The best thing in my life is that I am surrounded by love; love of my children and grandchildren and one little great grandchild and from extended members of family and tons of friends.
Often, I am asked about the secret for my youthful looks. I really can't explain as I don't know. I think it is just a gift or a state of mind. Perhaps I just don't think 'old'. I don't associate the word with me even though I know that in actual years I am old. Perhaps my family keep me young looking but well and truly grounded! Anyway - who knows and who cares about looks? I am just grateful to be me the way I am and most grateful that my brain still works as do my reflexes!!
My birthday started a week before the actual date. My two beautiful nieces took me to lunch at a very exclusive restaurant in Essex called Great Hallingbury Manor, Lakeside Restaurant. It was hard to choose the place my nieces thought good enough. There were many rejections until between C, B and me on the internet, we finally found what seemed good enough for their Aunt's luncheon! It was exclusive, expensive and exceptionally wonderful. B at last was satisfied. I felt like and was treated like a queen!
The food was to die for. We were waited on like celebrities by the chef and two waiters. Nothing was too much trouble. I was presented with gifts and just about anything I wanted was there for me. One of my nieces is a gift from abroad; a birthday present by just being there. The other is like a ministering angel and spoiled me with expensive and thoughtful gifts. I love them both dearly. They are constantly in touch with me as is my niece in New Zealand and others from elsewhere.
On the 28 November my daughter and son-in-law from Houston, who I will in future refer to as 'the royals' arrived for yet more celebrations as it was royal HIS' birthday. We had a party in D & J's house which was just what everyone wanted and enjoyed. It went on for many hours. Then it continued at a friend's home, but I did not go as it was a bit late for some. However, I did wait up till midnight till the royals arrived to stay with me for a couple of nights.
The next day, my birthday, T, I and D were taken out to lunch by my darling 'royals'; drank Champagne in the evening and had a few friends over.
I received lots of presents and cards from family - all gratefully appreciated. One big surprise was a Kindle Reader from my very special cousin. So amazingly generous of him. He does not like me to say thanks too much - so just for the record, he has many thanks and my love. He won't read this!
Well another year gone to enjoy my children, their children and my little great-grandchild and all my loving and devoted friends over the world and in UK.
Thank you everyone and thank you God!
4 comments:
Dear Helen,
This is to wish you Many Happy Returns of the Day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!! Do have a good time.
RAVINDRA BHALERAO
Hi,
Congratulations on turning 85! I am sure I come across as a stranger, but perhaps what I have to say might be interesting.
To start with, my name is Alister Eugene Renaux and I am Anglo-Indian by culture and community and Indian by nationality. My grandparents - Joseph Eugene Renaux and Flora Majorie Renaux - decided to stay behind!
For a few years now, I have been doing some research on my ancestors and I rather inadvertently found myself directed to your blog. You definitely have had a rich and interesting life and it is interesting to read about AI culture especially in Northern India and Pakistan, especially since I come from South India. My grandfather was primarily in Madras for most of his life and worked as a train driver with Southern Railways. Do you know of any other Renauxs in India - North or South - when you were in British India? If you do, it would definitely be interesting!
I have incidentally written five poems on AI culture and heritage on my blog http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com and I am continuously trying to trace my roots and read about the Anglo-Indian days of the Raj.
At the moment, I am a teacher in an international school in Zambia and I do go back to India regularly where some members of my family still reside.
Yes, even if there isn't any family connection, it would be nice to communicate as I would be able to pen my thoughts - as you do - on AI culture far into the future. My email address is alister_reneaux@hotmail.com and my specifically AI poems are at:
http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com/2010/02/anglo-indian-legacy.html
http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com/2010/03/those-days-of-yore.html
http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com/2010/03/nostalgias-distant-plain.html
http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com/2009/03/unacknowledged-diaspora.html
http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com/2009/03/one-of-kind.html
http://alisterrenaux.blogspot.com/2009/03/anglo-indian-icon.html
Perhaps these poems will give you some idea of my interest and pride in Anglo Indian culture and a heritage that I believe should be passed down for history has definitely not given us our due worth.
I hope that this is the beginning of an interesting correspondence.
Alister
Dear Alister
I have only just seen this blog comment. I seldom go on here. I am sure we must be related. I am trying to add to my blog as my daughter got married last week but blogspot have changed the dashboard and I can't work out the new set up yet.
Hope this gets to you...
Hello Helen, Do you recall Lieutenant John Quirke from Ireland?
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