Friday 3 February 2012

Lenny Lee's Surprise ...

Neapolitan Wafers

What should arrive a few days before my birthday but a box from one little maestro in the States ... what a surprise – a New Year’s present to my mother and I ... but what excellent timing – Lenny I think you must be psychic!


Calendar, Shakespeare
quote, Rocky Raccoon
photo and the New
Years card
I’ve had to wait a while for my Mama to feel like sharing the box of goodies ... but one day last week, when Janice was there ... Mum’s ‘adopted’ (massage therapist) daughter! ...  we opened the box together.

My Mama was delighted and looked in wonderment as I explained how I met you Lenny, and where you lived ... she is really bemused – and I feel certain both she and my uncle would love to have been a bit younger and share this blogging life with us.

Muddy Hippo -
looking somewhat
splay legged!
I carefully took out each separate item ... the first was “Muddy Hippo” – he’s great and so clever of you to find him .... after my post that was included in our Lenny blogfest last June, when I used the Flanders and Swann song ...

'Mud, Mud, glorious mud
Nothing quite like it for cooling the blood!
So follow me, follow me
Down to the hollow
And there let us wallow
In glorious mud'

Hardwick amongst Mum's flowers
paw clutching his lavender bag!
Hardwick was a bit jealous of Muddy Hippo ... but is well now as Hippo is down with me and my warthogs, elephants et al!  Hardwick did grab one of the lavender bags and is clutching it between his paws ... he’s happy as his mistress has the other on her pillow.  Both lavender bags were beautifully tied with a violet ribbon ...

Then there were some things only for lucky me! – caramel chocolates, Lindor Truffles, some hazelnut cream wafers ... my favourites from childhood days, so those will be treats .... and then three barber striped  umbrella shaped candy sticks ...

Flamingoes in the French wetland:
Camargue, France
Next came wildlife cards ... a curious bear cub looking out of a silver birch tree, a cougar lion kitten in winter, pairs of cardinals and chickadees sitting in a snow covered Christmas Tree, a little Emperor penguin ...

.... a photo of Rocky Racoon sitting on Lenny’s kitchen table munching on cashews!!  A Rocky Racoon ‘Happy New Year card’ sent to my Mama and me from Lenny, with big sunshine hugs, and signed in green.

Wetlands of Aiguamolis de l'Emporda
- forms part of the Bay of Roses, Spain 
A moonlit sparkly postcard view of Atlanta, then a Glam Rocks emerald and diamond encrusted retractable pen – good for my handbag! – a small bookmark calendar ...

... another bookmark, and two quotes ...

William Shakespeare:  “One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin” ...

John Ruskin: “Nature is Painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty ...”

Bay of Roses, Catalan, Spain;
the bay is also home to the
famous El Bulli restaurant
Then last but not least ... a 2012 Nature Conservancy calendar – which Lenny must have known I desperately needed ... the wonderful photos in it – are from around the world – America (obviously!), Hawaii – a beautiful shot, a Canadian saw-whet owl, a jewelled gecko from New Zealand, an immature red-tailed hawk with a beautiful green nose and black beak from Michigan ...

That’s it I think ... but what a wonderful present of goodies – and so well timed for my birthday ... Lenny you are so thoughtful and I know my mother would be enthralled if she was a little more able to take details in – her marbles are still there, but new things are challenging ...

Macquarie Marshes -
important area for
White-Necked Herons 
... when Janice and I were opening and looking at all the goodies, chatting away happily – Mum asked what are you talking about now?! or perhaps it was wittering on about now? ... or somewhere in between!

Lenny’s favourite subjects after his blog and school! are all critters big and small ... so as Groundhog Day was also World Wetlands Day – I will celebrate Wetlands with some photos ...

Wetlands are at the interface between truly terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic systems, making them different from each other, yet highly dependent on both: they are essential to all forms of life.

