A birthday celebration for Mary in Eleuthera

This week we had an early birthday celebration for my Mum – Mary – here in Eleuthera. She was 92 on the 20th February – but by that time we were in Las Vegas – so on the previous Sunday we had a lunch party at our house for her.

The meal Mary decided on is a real favorite – roast chicken , stuffing, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, cauliflower gratin, braised red cabbage, peas, carrots and broccoli – oh and gravy . Not exactly a light lunch right ? Followed by mince pies and ice cream. Yes I know mince pies are traditionally eaten at Christmas – but you can never have too much of a good thing – especially in February !

There were 6 of us for lunch and it was a lovely time. See the picture of Mum being chauffeured from our house back home in the beautifully restored Morris Minor owned by our great friends Clemens and Nancy – traveling in style or what …..

Mary had ben suffering from a cold but was totally determined that she would be fit and healthy for the lunch – and of course she was…..

I had ordered some pink roses as a birthday treat and they were spectacular. Fresh flowers here can be a dodgy business – no matter how reliable the person you order them from. Sometimes they are chilled so heavily in the boat coming over here that they go into shock when back in normal temperatures and don’t last very long at all. But these were amazing – and it is true that looking at something like that in front of you brings much daily joy. And you all know how I value a bit of daily joy !

So now we are off on our trip to Las Vegas where it has been snowing apparently. I haven’t packed much warm clothing but maybe if I just wear everything I have taken all at the same time I will be fine !!

First stop is a few hours layover in Fort Lauderdale – long leisurely lunch followed by a little stroll before heading off to the airport and Vegas !!!! Putting it all on red in the casino …….