White Birthday

This is the first time in 45 years that I can remember snow on my birthday. It is actually falling as I type. 

I've had some lovely presents. I would like to be able to say that my family chose them all by themselves. But they didn't. I sent C an email with a link to this.

I mentioned to my sons that I'd seen some gorgeous Christmas baubles in the sale at Past Times. I suggested that a single Christmas tree ornament would make a great present each year for someone with a December birthday. It could be a new tradition I said.

This was from elder son. Younger son has forgotten. Something to do with him thinking there were 31 days in November. I told my daughter that I liked Body Shop soaps. She gave me a bar of coconut soap and a handmade card embellished with purple feathers and sequins.

C is not good at cards. He panics (so he says) when confronted with row upon row of greetings cards and falls back on bland designs of flowers with appliquéed card petals. At least it wasn't from Moonpig. No matter how many times I bang on about my favourite artists and show him examples of their work he never remembers. Fortunately I have a godfather who regularly sends me cards I love and which I keep and use as bookmarks. Ravilious, Bawden and this year Mark Hearld. 

I bought myself my very own countdown to Christmas calendar. Only I am allowed to open the windows. It's mine. My personal birthday tradition.

C had the day off. We went into Worcester to do a bit of shopping.

It all looked very festive.

This Victorian postbox is just in front of the cathedral. I save letters especially to post in it.

We drove out to a country pub for lunch where we sat in front of a huge crackling fire while it snowed outside. I ate their speciality- treacle hollygog. Nigella has a recipe for this in Nigella Express, she calls it Roly Poly pudding. It is pastry spread with golden syrup then rolled up. Milk is poured over and it is baked until the milk and syrup caramelise. Nigel Slater talks about the right food at the right time, well this was it.

Later at home I made myself a birthday cake, after all no one else was going to. I made a mango and passionfruit pavlova. A pavlova is perfect for any celebration.

 I have had two puddings today. I can do that because it is my birthday. OK?

:o)