Off with a bang

DD’s festival of the birthday continued over the weekend with a lightning fast trip up the coast to have dinner with friends.

I made Tommy’s Margaritas – 2 parts tequila, one part lime juice, 1/2 part agave syrup – to kick the night off, then everyone contributed to the most delicious feast of prawn bruschetta, smoked salmon dip, outstanding wines, slow-roasted lamb, beef on the rib, potato bake, a birthday cake and maple syrup whiskey liqueur I picked up at The American Whiskey Show.

It was so much fun we forgot to take photos, other than a few random ones that I grabbed from our wonderful hosts and this one of DD blowing out his candles.

DD was so touched by everyone’s kindness, conversation and the great food and wine.

The youngest took care of the dogs at DD’s place so they could run around in his yard without her having to touch them, as she’s allergic to dog hair. (At the apartment Charlie needs to be carried up and down the stairs due to his dodgy back.)

The dogs went berserk barking at something during the night and when she got up on Sunday morning she looked at his lounge room window and realised why …

Blimey the owl must have hit the glass hard to leave such an impressive imprint … but there was no sign of him so we’re hoping he recovered and flew off … leaving behind a pretty unique Halloween decoration …

Speaking of birds, I forgot to share a pic of my grandmother’s flying ducks, which the handyman hung on my kitchen wall.

I put a pic of them on Facebook many years ago and someone made fun of them for being daggy. I don’t think they realised I saw their comment, but I love the ducks and how they remind me of my nan. Those are her cannisters too.

I miss her very much, even after all these years.

As for the rest of the weekend, I managed a few little ocean splashes, but the surf was unfriendly. Yesterday I could only stand on the edge of the water and was still being almost knocked over by the shore dumpers.

Still, I’d be back there again in a heartbeat today if I didn’t have to work.

I reckon a trek to the newsagent is in order at lunchtime for some lottery tickets …

Hope your weekend involved some fun in the sun.

Song of the day: Bob Seger “Night moves”