Blog post part 2. My 60th birthday surprise

At the Steamboat a beer festival was taking place but unbeknownst to me Ian had booked one of the rooms for a meal and party. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was a long table which had been set up for 20 people. Counting on my fingers I could only make 15 of us (12 adults and 3 kids), so I said to Ian they had got the numbers wrong. 'Not to worry' says he 'we have plenty of room to spread out'. Drinks were ordered and most of the family settled down in their seats. I was escorted by Christine to the middle of the row and a balloon with '60' on it placed in front of me. (The balloon having been purchased by Lynda). Then a couple of our boaty friends visiting the beer festival rushed in and gave me hugs and kisses. 'Maybe' thought I 'they were coming to join us'. I knew that to be wrong when they went back to the other bar. Anyway we all started to settle down and the door opened again and in came my sister Susannah, brother-in-law Andy and my two nieces Melissa and Lucy. So mystery solved but you could have knocked me down with a feather. I had no idea that they had been invited. It was a lovely surprise. Then out came the Champers and I got toasted ( well not literally but you know what I mean ).

 

From front to back starting on the left:- Dave, Heather, Susannah, Lucy, Tony, Colin (standing) Ian, Iwona (standing) with Olly and Oscar on the end. Then on the right:- Margaret, Dennis, Andy, Mellisa, Lynda, and me.

From other end starting front to back and on the left :- Oscar,Josh, Kevin, me, Lynda, Melissa, Dennis and Margaret. Then from the right Oliver,Iwona. Colin, Tony, Andy ( standing), Lucy, Susannah, Christine ( standing), Heather and Dave.

The meal was brought out and for pub grub it wasnt bad. After the meal my next surprise came when a large envelope was placed in front of me. Now, what I didn't mention on my blog part 1 was that I had been given a wonderful activity gift. Something that as long as I could remember I had wanted to do. White water rafting!!!! Here in front of me was the means to fulfilling that dream. The voucher was valid for a year and takes place in Northamptonshire. As there is no sign of improvement in the weather I think I will wait until sometime in August before I take to the water!! Anyway, back to the envelope. As I opened it another voucher dropped out. This time it was for a photography workshop. Like any digital cameras most people leave the setting on Auto. I don't use auto very often but there is still lots that I can learn from a workshop like this. Hopefully after the course, I will start to take some decent close up and action photos.

Colin saying that I could bring a friend if I wanted to. I think he means him!

So the final surprise of the night was my cake. Those of you that follow my blog would have seen Ian's cake on his 60th. Mine was as good if not better. Christine has got me down to a T, and my only criticism? No fish on the end of my hook. ( story of my life!)