Car troubles aside the actual celebrations were fun. We were almost all various types of software geeks, some with more academic bents than others. As a result there where many fascinating (to us!) discussions about relative merits of language features, the point of lambda functions and even a friendly mini vi/emacs flame war. As stag does go probably not the hardest on my liver* but entertaining non the less.

* Brief aside: Oxford CAMRA need to sort their act out as to making a list of recommended pubs easier to find.

Both my brother and dad did well at the Bridge scoring a number of crucial rubbers. The Batman through the ages retrospective gave us plenty to ponder about the development of this seminal character. I think we all came away from Saturday’s advanced driving lessons having learnt some new skills to make us safer participants on our nations roads. The food was simple but nourishing with plenty of healthy herbs and spices to supplement the modest amount of meat in our weekends diet. We also enjoyed a modest selection of wines and other fermented goods made from harvested berries and other natural organic ingredients. Although I did take my PS3 up with me it was mainly used to introduce Andy to a new realistic driving simulator.

I have to thank my best men for organising the weekend and generally removing the need for me to think too hard. I also valued the advice from all those present who had already partaken in the august and revered institution that is marriage.