Gifts Galore

Last Thursday was my 50th birthday and I have been overwhelmed with the cards and gifts I have received. Over 50 cards altogether, some on the day and others last night when we had a small party for friends and family.

But before I chat more about my lovely family and friends I must just share my Gifted Gorgeousness news for this month. I have been working hard on my friend's retirement gift, Herb Garden by The Drawn Thread. She is retiring at the start of October and we're out for a meal on October 1st so I need it finished and framed by then.

The Herb Garden 

Although birthday gifts these are also eligible for GG as they are examples beautiful crafting. First a beautiful knitted chef made for me by Julie, she is so clever with her knitting needles.

Christine is equally as clever with her sewing machine and made this gorgeous basket. It's been used already :-)

Dusty loves to do hardanger and has made this great needlecase, it fits perfectly in my travel sewing box.

Two of my friends have stitched me birthday cards, I was so touched as cross stitch is a hobby time permitting as they both have busy jobs.

Julie also stitched me a picture for my birthday - so cute and means a little more as she stitched it whilst on holiday in our caravan in Wales.

Talking of Wales my darling daughter completely surprised me (and made me cry) with a Welsh rugby shirt - signed by all the team !! She had also contacted friends and family asking for happy 50th selfies and put them all in an album.

My lovely son took me out for breakfast at Carluccio's followed by a visit to the Pandora shop where he bought me a new charm.

My amazing hubby really surprised me with a beautiful ring and a trip to Prague - we leave tomorrow, returning Friday. I was so surprised, life has been a bit of a whirlwind the last few days.

Last night was an amazing party - thank you to everyone for such beautiful cards and gifts. Thanks too for all getting up and joining in with The Birdie Song - so funny!!

All of us together before the party started.

I had a little surprise of my own for everyone - only my hubby knew before. I have always wanted to do the London Marathon but because of my MS it's impossible, I have tried so many times to train and build up but after a few days my fatigue sets in and I'm unwell for a few weeks and back to the beginning.

I decided that at 50 I should be able to do it - but my way - so we're going to London one Saturday when I feel good and following the route from the start we'll do about 3 miles. This will be with pub stops along the way for refreshments.

When I've had enough we'll come home and then a few weeks later when I'm OK we'll return to where we left and walk the next 3 miles. Like this we will keep visiting London until we have completed the whole route, I have no idea how many trips we'll make or how long it will take us. Amazingly Virgin Trains have offered to give both of us free travel to and from London for each trip - I still can't believe it.

I have set up a separate blog about my Challenge and not being one to miss an opportunity I have also set up a fundraising page to help four charities:

MS Society

Pancreatic Cancer UK

Diabetes UK

British Paralympic Association

My blog address is: http://clareschallenge50.blogspot.co.uk

and my fundraising page is: 

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=ClaresChallenge50

My final photos are another craft - my best friend makes cakes and for my actual birthday made this beautiful little cake. For my party my Hubby had asked Niki to make a cake themed on my favourite champagne - it was just stunning !!

Thank you for reading all my news - see you when we return from Prague