Washout

Last night we attended an annual jazz evening at one of the local houses in Old Sodbury - Camers, a 17th century pile. It's owned by a chap who made his money in electrical contracting. He's spent an absolute fortune on the place, renovating the house and its grounds over a 25 year period - it's beautiful.

For the last couple of years, Hayley's sister has allowed the organisers to use her gazebo, which she purchased as a wedding gazebo for her own wedding a few years back. It's perfectly suited to accommodating a reasonably large band. Friday afternoon was spent erecting it and Saturday afternoon we had to effect some quick repairs due to the wind getting up.

Anyway, Hay's family and attendant hangers on assembled at 6pm, deciding to pitch camp at the back, as we'd taken the precaution of bringing our beach tent, as the weather was predicted to be inclement and we didn't want it to ruin anyone's view.

Everyone else merely brought umbrellas. Numbers were unfortunately down somewhat because of the weather.

The heavens opened at around 7pm, but Hay and I were nice and dry in our beach tent.

It got worse, and for the majority of the time our view was heavily restricted.

Until, that is, I spilled my glass of red wine inside the tent, much to Hay's annoyance. The tent also contained the remnants of our last little jaunt to the Gower - rather a lot of sand. Red wine and sand is an awful mix.

Next time we go on holiday we're thinking of taking the gazebo, along with some campaign furniture; a dining table, some wardrobes, a servant or two - just the essentials - to ensure we are comfortable....

It was a shame the jazz evening coincided with the only rain we've had in two months.