At the beginning of August, I celebrated my 40th birthday. Obviously, Corononvirus and all the problems it creates did overshadow the day but I did get to celebrate too! Here are a few snapshots of what we got up to:
A Birthday Swim
We started the day in our favourite way- with a swim at the beach. The water was the coldest we’ve found this “summer” so it was very exhilarating and refreshing- the best way to start a birthday!
Home For Breakfast and Presents
Back home we warmed up with tea and crumpets!
The kids gave me their very thoughtful presents.
An Outdoor Birthday Party (on a Rainy Day)
For some reason, even though my birthday is in August it ALWAYS seems to rain on my birthday. This is particularly unfortunate during a global pandemic when people can only meet up, socially distanced and outdoors!
Despite the cold, wet and windy weather it was lovely to see my family in Mum’s garden.
I enjoyed a carb fest of party food!
I took this photo accidentally while trying to balance a drink and open presents! Ha! But I like it as it shows my dress pattern!
Then I had a beautiful birthday cake!
As I was driving, I tried Freixenet Alcohol Free Sparkling Wine (thanks Ceri!) and it was lovely. I also tried Seedlip Garden but I wasn’t so keen on that. I wanted to try the Seedlip Spice but Garden was substituted instead. I find that nowadays tonic water tastes nicer to me on its own rather than with alcohol or alcohol substitutes. I’m loving Fevertree Aromatic Tonic Water at the moment. I’m hoping they’ll sell it at my local store soon!
I made sure I had some family photos. I had flashbacks to my 21st birthday party, where I also made sure I had photos taken with all my family. I’m so glad I did as the photo I had taken with my parents that night was the last photo I ever had taken with my dad as he died only a few months later. We always have to treasure family while we’re fortunate enough to have them.
I never thought I#d have to spend my birthday socially distanced to Dave! Such strange times!
Ceri and Lexy travelled down from Newport.
With my eldest daughter. She is so thoughtful and so concerned that I’d have a special enough birthday at this time etc. I really appreciate all she does for me at the moment.
With poor cold Jo (it was freezing) and Cerys.
The girls love Six the Musical- so they put on a show for us. They had lots of fun dancing and laughing. Jo, Ceri and I have been challenged to audition for a part in their Six performance- eek! Wish us luck! As it doesn’t look like we’ll be going to any theatres soon I hope they will stream Six for a fee soon!
With Uncle Gary and Aunty Janet, having a socially distanced hug!
Ceri took this candid photo of me with Izzy. I don’t very often have natural photos of myself so it’s nice to see for a change.
With the tribe!
Due to all the restrictions, we couldn’t invite friends and family to the celebrations as usual so my wonderful family put together a special video of messages for me- it was so lovely. I was trying so hard not to cry during all the emotional messages, as I knew I wouldn’t stop once I’d started and of course people may have felt bad as they wouldn’t have been able to comfort me etc. I was doing so well and then when a Cameo from Cheryl Hole came on that nearly set me off. Thankfully, the absurdity of me being more emotional over a message from a drag queen rather than my close friends and family made me laugh instead! Thank you so everyone who sent a message or helped make the video- i love it!
It was getting dark and about to rain so we headed home. Again, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be leaving my 40th birthday party at 9pm-ha! But during these strange times, I really like being home and settled early. These times are so uncertain and worrying, I like to make our evenings cosy and comforting. I wonder how many of these habits will continue in the future?
Driving Home
I put the Tuesday Night Rock Show on the car radio for the journey home but the signal dropped. As we came into the house I quickly played the show again on my phone and was excited to see one of my favourite songs was on, “Miles Away Girl” by The Wildhearts. I screenshot as I was going to message Dave saying that was good timing. Ceri messaged me and asked if I was listening, I told her I’d just got home in time for this song and she told me it was put on for me for my birthday- yay! Very exciting! As the song ended, I heard this confirmed- thanks Al! I did mean to listen to the podcast so I can hear from the beginning, but in true Claire style, I forgot until this very moment! Anyway that was a nice treat! I unpacked our bags, ate some leftover (vegan) sausage rolls- yum, poured some tonic water and listened to the rest of the rock show.
Excuse the “end of the day smudged makeup” shot but I love my “Much Betta!” Baga Chipz pin badge! I had lots of special, thoughtful presents, including a bracelet with my Dad’s handwriting engraved on it- a gift to be treasured!
Thank you Mum for making my special day possible and for all you’ve done for me from the beginning and my whole life, thanks to my sisters Jo and Ceri for all they did to make it a fabulous day. Thank you to all my friends and family who celebrated with me- love you all lots and lots!
Have you had a birthday in Lockdown? I hope you managed to celebrate too!
What a way to celebrate ! A birthday to be proud of – many congratulations