In amongst all the emotional stuff, and the treatment stuff, we do of course have to continue to living. I have been struck by Jennifer Griffin's blog about her "new normal" and I have some thoughts on that myself this week. Before I get to that though, I thought I would share my three birthday celebrations this year (food features very highly here!).
The first was 173years, celebrated with my sister-in-law's 40th, my Nearly Husband's 50th, my brother's 40th, and finally my 43rd! We were joined by a couple of old friends and family (having had to postpone for a day thanks to a day in hospital for me) and we passed a very pleasant afternoon drinking wine and eating lovely home roasted organic meats....
The second was on my birthday weekend, and another chocolate cake featured large here, and I can't believe I didn't get a picture of it - Ginny's Devil's Food Cake. It was fantastic. I went out for lunch with Sarah, got home to find Wilson and Darcey on their way back from music lessons. Wilson then disappeared with his mobile phone and Darcey was insistent on the fact that Gilesy was coming to my birthday party. Now Gilesy for those of you that don't know, lives in the South West of France, and I had already agreed to Skype with her later in the day. So I thought Darcey was confused, obviously - she's only got the crystal clear logic and understanding of a 4 year old; I've got a 43 year old brain with a growth! Imagine my surprise then, when Dawn knocked on the door, laden with gifts and flowers etc. It was apparent that this was a surprise to Wilson too, who was still messing about with mobiles and text messages. So, in the excitement, I registered that he had opened the front door, but didn't really pay much attention, until he walked in with The Cake.
So, stop just for a moment. My daughter is telling me that one of my best friends is going to arrive from France; another old friend has arrived at the door, and Wilson now has what is clearly a hand made chocolate cake in his hands. Then appears around the door a familiar face - looks distinctly like Giles mother Ginny, which would explain the cake. Then I realise it is actually Giles's sister, Alix, with whom I used to live - and who actually lives in North Carolina! Behind her is her husband, and behind him, a very satisfied Wilson and Giles who between them have really pulled a fast one. Trying not to tread in the chocolate cake, I am completely overwhelmed and utterly gobsmacked.
And then, by an amazing feat of planning and travel effort, the Girls managed to all get together on the same day at the same time - apart from Clare who was excused by the fact that getting over from the British Virgin Islands was a bit hard to do - for lunch at The Vineyard. Don't go there, you won't like it. We have to try it again before we can wholeheartedly recommend it....
The women you see in this picture are amazing, a better bunch of friends you couldn't find. We have known each other for more years than we care to mention. I know I've talked about them all before, between us we have Company Directors, Professors, Directors, Business Owners etc - professionals all - and we are all Mothers. We have such shared history, it was a joy to reconnect and remember all that over a fantastic lunch. I am lucky to have them.
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