A nod to November. . . . .

Thank you for the kind Birthday greetings.

October was such a busy month with a lot happening, 

mostly good, and using up my time. It flew by and now

 today, All Saints' Day, November is upon us along with the 

holiday season ahead. Things will stay hectic I'm sure.

Lakeside Birthday picnic.

Fall brings back frothy coffees!

Halloween was brief with less than handful of costumed 

kiddies at the door last evening - times have changed!

. . . . . and yes, the fig tree is dropping its beautiful leaves, crunchy

and curled, Bob rakes them daily. It was a good year though

and fruit was plentiful and delicious.

Today was a beautiful, colorful start to November

Hoping November will be an enjoyable month for all.

Another red-letter day on my calendar!

Why is aging on my mind today?  

Perhaps because it's my birthday!

Above, my birthday breakfast.  Nothing really special, 

except perhaps to me. Being English, toast and marmalade

 has always been a favorite . . . . . so today I'll celebrate

 the arrival of another wonderful year with something I enjoy!

No time to post much, things to do, places to go . . . . . . .

 . . . . . . and later an awful lot of candles to blow out!

Another Birthday. . . . . . . .

. . . . . it's big one and I promise not to sigh, or cry!

As the seasons change, rolling one into another, Autumn arrives

 and I have an auspicious birthday today!  

Each birthday celebrated makes one

 more conscious of the fragility of life. I'm grateful to be 

celebrating my 75th in good health, feeling happy, and 

surrounded by people I love and who love me.

As Bob Hope once said -

 "You know you are getting old when the candles

 cost more than the cake."

I love that quote and it makes me laugh.

Yesterday was granddaughter Jasmin's birthday also.
Turning 22 was a little less exciting than last year's 21 when
we flew down to New Orleans for jazz and razzmatazz!!!
However, we had a great time right here at home this year.

***~~~Many Happy Returns dear Jasmin~~~***

Celebrating a special cousin. . . . . . . .

I have to introduce you to my cousin David who was celebrating 

a big birthday whilst we were visiting Torquay - all birthdays being BIG and 
special at this time of life!

OK, he's younger than me, but not by much! Our mums were sisters and we spent 

a lot of time together growing up. Having not been with him on his birthday 

since we were kids, and knowing I'd rented a house with space to entertain, I insisted 

on a party - although it took a little arm twisting as he's not really into parties.

David was in the Royal Navy for many years - I think the Navy throws parties all the time

so maybe he had his share in his younger days! I know you are visualizing him in 
his uniform right now and how he would be an asset at any party!  
That's just me thinking out loud.

Bob, Marsha (David's wife), David, Jasmin, and Aaron (David's youngest son). 

I was thrilled that Jasmin was able to see this part of her family interacting and 

having fun.  

David and Marsha's daughter Nina with her son Fraser.

. . . . . . . and one of our dearest, most fun friends. I almost forget that Jacqueline, 

in second pic down on the left of the collage is NOT actually a family 

member - but she's always been in our lives despite the thousands of miles 

which separate she and I most of the time. We met BEFORE birth when 

our mums became friends at the pre-natal clinic and we were born just a 

couple of weeks apart - she being the youngest!

Jackie and Nina are good friends too.

As you can see, the lovely weather had everyone moving out of the dining room 

and on to the terrace, even perfect for me as there were no mosquitoes 

to deal with. . . . . . . . perhaps I should move home again!

We had a really fun time - hopefully David has changed his mind about parties

because I may just try to be there in June next year.

Bob and I are spending this weekend in Washington, D.C., primarily for a dear friend's 
funeral at Arlington National Cemetery. It's going to be very hot weather but I hope to 
do a little sightseeing and take some photos while in our nation's capital.