Calling home yesterday to speak to David, my stepfather, on his 84th birthday, he told me he was turning in early as he and Brenda (it was also their first wedding anniversary – yup!) were heading out at 5:30 the following morning to travel to Madeira.

So do you know anything about Madeira? I thought it was a sherry-like drink and frankly that’s about it.

But what about Madeira, the Portuguese archipelago.  Wonderfully exotic and sounds fabulous (thank you Wikipedia!) – especially on New Year’s when apparently they have the largest fireworks show in the world.  I’m putting it on my list of things to do before I die right now. I only pray that I’ll be as active as David, when I get to 84.

As for Madeira the wine, click on this link and scroll down to the Early American History part and you’ll see its impact.

John Hancock painting courtesy of Wikipedia

And finally, we have those fine entertainers Flanders & Swann on Youtube performing the song (among many other wonderful and funny British ditties).

Now wasn’t that enlightening?!

Cheers m’dears,

P.S. I am participating in the Ultimate Blog Challenge this month – a blog a day if I can.