Last night I put the camera on charge for the first time since I got back in September. I have a renewed energy and a desperate urge to take photographs. So expect the usual...camels, camels and ... even more camels.

Yes it's true, December is one week away and so on the shopping list today were...parsnips. Now you just can't beat roast parsnips with the weekend beef. When I was young they were as cheap as chips! Today I ate ONE parsnip that cost one pound fifty sterling. I'm saving the other, or maybe I'll frame it, or perhaps one should carve it into delicate slices.

Last night we were invited to dinner by a lovely Palestinian family. It was such a wonderful evening. They were so warm and welcoming and seemed genuinely delighted to have us round for a meal.
The table just groaned under the weight of the different types of food and Phil and I polished off large quantities of everything. Just when we were easing those buttons on bulging waistlines, we were given sweet mint tea and dessert! Our hostess had made a wonderful apple cake confection that was as light as a feather and then we were given glass bowls with, what looked liked, bright red berries covered in angels wings. This was in actual fact shredded pomeloes and the scooped out seeds of a pomegranate. Believe me this was tangy, tart, with just a hint of sweetness and it was as light as a feather. It instantly cleared the palate just in time for the date biscuits and fresh ground hazelnut coffee.
Now seriously, all of you that know me, how do I return the invitation with my limited culinary ability? Come on give me an idea of what to do!

The plus side of living in Riyadh is that your other 'arf' picks you up from work and suggests going out to the MALL to get a meal!
Tonight was such an occasion. Off we went to the Granada Mall, up to the food court and into the Steak House for a really great meal. Normal or what? The coffee was free, the salad was free and the decor not bad. The downside? We had to eat in the family section, in a booth with a folding screen that protected our privacy (DUH)so it was like eating in a box! People watching...out of the question!

It's amazing what you do to cheer yourself up! Coming back through Bahrain we popped into a supermarket and I had a fabulous half hour piling Christmas bits and pieces into the trolley. Getting back to the villa in Riyadh, I couldn't resist putting up the big tartan Christmas stocking and artfully pouring a big bag of reindeer droppings into a pretty bowl (chocolate of course!). Now you may think that I am being a bit premature but going into Starbucks on Thursday proved that it's not just me getting to feel the excitement of tinsel and turkey. The big promotion at this supremo coffee shop at the moment is a cinnamon, mocha, latte, frappe, cappu, decaf, frippe, flippy, choco, double creamo, seasonal coffee. Of course I had one, in a huge mug, me sitting in a comfy chair and licking my frothy lips. And was it delicious? Nope! It was too sweet! Another of lifes big disappointments.