Buffets Make Me Very Nervous

There is a part of us all which is still animal instinct and tells us that we should eat food when it is presented and before it is consumed by a rival. Then there is the part of us which was brought up by decent parents; that is the part which makes us wait for someone else to go to the buffet first at a social event even when the loaded skins are getting cold. As someone whose life is guided substantially by his stomach and its needs, buffets make me very nervous.

We spent the evening at the Holiday Inn, Fareham for a happy event. Our friends Paula and Gary Gibson have reached their 25th wedding anniversary - a laudable achievement these days - and marked it with a renewal of vows. They probably need only to look at their lovely daughters to see what a success their marriage has been . The guests included many familiar faces from the NERC Project and my subsequent assignment at Centre Place. With 36 years service behind me I struggled a bit with surnames but managed most of the first names. It was a very nice event and I can readily imagine Paula and Gary celebrating their second 25 years in due course. It was a privilege to be invited.

The night shifts although not unpleasant had taken their toll and I needed more sleep during the day than I had anticipated. However, we did make it out on a beautiful afternoon and I got some photographs with which I am very pleased. As I travel around even on my trundlings to and from work I make a mental list of potential subjects and themes. I am working my way through them but, of course, the list will never end. There is so much inspiration from friends, contacts and the world at large. Now I hope the weather and inspiration will last into my leave. Tomorrow, we plan to go yet again to Bursledon Brickworks, this time for a WWII themed open day. Look out for my sepia output.