Day 55: Big Five Ohhh

No further progress at the house to report since the last post. We had a look around the framed upper floor today but have decided that we really need to get the kitchen people in to come up with some suggestions on layout.  We can see a benefit in having the bigger windows on the south side, but need to get our heads around how we then fit a 900 ml stove and the planned walk in pantry on the same side, that also includes a door to the decking. 

But on to social matters.  Last night we went to a milestone birthday for a very dear friend W.  I can't remember when I first met W; it was through playing hockey at the same club and I think I might have been about 16 or 17.  We became close when we were both with boyfriends who played in the same team at our club.  Mine was a keeper, her's wasn't.  W forms the nucleus of the "original" hockey mob, which includes S, sister of Bob, and another group of 10 or so girls who I have known for long periods of time.  Our respect and admiration for W knows no end; she is one of the most caring, generous people that I have ever met.  She is endlessly kind and supportive of her friends; a confidante and supporter of many through a number of different trials and tribulations.  Since she and her family made a seachange some years ago and her  involvement in catering has increased, we don't see as much as her as we would like, but when we do catch up (particularly with the "originals") it feels like nothing has changed, and we pick up where we left off.  We talk like mad, have a few beverages and laugh hysterically at the silliest things.  It is fun and liberating to be yourself with people who share history and many memories. The theme of the party last night was "Leather and Lace" and to maintain the dignity of the attendees, the only photo I'll put up is the magnificent cake made by P (to the right of the photo)- above all, these girls (including me) love a dress up theme and get right into the spirit of things.  And you can probably imagine some of the outfits that appeared.  But what happens at the party stays at the party. The partners are also pretty good value at these events, but we were all upstaged by another guest who let it all hang out literally.  We'll leave it at that.  We had a lot of fun on the night and the subsequent sleepover, followed by a traditional bacon and eggs breakfast.  The icing on the cake was the attendance of some old members of the gang who had come from interstate to celebrate. I wouldn't have missed this for the world.  Happy Birthday W - we love you!