so, today I'm not quite as old as the guy in this drawing

My birthday has so far been mainly about cake and a visit to A and E - I went riding this morning for the first time in many years (I had to stop when I was in my early 20s because I developed such a strong allergy) somewhat unsurprisingly my allergy is still there and was so bad that I wound up in A & E (or the ER to my transatlantic pals) - and now I look as though I have been punched in both eyes - nice look for the pub to which I am off to right now.

Well, this image might change but that depends on how late I stay out this evening. I very occasionally still make portraits, normally as gifts. This is a work that I started yesterday of my very good school pal and his baby who was born in January. It was Diarmid's birthday at the end of June and this is his belated gift.

Ok - gotta go - kids are going crazy and Chris has the look of a man who needs to 'relax'