A beady eye belonging to an
Alligator Mississippiensis 
A little bird told me that Sharon and Lenny are collaborating on a book – which I don’t think is too far away from being revealed ... and it’s about alligators ... so here is an eye – it looks quite cruel to me!!  I wonder what their story is about ... are you going to give us any hints – Lenny?

Lenny I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that amazing box of goodies ... gosh that was so generous and thoughtful of you – and then what timing!  I’m still celebrating and eating ... lucky me!

It is a wonderful world – full of gorgeous souls ... who we are so lucky to share and meet around the blogosphere and those in and around our families and friends.

Happy New Year again everybody ... especially you: Lenny and Sharon – very good luck with the book and its publication – and have a fantastic time with your families sharing your joy and your undoubted success ...

A bright Namibian cushion - with
a Lenny Lee sunshine sun on it ..
his presents were stacked against
it - but didn't show very well!
Lenny Lenny Lenny Lee
Who’s as busy as a bee
He who treasures critters
As he respects his betters
While living life as it should be


Congratulations to one and all ...  Cheers!

Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

74 comments:

Theresa Milstein said...

How wonderful and thoughtful of Lenny Lee. It sounds like the perfect box of goodies. And you've given such a wonderful thank you in return!

Melissa Ann Goodwin said...

Oh my gosh - you quoted from Flanders & Swann! They were very BIG in our house! My father loved them. We sang Mud, mud glorious mud all the time. A bold hippopotamus was standing one day, by the banks of the cool Shalimar ...I knew I liked you Hilary!

nutschell said...

what a wonderful surprise! how thoughtful of Lenny Lee. I love that you wrote him a poem too :)

Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Theresa - wasn't it - Lenny is just amazing and it was a perfect selection. He absolutely deserves those thanks ..

@ Melissa - I did .. I wrote a whole post on the Hippopotamus by Flanders and Swann .. for Lenny back last June .. I love Flanders and Swann's commentary on life at the end of the War and on into the early 60s .. and use them quite often in my life .. my mother and I used to say them together over the time of her illness.

It's wonderful we can all connect like this .. and love your take on life and look forward to your travels.

@ Nutschell .. it was such a great surprise wasn't it - thanks for picking up on my little ditty ..

Cheers Theresa, Melissa and Nutschell .. have good weekends .. Hilary

April Plummer said...

That is probably the coolest story I've heard today! Thank you so much for sharing all that with us. Lenny seems like a really special man.

John Ruskin: “Nature is Painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty ...”

I LOVE that quote.

Patsy said...

What a lovely box of goodies from a thoughtful friend!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ April .. Lenny is one special very young blogger .. aged 11 - amazing lad - so positive with life - he bubbles and zests around!

When I typed out that quote - it brought home so much to me ... and it is so true: Nature does paint for us every day ..

Delighted to see you -

@ Patsy - I was just so taken aback and loved Lenny's thought .. he's a great kid!!

Cheers April and Patsy .. enjoy the weekend .. Patsy - home you stay warm .. ?! It's fair cold down here .. Hilary

Diane said...

What a lovely surprise and thought. This turned out to be a fun post opening all the gifts. Love the little poem as well. Keep warm. Diane

Janet Johnson said...

Lenny is one special boy. And what a package! I'm going to be mean . . . I've read Lenny's and Sharon's book and it is very fun! You will love it. :)

Karen Lange said...

What a wonderful surprise! Lenny is indeed very special. As are you, Hilary! Thanks for sharing your treasure with us!

Happy weekend!

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

That sounds like a treasure box filled with surprises and love. Lenny sure is super thoughtful. Must make you smile every time you look those goodies.

Old Kitty said...

Awwww yay for Lenny Lee!!! What a truly fabulous package! Happy birthday Hilary!! Big hello to mum and Janice too!!

And yes I did read about Lenny and Sharon's book collaboration but I didn't know it will be about alligators! How brilliant is that!?!?

Take care
x

Sara said...

What a lovely post about a lovely gift. I loved your poem about Lenny Lee:~) I hope you enjoyed all the treats.

