28 people came and went

There was sunshine and babies crawling around and people drinking and chatting.  At least three dogs rushed or lay or leapt around joyfully – and for once, I don’t think there were any chicken bone disasters.  A horde of small children spent a lot of time splashing in the car shaped paddling pool.

There was a constant stream of food heading out of the house, via the barbecue to the people and I have to say that the whole salmon, cooked in wet newspaper was a resounding success.  (all Barney’s meaty things were resoundingly gobbled up within seconds too but the salmon was my main cooking contribution : )

The scene of devastation afterwards was efficiently cleared up by all sorts of people and enormous breakfasts were cooked by Barney at what seemed like frequent intervals – but in fact, I think there were only two breakfasts.  Youngest and I were the last ones standing (or sitting and staggering slightly, at four in the morning.  One of the nice things about our family is that we’re all affectionate and chatty drunks.  No grumpy, sulky  or abusive ones).

On Sunday morning, I left with Eldest and Lovely Northern girl, and we went to Reading and bought me a new computer.  Eldest and Northern girl travelled onward to the far North and I returned to find a group of people sitting on the lawn looking expectant as I hauled a big box out of the back of the car.  They didn’t exactly applaud but there was a ripple of enthusiam and questions : )  Then, with surprising suddenness, they all vanished pubwards for lunch : )

A large amount of juggling equipment, one pair of glasses and all Youngest’s children’s clothes are all that remains now.  Oh and three boxes of glasses to be returned to Waitrose.  And a big box, full of quad core computer with its own card reader and lots of gigs of RAM and masses of hard drive waiting to be unwrapped when Mr Treasure is available to set it up for me.

Oh Ooops!!!!  Mr Treasure just rang.  He’s coming today!  I need to get down there behind the machine and sort out my wires!

See you later!