Thursday 30th July

I had such a good birthday yesterday, I couldn't believe the amount of good wishes, flowers, cards, texts and presents I had, and it wasn't even a BIG birthday. Although my whole outlook on birthdays has changed dramatically over the last three years.

My one big wish is aiming to get OLD, and I did think, well I'm 54, what are my chances of getting to 64? (Song for hubby........When I get older, losing my hair,(already done that once) many years from now, Will you still be sending me a valentine, birthday greetings, bottle of wine?
If I'd been out 'til quarter to three, would you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm sixty-four?

NO, Ive not been drinking! In fact one glass of Cava was all I managed last night, steady on girl! We did end up down at Rozel for some supper, well, five out of the six of us wasn't bad, and it was a mid week birthday after all. 

I had the joy of a dog walker friend to do the honours yesterday morning, (thanks SH) not so I could enjoy a lie-in, or breakfast in bed brought in on a tray.... Oh no, I had to race down to the Merton and meet up with three small children from St Ouen at 9am! 

They were SO EXCITED at the prospect of the fun that is the 'Merton Aquadome' with slides and whirly pools and fountains they could hardly contain themselves. Of course I LOVED standing in waist deep  cool water and trailing around after them (and as the morning progressed dodging many other wildly excited small people).It ended up with us badgering the lifeguards to get a move on and open the flume so they could scream and swish their way down at breakneck speed. What fun it is to be six and five and two again...The eldest two had to show me how to 'slide' properly, sitting bolt upright and smiling genially as you cruise serenely and graciously  into the splash pool at the end may be ladylike but it  is definitely  NOT the way to slide. 'You need to lie on your back and shout when you go in the dark". I did try.... (I have bruises on my spine to show for it), but decided that twice in the flume was quite enough, (Mary Poppins move over) especially as the bored lifeguard at the top of the steps was giving me funny looks. Similar to "What do you think you are doing you sad old women, just get off and do your WI breaststroke in the swimming lanes"

I think LV and I managed possibly three brief half finished conversations during the manic two hours of 'pool/cup of tea after' time, I asked the eldest to take a photo of me and his mum, and then the other two had to take photos of each other, and so on.... 

 Leaving them to go off and create havoc elsewhere I stumbled shellshocked to the Supermarket to do some food shopping (needs must even on a birthday!). Arrived home to a kitchen full of flowers and cards and presents, I'm really sorry but don't know who sent the cornflowers,  or gerberas, but thank you!

On the subject of flowers, the receptionist at the Merton bought me a beautiful Orchid and card as she knew it was my birthday, such a kind lady..

Lunchtime lovely SE came round with not one but TWO cakes that she had baked, a chocolate one with lots of sticky icing on  for men and a yummy dairy free, guilt free(!) banana loaf for me!!! Plus a hug and a miniature rose, bless her.

Talking about food I was treated to lunch on Tuesday as an early pre-birthday impromptu birthday treat, and very nice it was too...

Attempted selfie.....

Anyway, I ended up playing tennis with lovely friends in the afternoon and then back home to walk Jess to La coupe and managed a sea swim in the last little bit of sunshine at 6pm. Glass of bubbly in the hot tub before supper in Rozel, and home to open all the cards and gifts.... (nearly 40 cards in all and some amazing gifts), so all in all a very brilliant HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!