* Out To Lunch, Be Back Soon!

I read somewhere that it's a not a good idea to write a blog post saying "Sorry I haven't been around guys", or "I'll post more soon, honest" and "Have you missed me, I'm still here"...

... Ummmmm.... not so good at following rules like this... so here goes...

Some of you have been in touch - friends, family (not just my mum!), complete strangers... asking where I am, so here's your answer (I'll try not to bore your butt's numb)...

First - there was Christmas. I hate Christmas. I don't like spending my money on other people buying them stuff they won't use, and getting back stuff I put straight in the Charity Shop. Ungrateful? Yes. Do I care? Absolutely not. I don't mind the whole family get together thing at Christmas, that part is fun, but you can keep the rest. So, Christmas and the lead up to it kept me busy.. and antsy. Not a good idea to blog when you're feeling a bit "sod the world" - so I didn't.

Second (yes, I am writing a numbered list, you might want to put the kettle on)... we were decorating our bedroom over the Christmas period itself - not just a coat of paint on the walls, but we laid a new floor (ourselves, we are that good), ripped out skirting boards and replaced them with new and sat waiting patiently for new furniture to arrive. The house looked like a bomb had exploded and we'd tried to cover up the aftermath with bits of tinsel and a teeny tiny Christmas Tree. Cooking kind of went completely out the window, with big brass knobs on. I could have photographed all the ham sandwiches we ate and blogged them, but somehow I think you know how to make a ham sandwich.. also, see *First Reason*.

Third (and most important) - we have spent the past 8 months going through the process of becoming Foster Carers. On January 14th, with the the help of our fabulous social worker, Angela and the support of friends and family - we went before an independent panel of people, and were given the thumbs up. It's not been an easy journey, but it has certainly been worth it. Since *passing panel*, I've attended training, support group and induction and hopefully we have our first young person coming to stay for respite care, within the next couple of weeks! I'm never going to be able to share the details of our fostering experiences - it would be unethical and in some cases a possible danger to the child - so I don't imagine I will mention it again, other than in passing.

So, there you have it - my "Sorry I haven't been around guys" blog post. I will most certainly return to sharing my recipes, as soon as humanly possible - I have even started using an online meal planner in the hopes of organising myself into being able to have time to cook recipes, photograph them and share them with all of you.... yeah... I don't reckon that'll last any longer than you do - but it's worth a try!

See you soon, my lovelies!