81 not out

Today is my Mum’s 81st birthday. So I drove nearly 350 miles and spent nearly 7 hours in the Comedy Car to go and sing her Happy Birthday.

The nursing home where she is had put balloons and birthday banners in her room. And baked a cake specially for her. It’s a really lovely home. They do so much for the residence. 8 of the staff came in with the cake and sang Happy Birthday too.

The cake was delicious by the way. As was dinner with my Dad before I drove back.

My Mum has deteriorated so much since I saw her at the end July. She’s still here. And every day I have two living parents, I am grateful. One day I know I won’t and I will be the top of the tree. I’m not sure I’m grown up enough to have that level of responsibility.

Ageing is such a weird thing. I still think I’m in my twenties. Odd to think that one day, we’ll all be gone. Till then, I’m enjoying the ride… And aiming for 100 not out!!

Afternoon Tea

Who doesn’t love a spot of Afternoon Tea? And a birthday one at that! In fact a double birthday one. Colette and I have a birthday outing tradition. We couldn’t fit one in for my birthday, so we decided to share one. We headed to The Orangery Tea Room for an amazing Afternoon Tea. Happy birthday us!!

It was sooo good. But way too much, so I had the rest for dinner.

Afternoon Tea is a wonderful concept. It’s a firm favourite. Along with room service. But then I guess I’m a big food I don’t have to prepare myself.

Chainsaw massacre

I got to use my birthday present from my Dad for the first time. I love that when I say I want a chainsaw for my birthday, he goes along with it. I know where I get my sense of adventure from. Some people in my life live in fear of me using power tool. For good reason – it’s not always been a success.

It’s so cool. Makes short work of the branches that are too big for the secateurs. Saved so much time.

I’m getting new neighbours soon. The son and daughter-in-law of a couple who live down the close. Thought I better make an effort to tidy this border as it overlooks their driveway. Might have got a bit carried away. Thankfully full brown bin stopped play.

Well kinda. I thought I’d see how my little chainsaw coped with the large conifers along my driveway. Let’s just say it was a success. But I will need to make a trip to the tip soon.

The only problem I’ve found with it (well apart from it being a bit too efficient) is that it’s designed for right handed people. So ‘cack-handed Annie’ as my Mother used to call me had to work that one out!

Oh and for everyone worrying, I was VERY careful!

Best present

Well I’ve made it to the ripe old age of 54! Happy birthday me! And I got an extra special present today. I got back on Budy for the first time in a month. Oh I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed these ears. He’s still got a long way to go with his rehab. But the first constitutional under saddle is a milestone.

My birthday is usually a big deal in my world. This year it kinda snuck up on me. I hadn’t planned anything. And this morning when I woke up, I really wasn’t feeling it. After all, it’s only another trip round the sun. Things with Buddy, my parents and life in general has all overshadowed it this year.

Thankfully people in my life decided that it should be marked. I’m overwhelmed with the number of messages I’ve had.

I’ve had some incredibly wonderful and thoughtful presents too. Tonight I was taken out for dinner. And have had cake. Lots of cake.

Next year will be a big one for me. I didn’t get to celebrate my 50th the way I’d planned because of Covid. So I’ve decided to celebrate my 55th in style!

Birthday antics

Buddy Boy turned 14 today. Sadly it wasn’t the best weather for him. Rather damp as we headed out for our walk.

Usually we’d go for a long ride together. This year it’s a bit different. I wonder if Buddy minded. I definitely missed it. I didn’t miss Buddy acting like a 3 year old when he heard the steam rally. Cause he’s never heard that before!

Probably not my best plan. We didn’t go that close. And assumed that as he’s experienced it 7 years now, he’s be OK. That was my first mistake. Never assume with horses. Or it could have been the boy racer car backfiring. We had it all today. And we were only out 15 mins.

I did get back in the saddle today though as a friend let me ride her horse. Maybe that was Buddy’s birthday treat too? He looked quite surprised when spotted me.

Happy Birthday Buddy Boy. You really are My Absolute Diamond.

Stamps

I had to buy some stamps today. I needed to post a birthday card to a friend. It’s his birthday tomorrow. Yes he was born on 29 February. So actually gets to celebrate tomorrow.

Anyway, I went in and asked for a 6 pack of First Class stamps. The girl looked a bit confused and said they only come in packs of 4 or 8 now. Shows how long it’s been since I bought a pack of stamps.

The price has gone up considerably as well. £5 for four stamps. That was a bit of a shock. Guess that’s cause they are now bigger with a barcode. That must cost more to produce.

Still they’re a very pretty colour. Very regal.

80 not out

Today my Dad joined my Mum in turning 80! Unlike my Mum’s big day, the Comedy Car and I made it to be with him. As did my niece Amy from Manchester. It was her turn to have car trouble this week. So we were all very grateful to be together.

We headed over to see Mum. Sadly she was having a bad day. But we did our best to make sure Dad had a lovely day. A wonderful pub dinner and birthday cake.

Happy birthday Dad!

Cruising

I took my friend Colette on a sunset river cruise tonight for an early birthday treat. It rained. A lot. But we still got to see a lovely sunset. And some even more lovely properties from the water.

I know I say it a lot, but I really do love in a beautiful part of the world. It was so peaceful out on the Broads.

Bressingham

Today Colette took me to Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens for my birthday outing. It’s become a bit of a tradition now to visit a garden for our birthdays. Thankfully there are lots of gardens for us to visit locally.

First trip here for both of us. I’ve seen the sign on the A140 as I’ve been driving past. It’s a lovely place to stop at.

The gardens were stunning. Very varied and lots to admire. We walked over 2 miles round them. Then we popped into the museum. They had a train carriage where they used to sort the post. And a Dad’s Army section with lots of memorabilia from the show. It took me back to my childhood growing up watching the show.

I love it when you find a gem of a place to visit.

Birthday gifts

Buddy was super generous with his birthday gifts to me. Thankfully all of the other gifts I received we less pungent and much more thoughtful.

I’ve had a lovely day and have felt very loved indeed. I’ve been treated to a lovely dinner. Now tucked in bed ready for an early start. Tomorrow I’m grooming at The Suffolk. I do love the smell of show shine in the morning….