Last Friday, we picked up our hire car and headed straight
to the Eardleys, where we received cake and hugs. And then onwards to the
Brighton cousins for a fine spread as multiple generations gathered for the weekend.
Saturday was just about fair enough for a
picnic, so we headed to lovely Firl again and watched the local cricket. I
nipped into the laines and beyond for some shopping. Though I made it all the
way to M&S, I didn’t quite have the energy to do any trying on… The rest
were busy playing banana boats, I am told. That night, we were joined by John’s
two eldest and were all treated to the best fish and chips of the year. Then
the younger cousins headed off to a party and the clubs.
But the best of the relatives days was
Sunday. What had started as a lunch for family & friends in Brighton turned
into a couple of out of towners joining us, and lovely D&P driving down and
all the younger cousins and 2 of their cousins. And the piece de resistance - at the last moment, we found out that Sophie's school mate / rock-climbing pal Julius was in London with his Nana and so they came down! So our dear Brighton cousins kindly
hosted 22 of us for lunch – and what a lunch! We brought some cheese and dried
sausage from Issigeac market but they poached salmon and made quiches and
tossed up salads and whipped up meringues. Our elders laid on some fizz – and
though the weather just couldn’t make up its mind – we had the most delightful
time celebrating 50 & 50 with this crowd! And I finally got to use some of Emma's brilliant bunting.
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| Saturday's fish and chips dinner |
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| Prepping the saucissons |
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| Late breakfast for late risers |
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| Are we eating inside or outside? Inside or outside? repeat... |
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| Julius & Sophie meet up in Brighton |
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| The 11 / 12 year olds hang out - and then went on a walking tour of Brighton led by Ava. |
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| My lovely colleague Camilla and her doll-like daughter (and doll) were able to join us |
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| Friends forever |
