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Gift from AD on his return from Montreal. Nom nom!

Foxy's 2012/13 New Years Honours List

Here is my round-up of all the good, the bad and the ugly of 2013...

MUSIC

ALBUM

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar

Runners up...

The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow

Jessie Ware - Devotion

Admiral Fallow - Tree Bursts in Snow

Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

Of Monsters and Men - My Head Is An Animal

LIVE PERFORMANCE

First Aid Kit

Runners up...

The Killers

Lady Antebellum

The Civil Wars

Admiral Fallow

SONG

Loreen - Euphoria

Runners up...

First Aid Kit - Emmylou

Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks

David Guetta ft Sia - Titanium

Man or Muppet - Jason Segal, Walter

BAND

Admiral Fallow

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION

Kylie

RISING STARS

Fatherson

FILM & TV

FILM

Argo

For runners up, see my full list of 2012's Top 25 Films...

FILM ACTRESS

Jennifer Lawrence (Hunger Games, Like Crazy, Silver Linings Playbook)

FILM ACTOR

Channing Tatum (The Vow, 21 Jump Street, Magic Mike)

WORST FILM

Rock of Ages

TV SHOW

Game of Thrones

Runners up...

Girls

Homeland

Great British Bake Off

Veep

Him & Her

Sherlock

Parades End

Call the Midwife

Smash

TV ACTRESS

Clare Danes

TV ACTOR

Benedict Cumberbatch

EVENTS

A list of the highlights of 2012, in no particular order:

67th Edinburgh International Film Festival

Elaine & Ross's Wedding

Big Top Festival on Skye

Touch Rugby Bath Trip

Thebans Manchester Game

Eurovision Party

Madonna Party

Hogmanay

A plethora of gigs

Watching too much of the Olympics

And many more awesome occasions with come of the best friends in the world (Jude's bday hike, Gemma's 80s bday nights, many a drunken night with Don & Chris, drinks in The Fountain...)

Thanks 2012, here's to an even better 2013!

Six Gigs / Six Venues / One City

Gig Six

Location: The Barrowlands

Act: Admiral Fallow

For the finale of my sextet of gigs throughout the city of Glasgow I was treated to a plethora of outstanding music from some of Scotland's best bands. The headliners: Admiral Fallow, folk pop supremos whose second album is one of 2012's highlights. Supporting this musical collective: Olympic Swimmers and, the stars of gig number one, Fatherson. The location for this concluding event: the Barrowlands. Let's gig!

Firstly, the Barrowlands is one of my favourite music venues. I don't know if it is the dated decor, the manky chip smell, the staff who feel like they have lived there all their lives, or the fact that it is where people used to actually Charlston… The Barrowlands has a real sense of history, it always feels like you are seeing something special, something you aren't going to forget in a rush.

Olympic Swimmers opened the night, an indie-folk-dreampop band that build exciting melodies to powerful climaxes complimented by lead singer Susie Smillie's soaring vocals. There is something almost religious about this band's music - it feels like it would sound at its best in a church all haunting and eerie. Check these folks out, even just for Smillie's outstanding voice.

I have spoken of Fatherson already in this blog series and was keen to see them again after their Garage set. Having now had a chance to listen to the band's EPs, this second viewing experience was even better. Second on tonight, these guys are a really tight band playing rock-indie tunes littered with hooks and sing-along elements. An extremely enjoyable set. They always seemed to having such a great time whilst on stage; I expect these guys to do well in 2013.

And then to the top billing. This is the first time I had seen Admiral Fallow since the release of their second album and as such I was treated to a sprawling set of tunes from their entire back catalogue. Unlike previous gigs, the focus tonight was more on their upbeat, rockier tunes keeping the quieter ones to a minimum. This worked well especially in the sprawling space of the Barrlowlands. The vast array of instruments used is always astonishing and also best presented on their upbeat work. Their stage is a hive of activity with band members swapping instruments, the addition of their fantastic brass section, and extra members coming on and off to help out.

Watching Admiral Fallow is such an enjoyable experience, they make you feel so comfortable (lead singer Louis Abbott' always checking that the crowd are okay) that occasionally you loose yourself in the clapping and chorus singing. It is brilliant. Another outstanding performance by this unique collective showing off their excellent slate of work. Bravo.

CONCLUSION

So, my six gigs in six different venues in Glasgow is over. I have seen some outstanding bands over the Autumn months. There is no question that Glasgow is Scotland's music city. The volume of bands passing through on their UK/European/World tours is incredible. With the addition of the The Hydro in 2013, this can only get better.

