Happy Birthday, Dad!

My lovely papa turned the grand old age of 61 years young yesterday.

Or, as I like to lovingly remind him, the start of his 62nd year!

We had presents… of course, but Dad ripped them open and whipped them away to use/play with before I could snap a picture!

There was coffee and scones at Lochend Farm.

Then the family was supposed to gather to eat, drink and laugh...but one of our crew (naming no names - Jason) got Man Flu and the gathering was postponed for 2 weeks!

But the rest of us sat down for a good tea of mince and tatties - Dad’s favourite! Followed by an orange cheesecake complete with candle and obligatory 'happy birthday' sing-song! Poor Tilly was terrified!

Now, in honour of my dear dad, here are some pics…

I always manage to drag him to places that I’m not sure he thinks are very sane to venture.

This, and many of my other quirks and, well, annoyances, leaves his usual expression around me something like this:

So, happy birthday to my dad! Hope you had a lovely day and that your 62nd year is the best one ever.

Love you!

Birthday vector designed by Freepik

31 Things for 31 Years

This is my last day of being 31 but shhh - don’t tell anyone - *whispers* I’m just masquerading as an adult until someone catches me and sends me to the naughty step! I suspect that everyone else is pretending as well but we’re all too scared to tell each other!

So I have collected 31 pieces of wisdom that have come to me over the past 31 years and 364 days which I will now share with you.

1. It’s not bad people you should worry about but instead those that pretend to be good/nice/kind.
2. A perm is very rarely a good idea.
3. Life is better with a dog.
4. Sometimes a hug is all you need.
5. Your mum is capable of cheating at Scrabble. Be alert!
6. Uisge beatha (pronounced oosh-gah bah-ha) is not a good name for a puppy.
7. Watch where you’re walking when you’re wearing new shoes. Or just at any time really.
8. Fuzzy socks will attract bees. Decide if you’re willing to risk it.
9. Don’t laugh at people who think weather vanes and full moons are scary.
10. You will eventually like coffee. And onions. Be patient.
11. Never apologise for being you and liking what you like.
12. Don’t let your thoughts and feelings be the only ones you don’t take into account.
13. It’s okay to be scared of children.
14. Don’t settle for someone you know isn’t right for you just so you’re not alone.
15. Always take a jacket and a tissue with you.
16. Wear the kind of underwear that your mum wouldn’t be embarrassed about if you got hit by a bus.
17. Do what makes you happy.
18. Eat chocolate.
19. Don’t put yourself down. You’re awesome.
20. Always keep your teddy bear near you for a hug.
21. Take a nap when you need it - whatever age you are.
22. Remember that everyone is going through something - a smile or a kind word from you might make life worth living for another day.
23. On the other hand - some people are just mean. Walk away.
24. No matter what size you are - you’re still the same person on the inside.
25. I promise that things are going to get better. Don’t give up.
26. Don’t pretend to be stupid just to fit in.
27. If you feel like a fish out of water - find another pond. Your fish are waiting.
28. Don’t feel obliged to do anything that you don’t want to do.
29. It’s not time wasted to watch clips of cats, proposals or soldier homecomings on YouTube for hours. If you’ve had fun then it was worth it.
30. Don’t leave changing your bed sheets to bedtime. There’s nothing worse than realising you can’t slip straight into bed.
31. Laugh as much as you possibly can. Don’t worry if other people think you’re daft. “His bow tie made it look like he was being attacked by a bat.”