In the heavy heat of this morning, silent but for the tinkling Rose Garden water feature, the distant mooning of a solitary wood pigeon, and the snuffling chuntering of a neighbour’s dog from the other side of the fence as I progressed down the back drive, I carried out extensive dead heading while Jackie weeded beds, watered wilting plants, and tied back strays.
This afternoon we attended Shelly and Ron’s barbecue at which we were all to meet Ivy, our new great niece.
Here are a few of the family and friends present.
It is also David’s birthday. Here he opens his card from his parents, Helen and Bill.
What a wonderful family you have and how exciting to have each new addition to it.
Thank you so much, Judy
The card looks interesting. A grand set of portraits.
Thanks very much, Tootlepedal
Those are great portraits.
Thanks very much, Jean
Lovely family and sweet new member Derrick.
Thanks very much, Cindy
A wonderful lot of memories created.
Thanks very much, Chrissy
Welcome to the world, Ivy! You are a cutie! You are surrounded with love! <3
Happy Birthday to David! 🙂
What a lovely day with beautiful memories made! 🙂 And your wonderful photos captured them for Ivy to see many years from now! 🙂
(((HUGS))) 🙂
Many thanks, Carolyn
Your family is fortunate to have such a talented photographer. These photographs are wonderful, Derrick. So many beautiful faces and memories. I love it!
Thank you so much, Jill
Congratulations on your new great niece! Thank you for sharing your family’s happiness with us.
And thank you so much, Liz
You’re most welcome, Derrick.
Congratulations on your newest little sweetheart! It’s lovely to see you all together.
Thanks very much, Susan
Hello, Ivy!! Wonderful family/friends photos, Derrick – something for everyone’s scrapbook, I should imagine. And a wonderfully lyrical opening paragraph. 🙂
Thank you very much, Mike.
What a beautiful gathering of all the age groups! Little Ivy is adorable!
Thank you so much, Lavinia
The weather was certainly very kind for “Ivy’s” family barbecue day Derrick … a sign of good forune for Ivy.. Cheers to all …
Thanks a lot, Ivor
A great set of family portraits. That’s a great shot of Jackie, and I love the expression on little Max’s face!
Thank you very much, Janet
Derrick, what a wonderful day . Your photos truly tell a story. But to look in another direction. The popn of England is just a bit more than double that of Australia. On Monday England had 22,501 new Covid Cases. Australia had 1,120. There is no way on earth that I could visit my daughter who lives three kms away without incurring a substantial fine. Also if I met her in the street we could stop and chat but we would need to be wearing masks. I have a friend in the UK – as you know – who has trouble with losing her hair through stress. She is a nurse. Can you shed some light on the obvious differences between Covid UK and Covid Aust?
I would say that we are both islands and you have far more space in which to keep your distance. We have been wide open to incomers and were slow to realise quite what the world was in for. Vaccination has reduced the death rate but we still have too many who won’t accept that protection. Maybe your state boundaries have helped – we can’t close counties. Thanks very much, John
I think we were very positively reactive in the beginning and we did a good job and then everyone got a bit slack and we are paying now.
Such a shame
Thank you for sharing these delightful family photos! Do I see your Mum sitting between you and Jackie in the far rright of the group shot? I hope she enjoyed the gathering.
The best pictures are always the ones you take when they don’t know about it. Congratulations on your great niece.
Thank you so much, Bridget
A wonderful gallery of portraits! My favourite is the one in which Ivy is walking down the lawn with the old lady (who looks like your Mom).
Actually it is Helen, Rory’s grandma, having to bend to hold his hand. Thanks very much, Uma
I am sorry, it is you of course walking down the lawn with your grandniece!
🙂
I was totally fooled.
🙂
Sweet Ivy! And what a beautiful family.
Thank you very much, Laurie
There is nothing quite so endearing as a newborn. Welcome to the world little one. You’ve captured so many wonderfully candid photos, Derrick. It looks like you all enjoyed a companionable day.
We did, indeed, Alys. Thank you very much
A good gathering of people who matter.
Thank you very much, Anne
What a wonderful photographic record of the happy occasion. Just one person missing… you!
We used to take our family gatherings for granted until we found ourselves cut off in isolation and for such long periods. Now, we appreciate each one.
Thank you so much, Sue
You have such a large family!
Thanks a lot, Sheree
Congratulations on your new great niece! She’s beautiful. Wonderful family portraits, Derrick. It looks like it was a delightful day.
It was – so much better weather than today, too. Thanks vey much, Sue
You’re welcome (from Merril). 😏
What a beautiful day surrounded by family! So cute little Ivy 😍
Thanks very much, Ribana
Great people pictures. You have captured the look and the personality of each.
Thank you so much, Andrew
Looks like a good day, though there seems to be no mention of food. I do hope you haven’t lost your appetite . . .
Well spotted, Quercus. I was knackered and forgot to mention hot dogs, kebabs, salads, creamy, chocolaty puds, and red wine. Thanks very much.
No problem, I feel alot better now. 🙂
🙂
Congratulations on the new addition to the family… and what a beautiful family you have! Made me miss our family gatherings in India.
Thank you so much, Joycee
Thank you for sharing the photos. There is something very heartwarming to see a baby.
Thank you very much, Lakshmi
What lovely family photos, Derrick, and the new addition is precious.
Thank you very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick!
Such beautiful informal captures of people being themselves at a heartwarming get together. We don’t know what the future viral load holds, but we can make the most of these wonderful times. Thank you Derrick 💛🙏💛
And thank you so much, Val.
I want to double like. This is precious 💕
Thank you so much, Val X
Welcome to Ivy. And many happy returns of the day to David. (A so Brit phrase I’ve always liked) 👍🏻
Thanks very much, Brian
Lovely family and an adorable baby.
Thank you so much, Dolly
You are very welcome, Derrick.