What better place to meet for a pre-Christmas lunch than Barefoot garden, the plan being hatched when we were there on Sunday a couple of weeks ago and growing a couple of time since.  In the event, we were unfortunately slightly reduced in number due to illness, but nine of us met for the customary relaxed afternoon.  The forecast rain didn’t materialise and we instead enjoyed a balmy afternoon of 29 deg C with just enough cloud to keep the searing heat at bay and enjoy the atmosphere – as you can see here.

Amongst the orders placed were two portions of delicious roast turkey, Rennie having one and our friend David the other; juicy breast on a bed of creamed potato and vegetables.  Along with a Nepalese friend I went for the roast duck on a bed of spicy vermicelli, different types of chilli being chopped and mixed along with shallots and an amazing sauce.  Very impressed.

As written previously these afternoons disappear very quickly and sure enough, having arrived at 12:20 it was 17:35 before we knew it and time to wish each other a happy Christmas and think about heading to our respective homes.   I have one day’s intensive work ahead before I can enjoy the holiday, but today I felt I’d already started!

Steve