it's my party!

 

 

will you still need me ...

Well that was a bit different!

Today, my dear wife celebrated a certain birthday familiar to those in tune with the ninth track from the Beatles' legendary opus, 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'.

She came down this morning to be greeted by a gallery of pictures from our three grandchildren, despatched lovingly to her across the internet. Breakfast and then present-opening beckoned.

Chocolate and sweeties galore, a book about quilting, a gift-card, book tokens and most bizarre of all the '#IstayathomeforGrandmaviruscoloringbook' sent by Debbie, her best friend and ex-vicar. Highlights included a skipping unicorn above the merry caption, 'Happy as F***', a beehive pattern with the words, 'F*** the Virus' at the centre and a lovely lady cycling through an idyllic scene with a helpful reminder, 'p.s. f*** the quarantine' at the bottom. Hours of endless fun await!

And so to the virtual birthday party.

I made egg sandwiches (crusts removed) and fetched out the calorie-busting chocolate cake I had tucked away discretely beneath the gin supplies in my shopping bag during our weekly 'essentials' visit to our local Co-op yesterday. Meanwhile a somewhat more capacious birthday spread had been laid out at our eldest daughter's  home.

We were connected by Facetime. 'Happy Birthday' was chorused across cyber-space and our grand-daughter approached the ipad at her end to blow out the solitary tea-light on said chocolate-cake at our end.

Memories are made of things such as these!!

happy birthday

Happy birthday to you!  So one year ago my bonsai piggy herd doubled in size with the arrival of Hector, Henry, Dumbo and Princess Harriett.

My, haven't they grown!

a very special birthday - part two

Edna is strong, fiercely loyal ... and obstinate!  And we're here to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Edna is strong. She was widowed young, left with one daughter and another on the way. Her eldest daughter suffered a massive brain haemorrhage and subsequently committed suicide. Her grandson succumbed to Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy, a terrible muscle-wasting disease.  But despite everything life has thrown at Edna she's shown enormous dignity, determination, grit and grace.

Edna is fiercely loyal.  Once you're a friend you're a friend forever.  She's always brought people together, and her birthday celebrations are no exception.

Edna is obstinate! Some time ago she gave instructions that should she fall unconscious prior to her 90th birthday she was to be resuscitated, but not afterwards. Well she made her birthday and in style!

Edna ... we love you!!!!