Across the river

Another birthday. I wonder when we classify ourselves as old. I’m now 78. Maybe 80? Low key today because we are going out with the daughters at the weekend.

I spent the morning sorting out cards and presents for various friends’ birthdays then walked the 2 miles to Katy’s for book group because was a beautiful sunny day for a change. None of us cared for the book, “The Western Wind” by S Harvey who could win this year’s Booker for her new book. It was dark and depressing and repetitive. Chrissie thought if she wanted to write about a lot about religious practices in 15th century she should have done more research to avoid so many anachronisms. I got a lift back with Ros as it gets dark so early.

Ailie called in with a present, the new Olive Kitterage book, so we opened a bottle of champagne.

Thomas and James whatsapped and sang happy birthday. Thomas told me he and his dad had seen the Northern Lights from the beach last night while walking Sandy. James showed me his rugby ball, bought at the rugby festival. He said it was unique as it had the sweat of one of the Falcons on it! - apparently he was dripping when he signed it. Ella and Nathaniel will call near their bedtime as he is out and she has a friend in.

The blip is of the river from the footbridge I crossed on my way to Katy’s.