What delighted me most however, was the strength of the music being made in Scotland. Such a vast array of sounds are coming from my home country. This should be celebrated. I think this will be one of my 2013 resolutions. Over and out.

Six Gigs / Six Venues / One City

Gig Five

Location: O2 ABC

Act: First Aid Kit

Wolf mother where you been...

Many people who know me are aware of my slight obsession with Sweden (slight might be putting it lightly). I am not sure why I have such fixation with the land of ABBA, I like to think I'm spiritual drawn to the north and my viking roots. One of my favourite things about this Scandinavian country is it's rich music culture, especially the popular music that has made it to our shores. From Eurovision to Jens Lekman, I enjoy indulging in a range of tune.

One of the best new acts that I have discovered this year is First Aid Kit. Okay, they're not new in that they released their second album this year. However, it was only in 2012 did they come to my attention, their outstanding LP The Lion's Roar standing out as one of the best record's of the year. In February I made the conscious decision not to see this sister duo live; with the oldest sibling only 22 years old I was intimidated by their lyrical ability. However, after several months getting lost in their indie-folk tunes, I bit the bullet and booked tickets for their November date.

Tonight's gig was in one of my new favourite spaces - O2 ABC. It's not a brilliant venue but its spacious and somehow every time I attend a gig here I always get to the front. Tonight was no exception and thank you to a drunk tweenager who got chucked out, we were only one body from the barrier. Opening for First Aid Kit was Idiot Wind aka Amanda Bergman, an adorable Swedish singer songwriter telling tales from her electric piano of Uranium and her Grandma's potential death. Beautiful. A perfect warm up. Check her out.

Then came First Aid Kit. With a sister situated on either side of the stage, Klara to my right with her, Johanna to my left with keyboard, the duo entered to haunting strings and dramatic light. Dressed in their traditional folk dresses, wedge sandals and loose hair, the pair fired through a plethora of tracks from their two albums, at times still at the mic, at times stomping around the stage all backlight, appearing to merge between performers and mythical beasts.

The set was intercut with friendly chat including a self-derogative plug of their special edition LP and Klara's first taste of a true Scottish beverage - Irn Bru. Their friendly demeanour and free spirits made me at once at ease, able to enjoy their their haunting melodies and nostalgic lyrics.

Highlights were in abundance. Closer, King of the World, brought the show to a well build crescendo, a cover of Paul Simon's America sent shivers down my back and sing-along hit Emmylou got the crowd raising their voices. However, the icing of the cake was when the band abandoned technology and treated us to Ghostown acoustically. With only a handful of the audience, myself included, knowing the words enough to join them in song, it felt like our own private gig; a private-member's sing-along. Truly remarkable.

Looking back, this could have been one of the best gigs I have been to. I don't know quite why. First Aid Kit were definitely on fire. They sang all the songs I wanted to hear. They took me through a roller coaster of emotions. However, perhaps there was something else; maybe I was drawn to the cold north of my ancestry by these mythical beasts of indie-folk and their melancholic music.

Next Time: Admiral Fallow

Six Gigs/Six Venues/One City

Gig Four

Location: King Tuts Wah Wah Hut

Act: Tom McRae

With tonight's gig, Tom McRae has joined an elite group of musicians that I have seen more than three times. And unlike his peers in this respect, I have always seen his actual gigs and not caught him on the festival circuit. Having been recording and performing for what seems like forever, Tom McRae is a relatively unknown act in the UK. He's a singer-songwriter but don't hold it again him. He blows today's current chart-boppers out of the water lyrically, musically and personality-wise.

Tonight's gig is in King Tuts, one of Tom's favourites. It's the second time I have seen him here and the venue suits him. It is small and compact to provide an intimacy that suits his lyrics, to restrict individuals the chance to chatter over his slower works and to allow his fans the chance to banter. I do enjoy King Tuts, it is a great little venue, especially for this vein of music and it never fails to show-off an artist and their talents.

Tonight Tom is stripping it right back and is going solo. After he was joined on his last tour by a straining quartet, tonight he has got rid of the lot. No back up band. No back up vocals. Well, not in the conventional sense. This is the rawest I have ever seen him. I am unsure of the decision. Recession or artist request? Who knows. However, thanks to the venues compactness, it works.

