BBQ AT BALLYLINTAGH

It was Tyler's 10th birthday weekend so you have to push the boat out and Kelly decided to have a BBQ on Saturday 30th July. Risky considering that our weather has a habit of wetting us, freezing us and doing everything but warm us when we are trying to go el fresco.

Despite the dark clouds rolling in and a cool breeze (the kind that blows the plates off the table) we had the most fantastic day. There is nothing like sitting round the BBQ in ski wear trying to get warm. Kidding. But I still wish I'd worn my thermals.

Sammy was doing a very good imitation of "Gordon Ramsey's" get the f*** out of my kitchen thing. Did you not notice we were already outside Numpty? I told you I would mention you in dispatches. And no matter what! Never wear socks with sandals.

I so know I am in for it.

Gordon Ramsey eat your heart out though. Sammy and Ricky cooked up a storm ... Ah! That's why the clouds kept forming over us. Men and fire. Nightmare!

Credit where credit's due ... They put on one awesome spread and everyone mucked in to set it all up. Ronnie brought a table he'd made himself. We could have danced on it. Perhaps I did. Ikea are going to go out of business if he decides to go global.

Claire talked me into getting on the bouncy castle and the rascal had the kids waiting like vultures to bounce me off the ladder. I made a rather undignified exit. Head first.

When Sammy fell over the fence and held onto the wok I thought I was going to have a stroke laughing. It was a hoot. Sammy pet, you were GREAT.  

If only I could have stayed longer. The husband ordered me a taxi home and was sleeping when I got in around 10.00 PM. I think, he thinks, I am going to turn into a pumpkin after midnight.

I had such a great time. The peeps at Ballylintagh are simply adorable. Alan is going to fix the car where I pranged it on the garage door.

Best advise ... Always look forwards when going forwards.

Thanks my dears. Lets do it again and I'll stay over. 

And I promise to make Uncle Bud's meatballs again. Ronnie said he was dubious about trying them then he got this explosion of flavour.  

On a sour note. We went to Charco in Coleraine on Sunday for Tyler's birthday lunch. We almost died of thirst waiting for our drinks. The food was nothing to write home about. In fact you wouldn't get it in any good home. My roast beef was so tough I couldn't even cut it with the steak knife. Clive's sirloin was likewise. Bert's chicken Maryland was so dry he couldn't swallow it.

When the second round of drinks, tea and coffee didn't appear I went to enquire about them. The eastern European barmaid said she was unable to read my mind but would try harder next time. She is lucky I couldn't reach her over the bar. There won't be any next time dear. No apology from her for tardiness. Marks out of 10? Half a point. And that is only because our waitress shone in comparison to the sub standard service of the other girls.

One would think that businesses are trying harder to attract custom. Not Charco it seems. It was a great place to dine at, once upon a time. My advice is ... Give it a miss and go to YoKo or the fantastic Indus Valley next door.