Friday 12 January 2018

Seventy - I might be ... but I still need to title the post!



The year end approaches ... the end of 9 years of blogging and as my father's brother would say you're into your 8th decade ... each zero type birthday - this was somewhat galling!  Sadly always true ... well not eighth, but 5th, 6th - he unfortunately didn't make my 7th decade era ... 



Note screw-top on the Prosecco:
ease of opening for me - I don't like bangs
and pops of balloons or champagne corks! 


As Teresa mentioned in her comment on my previous post ... as a child did you ever think you'd see 2000 AD (must remember the AD bit!) ... that almost seems BC to me: Before Child ... it was so long ago.



I do remember thinking forward about 37 years ... taking me to 50 + 2 to get to the year 2000 ... and that was a million years ahead - how quickly they go ... and now I'm 18 years beyond and turning a mere 70.



Main route in - goes down to
Trans Canada Highway before Christmas



Enough of that ... you'll have surmised that life here is not quite the way I hoped it would be ... I'm working on it - and won't go into the details ... for now I'm here and looking to be for up to two years - then back to Little Britain.  



Surmise is a better descriptive word ... leaves the reasons for uncertainty be - rather than describe them ... and you might want to hear, but for now you won't.





2018 after a very dead tree was felled before it
completely blocked the back driveway in ... we used the
field in the snow to go in and out ... 


I've been reading the book "Vancouver" - which is a fascinating tome ... tome it is - being all of 800 pages ... but talk about a history lesson ... it encompasses life from the last survivor of a Siberian peoples, Beringia (Bering Land Bridge: connecting Russia and the Americas) and human population as it moved and subsequently settled here.  




It's making me think ... and also giving me food for thought - I know so little about this part of the world ... so my education is being expanded ...





The cards are appropriate ... Remember Age is All in the Mind (one brother)... 70 years Young ... why my other brother decided to send me a mouse one I've no idea - as that is one of my banes here ... rather too many of them, along with rats, raccoons and squirrels - all in and around the house ... we are slowly discouraging them from being around ... !!  




Zebra stripes in
the African Savannah
colouring
The Exceat barns are in a picturesque part of the Sussex coast between Eastbourne and Seaford - near where friends and my brother lives.  Lovely Jewel Flowers - my ideal colours ... from great South African-English friends.


Savanna Cider from Africa given as a Christmas present ... and I'm happily enjoying Prosecco when the opportunity arises ... in Canada ... 



That's it ... life at 70 - not quite what I expected when I came over here - farm life yes, the rest no ... still ne-er mind ... life will improve ...




Whether it's my birthday anywhere yet - yes probably Aussie land where I've been 70 for over eight hours now! as I type, then the 13th will wend its way around this beautiful earth ... remember also it is St Hilary's Day ... 



So here's to me tomorrow ... being 70, tenth blogversary ... and generally celebrating life ahead ... I'm good (all being well) for another decade or two ... 



Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories

80 comments:

Inger said...

Happy Birthday, my friend. I remember also thinking that when the year becomes 2000, I will be 60! How little one knew about old age when still young. Never would I have thought there could be so much fun left! I hope you have a wonderful birthday and may all the unwelcome critters disappear from your immediate surroundings and return to their homes in the fields and woods. Sending lots of love.

Fil said...

Happy happy Birthday Hilary - have a wonderful celebration - for a least a week or two - what is it they say, prosecco cures everything :) I'm 10 years behind you - half dreading my 0 later this year so I'll learn from you :)
I hope your Canadian adventure shapes up and that all the wee animals don't mess with you too much.
Best wishes Fil x

Jz said...

Happy Everything, woman!!
My dad always said, "you think you have life figured out, then it goes and changes on you."
For good or ill, that's really the one constant in life - so on we go!
Best Wishes! - Jz

Terra said...

Happy birthday Hilary. I celebrated the big 7 Oh recently too; for me it is a big deal to reach such an age. I admitted on that day that I am now old. Ha ha, I must laugh at myself. Enjoy your cards, prosecco and cider.

Kay G. said...

Happy Birthday!
Keep up your positive vibes, good for you and the whole world around you, wherever you are!
AND you have made me "homesick" thinking of the coast between Eastbourne and Seaford! All the best to you.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Happy birthday! May there be many more.
Whatever the reason for you being in Canada, just make the most of it. Take it all in and relish the fun moments.

