What am I?

A good day - managed to get two loads of washing done before going out for lunch with friends to celebrate belatedly our golden wedding anniversary..   They were away when it was the actual date.   We met a t 12.30 and tried the Mezze in Thornbury.  The food was good and we all enjoyed ourselves.  Once back home we looked around the garden and pond and I saw two newts but they moved very quickly and I only got a glimpse..
Then to the important bit of the day my abstract challenge.  What is it.? I can tell you it is very useful.

A glorious day and beautifully warm