Happy Alan's Birthday

Today is my brother's birthday so my parents came to visit me? But they are going to see him in a couple of weeks and that is a journey that needs a bit more planning!

We had a love time today. Dad has made a window box for my shed and brought it and the plants to fill it.

Here we all are reflected in the window with the new box behind the wonderful tulips. They are at their best just now but when they are finished, the plants in the box will be well established and ready to take over! (We are going to paint it the same as the shed) I am so looking forward to looking out at it when I am making things! THANK YOU DAD!

We phoned to say 'Happy Birthday' and here is your birthday cake Alan.

4 oz currants, 4 oz raisins, 4 oz sultanas

8 oz butter, 4 oz brown sugar, 3 oz chopped dates, 2 oz chopped prunes, 3 oz chopped apricots, 2 oz sunflower seeds, 2 oz chopped nuts (you've got pecans) half a pint of orange juice, 4 oz apricot jam

melt everything together in a pan and simmer for one minute.
then add

8 oz self raising wholemeal flour, 1 teaspoon each of ginger, mixed spice and cinnamon, three eggs and 2 tablespoons of brandy.

mix the whole lot together and pour it into a well greased and lined 8/9 inch tin. bake for about 50 minutes at 160'C

This is now in a tin in the back of Dad's car and will be on it's way to France in less than two weeks, by which time it should be nicely matured. Sing the birthday song if you want to - but enjoy it with my love!

We've had a lovely time and the weekend is only half done! And I haven't mentioned the jumble sale, the trip to the quilt shop and the garden centre and lunch out. All very lovely! Always time to sit with the paper and a patchwork magazine though.

Comments

[Zoe]

The window box is a great idea and the flowers look lovely. I think your brother Alan will love that cake and thanks for sharing the recipe. Any news on the socks? :))

[Dad.]

What lovely words and pictures. The relection shot came out really well. Enjoy the Tulips in the knowledge that more colour is on its way.

What to say about the cake? What a wonderful way to show Alan that you remembered him in such a practical way.

We had a lovely week-end.

Mum and Dad.

[wendy]

My Dad used to bring boxes of garden goodies and I loved it and how I miss it and Dad. So lovely to see those plants sounds like a great time was had by all. Happy birthday Alan.

[martha]

salaam al uma l-jediidati,
hello the excellent mother-it would look more impressive in real arabic rather than transliteration.
look how much revision, me and emily even bought nice little books from paperchase to write our verbs in. I am exceptionally excited that you're coming- we will do many good things. your blog is fabby. nice pictures of farth and nana with the paper- but no o, has he mysteriously disappeared??
finished sainsburys awful induction- now i know how to deal with a syringe wielding shoplifter (code 300 folks) i am qualified to begin tediously beeping things.
i love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[katie]

and I love you too

[Alan]

Well well! Just take a look at that cake! Even the ingredients look scrummy! Thankyou everyone for the birthday wishes. I keep telling myself that age is just a number but in my case it's a great big one! Thanks sis! I can't wait to tste the cake and I love you to bits x A

[Alan]

UPDATE!!!!

Just to let you all know that the cake tasted even better than the photo's - if that is possible! It was moist and fruity and spicy. I loved it! Thanks sis! x