Friday 19 September 2008

No ordinary day ...



In many ways Miss Marple would have been proud of my birthday presents, I was delighted with them and was once again left ooohing and aaaahing over the thoughtfulness and generosity of my family and friends. Mr Ragged Roses had taken the day off work, so that we would be able to spend the day together (a gift in itself) and had also agreed to do the school run (another gift!). Before the girls went their separate ways I was told to open their pressies.



Well Little sister I think has been reading my school post recently and taken it all to heart. In true Miss Marple fashion I wore it all day on my grey knitted cardie. I think that for this day I was really allowed to be Head Girl too, spoiled rotten.



She also bought me the latest Alexander McCall Smith book, the latest in the 44 Scotland Street series, which I think is my favourite of all the books he writes. I love them and particularly as they're always published around my birthday time!



She was also very insistent that I would like some fabric samples! So M had to go to CK for her and request some "Pretty material" - methinks he deserves a "headboy" badge for that!



Big sister not to be outdone, had taken herself off shopping and had come back very pleased with herself at having found just the right present for me. She wasn't wrong - I love the vintage sweets' advert ( I loved fruit gums in the yellow box when I was little) and some milk bottles for me to enjoy before the dentist (in a pink and white striped bag no less). Didn't they do well?



During the day whilst the girls were at school. M and I went for a walk, our first walk alone together in years. Isn't it amazing how fast you can walk without children. We practically legged it down the side of Ditchling Beacon, but it was quite a different story on the way up again, I think it was all the food we'd eaten for lunch in the village that did it. It was the perfect way to spend the day - I loved it.



As for M, well knowing me as well as he does, it came as no surprise that his presents were so lovely, generous and well, just right. Look at these beautiful, scrummy CK jimjams (I told you Miss Marple would have approved), aren't they just beautiful. I think they deserve another photo don't you.



Anyone who knows me knows that I really don't like being cold and I really love snuggling up in my PJs on the sofa with a book or a good film to watch, but these jimjams were almost too good to wear (more on them later ...)



So along with my nightwear came an assortment of books. Well Mr RR for somebody who forgets wear his glasses or keys are most days, you certainly have a good memory! I saw this book months ago when we visited the Tate, I drooled over it. I love the work of Edward Bawden, love his illustrations



Look at the endpapers, Brighton Pier, it was meant to be ...
His book illustrations are wonderful and



after visiting the Transport Museum in Covent Garden



I fell in love once more with all the beautiful old London Underground posters.



I finally got my copy of (the very appropriately named) "A Fortnight in September" (look at the bookmark, isn't it beautiful) . I had tried to order it but it was being reprinted and M found me a copy for sale in a bookshop. I breathed an audible sigh of contentment when I snuggled down to open its pages - oh how I love those books.



I also got a bit of pretty too - do you like my hairslide? It makes me feel all girly and not Miss Marpleish at all.



A dear friend sent me this book. Now, she and I seem to be living in paralled universes, the daily coincidences that take place in our lives are remarkable. Just the other day I was standing in the bookshop looking at this and wishing hard that it would come my way and thud there it lands on my doorstep. Thank you! I spent a very indulgent afternoon reading this yesterday whilst recovering from the dentist (thanks for all the well wishes, yes, it was awful, no I won't tell you all the details, suffice to say that I had 8, yes 8, injections!). I have long admired the Yarnstorm blog and this book is just wonderful, a real delight, it really really cheered me up yesterday.

Well now back to the pyjamas. Those gorgeous, gorgeous pyjamas. There is I'm afraid an unhappy ending. I rushed to put them on in the evening and found that not only lost sight of my hands and feet as the arms and legs seemed to go on for miles and miles but, here's the problem, I couldn't move without them falling down! Not one step could be taken without the trousers rolling down my legs and, of course, my hands being hidden up metres of sleeve I was unable to do anything about it. Being 5'2' (5'3" on a good day) and a small size I can only assume that these are only made for the long legged beauties in the catalogue. Oh woe is me. Mr RR found it hilarious I was devastated!



