What an evening!

So annoyed with Virginia Woolf for being George's partner at the Third Annual Willow Manor Ball. I caught their anxious glance as we arrived fashionably late; both praying I won't make a fuss. How could I with such a partner as I now have?

It was so gracious of Ginger to step in for Bev who is resting her tender feet from the last ball we attended. "I know you want to go, so I've given Ginger the all clear", she said. So thoughtful. So loving. So trusting!

Our host Willow is surrounded as usual but we're sure to catch her later. Oh, I was expecting her to be wearing the white vintage organdy gown she bought in Paris last week. I guess she decided to change into something that will allow her to dance the tango the way she is at the moment. Such elegance, style, passion and gay abandon even though I swear I caught sight of woolly socks underneath it all.

I feel a blood rush now as Leonard Cohen strikes up a most appropriate "Dance Me to the End Of Love".  Its been  over ten years since we last saw him perform and my thoughts flash to Bev who will be so disappointed to have missed this chance reunion. We have caught his eye in the refrain and, with a half smile and a nod of acknowledgement, friendships are remembered as we slip onto a dance floor already heaving with colour, movement and dancing glittering eyes and feet.

The atmosphere is amazing. The ball is truly magnificent!

Is that green chartreuse I see over there? My word, did I not use that in the old days at the beginning of an evening out to prevent me from overloading and feeling the effects the next day? I prefer 'dandy' these days for the certainty of a clear head and no chance of losing it. I see everything but dandy though, had willow forgotten? Surely n...ah, there it is half buried in a silver bowl of crushed ice with a little label attached which reads...'Reserved for Ken'. What a host; such attention to detail...she remembered that I love it chilled.

Incidentally, do you like my outfit for tonight's ball? It's the one favoured by Fred in the picture below except I'm wearing a yellow bow-tie to match the lovely roses around the dance floor. Ginger is wearing the very same dress to make me feel comfortable although I must admit to feeling a little awkward having stepped on the hem twice already. Yes, she gave me that very same look.

I could write forever about this evening. It has been truly memorable. So many good friends, so much laughter, such exquisite food and elegant decor...add to these my newest, warmest,  eternal and fondest memories.

It's with regret that we slipped out early, unable to continue through to the early hours as Ginger had a photo-shoot early the next day and feared she would not look her best if she stayed beyond midnight.

Thank you Willow for such an unforgettably romantic evening and for including us amongst your most distinguished and favoured guests.

We had a ball!