Birthday sun and fun

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Out of a grand total of 55 now, I have to say this was the best birthday of the lot!

Being English and having a birthday in January means I've only ever been cold. But not

today. We've sailed round the edge of Cuba and it has been perfect. After tea in bed,

it was a quick trip to the gym and then I was greeted by Room Service delivering a

massive, gorgeously scented and very exotic flower arrangement thanks to some great

communal planning by my family. The display is fabulous and has Bird of Paradise

flowers and even some baby pineapples in it.

Then we went to our third talk all about life in the White House but after that, it was

no good, I couldn't resist the temptation any longer and just had to go swimming in one

of the outdoor pools. The water was wonderfully warm and you almost had to stay in it

to keep cool. Had to keep reminding ourselves that this is January! Since we left New

York, they've had 2 feet of snow so our timing has been impeccable.

This afternoon we treated ourselves to a couple of treatments in the Spa and I have to

admit, my skin hasn't felt this good for about 20 years. OK, if you add up all the

products she used, I would have to spend nearly 400 dollars to be able to repeat it at

home. I guess that means normal lumpy, oily, scaley, flaking service will resume again

shortly!

Dinner tonight was formal and we decided to treat ourselves to a fantastic meal in the

fancy-dan restaurant. It was all so beautiful we photographed every course: crab,

scallops, langoustines, pork fillet and then a wonderfull strawberries,cream and sponge

birthday cake. That was followed by the best petit fours we've ever eaten. They came

displayed on a dedicated petit fours trolley and there were more than a dozen to choose

between. Being decidedly slipping diabetics today, we settled for 3 each! Note to self

- must be good tomorrow to make up for it!

In between mains and cake, we left the restaurant to go and have our formal photos

taken. Again, thanks to my lovely family, this is another birthday treat so fingers

crossed that at least one of the pictures comes out nice.

After that lot we came back to our cabin and ditched the fancy clothes and dived

straight into our pj's.

Sorry if communications have been a bit erratic today. Managed to text with Jane, Andy,

Claire and Shirley but then tried to thank everyone for all the lovely cards and gifts

but the connection has been lost for the rest of the day. Fingers crossed we can upload

the blog tonight. I am surrounded by cards and presents from work, family and friends.

I've worn as many presents as possible: jewellery, make up and a temporary new face!

Thanks to you all for making today special.

Tomorrow we're in Grand Cayman and hoping to swim with, and feed, sting rays! Now that

is one sure-fired way to make Monday morning feel good!

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