Last updated 13:34, Thursday, 17 July 2008

AT LAST, I can say I am ahead of the trend. When I take a holiday I like to stay close to home. It means less travelling, less hassle and lots to do despite the weather.

Here in Northumberland we are blessed with stunning views of the hills and amazing coastline dotted with castles. Why travel anywhere else?

Days away can be decided at breakfast. The weather need never be a problem.

I would enjoy spending a day indoors in front of a log fire with a book if it is raining. Sunny spells will see me pottering about in the garden. This is the latest idea to beat fuel surcharges and long queues at the airport. Not a va-cation, the press named it as a stay-cation.

Stay at home and enjoy local produce. Eat out at some of the finest hostelries and we have many. I shall have a morsel of Italy followed by a day in Morocco then maybe a brief dalliance with India not to mention a taste of China. How? All thanks to some time spent in the kitchen.

Home made pasta and ciabatta on Monday, a lamb tagine on Tuesday, a touch of tandoori on Wednesday followed by lemon chicken stir fry on Thursday.

I shall watch the Olympics for inspiration. Probably a Greek salad will come into it and an Australian barbecue if the weather is nice. The only extra outlay will be for some corks to put around my hat.

May each of us be content in our own skin

Happy to live the life we have

Not wasting time by wishing time away

Enjoying the company of those we cherish