There is a happy ending - I swapped them for this lovely bag this morning. Not very good at keeping me warm at night I have to admit, but oh so lovely and just the right size!

37 comments:

Gina said...

What a wonderful day and super presents! A very happy birthday!

Amanda and Tim said...

Oh what a lovely birthday it sounds - what a very lucky lady (girl) you are!! Gosh all those little treats no wonder you were smiling! Such a shame abou the pjs they were lovely but being a short legged lady myself (I'm 5'4" I think) I know all too well the difficulties in finding things that fit right - let's not even mention the fact many things don't cater for hips lol

Sorry to hear about the dentists it sounds awful - glad it's over and you can now relax!!

Mary Poppins said...

Oh what delight you had, I love them all, my M, yes my better half is an M like me, bought me the flowery CK jim jams too for my birthday in august, and yes you know what i am going to say, mine fell down too :) obviously i am a lile smaller than a small :) You got a lovely bag, i swapped mine for some pretty wallpaper, now how can I wear that Mmmmmmmm
Best Wishes Mary X

Gone to Earth said...

They obviously love you very much. Sounds like a perfect day out to me. Together, on a nice day being able to walk and enjoy the sunshine. Lovely! I'd have been upset about the PJ's too. They looked snuggly and warm.

P. said...

Lovely things, all of them.

Alfazema

Betty said...

Oh! I missed your birthday! But, it looks like you were wonderfully spoiled!! Good for you! I wish you many, many more happy birthdays!!

Lesley (Notesfrommydays) said...

Firstly happy birthday you lucky lady what lovely gifts!! secondly I had put those CK pjs on my list as soon as I saw them but thankfully read to the bottom of your post and as a fellow 5'2" (3 on a good day as well LOL) I shall maybe give them a miss now but the bag is fab and more than made up for it I bet!
Lesley x

Anonymous said...

What lovely pressies you had, a pat on the back must go to Mr RR and the girls for their choices. Bring back sweeties in boxes I say. Such a pity about the jamas..but the bag is lovely
Lisa x

French Knots said...

Your wonderful presents show how well your loved ones know you. Whata pretty hairslide, pink and sparkly is always a good choice!

Ali said...

A Happy Birthday indeed! Love the thoughtfulness that your family put into your presents - that's the best gift of all I think.

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Gorgeous gifts for a gorgeous lady...
What fabulous taste the Ragged Roses have.. no hints needed in your household!
Parallel universes abound.. the vintage fruit gum ad is one I had my very own beady eyes on a few weeks ago.. surely it can't be the very same one!??
As for the dotty bag.. well I love it and I really think you should wear it to bed.. you could carry all your books and mug of cocoa in it..
D xx

Cape Cod Washashore said...

I did love those pjs! =) The tote in exchange is quite lovely though! (I'm a short 5'2" as well... and hubby is 6'3" - I really do "look up" to him! heehee.) You've received some lovely gifts, Kim! Have a lovely weekend!

meggie said...

Happy Birthday Kim!
Pity about the Jammies. But the swag of goodies were all lovely.

Teena Vallerine said...

oh you lucky girl! What perfect gifts! t.x

Curlew Country said...

Happy, happy if belated birthday Kim. What fabulous gifts and well done for raising such tasteful children!

Big shame about the jamas, but I do love your bag (I bought the purse in the very same pattern and adore it.) Trousers are such a mare if you're a shortie aren't they. I'm 5'2" aswell and seem to spend my life turning things up.

Really enjoyed looking at your beautiful books, hope you enjoy them whilst recouperating. Poor you, take it easy and many happy returns.
Stephx

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, I'm so sorry for your jammies Kim! I LOVE a new pair of jammies (I'm feeling a new pair in my near future.) I looks like you've been well compensated though. And look at all those lovelies. I especially love your Head Girl pin -- it's fabulous!

Fancy Elastic said...

happy birthday! looks like you had a fab day... lovely gifts too!

Leisa said...

What a wonderful birthday you have had. How lovely for your family to know you so well and give you such beautiful gifts.

Pondside said...

