My Valentine

Nick doesn't 'do' Valentines.  Or so he says.  I think what he really means is that he doesn't succumb to all the hype and tacky consumerism.  I like Valentines though.  I don't care much for teddy bears and don't mind if I don't get flowers or chocolates.  But I do like to do something special or romantic to celebrate Love.  This year (having dropped the kids at my aunts for part of half term), we had a lie-in, and then I cooked a traditional full English for breakfast - I mean the works.  We then lounged around lazily for a bit (such a rare luxury these days!) before going shopping (reality had to butt in).  After that we went for a walk.  I had researched walks in the Cotswolds and had found a lovely sounding 8 miler that would take us through the only public right of way through the ancient Wychwood forest.  But it wasn't to be.  I was so sure that Charlbury was simply straight through the villages of North Leigh and Long Hanborough and then somewhere around that region.  Nick didn't know where it was, but didn't have much faith in my notorious lack of direction.  We set off anyway and somewhere after Finstock and on the road to Woodstock, I realised that Charlbury is actually in the direct of Chipping Norton (a completely different direction altogether).  Oh well, as we were nearing Blenheim Estate at this point we decided we'd go there and walk a different route to our usual - seeing as though there are over 2000 acres of land, that wouldn't be too difficult a task.

Anyway, we enjoyed a really long, leisurly walk through the grounds and enjoyed even more a chance to really talk and listen and experience the peace and beauty of our surroundings.  I love my children, but these kids of moments are so good for a couple.  We stopped briefly at the cafe and gift shop where Nick bought me a bottle of damson wine (I LOVE damsons!), and then finished off our walk and went to the nearby pub where we sat by the fire and had a drink.  Oh, and in typical Nick style, he surprised me during the walk with a bar of one of my favourite chocolates....a dipped flake!  I used to request these all the time when I was pregnant with Jasmine and haven't had one in aaaaages.  So much more meaningful (to me) than the cliched bunch of flowers.....

I loved the way the light changed throughout the walk...and I noticed that all my better pictures involve trees.  I joked to Nick that maybe one day I could be a famous 'tree' photographer......

For a special dinner, with candles and wine of course, I cooked a starter of seared asian style fillet of beef salad with chilli and crushed peanuts, followed by steamed fish with ginger and spring onions, served with Jasmine rice and stir fried pak choi with garlic and soy sauce. It was delectable and the salad, in particular, will go down as one of the best things I ever cooked, Nick was so impressed :-)