It’s now the 5th January and I’m still feeling as rough as a badger’s arse. I certainly need my fire relighting. This has gone on since Christmas day and I am now truly fed up of it, especially as those around me with the same bug seem to be recovering better than me.

We’re having the “rematch” tonight because we had to cancel a dinner party on NYE because all four of us were ill so it’s now happening tonight. I’ve spent the afternoon in the kitchen cooking and decided on a Mediterranean theme because when I planned the food the weather had been raining forever and hence the need for something a bit summery. While cooking, we’ve had Soccer Saturday (I refuse to capitulate to using the G word) on the telly and been watching goal fests. Obviously any day when the super Spurs win 3-0 is a good day so I’m pretty happy with our Christmas seasonal performance. If we add to that three goals for DMs boyhood team Aldershot then we’re onto a good streak. Shame our adoptive side, Plymouth couldn’t keep up the fest and sadly they managed to lose 4-0. Still, it’s always a good afternoon pottering about the kitchen and watching the footie.

This light is from the wrong bit of the Med really – it came from Egypt courtesy of Clazuk but nonetheless it’s still from “spitting distance” of the place of my birth and tonight’s meal inspiration, Cyprus. I’ve done a meze (houmous, tsatsiki, grilled halloumi, feta stuffed baked chilli peppers, olives and pita bread – all home-made), then our friends will be eating kleftiko while we’re having a cheese and lentil parcel, all with rosemary, chilli, honey and garlic roasted root veggies. Our last course will be baklava and I know that there is a dispute as to whether it’s Greek or Turkish in origin but either way, it can be claimed as Cypriot. I’ve never made baklava before but I must say it looks yummy!

I hope our guests enjoy it – it’s always a worry cooking for meat eaters………

This shot is taken in our dining room where we will be eating because there are too many tempting things for doggies noses if we eat off the coffee table in the lounge (our preferred option for an informal supper with friends).