No, it's MY day.

Since I was little I have always been able to pretend that nobody shares my birthday. My birthday is unique. I don't even admit to sharing it with Joan Collins who, unfortunately, had the temerity to try to pass it off as her birthday. I've always been lucky enough to not know anybody who has the same birthday. (and I don't want to) The only person I ever shared it with was the first boy to kiss me, on the school field when I was 13. He used to tell me that his idea of heaven was a decent settee, a video of Blakes 7 and me. He was 14, or I suppose a decent bottle of wine would have featured in there too. His name was Chris but, for some unfortunate reason everyone called him Bessie. And, yes, I did like/love him in that strange sexless way that you can when you're (very) young, and any thing physical just seems like a big joke (you do what? And put it where? Oh how disgusting! I still think sex proves that God has the biggest sense of humour going) But then I grew older & decided that he wasn't the one and that strange gawky friend of my brothers might not talk sci-fi but didn't half have beautiful eyes. One look and I was gone. Take your glasses off, Peter. Not only are your eyes lovely, but you'll never see how mean the years have been to me. Of course, I'll have to lead you everywhere by the hand, but that can be romantic, too, can't it?







So, here we are, the big 39. I'm not ashamed, I'll celebrate every birthday and next year... well, next year I might have a party or I might just persuade PT that we need to go to France on holiday. I can read French, I can buy books in french in France.... no, I'm rambling again.














I have to say thank you again and again to those of you who remembered (How clever of you! How did you know? Next year I'll be more delicate & just change my banner headline to DON'T FORGET 23RD!) It's lovely. Mmmm.



So I have got up, opened my presents, got my post, read my books (a little) and am posting about my day before it's over. The red and white flags are out all over Liverpool to celebrate my special day and, apparently, they've arranged entertainment for me in Athens tonight. Nobody gave me a ticket, so it's fish & chips, a Kir Royale and the Telly for me tonight. The kids are staying up late especially... DP hates football, but loves staying up, JW does football and tells everyone if they want to improve their game, they need to wear studs (The postman was surprised) and The Princess' Nickname is Chopper, after Chopper Harris. Yes, I know, there are lots of you out there going 'who?' but apparently he was a famous footballer in the 70's who was infamous for going in for the balls plural rather than singular. The Princess is a bit of a toughie. Bless.



I have a couple of friends coming, Barefoot Contessa style, for lunch, so I am cooking lunch. It's a fun thing, not a work thing like cooking dinner would be. Nice tablecloth, clean glasses for elderflower presse, confit de canard (my favouritest food ever) and fresh strawberries with extra thick cream. Mmmm. How good is that? And a litle time afterwards to drink fresh coffee and plan for next year. Meal out? Weekend away? Dublin? Paris? Or lunch at mine with confit de canard again? I'm a traditionalist, so it'll be the duck, then.



Pictures in this post (I'm not good enough to be able to label them yet) have been from 'The Barefoot Contessa at Home', Trish Deseine's 'Nobody does it Better; why french home cooking is still the best in the world' and her essential cooking book, 'Ma Petite Robe Noire et autres recettes' which lays out her top cooking repertoire in the manner of a fashionable wardrobe. Oh, and it's in French (that's me bragging that I've bought a french recipe book... sorry. Bragging is not polite, but I'm so chuffed I can read it) They also include Sarah at Everything Stops For Tea's card to me... thanks Sarah! And Papoosue at Random Blether's gift parcel, a beautiful seeded heart and a coaster with the definition of Besom on... Oh joys! I now have a nickname suitable to my age and abilities! Thank you, Sue, and I shall keep it by the 'puter and think of you!

Comments

  1. Happy Birthday Jo. Hope you have a great day and your lunch sound delicious. Thanks now I know what Besom means as well.

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  2. You are entirely welcome! I thought of you when I got that card from the Lovely Alison @foxgloves (knowing now that you like to claim the WHOLE DAY for you!)

    enjoy yourself!

    S x

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  3. Happy Birthday Jo! Hope you have a lovley day, which I'm sure you will - presents,eating, drinking, new books and footie who could ask for more!

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  4. Happy Birthday, ya wee besom! That coaster is too cute! Hope you're having a great day!

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  5. Happy birthday Jo! May the sun shine on you all year long.

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  6. Have a happy birthday xx
    Tracy x

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  7. well Happy Birthday to You!! You are a busy girl...have fun!

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  8. Happy birthday - sounds like you (and the world) have got it all planned! Enjoy!
    Kimx

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  9. a lovely Happy Birthday to you!! :)

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  10. Happy Birthday...39? I have been "holding" at age 39 for 8 year snow.

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  11. I hope you are having a glorious birthday Jo, many happy returns too.
    Sandra.x

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  12. I hope you had a lovely lunch and a lovely day.
    Happy Birthday!

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  13. Happy Birthday Jo! Hope you had/are having a lovely day. I meant to say the heart could be used as a pincushion or whatever you like! It started off as a pincusion anyway - lol. xxx

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  14. Hi Jo,
    That wellies are really lovely and they are pottery.
    x

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  15. JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE !! I wanted to write earlier in the day but my internet connection was hopeless all day long and still not good this evening... however you were in my thoughts and even though it may not have reached you on time I sent you a card by snailmail... hope your special day was just GREAT !

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  16. Didn't you say you were going to post a photo of yourself? Hmmm?????

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  17. Happy birthday!!!, what a lovely way to spend your special day. You can read French? how lucky, I think that I may have to learn one day, it is such a beautiful language.
    Victoria x

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  18. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, I am just getting in early for next year.

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  19. I am glad that you had such a lovely day in store- sometime can you elaborate on your favorite dish? Is it a barefoot contessa recipe?

    Happy Birthday!

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  20. Sorry I missed your birthday! I hope you had a fantastic day, and that your lunch was a breeze (the duck sounds lovely!).

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  21. I'm so late reading this but a very belated Happy Birthday to you!

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  22. You're so funny :)

    Belated 'Bonne Fete'!

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