Gingerbread Life - August 2020

Well the global pandemic has brought many changes to lives around the world one are the many birthdays that have been celebrated in lockdown.  I had faith that my family’s batch of August birthdays wouldn’t be affected but they have.  

As much as I’d like to celebrate Mamilein’s birthday in person we have, as many have, had to make do with Skype chats and FaceTime calls. It’s not the same but it is birthdays in 2020.  The beginning of August is Mamilein’s birthday but she also squeezes in her Namenstag (who doesn’t celebrate their name?) a couple of days later.  Always wanting to be the centre of attention she has struggled with having a birthday in lockdown.  When asked what they planned to do for her birthday “nothing!”  Was the response and that is just what they did.  We all called and played music.  We sent her some birds for her Christmas tree (although I now realise that the tree is in my garage) and made a virtual fuss of her.

Happy Birthday Mamilein

Another morning, another birthday.  From across the miles I wished my biglilbro a happy birthday he is now officially in his forties.  I have known him all his life (hee hee) and watched him develop from a snotty teenager to a grumpy old man.  He has always been spoiled rotten on his birthday, he got the brand name shoes, I got the key ring.  He got the roller blades, I got the knee pads.  Not that I am bitter because now I am officially the favourite child. This year, due to the enormous custom charges from the US postal services he received no gifts from us.  £20 gift £90 in taxes, not worth it.  Hopefully soon we’ll be able to celebrate together.  Our next round of birthdays is November, let’s see what Covid brings then.

Happy Birthday Biglilbro 

Happy Birthday to my [not so] little baby brother.

Happy Birthday to my [not so] little baby brother. 

You can trust me, I always look after my baby brother!

He is 37 today and he is hopefully celebrating, many miles away.   

He still has the same hair style here circa 2008 as he did in 1980!

We have always treated our birthdays as a joint celebration, usually on the 29th.   It still feels strange that he is not just down the road. 

 

I am so happy for him that is now happily ensconced in his life in Pennsylvania. 

He has worked very hard over the past few years settling into US life with his lovely new family, happily he has definitely found his place in the world.   

We are so proud of everything that you do, you work so hard and put in so much effort you need to slow down a bit 'old man'! 

Happy Birthday to the best little big brother in the world, we love you!

Happy Birthday Husbando

Well today the love of my life turns 36, he's still a baby.  I can't wait to see how the day unfolds.  

After last years birthday treat I knew I would have to outdo myself and so I made a sweet card for him.  I'd seen lots on Pinterest but they all used "American Candy".  After weeks of research I managed to make on using European confection. It turned out great, if I do say so myself.