. So I made a couple of pieces, ate one, and then decided I didn't want the other. So I threw it in the bin. Apparently - I remember nothing, nothing! - Stu rescued it from the bin and started eating it. At which point he offered me a bite and I gladly had it. Oh the shame. Eating out of the rubbish bin is a new low. I do remember getting a hot water bottle ready for Tommi and pouring boiling water all over my hands repetedly. Awesomeness.

Hangovers all round the next day, but heroically soldiered on - got up with Stu and did the shopping. The most painful shopping excursion in the history of painful Sundays. Emma and Tommi bravely decided to hold down the fort until they had clear vision again.

The rest of the weekend was filled with post-hangover food binges and cold, dark walks around the streets of Leith. Found a glorious little restaurant. Tried my first pheasant - a little dry to be honest. Found an amazing asian foods spermarket and went to town on hoisin sauce, chinese five spice and other assorted delectables.

Today, Stu's picking up our tree, and next Wednesday we're going to pick up an organic free-range duck to roast for Christmas lunch. Too good. We've wrapped out presents, and I can't wait to decorate the tree and our humble flat with the cheap baubles and tinsel we bought last week at the pound shop. Mum sent us through stockings complete with fillers (champion that she is), and Stu's family have sent gifts galore. Who says Christmas has to be ridiculously extravagant? Still, it would be nice to have some sunshine and warmth to add to the list of goodies.

Love to all,

Mezzle