Hi everyone

A new home for my blog. Apologies but this seems to be a better place. It has taken me a little while to get this done but finally here are some photos of my 50th birthday celebrations.

First of all I have to publicly thank Daniela for working so hard to give me a special birthday. You can see her here in the middle with two of her colleagues. Left is Louisa, and on the right is Kerry, both pilates teacher. Daniela really pulled out all the stops organising it and it was a very special day for me. The photo shows one of the few moments she stopped running around. My parents came to celebrate with me and it meant so much to me that they were here. Not an easy journey for 78 year olds! But then they are a very young 78. Of course, lots of you were missing. My fault.....I chose to move to the other side of the world, but I did miss my friends.

But colleagues/friends from my work and Daniela's studio came to the BBQ on Saturday 8th October. It was a hot night so much liquid refreshment was needed, though most of it was not the rehydrating type!

This is me with my Mum. I received lots of gifts including a remote controlled Ferrari; 'Yes' 'Led Zeppelin' and 'King Crimson' CDs; a "This is your Life" album that Daniela had put together with contributions from so many of my family members and my dearest friends. Thanks to everyone who sent in photos and embarrassing stories. It is a great trip down memory lane.

This is a photo of my colleague Malik and his wife Emilia. Immediately welcoming to us when we arrived they are now very good friends. The fact that he is a fanatical Liverpool supporter helped cement the friendship!!!!!!

Next is my Dad, my best mate ever, who talked, drank and danced through the BBQ as if he were a 20 something. I guess I am such a young 50 because I take after my parents!!!!! Anyone disagreeing with that last statement please keep it to yourself! As you can see my Dad didn't miss the opportunity to get up close with the young and pretty..........

James, a fellow trainer at the Professional Development Centre where we work was the self-appointed BBQ master and what a star he was! Being in front of a hot BBQ in the tropics is, as you can see, a very sweaty business. But James just got happier and happier, and he wasn't drinking beer either!!!

Finally I'd like to introduce you to Nicole, the youngest member of the party. She stuck to lime juice. She had asked Uncle Malik what we were having in the BBQ to eat. Uncle Malik, being the responsible sort, said "the cat". Nicole looked at him gravely. On getting home she told her Grandmother that Uncle Malik said it was OK to BBQ the cat. Needless to say Uncle Malik is now in very hot water with Nicole's entire family who love cats...

.....and just to prove that we didn't BBQ it here is a picture of the cat...
...mind you his tail does seem to be missing...

.....oooops!


A big thanks to Andy, my boss, who was the official photographer of the evening. For that reason he wasn't in any of them!!!
Thanks again to everyone who contributed to my birthday.
Sorry for the layout. I am learning the new blog software. Come back soon.
Love
Alan