Warming the home...

Traditionally housewarmings celebrate the move into a new house which has been plotted and planned for amid much excitement. My recent house move was anything but that on several levels. But on friday evening l had a flat warming which surpassed all expectations!

Persuaded by a girlfriend who endlessly asked me to 'make the effort... go on it'll do you good..'.. until l collapsed under the pressure. l girded my loins, inappropriately perhaps, and I gave out the invitations two weeks ago for a '...tea party from 4pm, followed by something stronger from 8pm...'

I invited friends and work colleagues, old and new; and at 4pm on the dot, whilst l was still applying my eyebrows and lippy, two guests arrived and from then on until early evening over 24 people arrived, some just popped in, other stayed a good few hours, some lingered until after midnight.

The evening was just lovely. Everyone was very kind, supportive and encouraging. Three of my son's infant teachers attended (I used to work with them also) and it was wonderful catching up with each others stories. I think even after he left the safety of his room, having previously said, 'I have no wish to watch a group of fifty somethings get wasted!'  he seemingly quite enjoyed meeting his infant teachers again and seeing the place busy with friends and colleagues. Before he left for his own evening out.

Our living room, attic room, kitchen and stairs was dusted with people who reflected life, wisdom and  an attitude of loyalty which  l cannot help but absorb and be overwhelmed by. The atmosphere in the flat is still suffused with the colours and scent of the cala lilies, tulips and roses, not to mention cases of wine and the bottles of Bombay gin l now own!

I feel a key moment has just passed and l got through it wrapped in a protective blanket of supporters, and  that l have been injected with a vial of confidence and optimism. I hope there are few spares handy, just in case l need a top up!