ther forecasts and, eventually, watched the snow begin to fall. Then we began to receive the phone calls. Quite a few of our guests were due to travel from some distance away, so we were not surprised to receive their apologies for not being able to attend Mike's party. Like us, they were very disappointed, but it was quite understandable, under the the circumstances. During Saturday, we called down at the church hall to inspect the progress, and to add the finishing touches, such as the pots of primroses and cyclamen for the tables. The previous evening my granddaughter and myself had covered the pots with two layers of contrasting and brightly coloured tissue paper, tied on with coloured string. Eventually, everything was ready, and we were back down at the hall to welcome those guests who 
had actually made it. Apart from those who had sent their apologies, some had set out and had to turn back, and others had experienced rather difficult journeys. Still, Mike had sent out over 80 invitations, and 65 people turned up, and very pleased we were to see them. After the meeting and greeting, we settled down to enjoy the excellent food that our caterers (and old friends of ours) had prepared. Well done Pauline, Phil and John of Parties2Please. I was so relieved that Mike had persuaded me not to do all the catering myself. They'd worked so hard during the day, setting up all the tables, bar etc, and the food couldn't have been better (with lots of compliments). When everyone was sitting down, our grandchildren took around raffle tickets, to be drawn later - the prizes being the decorated pot plants. That went down well too. Then the Green Man's M
orris entertained us, and managed to encourage quit
e a few of the party goers to join in 'Bean Setting' (after a bit of instruction), which was very entertaining. Lovely to see our two sons, the grandchildren, my brother-in-law and Mike joining in. The cake (made by another friend) was cut, after our grandson assisted Mike to blow out the candle.
had actually made it. Apart from those who had sent their apologies, some had set out and had to turn back, and others had experienced rather difficult journeys. Still, Mike had sent out over 80 invitations, and 65 people turned up, and very pleased we were to see them. After the meeting and greeting, we settled down to enjoy the excellent food that our caterers (and old friends of ours) had prepared. Well done Pauline, Phil and John of Parties2Please. I was so relieved that Mike had persuaded me not to do all the catering myself. They'd worked so hard during the day, setting up all the tables, bar etc, and the food couldn't have been better (with lots of compliments). When everyone was sitting down, our grandchildren took around raffle tickets, to be drawn later - the prizes being the decorated pot plants. That went down well too. Then the Green Man's M
orris entertained us, and managed to encourage quit
e a few of the party goers to join in 'Bean Setting' (after a bit of instruction), which was very entertaining. Lovely to see our two sons, the grandchildren, my brother-in-law and Mike joining in. The cake (made by another friend) was cut, after our grandson assisted Mike to blow out the candle.Despite hours of planning the music, no one actually got up to dance but perhaps I was expecting too much for a 70th party. In any case, quite a few of the guests left fairly early, as they were worried about getting home. Eventually it was just the extended family group and our caterers left, all helping with the clearing up, and eventually (when the taxis eventually came for those staying at nearby hotels etc) we arrived home about 1am. A very successful (despite the weather) night and, most importantly, enjoyed very much by Mike.
The following morning I had two sittings for a full English breakfast, and a full house for a while. After opening all his cards and presents, Mike and I settled down with the Sunday papers, and did a bit of snoozing and recovering, in between answering the phone - more apologies and plenty of thanks.
To all the friends and family who attended - thanks so much for making it such a memorable evening.
And, after all that, it isn't actually his birthday until next Sunday! We just held it early to fit in with family arrangements. So, there'll be another (quieter) celebration then.
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