BBQ at Pam and John's in Albas

We had a fab afternoon and evening at Albas with Pam, John, Charlotte, Christopher, Michelle, Kate, James and Marina. The food was great the company was fun and the children were lovely and very funny. Made me really miss my own lovely grandbabies despite enjoying Kate and James' company. Kate is 7 and is really clever and made up a wonderful Quiz which naturally "The Girls team " won. James is 4 and adorable and very affectionate and so we had some great hugs and cuddles and the occasional "oooh ahhh me arties " when he was in Pirate mode.

Strangely now that we are 55 Pete and I still play the role of court jesters both being the "youngest" of 3 siblings. I wonder if this will ever stop? We willingly hurl ourselves around swimming pools, make like human diving boards, and generally entertain the kids, by screaming and acting the goat.. and we always have... we do enjoy it but I am aware we will always be "Aunty Juicy and uncle Pete !" Wouldn't have it any other way really. Having said that Pam's impression of a village crone with the improvised ( beach towel) head scarf was worryingly good. The blood curdling howl may just have started a life time of nightmares, if not for the kids then for me !

Whilst we were there being funsters, Marina's residential school had an unexpected Ofsted inspection whilst she was on holiday and with with us. As a senior Ofsted inspector herself for 13 years she was naturally hoping for a good report and I imagine wishing she had been at school. Their last one was "Outstanding" During the Quiz she got a call from her staff to report that they had achieved "Outstanding" in all 6 areas of inspection.... I am very proud of my buddy and the parents of her Autistic children must be thrilled to know that their school/home is exemplary.

A lovely day.... All the vegetables in the Ratatouille and salad were home grown and delicious and ooooh I loved the gorgeous figs from the garden.... better run ;-)