Happy 80th and 40th Birthday

Joe and his Mum

Lola and 'Grandma'

Lola, Margaret and Me

Calum, Joe and Alex

Reaching the age of 80 is something to be celebrated.

So is reaching the age of 40.

Having both 'special' birthdays in the same family in the same month is even more reason to celebrate.

So Saturday 4 April saw us in Islington at a lovely French restaurant called Le Mercury for a special birthday meal with Joe's Mum, Margaret, and his brother Alex.

Everything about the meal was lovely - the restaurant, the food, the wine and the atmosphere. I was glad we'd booked as the restaurant was full which gasve it a real buzz. Perhaps the service was a little slow at times but the waiting staff were very friendly and helpful and I liked the fact that we were able to linger as long as we wanted.

Even the weather was good (which made a nice change) as it was warm and sunny, bringing people out into the streets to shop or sit outside cafes and soak up the sun.

The whole occasion was made even nicer by the fact that it's very rare that we manage to get together as a family, so spending a lovely, relaxing few hours together was really special.

And that was cause for celebration all on its own.