The New Year's holidays are spent not only with family- for some people it's the only time of the year they get to meet with their friends. On the second day of the year we visited one of his friend's house for dinner. He lives with his wife and mother, and also visiting was his brother with his wife and two boys, and another friend and his wife. It was a lively group, and we spent a few hours eating fugu nabe (blowfish hotpot) which I forgot to take a picture of.
By the time dessert came, I had remembered my camera. This is the berry tart we ate- strawberries and raspberries topped with white chocolate. Yum!
The whole time we were there, this little guy was practically jumping off the walls. He was too shy to even look at me at first, but by the end of the night he asked if he could sleep with me (I'm pretty sure he meant it innocently). He knows all the colours in English and quickly learned to say "hi" and "cheers", and he demanded to be taught more. It's amazing how perfectly kids this age can mimic what they hear- he could pronounce phrases like "piss off, dumb-ass" perfectly.
At one point our host asked me what year I was born, and pulled out a bottle of umeshu (ume plum liqueur) that was made that year. It was opaque black (newly made umeshu is a clear pale yellowish colour) but completely drinkable- very sweet but incredibly smooth, with not a hint of alcohol flavour. It is likely the oldest drink I've ever had, which is kind of amazing. I made umeshu a few years ago and there's none left, and this has inspired me to try again and hang on to it for as long as possible.
an interesting phrase you're teaching that young man ;) you've inspired me to try making my own umeshu, and to hang on to it for as long as i can!
Posted by: santos. | 2006.01.06 at 09:52 PM
Amy;
....its so nice to spend the holidays with family and good food.
Posted by: Carlyn | 2006.01.06 at 09:53 PM
That's what the holidays are all about!
I think the trick for keeping umeshu for a long time is to make a double batch, or else just make it every year.
Posted by: Amy | 2006.01.07 at 05:59 PM