I'm sure there will be more about book collaboration by Lenny Lee and Sharon. If they need an alligator or two, we have lots of them where I live:~)

Have a great weekend, Hillary and Happy Birthday!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A wonderful guesture from Lenny Lee. As always a great post to read. Hilary.

Have a good week-end.

Yvonne.

Betsy Brock said...

Oh my...those aligator eyes are something else!

I love those wafer cookies! They are rather addicting!

Golden Eagle said...

What a great story. :)

Jannie Funster said...

nature IS painting constantly, what a true perspective.

hardwick does indeed fit right in with the flowers.

Ahhhh, Spain. Never been, but sure do like the music.

Thanks for the garden of this post. I am actually catching whiffs of woods, bloom and sea now via this laptop. Thank you, Dear lady.

xoxoo

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Diane - you're so right such a wonderful surprise - and surprise it was! Mum enjoyed sharing the joy of opening and looking at all the presents! Well I hope we all keep warm and safe this weekend .. you too - have you had snow in your part of France?

@ Janet - Lenny is very special and I'm sure his book will be brilliant - excellent to have your early review!! Sounds good .. and now I want to see their book ... !! Can't wait much longer ...

@ Karen - it has been such a delightful time ... and I am very lucky recipient.

@ Susan - you've described it perfectly - he is super thoughtful .. and as this weekend is a very cold one - I shall enjoy some of the chocolate to cheer me up!

When I think or talk about Lenny - I smile and bring smiles to many others... he's so generous and thoughtful.

@ Old Kitty - you're so right - I think Charlie would be pretty enamoured with Muddy Hippo too!! It was just lovely seeing what popped out of the box next ..

Now Janet's told us she has read his book .. I am very jealous and hope it's published very soon ...

He has a lazy alligator smirking at the bottom of his blog now - not sure if that's the story line? A smug alligator ... it could be a good line ... we'll find out soon.

Cheers Diane, Janet, Karen, Susan and Old Kitty have good weekends .. and I hope we here in France or the UK don't have too much of the white stuff - still very cold here .. enjoy Saturday .. Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sara - thank you .. I hope Lenny enjoys his poem - I'm sure he will .. and I shall enjoy all those treats - and every day I'll be looking at the Nature Calendar.

Yes you do have a few alligators in your part of the world don't you - I suspect they'll be happy to have a few snaps coming out the page - that's near enough!

Thanks - you too have a good weekend .. the birthday was mid January ... but I get a 2nd go now ..

@ Yvonne - lovely words - thank you .. it is a wonderful gesture .. such a surprise.

@ Betsy - I rather liked the alligator eyes - but am glad it's on the page! Oh I know - those wafer cookies I've been longing to open - and guzzle them!

@ Golden Eagle - thank you.

@ Jannie - that Ruskin quote says it all .. and I suspect we might have some of the white paint floated at us later on!

Hardwick is very special and much loved - he's usually on Mum's bed, but occasionally goes on show!

Spain - that would be a good trip to do together and meet at - I haven't seen nearly enough of it .. and I'd love to be able to relax en plein air listening to their music ...

Delighted you experienced nature's delights via Lenny's surprise to me -

Enjoy your weekends ... Sara, Yvonne, Betsy, Golden Eagle and Jannie ... I'm hoping Yvonne and I can stay warm and don't get snowed in! Cheers Hilary

Glynis Peters said...

What a sweetheart he is! A wonderful gift to receive and brighten your day.

Happy Birthday for whatever day it might be, Hilary. X

MunirGhiasuddin said...

It must have been a thrill and around your birthday too. I hope that you get to have fun, in case I don't get a chance to write any time soon. My regards to your Mom.
Lenny is an awesome kid. He is an example of how one can make their life good inspite of problems, God Bless him.

Manzanita said...

It was so much fun going through your box with you. What a wonderful assortment of treasures. Are we missing out on your birthday? Happy Birthday.

