Celebrations afoot.....

Firstly many thanks to all you lovely people who left comments on my last post about the celebrations for my Graduation. I am so grateful for your lovely messages which meant the world to me.

My baby girl turned 40 last  Sunday - I just cant believe where all those years have gone.

 A surprise party organised by her partner on Saturday meant I needed to get her out of the house for most of the day. We visited a new (to us) antiques centre near Chelmsford and before  having coffee, managed to buy myself a lovely set of bone handled knives and forks which I'd wanted for ages and a bargain I thought at £12.

We then did a bit more girlie shopping in Chelmsford and then later on to Leigh on Sea for Afternoon tea in the 1930s style Parlour Tearoom at one of my favourite shops called Mad Dogs and Englishmen.

Our birthday girl - Emma

It was stunning and very quintessentially English -  where we enjoyed dainty finger sandwiches, scones, home made cake and lots of frivolous fancies - a wonderful afternoon.

The surprise party went down well and we all had a fantastic time - so much so that I hardly took any pictures.

We were very lucky with the weather - fortunate really as some of the 

70 guests were able to spill out into the garden later

The following day was actually her birthday and what better way to celebrate than with a spot of bubbly while opening her presents

which went down very well indeed for those of us watching!

All in all a fabulous weekend celebrated with all of our family and friends.

The Celebrations are not completely over though - John and I celebrate our 43rd Wedding Anniversary today and spending the weekend with some very good friends down in Sussex. More about that another time.

Bye for now - have a wonderful weekend.