Birthday walk and Twister

Birthday

I had a fantastic birthday weekend! Saturday we finally got around to going to see the new Star Wars (possibly some of the last people in Britain to do so!). 

On Sunday the weather was amazing. Which is extremely unusual for my birthday! So Mom, Dad and I went out for a walk. All I know is it was somewhere near Swindon.

Peaceful.

Bugs!

Though some clouds appeared, it was pretty much blue skies, though the wind was a little chilly. Dad and I had fun taking photos, while mom wandered ahead.

Slightly stormy skies

Mom doing what she does

Dad does what he does

It was a little muddy in part but that was a great way to break in my new walking shoes. It was probably because we didn't exactly pick the most used trails. And did get a little bit lost. But you really can't get that lost around there. For long any way.

A little muddy

Long path (hopefully towards home)

Eventually we found the road and the way back to the car. There is a common the other side which was very nice to sit watching. But it did get a little chilly. (Plus Mom had a cake to make!)

Beautiful day

Happy faces

Though when we got home, first thing first: nap time!

Tired out.

On the evening, we went over to Kerry and Craig's and they cooked us dinner. I was really surprised as they went to a lot of effort and decorated as well. It was brilliant and so sweet.

Very fancy

Decoration.

The cats weren't as impressed. In fact Harley made her displeasure at not getting fed our food quite well known. They had said she could be smelly. But she farted and we pretty much had to evacuate the room! I have never smelt anything quite like that before. And hope I never do again.

Smelly cat

Holly was less bothered.

Chilling.

Over Christmas I brought some wine from Groupon which sparkles. Literally. It simmers. I have given a few out as presents but had no idea what they tasted like, so we decide to open one. Thankfully it was quite nice. And very pretty to boot.

Gold wine

Sparkling in a different sense

Of course having played with the cats, Norman the snake wanted to join us as well. I am not the greatest of snake fans. But apparently he is a very chilled out snake. He certainly likes to explore. 

Norman, coming for me

Gymnastics

Not sure where he's going

Dad and Norman.

That is a very long snake

And then I got to hold him. This was not my idea!

Seriously no idea where he thinks he's off to.

Making friends

The dinner was really nice which desert AND birthday cake. (Bang goes the diet for the week.) And lots of Prosseco! Which made the after dinner entertainment even more entertaining: twister.
Mom and Dad have never played before. I don't think Mom quite got the hang of it as she keep using Dad as support. Either that or her competitive side came out.

hello

Getting assistance

Mom sabotaging dad!

Kerry and Craig were pretty good at this!

Getting close

Me, not so much. I remember it being a lot easier as a kid.

Not comfortable

Timber!

Quite impressive

The last game was everyone (bar Mom who spun the wheel). There really is not enough room on there for 4 adults.

Having a hug (and helping balance)

Mom was taking the photos her and she managed a very impressive one where Kerry's head moved off her body. No idea how she did this!

No idea how this photo happened.

It was an amazing day and one of the best birthdays I have had in a fair few years. I loved it. Thank you to everyone for my cards, messages and presents.
It is nice being home!

Thank you for all my cards, presents and messages.

Natural Bridge

On Saturday Cissi, Brenda and I went to the Natural bridge and caverns in the north. We got there for 9am (which meant way too early a morning). But we got there were there were only a few people there.

Entrance to the bridge park.

The bridge is a natural formation carved out by Cedar Creek. There is a mile walk along the creek, through the bridge and up to Lace waterfall.

Waterfall along the steps going down to the creek

Cissi with her ticket!

Cissi and Brentha in front of the bridge.

Natural bridge and Cedar Creek

Luckily no rocks fell on us.

The walk along the Creek was beautiful. And it was a gorgeous day.

Cedar Creek

Another waterfall.

There was also lots of wildlife along the way. There were butterflies everywhere. As well as a few snakes sunning themselves. The otter was too fast for a photo but the baby geese happily posed for the camera.

Lots of the trees had these huge mushrooms.

Baby geese posing.

This butterfly stayed on her hand for ages. (Even when she walk halfway back down the trail)

Looking for some sun

Sunbathing

So were the butterflies.

The water fall at the end was lovely. We couldn't get as close as I wanted to but still worth the trip.

Lace waterfalls.

Cissi at the waterfalls

There was also a recreation of a Monacan indian Village from ~1700.  There were various huts and people to explain about how they lived. Miss Elizabeth is a direct descendent but there are only about 3500 left.

Miss Elizabeth, demonstrating planting

Raccoon, also used as a glove by the Indians. (Skunks used to stored tobacco.)

Deer hides.

Turkey wing used as a fan for the fire.

We had lunch by one of the waterfalls and then headed to the shop. There was also a butterfly farm at the shop.

After the bridge, we headed up the road to the caverns. Unfortunately the tour group we were in was huge so at times it was hard to hear what the tour guide was saying. Still the caves were nice. (My camera is rubbish in low light so I didn't get any good photos.)

We had finished at the caverns by 3.30pm so decided to head to a vineyard on the way back to Roanoke before dinner. Unfortunately we managed to pick on which was closed for a wedding. :-( Next time. 

We stopped at a Taiwanese restaurant in Roanoke on the way back. I just let Cissi order. The food was nice and the people were lovely and gave us free hot tea. There was also a Chinese Zodiac on the table. Because I have a juvenile sense of humour (and a gutter mind), mine made me laugh.    

My Chinese zodiac.