The first half of his set is new album heavy. Having not heard it before, I felt like I was in comfortable territory. Lots of enjoyable lyrics rolling out over sway-friendly melodies. However, once he entered into the back catalogue, the crowd really got on side. Highlights as always included Dose Me Up and Walk to Hawaii. At times, to elevate these beautiful songs Tom uses an onstage recorded to replicate vocals or guitar riffs that will play on repeat, helping to produce a bigger sound. And of course, he can always rely on his audience, requesting sing-alongs from the fans when required. To finish. Well it's gotta be Bubblegum.

My companion on this outing - a massive McRae fan and the man who introduced me to his genius - was disappointed with tonight's event. He is no doubt that the gig was good. Brilliant in fact. But why the need to strip back? For me it really emphasised his abilities. Yet I understand the disappointment. After the beauty and epic-ness of his last tour, the back-to-basics set-up felt a little bit of let-down. Still miles better that his more successful peers. Keep coming back Tom.

Next Time: First Aid Kit

Six Gigs/Six Venues/One City

Gig Three

Location : O2 Academy

Act: The Civil Wars

We will take you wherever we go

One of the best things that follows discovering a truly beautiful album is getting to hear it performed lived. And so it was that I finally got to hear the tracks of Barton Hollow in all there raw gloriousness.

The Civil Wars, a folk duo made up of Joy Williams and John Paul White, came to worldwide attention earlier in 2012 when they took home two gongs at the annual Grammy's ceremony. Already on the radar of those that like to endure in a little of the folk, their album is delicate, raw, lyrically deep - at once heartbreaking and epic. The combination of their afflicting voices brings together the tales of love and loss in a unique delight.

The road to seeing Joy and John live was not an easy one. Back in Spring when Barton Hollow was my must listen to LP, myself and a trio of companions heading north to the Big Top festival on the Isle of Skye. Waylaid by broken suspension and a litre of Baileys we only managed to see the end of their set.

Attempt two, this very gig I am writing about, went slightly more smoothly. However, unaware to me the tickets I had were for the balcony area of tonight's venue, The 02 Academy. Anyone who has been to a gig at the Academy knows the balcony is the last place you wanna be. However, thanks to a very friendly security guard in an unfortunate yellow sweater we managed to wangle our way into a balcony booth with an almost birds-eye-view of the gig. An excellent spot for such a gig and tonight the venue was on fire, with lovely sounds and an incredibly enjoyable atmosphere.

The gig opened with two support acts. The early aforementioned issue meant I did not see the first act. Oops. However, second billing went to up-and-comers The Lumineers, a country-folk act from Denver, Colorado. Tunes filled with foot-stomping choruses and easy to follow lyrics, the band relished in requesting audience participation to aid many of their soaring songs. The band are nothing new when it comes to their genre but are an energetic refreshment to what I have seen recently. Check 'em out.

In contrast to the above five-piece and their plethora of instruments, The Civil Wars were going for minimal. For the majority of their set the only sounds being made came from their mouths and White's guitar. Yet, surprisingly it worked. Greeted by an audience of true fans the duo rattled through their set with gusto, giving their all to their songs and, in return being met with silence when require, sing-alongs when necessary and rapturous applause after every track. I kid you not, I have never heard silence at a gig like tonight. The audience was on board with this melancholy and intended to respect it. Highlights include I Got This Friend and Barton Hollow, which sat nicely alongside covers of I Want You Back and the much requested Billie Jean. For the penultimate song Joy headed to her keyboard and the band blasted out Poison & Wine, the song that made their fame. Beautiful and tragic, it really highlights their skill at producing a simple song with a haunting melody that will knock you sideways.

My only slight disappointment was the minimal chat. Don't get me wrong, the chat we had was appropriate and very much of their ilk. However, having heard a few live EPs, I was expecting a few more laughs. It is now not surprising to hear that the band have called short the rest of their tour citing "internal discourse". Turns out things might not have been as successful backstage. It is a shame to hear that for one of the most promising acts of 2012 things are not going smoothly. If this is the last we see of The Civil Wars for a while, I feel privilege to (eventually) see and hear such stunning talent, and such a beautiful album, in the flesh.

Next: Tom McRae

Six Gigs/Six Venues/One City

Gig Two

Location: SECC

Act: The Killers

Brandon, it's been too long.

Everyone has a university band. A band whose music soundtracks the days of parties, libraries and beans on toast. For me it was The Killers. The danger comes when you leave uni, get on with your life… can the band still cut it?

You can imagine my concern then when The Killers returned from their four year break with a mediocre album and a swiftly announced UK tour. But, nonetheless, thanks to a bessie mate I was off to see Brandon Flowers and company.

