Princess Lulu Day - the swagfest!

Well another birthday whooshed past, and as I keep forgetting how old I am, I was pleasantly surprised again to realise I've been saying I'm 37 all year, when I've only just got there. Doh! This is what comes of having a dodgy memory for things like this. Not that I'm paranoid about approaching middle age... I am beginning to suspect I am in my element as a grumpy (approaching) old woman. Or maybe I've just accepted being a Radio 4 target demographic.

My lovely work colleagues spoilt me rotten all day, and I got some fabulous gifts: A purple orchid in a black glass planter from James, a rotund stripy china cat from Jan, a copy of "I hate myself and want to die - the 52 most depressing songs in the world" which is a hoot - from Jo, and some very special crabtree and evelyn freesia soaps from Angela. V posh.

pwca did it again and went completely over the top, and the mystery of the small amount of gardening was solved: my gifts were draped over the rotary airer in the garden. Which only proves how far he'll go against allergies to make an impression for birthdays. The various lumpy parcels contained numerous dvds and cds, a moon beast plush and the second deluxe volumes of "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen".

Also featuring was a cd replacement for my favourite drama - the BBC adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, as the cassette volumes that mum and dad got me for my 18th have mysteriously walked away. I think I know where they went, and I'm not likely to get them back. Oh, and a copy of the audio drama of "The adventures of Luther Arkwright" which put me in a puddle. It's got David Tennant in! My first reaction was -" but he's the Doctor - Not Luther!" Must make time to listen to that tomorrow when it's cooled down a bit.

He also, under instruction from his work colleagues, got me a bottle of Ultraviolet, because when he told them what he'd got me, they told him it all sounded like it was stuff for him (or as threetrees put it, shades of 'I have bought you this lovely football...'). They don't know I'm a girlygeek, but it's nice to be bought perfume anytime :)

Off to mums for ritual cake sacrifice and a jolly time was had by all. threetrees, Chris and she spoilt me all over again... and I got to play with the second Arkwright gift - a limited edition pewter figure - only 30 in existence!!!! so I was off in fangirl mode again. Mums gifts were practical and just what I wanted - bedding and cushion covers - all with indian style elephant designs.

We're going to Mistress Deborah's for a bbq on Saturday night to celebrate our collective birthdays. threetrees and pwca share theirs - 21st July and so we're going to have a civilised at home with Deb and Phil and the rest of the birmingham bollox crew for fun and further sacrifices to the god of barbecue. We've not made it through one yet without at least one sausage making a bid for freedom.

Looking forward to next weekend too, as I've booked the friday and monday off for the familial celebrations.