I wrote a whole post this morning and read it then binned it.
Suffice to say I feel a little odd
61….
Yes just a little odd.
Shortly I’m going to wash my face, put on a clean new shirt and my lovely and lurid green shoes and will meet a friend for breakfast at Bryn Williams.
Early evening I’m going to see the Finnish action film Sisu which is a real horror fest by all accounts.
I have opened a few gifts this morning (my nephew sent me a new pencil case for college in September which was lovely) and I will fit in a cry this afternoon, birthdays get you like that sometimes
Thank you for your kind wishes, cards and messages .I’m very lucky to have so many, and I appreciate each and every one….
Look at the photo carefully and you will see Dorothy asleep with a tea towel in her mouth
I had used it to wipe up some sweet Korean dipping sauce and she’s been sucking the drips
Ps
Thanks to an anonymous friend a pair of Albert Socks
My birthday gift to myself my own red footed dinosaur sculpture
Happy Birthday, I hope you have a lovely day ... wearing those shoes it's pretty much guaranteed, if anything goes wrong just look down and you will have to smile.
ReplyDeleteSixty one is not a bad age, sixty three is slightly badder. Spell check hates me at times ;-)
My dear sue xx I miss your pragmatism
DeleteIt's just a number John, happy birthday.
ReplyDeleteDiolch yn fawr xxx
DeleteHappy Birthday John xx
ReplyDeleteDiolch yn fawr xxx🪵
DeleteDorothy is a clever one, just sleeping like a real child!
ReplyDeleteWith red lipstick
DeleteTwo years ahead of you, John. Come on in - the water's fine. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
ReplyDeleteDiolch yn fawr xxx🐙
DeleteHappy Birthday young man x
ReplyDeleteDiolch yn fawr xxx🎳
DeleteHAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN,ENJOY YOUR DAY X
ReplyDeleteDiolch yn fawr xxx🍸
DeleteHappy Birthday 61 isn't old your coming into your best years as we age we care less what other people think. Look in the mirror and think that is me and I am a good kind person and that is more then enough.
ReplyDeleteRegards
Irene
Diolch yn fawr xxx🍹
DeleteNot a time for crying - Celebrate! Well done on another birthday.
ReplyDelete😹 I didn’t weep much
DeleteHappy Birthday John. Have a lovely day. You are exactly two years and one week younger than me as my birthday was last Thursday. The number matters less after sixty I think. Hope you enjoy the film.
ReplyDeleteIt was forgettable but entertaining in an odd way
DeleteHappy birthday! May this be the best year yet!
ReplyDeleteAmen 🥢🍵🥜
DeleteWishing you a very happy birthday or as they say over here "buon compleanno" ~ enjoy your special day. In the end numbers are only numbers!! Hugs Ro (n.w. italy)
ReplyDeletegrazie per essere così gentile 🍮☕️
DeleteHappy Happy!
ReplyDelete👻
DeleteHappy birthday from us John and we wish you many more x
ReplyDeleteWendy & Tom (Wales)
Xxx👩❤️👨
DeleteHappy, happy birthday, John!
ReplyDeleteThank you xxx
DeleteHave a wonderful birthday, John. I hope the little cry in the afternoon is followed by some laughter this evening.
ReplyDeleteWell it was followed by a ultra violent Finnish horror film
DeleteHappy birthday, dear, sweet, funny, talented, kind, crotchety, crusty, adorable, John Grey.
ReplyDeleteYou are a sweetie xx
DeleteHappy Birthday, have a great day, celebrate being alive.
ReplyDeleteAnd be grateful …I get it x
DeleteHappy Birthday dear heart (and add all the adjectives Mitchell uses above) - tears are allowed on birthdays - I am thirty years (thirty years!!!) older than you and cry buckets on birthdays (will probably have a little weep for you sometime today). Will just add you are also 'animal lover' par excellence! Much love
ReplyDeleteYes….I’m not ashamed in saying so….there was a reason
DeleteWhat a sweet pic of your pack! And a very happy 61 to you. I never feel my age internally, (62) I feel as if I am still 20-something, only a wiser, calmer, gentler 20-something with strong boundaries!
