Fame

Tonight Claire, Emily, Emily's friend Davina and I went to see Fame. It was released in the UK today and Claire wanted to go tonight because Craig (her boyfriend) was out at a wedding and wouldn't want to see it anyway. I have to admit, we thoroughly enjoyed it. Brought back lots of memories and it was a really good evening. However, one of the songs that was sung during the film has got me stumped. I knew all the words, could have sung along (but refrained myself :) ) and I can't think where I knew it from. Was it from the TV series or was it from something else. Here's the link to watch/listen to it on You Tube - if anyone can tell me where it was from I'd love to know http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTMDk9Xxs0Y. On the way home, Ali sent me a text about Private Practice, which I normally watch on Friday evenings (having taped it on Thursday night) so when I got home I had to watch last night's episode to find out what was going on. Good show, now we have to wait for next week to find out what happens next! Fortunately it's not that much later than I would normally be up but I am now ready for my bed. If someone could put me out of my misery (about the song) by the time I wake up tomorrow, that would be great!! ;o) xx

Birthday wishes

I wanted to post again today to wish my sister-in-law, Debbie, a very Happy Birthday. Jon, Emily and I popped round there this afternoon to take her present and have some birthday cake (delicious!!) with her. Unfortunately, Deb hadn't been feeling 100% but she's taken some tablets and hopefully will feel a bit better soon. She and Dave are going to see the Soweto Gospel Choir in Tunbridge Wells this evening so we hope she has a lovely time. Next up, Emily's 13th birthday on Tuesday as well as Deb and Dave's 2nd wedding anniversary and Jon's brother Adrian's birthday. September is a busy month for us! Hope to post again soon but if I'm not back before the weekend, I hope you have a good one. xx

Dad's Quilt

Dad had requested that we didn't buy presents for his birthday this year but that wasn't something I was so comfortable with - 80 is a very significant birthday after all!! So, using material from my stash, I decided to make him a lap quilt. During winter Dad often likes to have a rug over his knees when he's watching TV and I thought a quilt would be something he could use and also keep for years to come. While making the quilt I wasn't sure that the colours were going to come together and, as a result, wasn't sure what the end result would be like. However, I'm glad to say, it did all come together and I was quite happy with the end result. I hope you get lots of use out of it Dad and that it'll help keep you warm :)

Dad and his 80th birthday quilt

xx

Dad's 80th Birthday Lunch (Photo heavy ;o) )

Today Dad took all the family local to us, out for lunch at the Rose and Crown Pub in East Grinstead to celebrate his 80th birthday which is tomorrow. He had a full house with everyone within driving distance coming together for the occassion. We missed the family not able to be with us (Norma, Chez, Ciaran and Caelen; Robin; Renee, Colin, Marc, Shannon and James) but hope you know that you were in our thoughts. The meal was delicious and the service faultless. We had a few brief speeches from Jon, who was acting as MC, and a reply from Dad. Below are a some of the photos taken today

Had to have a helium balloon for Dad (and we made him walk back to the car carrying it ;o) ) People arriving at the pub

Dave, Emily and Debbie

Iain, Dad and Louise

Louise offered to take a few family photos before everyone sat down for lunch.

My sister Kay; my brother Iain; Dad; Mum and me (we just needed Norma and Robin to make the gang complete!)

There then followed a large group photo. As is often the case in big group photos not everyone is always looking at the camera, has eyes open, etc., so I'm putting the three we did take on the blog.

Claire and her boyfriend, Craig. Jon standing next to them during one of his speeches

Emily

Sarah (Hugh's girlfriend) and Hugh

We took a token cake to the pub and Dad asked Tyler to help him blow out the candle - Dad being the eldest person there and Tyler, the youngest great grandchild (at the moment - new brother/sister due early November '09). Tyler was a very willing helper

But not as willing to have his photo taken with Grandpa afterwards

The birthday boy

From the pub we went on to Mum and Dad's house for another birthday cake and tea/coffee.

Once again, Dad had a willing helper

We hope you enjoyed the afternoon as much as we did Dad and we'll see you again tomorrow.

Love you lots

xxxxx