For the first time in about 3 years we have both Joe and Von back with us for Xmas so I put on one of my usual dinners at my local Indian restaurant. There must have been about 20 of us there, counting the littlies.
Dusty nearly made his escape at one point but I caught him in time. He likes wandering about by himself. Hannah was there looking every inch a lady, just like her mother was when she was a girl. Hannah has got real model looks. She just looks good all the time. And still only aged 3! Von had dressed her in a very fashionable-looking sundress. Despite looking rather delicate, however, Hannah got into some hot curry in her usual way. She has liked hot curry right from when she was very little.
The kids ran around shrieking a lot, which the family all liked to hear but I don't know how the restaurant staff found it. But I have been taking large parties there for around 10 years so I always get an appreciative welcome.
Paul was there without Susan as Matthew was crook so she had to stay home to look after him. We sent her a takeaway curry so she would not miss out too much.
I talked mainly to Ken, Paul and Joe as usual and I conveyed to Ken Anne's appreciation of his taste in books. She reads whatever Ken gives or recommends to her. Anne herself is still convalescing so could not come. Nanna was missing too. Apparently loud family gatherings have got a bit much for her. At age 89 that is not too surprising.
On some occasions, a big gathering around a long table can be a bit restrictive in whom you can talk to but that is not the case with our gatherings. We all know one-another of old so people swap seats and generally move around a lot. George in particular must have got to talk to just about everyone. George and kids are essential to a good family dinner in my opinion.
I lent the Toyota Echo to Von & Simon so I will be getting around in my big green Humber Super Snipe for a couple of weeks. It goes quite well but is a bit awkward to park. Joe is driving the Toyota Starlet so all 3 of my cars are actually in use for once. I am a great fan of Toyota but it's the Humber that gets the admiration from others. It is 50 years old so that accounts for a lot.
Some pix of the travellers below:
Despite all the glassware on the table, it was not a bibulous occasion. Our family dos never are. Drunkenness would be boring.
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