Happy Birthday Mum!

Today is mum's 90th birthday! She has survived the Blitz, having lived in Clapham during the WW2 where she worked as a clippie on the London buses, often leading them with a lamp during pea-soupers. She also had one of the "missing believed killed in action" letters, and believed herself to be a widow for some two years before eventually being notified that dad was a P.O.W. in Italy.

She has also survived two husbands, five heart attacks and diabetes, and although she has Alzheimers seems to be in a much more gentle decline than MIL, being able still to live in her own home albeit with support. Long may it continue.

What else can I tell you about her? She was from a large family ( 3 boys, 10 girls ) and on Sunday her seven surviving sisters and two brothers are all getting together for Sunday Lunch. Can you imagine seven sisters, all octogenarians, the tales they tell are amazing and I am so looking forward to being with them all.

She loves her garden. And she has absolutely no sense of humour whatsoever!!!!!

Here are a few photos over the years.

Mum and Dad September 29th 1938

With Grandad in the background, bridesmaid and best man. Auntie Betsy will be there Sunday.

Mum and I circa 1960 at Swallow Falls


Mum at our wedding in 1981

Mum and dad's Golden Wedding in 1988 with my brother and SIL, DD and DS1


Mum's second wedding in 1991. They were very happy together for five years.

Mum's 80th birthday

Mum wearing a Colinette Tagliatelle cardigan. We chose the pattern and yarn together on her 88th birthday at the Colinette Mill Shop.

And finally one of my favourite photos, mum with DD in her garden last September.

Mum loves her garden. My brother and I are taking her out quietly for lunch today, I do hope it stops raining soon. I just have flowers and balloon to collect before I leave.

Happy Birthday mum!