What I did today.

isthis - that's a fine thing to do! I can imagine that conversation might be a bit awkward for everyone but at least they know their work is appreciated and useful. Is there any background music (the sort they would like)?
I've covered the walls in the little front room with pictures. The frames are all shapes and sizes and the subjects a bit mixed, but it beats decorating!
DH is 'cleaning the brasses' . And here I sit, in the way of him as he steps over me to reach something else.......he likes cleaning brasses. Says it was the only thing he enjoyed about being in the army

My hubby`s in his usual place, in front of his PS3, shouting and swearing at it! We were goin g to the hospital today, but not sure now.

I've got such a collection of posters and prints without frames [I only like black frames these days] and, since decorating the living room earlier this year haven't put a lot of things back on the walls. None of the standard frames [Ikea etc] seem to fit what I've got. I'm planning to buy some of those LP frames so I can put old LP's in them but change them on a regular basis.

The church event for the Young Offenders (in fact Community Payback) was low key and really good, I thought. Two guys in the congregation set up a gas barbeque in the churchyard (which itself is hugely improved by the team's clear-up) so we served up a big pan of parsnip soup, roast pork, chicken breast, apple sauce, baked beans and baked potatoes. Rhubarb crumble with custard after. Continuous pots of tea. The churchwarden took them up the tower which is itself quite an adventure, steep ladders and clambering over the bells! Talking to them about what interested them (*whenim64*'s suggestion) wasn't difficult.l I asked who'd done the flowerbeds because I'd never seen them looking so good. One slightly older guy said that was him and he was really pleased to talk about what he'd done, how and why. I enjoyed it. It was a very friendly and warm event. It would have been good to have had an appropriate music station running in the background Marelli but, sorry, I read yr suggestion too late,

Then, after clearing up, another part of town was closed off with a wonderful Christmas Fair mainly stalls of home-made crafts and snacks. Two live music stages. The place was rammed full of people. Lots of families. The sort of event that makes me proud to be British! We do have a national culture and an important part of it are neighbourhood fêtes. Ask dusk came (4pm!) the crowds began to dwindle, lots of little lights came on and it all began to look quite Dickensian (in the icy cold!) Must have bumped into 9 or 10 people I knew in the 2 hrs or so we were there.

A very happy and rewarding day.

Sounds very worthwhile ISIS.

I am going to say something to you i read in magazine earlier, "I wish you enough " .

May you enjoy Christmas , as the work you do with the church is soo worthwhile . [festive smile]

isthis I felt as though I was there from your lovely graphic description of what sounds like a successful afternoon. You all put as in much effort as the young offenders did - I bet they'll remember it for a long time

These are the same people who some don't want us to waste our time on. Shows what thy can do with support and someone to show them that their hard work gets good results.

High Five to you isthis. Sounds as if it was a wonderful community afternoon, and if it made a difference to just one young person then it will have been worthwhile.

Just sitting recovering from a wonderful weekend with all the family here. It's a bit of a squeeze, completely chaotic and thank goodness we have a dish washer, but I love it. It was our Christmas get together, the day itself will be a lot quieter with just my mother. This morning we all went for our 'Boxing Day' walk on the beach. Brief because it was bitterly cold but the children and dogs had a marvellous time.

Today is my 70th birthday and I have just returned from a wonderful weekend away with my 2DS 2 DiLs and 7 GC and my Dil's mother. This has been in the planning since last August. Everything was kept secret from me. 15 minutes from the destination my GS gave me a briefing pack of what to expect, the location, events and menus including the cocktail menu.
I had the most amazing time with lots of good food, presents and lots of hugs. I feel valued and loved and the memories will stay with me for ever.
I am a very lucky woman.

Sounds as though you have found the answer to the question in your name!

glitabo you are indeed.... a very happy birthday to you and .... and a few more details please!

How wonderful, Glitabo what a lovely surprise for you!
It's that warm feeling again when you realise how much your family love and appreciate you

So pleased for you

glitabo What a super day! Congratulations.

Happy birthday, glitabo and many of them. I know just how you feel. My lot gave a marvellous party for my 70th, two years ago, but I'm still savouring it. and

Happy Birthday glitabo! Isn't life wonderful?!

Happy 70th Glitabo and many congratulations

Happy birthday Glitabo you are right, life is truly wonderful when we have a wonderful loving family around us .

[festive smile]

I am not a churchgoer, but live by our village church. A group of young offenders come and tidy it up, which is appreciated by everyone. When I suggested to the vicar that it might be nice to send them a card or give them a present to thank them I was told that the main churchwarden (or whatever he/she is called) is a magistrate and did not think it was appropriate to thank them as the work is a punishment! Good christian sentiments there!

I think that saying thank you is a way of showing appreciation for their work and instilling the idea that constructive and positive contributions to society do bring some reward. I am delighted to hear that other churches have a warmer response.

Oldgreymare A few more details as requested. My sons rented a very large and luxurious house with a swimming pool and gym and 7 bedrooms. It was standing in beautiful grounds with lots of areas to explore. My sons did all the cooking and the main course of the birthday dinner was Singapore chilli crab, my favourite food.
We all dressed up to honour the occasion, the men wore DJs and the women wore evening dresses and the children aged from 2 to 13 all wore their party clothes.

Happy 70th Glitabo

How fantastic, glitabo! I can picture it all...

Lovely to be made a big fuss of glitabo and you deserve it!

Happy birthday glitabo sounds as if you had a ball

Many Happy Returns of the Day Glitabo!

(70? You don`t look it!)

Up early as we have friends coming for a baking morning, followed by pizza for lunch. OH lighting two wood burners, plus bread oven. Will make and bake bread and then re-fire for the pizza!