Elephant's Child said...

A very happy birthday and blogoversary to you, oh fellow goat.
And hopes that your time in Canada becomes easier - while still educational.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Happy Birthday! I know what you mean about life going in different directions than you thought and not all good. I can't believe I'm going to be 62 this year. Time goes so fast and is filled with change, whether we want it or not. Hope you have a good year.

Liz A. said...

Happy birthday.

I remember as a child calculating how old everyone would be in 2000. It seemed so long in the future. Now those born in 2000 are becoming adults. Time sure flies.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Inger - I remember the year 2000 and rather wish I'd been in London - but wasn't ... and yes how little we know about old age - not sure when the 'old' bit hits. I'm happy with the critters outside: not trying to get into my bathroom ... it's been fixed now I think! It will be a fun time here, once life is sorted ...

@ Fil - thanks so much ... yes I'll stretch it out as long as possible ... Prosecco certainly helps. You've got the right name for reaching the zero mark ... 'fillip' ... you'll be fine - lots going on with all your work-hobbies. I don't really mind the animals - it's the incursion and the numbers of them ... hey ho ...!!

@ Jz - good comment! Thanks ... life certainly changes things around ... as I've realised those zeros come around every ten years and are constant ...

@ Terra - congratulations on this time in your life ... yes laughter is the best medicine and seeing a positive in things ... I shall enjoy all the year holds with some prosecco ...

@ Alex - I sure hope there'll be many more ... and yes I will make the most of it - it will improve I'm sure ...

@ EC - the goats are individuals and determined ... and support each other ... it's a good sign - glad we're in it together. Canada will be fine and I'll learn loads ...

@ Natalie - it's a strange old world ... and yes there's always change isn't there - that part never seems to leave us ... 62 - you're a spring chicken!!

@ Liz - thanks ... I'm sure we all calculated how old we'd be in 2000 - trouble was I was going to be somewhat older - now it's all passed and forgotten about ... but time does fly as you say ...

Thanks everyone - delighted to read your comments ... and I'll rock on quietly, even if I'm in my 70s ... I'll be raising a glass to me sometime ... when that clocks rocks over to the 13th!!! Cheers Hilary

sage said...

Happy birthday (I turn 61 next week, where did the years g?). There is a book rail book, “Last Train to Toronto” I think it’s name, that tells the story of Canada via rail—I enjoyed it when I read it 25 or so years ago.

Botanist said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary! It's funny, I think people have a lot of idealized notions about Canada that it's hard to remember this is still a largely wild and untamed country, and can be a tough one to live in. We've had to make some serious adjustments, but for all that - no regrets.

Maria said...

Hello Hillary, thanks for passing by and leaving a comment on my page. Cheers for the new year and for turning 70! I wish I can still blog when my age turns the same as yours. I'm very happy to have known you through Blogger.com. It's always sweet whenever I get a comment from acquaintances and friends here. I wish you all the best and that may your wishes for this new year and for your birthday come true! Warm hugs from Singapore.

Vallypee said...

Happy birthday, Hilary!! I always say the first two years in a new place are the most difficult (it’s been that way for me everywhere I’ve lived), so by the time you are used to it, you will be going home...haha...sorry! Anyhow, hats off to you for your wonderful adventuring spirit and keep that Prosecco to hand. The millenium year seems so long ago now, doesn’t it? I was in South Africa then!

Bob Scotney said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary from Little Britain - still the best country in which I have spent my eighty years.

RO said...

What beautiful pics you've shared with us as you celebrate 70 years young and a 10th blogiversary! I know you're still dealing with being in a new place, but soon, it will be quite familiar as you find precious memories and treasures. Happy Birthday and HUGE Hugs...RO

bazza said...

Happy Big Birthday Saint Hilary (whom I presume you are named for) - now you've caught up with me! I have never worried about big birthday numbers - I'm just pleased to be here having lost some friends of my generation. We're all on the top table now....
I know....Prosecco with a screw-top. In fact most wine has a screw-top these days but I like that champagne pop!
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s different-from-the-norm Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

A Heron's View said...

Here's wishing you all the joys that life can bring to you, so stay cool, stay calm and have lots of fun Hilary !

