Altogethery

Lorraine off to Story Time this morning. Otherwise a homey day, and I did some writing.

Birthday celebratory drinks in the Old Boot Inn with Pat and Maureen, Beth and James, Anton, Mark and Carol, Adele and Patrick, Brian and Yvonne, and Kate and Andrew. Steve was going to come but he was unwell, however Freja came and had a good time. I really enjoyed myself, receiving very thoughtful cards and pressies. Mark gave me an eraser, which harks back to 1971 when I sat next to him at Copland school on the first day and he wouldn't lend me his rubber. Perhaps 53 years later I should now forgive this. Anton gave me some immaculately wrapped pressies, two books I had coveted, and a fold away ink pen, which he uses all the time know, with beautiful green ink. A very cheery evening indeed, and I had lots of laughs and generally felt exceedingly lucky and happy. As if to mark the occasion, Harvey's Old Ale is now on tap in the Boot. Happy days. Most of us ate there too, perfectly decent fish and chips. I loved seeing people mingling, Brian and Anton talking about Manchester, Carole and Yvonne getting on famously. A lovely evening. Very altogethery, a feeling I like very much.

I didn't take any photos, but Lorraine took this early on. It all looks a bit odd. From bottom left, Yvonne, me slapping my head, Brian, Patrick, Adele, Kate, Pat and a bit of Maureen.