This year's visit to Australia was predominantly about family and officially saying goodbye to Mum.

But alongside that and reuniting with some wonderful friends, I also had the chance to (officially) say goodbye to one of my oldest friends, Anthony Horan.

My thanks go out to Anthony's brother, Chris, and mutual longtime friends, Amy and Richard, for accompanying me and making the visit possible.

It was lovely to finally meet Chris and reunite with Amy and Richard after so long.

It was a sombre visit. Rain threatened. There was much mud on the 'lawn'.

But there was also cheeky humour amongst us, in keeping with the sort of comments and jokes Anthony would have made if he'd been able to reply to us as we stood by the grave his ashes share with his father's remains.

When I visited, there was a temporary marker for Anthony and his dad. I'm sure when I visit next it will look different (if it doesn't already).

I've been catching up on sharing iPhone photos from my trip on Instagram, and this morning, I reached my photos from that day. I thought I would share them on the second anniversary of his passing in January, oblivious to the date.

But, when I remembered later in the day it was his birthday in Australia, it was obvious today was the day to share.

It's currently his birthday in Melbourne and London.

So, the penguins and I are raising a toast to an old friend.

Love and miss you, Anthony. Always. xx