You were truly spoiled by your family - what a thoughtful bunch! I'm with you re the PJs as I'm another one who's 5'2" and forever hemming things. All those gifts were gorgeous, but you're right - the gift of time is probably the most precious, and it sounds as though you really enjoyed your walk.

Here, There, Elsewhere... and more said...

Belated Happy Birthday!
Delightful variety of gifts - the PJ tale reminds me of a very similar one that happened to me a few years ago - I'm 5'9 (barefoot) and the PJs in question were absolutely delightful but not made for a giant like me...
the solution I found was to add a pretty trim both around the bottoms and around the elasticated waist..!
Where ther's a will, there's a way, n'est-ce pas..?

A Bun Can Dance said...

Oh what wonderful birthday gifts! And you've had a wonderful walk in the country, lunch out, and sweets too. Perfect! Wishing you a belated Happy Birthday and many hours enjoying your new books. Don't you adore the smell of new books? May your Birthday revels continue for many more days.

Sal said...

I adore ALL of your lovely goodies!

When I was teaching in Surrey (when I was younger!)I took my class to the London Transport Collection, then at Syon Park.
How I wish I had bought more posters as I love them all.I did however purchase one, which has pride of place on my study wall.

Persephone books are my faves too!

I would say that your family has excellent taste!!

I'm glad you had such a fab day ;-)

April said...

What a lovely birthday you had - i love all your goodies

April xx

Country Cottage Chic said...

Oh what a lovely day & such wonderfully thoughtful gifts - you were quite thoroughly spoilt!

This Vintage Life... said...

It looks like you were thoroughly spoiled on your birthday Kim, what fabulous presents every one.
I sympathise about the pj's; I'm 5'4 and everything I buy is too long! Hope you're over that trip to the dentist too, although 8 injections is enough to cure anybody of a phobia LOL.
You've won a little something in my giveaway (if you want it) Please let me know which and your details,
Deb x

Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...

wonderful day and great pressies...

MelMel said...

Happy belated birthday....!
I'm back and i've been missing my blog!

Love the pressies.....good swap.....love the bag altho i did love the pj's.....i had the same prob......xxx

Garden Girl said...

Oh that is just the bag I have been coveting too- what a good swap. Glad you had such a lovely day, and fabulous presents as well. I stood stroking the Jane Brocket book today as well, and reminiscing over the Millymollymandy pictures -those stories were my favourites when i was small.
Hope you're feeling better after the dentists now and have enjoyed the weekend.x

kristina said...

What lovely presents! I was just thinking I really should have been rereading 'Fortnight in September' this week while we were beside the sea in Aldeburgh! And my husband just bought the same Edward Bawden book this week. What a coincidence! I love his work for Fortnum & Mason. K x

mountainear said...

A belated happy birthday - what gorgeous presents. I am most envious.

Aren't those Persephone books beautiful publications? I took 'Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day' on holiday with me. (Eldest son, being short of reading matter, walked off with it - don't know what he'll make of it.)

Lovely pictures once again.

Anonymous said...

Happy late Birthday!! Looks and sounds like you had a really wonderful day!! All your gifts are Gorgeous!!
The walk lokos like it would have been so relaxing and calm!!
Mandii

Anonymous said...

Belated birthday greetings to you, it looks like you had a wonderful time. Shame about the pj's but love the replacement bag.

Jennie said...

What gorgeous gorgeous presents!!

dottycookie said...

A belated very happy birthday - and what a lovely haul of gifts!

I can't wear CK clothes either, but with me it's not the length that's the problem, just that I'm too wide ;-) Bags are always good news though!

claire Maraldo said...

Glad you had a happy birthday Miss Marple.

Thanks for sharing all those pictures.

Every one is a delight.

Michelle said...

It sounds like you had a great birthday.

Those PJ's are beautiful. If you don't mind me asking, where did you get them from?

Thanks

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Ooh, could you *please* tell me what CK stands for?? Those pyjamas are scrumptious! (Though at exactly almost-5'3" if I stretch, myself, I guess they wouldn't fit me either... but there might be other lovely things.)

Thank you - and reading your blog made me relax some very tense muscles!