Richard is 21. In fact, he was 21 a week-and-a-half ago, but today was his party… which he noted as being on the same day as his 20th birthday party last year. I find that somewhat strange; one of the coincidences that life throws at us. Assuming Richard didn’t plan it that way, which I don’t think he did.

His party was held at the Bended Elbow pub in Ballarat; I’d not been there before – not surprising, me being the renowned non-drinker I am – but I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it was. We had dinner – Richard, his parents, me… and the twenty or thirty other guests there – in a recessed area at the back of the building, and it was very pleasant.

There was hardly anyone there save us as well, which was also very pleasant.

Richard got a number of presents (I’d given him a present last week, if you were keeping track), we all had some very nice conversations, and an enjoyable meal. (Porterhouse steak with peppercorn sauce and fries in my case, which was delicious). Richard had kangaroo, as did Randy. I don’t know whether eating the animal on our coat of arms is worse for the Australian or the Canadian. (The opinion of the people around me was that it was worse for Randy to do it. Sorry, Randy!)

I got to talk to a couple of Rich’s old school friends – including one that had known him since prep. That’s a bit longer than I’ve known him! However, Rich demonstrated he’d excellent taste in his school friends, as his friend (Josh, IIRC) was a Doctor Who fan. Fantastic!

Thus with food, conversation, drink, and let us not forget the cake, I spent a lovely evening. I hope Richard had the same experience!

(Rich’s best present came from Bradford and company, though I’ll let Bradford and Rich explain it if they will…)