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

Happy Birthday, Hillary, and congratulations on blogging for ten years. I am sorry to read that Canada has been a challenge but I hope that in the spring, when flowers bloom, life in your new home will be better.

Patsy said...

Belated birthday wishes, Hilary - and congratulations on your blog anniversary too.

Anabel Marsh said...

Happy birthday to you - and the blog! Hope life settles down and is good to you for the rest of the year (and beyond of course).

Out on the prairie said...

A very happy birthday greeting to you. We are close in age. I describe myself as hearing a young man when I talk. It is when I over do it trying to act young that can show me my age the next day when I feel so rugged.I still never have let age slow me down, but do a few things a bit slower. LOL Celebrate life!

Computer Tutor said...

Happy birthday, Hilary! I'm closer to 70 than 60 and it doesn't feel nearly as old as I thought it would. If it weren't for those annoying aches, I'd actually feel young!

Annalisa Crawford said...

Happy birthday, and happy blog anniversary. I hope you have a great day, and enjoy the Prosecco :-)

Chatty Crone said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
Happy your blogging ten years to me! lol
I see from the photos that you had a great birthday.
sandie

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Happy birthday and congrats on 10 years. I hope you enjoyed one of those Savannas.

Jo said...

Happy birthday youngster. You and Fil are just babies. I have an 8 in my 0 birthday this year. I sent you a Jacquie Lawson ecard Hilary, if you haven't seen it, check your spam.

Sorry your Canadian visit is not being all it might be but as Alex says, enjoy as much as you can. It is a wonderful country after all. Animals not withstanding.

Never had Prosecco as such, I drink a Henkel Trocken fizz which is sold in small bottles (pack of 3) one bottle is exactly one champagne flute. They even make a pink variety although not so keen on that. They have big bottles too, but the small ones are just right for me.

H. R. Sinclair said...

Happy, happy birthday! Is it weird to think that you're eight hours older in Aussie land? :-)

Murees Dupè said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary! Wishing you many more great birthdays. Have a wonderful day.

Sorry Canada didn't turn out as expected. But you will change that, I know.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

THANK YOU EVERYONE ... wonderful to see so many replies - I'll be around and answer properly sometime!

Just wanted to clock in ... to say 'my starting thanks' ...

Cheers for now - no I haven't had any Prosecco yet!! - Hilary

Linda said...

Happy Birthday, Hilary! Sorry things aren't they way you had hoped they would be. Hopefully things will start to look up. Just keep your eye on Spring...everything looks better in Spring.

Mike@Bit About Britain said...

Well Hilary - a VERY happy birthday to you! You are in a beautiful part of the world and, whatever goes on, remember what the Man said - 'life is what happens while you're busy making other plans'. Look after yourself and enjoy! x

Jo-Anne's Ramblings said...

70 year young, with many more years to come, I hope your 70th year will be a great one. HAPPY BIRTHDAY

PJ said...

Happy 70th Birthday Hilary - see being in another country for it as the adventure it is and make sure you keep drinking the Prosecco. Also, happy blogaversary - ten years of blogging, that's amazing.
Have a really lovely week.

DMS said...

Happy Birthday! Time really does fly. I remember when it was turning from 1999 to 2000 and everyone was panicked about what would happen to computers. Nothing! :)


Congrats on 10 years of blogging. I think it is wonderful that you are reading about your new area.

Wishing that things will continue to get better for you and that you will have a happy and healthy year!
~Jess

Truedessa said...

Happy Birthday! Wishing you many many more :)

Lenny Lee said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY BLOGIVERSARY! HAPPY ST HILARY'S DAY!

HAPPY PROSECCO! HAPPY EVERYTHING!

hope your birthday was as special as you are. hip, hip, hurrah to my fantastic, caring and loving Grandblogmum!

...love and big birthday hugs


Sue Bursztynski said...

Happy birthday, Hilary, and long may your blog continue!

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

Happy b-day :-)

Keith's Ramblings said...

Facebook failed to give me your age so I was unaware you'd reached a milestone when I sent greetings! Between you and me, I'm one year ahead of you in age! Blogging too. I'm just hoping my next milestone won't be a stone one in a churchyard!

Rhodesia said...

