Mmmmmmmmmmmm!!!!

Its been lovely to have a day off today--we have been for a mooch round Leominster Boot sale this morning, called at Morrisons for a great traditional breakfast,and finished the shopping for ingredients for Christmas cakes while there,.
Then when we got home had a relaxing few hours before Bill got stuck into the Christmas cakes!
All the fruit was put to marinade in a mixture of brandy,port and rum--lovely juicy dates and apricots were chopped and added to the currants, sultanas, raisins and glace cherries-along with lots of spices --the mixture was then simmered gently for 15mins and allowed to cool-before putting in a sandwich box in the fridge for a week--shaking gently when ever we open the fridge. Next week Bill will add the marinaded fruit to the other ingredients and bake--I will marzipan and ice the cakes nearer Christmas!
Note the glass of Rose wine is the chefs treat and not added to the fruit mixture!
The aromas filling the house was just gorgeous--smells just like Christmas already!
I must start packing up the presents soon--I'm very late this year-usually got them all done by now!
Did find a few things in the back bedroom this afternoon that I had forgotten I had bought--but got all the grandchildren's done now except for one or two bits.
How did we manage before computers and buying on-line? I think 90% of my Christmas shopping is done on-line these days--some real bargains to be had out there if you know where to look!