I know why alligators are so cranky.... all those wrinkles. When I looked at that picture, I thought, "Poor thing, I know just how you feel" Ha Oh well, what's another wrinkle amongst friends.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Glynis - he sure is - he comes across as such .. a real scamp - I can imagine Lenny running rings round everybody, yet being the most thoughtful soul as well.

The birthday was three weeks ago - but I needed Mum to be awake enough to share ...

@ Munir - it was such good timing - and so unexpected. My birthday passed quietly - but I've had a happy time ..

Munir - as you say Lenny is an awesome kid .. and an example to us all - I definitely second that thought.

@ Manzanita - it was a happy time looking at all the prezzies - or assortment of treasures as you call them - much better description! The birthday was earlier in January .. that dreaded day Friday 13th ..

Love the alligator comment - cranky and wrinkles .. ok I'll come clean - when the paint is off I have rather more sags than I care for!

Great comments - thanks Glynis, Munir and Manzanita ... cheers Hilary

writing and living by Richard P Hughes said...

I'm impressed by his love of nature.

Scarlett Clay said...

Is there anything better than a package of goodies? Especially when it's filled with such thoughtful treats, wow! I could eat myself sick on Lindor truffles, those are SO good! Enjoyed seeing your Christmas in January!

Scarlett

Unknown said...

Lenny Lee, how wonderful you are!
You are like a wish upon a star.
Hilary, you new hippo is neat.
Blogging friends just can't be beat.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Richard - he loves his critters! He loves all life .. he has this quote at the top of his blog:

"Some people care too much, I think it's called love." ...Winnie the Pooh

So I totally agree with you!

@ Scarlett - nope, I agree with you too Scarlett - it was completely wonderful to unpack and I'm still enjoying everything and will do for the rest of the year ..

@ Clarissa - great, great poem - Lenny you inspire us all ... and you're right Clarissa my new hippo is ultra neat - he's still a bit squiffed legged - but I hope is relaxing out from his box.

Thanks Richard, Scarlett and Clarissa - lovely comments .. thank you .. have good weekends - Hilary

Susan Scheid said...

Wow, did you make a fine haul there! Lenny clearly has great taste and a fine sense of humor, too. A Belated happy birthday to you!

Empty Nest Insider said...

Happy Belated Birthday Hilary! It was so nice of your friend Lenny to send you such a wonderful box of goodies! Glad your mom was able to enjoy it with you! Julie

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss hilary! yikes! you did a whole blog post bout the stuff i sent. wow! how cool is that! :) im just soooo happy your mom could be awake some so she could get a little smile. and for sure im real happy you liked everything. now you got me smiling. :)
...big hugs from lenny

A Lady's Life said...

What a wonderful surprise.

This was a great post :)

Marja said...

Oh what a lot of treasures from a beautiful blogging friend. The hippos is gorgeous. Isn't it a great thing to blog which brings people together from all over the world. Happy belated birthday Helen and enjoy your goodies

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susan - didn't I get lucky - what a lot of treats.. such clever timing .. and Lenny always makes me smile - now his gravatar sunshine radiates out below.

@ Julie - thank you .. as the package was to Mum and I for New Year she needed to be involved. Mum certainly enjoyed looking at everything .. she would have been extremely impressed with Lenny and his thoughtfulness.

@ A Lady's Life - it was, it was a fantastic surprise ..

@ Marja - they are treasures .. Muddy Hippo sits above me looking down!

You are so right about this blogging fraternity - we do appreciate each others' lives, and enjoy the sharing that goes on .. it is soul warming.

Cheers Susan, Julie, A Lady's Life and Marja .. great to see you - and thank you for coming by - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lenny - you know this was one of the most amazing days of my life - when your parcel arrived back in January ... and I know my mother would so appreciate all the thought, care and attention that you'd put into the goodies inside the box.

My mother is and was the most caring of women, so I'm pleased I was able to share with her your box of treasures - as we all describe each part of the contents.

