The annual Summer Solstice Party

Every year we have a gathering of friends to celebrate the Summer Solstice. When I was little my mum always marked both solstices and that practice has stayed with me.

I took the day off work to give the flat a proper spring cleaning (admittedly slightly late in the year) and to prepare for the party. Because of this, I didn't take any photographs until quite late on so I'm afraid I'm stuck with this one.

Every year we invite different people and it's interesting to see how they will get along. At one point in the evening a guest who had just arrived asked the other guests how they knew each other and it became clear that they didn't - they knew Dr T or I through some strand of life and the party was like the braiding of the strands. Thankfully the party went well and I think a good time was had by most, if not all. Late on I remembered that we had strawberries and grapes and one of the first-time guests said he had never been to a party in Scotland where they brought out a fruit course. Come to think of it, neither have I.

I suppose other people have an annual Christmas party or New Year levée. Whatever the occasion, it's a lovely way to mark the year and reflect on previous years and guests.

Just as the party began my mother-in-law rang to say they're coming on Sunday for a couple of days. They weren't expected for another week but at least the flat is reasonably clean. :)