The night before the longest day we went to a BBQ at our allotment that was hosted by a couple of guys who had rebuilt their impressive shed after vandals had burnt it down. They were expressing their thanks to all of those who offered assistance and support and the Allotment Holders Association promoted it as a gathering of tenants to get to know one another.
It was a pleasant evening and everyone enjoyed themselves meeting people that they previously had only seen the backsides of from a distance as they bent over their plots attending to their crops. There were young families with children running around, middle-aged people of all professions, older couples with their home made elderflower cordial, and an elegant woman who had been on the site since 1964.
As the evening drew in a core group of revellers were left, of which we were two. It was then that the flavoured vodkas emerged – home made infusions of Fennel, Mint, Strawberry and Vanilla. Sue was more sensible than I, who had never had vodka before (and by now was less inhibited by the application of red wine), to consume all of the shots. I knocked them back and even finished some of Sue’s. We were sitting around the shed having a laugh and a good time as it got later. We had planned to walk back to Westcott (which meant a 2 mile trek across the fields, through a wood and along a main road), so Sue suggested we get on our way as we had plans for the following morning. It was then that I noticed I had drunken legs, and as soon as tried to stand I was on my backside again. We mumbled apologies, thanks and goodnights and staggered off into the gloom. It wasn’t the last time I fell over, and Sue had a hard time keeping me upright – berating me as I swayed close to the road ‘If you get run over I will kill you!’
Needless to say the next day was mostly spent in a haze as I endeavoured to set up Sue’s Aunt’s Broadband and Video package.
I don’t think I will be trying vodka again in a hurry… …though the boys have promised to invite us back for their cider making enterprise!
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