A Pig's Arse

Another spectacular cake by Holly

April Cancelled Due To Injury

Edit: There are more - and more interesting - photos from the trip here.



Normally at the start of April I'd be posting hundreds of images of happy, sunburned skiers sweating in their winter clothes under a brutal Alpine sun. And that's exactly what we were doing last week in Meribel. We had a massive dump of fresh powder - in April! - and we were loving it, whooping down the un-skied areas down the sides of the pistes and generally getting it. Then I took a nasty tumble just off the edge of the Jean Pachot red run, pulling my right calf muscle and twisting my left knee. I bravely skied to the nearest mountain restaurant, where a demi of the local muscle relaxant seemed to work its magic, but it was clear I'd have to head home. By the time I got back to the chalet I could hardly walk, so the next (and last) day was going to be a write-off. First whole day I've missed my whole ski career I think.

Friday, of course, is the day we all have lunch together, I bring the cameras out, and we all goof about a bit and I get some nice pictures. That's wasn't going to happen, so Tim and I took up position in a nice bar overlooking the ronde-point - more muscle relaxant - and waited for everyone to come back for lunch. A nice boozy lunch, as it turns out, and nice enough to persuade a few others not to head back out into the deepening afternoon slush. So we ended the day - and the trip - on a bit of a pub crawl, toasting each other, injuries, the sunshine and the snow. Not so much of a write-off after all.

Paw Patrol

Another of Holly's Free Cakes for Kids creations. I may have helped with the badge.

Old Pals

We were invited to a gathering of the NCT parents at Caroline and Craig's house. Holly made one of her illusion cakes.

Lucky Thirteen

Holly's birthday, and her first day as - gulp - a teenager. We had the family round for a small celebration, the pool is still out and Holly made full use.

Aftermath

Holly's been baking.

October Catchup

Another photo miscellany, this time featuring another Parkrun, panoramas of Edinburgh from above Hillend by night and the castle esplanade by day, an apple jalousie made from our own apples, Louis being a half-time hero at Tynecastle, a couple of cakes, and Louis skateboarding on the drive.

September Catchup

Nothing specific to report in September, so here's a selection of snaps. In among there is some sky, our ex-greenhouse, an interesting mirror, Louis doing a Parkrun, a birthday celebration (with another cake by Holly) and some other bits & pieces.

Best Yet?

Holly made a cake for Eloise's birthday. Astonishing.

Burning July

I guess we must have had a garden barbecue in honour of Holly and Grandma's birthdays...

Glittering Prize

It's Holly's last week of Primary School. As part of the festivities, there was a P7 prizegiving and show, at which Holly was awarded the award for "Achievement in Serving The Community" prize for her work with Free Cakes for Kids. Very proud parents.

A Baker's Dozen?

We had a wee party in honour of Holly's 12th birthday, for which she made her own cake. The day started well enough, with the kiddies helping prepare kindling for the barbecue in lovely sunshine. By the time Louis and I had been to his rugby club end-of-term bash, the rain had begun. Like a dutiful dad I barbecued in the drizzle under a suspended tarp...

Paw Patrol

Holly's latest cake for Free Cakes for Kids. I may have helped a little with the badge.

Rugby Party

Louis is nine! How did that happen? Anyhoo, in line with his current obsession he had a rugby party with RHC Cougars. It was awesome, there is no better thing in the world for occupying a bunch of nine year old boys than making them run around outside for an hour. Holly made a cake of course, modelled along the lines of the one she did for grandad last year. She and Eloise helped out with the party too.

Feliz Cumpleaños

Niall's birthday - a significant one ending in "0" - took the collected Millars to Viva Mexico for margaritas and food. Holly couldn't make it due to a prior engagement but was present in cake form. I like the photos on the walls in Viva Mexico, they lend the place an authentic air. Slightly less authentic perhaps was a massive comedy sombrero for the birthday boy. I think Louis enjoyed wearing it more than Niall...

Caketown

Cake Fest Edinburgh. We came, we saw, we marvelled at how much time some people must have on their hands.

Cake - Birthday Phase 1

Holly's 11th birthday celebrations began with a cupcake-decorating party with a few of her chums. She and Helen had also made her own "melted chocolate bar" cake beforehand, so cakes were high on the agenda.

Then we played games in the garden, including the flour game to continue the baking theme.

Afterwards, in view of the occasion and the beautiful weather, we hung out in the "Millar Beer Garden", sipping Prosecco, kicking a football around, bouncing on the trampoline and serenading each other with tender songs of love. Probably.

Cakes for Kids

This weekend was Holly's debut bake for Free Cakes for Kids, a community service to families who find it difficult to provide a birthday cake for their child. This week's recipient had asked for a minion cake, so Holly was the ideal candidate - she's done this before.

All went well - with plenty of support from the family of course - and we're all looking forward to next month's bake.