Le Weekend: family and friends

So, yesterday we got ourselves ready in our Sunday best to travel up to Derby for Carol’s birthday celebrations. I rummaged through my wardrobe and dismissed most of it as being ‘too small’. Will I ever fit into any of it again? I think not. Not only am I plumper than I used to be, but I am also shorter and things have gone south.

John also dismissed much of what was in his wardrobe for similar reasons. “We’ll have to go through the clothes and chuck out what we can’t wear,” said John. I agreed, but reluctantly. All those lovely clothes! I can hardly bear to part with them , but I know it’s the sensible thing to do. But maybe not just yet?

Anyway, we found something we could squeeze ourselves into and we set off, just before one o’clock, to arrive at the Clock Warehouse in Shardlow at 2. In the event, we were early, and found Carol, John, Laura and Henry busy beavering away blowing up balloons and constructing table decorations. They were not in the conservatory where we expected to find them. “Derby County supporters,” groaned Carol’s John. “They’re in the room until ten to two.” Ah, well, never mind. Let’s drink tea while we wait. A very British tradition, eh what?

Other guests arrived and we were soon able to get into the room and sit down for our meal. Oh, my goodness! What a lovely time we had! Everyone nattering away ten to the dozen; laughing and sharing stories and really enjoying themselves.

The waitress did her utmost to keep us all happy, sweeping in with food and drinks, shouting as loudly as she could to see who wanted what. Poor Carol had to adjudicate and direct the waitress to the person whose food she’d brought because the chatter was so loud.

Only one mishap! Carol had arranged a glass of prosecco for us all and the waitress wobbled in with a tray of glasses almost full to the brim. The wobble overturned the tray and a glass of prosecco promptly drizzled all the way down Barbara’s back. Oh, dear. The waitress was horrified and froze, looking at the liquid as it started seeping into Barbara’s dress. With great presence of mind, Laura grabbed a handful of napkins and she and I mopped Barbara up. We’re certainly not going to forget this get-together in a hurry!

Carol was on top form and looked absolutely stunning and thrilled to see everyone. Ah…. my lovely, lovely bestie!!

We went back to Carol’s after the meal for a quick cuppa and then had a very good journey home. John was pretty tired by the time we got home though, having enjoyed himself so much!

It transpired that we both must have been tired because we chose not to get ourselves out of bed before mid-day today. I took John a cuppa and then we sat and chatted for a bit before we slunk downstairs to slump on the sofa to watch the Grand Prix. The race being in Melbourne, Australia, Gail had texted to tell us that she thought we’d find it an interesting race. And sure enough, we did! Goodness me, what an action-packed and thrilling race – even if it did make you feel a bit sorry for some of those who didn’t finish in the points at the end.

We went to Michael and Danielle’s for our roast dinner today as we waved our goodbyes to the other Kenilworth family, who were jetting off on their hols this afternoon. We had a lovely time with the newbies, and chuckled particularly at Oliver who spent a good twenty minutes or so banging a pan and its lid, grinning that lovely lob-sided grin as he did so, enjoying every minute of it.

He then took his attention to his best mate, Chester, who is not allowed on the sofa….. is he? And butter wouldn’t melt in either of their mouths, would it?

Take care everyone. God bless.