Julie's Black & White Birthday Bash

It’s difficult to know where to begin with Julie’s 40th birthday party. By the time it came around I wasn’t the slightest bit prepared and it seemed like I hadn’t seen Sean in ages. I had decided on Jules present and it was complimented by the gift Andy & Christian had bought her. I was extremely tired but as the morning of Friday 9th dawned I began to relax a little and think about the weekend ahead. Not only was it Jules birthday – I was going on a 4 day seaside break with my bloke and some of my oldest and best friends. It was a win-win situation. Chris Borg was travelling down with us to Exeter where Andrew and Christian were picking us up and driving us the rest of the journey to Bude.

Our hotel, the Edgecumbe, was absolutely lovely with great facilities and awfully friendly staff.

On the first evening, Julie’s actual birthday, a barbecue on the beach was scheduled. I don’t know if it was the warm sea, the cool cider, the greasy burgers or the balmy weather but this was an evening that will stay with many of us for the rest of our lives. There was light in the sky until at least 11.00pm and there were plenty of moments when Sean and I could catch a kiss in the twilight. Sean and I left the beach at about 1.30am but others stayed until four. I don’t know if it was seeing Jules looking so happy or simply because it had been a long exhausting week but I was asleep the second my head hit the pillow.

Saturday was a day for lazing around and slowly getting ready for the evening ahead. I was very pleased with my ensemble – all new! White embroidered shirt from Oz and new black jeans (size 34!) and my aviators for effect. Sean looked fabulous too in his new shirt and snake skin shoes and hand in hand we headed toward Northshore.

It was SO lovely to see how everybody had made such an effort. The black and white theme produced black-tie, ball gowns, striking sixties geometrics and even dyed hair on some of the men. Chris wore a suit!!!! In the ten years I have known him that had only happened once. Julie looked wonderful in a purple fitted, filmy dress, cut below the knee that could have been made for her. Just lovely. Food was served, drink flowed and Sarah had baked a trio of gorgeous cakes. Sean and Janine were wonderful hosts, both attentive and fun keeping the whole thing rocking until the early hours. Happy Birthday, Julie!

Sunday was a day for sore heads and swimming in the sea. I got tossed around in the warm salty water with Andrew and Alex then baked in the deceptively strong sun that gave me a tan. Sunday was an informal leftovers party at Northshore, leftover food and leftover guests, and finally Sean and I headed towards Edgecumbe for our last night.

It was sad to leave and a very peculiar dynamic, as Sean had to pack for Greece. Ho hum. I shall try not to be jealous but I did actually get terribly sad, going from being in the heart of my family for that's who they all are, my family - and then nobody being around. He texted me though, from Greece, which meant the world to me.