There’s something about steam engines, with billowing hot plumes and pulling long passenger trains that screams Christmas to me. It might be because I think of model railways circling Christmas trees in the shop windows, I imagine young children with their faces pressed up against the cold glass, their breath fogging up the view.
I also like to reminisce about one of my earliest childhood memories, my first ride on a train in the snow, a coal train pulling away from Nightcaps, when I was not yet 5 years old.

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In one of my first jobs after highschool; as well as being the “dish pig” at a local steak and grill house, I often got the privilege of answering the phone and even better… rolling the ice cream sundaes, assembling the banana splits and Brandy Snaps on busy nights.
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Officially New Zealand does not have a statutory holiday in Winter, which you will have heard me say makes for a very long and cold season. Christmas and New Year are of course recognised statutory holidays, yet remember they are in Summer downunder when held in December and January. Although many families celebrate a July or Mid-Winter Christmas, Winter Solstice or Thanksgiving there are no set dates or official holidays, (please click here to read the rest…)

Driving home last week from a disappointing trip out for dessert, (They wouldn’t seat us! Sniff!)
I recalled the last time we went out for just desserts, J had ordered the lemon tart, a fatal mistake was offering me some, as quickly my preference shifted from my plate to his.
Ever since, nearing 12 months I guess; I’ve been meaning to make a lemon tart at home, (please click here to read the rest…)