A Book of Memories

Well, I've just had a wonderful weekend celebrating my birthday and entering a new decade - just as well we're all meant to be ten years younger than our real age these days! But it's certainly true that age is just a number and we're as old as we feel. My daughter paid me a great compliment by telling me I have a youthful attitude and a few people mentioned my enthusiasm and positivity, so long may these attributes remain.

Saturday began enjoying a lovely morning with my gorgeous wee granddaughter, son and daughter-in-law in Glasgow. One of their most original gifts was a beautiful book of original watercolour paintings of heroines from fiction by Samantha Hahn - on the facing page across from each painting is a quote from the book in which they appear. Something to treasure always.

The evening saw a gathering of my family for a wonderful meal in our local restaurant. Many of us don't see each other for far too long and it was truly lovely to celebrate with my sister, two brothers, three sisters-in-law and two nephews, along with my husband and daughter. The photo of us all at such a happy occasion will be a great memento - we've already lost two brothers and a brother-in-law over the years and it's important to see each other while we still have that privilege.

Yesterday, my actual birthday, was a quieter day when my dear husband took me out to lunch at one of my favourite venues - over the other side of the river to Loch Lomond. It doesn't matter what the weather is like over there (it was raining) as it's such stunning scenery. Then I enjoyed chilling out and catching up on my favourite programmes while indulging in far too many chocolates.

But it doesn't end there... I have lots more treats in store: lunch out with my good friend on Wednesday, posh Afternoon Tea at a luxury hotel with three friends on Friday and about four other lunches with various people, plus a concert with another friend yet to be arranged! I am truly blessed with lovely family and friends.

In amongst all the wonderful, generous gifts I received was this brilliant, quirky Scotty dog which doubles as a door stop from my great friend, Catriona - just had to give him a star role here!

As well as contributing to the fabulous gift of a mini iPad from my husband, the most touching and memorable gift of all has been the Memory Book my lovely, talented daughter put together for me - all in secret. As well as writing beautiful messages to me herself, she collected photos of me and family and friends over the years as well as written messages from many of them which she pasted into the book. I read it while on my own through tears of joy all the way through, especially when I reached the one from my husband and then my son. As anyone who knows Victoria will expect, she has adorned it with little touches of creativity throughout. Could anyone receive anything more precious than such a Book of Memories?

I'll end before I get too sentimental by thanking many of my lovely blogging friends for your good wishes here and on Facebook. The Internet has certainly made the world a smaller place and enabled virtual friendships that enhance our lives.

Rosemary