As In Biscuit: My lockdown birthday

Yesterday was my 39th birthday. I thought I would have a very boring and quiet day considering we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic but to say it was a “lockdown birthday” it was a lot busier and a lot more fun than I ever imagined it could be!

I woke early and opened the various birthday cards I had received in the post and those that had been hand delivered by family and friends.

I then opened my card and gifts from my Mam. She had asked our friend Sandra, who makes her own greetings cards, to design a Priscilla themed card and I loved it! My Mam had spent far too much and spoiled me despite not being able to go to shops or shop online. She has ways and means - in the guise of a special Elf called Louise - and what Louise didn’t buy for her I had chosen and ordered myself but she paid for.

After I finished opening the gifts I had received from my wonderful family and friends I had my breakfast - which was the only healthy food I consumed all day!

My Dad came down at 11.30am to bring me a birthday card and some yummy Lindt choccies and we had a socially distanced chat at the front door. His main gift is my new iPhone which is arriving on 13th November.

I then went out to collect a scrumptious fully loaded, giant cookie from my friend Helen and as we hadn’t seen each other since March we had a fab socially distanced chat before I brought my cookie home.

I just got home when my Uncle Joe and Aunty Mary knocked to drop off a birthday card and I had a socially distanced chat with them on the front path and my Mam spoke to them through the intercom.

At 3pm I did a Skype call with my friend Barbara in Texas and she serenaded me from across the pond. Then in the middle of my chat with Barbara my friend Dianne surprised me by dropping by with her little dog Ruby and brought me a pressie, card and some beautiful roses. We had a socially distanced chat outside my house then I got back to talking to Barbara.

At teatime my Mam and I had fish and chips delivered from Seashells and my Aunty Karen had put a tub of Raspberry Ripple ice cream in as a freebie for my birthday.

After tea I did a video call with my Godmother Carolyn and I thanked her for her birthday card and for putting £50 in my bank.

I then set about replying to all the birthday messages people had left on my Facebook Timeline and thanking everyone for their kind wishes.

My Mam and I then watched the soaps and Holby City which was being shown for the first time in ages as it has not been broadcast for months due to Covid. While watching telly I decided to open my posh Lindt choccies and stuff my face until bedtime.

I had the best day. I ended up seeing lots of faces - both virtually and in the flesh - despite the lockdown restrictions and I received so many cards, gifts, emails, texts, Whatsapps and phone calls. I was overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness especially when this year has been so challenging for everyone. I am so very blessed and fortunate to be surrounded by so much love!