A SMASHING 50th.

So it arrived.

Tuesday 29th March 2011, Al's 50th birthday.

Chrissy (Ex Navy Chef), Eammon (Submariner), & Alison (Navy reservist) turned up from the St Malo ferry at 9-30am.

We had bucks fizz before lunch and then up to the Auberge in the village for a fine 3 course lunch and even more wine.

Guess who forgot to take the camera to the restaurant???

We then retired to the bar for a couple of hours, and enjoyed a glass or two in the garden

As usual Marie failed in the early part of the evening.

And to cap the evening we opened a bottle of port of 1977 vintage (The year I joined the Navy)

I have had the bottle for 11 years after buying it in Lisbon.

So a fine time was had by all.

Gary Crabtree (Chief Stoker) and Kaz arrive tomorrow along with my brother and Nikki in the afternoon.

Then another 8 turn up on Saturday morning before we head to the village in the evening for a bit of a party in the bar.

And once all have gone next Monday, I will return to a life of Pipe and Slippers!

A big thank you to you all for my birthday cards.

Mum & Bob, Barbara & Percy, Bob & Lesley, Eric & Anne, Liz, John & Chrissie, Mikhail & Natasha to name a few.

And thanks for my e-birthday cards Jenn and Graeme, Chip Phillips, and a few others.

I had a memorable day.

Thank You.