Sitting here wondering if I'm Pollyanna or Eeyore - Day 284: Happy birthday Essie!

A rather belated 50th for Essie (she turned 50 last year) at a surprise party held in her honour by John S at the home they share and attended by her brothers (who she didn't know were coming either and who turned up that morning with no warning) with lots of her friends in attendance, great wines and cheeses to drink and eat and a lovely afternoon to enjoy it all in. Gorgeous day.

Holding the Reins of the Runaway Extrovert 2013: Day 284 - Jacarandas and Brett

It's Jacaranda time again and Coulson Street, which runs along one side of the complex in which I live, is awash in purple. So beautiful.

That night we headed into the City for Brett's 50th birthday celebrations at O Bar. The view, food, service and company were all superb and I had a wonderful time talking to Brett's sister Debbie, and his friend Stephen and ex Mark. Wonderful night.