Hanging out with Neil’s family

Neil is from a rather close family. To me it felt like they had visited only 10 minutes ago, but they were going to visit again. That's great! They are really lovely people and it is nice to hang out with them. And we had agreed that I would join them on the Thursday evening. We would go for a quick meal in town, and then do a guided walk over the Orme, looking at wild flowers. I was a little bit hesitant about the weather, as it was the hottest day of a heatwave, but at least it would be evening.

I drove up to leave my car in Neil’s street, and then walked down to the pub through the shadows. We had a nice meal, and then we said goodbye to Neil's mum and stepdad. They didn't fancy the walk. With his sister and brother-in-law we made our way to the Orme. When we approached the meeting point, we didn't really see the throng we expected. Neil checked his messages. About an hour earlier, it had been cancelled because of the weather! That was a bummer.

We decided to walk back with a detour, enjoying a bit more of the Orme. We went past Bishop’s Quarry, and saw some chuffs. And we had a cup of tea together before the others went back to their accommodation. 

I hadn’t intended to join them again night after, but they were so inviting I changed my plans. I did have to work on Friday, and look after the cat, and water some of my plants because of the weather, but aside from that I could just be away for another night. In this kind of weather, my cat doesn't sleep in my bed anyway, so I think she misses me less when I am away.

This time we only did dinner, and a cup of tea in the garden of the hotel where the others were staying. That was enough for me! I had had a good opportunity to get to know them a bit better, but I also hadn't been sleeping excessively well recently, and was tired.

Me, Neil’s sister, her husband, Neil’s stepdad, his mum, and Neil himself

The plan is a bit that in the not too distant future, Neil and I will go to Manchester to visit his mum and stepdad. I don't know when I will see his sister again. That might be Christmas. But it was great to see them! I am very happy to have been accepted into this family.