Imogen's 1st Birthday

Last wednesday was Imogen's first birthday.. We started on Wednesday morning with present opening (thanks to everyone who sent something - much apprciated), then late morning we have a few mums and other little people around for traditional crisps, sandwiches and cake party lunch (wheres the jelly and ice cream I hear you cry - next time I promise!) including Rachel's friends from school and Maddy's god mums Liz and Kathleen. I popped home to help supervise and eat children's party food and ice the cake for the evenings festivities...

In the evening Jamin and Tracey, Charlotte and Steve and Ian and Elaine came around for cake, champagne and an evening meal which was all good.

On Saturday, after looking at a house - great view but too much money and in the wrong place - we hosted a brunch for the extended O'Connell family.. bacon and egg rolls done on the barbie, croissants and a ladybird cake.. In attendance were Uncle Gerard (Goccy) and cousin Edward, Auntie Celia and cousin Jazz, cousin Nicola with Justin and Baby Matilda, Uncle Paul (Poccy) with Debra and Rory and of course Angela. A fun time was had by all...

Work is v.tiring and am struggling a little bit as I expect people to be of the same standard I have been used to - but they are not - which keeps getting me into trouble.. I think I may now have set my expectations correctly so we shall see - as always it is the project managers fault when anything goes wrong and taking responsibility seems to be an alien concept...

Currently looking for a new house in Paddington, an area of brisbane with good restaurants and shops and also walking distance to my office whiuch is handy. Obviously this makes it hideously expensive but I have never shyed away from throwing money at a problem...

Went to an excellent restaurant last week call "Montrachet" (http://www.montrachet.com.au) which is in the Paddington area. Obviously had to go for the name itself but it also has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Brisbane. It was good but not great.. had a nice bottle of Mountadam Chardonnay 2002 - one of my favourites I first sampled at the Observatory Hotel, Sydney at the beginning of our honeymoon - but will need to go back and get a better table next time - we were seated outside basically on the pavement which meant we were somewhat removed from the Gallic ambience the restaurant is famous for...

Keep the emails coming and remind me to blog more often. Will post a few piccies as well !

Stephen