She takes in more than we suspect even now - and surprises the staff, me and the wonderful team of helpers I have visiting .. one of whom is Janice - who is brilliant with my mother.

It's wonderful how bloggers support each other and care ... and there's one extra special Carer in this world and that is you, Lenny Lee - amazing you are.

As you say it was great that my mother felt able to cope with opening the box and sharing ... and she did smile and looks at us with big, big eyes .. and a gentle smile -

Thanks so much Lenny we all really are in wonderment with you - and love all the hugs you send us - thank you so so much .. BIG BIG HUGs from Mum and I ... Hilary

Judy Croome | @judy_croome said...

I love muddy Hippo!! :)

And I'm so glad that your Mum was able to enjoy Lennie's parcel with you!

Good luck to Lenny & Sharon on their book collaboration project.


Judy, South Africa

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Judy .. Muddy Hippo was such a clever find by Lenny - and thankfully Mum did wake up for a little while, and participate with our banter as I opened and showed the presents around.

Your parcel opening day was worth so much to me - as Mum was so enthralled with all your goodies -

Parcel opening days are special!

I think Sharon's got it taped and Lenny's exuberance will shine through - sounds a wonderful book to buy though .. can't wait for the publication ..

Cheers Judy - so good to see you ..and hope all's well your end of the world - Hilary

Robyn Campbell said...

I love sweet Lenny. He is an awesome guy, a lover of all goodness and a very dear friend. I keep telling him that someday I'll reach for a pen to have his autograph as my favorite author. What a wonderful post. Hello to your mum from me, Hilary.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Robyn .. Lenny is exactly as you describe him - oh and I'll join you in the queue when that day comes - though I guess I have his autograph already in the great Rocky Raccoon New Year's card he sent me ... ?!

Thanks for the thoughts for my Ma - she does love hearing from my overseas blogging friends ...

Cheers to you - have a good week ahead - Hilary

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Hmmmm, I left a comment earlier and Lenny told me he didn't see it. Blogger must have eaten it???

Lenny is such a sweetie. He has a knack for remembering little things about everyone and making them feel special. He is such a blessing to all of us.

I'm glad your Mum enjoyed Lenny's package too. :)

Sue said...

Reading your blog is almost as good as being in the room with you Hilary. So much warmth, love and compassion are in your words and photos not only for your mother but also in your sharing with Lenny. Thankyou. Sue

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sharon .. when you emailed I wondered why you hadn't left a comment .... so yes Blogger swallowed it - it's not here or in spam.

I totally agree - I was so thrilled with his parcel and all its contents - and it was wonderful to share with Janice and my mother .. and Mum did react a little and smiled, then laughed at Hardwick and his lavender bags! So we had a lovely interlude giving Janice and I happy memories ...

Lenny is amazing and such wonderful appropriate comments when he visits everyone's blogs .. just a delight.

@ Sue - many, many thanks - so pleased it reads like that ... those moments are precious to me - and having the package from Lenny is just such a brilliant memory.

Cheers Sharon and Sue .. have good weeks - we have some snow and ice around to chill our tootsies! Hilary

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Hilary..what a lovely surprise and thought. Great post :)

Slamdunk said...

Now that looks like a great arrival Hilary.

I enjoy looking out calendars, so that one would have been well received on my end.

J.D. Meier said...

It sounds like a great box of goodies!

> Mississieppiensis
That's quite the mouth-full.

> It is a wonderful world – full of gorgeous souls
What a great way to frame the opportunities and mindset for making the most of everyone you meet.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Rachna - the parcel was a complete surprise .. glad you enjoyed the unwrapping of it!

@ Slamdunk - it was a great arrival, especially 2 days before my birthday in mid January .. and the calendar I needed desperately - had to buy another - got an Oxfam one that is slightly larger, so Mum has that one .. Sorry if I had a third I'd send it over!

@ JD - good to see you .. goodies they were and are ..

