While visiting family in West Sussex last week, we were privileged to stay with Peter's oldest sister, Wendy, and her husband, Michael, in their 18th c. restored barn home. The barn is one of many buildings on the property to include the main house where daughter Jackie's family lives, stables and a cottage, plus a pool, gardens, fields, woods, horses, chickens, dogs and a cat. There must always be a cat!
The gardens were the perfect location for the final event of the week long celebration of Michael's 80th birthday. While everyone pitched in to set up party tents and move tables, my donation to the garden party was deadheading and tidying the garden beds and hanging baskets the day before with a cup of coffee and a quiet sense of peacefulness amidst the flurry. It was a wonderful celebration, thanks to Jackie and her family for all of their hard work, love and laughter. Despite a brief shower, the event was a huge success.
 |
| Sister Jo (standing) speaking to dear family friend Brenda |
 |
| Peter (right) speaking to his youngest brother Nigel and cousins |
Many happy returns, Michael! (left)