Ah you are still young I hit that plus 5 this year :-) Happy Birthday, Diane

M. Denise C. said...

Happiest of Birthdays, Hilary! Enjoy your North American adventure . . . Cheers, Denise

Joanne said...

Happy Birthday and all the best wherever you celebrate. As curious as you are and still learning, you embody the spirit of the "new 70". I wish you good health for these next decades and to heck with the number. Sip that beer, drink wine, or pour that cup of tea. I salute you!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Sage - congratulations for next week's birthday. Thanks for the book suggestion ... I'll check it out ...

@ Ian - no I'm sure I won't have any regrets ... there's other challenges - and I expect I'll sort things out. It looks to be a fabulous country ... and I really want to get out and about ... it'll happen.

@ Maria - pleasure to call in to your blog. I hope you'll be writing and connecting with others around the world when you're 70+ ... it's fun. Lovely to hear from you ...

@ Val - I haven't got 2 years as you mention - things will change I'm sure. I'd been back from SA for the Millennium for 8 years ... and it doesn't seem so long ago ... yet time flieth. I'm glad you're happily settled in the Netherlands - looks amazing ...

@ Bob - congratulations on your 80+ years ... it does seem a good place to have been born and lived. There is certainly a lot to be said for the little country!!

@ RO - so glad you enjoyed the photos here ... and there'll be lots of benefits and memories to write about when I'm here and probably forever afterwards ... as I remember things ...

@ Bazza - I was named after the Saint - and the law term, also the Universities: Oxford and Dublin terms are the Hilary term ... and Hilary meaning positive. Yes I too have lost friends and realise the top table is here or hereabouts ... still we can live well in this day and age: we are the lucky ones.

I do like the champagne cork pops (and prefer the champagne) ... but am not too happy with the sudden noise they make - hence the easy alternative!

@ Mel - at the moment not quite so cool thankfully ... but yes - calm, and have lots of fun as we age on - couldn't agree more ...

@ Arleen - Canada and the Canadian life is fine - I just wasn't quite expecting what I've got myself into ... ne-er mind it'll sort itself out ...

@ Karen - I'm sure all will be well - it was an opportunity I couldn't resist ... and I'm sure things will change somehow ...

@ Patsy - many thanks ... two 'versaries are good together ...

@ Annabel - I sure hope life settles down I expect it will - the sunshine always helps ...

Thanks so much for coming by ... I appreciate all your thoughts - and I'll be replying to all the other comments shortly ... cheers - but I've still to have some Prosecco ... might get some tonight! Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Steve - I definitely sound, talk and act young - I'm sure major exertions wouldn't occur too often ... but I suspect now I'm on farmland I'll be having some major strenuous times ahead ... but I do celebrate life - always have fortunately ... as you do ...

@ Jacqui - it's wonderful we all get on in the blogging world and happily mix with all ages ... and I think I'm probably lucky with the aches etc ...

@ Annalisa - thanks ... believe it or not I've still to get to the Prosecco ... we'll have some tonight ...

@ Sandie - thanks so much ... a good birthday was had ...

@ Diane - thank you ... I'm looking forward to savouring the next Savanna I try ...

@ Jo - I know some of us are old, some young - just lucky to be enjoying life still. I've had the card .. thanks and replied ... but we're 3 hours behind - so I'm sure it'll have arrived.

The decision to come over to Canada was too good to miss out on - and I'm sure once the weather improves (as it's already doing) it'll be fine.

Funny about the Henkel Trocken ... as I was given a pack - so I shall be trying it sometime soon.

@ Holly - it is so strange this time difference thing - when like me I've been used to being in Greenwich Mean Time all my life (or near enough) ... it's strange to think I'm typing this on Sunday pm - yet it's morning tomorrow! in Auckland, New Zealand ...

@ Murees - I'm sure Canada will work out ... I hope so - but I'll do what I can while I'm here ... and take full advantage ...

Cheers for now and thanks for all your comments and wishes - Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Linda - I hope things will settle down ... as you say Spring is nearly here ... and the time frame around the house will be different - able to get out and about ...

@ Mike - thanks so much ... it is stunning out here and I'm now looking forward to seeing more. You're right to remind me of the lyrics 'Listen to what the man said' ... life does happen while future plans are being laid. Thank you - I will enjoy myself ...

@ Jo-anne -thank you I am sure the year ahead will be fun and there's lots more ahead ...

