Last night we went out to my Friend & Husbands, for dinner, as per the last few years. It was a damp evening.
We bedecked ourselves in our best togs: she likes us to be formal for once, at this time. I wore a new glittery silver jacket over a slinky blouse, but plain trousers, for which there will be an explanation later. We got into the car, carrying the usual wine bottle and box of chocs as gifts. My OH started the car...... the engine was fine, but when he tried to put it into gear, there was no response. After a few attempts and some swearywords, I had to think of solutions. "Well, at least we have another car to go in...." I said. We decamped to the old car. When I say old, I mean it's seen better times, and is not exactly clean inside, having had dogs, equipment, tools and allotment vegetables in it for most of the year.
We pulled out of the driveway. It was at this point that I remembered that the sunroof has always leaked, and that when it has been raining, it retains some of the water which then drips down onto the seats. I found that I had a drip or two down the back of my neck... By the time we reached the end of our road, I was shrieking - every time we changed direction or he braked, a whole torrent of water fell upon my coat, my neck, my hair, and when I leaned forwards to avoid it, there was more water coming from above the dashboard!
I muttered, but we carried on as there was no choice; if we rang our friends to collect us, they would have had to stay sober to bring us home again, later. So we arrived in their village a sodden mess. Any chance of a nice head of hair on my part was gone !
I hung my coat up to dry upon arrival, with a short explanation of our minor disaster. My Friend had her daughter and OH over to stay, and they had brought their two extremely large dogs with them: one is only a pup. We had been warned that our trousers might suffer, and it proved to be true, as they approached us in a friendly way but drooled onto us!
We had wine and nibbles whilst we chatted to the other guests. Then we all crammed into their tiny dining room: ten adults and three dogs! The first course was a light delicious salad of fennel and salad leaves, with pear slices and orange segments, with light dressing.
Then we had a cold tomato soup, which had been enlivened with a little chilli and sun dried tomato.
At this point we retired to the living room to play a parlour game whilst the hosts cleared up and reorganised.
Next, the main course: Salmon en croute, with some red pepper and mushroom, plus other things under the crust. Green veg and small new potatoes.
Next, pudding course: A delicate jelly made with sparkling wine in it, encasing raspberries and other soft berry fruits.
Another round of games, plus refreshing of drinks.
Then finally, the cheese & biscuits - a huge and lovely gooey Brie with some strong cheddar or a special goats cheese. (we had a vegetarian amongst us) Grapes on the side, and much hilarity over some of the funny presents everyone had received this Christmas.
Then we all retired to the living room again by their lovely glowing wood stove, to try the chocolates we had brought, and have coffees etc. We put on the TV just long enough to see the New Year chimes of Big Ben, with glasses of Prosecco or Champagne each for the toasting.
A lovely evening, not too spoilt by returning home once again slightly damp!!
EDIT: ps. My OH has now looked at the car,and decided that the clutch pedal is sticking a little at times. Its a relief that it's not the gearbox which has gone, as the car is rather old also, so not worth spending hundreds upon.
Good morning. I guess everyone had an early night after the previous one! I had a rotten night - much too hot in bed. The weather all day had been cool with a blue-dome sky!
Will have the house to myself this morning - OH & J are going to help dismantle the Christmas Tree Festival at church. It was a fantastic display, but it will be nice to see it cleared away. Likewise at home when we clear up tomorrow,having started with taking down Ch cards last evening while I was waiting for something! I may actually take decorations off the tree today, as they are well in my reach. I love reclaiming the rooms after the "festivities"!
Ospreys Rule OK, but Goldfinches come a close second!
Good morning, all. We're off to Minsmere today, with the added pleasure of meeting Gardenbirder and her husband there. It should be a nice day for it!
Lindy, love your Christmas decoration - it's gorgeous! I'm sorry your New Year's Eve drive was so uncomfortable, though it sounds like the evening out was worth it. I hope your normal car is back to normal soon.
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
I couldn't resist sharing this news story from Down Under with you all!
Good Morning, All. Cold again, here.
No decs taken down here, yet OG, we are still feeling Christmassy! Last night we had our small Christmas puddings, as they had not been found room for on The Day!
Light dusting around today, here, then the elderly gentleman next door is coming around this afternoon for a coffee or something stronger.
By the way, for those in UK, don't miss the new series on BBC2 about Yellowstone Park, this week. Should be good.
Lindybird said:By the way, for those in UK, don't miss the new series on BBC2 about Yellowstone Park, this week. Should be good.
Clare. It is on BBC 2 at 9pm tomorrow. All about grizzly bears! LoL MtB
Birdies LG DU update.
Mike B said: Clare. It is on BBC 2 at 9pm tomorrow. All about grizzly bears! LoL MtB
Sorry! Didn't have the time to hand when I posted.....it's on at the same time for 3 episodes, on three consecutive nights.