ReplyDeleteAnd in my case a bigger waist xx
DeleteDitto everyone else's birthday wishes to a lovely man, John. With much affection from an almost 75 year old fan of yours here in Kentucky in the U.S.
ReplyDeleteI’m very grateful thank u xx
DeleteHappy birthday you lovely, wonderful man. Wishing you a fun filled day Noreen
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a nice day
DeleteHappy Birthday John! Jackie from Georgia USA
ReplyDelete💇🏽♂️
DeleteHaircut ? (Jackie)
DeleteHappy Birthday John, my favourite multi-mooded, funny, thoughtful, intelligent and very talented blog writer. Enjoy your day xx. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteShucks xxxx
DeleteHappy Birthday John! 🎉❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you Robin xx
DeleteIt's just a number. It means you're getting more time to do the things you like to do. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDelete🙏👏🏻👄
DeleteOops didn't sign. Pat in Pennsylvania
ReplyDeleteCheers pat xxx
DeleteHave a very happy birthday, may your dreams become reality, and your life be full of love xxxx
ReplyDeleteAmen x
DeleteHappy Birthday John you are still just a spring chicken, have a lovely day x
ReplyDeleteThank u xxx
DeleteWishing you a wonderful day. Happy Birthday John. X
ReplyDeleteMay the remainder of today be a worthy and supremely contented one. XXX.
ReplyDeleteThank you Raymondo xxx
DeleteHave a wonderful day, John! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your card xx deArheart x
DeleteHappy birthday sweetie!
ReplyDeleteXx
DeleteHappy, happy birthday, John. Remember, you're only as old as the man you feel, and I hope there'll be a man for you to feel very soon! xx
ReplyDeleteI wish
DeleteHappy birthday John enjoy the day x
ReplyDeleteIt’s been fine x
DeleteHappy Birthday John, 61 is still young ... ish 😃
ReplyDeleteThank you my dear friend
DeleteWarmest birthday wishes to you.
ReplyDeleteBonnie in Minneapolis
Thank u bonnie
DeleteBlow all those candles out, John, and don’t cry, it’s only a number! Have a wonderful day!! Happy B day. GG
ReplyDeleteI did cry , but I’m ok xx
DeleteI think a good cry on Birthdays isn't an altogether bad thing - can diffuse the slight weirdness that sometimes comes with any special occasion x
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and I loved the Doggie pic BTW
Alison in Wales x
Wonderfully explained Alison
DeleteHappy Birthday my friend. Be happy and celebrate you today. Be as self indulgent as you wish and the world be damned if they object. When we get older (and I am a good few years older than you) we have earned the right to love ourselves and to really appreciate the paths that have brought us this far. The good and the bad. All life lessons that have made you the wonderful man that you are. So, again, I wish you the happiest of birthday ever. With love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteYou are a sweet man too and a wonderful support.
DeleteI bought my dinosaur
Such a self treat
Happy Birthday John! Hope you have a wonderful day x
ReplyDeleteIt’s been a kind day
DeleteHappy birthday! 🎂🎁🎉🎊🥂
ReplyDeleteMany more to come …
From a 64 year old in Virginia, USA.
-Katie C.
Hello Katie xxx
DeleteHappy Birthday, John! Wishing you a terrific year filled with lots of fun adventures and good health! xx
ReplyDeleteEllen 👨❤️👨
DeleteHappy Birthday John! x
ReplyDeleteXx
DeleteHappy Birthday, babes!
ReplyDelete*smooches*
XOXO
Right back at u
DeleteHappy Happy Birthday Day John - Congratulations on your 61 years - ( I do so love being older) - Thankyou for bringing colour to my life - and you John bring pleasure to do many of us far and wide xx🌻
ReplyDeleteKeep being you flis x
DeleteWishing you all the best! Have a wonderful B-day. Those green shoes are going to bring you good luck...
ReplyDeleteI’m going to buy more
DeleteIt's not a good birthday without a cry and a laugh. Gold rings on ya, John.