And they rocked the house.

For me the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre is one of Glasgow's worst venues. Sat in the shadow of the mid-build Hydro, a venue hopefully built with music in mind, the SECC has long been the only choice for bigger musical acts. I think for a band as big as The Killers, they should drop the Aberdeen stage of their tour and have a bigger Scottish date in Hampden or Murrayfield. But that's just me.

Tonight, with raked seats removed, the sound wasn't too bad at all and the low ceiling made the pyrotechnic effects out-of-this-world (more on this later). However, for a band channelling stadium rock anthems like The Killers do, it was adequate.

Lucky then the boys were on form. First, quick note to the support act, Tegan and Sara. A twin-sister duo rocking a range of indie tunes. Sounded alright but nothing to spark my interest. Anyway. The Killers…

Sometimes to really appreciated a new album from an artist you need to hear the material live. And so was true for Battle Born. Plenty from the new LP was played at the show including sing-along future anthems Flesh & Bone and A Matter of Time. Hearing these newer tracks blasting out really made me appreciate them. There was a real feeling that Brandon and company wanted their fans to get the newer tracks; the main man was on form, calm and collected owning the stage like a true rock star.

Adding to their newer stadium vibe was the staging. Previously The Killers have kept a subtle set-up with minimal set and limited graphics. Tonight they went all out. A massive screen behind the band constantly changed over a range of graphics with highlights including the astronomy montage during Spaceman that was truly mesmerising.

There was plenty of older tunes including surprises in Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine with plenty of the crowd leading the singing. And there were the fireworks. Oh boy were there fireworks. I don't think I have ever seen such a display of sparks, fire and smoke. Fireball after fireball signed off When We Were Young and there was a firework shower even Westlife would have been jealous of.

It is the kind of show that The Killers deserve. They want to be stadium rocks gods. The new album is littered with chanting elements meant for a massive crowd. It needs the bells and whistles to back it up. Tonight they we on fire. Back on form. Those bands from our university days can be as good as we remember. Or in the case of Flowers and Co., even better.

Next Time: The Civil Wars

Six Gigs/Six Venues/One City

Glasgow - UNESCO City of Music don't you know. Home to some of the greatest bands of all time. Belle & Sebastian. Franz Ferdinand. Deacon Blue. To celebrate this fact, and because NO-ONE PLAYS GIGS IN EDINBURGH, I shall be trekking the length and breadth of the M8 to see a variety of acts between now and Christmas.

Gig One

Location: The Garage

Act: Fatherson (I was really here to see Russian Ninjas who were supporting)

Let's start with the venue shall we. Like most students of Glasgow, I have frequented The Garage on many a boozy Saturday night. The sticky floors, the sickly shooters, the short SHORT skirts, the cheesy music. It was a right of passage. However, not once did I see a band in the hallowed walls. Tonight's gig took place in G1, the main air-hanger like hall. Not bad space. With a massive sound desk in the middle of the floor, getting rid of a least a fifth of the capacity, bringing some intimacy to the event. Sound quality was okay. Ventilation was surprisingly decent. Overall, a none to shabby experience, if only I can get the nightmarish images of my 20-year-old self grinding away to Beyoncé's 'Crazy in Love'.

First up was my mate Alex's band. Russian Ninjas. From the hackneyed west coast town of Fort William, this four-piece have been 'jamming' for a while now. Enjoyable on record, tonight's set was a lot heavier than I was expecting. Not a criticism of course, they hit the set-list at full pelt, utilising the limited stage they were given around Fatherson's gear. Lead singer Jamie C belted out the lyrics, his ear-bursting screeching reminiscent of when I saw The Automatic back in my uni days (what ever happened to them). Ninjas do tread a similar sound to The Automatic, with added originality reminiscent of The Vaccines and early Kings of Leon. My only issue was the sound quality, a problem with the venue more than the band. Having heard their songs before I know there are some great lyrics in there, it would awesome to hear them. On the plus side, their drummer is awesome. Based is pretty bad-ass too. Given more space and better speakers, these guys will rock your socks off.

There were two other support acts who I failed to catch choosing a trip to the noodle bar instead. What, I love them noodles. They were So Many Animal Calls and Midnight Lion. Sorry guys, will check out your Myspace or whatever.

