Sorry Mum, but it is my birthday!!

Going by the chubby cheeks (which have only got chubbier, despite 'clever' hairstyling) I would punt a guess at me being about 6 months old in this photo (I'm the one front left) I haven't asked my Mum my exact age because I know she'll disown me as soon as she sees that I have put this photo on here. Sorry Mum, it had to be done, but you look brilliant, I particularly love the red dress. (and no I'm not being sarcastic)

Anyway, the point is that the above photo was taken a LONNNNNGGGG time ago, 29.5 years ago if my guess is right. And 30 years ago today my poor Mum had to give birth to me, a rather large baby (some things don't change). She went into hospital after lunch and was home in time for tea.

My Mum and Dad have 2 Gemini children, a fact that we are reminded of every once in a while, as apparently at times we two may as well have been four. (My brother and I were obviously angels and they are making the whole thing up) Although now that I look at the photo more closely, what is my brother doing to my arm? Hmm...I appear to be leaning, as if trying to get away from him...

Yes, that's right. I have only just become used to telling people I was 29, and now all of a sudden the BIG THREE OH has crept up and bitten me on the really quite large bottom. (great card Jane, thankyou)

The lovely husband, who really is quite marvelous at buying presents, surprised me with a Cath bag that has been coveted for quite some time now. I haven't stopped stroking it since I opened it.

I treated myself to some grown up ladies shoes...(a bit smarter than the flip flops that I have been living in of late)

And I became the really quite excited and proud new owner of a 'Persephone book' which Kim was blogging about a few days ago, I seem to recall. I have been through the catalogue which was thoughtfully sent along as well and started earmarking others which take my fancy. The stories I have skimmed through so far in the brochure really are fascinating. The one I have is 'The Shuttle' by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

The lovely Nancy who sent me the book also made me the most BEAUTIFUL reversible apron. I love it so much. I did have some photos taken of me modelling it, but to be honest the ones taken of it lying on the carpet are slightly more flattering! The pattern and colours are right up my street, and the green matches our living room walls..as I type it is hanging on an armchair in the corner and I keep glancing over at it and smiling.

The reverse photo doesn't do the delicate green sprigged fabric justice, but it really is so beautiful. I may have to take up baking full time just so I can wear it more often. I particularly love that you can tie it in a bow behind your neck as well as behind your waist. So pretty. Thankyou so much, clever girl.

My new Bridgewater teapot, also coveted from afar for a while. It has been christened, and we are rapisly running out of teabags. There is something rather satisfying about pouring tea from a teapot. The lovely husband was also responsible for this purchase, along with other goodies.

We both went to Montys brasserie in Cheltenham for lunch, and afterwards round to see Mum and Dad for tea and birthday cake. Didn't my Mum do a cracking job of the birthday cake? It was delicious, thankyou Mum. I was also given a beautiful pink sequinned patchwork bag full of presents from them. Candles, socks, books...I'm a very lucky girl.

One of my friends who I know reads my blogs regularly has done a fabulous job of late in keeping my spirits up and making me laugh. She knows Ive been down about the baby and being made redundant and sent me an email this morning with my 'next' ten year plan...here are some of her suggestions, slightly edited!!

10 year plan

* Update blog on daily basis so I can look forward to reading it each morning.(I'll try!)

* Tell Lovely husband how lucky you are to have each other on a daily basis.(Obviously)

* Look forward to receiving turqoise boxes with white ribbons on a yearly basis.(Will speak to bank manager first)

* Become a domestic Goddess(does toast and marmite count?)

* Grow lots and lots of lovely fruit and veg with marvellous bloke by your side.(getting there)

* Become scrummy mummy, but DO NOT become part of horrible playground mafia.(will do my best)

* Write best selling novel and buy cottage in Cornwall.(this is my favourite)

* Acquire a 'Featherdown' tent to pack into car for each camping trip.(may have to change the car)

* Buy VW Camper to pack 'Featherdown' tent into that way you can have another 'section' to your 'featherdown' home!(may need VW camper to keep Featherdown tent in, good excuse)

* Obviously VW camper and Featherdown tent will have to be painted in 'Cath Kidston' print to stand out in the crowd and make GREAT blog photo. (Obviously my friend knows me TOO well)

So there you have it, all great suggestions, I'm sure you'll agree. See you back here in 10 years time, we'll see how I've done.