Thursday, 20 August 2026

CBBBQ

Not a new kid's TV channel, this means Cornerstones Before BBQ! Bob thought it was about time we did another BBQ for all the neighbours, as so many have moved into the Close in the last couple of years. He produced an invite and I went round delivering them. 

We got the garden ready. The 'grass' is brown and crispy, like everyone else's. We borrowed the Shed Gazebo which will give plenty of shelter from bright sunshine or rain, whichever we have to deal with, and there's the summerhouse too...

Neighbours offered to bring food and drink - and Brian sent some of his humungous tomatoes - some were 7cm across! These have been sliced to go on top of burgers, along with slices of cheese. I made a salad, and some rainbow veg kebabs.


We seem to have plenty of garden chairs these days*. Some years back, we went to a Band Concert at Blickling and beforehand purchased some fancy blue folding chairs. They were not cheap, but Bob wanted ones which were comfortable for 3 hours of sitting, and would take his weight. We have been very pleased with them, and used them a lot [especially at the beach with the family as well as in the garden] On Monday we were at the 'recycle shop' at our local tip, and found this similar tan pair, for £5 only each
Like the blue ones, they have carrybags with useful shoulder straps, and can holders on the right hand side. One is slightly faded, but the do not look like they have been used very much. They have strong well designed frames. And their recommended max weight is 200kg! We are not expecting any 30stone visitors!
* 14 plus lounger, plus 3-seater bench, and if we get more than that, Gloria will pass some of her chairs over the fence. 
And then it was time for the event...
The 4 nearest neighbours arrived on the dot of 6:30, then the heavens opened and for 10 minutes we had rain and thunder. We sheltered in the summerhouse. Then it all stopped, I dried off all the chairs.  10 more people arrived and we had a lovely evening together... Guests brought some great salads and a selection of drinks. Hard work, but worth doing.
So different from last Wednesday's Eclipse Party




23 comments:

  1. A real opportunity for everyone to get to know eachother. My cousin did the same after moving in and renovating a run down bungalow; many of the neighbours had never met in spite of living there 20 years and more

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    1. It was a real mix of ages, from 16 to 84, but everyone got on so well

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  2. You just cant predict the weather in Britain! But it soon stopped and you could enjoy a lovely evening together. So nice for new people to meet everyone.

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  3. Well done to you both! Catriona

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  4. So ... it was you deciding on a barbeque that brought on the rain!! Usually it's me putting out the washing. Well this time we have to thank you, we all really needed last night's downpour.

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  5. As usual, I am in awe of your energy and plain hard work! What a wonderful neighbor you are, they are so lucky to have you there! JanF

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  6. I'm so glad the weather worked out for you after the initial downpour! It's always fun to have a barbecue where guests bring the salads. I think the informality makes everyone feel at home.

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    1. People like to contribute something, and I appreciate the diversity

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  7. How lovely, a real getting to know each other 'do'. Typical British weather that you had rain, but I have to say I've been over-joyed to see rain for the last 3 days, a real downpour this morning, as my garden is reviving. But the cat wasn't impressed with the wet. Xx

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  8. How very neighborly of you and Bob to organize a BBQ for everyone! I'm glad the rain ceased in time for the event. :)

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  9. What a lovely thing to do. Great turnout. Monsoon weather up here. Should've seen the streets of Edinburgh the other day, there was a river running down the Royal Mile!Have you ever made tomato pie? πŸ…πŸ…πŸ…

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    1. My daughter suggested a tomato tarte tatin πŸ…πŸ…πŸ…

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  10. That looks like a great time.
    I've picked up a couple of those type of chairs from Aldi, just to have the spare seating. I'm looking forward to road testing them.

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  11. So nice you did this! And of course, no BBQ is complete without a healthy portion of rain!

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  12. Even a little rain didn't spoil your lovely Bbq event. It's great that lots of people came to join the fun and share with each other.

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