My Birthday Week

Happy Birthday hand made card from Dot

My birthday week started well.  I'd just returned home on Sunday from my 10 day coach trip up to the Far North, avoiding all those coughs and sneezes  I could hear on the coach most days.  Or so I thought!  By Monday afternoon I was coughing and sneezing too, my throat was burning, I had headaches, and I didn't feel at all well.  So much so that I told my Sew Wot friends that I wouldn't be joining them the next morning.  So I stayed tucked up in bed, sipping lemon and honey drinks, and taking Panadol for my sore head.  This was not the way I wanted to spend my birthday week at all.

I felt a little better on Wednesday, so pleased as my granddaughter Emma was coming down to see me.  It was her birthday week too, and she had taken the week off work to celebrate.  And why not, I'd never thought of that when I was a working girl.  Emma is a very keen baker and brough some goodies down for me, that was very much appreciated.  Then we went off for brunch to The George.  Emma adores Eggs Benny and she told me she had checked the cafe menu online so she knew they were available.  I chose a rosti stack with eggs, avocado and salmon, yummy indeed.

She has to share her brunch with family and friends

My brunch

We had coffee to finish, then she dropped me home to go Op Shopping, calling back later in the morning to show me her bargains.  She bought some baking tins, plastic containers, and  a few more bits and pieces, so she was happy with her haul.

The next day, my actual birthday,  I was feeling a little better, but had lost my voice.  The weather was terrible but I really wanted to go out and attend "Cup Cakes and Mocktails" a fund raising afternoon for patients with terminal breast cancer.  Being  a breast cancer survivor myself, there was no way I was going to miss this, so met up with our group of  Menz Shed Ladies.  What a delight greeted us, pretty cupcakes, cheese and biscuits nicely laid out and a trolly full of mocktails.  This was the first time I'd ever had a drink decorated with one of those fancy little umbrellas.  Such a nice way to share my birthday too with these lovely ladies.

Doesn't it all look nice

The organisor welcomed us all for coming out in such nasty weather, and told us how the charity Sweet Louise started.  Then we spent a very pleasant time chatting away, nibbling cupcakes and cheese and crackers, and indulging in a mocktail or two.  No worry about driving home later after consuming these non alcohol drinks.

Menz Shed Ladies - Jan, Lyn, Dot, Jenny, Sally

I stayed close to home the next couple of days, trying to shake what ever it was which ailed me.  The days weren't quite so bad, but once lying in down in bed the coughing started up again, and I spent a good part of the night propped up on pillows,  not at all a comfortable sleeping position.  This cough and sore throat of mine was really hanging around.

Sunday was a birthday celebration with family, and I had planned a High Tea at Tatum Park, because that was what I really wanted to do.  Imagine my shock and horror when I phoned through to confirm the exact numbers attending, and I was told that the restaurant had suddenly closed!  Oh my goodness, what do I do now?  I needed a booking for 10 people in just a few days time.  So I contacted The George, where I had earlier enjoyed brunch with Emma, and luckily they could fit my group in at Sunday lunch time.  Whew, crisis avoided.

The restaurant filled up quickly and I thanked my lucky stars that I had managed to secure a table for the guests at such short notice.  A kind young waitress too a photo of us all after the meals were served.  Pork belly, fried fish, burgers, salads, they were all delicious.  

Here we all are

My niece Lisa and her daughter Kate drove down from Hastings for the weekend.  They say they love meeting up with me, as I look so much like their Mum and Nana Kathleen, my elder sister who is no longer with us.

Great niece Kate and niece Lisa

My younger sister Karla and her partner Murray.  It's hard to believe that Karla is now an OAP like me!

Murray and my sister Karla

Grand daughter Emma, daughter Nicky and son in law Robert.  He always insists that he is my favourite son in law, guess he must be as he is the only one I've got!

Emma, Nicky and Robert

Grand daughter Megan and her partner Michael, such a hard working young couple.

Megan and Michael

And we mustn't forget the birthday girl, here's a snap of me with great niece Kate.

Me with Kate

I was so pleased that they could come and share my 80th (gulp, how old?) birthday lunch with me.  Sadly, my son Michael couldn't make it.  I was really spoilt with some wonderful gifts, flowers, chocolates, a voucher to spend at my favourite quilt shop, and an air fryer from the two grand daughters, they swear by them.  Guess I might need to go to the library and find a couple of air fryer cook books.

Yes indeed, I really did have a lovely time, but once again shed a few tears without Robin here to celebrate with me.  I really do try not to make a big thing when these sad thoughts overtake me, but one of the girls noticed, came up to me and said "you need a hug".  I'm off to put my goodies away now, find a place on the bench for the air fryer, hang the cards up, and settle down for an early night.  I've had a big day!