
My birthday and RBG Kew
First I wanted to say thank you so much to everyone, over 100 of my friends, for wishing me a Happy Birthday yesterday on my Facebook. I’m absolutely overwhelmed with the outpouring of love. Thank you my friends. I treasure each and every one of you.
And second, I’d like to tell you that I had the most fabulous birthday in the world!
As usual and traditional for us, Robert took me to RBG Kew for the day.
It was overcast and misty, and, since we usually have hot summer weather at Kew, it was wonderful to walk around in the fresh and cool. We were saying that Paris in April is nothing as romantic as our version of romantic: Kew on a drizzly summer’s day. 😀
Traditionally we head to the Orangery for tea and lunch, plan our walk…
…and head out to the gardens.
Each year there is a new summer theme at Kew, and this year it was all about spice.
Various areas in the garden had self learning booths set up with information about a spice, drawers to open to smell them, and historic examples on display. Did you know that one variety of star anise, a native Japanese variety, is actually highly toxic and often used for incense, and sometimes the spice has been mixed up with culinary star anise resulting in deaths? I never knew that!
We walked around the student gardeners’ beds, (good to see that even expert gardeners have weeds, lol)
Love the stick and pot method of keeping the nets up.
We took photos everywhere.
R is very skilled at photobombing! He makes me laugh so much. 😀
Then I have to say to him, “Oi, get out of my photos!” And I get the lost little puppy look.
At one point R had a rest in a little pergola while I walked around some more of the garden.
And late into the day, we climbed the 60″ up 6 staircases to walk in the Kew treetops.
R ran the last couple staricases taking the stairs two by two, and when I got to the top I looked at him and said, “show off! 😀 ” The middle-aged British couple beside us sniggered ever so politely (although they tried not to show it…in that very British way.)
What could have been better for me? I don’t know.
A day of love, companionship, garden and photos.
Happy day. 😀
Renee
Indeed, it looks like you had a grand birthday! The lilly with the water drops is so stunning! R seems to be a bit of a stinker, how fun!. He seems to be a bit like your cat!
Veronica
I did so very much Renee. Lovely to the max. Now I just want to paint those lilies and so much more. R really is a scamp, but he keeps me from taking myself too seriously and that’s a good thing. 😀
Renee
Oh, and happy belated birthday!
Veronica
Mwah 😀
Thistle
Happy belated birthday friend and your photographs are amazing!
karianne
Veronica
Thank you so much Kerianne. I really should pop over to your’s more often. I really enjoy reading your posts. 😀
debrashewhoseeks
Sounds like the perfect birthday! May all your dreams come true this year!
Veronica
Aw, Debra, thank you so much. That’s such a lovely thought. I’m so glad we’re friends. 😀
Tessa
Don’t use Facebook, so I will wish you a Happy Belated Birthday, today….
What a wonderful Birthday! Just lovely. And lovely memories where made also.
Tessa
Veronica
Thank you so much Tessa. 😀
sorrygnat
Happy Belated Birthday. Your blogs are always enchanting. Nice to see family photos also. Your life and you are beautiful inside and out.
Veronica
Aw, Esther, thank you so much. 😀
Marian
What a beautiful day, despite the weather… absolutely fabulous! Thank you for sharing… July birthdays should always be sunny! 🙂 Mxx
Veronica
It was a beautiful day Marian. 😀 I know, but usually my birthday’s are always sunny, so this was just fine. British weather…eh?
catherine
your birthday hug is sitting here waiting for your visit next week! 🙂 X
Veronica
Looking forward to that 😀 x
Patty
I’m glad you had a lovely birthday. Your photos are such a treat to see as always. Hubby looks like a lot of fun. Today is our son and DIL’s third wedding anniversary.
Veronica
Aw, thank you Patty. Happy anniversary to your son and DIL. Hope they had a lovely day. 😀
daryledelstein
sounds perfect!
sarah
Happy birthday, it looks like a wonderful day! 🙂
Julie@frogpondfarm
Oh you gorgeous girl! Happy happy birthday I hope you had the best day! Ah you are a cancer .. so am I! LOL .. I just love these photos, what a fabulous place to visit and to take pics of. I just love that photo of you V – so gorgeous. I’m so pleased you are home and having lots of fun. Hugs
ebbandflo (@pomomama)
What an adorable day out! Happy birthday. Coincidences too – just finished writing a piece on star anise toxins for the food blog.
Ps: v jealous of you going to Kew