Under The Paws: My friend's birthday

Birthday cake made by Colette

Well we left Telford in 1999 and my biggest lost was my friend, our kids were firm buddies from the day they were born and in fact before where my eldest and Carol's son were introduced as NCT bumps.

Happy Birthday moments

This weekend was Carol's big birthday, and as ever with my out going exuberant friend she meant to party with ALL her friends. Even her close neighbours love her so much that they open up their house for her to have her party, an old chapel.

Fireworks across the Gorge

Unfortunately my eldest coming into teaching this year has so much on his plate that he could not come even though he really would have sooooo loved to. Therefore my daughter, who loves a party, and my youngest, who loves a party came to represent our family and to have a good time.

Colette all dressed for the 70s

Ben a true hippy, even a beard grown for the occasion!

We turned up for our accommodation not realising they had closed the whole of the village to traffic for a Christmas celebration topping with fireworks. Hence some firm negotiations and we finally were let in behind a marshall walking ahead!!!!!! After sorting ourselves we made it down for the fireworks which were gorgeous, the explosions rippling around the river valley making your chest thunder. Then the long long long walk up the hill to party time.

People are so good loving to dress up, not my thing so I had come as 2013, however sooooo many people made the effort to dress up for an era. That's Carol's friends!!!!! I must be the odd one out!!! No presents were requested apart from donations to charity and all the costs of the drinks went to charity also, a party with the feel good feeling!!!

Youngest having a Roma cuddle

Jo keeping Carol fed

As expected Carol was on mega form, bringing together everyone somehow, socialising like a trooper and enjoying herself!!! She was the dancing Queen! It was lovely to see everyone, people coming up greeting like good old friends. Her family had definitely put their heart an soul into it, probably been whipped along by the Carol whirlwind, Keith with the music and images, Colette with a stunning cake and Ben keeping Carol sane.

Well, here is to you Carol, a superb party, no one could have managed it better, we had a lovely smashing time, Happy Happy Birthday. Hope at least some of the photos are acceptable. Love you xxxxx