@ Pamela - thank you ... yes the adventure will be here that is for sure. Nine years and into my tenth blogging year seems pretty amazing to me ... thank you the week will be interesting!

@ Jess - those days of the year 'rocking over' to the Millennium seem so far away now - as you remind us about the possibility of internet melt-down - thankfully it didn't happen.

It's good to learn about Canada and America ... so I'll enjoy that learning curve ... and I'll be happily reading and enjoying a healthy year ...

@ Truedessa - thanks I certainly hope there'll be lots more years ahead ...

@ Lenny - lovely to hear from you here ... and yes St Hilary has now gone for another year ... still fun times ahead with the Positive Letters blog!

Bless you for your wonderful words - you are such an amazing lad - almost young man now! I love being your 'fantastic, caring and loving' Grand Blog Mom ... I'm very lucky to be honoured this way ...

@ Sue - thank you so much ... I too hope the blog keeps a-going ...

@ Ronel - thanks for coming over ...

@ Keith - yes I think I decided FB didn't need to know my age ... but numbers get out! It's amazing how blogging has caught on - can't do much about the age thing ... well all I know is ... if your next chapter milestone is a stone one ... you'll be story writing and telling as you go! I sincerely hope we've both got a few years ahead of us ...

@ Diane - just a little bit younger ... I guess the + 5 thing will be coming along soon - if I'm like you ... I'll be happy!!

@ Denise - thank you ... I look forward to seeing more of life north of the border ...

@ Joanne - I certainly don't think of myself as old, or past it - I do love the learning ... and I am extremely curious ... so I shall continue on: embodying the spirit of the "new 70+". I agree to heck with the number ... just enjoy life as best one can ...

Thanks so much to you all - I really appreciate all your thoughts and wishes ... I'm sure I'll be having lots of interesting tales to tell as the days go by - til then and as they pass ... I'll be enjoying life and some Prosecco ... cheers Hilary

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

Happy seventy. My husband hits that landmark in a few months. The years go by so fast. My computer wouldn't load your pictures so I didn't get to see all your photos. Have to try again later.

Becca said...

Happy 70th birthday! That is such an exciting milestone :)

Lynn said...

Happy birthday, Hilary! Hugs! I hope it was a great day. Sorry for being late to the party!

mail4rosey said...

Ah yes, life has it's ups and downs. I hope you get back to where you want to be. And as for the good news, happy blogging anniversary and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

P.S. I love that you're reading the book, it's awesome to learn more about new places.

P.P.S. Good luck with keeping out the critter invaders!!

David Powers King said...

A happy birthday to you! Glad you've been with us in the blogging world for so long. Hope you enjoyed your milestone of a birthday! :)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susan - thanks - I hope the pics loaded ... birthday cards and the farm entrance views. It's a good year ... nothing wrong with 70 ... happy birthday to your hubby in the Spring time ...

@ Becca - thanks so much for coming by ... it's a surprising milestone ...

@ Lynn - no worries re being late ... it's good to stretch it out! Lovely to hear from you ...

@ Rosey - yes ... it just should be easier here. But birthdays are always good and fun things to share with others.

The book Vancouver is a fascinating read - I'll need to re-read it once I've finished as I'll need to learn more about the different peoples and places.

Critters ... I hope they stay away - we're doing our best for my end of the world!

@ David - thanks so much ... the blogging world has been of great value at difficult times in my life - when life isn't quite working out ... it continues on that way ....

Wonderful to see you and thanks for coming by ... and yes to us all a healthy and happy year ahead ... cheers Hilary

cleemckenzie said...

It's definitely time to break out the beverages and to do a jig. Life always surprises me. I think all is going well, and then whap, up it pops and socks me in the jaw. Put on your gloves. I know you can best whatever's in that opposite corner.

Seventy and counting!

Tammy Theriault said...

Happy birthday!!! Enjoy Canada!

Lynda Dietz said...

Happy, happy, happy birthday, dear Hilary! I think seventy is a wonderful number, full of promise and full of history simultaneously. You can look at your time in Vancouver this way: you're never lacking for adventure.

Unknown said...

Hello Hilary. A belated Very Happy Birthday to you. I don't envy you in the Canadian cold weather. Keep well and in contact. Kim xx

Nas said...

