Mum's birthday

Lorraine and I up to Edgware this morning. A relatively easy drive and we arrived in about two hours. Had a cup of tea and gave mum some birthday cards and presents, from us and from Pat and Maureen. 

Then we got Mas into our car, and Lorraine drove us all off to The Waggon and Horses. Mum had booked a table by the fire, and we  had hoped that Robert would come too, but unfortunately he was unable. We did have an excellent time, the pub was weirdly empty while we were there, and it was as if we had done it deliberately. We had lots of attentive service from Harri and Wendy, Mum having a pint of cider given to her on arrival. And Harri also suggested a Guinness for me, seeing as I had drunk that last time I was there. 

We had a pleasant meal, again Lorraine and I had falafel and more healthy options, and the staff came out with a piece of cake with candles in for Mum, and sang Happy Birthday.  This happened quite suddenly and the snap I took of the moment, was out of focus and featured only the manager who calls them Mummy and Daddy.

Mum didn't have to drive, so had a second cider. Mas doing a bit better than he had been -- and he is not coughing so badly now. Frustratingly for him, he gets tired very easily though. Lorraine and I stowed Maureen's three wheeler, and we got this for Mas to walk back from the pub to the car, a matter of twenty yards or so. But it clearly helped him zip along. He does have his own wheeled frame at home, so hopefully this might persuade him to use them a bit more. 

Home for cups of tea and to eat some lebkuchen. Wynford then popped in with a card for Mum, and stayed for a long chat with us. Hadn't spoken to him for ages. He is a kind man, and still works giving private lessons for piano and voice. 

Then Lorraine and I made our farewells and drove back to Seaford. Not a bad journey, despite some enthusiastic rain. Home and a relaxed evening as a stormy wind got up, and buffeted the house with squally rain as we went to bed. We watched a strange German film called In My Room, about a man, portrayed as a bit of a loser, who survives a catastrophe where everyone disappears, except him. Eventually me meets the sole surviving woman, but they can't get on and he's left alone again. Odd but interesting. 

Below a terrible photo of Mum blowing out some candles, everything important, like all the people standing behind Mum, and Mas and Lorraine at the table etc not featured. Still we had a lovely time.