Garden Party

The dark gloomy sky clearly contrasted  the atmosphere at our inaugural garden party.  Everyone arrived in their finery and red hats, fit for lunch with royalty.  As we settled down for lunch under the gazebo by the pond, the little Jack Russells circled us waiting for some yummy morsels to hit the ground.  Who could blame them?  Following the avocado Mexican dip, we devoured red salmon and cucumber, and toasted almond and chicken sandwiches, accompanied by a refreshing summer fruit platter.  Mini quiches were also on the menu…and what’s an Aussie garden party without mini meat pies and sausage rolls?  The chilled mint and lime water cleansed our pallets in preparation for the scones, blackberry jam and double cream.  By this time, you would think there was little room left for anything else, but we managed to cram in some chocolate caramel slice and smooth Belgian chocolates followed by a selection of hot tea.  We had a carefree afternoon enjoying each other’s company and humour.  Bursts of loud laughter penetrated the gloomy sky and boisterous animated conversations echoed through the neighbouring suburban gardens.  Our high spirits even paled the neighbour’s lawn mowing attempts into insignificance.  Our high spirits came naturally – no alcohol involved, just lots of sugar.  Who needs it anyway, especially when Delia is keeping us entertained.  Hopefully we can all do it again sooner rather than later.

Photos courtesy of Lady Regalia Chatterby:

Garden Party song

My version; inspiration and words borrowed from Ricky Nelson’s Garden Party lyrics - see video link at end of lyrics.

I went to a garden party, reminisced with my new friends 
A chance to share some memories and eat some food again 
When I got to the garden party they all knew my name 
But no one recognized me cause I didn’t wear purple again 

But it's all right now 
I learned my lesson well 
You see you can't please ev'ryone so 
You got to please yourself 

  

People came from miles around, Mrs Bean and Lady M.L were there 
Lady Regalia Chatterby brought her bag of tricks there was magic in the air 
And over in the corner much to my surprise 
Lady S.M wore her new red hat with a sparkle in her eyes.

Chorus la da da da 

I served them lots of food I thought that's why they came 
No one left a scrap , we didn't look the same 
I said hello to Mary Lou, she sounds foreign to me 
After serving more sweet calories, it was time for tea

Chorus la da da da 

Someone opened up the garden gate and out stepped Lady Lowsborough-Goodby B. Goode 
Sharing jokes and laughing out loud, just like she should 
If you gotta go to garden parties I wish you a lot a' luck 
But if memories were all we made then that’s enough for us. 

Chorus la da da da  

Repeat chorus

Ricky Nelson performing Garden Party