Happy birthday Dear Hilary! Wishing you many, many years of happiness!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Lee - it is definitely time to enjoy oneself and have that jig - can still do that: 70 is the start of the finishing. Just frustrating having to deal with things - it shouldn't be ... but my gloves are on!

@ Tammy - many thanks and I hope I'll be seeing a bit of Canada ...

@ Lynda - thanks so much - you're so right there ... full of promise still in the years ahead, yet full of history - and the learning prospect is still there longing to find out about: I'll be enjoying this part of life here ...

@ Kim - at the moment the worst of the cold seems to have gone - and one can 'see' Spring ahead - no doubt with some freezing flurries along the way ...

@ Nas - lovely to see you ... and yes many more happy times and years ahead ...

Thanks so much everyone - here's to us all having wonderful fun times ahead ... cheers Hilary

Susan Flett Swiderski said...

Hi-ya, Hilary! I hope you had a super birthday. This is the year for Smarticus and me to turn the big 7-0, too. Funny, but didn't we just turn forty???

I hope your new location captures your imagination and your heart. If nothing else, I KNOW it'll spur your curiosity. :)

Cheers!

Susan Scott said...

I'm late to the party Hilary! I know I sent you a birthday message - unsure I knew you'd be sexy seventy! Mazeltov, congratulations, wonderful and if I knew 70 languages I'd send birthday wishes to you in all of them! This is very exciting to read of you being in Vancouver for quite a stretch of time ..
I too will be turning 70 in June - my husband in late May ... sending you love peace and joy! Keep on flexing your muscles - knowing that spring will soon be sprung xx

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Susan - yes ... tis the year - oh great you're joining me later in the year - and yes the new 40, probably 50 - gives us more reverence! The new location will be wonderful once I start to explore around a bit ... and definitely my curiousity will be spurred on ...

@ Susan - no worries and I did get your birthday message - I sure hope I responded ... maybe it came in when things were frantic for a variety of reasons and I didn't get back to you ...

Sexy Seventy ... ah well gone are those days me thinks! But I can still have fun and enjoy life. I'm looking forward to getting out and about a bit on the Island and at some stage getting over to Vancouver itself.

It's good so many of us are turning 70 round about the same time ... yup muscles are being flexed to keep challenges in check ...

Thanks to you both Susans two ... and cheers for our years ahead of us - Hilary

Karen Lange said...

Happy Birthday and Blogoversary! You've earned a celebration or two, that's for sure. You bring smiles and joy to us here, as well as grand tales and interesting history. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and life with us all. You are a treasure. Cannot believe that you are 70, so it is really true, that it is just a number. Enjoy the rest of your week, and best wishes, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Happy belated birthday, Hilary. I'm sorry you're not where you thought you be at the moment although I know your spirit is exactly where it should be - happy and content because that's just who you are as a person. Much love to you as we each move forward in this new year!

Have a beachy week!
Elsie

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

Wishing you a late happy birthday. I know you will make the most of your North American adventure. We have lots of squirrels here and enjoy watching them play.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Karen - that number has popped over into various regulated things! Tis so .. 70 it is! Delighted you enjoy the blog - I'm so pleased to know ... and thank you for being so thoughtful saying it here. It is just a number isn't it ...

@ Elsie - no worries ... I'm happy with birthday extensions! Things will resolve themselves once the Spring starts properly ... and it's lovely to be in a different part of the world, knowing I won't be away too long. I have been to the beach once this week!

@ Monty - thanks so much ... yes I'll find ways of getting out and about ... and learning about this side of the world. Squirrels are good ... but not in the house ...

Cheers to you all - thanks so much for coming by for both 'versaries!!! Hilary

D.G. Kaye said...

Just wanted to wish you a belated Happy Birthday Hilary. I hope it was a lovely day. And wishing you many more happy, healthy years. :) xx

Sandra Cox said...

Belated Happy Birthday, Hilary! I'm sorry to hear things are challenging right now. I hope that ends quickly and your new residence brings much joy.
Hugs,

klahanie said...

Hi Hilary,

Firstly, a rather belated birthday wish to you, my lovely friend.

I do hope that things start to feel more relaxed and comfortable for you on Vancouver Island. I may well be darkening the island with my shadow within the next few months.

You take very good care, eh.

Your friend,

Gary x

troutbirder said...

