Birthday

 

It was my birthday yesterday. Unexpectedly very low key. A mixture of covid, Libby's health and my age? Normal for 50+…?

I thought about birthdays many moons ago when I was a kid. I always had a party. Of course these were the days when parties happened in your home. Guests gave you a gift, and they left with just a slice of cake and maybe (if they were very lucky) a balloon! The birthday girl/boy got the bumps - remember them? When were the bumps outlawed then? And you ate sandwiches, crisps, iced gems and jelly & ice-cream. You played games like pass the parcel and musical statues. And it was great. Everyone was happy! My parents had a great game for parties. A child stood on a plank, blind folded. The plank was lifted until the child could reach up and touch the ceiling. Then they had to jump off. The brave ones who did found out the plank was only a couple of inches off the ground and the 'ceiling' was just a book held over their heads! They loved it. 

My mum was pretty chilled about birthday parties. One year I wanted to wear my nightie - sure, not a problem (see pic). When I was 8 I had five cakes - a clock face, a hedgehog, the number 8, one with purple icing and a plain one with a special candle (I think it was an animal but I can't remember). And finally, this will surprise no one, I cried on every single birthday until I was like 22!! 

I've had a bit of a tough week but I shan't bore you. Hubby is on nightshift so Libby has been sleeping with me on my bed. Before the cancer she was never allowed on our bed. Boy how things have changed. And I've been loving it. She's loving it too. I lie on my side and she curls up behind my knees in the 'v' of my bent legs, and she puts her head on my hip. Just lovely. 

It is scientifically proven that people who have more birthdays live longer.

PS I didn't get a hot tub, again. Can somebody people tell me what I'm doing wrong? 😢😢