Christmas Celebration

My friend, Ernest, organized a Christmas gathering at his house yesterday. There were eight of us including the host. Except for one, who is the husband of one of the girls, the rest of us were mates from 36 years ago. So, it was a comfortable gathering. I dare say, we know each other quite well.

We had an early start yesterday. We started with afternoon tea. There were Christmas cookies, sweets and munchies. They were all very nice. Too much to eat, really.

Time slipped by while we kept each other up to date on our latest happenings. There was the usual teasing, and messing with each other – all in good fun. There were moments of loud and boisterous laughter. Oh yes, we all had a good laugh at one another. There is a special bond between this group of friends which comes from knowing each other for so long.

Before we knew it, it was time for dinner. Ernest prepared a sumptuous dinner. There were -

A selection of cheese – blue cheese, swiss cheese, truffle cheese and smoked cheese accompanied with an assortment of nuts, dried fruits, grapes and wholesome breads and breadsticks.

A selection of cold cuts – salami, honey-baked ham, mini sausages, and prosciutto.

For the main course, there was baked honey and garlic chicken with root vegetables.

Pan fried pork chop with mushroom cream sauce. This dish was divine.

And a side of sauté octopus.

Some red wine. It went very nicely with the meal.

Dinner was delicious. After dinner, there was a spread of fruits – Jackfruits, guava, strawberries, mango.

There was a cake too for a belated birthday girl in the group.

While having our cake, we finalised our plan which we had been talking about since our last meeting, and in the afternoon. We all booked our flights to Kuching in March.

By the time that was settled it was time to call it a night – after a lovely day of eating and merry making.