WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Saturday 29 December 2012

Mr. M . Turns 80

Mr . M turned 80 yesterday.
Our daughter from Switzerland,  organised a surprise party for him.  We started to organise it about 3 months ago.  It was such a wonderful day.  A most rewarding way to finish off christmas and enter into the new year.
M and I are neighbours.  we were married for 33 years.. and still have a very special friendship together.
Our children were so so happy.  In the photo below are 4 of our children and manuel's daughter. who makes it 5 children. She lives in Germany ..His best friend from Canada came, his 4 remaining brothers and sisters.   Everyone was hiding behind the curtains in Dita's restaurant .. when he entered you can imagine the look on his face, it lit up with glee , as you can imagine.
The photos are in no particular order.
just wanted to share our wonderful week together as a family.




                                                             Grandaughter Audrey Marie and Mr. M

                                              our children toasting daddy
                                           Mr M and myself danced the night away.. son's singing and playing their guitars..
Since christmas eve. Its been non stop around here.   I wrote on my last post, that we had christmas at my son's estate  "The Alfanges".. So much love has been circling around here. I think we are all still up high in the clouds. It took us ages to pick up the wrapping paper and strings and things.. all so delightful.
I still have to put some of my gifts away.
But mostly, what I wanted to share with you all my dear friends.  Is that to have my children all together along with my grandchildren, was the best present of all.

As we were all leaving the party last night.   Mr. M turned to me and said.. gosh val.. I cant believe I have made it to 80.. my reply.. " you are still looking great".

I am sure that all of you have been together with family and friends and enjoying this wonderful week.
Enjoy the rest of this saturday and a happy blessed last sunday tomorrow for 2012.

28 comments:

  1. truly wonderful, val. i love that you two are still friends and family as well as neighbors. :)

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    1. Thanks Tex.
      What more could be better.. to grow old being friends.
      hugs..)_:

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  2. What a memorable time for you all Val - and like TexWisgirl said how lovely it is that you are still friends and live next door to each other. Mr. M looked very happy and so do you. Happy New Year to you all.

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    1. It was a very memorable day for us all Rosemary.
      Manuel was so so happy.
      Thanks for reading and leaving your appreciated comments.. as always.

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  3. Oh Val I've been so touched by your post How lovely that you're best friends with your ex. I've actually shed a tear. Please pass on my congratulations. I'm beginning to know more about you and so pleased that you've shared this with us. Your Christmas sounded wonderful. Ours was too. Happy New Year.
    Patricia x

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    1. Thank you dear Patricia.
      Yes.. we married in 1965.. many years ago. We had good times together and when we get together with the family..its great.. he hops over for tea or a glass of wine.
      I am happy that your christmas was a good one too..
      sending hugs

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  4. My dear friend
    It was so lovely that met all together and you had a wonderful family time ! I can't imagine the surprise of Mr. M !Happy Birthday to him !You look so happy and I am so glad for this !

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    1. Thank you Olympia.
      It was all very wonderful. the family together. xx

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  5. Congratulations to Mr M on his birthday. You all look as if you had a wonderful time, what a lovely surprise! How lovely you have remained such good friends.
    Sarah x

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    1. Thank You Sarah,
      Life takes us along paths that we wouldnt sometimes dream of Sarah.
      xx

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  6. What a beautiful and touching moments Val!And you look so happy and having a good time!My wishes to Mr.M.,for his birthday!It is so nice having good friends and neighbors!Wishing to you and your lovely family a Happy New Year!
    Dimi..

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    1. Thank you Dimi
      Mr. M was very happy..Its been a wonderful christmas time.
      x

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  7. Hello Valerie

    One can feel the joy in watching you dance with Mr M. You both should apply for "Dancing with the Stars". What a beautiful way to celebrate life. Happy you had a great Christmas season.

    A very Happy New Year

    Helen xx

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    1. Thank you Helen.. Yes I was up in the clouds.. not often I get to dance with mr.m anymore!
      It was a good christmas season.
      Happy New year to you too Helen..

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  8. Yes Mr M still looks like he has many happy years ahead. What a lovely family celebration Val.
    xx

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  9. Happy Birthday to Mr M, who does indeed look very good at 80! What a lovely family occasion, and a wonderful surprise for him. You look great too, dancing away the night! Your family is very special and thank you for sharing. xx

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  10. That's fabulous--a big extended international family with music and dancing! Congratulations to Mr M and you--you created a marvelous family. I can feel the fun right through your pictures.

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  11. How in the world did you manage to divorce and then stay such great friends.

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  12. Hi Val. First I have to say you let a very handsome man get away. And how nice it is that you have remained friends and that your children and you can all be together and still have a good time. Looks like your Christmas was very merry and wish Mr. M a belated birthday..Happy New Year..Judy

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    1. Thank you Judy,
      He's not got away.. He just wants to be alone.. and we are good friends.. neither of us are with anyone. we have too much together.
      Our children adore to see us together and that makes us happy.
      It was a good christmas this year..

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  13. Mr M certainly does look great! What a marvellous surprise it must have been for him to have all his family there to help him celebrate.

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    1. Thanks Rowan.
      Mr. M looks good for 80.. still sails on his own and lives a full life.
      It was a great surprise.. it went off very very well.
      our daughter did a fine job.

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  14. What a wonderful post, dear, Val.
    I could feel the magic and joy radiate through it!
    Thanks for sharing with us..
    Val, I would like to wish you and yours a truly magical 2013 *** and thank you for you blogging friendship! Happy 2013, dear fiend!
    Love Maria x

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  15. Dear Val, this is a love story. The picture of you dancing with Mr M is priceless. He is a very useful 80. So lovely to see your family all together.
    Happy New Year to you and yours,
    gina

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  16. Thank you again, Val. I too enjoy all of your special stories, my good friend, and also look forward to the coming year and spending time with you. Hope it is a very good year for everyone..Judy

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  17. What a wonderful celebration it must have been! The look on your face (that is you dancing?) says it all - that, and the smiles on the faces of your children. Family celebrations are really the most fun!

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  18. Dear Val,
    What a joyful post! So lovely to see you all having a wonderful time together. You are blessed indeed. Mr.M must have been thrilled to have all of his family, siblings and best friend there to celebrate together.
    Btty

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  19. What a wonderful celebration, Val. Those photos are so full of joy. It was so kind of you to share this here and it make me smile.

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