Thursday 29 December 2016

What a surprise!

I am so blessed with friends far away. Having moved away in 2006, my work friends are now busy with other things. Many won't do the long drive. Then there is the weather! Then, I've had bronchitis all of December...
I made myself cheese dreams for lunch on my birthday. My Facebook friends ell me their mom's used to make that, too!

I finally managed to get into the city to meet with my daughter and her family. We met at a restaurant, as they'd been cooking up a storm with their respective brothers. My youngest chose not to attend the party, citing their flu bug from last weekend. My other son phoned from Vancouver on the day. His mother-in-law's birthday is Dec. 26th, as well! She holds a fabulous open house on her birthday each year.

We had a silly time at the restaurant. Josee (8) is quite good with the camera, and took several shots, Caitlin, as well!



We went back to their home for dessert. The grandies had explained what was next, there was cake at the house! Birthdays are for the kids!

We sat down, and Caitlin brought her iPad over to me. What a complete surprise! She had arranged with Jean (All Points of the Compass: A Birthday Surprise, in New Zealand, to do a Skype call! Arrangements began in May. Jean and I chatted, and Caitlin handed me some gifts. I was shocked, they were from Jean. AND HANDMADE! Not only that, but Jean had sewn a beautiful set of quilted bags for our iPad, for when we go into the city for healthcare appointments! Poor Jean hasn't been well, and we emailed a lot when her hubby was ill.
We stayed on Skype, as I opened these gorgeous, handmade gifts.
A scarf, in colours Jean checked out with Caitlin. Then, the project bag, was embroidered by Jean's friend, Joyce! What a special treat. My heart is filled.
P.S. I never even thought about the time difference. The poor woman, up in the wee hours!



Then it was time for cake. A crazy cake the hubby could eat, as well. (No yeast, dairy or eggs!)
Such bliss. Most of my friends are from away. This was such a gift.

14 comments:

Christine said...

Glad you had such a wonderful birthday it sounds so perfect!

I linked to you today on my blog
http://cmlk79.blogspot.ca/2016/12/springtails.html

eileeninmd said...

Hello, cute photos of you and the grand kiddies. Enjoy your day and the weekend ahead. I wish you all the best in 2017, Happy New year!

Silver in AZ said...

hi, new to your blog! Looks like a wonderful visit(s)! Happy new year!

William Kendall said...

What a lovely surprise!

Nancy J said...

Jenn, this might have been a special birthday for you, but for us down here, truly wonderful in every way. Yes, all good things are like cheese and take time!!! Everything was finished some time before I started to be a bit unwell, and Caitlin was so good at keeping the secret, arranging for the Skype call, and then having Jean-Luc with his iPad add the best way to do a call. I cannot say enough times that would be the very best morning I have EVER had!!! And then came your cake. Wow. And I do hope that you have cold days for your scarf to have an outing. Heaps of love, XXXXX

Powell River Books said...

I've only used Skype once for an interview. I have friends who swear by it. - Margy

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
So glad that you were recovered enough to get this amount of enjoyment from your day... keep that wooly scarf on - I swear by wrapping up when the chest is 'under'!!! YAM xx

Anvilcloud said...

Looks like a good celebration.

Happy 60th. It's a milestone age.

Lowcarb team member said...

So pleased you had a great birthday.
Loved the photographs.

All the best Jan

Red said...

Great birthday celebration. I hope you kick this stuff quickly. You've had it too long.

The Furry Gnome said...

I read about Jean's gifts on her blog. What a great gift! Happy Birthday!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a beautiful surprise. High tech skype visit combined with hand crafts made with love just for you -- family and friend in real and virtual life. Just an amazing post. Happy belated birthday! Are the cheese dreams toasted cheese with bacon? I am on my IPAD and couldn't quite tell from the picture.

DUTA said...

Lovely gifts! Beautiful pictures of a very nice family(my favorite - where your grandaughters present you with the birthday cake and your mouth is wide open)!

Debbie said...

cheese dreams - i had no idea, but i enlarged the picture and i see cheese and bacon, YuM!!! happy belated birthday, those girls look like a lot of fun!!!