A gaggle of ... guineafowl

We went to the most wonderful party today - a friend celebrating her 60th birthday in the most perfect style. We arrived almost too late to witness the delivery of what must have been her most original present - a dozen guineafowl - accompanied by a card, which was a series of photos and comments (by the guineafowl) on what she might expect once they were around.

The temperatures were low. Once the sun had gone, probably around 8 or 9 degrees Celsius, which is blooming freezing by our standards. However, people had risen to the challenge of what to wear for a party running "from 3 p.m. until late". Layers and layers under their finery, with the advantage to those that could lay their hands on any thermal underwear. Plus there was wine galore to help raise the temperature - or fruit juices and soft drinks for designated drivers, like me. I did take a chance on Brazil's 'zero tolerance' for the ingestion of alcohol by drivers, and have two small glasses of Prosecco - irresistible!

Even the rendering of "Happy Birthday" was unusual - a friend played it on a trumpet. It was then sung a number of times, with all the variations and side verses, in English and Portuguese.

The party was still in full swing when we set off for home (about 3/4 of an hour away) at around 10:15. And guess what -  another overturned beer lorry!  Two in two days is a bit much. Maybe the drivers had been sampling their wares. Hopefully both of them emerged unscathed, as in both cases, the lorries had toppled onto the passenger side, so as long as there were no passengers....