It has been a long week. I started the week with the start of a cold, which developed into a horrible head cold. I worked through the week, although I worked from home on Wednesday, but felt grotty for most of the week. Unfortunately Tricia picked the cold up, and by Wednesday was starting to go down with the cold as well. This weekend we were scheduled to go and celebrate the 25th wedding anniversary of our good friends Deb & Carlos. Tricia was doing the cake, and looking forward to the weekend, as she normally needs no excuse to go and party. So, going down with the cold on Wednesday was not good.

Anyhow, Tricia finished the cake. Deb had wanted a cake similar to the one she had on her wedding day, so working from a photo, this is what she came up with. The bouquet of flowers are iced ones that she created. It amazes me how terrific they look, and are a testament to her patience.

Deb was pleased with the outcome, and that was what counted.

We all travelled across to Market Harborough early afternoon on Saturday, driving at a cautious pace in order to make sure the cake wan’t damaged in transit. Tricia really wan’t feeling her best at all, not helped by having had a poor nights sleep on Friday night. We helped decorate the hall for the party… well, I watched and had a beer with my mate Rob, and kept out of the way. Then 20+ of us all sat for a meal in the hotel we were staying in, before going on to the party. Deb was wearing the same outfit she wore on her wedding day.

I have known Carlos since I was 11, we became friends at school, and we have been good friends since that time. When I was 16 I switched schools, and I met Deb. At a school event in December of 1977 I took Carlos along, and he met Deb for the first time. And whilst it took a little while before they started going out, and till 1984 before they got married, one of my little pleasures in life is being able to say I was instrumental in their first meeting. We had a special evening when they got engaged just after midnight on Xmas Eve (technically Xmas Day) 1983, and I spoke on behalf of Deb’s father at their wedding in April of 1984. I first introduced them to Tricia not long after I met her, and they took Tricia as a friend immediately. Over the years we have watched our families grow and continued our friendship. So, being present to celebrate their 25th was rather special.

The party itself was great fun, although Tricia was struggling with her cold, and at one point took herself off for 30 minutes, before coming back to the party. Here I am dancing with Ellie. Ellie loves her dancing, and didn’t stop all evening. I suppose it won’t be long before she won’t want to dance with her Dad.

This is Nikki with Andrew. Andrew is the son of our friends Wendy & Rob. And a picture of Nikki with Robbie.

At the end of the evening, all the teens plus Ellie slept over at Debs house. Tricia and I went to our hotel room, and thankfully we both slept well. I think we were both so tired we just crashed out.

Today Deb and Carlos had a blessing at a small service in the church. Again I was honored by being asked to do a reading. All in all the service lasted about 30 minutes, but it was very nicely done, their son Matt sang a solo, and their eldest, Simon, did a reading. We then all went and enjoyed a buffet meal, when it was great to catch up with friends, particularly Debs Mum, Yvonne. This was the front of the order of service, with a photo from their wedding day. Deb looks the same, Carlos is thinner on top !

Then there was the adventures with the helium filled balloons. After tidying up there were a load of balloons left over. Ellie laid claim to some, and they presently in her bedroom. The rest, Matt and Robbie released in two bunches to the heavens, and away they flew.

And they are probably still going….

Of course, it is Easter Sunday. So Deb had organised for a little Egg Hunt, and after the buffet meal we went back to Deb and Carlos’s house to pick up her eggs / chocolate, before we headed home. We had a splendid weekend, and enjoyed being part of the celebration. Everyone is a little ‘snoozy’ this evening, so we should all sleep well.