David was 50 yesterday. He’s been remarkably mellow in the run-up and took it all in his stride. I was wondering whether he’d wake up and have some major melt-down thingumy but, thankfully, he didn’t. He was so happy to have an extra day at home and a day off work that the age situation didn’t ruffle his feathers at all. And quite right too. Having reached my half-century in August I can vouch for it being absolutely fine. Better than fine, in fact. I am blazing a trail.
Being a Tuesday, the children begrudgingly went off to school (they hate the thought of fun being had when they’re not around) and we had a leisurely start to the day. I’d asked David what he’d like to do – anything, limited budget allowing – but all he wanted to do was to go for a decent walk and have a pub lunch. We drove to Chilham (a beautiful 15th-century village near Canterbury) and followed a circular 5-mile route from the village, through fields of sheep, along woodland paths and country lanes, past the river Stour and back to the village pub. It was a dull, grey, windy old day and the light levels were low (hence the darkish photos) but it was totally lovely to spend time together and catch up. That sounds daft but as he works away for most of the week and our weekends are busy, busy, busy there’s precious little time alone together and we are spectacularly rubbish at making it a priority.
We discussed our holiday plans for this summer (a long-awaited trip to the USA. Yes, I know! Exciting!); we talked about the children and how blinking proud we are of them and how well they’ve settled in to life here; we reviewed where we are with the house renovation (ongoing) and garden (always ongoing, as it should be); and we enjoyed the walking and the fresh air and the beautiful countryside. It was fabulous and precious, all the more so because it’s so rare. The children and I have more treats in store for him this weekend but I can’t tell you about them in case he reads this post. He doesn’t often read my blog, unless I tell him to have a look at the photos while he’s away, but sod’s law he would if I told you about our secret plans!
Have a great week. I will report back after the weekend 🙂
acoastalplot 
Quality time with your other half just cannot be beaten. Hope you’ve had a lovely celebration with the children too. Cheers to David on his half century.
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Thank you Sarah. We did have a lovely evening with the children and are looking forward to a fun weekend. Hope all’s good with you.
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A belated Happy Birthday to David. Have a great weekend!
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Thank you Jessica 🙂
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Sounds like a perfect birthday. Where in the U.S. are you going?
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We’re still in the planning stages but definitely New York, Boston, over to the west coast tbc, then back to Washington and home from NY. The excitement levels are running high here!
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The simple things you do together can often be the best. He doesn’t look 50.
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I agree Brian. David’s brother, who is younger than him, is very put-out that he’s lost his hair while David still has his and has very little grey!
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Sounds a perfect way to spend the day. We have a picture of Chilham on some ancient placemats and when we walked through it were surprised to see how little it had changed.
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It’s a quaint place, isn’t it? You can imagine people wandering about in period dress. The cars parked in the village square look completely out of place.
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Isn’t it great to spend some alone time with your man? I work and live with mine but still, we don’t manage to spend time together… Having said that, we managed a short dog walk around the gas towers the other day. Not nearly as scenic as the village you visited!
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Gas towers can be quite architectural 🙂
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Sweet. Enjoy the celebration.
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Happy Birthday David! What a wonderful walk to go on! Enjoy the weekend! xx
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Sam!!! Your photos are stunning! I just want to jump into them and experience those beautiful places!!! Your day sounded perfect! And a trip to the US!!!! Oh my! You have to let us know where you all plan to go!!! Wishing you an outstanding weekend buddy! Nicole xoxo
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Ah, thank you Nicole. You too x
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I can’t think of a better way to spend a birthday than a good walk and a pub lunch. Happy 50th to David.
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Sounds like the perfect birthday. Your husband looks remarkably youthful in the photograph, I would have thought 40, not 50. Not that it matters anyway. Like you I am embracing my 50’s and making the most of my (comparative) youth!! X
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A decent walk and a pub lunch…that is a beautiful thing x
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Looks like a lovely walk – and so green for the end of January.
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