75 and not out!

 

Just out of bed to start my birthday – my pyjamas say it all, really. (The bottoms are a leopard print!_)

Sunday May 31 was my 75th birthday.  I don’t really believe it.  I am now officially “old”.  According to the Queensland Government anyway, which deems that I must now have a doctor’s certificate to say that I am fit enough to drive a car.

And of course in the eyes of all young people I am indeed an old lady.  But let me tell you, this old lady ain’t going quietly!  After all, I can not only still drive a car with a certain amount of verve and the same pleasure I’ve always found in driving, I can also rock and roll!  And sing.  And play the ukulele. And bushwalk.  And indeed do most of the things I’ve always done. I just do some of them more slowly, is all.  Take the time to smell the flowers.

This makes me one of the lucky ones. Though I don’t feel so lucky right now because 2020, which began with so much promise, has turned out to be a bugger of a year so far.  First there was Covid19 which though it didn’t affect Queenslanders too much still restricted our lives and saddened us with what was happening elsewhere – as well as dominating the news for weeks.

Then I lost my beloved son –  a blow that will always damn 2020 in my memory long after the Cvirus has gone from it.  And I had a tooth abscess.  And shingles. And as I write this we are not yet halfway through the year!

But life, while we still have it, should still be celebrated. And so  I made as much of my birthday (because I’ve always loved birthdays) as possible under the circumstances.  Here it is in pictures:

It all started with a morning tea given by my friend Judit for the Awesome Foursome – herself, myself, Laurie and Elizabeth. Here Judit sets a sumptuous table of cherry strudel and apple cake and other delights.

Bob and I then had a lovely day out – first long country drive for 8 weeks – and finished with a picnic at Lake Maroon. Our car and Bob by our favourite picnic table down on the right.

On Saturday night Bob and I celebrated quietly at home with a dinner cooked by me. Drinks on the patio first and then a simple but yummy meal of my favourite thing.

First pork-stuffed gyoza

Then crispy skinned salmon with vegies and a lime infused dill sauce

Finished off with chocolate mousse

Bob looks contented!

Sunday I had a small party for 10 or so girlfriends under the pergola. Here I am with Renee and Pearl who did so much to help me bring this about, including decorating the pergola and laying the tables etc

Patti and I have both suffered terrible bereavements in the past year but we can still raise a glass and smile

Judith and Brenda share a quiet moment – it was good to get together after the long self-isolation

Dianne, Me, Patti and Renee

Me thanking everyone for their support over the past month and welcoming them to our little party

Bernice even wrote me a poem – copy below.

A message from Bernice – her poem is on the other side

Fran and Gretel listening…Gretel bought me the most gorgeous present to make me feel glam even at this advanced age – a leopard print pashmina (reversible in shades of gorgeous blue and aqua) and leopard skin earrings to match. I’ll put up a photo of my wearing them sometime.

Me singing and playing Anthem for Older Ladies which got a few laughs!

Linda showing off her pants…or her sexy jacket. Or, more likely, her gorgeous new slimmed-down figure! I also liked the frangipani in her hair.e

Like me, Pauline is now closer to 80 than 70. But we can still smile about it.

Time to cut the gorgeous cake made so lovingly by Renee. It was very rich (chock and other things) and truly delicious.

This morning, all I had left was my memories of a happy few days …and a couple of balloons!

Bernice’s poem – “Owed to Julie” (with apologies to certain other lesser poets!).  It’s a marvellous poem and has me nailed – beautifully illustrated too.  A real keepsake.  Lots of subtle references. And please note the final infernal reference – cheeky girl! – but never mind Bernice, I’ll see you down there!

 

She of shapely leg and golden hair,

Who likes to play some little air,

Upon her Ukulele

Tra la le and tra la lo – and then a pling

That’s Julie!

 

Shall I compare her to a summer’s day?

Rough chilly winds did shake the darling buds of May,

When she was born.

And for those, who become objects of her scorn,

Watch out! There’s Julie!

 

Nuns at school tried to save her soul

At least I heard that was their goal

They had as much chance as a wax cat in hell

She fought for her freedom, like William Tell

That’s Julie

 

She must have been a “bomb” back then,

Alas, alak, all those poor men,

But one she captured – quite a prize

I think that he was anaesthetised

By Julie.

 

Life is full of roads not wandered

But she followed many – pondered.

Migrating with her little family

She went through tough times – behaved quite grandly,

In spite of being Julie.

 

And years from now – when she’s gone

And you hear a Ukulele strumming on,

The sound wafted upwards by summer breezes

And by rough hot winds that dare to tease us.

Stop awhile, have a smile – and say, “There’s Julie”.