The Steak Pie is made and the flavours are developing nicely. The Pie itself is no gastronomic delight - it should be beef steak, onion, puff pastry and a little beer to help with the flavours. No fancy acompaniments either. Peas, Carrots, Mash Potato and perhaps a bit of broccolli. This is a meal made to soak up the excesses of the night before. This is a simple, classic meal to set you up for the year ahead and to start the year with good, honest food in your belly. Whether the belly wants it or not is another matter.

Ne'er Day and the Steak Pie are a tradition in our family, one that has been going for as long as I can remember. At various stages my parents turned up to the table green, my sister and I joined in the coat of many colours as we aged and now it is the turn of my neice, nephew, and this little angel to surprise us with a colour tomorrow. In all these years I have yet to see the Steak Pie make a reappearance. Such is the healing quality of the Pie.

This has been the year of re-adjustment. It has been calmer than previous years and for that we have been greatful, if a little saddened. Major changes have taken place in our family and all have taken them in their stride. I marvel at my little unit and its branches. I hope next year brings us all more of the best and less of the rest. Always, I hope we are looking forward and enjoying the challenge.

My girl has promised models galore yet none have materialised so I caught her as she was about to head out this afternoon. I can now relay the pose and the look to her and shoot it in less than 10 shots. That's improvement.

Have a good, safe and happy Hogmany!