All our camellia bushes are laden with buds,
and the first bloom has appeared.
Soon after noon, Jackie drove us to Helen and Bill’s new house at Fordingbridge where, for us and for Shelly and Ron, Helen produced
a succulent and intriguing roast duck meal complete with crisp roast potatoes and parsnips; sweet carrots; and purple Brussels sprouts.
Having been preceded by pigs in blankets (small sausages wrapped in bacon), this was followed by Shelly’s splendid home grown raspberry trifle, cream, and Helen’s mince pies whose secret ingredient was cream cheese. Red and white wines were consumed.
Naturally Jackie and I needed no further sustenance this evening.
Bring the season on, and embrace it with gusto Derrick ?
Thank you very much, Val
Thank dinner sure looks scrumptious!!
“What a climate!” I exclaimed to my husband. “Camellias in December!” Such a lovely day to have enjoyed both camellias AND parsnips AND roast duck. I can’t imagine anything better.
The camellias are beautiful. Is that usual for this time of year? How lovely to get together for a holiday meal–good food, good company, and good spirits!
Thanks very much, Merril. That particular camellia is a few weeks early. I understand it is not usual for the others all to be in bud yet
Thank you for the information, Derrick.
That’s a fine start to the festive food activities. Particularly fine looking roasts.
Thanks very much, Dad
What a feast!
Thanks very much, Jill
We used to have a camellia, and should get one again. Ours was pink, too.
The food looks excellent! A good start to the holiday season. 🙂
Thanks very much, Lavinia.
Yum 🙂
Thanks a lot, Arlene
I wish I could eat such a tantalizing feast–but, alas, I couldn’t fit that much in at a sitting. I am much more a “grazer”…:) We will be seeing more pretty camellias soon, as well!
Thanks very much, Cynthia. The meal pushed me to my limit. I’ll keep you posted on the camellias
That looks divine and has set the bar pretty high for those to come?
Quite so, msw. I won’t manage too many more
What a tempting plate!
I just about managed it, Rosaliene. Thanks very much
Lovely meal—although you most likely wouldn’t want to feast on such a meal every day! I am impressed with the camellias so late in the season—is this usual?
I certainly wouldn’t want to. It is unusual – it is early for our camellias. Many thanks, Diane.
We were discussing pigs in blankets last night in our pub quiz – I got it right 🙂
Well done, Pauline. Thanks very much
I’m hungry now!
Thanks very much, Cynthia
The meals look and sound delicious! YUM! 🙂 Pace yourself! 😉 Lots more Festive Meals to be eaten! 😉
Your greenery and pink camellias are beautiful and festive! 🙂
HUGS!!! 🙂
Thanks very much, Carolyn. I had no seconds 🙂 X
Looksi like you had a nice time and a great meal with friends !
We did, indeed, Gary. Thanks very much
That looks scrumptious!! ?
It was – set me up for the day. Thanks very much, Dorinda
I’m so glad you can’t see me drool over your food pics! lol
🙂
I’m with Susanne. What a climate! And that meal…A great way to kick off the season.
Many thanks, Laurie
I just had lunch and that food still looks great Derrick
Thanks a lot, Drew
Lovely meal!
Thanks very much, Lynn
Looking forward to seeing more of those camellia buds in flower! 🙂
Thanks a lot, Bob. I checked this morning – no more yet
Soon, my pretties… SOOON! 😉
🙂
Oooooh camellias! I love them so much and they grow well here. I put two in the very first year in my new place. The deer ate them back to the stem two winters in a row. This year I got smart and put up a fence. Viola! I have leaves! I’m afraid the deer have set me back several years on any hopes of flowers, but I have faith I will see them some day.
Good luck. Thanks very much
Camellias are looking good, though the roast dinner was quite photogenic too.
Many thanks, Quercus