Elli’s birthday

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.
Chili Davis
Elli has a birthday every year. As, I suppose, you’d expect. This year Michelle and I ventured up to her house in Balham, followed by a cracking meal in Pizzeria on the Green in Clapham, where even the severe lack of seats didn’t ruin the mood – and then onwards, across, deep down into the depths of Brixton. My Daily Mail-fueled expectations were not met, however – there were no drug dealers on every corner, no drug-fuelled brawls, no gay policemen smoking spliffs. In fact, it was a very enjoyable night, and Plan B nightclub managed to play an entire night of tunes I had never heard of. “House” music, apparently. I considered asking the DJ for a spot of Bon Jovi, but my life may have hung in the balance.
So, welcome to another year, Elli! Thanks for the night, and the bed, and expecially the chocolate…