The headline act were Fatherson, an up-and-coming Scottish indie-rock band with this their biggest headline to date. Opening with the lead singer solo on stage playing acoustic I felt like I was watching a Grizzly Bear tribute. However, once the remainder of the band took to the stage what I was witness to was a solid sounding act similar to a 'Only Revolutions' era Biffy Clyro. Yet with top-tapping tunes, catchy choruses and plenty of opportunities to sing-along, Fatherson aren't as afraid as Biffy to admit they are want to produce stadium anthems. Plenty of the set could be imagined in a larger setting with a sea of faces singing back.

Front-man Ross Leighton is an excellent vocalist, reminding me at times of Admiral Fallows lead. This warm, Scottish quality really brought out the west coast infused lyrics. Credit should also be given to Elaine Glass on cello whose subtle strings lifted the music above what could have been a bland guitar and drums band. At times the combo of the instruments gave the band a touch of American indie power, similar perhaps to Death Cab for Cutie. I could imagine the tunes playing over the climax of a quirky rom-com or the trailer for drama about the naval-gazing lives of twenty-something year-olds.

Overall, a good night. Great to finally see my mates band play, and in such a big space. My return to the scene of my dancing crimes wasn't too cringe worthy, though can't say I will be back any time soon. Also, the discovery of a new, exciting Scottish band is always a bonus; I look forward to that album in 2013 boys. I recommend you check 'em both out, always good to be supporting the local talent. A good start to my Glasgow gigs project.

Next time: The Killers

#fatherson #music #glasgow #the garage #russian ninjas

Today on returning from the launch of a creative ageing festival - yes I know, my life is one thrilling roller coaster but hey, there was free cake and prosecco - my flatmate presented what could be the single most unrequired yet genius items to enter our kitchen this year. Mugs.

Now we have lots of mugs. There is the Zac Effron HSM mug. There is the dalek mug. There is even an Emma Bridgewater mug. But these mugs are different. Made from the finest of bone china and decorated with a marquee surrounded by a flourishing English country garden (described on the box as Fete print), these mugs celebrate the one and only, Great British Bake Off.

Nothing sums up the TV phenomenon than bone china mugs. It is something one could imagine Mary Berry drinking her morning lapsong souchong out of, or Mr Hollywood bringing out for special garden tea-parties. We however will will using them for plain old earl grey. We may even throw in a rich tea.

Cheers Denise, awesome addition to Hermand Crescent.

Tonight's cooking challenge - Saffron Orzotto.

Anyone who watched last night Nigelissima (BBC2 8:30 - after University Challenge) will have seen her create a risotto type dish as a substitute for potatoes. Now I don't agree removing the spud from any meal, especially the juicy roast chicken she was cooking alongside, but this cheat's barley and stock dish is a delight.

Fry a banana shallot (I know, new to me too, thanks Nigella) in garlic oil then had barley (arborio rice alternate) and some vino. Simmer down and add the stock with a few guests sprigs of saffron. Cover, simmer and leave it all to soak together. Oh yes, the best thing about this dish is - no stirring!

Once it is all gooey add some parmesan, season and serve. Pure dead simple. Pure delish.

#nigella #nigelissima #risotto #orzotto #saffron

On Friday night I challenged myself to make potato and cheese nests, a scrummy recipe by Rachel Khoo of "Little Paris Kitchen" fame. I am not the biggest fan of French cooking, maybe I am just a little ignorant, who knows. Anyway, off I went.

I needed something to serve with stroganoff and have wanted to try these out for ages. It was all very simple - in fact, the hardest element was to cut the potatoes into thin matchstick shapes (I lack the machinery that makes these elements simple). Fry one onion, bacon lardons and garlic to which I added white wine and reduce. Then to this the potatoes and some brie. This mixture was then placed in the sections of a muffin tray and cooked in the oven for 15-12 mins. Easy-peasy.

Sadly my nests were not as perfect as Ms Khoo's (I watched her 3 min video online). They didn't stick together and failed to come out in one nice piece. However, they tasted amazing. Cheese, check. Potato, nom. Bacon and wine and garlic, done. I think my failings came to the dampness of my mixture - I feel that I perhaps should have reduced further. Maybe I added to much wine (not like me). However, after a glass or two I was happy with them.

In conclusion, as rough and ready as they were, I thoroughly recommend making these simple, tasty treats.

#Little Paris Kitchen #Food #potato #cheese #nests

Taken with Instagram

Euphoria!

Those who know me well will say I have a number of peculiar interests and passions many of which we do not have the space or stomach for here. However, two of more obscure ones are Eurovision and its 2012 victor country, Sweden.

