Eternal Refuge

We had a wonderful day on Saturday ... the food went well, everyone made the effort to spend time with M&D (including the younger boys) ... and even the weather behave do we could get some pictures outside.

All in all Mum & Dad felt that it was lovely, so that was the main thing.

Nick got the 4 boys to read out some facts about 1952 and 2012, and Andrew said a prayer of dedication, as well as the 4 of them singing a hymn -

Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord for the years, we bring our thanks today.

That truly made M&D's day.

Tim read an inspirational story about faith, and both Mum and Dad talked about some of the "weird" family history.

They loved the vase, and later admitted they were glad we had done it.  We had all bought plants for the garden as extra gifts, and I had also had a tree planted in Northamptonshire (the county they married in), as there are some re-planting programmes going on at present.  It is a field maple, which is a native to England, but has a family link as Mum's Mum was actually born in Canada.

Anyway, words can't really sum up the day - just to say it went really well - and here are a few of the family pictures from the day -

( Here is the rabble )

Things have been hectic - but yestreday went really well - much better than I could have hoped. I will do a proper couple of posts about it all this week.

Thanks for all your good wishes to Mum & Dad - I did pass them on, and they were really touched. Thank you.



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Zero!


.... See, who says an LJ post can't be short and to the point!

It ended up being a muddle to get, but was pleased to say that the doorbell rang at 10.30 on Thursday with the postman having a "special delivery" ... in days gone by it was a greetings telegram - but now it's a card.

Here it is on the shelf ... so you can see the tassle!








"Long May She Reign"

The day went nothing like planned!

First Mum lost her glasses, so we spent all morning looking (and, even though it's now tomorrow!) we didn't find them. Everything got checked and sorted and emptied (yes, the bins!) So, that delayed us. rather than an early lunch and a walk with Jiffy it was late ... even later as their neighbours popped in, and stayed an hour. It was lovely to see them and they got M&D laughing, so great they came.

So - later than planned I took them out for lunch. That in itself was amazing, as Mum doesn't like meals out. We only went to the local carvery, but it was a nice meal.






When we got back I was going to make a cuppa and then we were going for our walk - the doorbell rang and it was the chief elder and his wife from Church ... who proceeded to open a bottle of Champagne! Yep, I am so glad M&D got to celebrate in style.

Just as they were leaving the phone rang and it was "Auntie" Mary .... Mum's chief bridesmaid who had come on holiday to the area and I was due to collect today. I thought she was phoning with times, but instead it was to say she had fallen and shattered her arm! So, I took M&D to see her at the hotel as she was going to head home this morning, for possible surgery next week. After dropping them off I took Jiffy for a walk and left him in the car to spend some time with Auntie Mary.



And, so back home - and a late tea ... not finishing till gone 9pm.

So, not quite as planned - but at least it was a memorable diamond day.  I did read out all the messages you left on their "post" - thank you, so much.

Tomorrow it is the family party - both boys and families will be here.

CONGRATULATIONS Mum & Dad ... aka John & Sylvia - Married this day, 60 years ago in Stanwick, Northamptonshire.

Wow, I posted a few bits of junk/you tube/icons etc at the end of last week ... and now it's this week.

I suppose I can blame M&D's 60th wedding anniversary ... meals to buy ... posters to try to sort out ... house to clean.

Not counting driving dad for a hospital check-up, which went well ... and mum to the doctors for blood tests, which have come back that she needs a heart scan.

And, don't forget work.

So, life is a bit hectic.  I am managing to skim through LJ most days, so don't think I've missed anything.  Hope to catch up properly at some point.

*rushes off* to hang out washing.