So, I made it this year. Fruitcake 2010. Sound like a robot name. No, just for record purposes. I got this fruitcake recipe from Melissa in 2002, and since I have been trying to make fruitcake every year except last year. Well, long story, but last year wasn't that fruitful for me, that's why. I have put too much raisins this year though and should have a bit more batter. The top looked like charcoal than anything else. *sigh* Never mind, a lesson a year. (when am I going to make a perfect fruitcake then?!) Happy Christmas for those who celebrate!

This has almost become a must-do for Christmas for the last couple of years. For those who have been following my blog already know by know what it is all about. Yes, I make fruitcake every year. This has become a tradition, a long story. Here is the recipe from M Sinclair Stevens.

P.S. Changed the link of M's from Word into Bytes to her gardenlog.

The decoration at the entrance for the apartment we lived in was completed 2 weeks ago. It looked really nice and I took the kids there at night to take a few picutres. Snap, snap, and smiles. Did they look natural?? Let the picture speaks itself. Every year end seemed so busy, but this year it's kind of quiet. Perhaps it's because I am not that keen in participate for all kinds of gatherings, else I will be out almost every night for alcohols. Feel the aging thing in me when come to groups. By next mid January it will turn one year with the current company that I am working now. It has changed a lot after I joined, in a good way. I like it, and the people that I work with, they are nice. No bad guys, though sometimes some moments people tend to act odd. It happens everywhere, so it's no big deal. . . . You see, I really have nothing to write about! And Why the reason I am typing such? Merry Christmas for those who celebrate it, and happy holidays to everyone! Will be getting the stuff to make fruitcakes today.

All the while, we never really decorate for Christmas, because we are not Christian. Well, we did once, I think it was after we got kids, just to have dreams for the kids, placing presents under the tree thing, but the kids didn't really understand what it was, so it was us that were excited about Christmas rather than the kids. This year, we are helping at our mansion. So, it isn't that sinful, huh? Yet, while helping out for decoration, I still wonder if I should get one to do the decoration. Since the kids have grown bigger (we the adults have not grown up from kids though!), I guess they can understand the fun of it. But, this year, two girls will go to grandma's house for holidays. So, I guess we will save the money and may be go for hotspring or for good meal at the end of the year.

Fruitful Crops

1. Fruitcake 2002
2. Fruitcake 2003
3. Fruitcake 2004
4. Fruitcake 2005

1. Fruitcake 2006

We moved to a new apartment just before Christmas. Using the new year bank holidays, we managed to settle down by now. Lots of things still waiting for our unpacking management, most probably it will be left for a while, or forever. I baked fruitcake on 2nd of Jan instead of last year before Christmas. The main reason was because we were preparing for moving and was not in the mood of Christmas. At last I made it. This tradition has been on for five years.  

As it says, it's better late than never! Long story, all about Fruitful Crops.

Last year about this time, M shared her fruitcake recipe with us. I tried to get my wife to bake it as I enjoyed Christmas with fruitcake though I am not really a Christian. Well, the reason why I had it was because I lived with an Eurasian family before.

There is no specific reason for me to do it every year, somehow I want to see how long can this go, how many years I can go on with making M's recipe, thinking of someone I have never met, and yet share lots of things in common with me. Or if there is a reason, I want to challenge something in future, one day I can say something like, "hey look, we have done this for years, and yet we are still doing it." Just to say that, I need to cultivate the earth, and take care of the little seeds I simply planted last year.

But, the fact that it grows, the ground has been moistened, and the little bud comes out. With what the reason I can give this up? Nope. And to continue, I just got to do my part, that's why I have made fruitcake again this year.

M, this is for you. Thank you. Merry Christmas! And for those who share and celebrate it.