So, hmmm, highlights from the BBQ...
Well, Simon, Ang and I were in the same accommodation... ahem, let me qualify that - in the same BnB, seperate rooms, in a totally non-metro-sexual kinda way... honest guv'nor.
We decided to go for an early pint, rather then impose on Mike too early, at which point SImon decided to show us how effective GPS navigation was. I have to admit I was impressed, especially when it took us around the houses on the return trip, just because we had been pointing in the wrong direction in the pub carpark Anyway, we made it that, and that's all that counts... or at least that's what Simon told me.
On arrival it was a quick round of "hellos" and "where's the beer?". Mike's operation scar was truly amazing. He proudly presented it before any of us had a chance to eat anything. I personally think it was his idea of a way to keep food costs down this year
Fortunately, having seen my fair share of battle-wounds, and having caused a few... I was immune...ok, I admit, I was halfway through my first beer, and braced myself against something solid (sorry Simon ).
Well, the garden got fuller and fuller, crazier and crazier... and that was just the halftime entertainment! Tij serenaded us, Ballistic threw out a few chords, and all we were missing was someone playing the spoons - oh yeah, there was spooning, too, but not in front of the children.
We never did get to the bottom of the beer barrel, which was surprising, given that it was so darned hot, but it seemed that everyone was avoiding this wierd German beer-type stuff. Who the heck brought that?!!! Man alive, ma poor hebridean tootsies were switherin'. There were so many people there that ya didn't really get to talk to any one person for more than a few minutes, before someone else took you off in another direction - or was that just my short attention span? By the way, have you tried that personality defect quiz?
It was wonderful to see so many faces there again, folks from the board, some who have never posted, and a pile of the locals, too. I could ramble on and on about catching up with everyone and all the tales, but I shan't bore y'all, and besides, it's an experience that you have to be there for. Reason enough to attend next year, ya heaving bunch o' procrastinators!!!
Mid-evening we moved off to the pub, via a quick nip back to the accommodation for a shower and change. Did I tell ya that it was hot there? I made the mistake of taking a sweater with me, as last year it had got chilly in the evening. This year it was unnecessary, and I started to get less concerned about Tij's plans to sleep on the beach.
All the seats were taken, and being gentlemen (most of us, at least) when we did acquire a seat it wasn't long before we gave them up for the waifs and strays ladies. I tried one of the mini-seats, but almost dislocated my hip getting out of it. Derek seemed to find it just fine, however
I should just add, at this point, that Derek and Dominique look a lovely pair, together. For all we teased him, we were in awe! She's got a great sense of humour, and they are a handsome couple. That notwithstanding, the "Fundy" comment was a typo, but I didn't have the heart to correct it, as it amused me so. I hope to see them next month in Amsterdam. Talking of which, we even managed to slip outside for a quick puff. Can ya believe that English pubs are fast becoiming nonsmioking? Ye gads, sah, we'll soon be loike the Irish!
Well, Cordelia got more and more amusing as the evening wore on for various reasons taht I shan't elaborate on, however poor Sirona, having driven the pair of them down, was exhausted. I escorted her back to her accommodation, before rejoining the group for the second round. I was kinda amused, because I slipped in the side gate of the beer garden. It was a really effective lock-in LOL. At this point I think Cordelia realised she had gone and was concerned for her. However, after much reasoning we got her to stay, albeit the party didn't last an awful lot longer as we all got kicked out at midnight.
...to be continued...