Heavenly Beverley : Survival of the Fittest @ the House that Rocks.

We have just lived through the occasion that was Michael's 60th Birthday Blast. And when I say "just", I mean "by the skin of our teeth". All is quiet this morning at the House that Rocks. The birthday boy is still asleep, triumphant and shattered, after our forty-eight hour non-stop celebration of his life.

The fun started Friday morning with Michael's cousin Fay arriving on our doorstep earlyish...We knew she would be first on the scene, but we were still somewhat startled when she was knocking on the front door at ten in the morning. But the house was tidy and I had a shower whilst Michael caught up the last ten years of his life with Fay. Vanessa, who had arrived the previous day, snoozed on.

My friend Melissa and her astonishing daughter Cathryn were next. Mel, known for her huge generosity, had asked me what Bourbon Michael liked. She suggested a brand we knew. I thought she would be arriving with a six pack. She turned up with an esky shaped like a keg with an entire bottle of Bourbon and coke cans secreted in its belly.

The afternoon proceeded. Michael's sister Sandra and cousin Zoe from the East made their appearance. Dinner was late and haphazard. Michael's famous squished potatoes were not ready in time. I was too tired to even contemplate making a salad. So we made the most of cooked chicken legs and fresh bread. Nobody seemed to care.

I retired to bed, exhausted.Vanessa, Sandra, Fay and Zoe all helped with the clean up. The first night rocked on with Shane, Guy and Gary all stopping by to wish Michael well. But it was a relatively sedate affair and everyone was tucked up by midnight. Except the three cousins. I believe Zoe, Fay and Sandra were still chatting at the B&B for quite some time.

Michael's Mum and Dad, brother Darryl and friends Gerry and Grant and another friend from long ago, Lawrence all made an entrance throughout Saturday. Vanessa returned to Perth, pleased that her cakes were being devoured. Lucky and Judy watched the football. I escaped into the garden for an hour or so of weeding in the glorious afternoon sun. Michael and Grant spent a few hours enjoying friendship and sunshine and rendezvoused with Gary at the shops. Julie and Dave, local friends, dropped in with more nibblies. The irrepressible Tim Burns even showed up and immediately hit it off with Zoe. Meals were still a bit haphazard but we were overflowing with food.

We lit our rubbish pile in the late afternoon. That was fun. And we managed to pull ourselves into order and have dinner on the table at a respectable hour. The night was becoming lively. Laurence pulled out his guitar and sang. This was just brilliant. I managed to stay up until after midnight. Michael, Darryl and Lawrence were in the groove. Gerry had returned to the pub for bed. Darryl found himself locked out when he tried to retire to the pub in the early hours of Sunday morning. He ended up on our couch under a sleeping bag.

Sunday morning found Michael in bed very deep in sleep. I checked him a couple of times to make sure he was still breathing. He eventually became vertical when his mum and dad, sister and cousin arrived from the B&B. Luckily, they'd eaten. Michael was in no shape to eat everything. He just sat quietly in the sun, nursing his coffee.

Our final group of visitors were Lesley, Zelda and Lesley's daughter Amy. Mel and Cathryn left after we'd gone to look at the Gallery. The family departed as well. The girls stayed for a few hours and then drove away back to the Big Smoke.

Michael needed to return to bed. I went too. We were quickly asleep. We woke as Lawrence stopped in for the last visit. He and Michael shared memories and other stories. Michael was finally able to nibble on a bit of carrot cake and a coffee. As dusk was creeping in, we bid Lawrence farewell.

What an absolute ripping weekend. I hope everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. Michael received much love, gifts galore and a chance to reconnect with his friends from the past and present. He was in no doubt that he was treasured by this eclectic bunch of people,

Last night was very quiet indeed. We watched television together. I rustled up some leftovers. The cat returned inside. She had been in a foul mood all weekend as we had extra dogs in the house. She climbed onto the couch next to Michael with all the dignity she could summon and then quickly melted under her lover's stroking hand. the dogs were permitted to join us on the couch as well. Sascha's face said it all. Bliss!

And so this morning, I am very satisfied that we held this celebration. Michael deserved every accolade he received. I am pretty sure that we will have recovered from this party in time for his 70th birthday....

PS - the absolute best outcome of the weekend was Michael's admission that he doesn't like smoking much anymore. Finally, we have created a chink in his addiction's armour. The Bitch is on the run.