Family Time

Sunday morning brunch followed by a Sunday afternoon barbecue en famille today. Smashing – despite the weather!

We had planned, at one time, to go down to John’s brother’s for a barbecue today, to celebrate David’s birthday. However, after the week we’ve had, we thought we were better off staying in. That way, the comfy chair was available, an afternoon nap was an option and familiar habits on tea-making were to hand.

Paul, Harriet, Freddie and Andrew made the trip, while Michael, Danielle and family stayed with us to keep us company, along with Graham and Gail.

The Kenilworth Originals and Andrew were no sooner waved off the premises than the Kenilworth Newbies sailed in, bearing all types of brunch-related food. Michael cooked while we set the table, played with the children and made cups of tea and coffee.

The brunch was lovely – great food that everyone tucked into with gusto – including the children. We were soon tottering to the lounge to take our bloated tummies to the sofa for a digestive rest!

Disappointingly, the weather changed mid-morning and the sunshine was gone, replaced by an overcast sky. Ah, well, not to worry, “I don’t mind barbecuing even if it’s not sunny,” said Michael. Good – that was a relief.

After we’d eased our bellies from the brunch and watched a bit of the cricket (Australia scoring far too many runs), it was early afternoon. “We’re walking up to Oakes’,” said Michael, “to buy barbecue food.” I was keen for a walk for the second day running, so set off with them. Luckily for me, I had taken my waterproof. Ha! It started to drizzle on the way home and it was a damp party of people and a soggy doggy that arrived home.

Towards the latter part of the afternoon, Michael set up the barbecue. Danielle had been beavering away in the kitchen much of the afternoon, prepping all the salads and accompaniments; and Gail had been busy picking the last rhubarb of the season from the garden and making a crumble, as well as a sherry trifle in memory of Mum.

By the time the barbecue was ready, Michael was sheltering under the parasol from the rain. John went out to supervise the last bits of meat cooking and then we were off. Brilliant. The Kenilworth Originals and Andrew had arrived back from Dunstable and were up for more barbecue food. And, truth be told, the sherry trifle and the rhubarb crumble went down a treat.

The sofa beckoned again for more digestive resting…… and, at one point, we were all on, behind or in front of the sofa with Grandpa having the most popular lap in the land!! Grand, eh?

Take care everyone. God bless.