We gained a cousin...

A lovely weekend in Hampshire.  The wedding was very pretty, attended by about 100 friends and family, from all over the world.  It was a well-traveled group.   We always find it strange that only registered places in the UK are allowed to host weddings.  Further, the actual signings of the official register happen at the ceremony.   We also find it nice that at least these civil ceremonies are non-sectarian.  It was joyous with a great amount of wit and humor.

The bride looked magnificent, the groom as handsome as ever. He has now joined our eccentric family.  Fortunately he had lived in the United States so he understands our part of it.  Here's to Maddie and Martin.  

The ales and wines flowed considerably at the party afterward.   Chilean wines to accompany a lovely piece of sea bass, and for the main course a filet mignon.   The dessert was a form of meringue broken into pieces and covered with cream and raspberries, similar to the Oz/Kiwi pavlova.  A tri-level cake of fruit-cake with marzipan, devil's food on the second layer and a yellow cake to top it.  Dancing finished the evening.  Some folk stayed up till 4:30AM; we sensibly went to bed at a reasonable hour.

The English breakfasts are always superb, with meaty bacon, sausages, fried eggs, crispy potatoes, mushrooms and tomatoes.   Baked beans are available.  Fruit selection excellent too.  No chance at a meat pie though.

At Heathrow, to us a painless airport.  Off to Paris.