Through the internet, Céline corresponded with Deborah Conway and her partner Willy. They agreed to play a short gig at our home, at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday 12th December—as long as we bought 25 copies of her new CD. A business venture, but a very cool idea.

They promoted their project on some TV shows (Burke’s Backyard, Bert Newton, etc.), and it was interesting to see the variety of other home venues offered: a big back yard, or a dining room, or below a front balcony. 30 to 40 people seemed to be the optimum number of guests.

We tried to keep numbers under control, but it quickly blew out to 50. We also insisted that people not bring their children, for fear of 100 adolescents in marauding packs around the house and neighbourhood. (This miffed... [deleted mockery of old friend]..., as if she was doing us a favour.)

Céline cooked a lot of fine finger food, we bought a large quantity of drinks, set up the back yard with extra umbrellas, and chose two or three likely outside spots for the duo to perform. But it drizzled all morning, despite the forecast for clear weather.

Guests arrived from 2:00, and began milling around under the carport. When the players arrived just after 3:00, Céline and I greeted them then walked up the drive. Looking around, Deborah quickly said: “It’s cold out here. Let’s go indoors.”

Although ‘indoors’ was our Plan D, it worked very comfortably, even with 50 people: sitting and standing around the L-shaped dining/living rooms was cosy and intimate, with a good view for everyone.

It was a fairy party for adults. Céline used to organise terrific birthday parties for the kids when they were younger, inviting along a guest magician or fairy, who entranced the kids seated around the performer, clapping and singing along. (Willy even got the adults singing along with one song.) This is what mothers organise when their kids have grown too old to have parties.

Deborah opened by thanking Céline, labelling her the “innovative Alpha female.” All applauded. What more could a girl want?