A big one

My older daughter, Leone and Clare, the third youngest of my 10 siblings pulled off the surprise of the century for my 80th birthday.  I was already in high spirits, looking forward to a gathering of family and friends at my son and d-in-law's restaurant on Monday, 27th January, the day of my birthday. It was also a public holiday. 

 

The day before the Big Event Leone asked me to go with her to look at a house for sale near the beach where she and my older son live.  There, firstly one by one and then two by two I discovered two of my brothers and their wives, two of my sisters and a niece were all there.  My brother Peter and his wife live in England, all the others live in Australia.  I honestly had no idea, had no expectation that any of them would even think about coming all that way for a birthday.  One other sister made her appearance the next day.  I cannot begin to explain how delighted I was.  I blemished my  reputation as a speech maker by becoming overwhelmed and getting teary eyed.

    

Four sisters.  Only the youngest knows how to behave herself.

There are still a few bloggers around who will remember how my grand-daughter, Georgia and I spent hours in my kitchen together when she was a child.  She credits me with her love for cooking and her current role in hospitality.  Which is strange because all we ever cooked was muffins and I am a really lousy cook.  Look at the beautiful cake she created for me.

 

With my grandchildren and g-g-daughter beside me in white. 

One grandson was in Australia and unable to attend.

My family, who planned and schemed and worked so hard to give me a great party.

 

The Australians and English guests.  My niece proved expert at avoiding photos.

Siblings

 

Old and dear friends.  The two who have  been there for me for over 40 years. 

If you know me well you will have heard of Chris and Twink.

So proud of these four!