Dr. St. Lucia

On a damp dull January day, I was coughing and also moaning about a pain in my shoulder.  So Phil suggested "How about we go and see Dr. St. Lucia".  The exotic seed was sown. Whenever I hear the word Caribbean my brain transports me back to the beach.  I can almost feel my shoulders relax as I remember lounging semi-reclined on a sunbed, cold drink in hand, glancing up from the pages of an engaging novel to stare out to sea.   I relished the thought of feeling sunshine on my shoulder and so a couple of weeks later we left an icy Gatwick and landed in St. Lucia after a lovely relaxing flight with British Airways.

From the moment you step off the plane into the quaint little Hewanorra airport, the pressures of everyday life slowly ebb away.

The St. James' Club is over an hour away (the taxi drivers treat you like little toddlers asking if you have been to the toilet - so thoughtful) at Morgan's Bay, a few miles north of the island's capital Castries but the taxi journey was a joy because this time we had an excellent driver who wasn't related to Lewis Hamilton.

St. Lucia is tiny - just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide - so it's with some bafflement that the first roadside sign says "Castries 43 miles".  Excuse me?  Are we going round twice?  But in fact the main St. Lucian road, meanders gently along the Atlantic coastline before veering left through a spectacular rainforest to the Caribbean coast, then winds its way north to the main tourist resorts.

Every bend brings a dramatic new vista as we pass through multi-coloured towns and villages where little wooden shacks with brightly-painted tin roofs jostle for space with homes on stilts.

The taxi driver's proud boast was that St. Lucia is the prettiest of all the islands.  We haven't visited all of the Caribbean islands so I can't vouch for this but what I can say, though, is that the others would have to be pretty spectacular to top it.  St.Lucia is the vivid splash of green between Barbados and Martinique.  It's one of the lushest, hilliest islands in the Caribbean and, from the air, looks a bit like a set from a technicolour 1950s fantasy movie: all pointy pitons, volcanic ridges and glittering beaches.  It has seen a stormy past though as the island changed hands between warring Britain and France 14 times before winning full independence in 1979.  Sounds like Brexit!!!! Oh don't mention that word - another reason why we are in St. Lucia to escape the news.

In those turbulent centuries, sugar was the sought-after prize.  Then bananas and rum took over as the main money-spinners.  Today, tourism is king and the island is peppered with a fine selection of resorts.

Like last year we had opted for the all-inclusive St. James' Club, and a terrific choice it was too.
We have visited this resort many times and love its well kept tropical grounds, the lovely little beach, delicious food and drinks always flowing.  Everything we expect from an all-inclusive resort with no weird wrist bands or having to sign for EVERYTHING.  The one thing I really love about St. Lucia and this resort is it has that real authentic, laid-back Caribbean island-vibe!

When we arrived we were greeted with some rum punch and it was at this moment I truly felt like I was back in the Caribbean.  After we had checked in we were ferried by buggy to our beachfront room ( 550) - the view was spectacular and the sounds of the waves crashing outside our balcony will stay with me long after the holiday.  Idyllic doesn't quite cover it.  The bed is also one of the most comfortable we have ever slept in.  Very large and rather high - I really know the meaning of the expression "climb into bed" now.

"There is nothing more beautiful than a sunset, viewed over a glass of chilled champagne" - Jared M. Brown.

Two passions in my life are a perfectly chilled glass of champagne and stunning sunsets.  The perfect way to begin a fabulous vacation!  Thank you so very much Mark.  A very generous and much appreciated gesture.  And the sunset was the stuff poetry is made of - orange and purple - with a green flash to finish.  It's said that once you've seen a green flash, you'll never go wrong in matters of the heart! (The green flash is an optical phenomenon that you can see shortly after sunset or before sunrise.  It happens when the sun is almost entirely below the horizon, with the barest edge of the sun - the upper edge - still visible.  For a second or two, that upper rim of the sun will appear green in colour.  It's a brief flash of the colour green - the legendary green flash.  It's really quite exciting to see, especially if you've been looking for one.  Of course, there mustn't be any clouds in the way and it is best seen through binoculars.  We were so fortunate to see three green flashes from our balcony this holiday). The view from our balcony was incredible, and this is were we chilled out at sunset with an early evening cocktail as we watched some fantastic sunsets.

