A very special birthday

Mum is 97 today.

She has had a lovely day, full of surprises.

Eric and Pauline came from Sunderland quite early. They brought Mum one of the poppies that was in the original display at the Tower of London. We can put it in our garden.

I took Mum to the Discovery Museum in Newcastle as another surprise. Stephenson's Rocket is on display there and it is said that Mum's side of the family are descendants (of the family not the steam engine!). We enjoyed looking at the engine and then seeing the excellent range of models, original plans and explanations.

We also looked at some of the museum's permanent exhibition and were very taken by a 1929 model of the Tyne from Ryton to the sea. It is brilliant and we want to go and see it again. There was a water play area for young children with another model of the river and sea. The bridges could be opened and closed and there were boats to sail. Magic.

Back here, we missed Liz who had called, but arrived to find a bouquet from Margaret and Peter in Australia. Margaret and Brian came with presents - it's a no present birthday! Margret came - with a present - and stayed for dinner. Then Ann Taylor, the deaconess, and her husband arrived.

It's been full on. Oscar and Daisy have not enjoyed all the comings and goings and have stayed outside. I hope they come home tonight!

Mum is sitting now looking again at all her cards, including some from Blipfriends. It all means a lot to us both.