Queen Alison, a friend called me recently.

I like to think he applied this moniker because I have been celebrating my birthday on more than one day and not because I am a spoilt diva demanding the heads of those that displease me. The reason for this elongated anniversary rejoicing is that I recently marked a milestone. Loud and proud, I’m now 40.

Celebrations started in May with a trip to Rome with my mum, then over the last few weeks with a house party (intended barbecue and garden party but, summer, where art thou?). Fun, supportive friends mingled with family and all made me feel so loved.

I had a weekend away with, I shan’t say oldest, more, long-standing friends. A glorious group drawn from different times in my life but when I looked at them around the table as we enjoyed a posh afternoon tea, before posh cocktails, followed by not remotely posh tequila shot and a kebab, I could’ve tearily hugged every one for the joy, love, support and sage advice they have blessed my life with. I could’ve stood and delivered a speech about each, taking hours to list all of their wonderful personal attributes and the special and distinct contribution each has made to my life.

But I resisted because there was tea to drink, cakes to eat and chatter and laughter to indulge in.

The day itself, started with my little boy helping to make me breakfast, a bagel with cream cheese, smoked salmon, a dollop of caviar and a glass of Moet; a delicious lunch in ‘The Potted Pig’ and was topped off with a fab Chinese takeaway from Penarth’s ‘Kam Hung’. With my dad eulogising his beef curry between forkfuls, my daughter nibbling away at her own body weight in prawn crackers and me sipping Bollinger whilst sharing roast duck in oyster sauce and chicken satay with my Mum, I got thinking about feeling ‘Queen-like’.

I assure you that Bollinger, Moet and caviar do not my everyday diet, consist. But I thought if they did, if that was my normality, would I be any happier? Would I appreciate it? Would I then crave something else rare or even more expensive and if I did, at what point would I ever be satisfied?

I loved my trip to Rome because it was time with my mum in a beautiful, fascinating city. My party I wouldn’t have enjoyed anymore had it been in a fancy country estate instead of my dining room. Yes the afternoon tea was lovely but equally, so was the kebab, sat on plastic chairs.

What I have enjoyed is the novelty, the treat, the special but above all the people that I have spent it with.

I am blessed that those people have been there for the Bolly days and the beer in plastic cup days and for that, I am blessed and forever grateful.