It was my birthday last week and we celebrated at the weekend. I'd originally asked some of my relatives if they would like to come over in the evening and go for a Thai meal but they weren't able to. So we hadn't really got anything planned. The only plan was that CBC had to go for an eye test at the opticians in Maldon.
We couldn't remember if it was a 10.30am or an 11.30am appointment so we frantically had to drive over there for 10.30 just in case. It turned out the appointment was 11.30 so we decided to go for breakfast in the best cafe in Maldon, Mrs Salisbury's!
I ordered a small breakfast (CBC had the Veggie breakfast) . It was delicious! I chose a Hot chocolate to accompany which was also delicious.
The building is such a lovely historic one. I took a picture in one of their bathrooms/toilets for you!
Velvet curtains, a massive mirror, there's a shower behind the curtain!
Here's a photo of the loo chandelier!
Whilst CBC went to his optician's appointment, I had a look round the charity shops and a couple of other shops.
I loved this man's shirt. It was made of beautiful materials but CBC was not impressed- pity!
I ended up buying myself a Seasalt Cornwall turtle neck in the charity shop as I wear the one I have already all the time. I also bought a lovely Boden stripy linen top.
We went into Coe's, an independent Gentleman's shop and I loved this tie display full of Liberty ties!
Once we met up again, I asked CBC if we could go for a walk. Despite the fact, he was wearing light-coloured trousers, as it was my birthday celebration day, he agreed.
We parked by the Cricketers pub in Danbury and walked through and around Danbury Common.
I felt instantly refreshed and invigorated after only 5 minutes. The power of walking in nature, surrounded by trees!
I enjoyed seeing the moss growing here. Or is it Lichen?
CBC looked for newts in the pond.
We found a Hellebore growing.
I spy a Ladybird!
We found this curious growth coming out of a tree. We wondered if it was Mistletoe?
I very much enjoyed the open skies and lack of people.
I was photographing fungi (another post to come!)
and then CBC did his usual vanishing act! I asked a dog walker if he had seen him and he hadn't.
All of a sudden, I heard him calling me in a creepy goblin voice.
Do you see him?
What a joy to see signs of Spring!
Both CBC and I were enamoured by this glorious tree with its three trunks.
Finally, I have seen some Snowdrops!
As we neared the car, I saw these soft-fluffy catkins swaying like Lemur tails or tabby cats in the breeze. I stroked them and received a layer of pollen in return.
As we got in the car, Lara texted me to ask if I was passing her house and would I like to collect some books she forgot to give me the day before.
She is a piano technician and was working on a piano mechanism. I've never seen the keys and levers dismantled like this before!
As we left, CBC said it was a pity we weren't going to see a show. He'd looked at Ballet tickets or musicals tickets in London as he thought I might like to see a show. Since he seemed so keen but his search was fruitless, I looked in Essex and found that 'Top Hat', based on the Irving Berlin film, was on at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend. They had plenty of tickets available and so I booked two and we drove home. In the space of 10 minutes, I changed out of my muddy clothes and into a dress, cardigan, tights, nice shoes, straightened my messy hair and got ready to go. CBC, worked at a slower pace and was ready eventually.
We drove to Westcliff and quickly had a meal at the lovely Thai restaurant. We then rushed to the theatre, not managing to find a space up high and had to leg it up the steep stairs to the theatre.
The musical was brilliant fun and it was nice to be close.
I was cross in the interval that when CBC asked (egged on by me) for a real mug (they had them), he was told he had to have a disposable. I had a little rant about it (probably too loudly!) which CBC was a bit embarassed about and apparently caused smirks from some people nearby. It does annoy me though. Why is this the way of the way of the world now!
Back home, I opened my presents and cards.
CBC bought me some lovely trousers from the hippy shop in Hexham and a Susie Dent book. Mum got me a slip dress from Patra (sadly now closed), some infused honey and this unusual hoodie. It looks like it is quilted but it is printed. It doesn't feel very nice as it is some type of shiny, thick synthetic but it looks really cool. CBC's sister had sent me a cosmetic bag and the coolest mushroom card. Lara bought me a couple of cool books, a Cockerel brooch and an owl necklace. My godmother got me a a cool book on Folksongs. I had several lovely cards!
It was a totally unplanned day but it turned out to be wonderful and varied and CBC had made it nice for me.
xx
