Red berries over the Eachaig

Blipping this well past midnight on a satisfyingly full day - though we did get up rather later than I'd hoped. Despite the showers, we actually managed a lovely walk in Benmore Gardens around midday; this photo was taken from the bridge over the River Eachaig on the way into the gardens because I was so taken with the wonderful red berries on that overhanging tree.

I spent the afternoon cooking - mixed roasted vegetables, perfect roast potatoes, fillet of venison - because at last my friends who were too ill to have either Christmas or Hogmanay felt well enough to come out for dinner. As this usually happens on the last night of the year, we have a tradition that I break out another Christmas pudding, so we had that too, complete with brandy butter and blue flaming brandy poured over it (and over the table too ...)

In view of their health - my bestie has had pneumonia - they left earlier than usual, and were borne off home by their solicitous son. At least we managed to get together before the Christmas period ends! And now I really need to get back to normal eating; I have a horrid feeing I've put on pounds.