This is our balcony on the top floor:-

Almost right on the equator, St. Lucia's tropical and doesn't really do seasons - temperatures sit at a balmy 29 C year round and 27 C passes for a cold snap.

The resort sits in a beautiful little private cove with huge aesthetic palm trees, looking out over Choc Bay, perfect for peak relaxation.  Our itinerary revolved around sunbathing, swimming, eating, drinking and sleeping.  Phil's biggest concern was remembering to put his name down for his Hobie Cat sailing and water ski-ing.  All you really need from a Caribbean holiday is a beach, some sea, a friendly person occasionally bringing you a drink when you wave the red flag and hours of watching the sea gently lap against the sand.  WiFi was non existent unless in the Sunset Bar or lobby but we were on holiday so it was a welcome break from technology!

But, St. James' is also great for those holiday-makers who stubbornly refuse to sit on their sunbeds.  At any given time, in the fitness area, main pool or out on the ocean, you could be kayaking, canoeing, water-ski-ing, playing pool volleyball, doing an aqua aerobic class, playing tennis, paddle-boarding, windsurfing or doing loads of other stuff like Pilates.

Look Chloe and Jamie, a giant chess set - I challenge you to a game.  You must come with us one year - you would love it here.  Emmie has already been with Mummy and Daddy when she was 18 months old but I don't expect she can remember it.

We loved breakfast in the Bambou restaurant, where you can get a table almost on the beach with amazing views over to Castries, the Carib dinner is also excellent here.

Every lunchtime there was a bar-be-que on the beach.  They catered for every possible taste (why do some people only eat burgers) serving up delicious fresh fish and chicken manned by smiling, attentive, eager-to-please staff.  Another highlight of the day was Morgans Toot Toot, a strolling ice cream man.

Our favourite restaurant was Morgan's pier, with its a la carte menu of seafood and just grilled deliciousness which you can enjoy whilst surrounded by the ocean.  Situated inside the resort's pier this fun restaurant has a chilled out open kitchen and gorgeous views as the sides of the pier are also open.  The incredible views only add to an already fabulous dining experience.  For dessert there is a wooden boat in the middle of the restaurant, filled with all different types of desserts and you just help yourself.

There is a friendly, clubby atmosphere about the place.  Each of the restaurants has its own character from the whitewashed New England style beachside Bambou to the rustic wooden built Tree Tops restaurant and upmarket Le Jardin which is all white tablecloths and crystal glasses.  We enjoyed two delicious meals here.

Wednesday night is Fete Bor La Mere  - a massive and memorable party by the beach.
A journey, with food and drink, into St. Lucia where every dish tells a story of the rich heritage and proud culture; soup and broths from the Gros Islet Soup Hut, local rum from the Canaries Rum Bar - watch out for the Rum Police - fresh Pork from the Soufriere Open fire hut, savoury pies from the Choiseul farming hut, meats from the Vieux Fort hut, cocktails with a St. Lucian twist at the Barbonneau Martini Bar and so much more, including burgers!!!!

Getting ready to party!

There is also live entertainment throughout the evening - our favourite the sweet sound of a Steel
Band - just wish they had played for longer.  Together with fire eaters, stilt walkers, drummers and dancers.  It's the beach party of all parties.

And after dinner there is the Choc Bay café for speciality coffees - also a great place to hang out if you don't want to drink alcohol all day.

We flew home feeling tanned, rested and eager to share the photographs of our bronzed sailing faces.
And yes, Dr. St. Lucia did the trick - my cough has gone and so has the pain in my shoulder.

Thank you St. Lucia and the St. James Club and Phil for a fabulous holiday.

Jamie turns five

Last week my youngest grandchild, my train mad, bright eyed grandson, Jamie turned five.
I actually can't believe I'm typing out the number 5, wow, it sounds so, well, grown up and (ha!) I feel too young :)!

It only feels like yesterday he was lying in my arms a new-born baby and now he's this little lively person.  A loveable little guy and one who has become such a sensible, sweet and caring child.

And now to the day of Jamie's party.

There was disco music playing and a bubble machine as the children arrived with Krazy Kev on hand to welcome them.

