Monday, November 05, 2007

Lovely Day

Aside

By the time we were collected at 12 noon the sun had come out and it was, fittingly, a lovely day. I had been panicking all morning, wondering if it were wise to wear heels after damaging my big toes on the Coleridge Way. Flatties wouldn’t be right with my outfit – I had got MTL looking fairly immaculate and didn’t want to let him down. Then I remembered one of the christenings in France where all the women were in trousers so I chose smart black trousers and black top and kept my sandals on – blissfully comfortable. Sure enough my chic French DIL was also in black trousers and a pretty waistcoat – must remember to re –introduce mine back into my wardrobe – I have about four.

Parking isn’t easy in Dunster on a busy week-end so K dropped us at the hotel where we joined the rest of the party for aperitifs. After choosing what we were going to eat we began to wonder what had happened to K. He had gone to the Castle and got his four wheel drive in the midst of a horde of competing cyclists and had a hilarious tale of how he was forced into a tunnel which got narrower and narrower. Poetic justice we said for having a four wheel drive.

It was all beautifully organised with our party at the far end of the dining room in a private enclave and a table laden with presents. The food was excellent and we had a leisurely lunch with present opening between courses. The birthday boy was very lucky with a kinetic watch (don’t ask), silk ties, books, sox, a dirk (Scottish dagger – just what he needs) a woolly hat, a scarf, a wee ‘Scottie dog (pottery} a pen, a fantastic shirt and still some to come. Spoilt rotten he is.

Eventually we all repaired to ours and as we were all grown ups we went in the drawing room and I used a china tea service for the first time since my mother died. No –one could eat any cake but we all managed a glass of champers. A very successful birthday arranged with loving care and much appreciated by us. Now we really must get back to our routine and catch up on some sleep.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

Firstest!!

You do visit some beautiful locations !

Anonymous said...

So glad the birthday went well andthank you for posting the photos. But go on, I have to ask what is a kinetic watch?

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Oh Pat, this sounds utterly sublime! Everything about it sounds perfect, perfect, perfect! And such lovelt presents---useful and fun, too! Again I say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MTL....! Give him a hug, for me!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Pat...I love this post...! What a GREAT GREAT Birthday Celebration!
I commented earlier further down...But I came back because I saw your comment on Judy's IMAGINE....and YES! Carol Burnett did do a number of shows with Julie Andrews..The first BIG one was "JULIE AND CAROL AT CARNEGIE HALL"....! I think there is an Album---probably a CD now....! THat is a show that should be on DVD! (Maybe it is??? LOL)

Nea said...

Dunster looks beautiful, just as I remember it.

Pleased the wobbles went, and that you all had a good time, and that the bears aren't bears, and that there are still otters there. And thank you for checking up on the paws. Next time I see a little bear print, I can comfort myself with the fact that it could be an otter. Sleep tight.

Pat said...

Naomi: his eyes sparkled when I told him that.

Nea: I suspect they don't know their otter prints from their bears, but a long as you do - that's the important thing. If you go down to the woods today...
At least they answered. I have been trying to get info about a bird for Hoss and have had to give up. That's Tropiquaria!

savannah said...

how lovely! happy belated birthday to your MTL!

Moon said...

What a beautiful area!!! Seems like an awesome party aswell...so glad u and YTL had a good time..happy birthday to him!!!

Pat said...

Savannah and Moon (two lovely names)thank you both.

Pat said...

sablonneuse: I'm afraid my eyes glazed over when it was explained to me; something to do with the watch being run by the body. So if you keep it off for a couple of days it stops and has to be re-started.

Anonymous said...

Nice looking watch. I trust it was attached to YTL in the photo. You're slowly getting him adjusted to the idea of his photo on the internet, I see.

Cheers.

Dr Maroon said...

Pat what's your podbean podcast site called?
I can hear your story from there.

Sam, Problem-Child-Bride said...

It sounds like a day to remember, Pat. How lovely you could all be together for it.

Dunster looks great.

Pat said...

Naomi: thank you for confirm;i;;ng that.

Randall: he's watching me like a hawk.

Doc: I left a message over at yours.

Sam: Dunster is a honey pot. the cobbled streets are incompatible with anything but the flattest shoes.