We had a family meal for Dad last Friday to celebrate his 84th birthday. He does so well. Still working two days a week and always ready to help out where he can. Here he is blowing out his candles.

We spent last weekend working in the garden The weather was perfect for the job. We cleared all the weeds and dead stuff, trimmed bushes, put slabs down to enlarge the patio and also smartened up the bed by the house wall by laying slabs and cobbles. I have a new water feature and have installed a compost bin in a secluded corner. There is still work to be done but none of it quite such hard work. Two benches have to be repainted and I am going to buy a small round table and two chairs for the back patio where we like to sit with a coffee when the weather is good. We are also wondering if we should invest in a chiminea so that we can make more of the summer evenings that may be a little chilly. I will take some photo's when I get a few mins.

We've been out and about during the school holidays. Walking the dogs, visiting garden centres and onThursday we spent a lovely day with Liz, Nicola and Kaila. Ethan and Kaila play very well together even though there is a 21/2 year age gap. It was lovely for Dad to see both his Great grand children together.

We have friends coming for dinner tonight. I feel very organised as I prepared the main courses yesterday and am just about to lay the table and have a quick hoover round. Our friends are bringing the starters and the puds.

Those of you who read Rachaels blog will know about the house and her comments about manners.. Neighbours who moved in just over a year ago rarely manage to aknowledge us or any of the other neigbours.. Each week on Sunday morning they place their rubbish bags (ready for Monday collection) outside our house on the edge of our lawn. This has annoyed me for months so last week I moved it back into their driveway behind the wall. Hopefully they will get the message or am I being petty?