BON VOYAGE

I had a great weekend. Unbeknown to me my family and friends had organised a surprise "Bon Voyage" afternoon tea party prior to the departure of my "around the world without flying" journey next weekend. The weather was perfect, warm (but not too warm) and sunny. One of those very, very rare beautiful spring days. And, stangely for this area, NO WIND!

We acquired a taste for afternoon tea parties after our wonderful "Afternoon Tea at the Ritz" day out several years ago.

This is the amazing spread with me holding on to the tablecloth in case anyone should decide to steal it! Although, I was on the verge of executing my awesome "jerk the teacloth and see if everything still stays on the table" trick. It's quite spectacular (when it works).

With great self control I decided not to attempt this great spectacular because after spending all day preparing this feast Kimberley would never had forgiven me if it had all gone wrong. By the way, don't be misled by the teapots. Thankfully, the main refreshment of the day was wine.

I would also like to point out that this was a SURPRISE party. I say this in defence of my scruffiness. But, hey, this is the real me.



Quickly, feed the children, before they all riot! But, hold on a minute, how did daddy Dan manage to get into this pile? It looks suspiciously like he has a gob full of food.



The weather was absolutely perfect! Is it true that God smiles on the righteous? I mean, come on, the weather has been gruesome for months - and now this???



Noah (one of my greatgrandchildren) dragging his blanket while daddy Dan looks on and mummy poses.



My daughter, Kimberly holding court! "Yes, I arrange the day, made all the sandwiches, cooked all the cakes, made the tea and ordered the sun".



Not to be outdone, my friend Jean then holds court! "I turned up".



And finally, last but definitely not least, me holding court "without me none of this would have been possible, I made the family AND the friends - SO THERE!!"