When you have a few spare hours

Sorry, I should correct the title as they weren't exactly some hours I sat idly by. I spent all that time in the kitchen. Oh my, how this reminds me of making chestnut puree from the other day hahaha. 😂

A cake like this probably takes longer than three or four hours to make... That's why I didn't make it myself, I paid for the time others spent on it, and now I have a traditional Christmas Yule log in my hands. And just so you know how delicious it is, we already tried it after lunch and my son, who doesn't usually eat cake, served himself two pieces! It's a miracle!

I don't know if this cake is also a custom to eat at Christmas in your country? Because this tradition owes its name to another custom that may have its origins in the Germanic tribes of northern Europe. It was a pre-Christian tradition. It consisted of burning a log in the home to celebrate the winter solstice and that way keep off the darkness. Many traditions that we now celebrate around Christmas actually have their origins in pre-Christianity. Now, I don't know who had the idea of ​​bringing this custom to the kitchen, that is, making a cake that looks like a log and of course not burning it but eating it... but I accept it and will eat it with great joy, it is very delicious.

What took me all morning was this piece of rolled stuffed meat. It baked in the oven for more than three hours, and on top of that, I cooked a delicious soup, baked potatoes, and asparagus too. We had a great feast and I feel so happy our son is here with us. Also, I feel happy and grateful that my boys came with me to my gig yesterday evening, so I didn't have to drive back alone in the middle of the night. And we spent Christmas Eve together, even if it meant being in the car. 😆

When we arrived home it was already "today" and we entered the living room... the presents were waiting for us under the Christmas tree. Happiness and excitement as we opened the boxes! I guess Santa Claus visited our house (well, maybe he asked each of us to help him drop off the presents) 😁

I wonder could I play the piano in my new leather gloves? No, it wouldn't be very easy! But I can have a huge cup of coffee or tea while I practice or give lessons, that is more than sure.

While the meat was baking in the oven I listened to some of the videos I made yesterday evening. You know, the place I showed you the other day (the place you can recognize from the first photo). I rarely make recordings of me playing... but Lady Kawai behaved well although there was one string (one B flat) that made a strange noise every time I played it, so I was searching for a way how it would not make that sound (when I played it softer it was better). It was a real joy to play on that piano actually and the guests in the lobby (small audience but loyal and pleased) also loved the performance. The gig (two hours) passed super quickly so I hope to be booked for another occasion like this to play there.

Here comes a super short excerpt from yesterday's performance, this was the first song I started with. In a Christmas mood, of course. 😉 Maybe I will bring more parts from this gig in the future to our Q-inspired corner. I didn't record everything just some parts and there was also an interesting situation with one guest... but now the important thing, Merry Christmas now once again, this time through music.

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