I always have the feeling that my family is slightly more prone to disagreements, arguments and general falling out with each other than most. I think this is often more to do with what people don’t say to each other than what they do, and then when something does need to be said it is often blurted out in what may not be the best way. I have two brothers, both with wives and children, any combination of the siblings and their children is usually fine on its own, but throw in my parents who seem to have varying amounts of respect for their daughters (and son) in laws, appear to favour certain grand children over others (though they claim not) add in a good proportion of alcohol which appears to fuel some of these affairs and you have a cauldron constantly threatening to boil over. I have learnt to keep a reasonably clear head at these occasions by volunteering as driver more often than not and even when I am not driving still keeping the alcohol consumption to a minimum (though some times I have let my guard slip and schemed to the evils of alcohol, resulting in my letting my tongue slip inappropriately)!

So yesterday was Fathers day. This family occasion on a (cloudy but humid) summers day was spent in my parents garden and comprised my younger brothers family, my own husband and son, my parents and finally a cousin (male) visiting from New Zealand who these days is something of a fitness freak having been able to drink for both England and New Zealand last time I saw him when he was about 21. I designated myself driver (hubby is a father after all) and cook ( I like doing BBQ if it is not at my own house where I would have no end of other things to do) and I wanted to give my own dad a break. After a great BBQ, with pleasant family type conversation, most of us then went for a very pleasant late afternoon walk before returning for cheese and pudding and then heading home. Unlike some of my other family encounters, this will go down as one where people didn’t feel as is they were avoiding saying the things they wanted to say, although I have to admit we were on good behaviour (with the NZ cousin being there etc). I just wish it could always be like that! Sadly no photos from this occasion (forgot to take camera).