ReplyDeleteMy love sent to you ❤️❤️
Delete🎶🎂🍨👎😢🎶🎁📽️🎟️
ReplyDeleteThat's all I have to say!!
🌈🌈🌈
DeleteHappy Birthday John x
ReplyDeleteLove to u too
DeleteHappy birthday mate, my turn in a couple of weeks. I will definitely fit in a cry.
ReplyDelete*Used to be Dollyclothespeg
Big hugs sue
DeleteHappy birthday. I turned 66 a few days back. I don't really contemplate it much. It just is what it is.
ReplyDeleteYou are a strong soul Debby xx
DeleteHaving been told on my 57th birthday that I might not have a 58th, I now embrace every year as a much valued bonus and am happily anticipating my 63rd. Nothing to cry about - celebrate every crazy second! Bel Ami
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend….I never want to revisit that time outside All Bar One , when I thought I was losing u
DeleteHappy, Happy Birthday!!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you many, many more journeys around the sun, and may they be filled with good health, laughter, joy, love, friendships, and peace!
Ditto
DeleteHappy birthday, John! It's a joy to read your blog and keep track of life in my virtually adopted village of Trelawnyd. :)
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend xx thank u
DeleteHappy birthday John. As one gets older, we must learn to appreciate whatever good things we have around us. I treasure my children, grandchildren, my kitties, good friends, (those who are still living (since I am 82, some of whom are no longer here) and every day I wake up is a good day. I would suggest as you turn 61 it might be wise to adopt a similar attitude. Save the tears for when you really need them.
ReplyDeleteAna , I have a great deal to learn , even at 61
DeleteHappiest of birthdays to you John! Savor every moment. Love this picture, makes me want a nap! Rita from Austin
ReplyDeleteHello tonTexis x
DeleteHappy birthday John! A day for maybe just a few tears, but also I hope, for happiness and laughter.
ReplyDeleteI do too , so much
DeleteHappy Birthday John - I hope you had fun. Thanks for sharing your awesome blog - much appreciated. Deb x
ReplyDeleteThank you deb xxx
DeleteAh, as someone once said, 'It's mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!'
ReplyDeleteHappy 61st Birthday to you and Janet!! May the year ahead bring much joy!
Hugs!
Fake it to make it
DeleteWishing you the Happiest of Birthdays John, another year of good times and great friendships xx
ReplyDeleteHugs,
~Jo
My old friend jo, thank u
DeleteHappy Birthday John 🎂🎁🎊🎉
ReplyDeleteLovely legs and daal xx
DeleteHappy Birthday. I am with you on the crying. 70 smacked me in the face in March and I am still trying to accept it.
ReplyDeleteHey ho…. We all need a good cry
DeleteHappy Birthday John!
ReplyDeleteThank you lizzy my friend xxx
DeleteYou're wished the happiest of days John.
ReplyDeleteThe dinosaur is wonderful!
Isn’t he ?
DeleteHappy Birthday John Gray. I sure am glad you were born!
ReplyDeleteMany happy returns! xx
And you, you beautiful woman
DeleteGood friends,meaningful work and the best animal companions...so yes, a Happy Birthday. I wish you many more.
ReplyDeleteThat’s kind and thank u
DeleteHappy Birthday! Don't cry, look what you have accomplished this year! Carry on! Jen
ReplyDeleteI understand why u have a little weep. Birthdays can be a tiny bit harder when you are single
DeleteWe cry for all sorts of reasons …grief, memories ,
DeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDelete👍👀🧔🏽♂️
DeleteI do love the Albert socks.
ReplyDeleteI’d love to know who sent them x
DeleteHappy Birthday John and thank you for writing your blog, I really enjoy reading it xxx
ReplyDeleteThank u
DeleteHappy Birthday , hope it last all year!
ReplyDeleteI do too
DeleteHappy happy birthday John! I hope you've had a lovely day xxx
ReplyDeleteI did Ali
DeleteHappy Birthday John.
ReplyDeleteXxx
Debbie in London
Hello debbie in London x
DeleteHappy 61st old timer!
