Birthday at Cinderhill farm

I'm not big on birthdays and this one came at a particularly bad time. However, the good folks at Cinderhill Farm were determined to make it special for me and somehow I found several cards and a few packages waiting for me at the breakfast table, from various friends who had discovered my hiding place.

Even a pretty parcel from America, from dear Janet and her colleague at 'The Empty Nest' - birthday bunting and the pleasure of reading about her shop in a real, live magazine. Proud friend moment.  

A lovely framed print of Lorna Marrison's, from the artist herself,  of a village shop I know well, back in my old home.

 

A gorgeous book of David Gentleman's art from some old friends.

Not to mention the book of bird poetry by the Candlestick Press, kindly sent to me by Valerie Greeley which I'd brought with me to read.

Later that day a couple of friends turned up and the woodburner lit, as it was a typical British summer's afternoon.

 Debs had made my favourite coffee and walnut cake.

Serious tea and cake eating commenced as the rain set in outside.

After an unexpectedly pleasant day, thanks to the kindness of so many friends, I was ready to copy the new Cinderhill piglets. I did a lot of sleeping at the farm. 

 (If you're a Twitterer, Cinderhill Farm have a new Twitter account - https://twitter.com/CinderhillFarm)