CLICK ON ANY IMAGE IN A GROUP TO ACCESS ENLARGED GALLERIES.
Soon after 8 a.m. pink fingers groped along the light grey clouds over Downton
while the sun itself remained largely out of sight behind trees. Slowly the sky brightened, but that was the last glimpse of the sun, and rain set in at noon.
This morning I finished writing the Christmas cards, and posted them on the way to lunch at Helen and Bills home at Poulner, where we were joined by Shelly and Ron.
A hold up on Ringwood Road turned out to have been caused by an injured deer seated on the verge, and attended by a couple beside a stationary car with its hazard lights flashing.
On the corner of Crow Lane a murder of the birds perched in a tree.
Helen took this photograph of the rest of us tucking into her intriguing pork roasted with fruit including oranges and prunes; roast potatoes and parsnips, asparagus, runner beans, cauliflower, and carrots with red onions. The excellent fare was enhanced by very tasty gravy.
During the meal, crackers were pulled with a certain amount of trepidation; the contents being investigated with both interest and glee.
We had been greeted with warm punch on arrival and red and white wines were consumed with the dinner. A remarkably light steamed ginger pudding and soft, firm, raspberry mousse were the desserts.
We continued with animated conversation. In order to demonstrate that we are very firmly established in the 21st century, whenever we were either at a loss for, or in disagreement about a fact or opinion, someone was bound to say “Google it”.
I love the first photo of you all at the table. Jackie looks so happy and you’re looking quite devious, Derrick. 🙂
Many thanks, Jill, 🙂
I agree with Jill! The first photo is an encapsulation of happiness! Precious moments of bliss to cherish for a lifetime
Very many thanks, Sofia
Oh you modern septuagenarians – except for Jackie of course! I like the header photo that infers that whatever was being looked up supplied an answer congruent with expectations of all concerned……… Heavens, I think I ate a dictionary this morning!!
There ought to be more of it, I say. 😀
😀
Jackie will catch us up next year – and here’s another word – Bill is an octogenarian 🙂 Thanks very much, Pauline
I’m pleased to see that Jackie is at her rightful spot at the head of the table; is that why you look so glum; chum?
🙂 Thanks a lot, Brian
We have to google something every single evening to settle a mild dispute.
🙂 Many thanks, Leslie
It’s nice to see you bonding with friends Derrick. What a lovely meal.
Thanks very much, Arlene
One of my favourite dishes was pork neck stuffed with prunes and apple and then slow roasted. I used to have a favourite butcher who knew exactly the piece of meat and its preparation. Can’t do such a thing buying from a supermarket. I must try to locate a good butcher again sometime. Helen put on a good spread and no wonder Jackie looks so happy. For once she wasn’t doing the cooking!
🙂 Many thanks, Gwen
That is surely a memorable feast. Importantly, Derrick’s blog has ensured it will get archived by the Almighty called Google.
🙂 Many thanks, Uma
I hope the deer survived. The dinner looks and sounds delicious (particularly the ginger sponge) and my favourite pictures is the cracker pulling …. people often have such funny expressions waiting for the ‘crack’ and you have captured a vintage one!
Thanks very much, Osyth
Good to see you all having so much fun 😊 And yes, Google it has become so much a part of our lives.
Thanks very much, Lakshmi
Scrummy! And we do the same thing when we don’t know the answer to something, but we use our phones instead. 😉
🙂
What a lovely celebration! The pictures are so warm and really make me want to join in the fun derrick. You and your bride are gorgeous!!
Many thanks, Lynn
A fabulous meal with splendid diners. All looks marvelous.
x
Many thanks, Melanie
Great post, Derrick – the meal looks amazing and the company, as well.
Thanks very much, Jodie
Ah, the gleeful Jackie with her hands clasped — lovely! What fun with the crackers!! You Brits know how to party — despite the trepidation and all 😀
Thanks very much, Rose
I had to read your meal presentation a couple of times, it sounds pure delicious in every way.
Good food and good company, you are very fortunate Derrick.
Cheers.
Man thanks, Ian
I spied Jackie in a side portrait, was hoping she wasn’t ill! I had looked for all I could remember in the gathering. . . A lovely and fun gathering!
Yes, current choice is Google it rather than my Dad telling us to look it up in the Encyclopedia Brittanica. I’m sure we did get a lot of use of those heavy tomes. . . 😊
Many thanks, Robin. I have loads of dictionaries, including the full Oxford, that I hardly ever open now
Oops, found her in the first photo, also! Thanks to coffee and glasses, soon to put in my contacts! xo
🙂
It looks like you all had the best of time Derrick – the dinner looks delicious!!
Many thanks, Mary
That sounds like a very healthy meal, and good company.
Thanks very much, Quercus
What a jolly party!
Thanks very much, Clare
What a lovely gathering, Derrick, full of good food and good company.
I agree with the comments above about how you look devious (just a bit) 😉 and Jackie looks so joyful. I love the mix of tradition with modern technology. It is clear that you all enjoyed yourselves!
Many thanks, Merril. Devious, moi?
Hahaha
Glad you all enjoyed it. We loved having you all over! x
Many thanks, H. X
That looks like a lovely dinner party!
I am still working on Christmas cards here. 🙂
Thanks, Lavinia. I have a few more cards to do today
Google for the collective noun for friends around a dinner table. — a party. Looks like a nice party.
Thanks a lot. Paol