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This morning I enjoyed the attentions of our dental hygienist. The surgery having cancelled three appointments in a row, it was something of a surprise that this particular young lady was fit, well, and in attendance.
Today’s administrative tasks included revising the draft of my complaints letter to incorporate suggestions from our mortgage broker; exchanging e-mails concerning the sale of my French house, and send off a payment in relation to this; and ordering a supply of oil for our central heating system.
This afternoon I scanned a batch of colour prints from May 1993. These were of Louisa’s eleventh birthday party in the garden of Lindum House at Newark.
One of the highlights of a group of young people during the Newark years was Louisa’s annual birthday party. At least, it was for me. I think this was the first one involving a bouncy castle.
Here, Rebecca A shares a joke,
perhaps with Louisa.
They are certainly sharing one here.
Some had to wait their turn before
entering the castle.
Matthew C has managed to join Louisa inside,
where, collapsed in corner, he appears helpless with laughter;
recovers, and engages in a race with Adam.
Louisa seems to be assessing
how high she can leap.
Gemma L
and Hannah
take the measure of the lens.
Charlotte
attempt to keep herself upright by leaning on the clown’s knee
or clutching the roof, while Rebecca makes her way past,
and goes topsy turvy.
The seven is all hands
and feet.
Most of these children, some now with families of their own, have remained lifelong friends.
This evening we dined on roast chicken, sage and onion stuffing, mashed potato, carrots, and broccoli; followed by banoffi pie and cream. I finished the malbec and Jackie drank Hoegaarden.
I’ve never been in a bouncy castle. I think I missed out. 🙁 Great set of photos, Derrick.
Many thanks, Sylvia
Such freedom and expression captured here Derrick. Sounds like your day was productive too!
Yes, thank you very much. Val
A time of innocence.
Yes. Thanks a lot, Cynthia
Isn’t that wonderful that you captured all this fun and that they remain friends – perhaps a re-run of the event might be fun, bouncy castle, guests and all, for Louisa’s next birthday……..
I’ll mention the idea, Pauline. But they did repeat it during their teens 🙂 Thanks a lot
What fun children have and how surprising and delightful they are. Such a bonus for them to have memories long passed and those in the making!
Very many thanks, Cynthia
Great memories.
Thanks very much, Leslie
What a wonderful job capturing the moment, Derrick.
Many thanks, Jill
Looks like a good party, and I like the sound of your tea. Hope all the admin and letters go well.
Many thanks, Quercus
It’s nice to know they’ve carried their friendships forward. Beautiful pictures, as usual.
Thank you very much Lisa
Friendships of younger days are the strongest and last long, if not forever. As I grow older, I find it harder to make new friends. Those are fascinating images, I am sure the protagonists of the hard castle will be touched to the core.
Many thanks, Uma. I have the same experience with new friends – it requires a different kind of energy
Lovely photos.
Thank you very much, Arlene
It’s a lovely thing to have lifelong friends like that, I’m happy to say that our three children ages ranging from 36 to 41 have many chums from when they were at school.
I have none.
Thanks very much, Brian. The way we live now – leaving our home towns – makes continuation difficult. Most of these folk still live in Newark or Nottingham.
and I suppose they keep in regular contact with text messages/mobile phone chat/facebook as do my lot!
Yep
Lovely memories.
Thanks, Rupali
Sweet memories and pictures! That is really something to be lifelong friends. I love looking back derrick!
Many thanks, Lynn
Fun, fun, fun! And what evocative pictures. So nice to know that the friendships have held over the years.
Many thanks, Laurie
Great photos, Derrick, and what fun those bouncy castles are. My grandson loves them too. 🙂
Many thanks, Diana
You captured these beautiful youngsters perfectly Derrick, they are free, happy and enjoying a “bounce” of life! Sounds like you’ve had your hands full – hope all goes well. Dinner sounded fabulous – hello to the Master Cook!!
Very many thanks, Mary. Yep. Admin has been pretty full-on
I bet these photo’s bring back so many joyful moments within your memory dear Derrick, I intend to start doing the same with all our old photos, I have a suitcase packed full.. Loved them..
Hope you are well Derrick and enjoying your week.. 🙂 Sue
Many thanks, Sue. It is a very happy exercise
I can imagine Derrick.. I think I would be spending Hours just calling out to hubby, saying Hey, can you remember when we took these.. LOL.. Happy Days xx
Fortunately I have dated mine along the way – never knowing what I would be doing with them now. :0
Wonderful that you did that.. I think most of mine will be guess work on dates, going by how old our children looked 🙂
Maybe you will find keys like clothes, situations etc.
I am sure we will.. Its a project I intend doing
Your pictures are beautiful and I am so excited to have found your blog. Love to you, Derrick:)
Many thanks, Anya
Oh… sweet memories of the joyful times. 🙂
Yes. Thanks a lot, Amy
Wonderful photographs!
Many thanks Clare
Clean teeth and happy family memories, topped off with one of Jackie’s wonderful dinners and Malbec sounds like a pleasant day. 🙂
I had to look up the pie. It sounds delicious.
Many thanks, Merril
The pictures are quite marvelous, Derrick! I myself lost touch with my childhood friends (moving, new schools). It’s amazing that they’re still close 🙂
Thanks very much, Peace
Wonderful memories, Derrick. Lifelong friends are a blessing!
They are, Lavinia. Thank you very much
This was such a fun post and full of energy, Derrick. Bouncy Castle’s make me get a little seasick or queasy. I think it is the swaying side to side and up and down at the same time! ?
Your dinners sounds scrumptious! What kind of pie is this banoffi pie, please?
Many thanks, Robin. The pie is a dessert made with biscuit, bananas, and caramel: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/how_to_make_banoffee_pie_35961