HOW THE YEARS CHANGE PEOPLE

As they were 25 years ago.

As you can see, they have all had hard lives.

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.

10 YEARS AGO TODAY

10 years ago today (the day before my 40th birthday) I left the Royal Navy after 23 years and 7 months service.

I answered the call of my country.

One of my first ships.

HMS Undefendable.

They taught me to smoke.

They promised I would see the world.

They said I would have a good time.

They turned me in to a man.

And gave me a big enough pension to retire in France and have the easy life.

50th BIRTHDAY - 2 DAYS TO GO

Bella is really looking forward to her Dad's big birthday bash.

You can't wipe the smile off her face.

Arthur orders his card on moonpig.com.

A NICE TOUCH.

I popped in to the village bar this lunchtime to be told by the finest patron in the area that they have applied to the mayor for a bar extension for Saturday 2nd April and it has been granted till 2am.

I never even asked for it. What good people!

Seems there might be 30 going, which is a fine turn out from the UK

50th BIRTDAY - 4 DAYS TO GO

Well, nearly!

6 DAYS TO GO.

That's my birthday cake sorted!