ReplyDeleteThank younYP XXX MUCH LOVE MY FRIEND
DeleteWishing you a happy day - knowing how much you are loved and treasured Jane x
ReplyDeleteThank u …I’m feeling well loved today
DeleteThe Albert socks are absolutely perfect! Love 'em!
ReplyDeleteThe red-footed dinosaur sculpture is adorable and looks wonderful amongst your houseplants!
Looks like you've started your next journey around the sun wonderfully!
Be well, John dear. xxx
Kind thank you x
DeleteHappy Birthday John xx
ReplyDeleteDiolch Lisa xx
DeleteHappy Birthday, John. I look forward to reading your posts every day! Take good care of yourself. Carol in Atlanta
ReplyDeleteA southern lady , and the home of the Walking Dead xx
Delete
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday John
Tayz x
Thank you Tayz
DeleteVery much
Happy, Happy Birthday John, I hope it went swimmingly! The socks are perfect but the dinosaur is spectacular... I love him. The picture of Dorothy sleeping with a tea towel is a treasure; it would make a wonderful jigsaw puzzle picture. 61 is but a number, I tell myself, reaching that age in February this year made me very anxious but I try to live everyday as if it's my last...but hoping to have many many more as indeed I wish for you.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
May happy bumps of the day young un. hope it has been a good one. Pattypanx
DeleteJo and patty
DeleteThank u 😼
Happy birthday, John...wishing you many happy, healthy returns. Irene in Arizona
ReplyDeleteThank u Irene xxx
DeleteA good start to what has hopefully been a lovely day xx
ReplyDeleteIt’s been nice and full and I’ve been spoilt greatly x
DeleteHappy Birthday, John. At 67 I can assure you, the best is yet to come! With love from Julie in L.A. xo
ReplyDeleteJulie….I’m feeling greatly supported today x
DeleteHappy Birthday and the best of wishes for the coming year.
ReplyDeleteLinda from Alabama
Thank u Linda x
DeleteOh John GG, I hope your day was spectacularly fun. And 61 is nothing - I just had one with a big 83 on it! Jog on, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI know …..I doubt I will reach 83 dear one
DeleteHappy Birthday - what’s left of it. Hope you have had a good day.
ReplyDeleteIt was fine xx
DeleteJust as you snapped a picture of the roses on your window sill a jogger was jogging by!
ReplyDeleteIn his jogging vest to the left of the roses.
With a bust too , well noticed
DeleteHappy Birthday John, hope that a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThank u x
Delete"You had"
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Donna xxx
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you to everyone who made my birthday a little nicer by being so kind
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate it
Nite xxx
Am late to the party as usual, being asleep when it all happens, but Happy Birthday John. Am 4 years behind you and though age doesn't bother me, I'm sure 60 will come as a bit of a shock. Where did the years go? A warm Aussie hug for you. Xxx
ReplyDeletelate to the party as well.......but celebrating your *trip around the sun*! Happy Birthday John
ReplyDeleteSusan M
Happy Birthday from San Francisco!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday from San Diego!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. I think in colour and anything 60 is golden. You are just starting your golden decade. The photo of the dogs looks like an old master painting.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday from the USA!
ReplyDeleteMary
PS: I came back to say that I would really love to see a close up of the red footed dinosaur. He has such a wonderful look on his face and that tail is very cool.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday from Perth, John!
ReplyDeleteHappy Belated birthday John. The Albert socks and pencil case were very thoughtful gifts x
ReplyDelete194 comments already! I didn't know that pencil cases still existed. Happy birthday John. Spoil yourself!
ReplyDeleteA happy belated birthday, John.
ReplyDeleteSending you love and belated birthday wishes John. I adore your socks and sculpture and hope you had a wonderful day. Lots of love and birthday hugs, Sharon x
ReplyDeleteA very happy birthday (a day late) to you!
ReplyDeleteMoonwaves
(logged in but it will only let me publish as anonymous, oh well. I'm a very, very infrequent commenter anyway.)
Happy Birthday, John. I hope you had a decent sort of day. All the best from Sally in Ramsgate
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, a bit late, from Hertfordshire! Love how those dogs are all snuggled up together on the chair.
ReplyDelete