Pot Marigold

Today mostly revolved around preparations for a family meal, the last time that we'll all be together until next summer, as Chris and Lizzy will shortly be leaving for an extended trip round South America. So very little time for photography! This subtly coloured Pot Marigold is flowering on the patio - doing much better in the autumn than it did in the summer.

We felt that it was a bit too early to do Christmas, so instead I did a Thanksgiving / Christmas hybrid, with Roast Chicken with Garlic and Lemon, Glazed Gammon, Cornbread, Mashed Potatoes, Mac'n'cheese with Green beans and Broccoli, Carrots with Maple Syrup and Pecans, Brussels with Chestnuts and Bacon, Cranberry Sauce, Cumberland Sauce and Gravy. Followed by Pumpkin Pie and Poached Pears and Figs. There were surprisingly few leftovers!

Ben and Sarah arrived with various treats from Cyprus, having only just returned to the UK on Sunday. And Lizzy brought a game of Exploding Kittens that they'd be given to keep them amused on their travels.  It was a truly lovely few hours, albeit slightly bittersweet. I shall miss them both a lot....