Happy 18th Birthday Henry

We have had a lovely day with family celebrating Henry's special day today. Manda and Cameron drove up from Ware, bringing mum and dad, plus Iona and Hayden. We missed Bruce, but he had managed to spend the day with his dad in Newcastle, who also celebrates his birthday today. As his dad lives on his own, it was the first time he has been able to visit since the beginning of lockdown. So important to spend time with family where possible. Next time, we want to get a full family gettogether. When this nightmare situation eventually ends.

So we were up by 9. I started decorating with Mollie, balloons and bunting, and Jon took Henry out for his first drive since passing his driving test in February. They did the route to work, and filled up with petrol, coming home via Cromer. He is all set to take himself to work tomorrow. The family arrived at midday. I had been preparing dinner, but we didnt eat until nearly 3pm. Roast lamb, roast chicken, with broad beans and mange tout from the allotment. Trifle for pud and millionaires shortbread that Mollie made. Luckily the weather held up and we ate in the garden.

Henry had asked people for money for his birthday, so that he can buy a digital SLR camera. He went into Norwich yesterday and bought a Canon package with an extra zoom lens. I'm very envious. The family have all been very generous; this is one very lucky 18 year old.

We have had a lovely day. Finished off with a walk to the allotment where Manda helped me prop up some of my french beans that have been broken down by the wind. Hopefully we will have saved some of them.

Mum and dad are now settled nextdoor for a couple of nights, and then I will drive them home on Tuesday.

How did I suddenly become the mum of 3 adults? Time is going by too quickly! But I am so proud of all 3 of them. Henry is kind, loving, placid, funny, and very quiet. And we love him!