Long Weekend #4

Thoughts out of the washing up

Birthdays can be a bit of a social minefield. Is someone pleased or dismayed to have have gained another year? Will they appreciate a celebration, or be embarrassed by it? To buy a gift or just a card? My general approach is to judge how I celebrate someone's birthday by the amount of effort that they put in themselves. If I don't hear from them that they are about to see another year out, then I guess that they aren't too keen to celebrate. If they are bouncing off the walls in the run up, then I guess they'll appreciate any efforts I make...

My birthday was yesterday, and I'm not normally one to celebrate it all that much. Sitting outside of Courror bothy that morning, with a cup of coffee and my breakfast cereal, Kerrie remembered the significance of the day before I did. Having spent most of the day walking out over Braeriach to Aviemore station, she and I arrived in Edinburgh just shy of 9pm. Peter and Lottie had invited the two of us and Eva over for dinner: A birthday dinner.

I'm glad that not everyone takes my approach with birthdays. Last night was a testament to the fact that my approach is not always the right one. I may have made little effort to celebrate, but these good friends of mine laid on a superb celebratory meal.

Thank you for the beautiful food, and for the honest company.

I'm sorry for the pile of dirty plates that were left as I left.