Ruthie's Birthday Party

Last week at the singalong at Allandale, Ruthie walked out of the room and Janine quickly invited us to her surprise 80th birthday party, on Sunday 31st July 2011 at Mirra's. All a bit hush hush as a surprise, but what a fabulous turn out it was. Ruthie seemed to have no idea what was happening, and family and friends kept rolling in with lovely smiles and platters of food. Hah. As if we would starve at Mirra's!

Suzie Mags singing Happy Birthday to Ruthie and what a delightful sound. We'll expect more from you Suz at the next community concert.

Tim Sheridan playing with his mobile and keeping up to date with the footy scores

Suzie and Lolly on the sofa. Made me think about our lovely Wookie. Well, Chel's lovely Wookie really. He died five days before Chel's came home from Uni. I have to say I really miss the little fellow. He was certainly not fully appreciated by me, but he's teaching me many lessons now

Family watching Fox playing his guitar. Si wi how lucky fe gut dii thing fe luk orn.

Shane doing his thing. Joy finally got in her request of "Cab Driver" and Dad decided to leave so the song only lasted the first verse. Just means she'll hassle Shane at the next singalong.

Shane on the guitar and Mirra on the organ. It was fantastic but the poet (and not an English word by the way) naewa sti deya fe lorng.

Still standing in the doorway and watching the goings on.

Suz, Lolly and Robin on the lounge, making sure that all things were ticking as they should

Shane and Foxy playing together. What a great team. All we need is Commie en Hussein, and I've only heard Bev play and sing one time, but God it was fantastic.

Sarah sang and danced the Isa Lei for us and called Ruthie to her feet to join in. It was beautiful to watch as you can see from the photo

After Daniel brought out the cake Foxy told us about their wedding day and played and sang "Red Sails in the Sunset" which were played during their wedding

Robert showing me where the food should go, where the food was going and where the food had already gone. Lots of food.

Robyn, Sarah and Mirra putting the world to rights. Dar thing fe Mesta's, "Only me and my Lord know wuthen dem three deya talken bout"

Pat McCoy. Many, many times, I've tried to get a photograph of Pat but she usually sits quietly in the background, either stitching the most exquisite pieces or knitting the most complex patterns. Not a good shot Pat, but I'm getting closer