Heck based on my high school reading I'm surprised I survived 1984...:)but maybe it arrived somewhat late with our new President...:(

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Debby - just so pleased things are looking up for you both - thanks so much for coming by and your wishes ...

@ Sandra - yes life will improve I hope ... Spring is coming and then I can get out and about a bit more - find my way round.

@ Gary - thanks so much - another year!! I'm looking forward to seeing more of the island as they days go on - and I know you love it here - sincerely hope you can pay a visit to your family.

I shall take care and you too - here's to a better 2018 for us both ...

@ Troutbirder - yes some interesting times happened during our 'youthful' years (which carry on!) let alone the excellent literature that came out to scare us ... I wonder where we'll be in 50 years ... well I know where I'll be: pushing up the daisies ... but how will the world develop -

Thanks to you four for your comments and thoughts - lovely to see you here - cheers Hilary

diedre Knight said...

Ack! I'm late again. sigh. I do hope your birthday was filled with pleasant retrospect and that the days ahead are consistently brighter. Cheers to your blogging anniversary!

Ann Carbine Best said...

Dearest Hilary, dear friend. Such happy memories you've left me and Jen. I rarely do Facebook...can't figure out the Messenger, or anything else anymore, it seems. And I'll be a mere 78 this year. You're not far behind me! and you sound so chipper, which is how I think of you and always will. Wow, so many years of blogging. So many would miss you/your blog if you stopped blogging. Though I'm not in the blog sphere much anymore, I would feel like a light was gone from the earth if I couldn't come here to find you. Many ((( ))) from across the pond from me and Jen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Diedre - no worries ... just lovely to have your comment, birthday wishes and blogging 'versary ...

@ Ann and Jen - so good to see you - I don't do FB either really. The blog keeps me occupied ... and it's useful as one can still be found ... I'm now over on mainland America - granted up over the border and away to the west ... but here for now. I'll be in touch in a while - lots to do first and then a bit more time ...

Thanks so much for coming over to you both - have good weeks and take care - cheers Hilary

Deborah Barker said...

Coming late to this post but did send greetings via Facebook Hilary. 70? Must be the new 50. Yes, I recall imagining life in 2000 when my eldest daughter was born in 1980 - it seemed a lifetime away and in some ways it was. Imagining 2018 was even harder yet here we are. Sorry to hear that things are not quite as you'd hoped but as you say, time to improve yet. Take care, Debbie X

Deniz Bevan said...

Happy birthday and congratulations on your blogiversary too! I reached 10 years last year, and didn't do much for it. Maybe we should celebrate as a group with all the other decade bloggers!

Deborah Weber said...

I've somehow fallen off your posting notification list Hilary, so I'm way behind in wishing you a happy birthday and start to another circling of the sun. But I do hope you've adopted my way of doing things and take an entire month to celebrate properly. And I certainly hope to be reading more of your fabulous posts and celebrate your next decade of blogging as well.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Debbie - I did get your FB greetings - I don't know if they get lost in the mists of time, if one doesn't pick them up straight away. I think I'm the new 50!!

It's funny how we envisage things ... I think I just thought it was so far away and didn't imagine what life would be like. Let alone today!! I hope life will get easier ... it is a strange existence!!

@ Deniz - thanks for both of the wishes ... I agree perhaps we should celebrate together - a real celebratory blog hop ...

@ Deborah - oh ... no worries - I haven't been around as much as I used to - I'll get back into it soon I hope.

I'm doing my best to keep celebrating ... yet there are other birthdays around like Robbie Burns!!

Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments and ideas - see you soon - cheers Hilary

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

@ Kay - sorry the comments seem to have been dropping off ... now published and I can reply.

Yes I don't like being negative ... and yes the homesickness of little England and particularly Cornwall, or for us both Eastbourne ... that coast along to Seaford is special.

Cheers and thanks so much for coming by - Hilary

Emily in Ecuador said...

Happy belated birthday, Hilary! I hope that everything is improving and moving in a good direction for you.

Hard to believe that in only 2 years it will be 2020, which seemed eons away just a few years ago.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Emily - yes 2020 being only two years away is remarkable ... and I hope life improves in the coming months - it's not easy ... it could be so much easier and more enjoyable. Still I'm lucky to be here - cheers Hilary