'Twas on 15 February 1961 that I was brought kicking and screaming into this world. In the grand scheme of things, my 50 year journey from complete anonymity to almost total obscurity has been relatively unremarkable. No million-selling CD's, no Hollywood blockbuster movies, no Champions League-winning goals, no Open Golf-winning Claret Jugs. I've seen a good many of my sporting and musical heroes, and even been lucky enough to have briefly met and spoken with a handful of them - and, in many cases, I have the photos to prove it! Hell, I even once walked into a hotel lift (or elevator, as they say across the pond) just as the legendary Windsor Davies was walking out of it. How many people can say that?! Unfortunately, I don't have a photo to prove it. ;-) OK, so I'm really scraping the barrel there (with all due respect to Windsor Davies!) but I'm merely attempting to articulate the sentiment that my life has been no more eventful than the millions (alright, hundreds) of people who read this blog every week.
But one aspect of my life in which I can very definitely say I have been very lucky is the most important one of all - my family life. Following my formative years, spent in the bosom of a loving and close-knit (most of the time!) family - as the youngest of 4 siblings - I was fortunate enough to meet and marry the the love of my life, Diane, who gave me two wonderful (and wonderfully challenging!) sons. Of course, life hasn't been without a few minor hiccups, but nothing that couldn't be overcome with relatively good health (touch wood), good friends and a family that I wouldn't swap for all the tea in China. Life is good.
TLD - the best thing that ever happened to me
Yours truly, with Daniel and Alex - we're all a few years older now!
Tonight, a few friends and family members will gather at a Nottingham restaurant to help me celebrate my half-century and to enjoy a nice meal and some fine wines - though I'm not getting my hopes up about a bottle of 1961 Volnay that I picked up for a song at auction a year or two ago. Still, you never know........... I'll report back tomorrow.
6 comments:
Happy birthday! See you later.
Andy
Congratulations on your half century, Leon. Nice post. Have a great night out.
Looking forward to that 61!
Sorry it didn't live up to your expectations David. ;-) I'm just pleased that a basic village Volnay from a grower I've never heard of actually tasted like wine and not like vinegar! When you get to my age (I'll use that one a LOT, from now on!) you tend to appreciate the aged beauty of a distinguished old dame like that!
Belated birthday greetings Mr S. You've definitely reached the age where you need to give up that rock 'n' roll for some cool jazz.
A belated happy birthday. Congratulations on your first half century.
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