Saturday

It is great fun doing shopping for young folk and we were able to get some cool toys for M for her birthday (party today). We bought a pink hula-hoop, a red dress, a giraffe hop-a-long toy and, to round it out, a tool kit because a girl is never too young (and two isn't that young anymore) to start learning how to be a bit handy around the house.

The birthday party was held in Lions Park - on the way to Picnic Point - and they had taken the time to decorate with streamers and balloons. It looked very party-like and by the time we arrived the BBQ was well on, tables and chairs had been claimed and/or set-up and the table was starting to groan with food.

This is the first time we have met M's family on D's side - this was the first joint activity we were in town for - but they seemed like a very genuine, caring and fun bunch - everything you want in an extended family.

T, M's Mum, had made the birthday cake - and it was a good effort - although for a moment there it did look as though an extra candle (No. 3) would make it on to the cake!

Post-party we went off to Highfields to see J's new house - and marvel at the progress she had made in cleaning it up since the tenants had done a runner - leaving their furniture and other belongings - and a big mess. She's about to have the house re-carpetted (I don't know why she doesn't like the rose pink) and re-painted; and while the professionals are doing that, she will be working on the garden.

Next stop was a computer intervention for D and E - and that was a bit sad because this is the first time that we have noticed that D is starting to wear the effects of ageing. He has always been a young older person but some health issues have worn him down a little to the point where it is showing. Age is not a kind thing.

Meanwhile, back at Latimers, M had sent us a text to assure us - "All well. Emma watered, fed, needled and hugged." Thanks M!!