I loved that type of Alligator - the Mississippiensis ... had an extra "i" in .. so have corrected the photo caption .. but still love the word!

Thanks too re picking up my phrase ..

Cheers Rachna, Slamdunk and JD .. great to see you here and for commenting - Hilary

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Lenny Lee sounds like a dear and wonderful soul. What a nice surprise. I'm so pleased for you, Hilary, and excited along with you. It was your birthday! Did I remember? Gads, I don't think so. I'm so behind in everything. But I hope it was/is a very special day. You are a very special person, Hilary, and you deserve the best. Best to your dear Mama.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Joylene .. he sure is - I wish I knew him and his family in real life .. they must be an amazing bunch.

It was the "friggatriskaidekaphobia" day - and yes you did wish me a happy time (belated) but there!

Just exceedingly lucky with life - my mother's illness has offered me much ... in that respect I'm so fortunate .. and thank you so much for your comment.

Good to see you - I'm catching up too ... cheers Hilary

Short poems said...

"Lenny Lenny Lenny Lee
Who’s as busy as a bee
He who treasures critters
As he respects his betters
While living life as it should be" Love it :)

What an amazing surprise and thought. You have an beautiful heart Hilary

Hugs
Marinela

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Marinela .. well honestly - Lenny's parcel was the surprise and that was full of love and thought - the least I could do was write a post about it .. it just amazes me - I am so lucky .. it's Lenny who has the big, big heart - we're so lucky to have him in our midst ...

Just delighted to read it gave you as much pleasure as the parcel did me - and everyone's reaction to Lenny's generosity - so glorious to read and 'feel' the lurve!

Cheers - thanks so much - Hilary

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,
I'm going to keep this a rather short comment by my usual meandering standards.
This was a heartening blog and indeed, further testimony to the sharing, caring world of the blogging community. Diversity at its finest.
I have the great fortune of interacting, along with your good self, our little buddy Lenny and the wonderful Sharon.
Much respect to you, Hilary.
In kindness, Gary

Julie Flanders said...

What a wonderful gift! I love the hippo! And the calender is gorgeous, no doubt. I'm not familiar with Lenny's blog so I am going to stop by now.

This post really brought a smile to my face. The blogging community certainly is a special one. Enjoy your goodies! :)

Ron Easton for Dads UnLimited said...

That was a great read...as always...heading over to Lenny's blog now too. All the best, and happy birthday!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Gary - love your words .. Lenny does inspire us, and we do live in a caring, sharing blogging world - we're very lucky to be a part of it. I'm so pleased to have been able to meet up with you, Sharon and Lenny ..

@ Julie - the thought with the gift is so special, I know muddy hippo stands ready to take the plunge! He's warm at least and outside in the ice. The Yosemite Valley is the picture for this month - green and and lush. Enjoy Lenny's blog ..

As many say - we are lucky to be amongst a special blogging community - I totally agree with you. So pleased it brought on a smile - it does me too ... and I am enjoying my goodies - thank you!

@ Ron .. delighted you enjoyed it - and then seeing the bubbly boy in action over at his place - bet you laughed there too!

Thanks so much Gary, Julie and Ron - have lovely rest of the weeks .. Hilary

Unknown said...

What a simply wonderful box of goodies from a very thoughtful friend. I can imagine how delighted you were. And you've written the perfect Thank-you note!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Shirley - Lenny is a magical lad - hope you connect with him .. he doesn't stress us - only posting once a month or so!!

Delighted to hear it fitted the 'perfect' slot! Lenny definitely deserves special attention ..

Cheers - and how's the north?! slightly colder than down here I suspect .. keep warm - Hilary

JJ said...

Hilary: Your blog is always so interesting - and inspirational!

Anonymous said...

The world IS full of wonderful surprises. And so always is your blog!! What a lovely gift for your mum. I LOVE the mud poem!!
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs

BK said...

