The birthday celebration. 18/09/2016

The birthday cake made by my sister's daughter-in-law was beautiful. It was,for my benefit, a predominantly walnut cake. Walnuts,cheese and apples are my favourite ingredients,enhanced by seasonal fruit like blackberries,blueberries or cherries. In Notting Hill, just by the underground, PAUL had opened a branch four or so months ago. Their blueberry cake,brought in fresh daily, is divine. I also love their sandwiches made with cheese and salami. And the croissants,my downfall,are better than those in my local Marks & Sparks! My brother loved the three pairs of shoes I gave him as birthday presents,warm leather ones for the winter,suede for the autumn and Sketches sneakers for now. I was so sure all would fit him like a glove,that I had even impregnated them with a special protective spray,myself,just to be sure it will be done. The whole family were given gifts,too,of course. I took the advantage of my sister picking me up by car on her way to my brother's so took lots of things,all practical - clothes and items for the house.And a massive plant. My brother was very touched and quite tearful. He doesn't yet know that the nicest surprise is to come - I have had photos made from the birthday party and they all are now in an album he is going to get tomorrow, together with numerous photographs of the whole family. This has been the first and only big birthday celebration my brother has ever wanted and I doubt very much he will ever want to celebrate his birthday on such a large scale again. So we all have made the most of it. The weather was glorious as has been throughout my whole stay.