The Birthday Boy

It was John’s birthday today. Normally, I’d be ON it, but this year I was behind-times and his parcel wasn’t due to arrive until today. However instead, he had a VERY nice birthday surprise this morning. Andrew came home!!

It was marvellous because he arrived in the dead of night and John didn’t hear a thing. Andrew even managed a shower before he took John his second cup of coffee of the morning. John was thrilled. I was thrilled. It is absolutely wonderful to have Andrew home for a couple of days. He’s always such good and comforting company that we enjoy every minute.

Second surprise of the day was Paul and Freddie arriving on the doorstep at lunchtime. We had agreed that we would go out for lunch and, in my head, I had thought we’d meet up at the restaurant. But what a delight to have Paul and Freddie over for an hour or two before we had to set off. It was delightful.

We had a good lunch, which was paid for by Paul as a birthday treat, and John enjoyed a pint or two of beer. Set him up for the day. I wasn’t in drinking mode, however, due to the antibiotics I am still taking. Tomorrow morning will be the last dose, so we’ll see how we go.

Regrettably, I failed to take a photo of the Birthday Boy, but Paul took a photo of Freddie and me (including wonky grin), so this will have to do…..

We went back to Paul’s for dessert and a cuppa, the service at the restaurant having been a bit slow, so we thought we’d eat at our leisure in the comfort of Paul’s home. That was very cosy and comfortable. Each of us just relaxing into the pleasant company.

Michael sent birthday wishes to John from Ireland where he is enjoying a weekend away at a wedding. And, today, the mad man that he his, he went for a swim in the sea!!! Along with several other mad men and women………Brrrr…..

Greetings also came in for John from Australia, Devon, Hampshire, Greater London, Derby, Bedfordshire, Stratford and many local friends too. Marvellous. How lovely to be remembered.

Home again and John settled in to watch the Grand Prix; Andrew settled in to watch a Marvel-type movie, but promptly fell asleep, leaving the field open for me to watch ‘Strictly’ and that soft-shoe-shuffle programme ‘The Larkins’. No intellectual value whatsoever, but suited my current addled brain.

A very enjoyable day and John had a particularly good time, everyone having pulled out the stops for him.

36,517 people tested positive for COVID today; 63 people died; 968 people were admitted to hospital.

Take care everyone. Wishing you all the best week possible ahead. God bless.