Basking in a happy glow

It was my birthday last weekend, and I’m still basking in a happy glow. This is why;

An African violet from a friend and books from hubby, I love birthdays!  

The perfume from this bouquet is incredible and the message that accompanied it made me cry: Dear Mum, wishing you a day as sunny as your smile,  as warm as your heart... and as wonderful as you are. 

   

The above photograph was taken at Disneyland Paris the last time we were together, which will be two years in December.  The two little princesses are my granddaughters Zoe and Lilly with a Disney Princess (Aurora) in the centre. Sending hugs and thanks to my son, his lovely wife and children.    

Mum, nanny, sister, wife, aunt and friend.

I love all my cards, but this one from a friend made me smile. Thanks Pat, the next Group Therapy is on me!  (Birthday Card Berni Parker Designs)

My sister and her husband gave me a weekend bag full of products from Champneys Health Spa. How spoilt am I?  This recipe for a superfood summer salad was also in the bag. I’ve not tried it, but I thought I would share the recipe in case any of you would like to give it a go. I’m going to try it as soon as I find Pink Himalayan sea salt (I didn’t know there was such a thing!)      

Image: The Giant Shepton Flea Market Website

My birthday was on Saturday but as Terry was working we delayed the celebrations until Sunday when we were up bright and early and on our way to the Giant Shepton flea market at the Bath & West showground.

Victory Cut-Out Book/Teddy Bear Frolics and The Hedgehog's Waistcoat

I didn’t buy a lot, but I’m delighted with the things I found especially these vintage books. My favourite is The Victory Cut-Out Book published by Dean & Son c1945. 

It’s remarkable to think this has remained untouched and complete for more than seventy years. 

Leaving the flea market we carried on to Gurney Slade, where we enjoyed a fabulous Sunday roast at The Mendip Inn and from there it was on to Pensford.

We’ve often passed Pensford on our way to Bristol and always thought it looked interesting. As luck would have it, there was a Regatta taking place so we couldn’t have chosen a better time to visit. 

It was fun to watch the duck racing and the children paddling in the river all in the shadow of a now-defunct viaduct. Opened in 1873 the viaduct carried the Bristol & North Somerset Railway over the valley of the River Chew. It closed on the 15th July 1968 after flooding weakened the structure. It appears that flooding is or certainly was an issue for Pensford as the Church of St Thomas a Becket was also badly damaged in the flood of ‘68. The nave is now a private residence (which we only realised when we tried to open what we thought was the church door!) but the Tower which has stood in the centre of the village for seven hundred years is still in use. Just before heading home we took a walk through Culvery Wood, situated on the western edge of the village overlooking the valley. The sun shone all day, and we felt very blessed.

Birthday card ArtPress/Sam Toft 2014 (Thanks Rae)

Thank you to everyone who took the time to send cards, to ring, email, Facebook, Tweet, and wish me a Happy Birthday in numerous other ways.  I appreciate it more than you can know.