Jamie and his friends had the most fun, playing, laughing, dancing and eating, of course.  There were silly games, played with great vigour, and crazy party dances.  This action shot makes me laugh,  Dance Jamie Dance.

The other children had an absolute ball too.  He was fully in his element running around and playing with his friends and he truly lapped up the party atmosphere.

Then Jamie chatted and laughed his way through the birthday meal with his buddies!

The man of the moment was impressed by Mummy's cake.

After the party food it was time for Krazy Kev's comedy Magic Show (with REAL rabbit) starring Jamie as The Star of the Show!

Before we knew it, two hours had flown by and it was time to hand out the party bags and bid the party-goers goodbye!

What a 'super' Krazy Kev party for all!

Argh 5 years, what an age - a school boy now, a young man in training.

Happy Birthday little man XXXXXXX

A Christmas Lunch to remember

I love Christmas, I'm aware that these days it's fashionable to be cynical but I can't help it.  I love Christmas music.  I love all my tacky decorations that don't match.  And I love the food and what an absolutely fantastic  Christmas lunch we had at Carolines.

Christmas lunch is the feast everyone looks forward to all year long and Caroline served the ultimate turkey meal.

Crack the drinks open and be merry.  Christmas is also a time when you can drink whatever you like, guilt-free and not have to consider the consequences (unless you are driving) - which usually means buying new jeans in the New Year and returning to Slimming World!!!!  And Champagne flowed from the moment we arrived to the moment we left.

Chloe made sure she played the perfect hostess to a tub or two of chocolate treats.  After all, tis' the season to indulge your sweet tooth!

Chloe also helped to dress up the home with her DIY Christmas decorations which were suspended above the table.  Of course, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without a decorated tree in the corner and nothing is more cosy at Christmas time then nestling up by a roaring, crackling, fire.

Yes, we had a truly traditional Christmas with decorated trees, mince pies, present-giving and a turkey dinner. Thank you Caroline and Mike for a lovely Christmas Day.  In our fast-paced world, the slow-paced comfort of family games, stories, long walks and 'helping' the children to play with their new toys, especially the new train set, was so relaxing.

On Boxing Day we had a stroll down to the beach, to walk off the Christmas indulgences!  However, we did return for a festive afternoon tea with mince pies.

I must mention Caroline's mince pies are out of this world.  So I asked for the recipe and made some myself.  They are made with orange pastry.  This recipe makes 24.  They are so light and crumbly.

500 g plain flour
175 g caster sugar
375 g butter (I know)
finely grated rind and juice of 1 large orange

Sift the flour and sugar into a mixing bowl.  Cut the butter into small pieces, stir these into the flour and then rub gently with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.  Stir in the grated orange rind.  Then, using a knife, stir in the orange juice until the dough just begins to stick together.  Gather up the dough and put it into a ball, wrap it in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes or more before using. Knead the pastry lightly and roll it out rather more thickly than usual.  Using a 7.5 cm fluted pastry cutter, cut out 24 rounds, rerolling the pastry as necessary.  Line greased patty tins with  the rounds.  Fill  with mincemeat (I use supermarket mincemeat but add a little brandy).  Cut out another 24 rounds, moisten the underside of the rounds and place them on top of the filled pies.  Press the edges lightly together and make a small slit in the top of each pie.  Brush the tops with cold milk and bake in the centre of the oven, preheated to 200C for 15 minutes until light golden-brown.  The pastry is so deliciously crumbly that it is best to let these mince pies cool down before gently easing them from the tins with a round-bladed knife.  Serve either warm - which of course is best - or cold.

And on the Friday it was off to the panto with Emmie, Chloe and Jamie to see Sleeping Beauty - the classic fairytale of a princess who pricks her finger and sleeps for 100 years after a curse by evil fairy Carabosse.  Cheesy smiles, corny jokes and plenty of audience participation.

As children, Christmas can truly be a magical time.  And it's not just the fun of opening presents.  It's the wonder of the elves in the workshop, the flying reindeer, and the stockings that magically fill up overnight.

Christmas comes but once a year, so we try to make it as special as we can for our "babies" before they're all grown up.

Emmie was especially lucky this year as she got to visit Father Christmas in Lapland and Mrs. Claus came to read her a bedtime story.

                                                               HAPPY NEW YEAR