Coming down to earth

Daniel, Michelle and Olivia left today at noon. I told her that I was going to miss her and she said, "It will be nice for you Grandma Anne because the house won't be so loud!" She is right about that but it is also very empty.

The party was nine days ago. I have pictures but I haven't sorted them yet. They will follow in next blog. It was a superb party. There was a bit of rain at the start but not for long and I had hired a marquee (that's English for tent) and we were protected as needed. We also had a bouncy castle for the children and two more gazebos; one for the bar and one for conversation. A lot of people came including all my children and their spouses and nine grandchildren. I even hired a photographer so I have excellent pictures and I could be in front of the camera. As the party wore on, the weak ones went home but the stalwarts stayed to dance. I had made a music ipod from the 60's and 70's. So good. I did do some clearing up on Sat & Sun but mostly I have been on lounge duty. Daniel was fantastic at helping me prepare the garden for the onslaught and Judith (my gardener) worked non stop on the flower beds until ten minutes before the first guests arrived. Darcy and Joe and Craig put up the gazebos. The caterer, bar tenders and wait staff turned up at 4 and started making the most wonderful hors d'oeuvres and preparing the glasses and the drinks. This was not a budget party but it was worth every penny because I didn't have to do anything except enjoy myself. I am very grateful to my family and friends for such a brilliant celebration.

Revving up for round two

We came back from Ireland on Sunday evening. It was a great week and such a treat to travel with my little sister. I slouched around yesterday enjoying that 'back home' feeling. I have been good today getting things ready for the onslaught tomorrow. Eight family members are arriving on five different flights. Fortunately they are of an age to come up from Heathrow on the coach. It drops them off on the corner of my street and a three minute walk from my front door. Can't wait.