Well! I just had to come back on here to tell you how my 80th birthday (last Sunday) turned out.
As I said in my earlier post, I had really wanted a full family get -together. All my five AC live in England, (four of them with hubbies/wives) but not close together, and I had, some months back, given up any idea of trying to work out how to have them all together (plus the eight g.children). 18 in total Settled on seeing them all separately over the summer,
The daughter who lives near me had said she was taking me out that day and duly collected me early the mornng. I was a little surprised to see that her hubbie and all four of her children (aged 11 yrs to 21 yrs) were in their big family vehicle, even more surprised when she said it would take over two hours to get to where we were going.
It was a special pub, she said, for lunch - with a glorious view!
When we arrived and parked hubbie and four children went ahead and daughter stayed with me to help me negotiate my mobility scooter through the side gate to this pub. It was lovely there, large area of outdoor decking right beside the river. My SiL was at the far end waving to me to come there, and I carefully negotiated between other diners, etc.
End area was roped off and there was a large covered shed type area there. Once I got there and 'parked' the scooter, I looked at the ducks, etc on the river and commened it was Indeed, a lovely view'. And, was told to look to my left to that covered area - and there - were ALL my children and g.children and decorations and balloons for my 80th.
It was the most wonderful surprise and the best possible way for me to celebrate,. Even my son and DiL who had driven down to be with me the day before, and to whom I had said a fond farewell the night before were there (My DiL did say she had nearly let the cat out of the bag, when I was saying goodbye to her - she nearly said 'see you tomorrow'!!)
One of my daughters had made a beautifulcake which had (edible) pictures of each of my children and g.children around it.
I felt so very happy, so very spoilt. It was wonderful. Had taken so much preparation and organisation - but it came together so magnificently and I have so many really fantastic memories of that day.