The Perfect Birthday Present.

Last Sunday, Darrell celebrated his 52nd Birthday. The weather was in the high thirties, unlike previous years, when he spent his Birthday celebrating in the UK. This year, we spent the day together in the city, toasting the day, with a few pints of Stella and a Sunday roast at Durty Nellys!

Both of us have passed so many milestones over the last few years, that we have really lost count of, the number of important dates that have made us the people we are today. With Darrell reaching the grand old age of 51, it is clear, neither of us are getting any younger, and as we both settle into Australian life, memories of Birthdays past were on my mind.

In our younger years, both of us would have celebrated for days on end, usually with a fancy dress party in our home. The house would be full to bursting with friends and family, and we would party the years away in the company of those who were closest. A little bit of me remains firmly rooted in the traditions of our past, and I do miss our old life, especially the people who used to be in it. Today everything seems rather laid back and ordinary, but in truth, that's all either of us wants. Our life is so far removed from the way it was, it is barely recognisable. Darrell and I have become old, set in our ways, and happy to lead a more tranquil existence.

After a few pints in the Belgian Beer Café, we headed to our favourite Irish pub for a delicious roast. Durty Nelly's is slap bang in the middle of the city, just off Murray Street, surrounded by tall skyscrapers, His Majesties Theatre, shops, café's and historic buildings. Inside it is a world away from the neighbourhood of which it is a part. Its traditional ambience offers a welcome break from the busy commuter traffic outside, and it is a joy to just sit, relax, and remember similar occasions back home in the UK. If we weren't ten thousand miles away, you could almost imagine you were in the heart of the English or indeed Irish countryside.

After a delicious meal, we headed to London Court for an Ice Cream in the now searing heat. London Court is a pastiche of the many medieval streets and lanes in the UK. Of course, it is rather different in reality, but for a homesick Brit like me, it is a great place to visit from time to time; it does evoke memories of my life in Britain and the narrow lane, does offer respite from the hot Australian sun. It really is worth a visit, the next time you are here.

In the evening of Darrell's Birthday, we received a message from Jo, the lady who has been fostering and rearing little Akira. After a two-week wait, he was now ready to come to us. Happily, Jo wanted to drop Akira off in the evening, after we finished our Chicken Treat takeaway with Mother Mary and friend Beth. I told you, our life has changed; this Birthday couldn't be more different from the ones we enjoyed in Britain. To be honest, we couldn't wait to get Akira home and welcome him as part of our family.

He was a little nervous at first, but soon enough became the terror we know today. Akira is full of life, and has a huge personality for a little kitten. Pippa is less than impressed by her new house mate, but as I write this blog today, she is finally coming round to her new companion. Thankfully, the trauma she suffered in the past hasn't caused too many long term issues. She is still very timid and anxious around Akira, lashing out on occasion, but that is really just part of the course. When you introduce a new kitten to an established household, you do expect a few problems at the beginning, so everything is crossed for a long term bond that will last the test of time.

Presently, we are locking Akira in one of the spare back bedrooms while we are at work, just to give Pippa some space. I am also a bit concerned about Akira being around the Christmas tree. I have already caught her in the middle of it, after climbing up the trunk, early one morning. After reading horror stories of cats becoming tangled in fairy lights, sometimes causing fatal injuries, I am mindful of the accidents that could happen. For now, we are just keeping a close eye on him, trying to teach him what's right and what's wrong: difficult when you are dealing with a small, inquisitive kitten!

As we approach Christmas, the temperature is rising here in Perth. Looking at the news, I can see the snow falling in the UK, a feature of the British winter I miss. However, I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the weather wherever you are. You may well wish you were in the heat down under, but for me, a small dose of frost wouldn't go a miss: we always want what we can't have!

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