Happy Birthday to Me...

It is March 9th 2012 and it is my birthday (my first in Cyprus) and I am 52 today, '51 and retired' John keeps reminding me - this is not so impressive as his '43 and retired' although he's now 44!

We started the day with John bringing me breakfast in bed and my cards.  Sheila, bless her, had filled my card with confetti which went all over the place.  We tried to gather together as much as we could but there was still a star that escaped us.  John was very worried that he would end up one morning sporting it on his bum but fortunately when we made the bed it turned up!

The cats came in to wish me a Happy Birthday.  John was worried that Minnie Mou might end up falling into the pool as she jumps up across the pool into our bedroom window but can get very distracted if there is a fly or moth she is interested in. We were just contemplating this when we heard one almighty SPLASH and realised that Chivers had had an unscheduled dip.  John shot out of bed (fortunately not sporting Sheila's missing star) and rescued him.  Chivers had one wet and cold leg, tail and bum poor little bugger!  Not sure what happened - guess he missed his footing!

Today was glorious, absolutely glorious - no need for any immersion to heat the water even though we showered early at 10.00am.  The problem was what to wear?  Less layers are required so it is like an instant diet - I look like I have shed about three stone without doing anything - how fab is that???

John and I got ready and were waiting for Mum and Dad to arrive.  I am wearing my birthday presents - my denim jacket from John and my teal scarf from my sister - both of which I absolutely love so thanks John and Kaye for two lovely gifts.

In fact Kaye wont be able to see from the photo but I am also wearing the necklace that Elena gave me and the bracelet which I think Kaye gave me for my birthday last year.

I had the camera carefully balanced on the barbeque and set on timer so that I could get a photo of John and me - I am running out of new ones to put on the blog!  I don't think I scrub up too badly for 52 and John is still my most favourite toy-boy in the world EVER and I love him to bits xxx

Mum and Dad arrived and we sat in the front garden (in amongst the washing) as this was the only place in the garden that was spared a bit of a breeze.  Mum had brought up for me a number of birthday cards and presents which was so lovely.  I feel lucky that I have family and friends both here and back in the UK who have remembered me today.

We had decided to go down to Faros for lunch today and as it was such a beautiful day, with no breeze down on the coast, we were able to sit on the harbour side for our lunch.  The harbour is being upgraded so there is a bit of building going on but it will improve it no end.  It must have been a nice day as we were all feeling the heat - including Dad who had warm hands for once!  He even took his jumper off so it must have been warm!

We had a lovely lunch - John and Dad shared a meat platter and Mum and I shared chicken wrapped in bacon with chips and a jacket potato and veggies and salad - it was too much!  We had a bottle of wine and freebie brandies and coffee liqueurs and just sat and marvelled at how lucky we all are to be able to do this.  A year ago I was working and I know what I prefer!

Latchi has always been one of my most favourite places anywhere - and on a day like today who would argue?  Mum and I were in danger of having to go and remove some of our clothing - it was getting so warm!
We sat in the sun and started the Latchi cribbage competition which John & mum won comprehensively. Anyway having had a really nice lunch we headed back home and it was nice enough to be able to sit out in the garden and have a cuppa before Mum and Dad returned home.  John and I took our remaining drinks and the cats up onto the roof to wave them goodbye and to take advantage of the late sun before it got just that little bit too chilly to stay outside.

We have eventually caught up with Laura via Skype and have seen her and Mark's new home - we are so pleased for them that they have eventually left married quarters and it looks like they have a lovely, lovely new home.  Laura will be out with us in two weeks and we can't wait to see her in person.

We have spoken to John's Mum and we are delighted that she and Hadge are taking themselves off on holiday on Monday to Yarmouth.  Fingers crossed they have a lovely time.

Also spoken to Vix today - Skype is so marvellous!!

I have had a really lovely day - thank you to everyone who remembered me - to my old friends in the UK and my new friends here in Cyprus, to my family and John's family and to Greg for sending me a Teach Yourself Greek CD!

Ευχαριστώ καλή νύχτα!!!!