A very very belated birthday (almost 4 weeks ago)! May you be blessed with great health, happiness and love. It is awesomely very sweet of Lenny. And thank you too for always taking time to visit.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ JJ - appreciate you coming by - thank you.

@ Ann - the world sure is full of wonderful surprises .. the giving of my mother some extra pleasure makes a lot of difference. Flanders wrote wonderful songs for their long running revues .. love his words, the music and they way they sing them.

Thanks Ann - wonderful seeing you here ..

@ BK - lovely to have you here .. yes - nearly 4 weeks ago .. oh dear onwards and older! Thank you for the lovely thoughts for my future.

Lenny is fabulous - so delighted you enjoyed the read ..

Cheers JJ, Ann and BK - enjoy the rest of the week .. Hilary

Talli Roland said...

Trust Lenny to be so wonderful and thoughtful! He's such great human being - so warm. How lovely to give you and your mum a nice package.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Talli .. he is isn't he - such a great human being ... very human. I think it'll give me much pleasure for many years ahead, as well as those memories of my Mama .. Lovely seeing you back in freezing London town!! Cheers Hilary

Anonymous said...

What joyful gifts you & your Mum have received. How wonderful of Lenny Lee. Those Neapolitan Wafers look tasty and the Namibian Cushion is uplifting too. x

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Madeleine .. it was a wonderful surprise .. which my Mama enjoyed too - the wafers I haven't started yet - just feels too cold at the moment - I'd guzzle them all ..

.. I don't think it's so cold your end of the world ..

I've got three of those Namibian cushions and they are such vibrant colours .. I love them - a gift from a friend in SA ..

Cheers Madeleine - hope this weather is being kinder down your neck of the woods - Hilary

Anonymous said...

What wonderful goodies to receive from such a thoughtful person as Lenny Lee.
: )

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susanne - they are wonderful and I'm still enjoying them all - haven't finished the chocolates yet either! As you rightly say - he's extremely thoughtful and caring ..

Great to see you - cheers Hilary

Friko said...

Lucky you, Hillary, to have a Lenny in your life. And lucky Lenny, to have you.

Happy belated birthday!

jabblog said...

How lovely, Hilary - such mouth-watering treats for all the senses.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Friko - he just loves people .. he's all over the place - I love seeing his comments pop up around the blogosphere - an amazing 12 year old!

@ Janice - I know I'm looking forward to savouring those Hazelnut wafers and Lindt chocs ..

Great to see you both .. thanks for coming by - cheers Hilary

Mandy Allen said...

I love creating mixed boxes of goodies for people and do it often. I'm sure it's every bit as exciting as receiving and opening the box! Sounds like great fun, Hilary, and a loely surprise for you.

Enjoy the journey.

Mandy

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Mandy .. so do I - but it was such a surprise to have Lenny's box of treasures - I was so delighted for myself but more importantly that I'd be able to share with my Mama .. at least the opening thereof .. we have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

You too - have a good weekend if the snow doesn't hit first .. cheers Hilary

Rosalind Adam said...

What an amazing gift to receive and you so deserve it. Talking of appreciating the internet and blog world I often think that my father would have loved to have lived in the world of Google and blogs but sadly he died in 1977.

Glad your mother was well enough to join in with the present opening too.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ros .. many thanks - it's funny my mother seemed to immediately 'get it' (the blog world) though I hit my stride once she'd become less animated .. but she remembered Washington's teeth .. quite often! My uncle soon clicked in - once he'd got used to reading my eclectic articles ..

It's a pity our parents aren't able to share with us .. but such is life ..

.. and yes I had to wait for my mother to come to sufficiently - but she smiled a lot and enjoyed the process!

Cheers Ros .. lovely seeing you - Hilary

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary -

Ah, another chocolate lover. How nice you received so many treats.
Happy birthday!

Blessings,
Susan

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. it was so lovely of Lenny - and I'm still savouring the chocolates and enjoying the treats - it's nice having a calendar!

Have a peaceful Sunday and thank you so much for coming by - Hilary