Growing old disgracefully…
They came they saw, they drank, they chatted, they reminisced, some danced, they ate pie & peas, they went back to their hotels happy and now they are on their way home again. Sixty people from all over the country, from several different eras of my life who didn’t always know each other but knew myself & Karen. Some we hadn’t seen since our wedding in 1994, others at semi-regular fixtures in between. Some of them now look much older than I expected, whilst one or two must have oil paintings in the attic. (The people stay looking young, whilst the painting ages).
They all came bearing gifts and I have an interesting selection:
- Several varieties and vintages of port
- A number of fine wines
- A Chocolate Champagne bottle
- A bottle of Whisky
- A scalextric type of racing set (big boy’s toys!)
- A tie pin
- Several books (including both Pepys and the Lunettes, I expressed a preference for sciences over arts but he thought the Pepy diaries were good for a blogger)
- Book tokens
- Gift tokens
- Some cash
- A box of Lego Star Wars characters (David has claimed them)
- Three bottles of good beer
- A Negligee (!)
Surprisingly, out of all the 50 year birthday cards there were only two the same and some were very funny indeed. I ended up with two badges to wear as well as the cake hat. I was so busy chatting that I never got round to taking any photos, however David and the various other Children made use of the disposable fun cameras we had put out. I took seven of them to ASDA this morning to be developed and am curious as to what the results will be like. (I’ll find out on Tuesday).
Karen worked the room, making sure no-one was left out. I thought I was doing the same, but Karen described my approach as “holding court” as I spent a fair bit of time in the lounge, where the old videos were showing. (This fascinated some of the children, seeing their parents make fools of themselves in Panto and spotting themselves as tots at our wedding).
I’m weary now, but have a warm feeling of satisfaction. (I was vaguely worried about feelings of anti-climax that you sometimes get after big events have been and gone). I’m putting off opening the racing cars until next weekend but will start dipping in to the “50 survival manual”- I can now officially be a grumpy old man…
April 13th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
I’m glad to hear you had such a good time. Belated birthday greetings from me and George! Welcome to the Over-40s world. When I reached 50 I was invited for a mammogram so may I take this opportunity to wish you a healthy prostate?
April 13th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
50, Ian?
Congratulations and hope it was lovely.
Unfortunately I changed the blog policy over my way and don’t do b’days but still my thoughts are with you on the jubilee.
April 13th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Thanks for your thanks, folks.
April 13th, 2008 at 8:43 pm
I’m glad it was a great success Ian, If you can’t hold court on such an occasion when can you, I ask.
My gift for males for such occasions is always port or ice wine or champagne so I am not surprised at your increased liquor stash.
I think you are still too young to be a grumpy old man, but you have earned the right be yourself whatever that is.
April 14th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I’m glad you had a great bash.. and what a haul! I hope the negligee was in your size!
April 15th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
JMB, Port always goes down well Chez Grey. Jams, the Negligee was a size too small, but fortunately M&S are very relaxed about changing their stock if the size is wrong.
April 23rd, 2008 at 12:22 am
It sounds as if you had a well-deserved good time and what a great haul of gifts! xx