Alexander turned 7 yesterday, and what a proud day it was for us all.

We had a party here in the garden. It has been pouring rain here for weeks. We have been praying for a fine day and, thankfully, we got one yesterday. We put up a marquee and had an fantastic entertainer to busy the kids so we could have a drink and a chinwag.

After the party some people hung around a bit for a drink while the kids played. I was telling some friends that Alexander received a classical guitar for his birthday. They asked if Patrick also played. I told him that he did and that when he was young he used to play in a band to impress the young ladies. At that moment, Alexander emerged from the house with his guitar and said to a mixed group of kids "hey girls, want to see my play my new guitar". Like father, like son.

Bella and Margie enjoyed the party yesterday and were real little party divas. E is thriving at nursery school, and Margie has just started preschool for a few hours a week. They're all making their mark on the world in their own way.

Eleanor has some new names for herself this week. When she's not Nibella, she is Nigella Loadsbetter.

Otherwise, she is Lucy. Lucy has 5 invisible husbands named Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (catholic school) & Jeremy (no idea) all of whom are policemen.

Such an imagination.