furrydice

For my husband's 40th next June, I am planning a surprise holiday for us to Italy Neither of us have been before, but have have always wanted to visit. I've been doing lots of reading on Italy for ideas on where to go (we are only there for a week) and my head is now bamboozled! I'm pretty sure it's going to be Tuscany......but where?? I am loooking for somewhere picturesque and reasonably un-touristy....perhaps on the outskirts of a town, so that we can wander into town with nice eateries and bars when we wish. Would also be nice to be close to wineries to do some tasting I've been looking at Siena and Chianti just recently. Has anybody done any travelling in Italy that could give me some ideas/advice? Any info would ge much appreciated

Well said Seaflech!!! Clearly Auld Meerkat, you believe the Folk Festival should showcase only "traditional" folk music? "Traditional Folk Music" although having no set definition, can be described as "old music passed orally from generation to generation" An extension of the term "folk lore", it's music relates to "traditions, customs and superstitions of the uncultured classes". I much prefer Seaflech's definition however As previously mentioned, this is a very specific genre and it's highly unlikely traditional folk music concerts would sell out throughout the isles over a 4 day festival? I, for one, am not sure I could sit through one concert....let alone several over 4 days! But then....thats just my opinion. However, as mentioned already....folk music has evolved. The term "Folk Music" (not "traditional" folk music) refers to both traditional music AND the genre that evolved from it during the folk revival in the mid 1900's. New "folk music" or "contempary folk music" is defined to also include fusion genres such as rock, blues, metal etc. The "Shetland Folk Festival" is exactly that. It is not the "Shetland Traditional Folk Festival". The diversity of the music at the festival is what makes it great and the committee should be wholeheartedly applauded for it's huge success each and every year!

Went to Flames with friends and had really nice food!...could not fault it at all! The only little thing I would say is, we've since had a takeaway and it was pretty disappointing The ONLY reason for this being that the takeaway food was in polystyrene boxes. Polystyrene boxes + hot food = sweaty soggy food. We only live 2 mins away from Flames so can't blame a long journey home. I had the garlic mushrooms served on toast and a chicken burger with chips...none of which stood up to it's short time the in box. Chips especially were a soggy mess. As I said though initially...the food we had when we sat in was fantastic , so I thought it was worth mentioning how drastically the standard of the takeaway food dropped by being packed in the polystyrene boxes. Not entirely sure what the solution would be as hot food will inevitably create moisture when boxed/wrapped up. Perhaps carboard boxes/paper bags?

My very favouirte kinds o crisps whin I wis peerie wis: - Piglets (fae Malcolmsons....wir dey da ony shop dat selt dem?) - Spicy Tomato Wotsits (i'm slaverin thinkin aboot dem!) - Burger Bites (heyd ta be aeten alang wee a can o Schweppes Orange & Passionfruit fizzy juice )

Just reminiscing aboot bein peerie an it bein a real treat whin you got ta hae your dennir in da toon. .............I don't think dir wis onythin dat tasted as good as Mince & Tatties fae da Noost. Nim Nim Nim......

Awwww NOOOOOOO! I'll be landing in Australia dat day!! I suppose dat in itsel is a reason not to be sad though! ....bummer though, wid have loved tae seen dem afore I geed Never mind......maybe some day

Excellent.......thankyou for that! I'll be giving them a go! I'm liking the fact that it's just like an ordinary cupcake recipe, but using gluten free flour instead On the subject of Gluten Free baking....can you pretty much take any recipe for cakes/bakes and substitute the ordinary flour with gluten free flour??? Or is it not that straightforward?? Does gluten free flour give a different texture? Often recipes for cakes etc have sooooooo many different ingredients to substitute the flour bit that it puts you off! Anybody with any gluten free baking tips.......?

I want to make some deeeelicious gluten free cupcakes. Does anybody have a good recipe they could recomend? Thanks

Oh NO! Dis is a real bummer! Means am goin ta miss dem noo......devastated!

Some brilliant acts this year! ...but "Slantigirt Flabley" won it fur me!

If Biffy came to Shetland........I would be OVER THE MOON! They are totally fantastic!!! HUGE fan of their new album "Only Revolutions"!

GUN are absolutely fantastic!! Would DEFINITELY go and see them without a doubt!!

Oh my heefins......Grannies Kirned Milk!!! How did I no think o dat first!! I don't think onything could EVER beat dat! ...weel, except cornflakes elted in da VERY thick cream aff da tap o da fresh milk fae da old "milkin coo". Mind you.......you heyd ta mak sure an be da first een up in da mornin ta git it!!!

Chicken Super Noodles ........still a quick & easy comfort food

Cold piltocks wee hot new tatties and butter ....oh, me mooth's waterin