We are having a very quiet day and #2 granddaughter will pick us up at 5.15pm to go to Steel Tree in Baldivis for dinner with our little family. Phil has his VIP voucher so his meal will be free which is a terrific birthday gift from Steel Tree. With Aimee giving us a ride it also means that Phil can have a couple of glasses of wine should he choose to do so.
Our family is of course much smaller than it once was. With son cancelling all communication with us nearly 16 years ago we don't see him, his wife or his two children (who are now adults). #3 granddaughter lives in New Jersey with her partner and #1 grandson works on Friday nights and weekends.
Nevertheless, the remaining 9 of us will make Phil feel special this evening. I told him just now that I am so glad he turned 87 today as it means we are still together and he seconded that. I am now looking forward to being 85 in a month's time so we can have another family celebration. With these 2 birthdays and Christmas, December and January become real family times that continue on with #1 granddaughter having a birthday on 31st January, her oldest daughter in February and her youngest in April. My only regret is that it all happens during hot weather but then I guess we can't have everything we want.
