We had a leisurely start to the first day of our holiday as our flight to Heathrow wasn't due to take off until lunchtime. This gave us plenty of time to check that the windows were locked and the gas was shut off at least fifteen times, so that we could go away with an easy mind.
Elain and Cameron drove us to the airport which was good as we had plenty time for a cup of tea, before British Airways whisked us south to Heathrow on time. The flight went without incident and, because our bags were checked through to Lisbon, getting off the plane was stress free.
We were met by Bob's cousin Marilyn who should have whisked us to our hotel, but instead took us on a tour of the environs of Heathrow airport, which was instructive, but ultimately futile. Happily we got checked in and arranged a wake up call and a taxi to take us to the airport in the early hours of the morning. Marilyn then did a repeat of the hotel journey, but in a different order just to keep us interested. Eventually, we made it to her home in Ascot.
We had tea and biscuits in her posh garden shed.
Not long after, Bob's Aunt Toodles and cousin, Lorraine and husband Roger arrived, which was very nice. We had a lot to catch up on, not least Roger's toilet habits! Luckily these have become a bit more normalised than of late and we were able to thoroughly enjoy the very nice meal that Marilyn had lovingly prepared for us all after a glass of champagne.
Marilyn had even gone to the trouble of hand carving solid blocks of butter for our delectation and delight.
We had a seafood extravaganza to start with, which was fresh and light on the palate and just what we needed. It was well paired with a nice Pouilly Fume.
The main course was a delicious chicken casserole with lots of fresh vegetables - just delightful.
This splendid repast was finished off with the highlight of the meal - a fresh and tangy lemon meringue pie which just melted in the mouth.
Well done to Marilyn and thanks to her for picking us up from the airport, feeding and watering us and then taking us back to our hotel, albeit by a circuitous route again.
We had a great evening and it really was good to catch up with everyone.
The perfect start to our holiday.
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