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It was a good weekend. My old friend, Tony, invited me over to Beverley in the very heart of East Yorkshire. It's where I went to school and where Tony now lives with his second wife, Pauline.
We drove into the nearby city of Hull. The team I have supported for sixty years were playing Plymouth Argyle. But Tony had not only bought me a match ticket, he had paid for a "prestige" package that involved a lunch, free drinks, great seats next to the directors' box and so on.
High Esk Lake by The River Hull
At halftime, we looked up at the big screen and a digital birthday greeting came on wishing me a happy 70th birthday "from Tony". I have waited for fame all my life and now I had it. Of course the crowd cheered wildly when they saw my name.
Though Hull City deserved to win, we ended up drawing the match with Plymouth. The final score was 1-1.
The River Hull north of Hull Bridge
Back in Beverley, we visited Nellie's. Its real name is "The White Horse" and it is my favourite pub in the whole world. Right next to St Mary's Church, it is an authentic Victorian pub in which time has stood still. I first went in there when I was seventeen - 53 years ago. It is little changed.
On Sunday morning, in spite of the inclement weather forecast, we drove out of the old market town to undertake a four mile walk east of The River Hull and it was on this walk that I snapped the attached pictures.
Cattle by The River Hull at Arram Carrs
That was a great birthday celebration.
ReplyDeleteIt was so kind of Tony.
DeleteWell, happy birthday Mr. Pudding! I'm glad you had a good weekend with your friend. I looked up The White Horse, what a beautiful old building. Do you remember it being built?
ReplyDeleteAS we say in England - You cheeky mare!
DeleteWhat a wonderful birthday surprise and happy birthday. I love the photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elsie. My birthday isn't until next weekend.
DeleteA wonderful early birthday present for you, and although your team didn‘t win this time, they didn‘t lose, either.
ReplyDeleteYou must have been so relieved and happy to be out and about again after your illness.
You are right. I had been out of action for nine days - hardly leaving the house.
DeletePerfect birthday treat for you, happy birthday
ReplyDeleteIt was unexpected and so kind.
DeleteOf course, you only had a soft drink in Nellie's when you your were 17.
ReplyDeleteWhat a kind friend to help you celebrate your birthday with such a lovely surprise. A most enjoyable walk too. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteYou were far to busy having fun to post anything on the 30th. And I thought you were mortal in hospital. But what a stunning surprise birthday gift! How good and kind is Tony. It seems like Mrs Pudding should have been with you for the experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to celebrate your 70th birthday birthday. Many congratulations YP.
ReplyDeleteYou are famous, your work has been read millions of times.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great day!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to imagine circumstances in which you would not think Hull City deserved to win.
A lovely outing after you have been so ill. Kind friend indeed.
ReplyDeleteThat does sound like just about the most perfect weekend possible for Mr. P. How thoughtful of Tony!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that those cows might be some of the happiest of cattle in the entire world.
I don't remember the first bar I went into so in 20 years, I'm guessing I still won't remember.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice surprise birthday treat! Hope the year is filled with more fun adventures for you, Neil.
ReplyDeleteA very happy 70th birthday, Mr Pudd! X
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and welcomed to the 70+ group! I hadn't realised you are only 2 years younger than me. What a birthday, though, with your name on the big screen.
ReplyDeleteNo pictures of the White Horse, aka Nellie's?!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday
ReplyDeleteA friend of mine welcomed me to the US with a message on a screen at a sports game. I wasn't at the game but I cried when I saw the photos. Such a special moment.
ReplyDeleteHappy, happy birthday to you for next week, Neil :)