Three awards

It’s like they say here in the UK – You wait forever for a bus only for three of them to turn up! Okay, so maybe I should be Tsk, Tsk-ing myself for not having passed on these awards before now, which is the most important aspect of accepting them. Excuses will be spared, excepting to say that I went slightly over the top with the first award I accepted (which put me off from doing more). A tad naïve back then, me thinks. So, let me proffer a huge thanks to Acorn in the Kitchen (at last) for the nomination. I’ve said it before that I love Spain as a country to visit. Yet, I don’t know a lot about their cuisine. All the more reason for following, avidly, this particular blogger. I also enjoy their embedded videos and artwork within certain posts, related to aspects of food. Besides, I really like their blog title as I used to carry an acorn, in its cupule, in my jackets/coats every Autumn.

Kreativ Blogger Award Rules:
1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.
2. Give 7 interesting things about yourself.
3. Nominate 7 blogs that you would like to give the Kreativ Blogger Award & let them know!

1. Gazing into a darkening sky whilst out walking my favourite Aunt’s ‘Scottie’ dogs in a local park in Dumfries, Scotland I distinctly remember wondering (when I was 18) if I kept reading lots of literature, viewed more film, visited galleries and museums, attended not only Private Views but ballet (classical & contemporary) and theatre, listened to lots more classical music and travelled extensively I’d become more interesting – huh, hasn’t worked!

2. When I had the chance several years ago I went travelling for eleven months and visited one hundred cities within one trip. Would never do it again!

3. There used to be ‘beauty spots’ on my face – even those have disappeared. It’ll be ‘liver spots’ next!

4. I’ve been told by several people that you really do bring out the best in people. You’re kidding me! That was their best?!?

5. I’ve also been accused of: You’re such a poser! Natural born, don’t forget!

6. Whilst staying in Nice, SE France, I asked the owner of the charming hotel what he would recommend to do and see. Visit Cannes, as you’ll get to see lots of famous people. I’ve just left Central London after living there for 26 years…you think I want to see even more!?!

7. Even though I really liked his then girlfriend I wasn’t keen on hanging out with a very famous pop/rock star in public as I always felt like such a hanger-on. Interesting, though, to observe how others would react.

Nominations, listed alphabetically:
All the Love- Without the Wheat - Great alternatives to wheat-free recipes.
Fig & Quince - Exceptional (contemporary) Persian Recipes.
For the Love of Feeding - Wouldn’t have to change a single ingredient!
i wiShed i couLd dRaw - Just love some of their illustrations.
Mon Food Blog - Seriously tasty, mostly Italian inspired recipes.
7 Legs - Superb illustrations and animated Gif’s.
Through A Lay(wo)man’s Lens - Fabulous photographic themes.

The 7 x 7 Link Award

A huge thanks to humble feast for this award. Especially as Tanya’s blog is just fabulous, with writing that leaves me in awe. Whether the recipes have been created on the spot from ingredients to hand or are culinary (sometimes monstrous) concoctions inspired by others these posts normally leave me drooling. And inspired.

1. Thank and link to the nominating blogger.
2. List seven random facts about myself.
3. List seven of my posts in the seven different categories (see below).
4. Nominate seven blogs.

1. There were very few possessions throughout my childhood that I would’ve liked to have had. One of them, however, was a Chopper bicycle. No amount of begging persuaded the Muttering Patriarch to cough that one up.

2. Although, at the age of eleven I was allowed to buy a pedigree Lassie type Rough or Scotch Collie, very near to the Giant’s Causeway. There was an ulterior motive, off course. Devious little hit (even better with an s in front) that I was. I’d hoped to breed pedigree pubs to make some money. Lassie (the name every one else called her) had different ideas as she went off with one of the local moggies instead. There went my pedigree breeding plan! Huh, still loved her. And the only pet I’ve ever had.

3. And what was I going to spend all of that money on? Especially as the MP was adamant I shouldn’t have one. A three-quarter bred gelding, off course! As I could so see myself cantering around the countryside. I would never have gone on a hunt, I hasten to add.

4. After starting Catering College at sixteen the MP bought my two younger sisters (neither of whom were remotely interested in horses) a half-broken in pony they named Donna. Go figure that one!?!

5. The occasional time I used to return ‘home’ from college for the weekend (usually so I could raid the fridge) I would always love to wake up on Saturday or Sunday mornings as Lassie and Grey (a beautiful, furry grey cat that I didn’t name) would have sneaked into the house (animals weren’t allowed, unless they were dumped straight into the freezer). Both of them would be lying on my bed patiently waiting for me to wake up. What an absolute joy to see them both!

6. After I moved to London the Matriarch swears she caught Grey carrying her young litter, one by one, out of the house from underneath my bed. The Matriarch was astonished. I wasn’t. Where safer to have them.

7. Donna quite simply outdid herself in creating the most spectacular, vast expanse of undulating perfectly clipped lawn – that used to be a rather large and lush meadow. As I was the only person that could get the-by-now-very-fat-and-neglected Donna into a bridle (certainly couldn’t get her into her saddle) I’d take her out for a walk occasionally as she really was that huge. Followed by Lassie, and Grey until the babbling brook, we would happily head off through narrow, leafy country lanes. Well, when Donna wasn’t stationary (with her large butt in the middle of the lane) and happily chomping on fresh grass by the side of it, that is. The locals trying to get by in their cars were very patient whilst they waited for me to shove Donna, by placing my skinny back against her flank, out of the way. What they must’ve thought. Huh, didn’t care then. Still don’t!

