looking back on the celebration that was...  I feel that before the legend of 10.5.10 spreads too far, and the recollections become too greasy and stained, it's time I put some facts to paper (or data to the eternally gaping maw of the most voracious information gatherer known to modern times - the internets.) Like all good good birthdays, or at least stories of birthdays, the groundwork started well in advance... Suffice to say, the universe put one Michelle Kelly in Melbourne for this memorable weekend, staying with her good friends Tassia and Pottsy (and their special canine companion.) Michelle, as fellow diners will recall, has recently been in Perth for the Return exhibition, as one of the Returnees. On a vague promise from the day before "Yeah, I'm down that way, we should be able to make it to the Espy for a cheeky pint" we - Bruce, Courtenay and I - parched after a day shopping (or in Courtenay's case, wearied by fraternising with the roomie), descended on the Esplanade Hotel front bar at about 6pm. By this time Michelle and Tassia had already experienced a beautiful sunset sitting in the front window of this majestic old watering hole. We convened outdoors to escape the band in the front bar, and settled in for a few jugs, in honour of Mothers day and of the 96th anniversary of Nan's birth. Then unanimously it was decided that we ought eat, so we retired inside. Having finished our meals, we finished off the beer and whiskey and figured the night was old enough to draw a line under. But more jugs and Jamesons were ordered, so we sat back, each of us privately thinking "well, one more, what's the harm?" At 9pm, with many topics already discussed - the design culture of different capital cities, the Ranga quotient of Happy Days (the television show), cycling, the Australian Womans Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook and the memorable quotes of Beached As! one of our party was heard to utter "We'll be here til Melissa's birthday!"... "Y'as if," was the general response. Still there was more to be resolved in the world, so the conversation moved on to equally high-brow and stimulating heights, covering experiences of rebuilding manufacturing networks in a new city, the almost game-show like 'What gallery do you want to be represented by?', the ever popular doggie couture (with slide show), and of course, more cycling. Before we knew it, I was asked "What time is it?" only to find it was Birthday O'Clock! Sited, as we were, next to the bar, it had been easy for Tass to journey unnoticed (by me, at least) to the kitchen staff to muster an impromptu dessert. With a tea candle and chocolate sauce adorning some form of pudding (Potts did the honours of eating that, while I made good with an espresso cup of aforementioned sauce) my birthday was rung in. Leaving shortly after (we won't say kicked out...), we managed to run to the last tram home, where I went to bed. For around 11 hours. I woke, several times before rising, to be wished a happy birthday. Once caller suggested I put the phone on silent if I was planning to remain asleep. Sleep wasn't really the point by that stage, still being in my bed on my birthday was! I journeyed upstairs just before noon, where I answered correspondence (again, mostly birthday related) and wrote a blog post or two. I then made my breakfast (around 3pm) and ate it on the couch, watching tele. Some time after four I had a nap, on the couch, and awoke remembering that I was planning to make cupcakes. In order to do so, I needed patty-pans, and more importantly, the appropriate tray. A shopping excursion was in order, so I left the house for the first time that day, at 5:40pm. Bruce arrived home in a lovely new suit, but on coming to the conclusion that beetroot would do little to add to its character, was forced to change. He had vowed a roast chicken dinner, so I made a quick batch of cakes while he set about roast and veggies for about 8. Unfortunately we were only 6, and by the faulty memory of one of our party, and the (planned) late arrival of another, meant that when the time came there was really only four of us doing the eating. No matter! Courtenay arrived, beautifully clad from top to toe, with giftage. She has quite the eye for fashion, and had availed herself of the funds of the sisterhood network to produce a bounty of presents, including tights (x 2), a top, a bathroom bag and a beautiful fuchsia merino dress. Thanks to her efforts, I am tight-clad today! She had not managed a card however (Thanks to Mum and Lizzie, Helen and Susie who had managed this feat) so I was treated to one, hand-drawn live, in green pen on the back of a consignment note from America. And the motif? A cupcake!  More cupcakes on card arrived with Jin-Ah, who also presented me with with a beautiful patterned notebook and pencil case. The case has already taken up residence in the new leather handbag (from Mum, Dad, Brayden and Bruce). After a gentle reminder, John arrived, whiskey in hand, dinner already in belly ;) Delicious chicken dinner dispatched and devoured (oooh, those potatoes), one and all were groaning at the thought of more food... Until it was cupcake-decorating time! We discussed the Australian Womans Weekly Birthday Cake Cookbook again at length, and battled about whose mum/aunt/sister was best at cake decorating, while poring over our own creations. Very different decorating styles emerged, and John, despite his claims of a lack of artistic talent, proved his mastery of food is not confined to the savoury. The fruits of our labours are not attached, but luckily images are!  At last Kevin arrived, to much fanfare, and was revived with beer and cakeage. Not long after Courtenay departed, then Kevin sent home with his girl and John sent home to his (nope, he doesn't have a girlfriend, just Robbie, his regular bromance/new apprentice). Finally, after a full and frank acknowledgment of the beginning and end of my 32nd birthday, I went back to bed at 11:59pm. Then I remembered the beer in the freezer... On the 11th of May I got out of bed, and took the beer out of said freezer, and went back to bed. Thanks to one and all for your thoughts of love and good wishes, and all my lovely gifts. I had a fabulous birthday, and a memorable too. Melissa cupcakeologist  |
