I love Christmas and hope that you do too. My one regret is that it doesn’t last long enough. It’s lucky that the New Year celebrations follow it so that the elated “buzz” is extended. This year we plan to welcome 2014 in France!

My son was here to visit me last week as it was “half term” and he comes to spend some time with me every school holiday. His general knowledge is far better than mine. On reading my article in the October about my young French friend thinking that Welsh rarebit was rabbit—Rowan told me that originally the English called it “Welsh Rabbit”. They were mocking the Welsh for using cheese as they couldn’t afford rabbit!

When he read what I wrote about Luke Howard naming the clouds (see previous post) he told me that  Luke named one special cloud — cloud nine — which led to the expression “I’m feeling on cloud nine”.

I feel on cloud nine when I buy new clothes! I’ve had a new dress for Christmas ever since I was born! Every December my grandmother, aunt, mother and myself went to Bath and we all bought our dresses from Jolly’s—a large dress store in Milsom Street. Then we had a cream tea in “the Red house”. I don’t know if these two establishments still exist! This year I’ve bought yet another L.B.D (Little black dress).

It’s made of lace, and no I didn’t go to Bath. I bought it from the comfort of my lounge - as I am a fan of Q.V.C. (television shopping). Little black dresses (or navy ones) are so useful as they can be dressed up or worn casually. If you want to change one of yours without spending much—why not buy a necklace/collar? Many shops have them this year. I’ve seen them in white pearls, black stones, rhinestones or in gold and silver colours.

Another idea is to wear a pretty scarf. I’ve made some wide floaty ones that can be spread out, then belted to look part of the dress. You need to feel confident so that you forget what you are wearing and just enjoy yourself!

You may already have planned what you will be eating on Christmas Day. If you will be on your own—SPOIL YOURSELF! Last year several people said to me “Oh, it was no different from every other day!”

MAKE IT DIFFERENT. If I was catering for myself I would have my favourite box of chocolates and not feel guilty if I ate them all! Breakfast would be mid-morning, probably some smoked salmon with champagne or rosé wine. I would eat it in bed as I am not fond of getting up early! There would be a good book waiting to be read and a pile of favourite magazines.

Lunch would be simple, no feeling of having to cook for one. I would open up a tin of M&S white crab meat to eat with some rocket, an avocado, mayonnaise and mandarin marmalade (Bonne Maman). Do I hear you gasp with horror? Mandarin is no more odd than the grapes that are often eaten with a salad—and much less “sharp”.

I would make certain that my dinner was prepared the day before. I’d just heat up a duck casserole and fry some sliced potatoes (already boiled when I made the duck dish) in butter, olive oil and garlic until golden and crispy. Then more chocolates and my favourite wine.

I like “Moulin á Vent” (Windmill) for several reasons. When my son and his friends did grape picking to earn some pocket money, the family who produced “Moulin á Vent” treated the young workers very well and they sat down with the family each evening to share the same meal! Actually, it also tastes very good.

Better still. if you find that your choice of TV isn’t enough company—invite someone to join you for dinner! Make it someone whose company you know you’ll enjoy. I’ve never spent Christmas on my own—but if it happens—I’ll follow my own advice!

Finally why not join us at Frenchay Church  on Sunday December 22nd (it starts at 6pm) for “CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT”? It’s a lovely start to Christmas and you would be made very welcome. A bonus—you could have a hot drink and mince-pies afterwards. I’ll be helping to serve—so if you don’t know me (or if you do!) please come and say “Hello”-

I wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

                                                             Esmé

You can learn something every day! I didn’t know that Frenchay is linked to a famous Apothecary. Alan Freke, who is extremely knowledgeable, told me that Luke Howard’s grandson married Charlotte Tuckett. Luke was the Quaker who named the clouds “Nimbus” etc. His fame stretched far beyond our country. Some of you may belong to the Tuckett Society.

Charlotte and her husband continued in Luke’s footsteps—they were the biggest supplier of quinine in the British Isles!