An obsession that culminated my already legendary two week emigration to Stockholm in 2009, since the late 90s I have been weirdly drawn to the land of meatballs and ABBA. But why? Well Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Anni-Frid may have a little to do with it, raised on a diet of cheesy pop music thanks to a Dad who rocks at Popmaster, I have always been fond of a melodic hook and sing-along chorus. A teenager in the age of Steps and S Club 7 I knew all about how much the art of miming and cha-cha-slide could make or break popstars. However surrounded by the rugged landscape of the Scottish highlands and a peer group nodding along to Travis and the Stereophonics, I was a little at a loss.

Then every year something amazing happened. Come May time the good old BBC would broadcast a pageant of colour, key-changes and camp. Heaven, I was in heaven. Now let's get one thing sorted, as much as j'adore Eurovision, it has uncountable flaws. Many of the songs are utter drivel, there is more back-stabbing than the News Corp trial and talk about tactical voting. But, putting that all aside, its marvellously good fun. And Europe does love a good pop song.

No more so than the Swedish. Welcome to a land of handsome blondes, pear cider and pop music, celebrated in all its glory. Cause the Swedes don't shy away from pop. Unlike the fickly British who download American tripe ivy the bucket, the folks of Sweden know a good pop song when they see it. I don't do well with the UK music scene. Grime, urban, dubstep (are these things the same or different?) riddle the UK charts. Not in Sweden.

Israel 1999. Dana International had brought Eurovision back East. And storming to victory that year? Charlotte Nilsson (now Perrelli) with Take Me To Your Heaven. I don't know if it was the cerise belly dancer outfit, the epic key change or the brilliant chorus but I was hooked. Charlotte was already a big star on Sweden. Still is. And she has represented her country since, whilst always attempting to undertake the honour one more time. They love her.

It may seem strange but many gay men have a strange and unexplainable connection with Sweden. I think for most it is the music. Good pop songs with great writing and excellent production skills (Xenomania, Robyn, Lyyke Li, Eric Saade) fill their charts. Sweden has one of the biggest music industries in the world outside of the USA and Britain. Many of the UK's better pop acts head to the Baltic to write and record. Girls Aloud alone have a hell of a lot to thank the Swedes for.

But why all the fuss today Neil? Well for those not glued to BBC One on Saturday night to witness the world biggest event outside of the sporting world, Azerbaijan hosted the 56th Eurovision song contest. And Sweden romped to victory with the song Euphoria sung by the beautiful Loreen. She is already a star in Sweden. The song has had weeks at the top of the Swedish charts, of course. Its genius. But something else has happened. The song is actually being appreciated beyond Scandinavia. Hours after the victory Loreen was top of iTunes charts Europe wide. Stranger still, as I type, she is number 1 in the UK. The United Kingdom. The country that hates Eurovision.

So, as I slowly realised that Sweden were taking home the 2012 trophy, the 14 year old boy inside of me did a little summersault. Because schalger is on top. Over a decade on from Charlotte's charge to victory, my adopted second home is the talk of the town, the top of the pops. Twelve years I have followed Sweden at Eurovision, from the pre-selection to almost every final, and at last, the winner takes the all.

#eurovision #schalger #loreen #euphoria #pop #sweden #abba

Herman. Day 9. My how he's grown! Sorry for the limited chat over weekend... Nothing much happened. Tonight however, we feed Herman for a second time and his story approaches its conclusion. It's time for the splitting! Yikes.

Herman. Day 4. Today Herman was hungry, so off to the shops I went for plain flour, milk and sugar. Nice and simple. However, once home after 10 hours in the office, I got myself into a little tizzy measuring in cups (cups I ask, what is it with cups - it is not a measurement. Stupid Americans). Finally, after reading too many conversion websites and dousing the kitchen in a dusting of white, Herman was fed. Success. Off to visit the parentals for the weekend tomorrow. Leaving Herman in the hands of my flatemates. Worried. Their yeast culture, Reuben, committed suicide today. Will keep you posted...

Herman. Day three. Well, like day two, day three is not too excited. It was bubbly. I stirred. Bubbles went away. It smelt yeasty. Done. However, I was late in stirring as Wednesday night is touch rugby night... And tonight, I passes my level 1 referee assessment. Oh, its official, I can ref (see badge for confirmation).

Herman. Day two. Okay, so foamy bubbly stuff has gone. Hhhmmm. Think this correct though. Also, remembered to use a wooden spoon, well done Foxxy. Apparently a metal spoon to Herman is like a silver bullet to a werewolf. Crikey!

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