Tuesday 26 May 2009

Thank you

Well that blog silence didn't last long did it?

Seriously though I have 2 important thank yous to make.

Firstly, I would like to thank all you lovely friends who have wished me luck on my project and let me know that I will be missed while I'm away, I was very touched.

Secondly, I want to thank my lovely family for giving me the best birthday I have ever had.

Yesterday I became a pensioner, ouch!!!!, that looks even worse in print!!!!

I had said some time ago that my best birthday present would be to spend a weekend with all my family together, no small wish considering there are now 22 of us, and hiring a house for such an occasion was no meant feat.

I had put the idea to bed for this year as we all have heavy commitments and as some of you will know our son and his DF are getting married in August, but to make it up to me my OH said he would take me away for the weekend and take me out to dinner on Saturday night, so I needed to pack something posh to wear.

We set off on Friday mid morning to an unknown location, he wouldn't tell me where we were going, even though I thought it was a bit far North for a random weekend away, he just said he thought it would be quieter further North, hmmmm!!!!! I am renowned in the family for my gullibility.



It was not till we finally arrived deep in the Norfolk countryside at this beautiful house the I spotted a familiar vehicle, DD2's people carrier, and then I noticed the birthday banner on the door, and promptly burst into tears, my poor OH wondered if they'd done the right thing, but he couldn't have been more wrong, it was the best surprise I could possibly have had.

We had a lovely informal meal when we arrived and made ourselves at home in this gloriously spacious house, which was a real family home.

Here's our youngest GS ignoring the resident chicken, who later became his best friend.



On Saturday night we all got dressed up for a special dinner which was cooked and served for us in the house by a team of caterers and was absolutely splendid. We had champagne and a beautiful toast from my OH, another lump in the throat moment.



And then a family pic of course.



And just to prove that there's life in the old girl still, I had to have a go on the trampoline with one of the younger members, who later did a great impression of the little boy in the film The Shining, on his tricycle.



I had a wonderful birthday cake and to top it off had the most beautiful presents and cards from all the family, so I really did feel very special and loved.

Thank you all so much for making my dream come true, I soooo.... much didn't want it to end.

But I really will have to go now and get on with some serious work.

17 comments:

Heather said...

Thankyou for sharing your special birthday celebrations with us Sharon. I can't think of a better present than that. By the way, you are still young!! Belated Happy Birthday wishes.

Julie said...

How wonderful! What a fantastic birthday for you and a bus pass on top! Fantastic! Don't knock being a pensioner, as my DH will tell you it does have its compensations :o) Lovely to see you with such a warming story. Don't work too hard and enjoy Norfolk when you go again :o)

Becky Mairi Farrell said...

What a fab present! I'm so glad your family could make this possible for you. You've stumped me though, my internet lingo doesn't extend to DF..? And I think if you're up for trampolining you don't need to worry too much about collecting your pension :)

Doreen G said...

What a wonderful family you have Sharon and what a fantastic birthday present for you.
Happy birthday even though it is a bit late.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful birthday Sharon! And, wow, a pensioner with so much to share and do and create - what a privilige!

Françoise said...

Wonderful! I almost cried while reading your post...
;-)
BTW, you look very fit for a pensioner, (and also for a non-pensioner).
Happy birthday!

Gina said...

What a wonderful birthday with your lovely family. Thank you for sharing it!

Susan D said...

What a very thoughtful family you have. Glad you had a good time and hope I have have as much energy when I get my pension ;)

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Sharon,
I am glad you came out of exile to share your wonderful surprise with us.
good luck with your project, look forward to seeing you back :)

Aussie Jo said...

Belated happy birthday Sharon.
I might have to move to UK, I didn't know they gave out the pension at 40!!! You are the fittest pensioner I have ever seen.
Over in Oz the government has decided to improve the deficit by making the pension age 67 instead of 65.
Good luck with all your textiling.

chrissythreads said...

Just realised you had popped on an unexpected blog so belated Birthday greetings. You have a smashing family it must have been a lovely surprise.

Anonymous said...

Tried to leave you a long message and got kicked out but I am so pleased everything went well Ann and Jim

hippopip said...

Congratulations on joining the club it looked like a fantastic celebration.

Purple Missus said...

Best you carry your pension book around with you because there is no-way anyone is going to believe how old you are if you try to get in at reduced rates. *LOL*
What a lovely huge family you have and a very caring one too.
Good luck with your project, very much look forward to seeing it completed.
P.S. Don't worry about responding to my comments I can appreciate how busy you are.
Take care
Lynda
x

Helen said...

wow !
I'm so glad that you had a wonderful birthday. what a treat!!
many late happy returns too :D

Val said...

Wow Sharon - your 'post' brought tears to my eyes!! Happy belated birthday - 'see' you in September.

Pat said...

I'm brushing away a tear. What a wonderful suprise. Many Happy returns.