A gale blew up this afternoon and the day, which had been quite pleasant, started to turn uncomfortably cold. The BBQ in the main garden was chilled by the wind. People drifted round to the front of the house where there was some sun and a little relief from the wind. However, the temperatures did not lend themselves to standing and socialising in one spot.

Noticeably, people started to turn blue, shiver and hug themselves to try and keep warm. They then politely drifted into the shelter of the house. Large spots of rain began to fall, building into a steady, wet flow. Children ran around the house, having fun opening and closing doors that exited to the outside. Occasionally a door would slam shut, very quickly to be opened and remain open. A strong cold draught circulated. Inner dividing doors were discreetly closed. The guests, who had brought them, put on jackets and fleeces. Food, a wide range of salads, crisps, burgers, bangers and buns, became fuel.

A large group sat around a work centre in the kitchen ogling an unending variety of desserts, many home made. The centrepieces were two plate sized meringues with cream and decorated with raspberries and there was a triple layered chocolate cake filled with cream and coated with quality dark chocolate. Amazingly, no-one had cut into anything on display. They talked about what some puddings might be, drooled over the meringues and chocolate cake but did nothing to spoil their appearances. Was this a general appreciation of art work, supreme control, or embarrassment at being the first to dive in to the sweet trough?

At 10pm celebratory fireworks were lit, multi-coloured star showers hit the light evening sky, which was making its own night display with a beautiful fiery sunset. The rain had set in for the night and we all shivered in the chill night air.