"Hats will be worn!"

Firstly, thanks to everyone for their concern on my behalf at Bingo's disappearance yesterday. The great news is that the little buggar darling swanned in at five past midnight last night, had a meal and went straight back out again! It was a huge relief and I was able to get some sleep without worrying.

Today has been great fun! My friend Fiona decided to throw a Jubilee Garden Party for which she issued the above order, and give them their due, every guest obliged. We each brought a contribution to the "luncheon" - posh, eh? - so with 14 of us there was a lovely spread, and afternoon tea, complete with scones (treacle and fruit varieties) with home-made jam, meringues, individual carrot cakes and a big cake, left us all stuffed pleasantly full. The tea was served in pretty blue-and-gold teacups with saucers - no mugs!

Any tips on how to get a blip of umpteen ladies (most of them teachers, current or retired) when they're all busy chatting, especially when champagne is being/has been taken...?