It was a glorious summer day for our summer party. Originally it was to be only a brunch but with the years the guests stayed longer and longer, now the last guests tend to leave near midnight. The week before we drove to Aschaffenburg, the town where we used to live in Germany. Apart from visiting friends we stocked up on German food and drinks so there was plenty for the party. Ann prepared the food and I the more important things, i.e. the drinks.
Hopefully the few pictures on this page give you an impression of the atmosphere and bring back pleasant memories for the participants.
Sonja, my second cousin, and her partner, Mário, came to stay with us from Bratislava. They helped with the party and took most of the photos in this album.
Getting ready
The first guests have arrived. Our honorary butler, Terry, is preparing the 'Begrüßungsgetränk' (welcoming drink): red Söhnlein sekt.
Ann is greeting the new arrivals: Chris and Gail.
John and Sue have arrived bringing treasures for Ann: horse manure. - No! Not the packet in Sue's hand! - A welcome addition to her garden.
Maureen, Ken and Sheila are enjoying the aperitif, while Sheila is examining the drinks menu.
Poor Roger is sad: while others are enjoying themselves, he has not got a drink yet. Tut-tut, Terry!
Many guests have now congregated under the acer as in the late morning the sun is getting rather hot, while others are still enjoying the sunshine.
Sue, John, Douglas and Sheila under the the protective umbrella of the acer.
Sue (from back), Sandra and Ann S take it more comfortably around the round table.
"Sir, I want some more"
Sonja showing her colours
The Funny Girls
Mário and I joined in the fun
Sonja and Ken
Ron, Sandra And Ken
"I am going to tell you a joke"
Sandra is telling the joke to Ken
After the punch line
Ken can't take any more
For Mário and me a stampferli of Kirschwasser is called for after a good lunch. Prost!
Duncan in his element
There is also time for a quiet chat around the table after lunch ...
... with continuously changing participants ...
... while others prefer to withdraw into the shade of the acer.
Ingrid, Anne N and Douglas relaxing in the shade.
Late in the afternoon Mick and Marion joined our party.
Marion and Mick with Ann
Stephen and Marion
Jo and Marion