Boxing Day 2013

We enjoyed having members if the family with us for a Boxing Day meal. James' brother Donald and his wife Margaret, his sister Maggie and her husband Calum, his nephew Donald "Do" Martin, wife Maggie and their gorgeous baby Archie (the star of the day!). The manse chef excelled herself again with a wonderful array of dishes.

To start we had a choice of Red Pepper and Coconut Soup, Prawn Cocktail or Melon and Mandarin with Sauternes drizzle and Mint Leaves.

 

This was followed by a main dish choice of Island Venison Casserole or Island Beef Casserole. Both were delicious and James and Ally were glad that there were left-overs for next day. There's something about meat reared on the island, just something extra in the taste. Probably all the wind the animals have to endure for so much of the year! More likely it's to do with the grass or moorland pastures they graze.

For dessert the chef had prepared a Christmas Raspberry trifle with home-made custard using the eggs from  the manse hens and a generous dash of a Christmassy flavouring!! There was also a home-made Pear and Plum Roulade. Hard choice! So hard that some just could not decide so they had both! Just giving in to the Christmas urge really!

 

One guy had ideas of taking on the whole trifle bowl on his own! But fortunately for the rest he was pushed for time as he was heading out to a meeting, so after his share there was a little left for others! The chef had also made little treats to have before and after the meal - Smoked Salmon Mini Pancakes, tartlets with various fillings, Mince Pies, and Chocolate and Sugar pieces.Although the chef really did shine, even she had to admit that Baby Archie was just the star of the day! He had a long nap, all cosy by the fire, then woke up to treat us with his beautiful smiles! 

Our grateful thanks to those who came and made the day so enjoyable. We thank God for the gifts we have in his providence in loving families, plenty to eat and freedom to enjoy all the good things God provides. It is right that we should enjoy what he has given us but not to the neglect of those in the world who had a very different Christmas. We think of friends in South Sudan and other places where conflict rages and where deprivation, poverty and persecution are experienced on a massive scale.

Our prayer is that 2014 will bring much needed peace to our world and we wish all who read this a very Happy and Blessed New Year.

Tha Garrabost Manse Macivers