Elizabeth paid us a visit just as we were settling down with lunch and an antiques programme. She declined to join us but was happy to make herself a coffee while we turned off the TV and enjoyed a chat and an exchange of presents to be placed under our respective Christmas trees.
Afterwards I made a start on reading
This frontispiece, illustrated by the inimitable Charles Keeping, depicts ‘Carton stood over him with his hand in his breast’
The next three drawings show ‘A horse and rider came slowly through the eddying mist’;
‘ ‘I kiss your hand, miss’ ‘;
and ‘Madame Defarge said nothing when her lord came in’
This afternoon, while preparing tomorrow’s festive dinner, the Culinary Queen lost all track of time, and, thinking the sun must be over the yardarm,
brought me a glass of Lirac at ten past three.
Soon afterwards, Becky and Ian arrived. Later we were joined by Mat, Tess, and Poppy. We all dined on Mr Chan’s excellent Hordle Chinese Take Away.
As Jimmy Buffett said. “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere.”. Happy Christmas.
And to you, Pat. Thanks very much
The sun is always over the yardarm in midwinter.
Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Have a Merry Christmas, Derrick and Jackie and the rest of the family !!
Thank you so much, John.
Have a wonderful Xmas, Derrick. Okay to spread it out untl Jan 1.
Thanks a lot, Judy X
It’s nearly 10.00am Christmas Day here Derrick … my brother is on his way to pick me up, and take us (me & Frankie) .to our niece April’s place, where will enjoy our family luncheon … then we’ll travel to Ballarat for Dinner, and on Boxing Day in Ballarat we’ll all celebrate our sister’s birthday … haha …. not sure what day we’ll be returning to Geelong …
https://youtu.be/XqJrhdiNAdI
Enjoy, Ivor. Thanks very much
Happy Christmas Derrick, Jackie, and extended family!!
Thanks very much, Liz X
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Jackie is correct. There is probably a page on the web to confirm where the sun is over the yardarm. Santa, according to the web, is just over two minutes away from Southampton! 🙂 Happy Christmas to you all.,
And to you and Julia, Quercus. Thanks very much
🙂 We are having a relaxing day thank you. \spoken to both the kids, but haven’t had to put up with them cluttering up the house. Best of both worlds.
Nice no one had to cook. My mom has been cooking all day. Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you very much, sweets. The same to you
Happy Christmas to the whole flaming lot of you! <3
Thanks a lot, Yvonne. XX
And a wonderful time was had by all (I assume). Merry Christmas you you and the Culinary Queen, Derrick.
Thank you very much from us both, Steve. You, too
That was the second book I ever read. I need to read it again all these years later. Happy Christmas.
Thanks very much, Gary
I love this! Jackie looks quite devious! Merry Christmas to all! xo
Thanks very much from us all, Jill X
I’m glad the culinary queen enjoys her creative cooking. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family!
Thanks very much, JoAnna
Just a couple of hours we ate a filling Christmas day lunch and we’ve already had an hours nap. It’s hot indoors and out. No chance of walking of lunch before consuming leftovers for tea.
Happy Christmas Derrick and Jackie. 🙂
Many thanks, Chrissy. You and Norm, too
Wishing you and Jackie and your family a wonderful Christmas and holiday season!
And to you and yours, Lavinia
That is a wonderful book you have picked up, I look forward to relishing Keeping’s illustrations —the first instalment is already here. Jackie has kept the household Christmas-ready, filled with fun and feast. Great photos.
Thank you so much, Uma
It is a holiday so it was okay. Merry Christmas.
Thanks very much, Mrs W
Your welcome.
A lovely glimpse of the Culinary Queen in her domain. We woke to the sound of happy grandchildren at four this morning – enjoy your festivities over the next few days.
Thanks very much, Anne
Merry Christmas! 🙂
🔔🎉🌟🎅🎄🦌
(((HUGS)))
XX Thanks a lot, Carolyn
Sounds like a good way to spend Christmas Eve. Happy Christmas to you both.
And to you, Sue. Thanks very much
Merry Christmas!
Thank you very much, Rupali. The same to you
The only Dickens novel I ever liked. Happy Christmas to you both. Have a great day.
You and Kim too, Andrew. Thanks very much
Happy Christmas to you, Jackie, and your family. It sounds like you had a lovely day. Ten past three is close enough. 😏
Thanks very much, Merril – and to you and Goofy XX
🤣
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2021/12/radioman-christmas-e1640430741124.jpg
Merry Cbhristmas, Sir Knight!
Thanks very much, Cindy. You, too
Merry Christmas to you both. Your headline phrase reminded me of my father – he was always saying this!!
Thanks very much, Jenny. You, too
Cheers! Hold that thought until it is your time to imbibe.
🙂 Thanks a lot, Sherry
Merry Christmas Derrick and Jackie!
My favourite Dickens book and not just because Sydney bears my husband’s family name. Cheers, Derrick and Jackie. Onward to 2022.
Thanks very much from us both, Susanne
Wishing you, Jackie and all the family a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
x
Thank you so much, Melanie X
Sounds like a wonderful lead up to Christmas. Of course I’m replying in NZ time and it’s Boxing day morning…the sun is up, some dude, close by, is listening to Rap and is sawing up something!
Interesting because he was doing handy stuff on the 24th…but not ever for months before!
Merry Christmas Derrick and jacqui
Thank you so much from us both, Catherine
Just listened to Her Majesty speech.
Merry Christmas, Derrick … to you and all you hold dear. 😀
Thank you very much, Widders. The same to you and Mrs Widds
A glass of good wine is always welcomed 🍷😉
Thank you very much, Ribana
I am very happy to see Mr Keeping’s impeccable mastery of character, line, and composition featured again, Derrick. That deserves a glass of wine thoughtfully provided by the Culinary Queen.
Thank you so much, Dolly
My pleasure, Derrick.