Twenty Years.

Last night the whole family went out to dinner to celebrate the fact that Fixit and I have been together for twenty years. (I think this means we must have started going out when we were children, because twenty whole years can't possibly be right! Not when I'm still this young.)  The actual anniversary (of the party where he was brought along to be 'set-up with someone' and that someone totally got to give him their phone number by the end of the night) is on Friday, which is also my birthday, but I am nicking off early Friday morning to Craft Camp for the long weekend.  (Best birthday treat I could have, Craft Camp. Fabulous company, food, drink and crafting, plus a bath and a massage planned.  I am only sad that we won't be joined by a treasured member of our clan this weekend, owing to family circumstances.)

Anyway. We had a lovely time out at a local groovy Vietnamese restaurant last night. The food was delicious and the kids were excellent company. Impressively, Cherub was able to spot yet another poisoning attempt on his life before it came to pass, and politely-but-firmly declined the waitress' offer of chocolate or strawberry topping on his plain vanilla ice-cream.  These would-be assassins must be so frustrated with Cherub's vigilance.

And twenty years, hey? Twenty really good years: lots of laughter, lots of kindness, lots of pleasure in each others' company.  Annoyances and spats, yes, because living with other people brings that in its wake. (And men can be so annoying.)  But always there for each other through illness and adversity and challenge and change.  We never got married and set it out in public that we would do this, but we have.  And best of all we can share the love with our two gorgeous boys, who light up our lives every day.  So Happy Anniversary Mister Fixit.  Here's to the next twenty xxx.

In which I am spoiled some more.

It's like my birthday just keeps on going. First Shula announced that she's made me a purple scarf. To date, this wonderful woman has given me her home-made jam & muesli, and now she's offering me her lovely crafting. I only wish I had the skills to reciprocate. Maybe I will start sending slabs of cake in the mail to her as my best offering..

Then my Mum came to stay, bearing Sheridan sheets. See the red Myer bag on the floor near Cherub? That's them. They're white. And luxurious. So we baked her some cupcakes (and arranged them attractively on the new cupcake stand, birthday present from my friend Astrid) to celebrate her forthcoming birthday in July; she'll be back in Sydney on the actual date and might not have someone to whip up cupcakes with hundreds and thousands. Much less help with the candle-blowing. I know this is not a madly flattering photo but I couldn't resist the snippet of Cherub taking a big breath.

Here's a better photo...

More goodness arrived via Australia Post in the form of a brown paper parcel not tied up with string but definitely bearing a favourite thing. From the lovely Jac at Six Impossible Things who realised she could help me with my tea fetish. Anyone for a cuppa? I can even help the Earl Grey drinkers now.

The tea arrived on the same day as the hat I ordered from Stacey at Sheep's Clothing. I love it so much I want it to stay winter so I can wear it every day.

It goes strikingly well with the purple scarf from my friend and knitting supervisor Jenny, another birthday present. Stacey also sent me a knitted flower hair tie and some fund-raising chocolate. Which I've only half-eaten.

I feel simultaneously not worthy and also that I could get very used to this.