Non, je ne regrette rien

I had the best Birthday gathering I could imagine, with all my dear work colleagues, splendid volunteers and lovely family. 

In the afternoon Martin and I lugged the big bowl barbecue up from the yurt and set it up on the grassy area by the Ranger's office. Alison grated corgette and apple for a salad and I set out nibbles, glasses and plates. The sun , which had been glorious all day continued to shine and at five o'clock we variously closed down the office laptops, shut up the shop and returned from the far corners of the forest. 

My family staggered up the path loaded with food,  drinks and the 'secret' cake. Charcoal smoke scented the air and mingled with the honey sweet smell of gallium and the resinous aroma of pine forest. It seemed to be keeping off the midges too! 

Then, to keep us on our toes, a series of sharp explosions issued from the hot centre of the BBQ, re-echoing like small arms fire. When they stopped we gingerly picked ourselves up off the ground to investigate and found it was a flagstone (now very split) that had been put in to raise the charcoal bed.  

Over the evening people came and went, cooked their sausages, meat and veg, chatted, laughed and enjoyed meeting up,. The beady eyes of our Ravens watched the proceedings from their perch in the firs, and the Blackbirds sang bed-time songs from both sides of the valley. The cake, a magnificent chocolate, raspberry and cream confection with quite a few candles, made by my sister, was a secret no longer. and was joined by polenta sponge and Guinness bake-off. 

Then my boss and friend of over 20 years said a few short and jolly words and there were cards, and bunches of flowers, some home grown some bought and all beautiful, given with love.
It was not a late night as there was work for most of us in the morning. There was a general clearing up, to leave the place ready for business next day and in the quiet of the evening, still warm and light I said goodbye to the last guests and then wended my own way home. 

Sometimes there are just too many blessings to comprehend.