Now this may seem a bit funny to many of you- but how can I not make note of last night's Eurovision Song contest (for you Americans who don't have the pleasure... it is an annual contest between 42 countries for the best  song of Europe but seems to be largely dominated by block voting within regions). Seeing as I am now living in Europe (and Malta takes it's song very seriously) I did watch the entire thing for once and must say I really loved Portugal's song (pictured above).

The grand winner however (a country close to my heart) was Norway  (bit of a surprise if you ask me with Fairy tale) but was not so bad either (have a listen). You have to watch some of the more showy entries to get at the full extent of what the competition was like- case in point was Azerbaijan). Must also say that I did quiet like Bosnia-Herzogovina and even the Israeli Duet (husband liked the Turkish entry ... hmmm wonder why). It is a particular  kind of genre... of the romantic, showy... dare I say sappy sort of music.  Not usually my taste but it is what it is and I have to admit that this year the competition was pretty tough. 

OK- it has been rightly noticed... I left out Malta... the song for Malta was (having heard the song some 101 times as it was being played non stop around here) sung very well - a ballad, (sadly in English and not Maltese) Chiara has a beautiful voice and for once there was not half clad men and women prancing around  so that was a relief. A good song but I think after three times Malta should maybe consider putting forth another of it's  talented musicians. 

Chickpea season in Malta!

A. came back from the local market with an arm full of fresh chickpeas (seen in picture standing in a bucket of water) have never seen them fresh (or tasted them fresh for that matter) they are quite nice.. but contrary to what my other half thinks 'very sweet'  would not be my first response. But perhaps in contrast to the broad bean season which just passed (meant include some broad bean, bacon and mint salad recipes but didn't get round to it- sorry). Aside from this, eggplants are are very in season at the moment so today I have enjoyed making some baba ghanoush and  fresh tabbouleh salad (our little herb garden is bursting with mint and parsley now so it's perfect). 

Trying to decide what sort of ice cream next to try making... Naslply (sp?) would be interesting but certainly a challenge (a small very delicate tasting local fruit here).

Victoria and Albert

Went to a film last night (the Young Victoria) with no expectations and what a delight.. (for the costumes if nothing else)! Course the love story is quite nice too. Worth seeing on the big screen particularly if you appreciate clothing! Am such a fan of the V&A museum in London that seeing this film only makes me more keen to visit again!

Olives and Octopus

They do go very well together but the reason for this post is mothers day this year included both elements- my husband went with the children to the fish market on the south of the island and brought back an octopus (apparently it's so fresh that they pluck it out live and lay it wriggling on the scale as you decide if thats the one you want) the kids loved this.  They came back with lots of tales- sightings of long nosed swordfishes and flying fish. Pasta a la octopus and what a sweet surprise-the children gave me an olive tree for mothers day.. very sweet and our first little tree for the garden.  

Destructo is still up to her many tricks. I was giving out snacks in the kitchen and suddenly noticed it was very quiet and someone was missing we found her in the other room with one hand on the mouse clicking away on the computer and the other holding my mobile phone to her ear and actively pushing buttons.