Birthday Birds

I am officially a year older!

I was born on a Monday, May 11th, at 10.25am and weighed 8lbs 3oz’s.
I had fluid in my lungs and was taken from ATM to have them sucked out.
My Pamps was the first one to see and hold me, much to my Dad’s chagrin.
He still isn’t over it and believes it was a moment stolen from him because they didn’t phone him.
ATM’s story is that he was pissed in a pub somewhere and couldn’t be located.
I’m inclined to believe that it’s a bit of both!


So, here are a few people I share a birthday with: Chang and Eng, the Siamese twins, Irving Berlin, Margaret Rutherford, Salvador Dali, Jeremy Paxman and Louis Farrakan.
On my 11th birthday Bob Marley died. Douglas Adams also popped his clogs on a much later birthday.
But my most favourite thing happened on May 11th 1675 in Quebec.
Jean Oudiette was awarded the monopoly on hunting Beaver for 7 years!
Imagine that! All that Beaver just for him.


For a birthday treat, M took me to the Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover.
I saw a Fish Eagle fly, A Peregrine Falcon, a bunch of Black Kites and two Bald Eagles.
It was magical. The Bald Eagles were released a good 2 miles away and flew in accompanied by the music, ‘1492 The Conquest of Paradise’ by Vangelis. It was breathtaking and I have to admit, brought a lump to the throat.


I got to hold my hand out for a Harris Hawk to land on. It was such a lovely moment!



Good News! Fresh blood at Sleepy Mansions.
Cousin M is moving in at the beginning of next month. I’m really looking forward to having him and his mates around, many of whom, like his girlfriend, are Muslim.
This can only add to the ‘rich tapestry’ of our Collective.
I’m secretly hoping some of them can cook, or at least get food parcels from their Mums that they are prepared to share!