Seven posts in seven different categories:

1. Most beautiful - None of them. Well, maybe this: Leek, lettuce and marrowfat pea soup. Even though I don’t like the inclusion of the spoon.
2. Most surprisingly successful - Accepting all of the Blog of the Year 2012 Awards.
3. Most controversial - Please, this is a food blog. The only thing remotely controversial is my, continuous, overuse of commas.
4. Most pride-worthy - as in text Thin omelette
5. Most underrated -  Mayonnaise.
6. Most helpful - As in initiating the recording of (in both notebook & digital form) my food developing/recipes this is the one that started it all off: Tuna & bacon Med type stew.
7. Most popular - as in most viewed post 2012: Boneless pork shoulder steaks.

Nominations, alphabetically:
Acorn in the Kitchen - Incredible Spanish food!
allicatcooks - BF is the official taste tester, lucky guy!
Assia’s Kaleidoscope - One of my favourites, and thrilled that Assia is back!
DINNER FOR (N)ONE - Posts are always well thought out and presented.
For the Love of Feeding - Love, love, love Villy’s recipes!
LILLY SUE’S BITES AND BREWS - Lily Sue could teach how to appreciate beer!
Mon Food Blog - Seriously tasty, mostly Italian inspired recipes.

The Versatile Blogger Award

Thanks to Lilly Sue’s Bites and Brews for this nomination. Lily Sue writes about bites and brews. Who would’ve thought it. Even though I’m never likely to be able to taste most of the brews Lilly Sue tastes and writes about, as I’m in the UK not the US, I still love to read about them. Have to admit I’m not a big fan of anything other than sparkling cider, lager (think Budweiser) and wine, especially Cava, Champagne, Proseco – you get me! Anything that sparkles.

The Versatile Blogger Award – Rules for Nominees:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to their blog.
2. Choose fifteen blogs to nominate and let them know by leaving a comment.
3. Request that the chosen blogs pass on the award to their favourite fifteen.
4. Copy and paste the award on your blog post.
5. List seven things about yourself.

Nominations, alphabetically:
Back Road Journal - Very impressive posts, that include food and travel.
Baking Bohemian - Beautifully written and lots of goodies, too.
Chef Doru - Always impressive, and share their interest of International cuisine.
Fae’s Twist & Tango - One of my favourite characters on WP.
fashion, food and flirts - Still love fashion & food…but never flirt.
Fig & Quince - Incredible collection of Persian Recipes.
For the Love of Feeding - Fantastic recipes, mostly Greek inspired.
humble feast - Seriously good eats.
Mon Food Blog - Very tasty, mostly Italian inspired recipes.
My French Heaven - Beautiful narratives through both photographs & text.
Of Pots and Pens - A journalist having an affair with food.
Picture Real Food - Posts seem to be especially well researched with great food.
Russel Ray Photos - Possibly one of the most versatile bloggers around.
THE CRAFTY COOK NOOK - Always beautifully written, with great tips as well.
Uni Homemaker - Lots of baked goodies and savouries, too.

1. Have to admit it! I’m an absolute lightweight when it comes to imbibing on alcohol, especially during the day. The last time I did I was about to leave a Folk and Costume Museum in a vibrant city called Varna, (one of two ports on the Black Sea coast) in NE Bulgaria. Every day felt like a Bank Holiday. So, just before leaving the charming museum all three women working there, none of whom spoke much English, proffered me what looked like a local liqueur. I tried to explain in awful Spanish (some of the verbs are similar) that I don’t drink during the day. They looked so offended it was almost as if I’d  threatened them. Out of politeness, and under duress as their stares were of disbelief (was my Spanish really that bad?), I sipped what wasn’t too unpleasant, and left. Outside in the heat of high summer wasn’t good. That one small drink went WHOOOSH! to my head, to the extent I nearly keeled over! Seriously, I had to sit in shade for at least 15 minutes. Then head off to a café for a strong coffee to sober up. No kidding!

2. Even though this isn’t a ‘Billy Elliot’ scenario the first occupation I’d wanted to do, when I grew up, was to become a ballet dancer.

3. The first pop song that really grabbed my attention was Diana Ross’s ‘I’m still waiting’. Guess what, I still am!

4. Out of countless books I’ve only read three of them a second time: A Pagan Place by Edna O’Brien, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger and The Waves by Virginia Woolf.

5. At the age of eleven my music teacher at school loaned me a vinyl copy of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No 1 to take home. As I was usually the only one to use the sitting room where the stereo was I’d be in my element as I couldn’t quite believe the musicality nor the colour and the passion. Still can’t get over Tchaikovsky’s, nor other favourite composers, sheer brilliance.

6. I’ve never been keen on sport except (equestrian) Show jumping. Although I haven’t watched it in years. And I’ve never been to a live event. Must go one day.

7. Even though I’ve been using WordPress for over a year I’ve only recently discovered the Distraction Free Writing mode. Isn’t it fab? Still don’t know what the Insert More Tag is…

Phew! Have to end with a bit of a disclaimer here: if I’ve forgotten to accept one of these awards proffered by any of you (as I’ve done so in the past – apologies Villy!) please don’t take offence. Quite often awards have been nominated in, my then, first post showing rather than About (ahem, yes Villy, I know yours was in About – even less of an excuse). I really don’t want to read through all comments again to try and find them. Please don’t make me do it!