Why this interest in an Apothecary? Well, that is the ancient name for a pharmacist. In this area we are lucky enough to have several pharmacies. I always stay loyal to the Cleevewood Road one. Why? I find it very friendly and appreciate its’ efficient delivery service. Yesterday I had the pleasure of interviewing the new owners.

PETER AND MICHELLE CIPOLLA  are a local couple who live in Downend. Peter’s family are from Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean. Peter took a degree in Pharmacy at a London University and has worked in various branches. He did have a break when he did voluntary work in Tanzania helping to build a school. I asked where they met—you know how I’m interested in romance! I should have guessed—doctors meet nurses—Peter the pharmacist met Michelle his dispenser! Married in 2001, they spent their honeymoon in Thailand riding on elephants  and white water rafting among other things.

One of Peter’s hobbies now is trampolining and he’s gained his first medal. With such active parents it’s not surprising that their two children excel at sport. Michael (11years) won a bronze medal for gymnastics in the National Club Competition.He’s joined Cleeve Rugby Club and like his father, is very keen on trampolining. I can imagine the scene in their garden with them both competing to use the trampoline first! Mia (9 years) goes to the gym 5 times a week plus Thursday afternoons. I wish I was that fit! Michelle, unlike me, is an IT enthusiast and uses her skills in the Cleevewood Pharmacy as the Accountant etc. She is studying at the Open University towards eventually getting an IT degree.

If, as I suggest, you visit this “shop” you will receive a warm welcome from Mary (always smiling), Marlies the Australian dispenser, Liz who deals with much of the paperwork, perhaps Amy if it is a Saturday. Their delivery service is excellent and lovely Lisa brings my medicine directly to my flat.

I interviewed Peter in his consulting room and thought it might help readers of these pages to know just what you could consult Peter about! He mainly discusses medication—giving advice on how you should be taking it and the reasons for doing so. This is an official Government policy. “The Medication Usage Review”. Peter is a Type 1 diabetic, so has a special interest in this subject. He plans to develop a Diabetic Service. When I walked into the pharmacy, I admired the new  layout—it is bright and spacious. The counters are an excellent choice. I’ve had exactly the same installed in my new kitchen! They plan to sell more clinical items such as disability aids, diabetic and blood pressure monitors. You will still be able to buy your cosmetic items, but perfumes and cards will be phased out.

A photographic shop will soon be  opening next door and they will stock cards, That’s typically kind of Peter to want to help his neighbour. In fact the whole ethos of Cleevewood Pharmacy is to be of service to the community. I wish them great success and many years amongst us! 

FASHION
Last month I said we would “talk” a bit about royal fashion. One reason that I am so interested in clothes is that in France I taught English not only in schools but also for the Chamber of Commerce. “Chambre de commerce”. Each of my classes had a different reason for wanting to learn our language. One group consisted of hoteliers, another doctors and dentists and another group had fashion workshops, I taught them the language they needed for their specific fields. One of my students in the fashion group made garments for Kenzo, another for Erdem and another for Lindka Cierach. Samantha Cameron and Michelle Obama wear clothes by Erdem. Lindka designed Sarah Ferguson’s wedding dress for her marriage to Prince Andrew. Do you remember it? There was an “A” and an anchor embroidered on the train as well as a bumble bee from the Ferguson coat of arms. Lindka Cierach was born in Lesotho to Polish parents.

Ron and I were lucky enough to be invited to my students' ateliers. I was fascinated! They weren’t at all like the knicker factory in “Coronation Street”!! The machinists, pattern makers and the hand-stitchers were working in complete silence. My students explained that the expensive fabrics being used demanded utter concentration with no distractions! I loved the headdress of fresh flowers that Sarah wore when she walked into Westminster Abbey. She left wearing a jewelled tiara. Nature can beat valuable man-made objects every time!

My Thoughts for November

Recalling Luke Howard and his work on clouds—I’m just looking at the sky. It’s dark and menacing. However, if I was in a plane above them—I would see an endless white blanket, When days feel especially “dark”...things will brighten, and you will be “floating on cotton wool clouds”!!

Be Happy ……… Esmé