Best birthday ever

Triple-S · May 8th, 2019, 09:55

Last week my best (and Volvo-owning) friend round the corner asked what we could do for my birthday, which was yesterday. I suggested going to the Popham (near Basingstoke) classic car show the day before, which we did in his 740. Apart from the cold wind a really good and large show (as it always is): we saw some of the Portsmouth VOC section who were exhibiting their Amazons, I got two sets of new wiper blades for my 164 and 145, took lots of photos and we had a good time - even the roads were quiet on the way back.

On most Tuesdays we visit a fairly local retired (immaculate Volvo 244-owning) friend, for tea on the lawn at his lovely and very rural 17th century former stable/barn conversion. As I've just been given the all-clear to drive again after some medical problems I suggested going in my 164 as Dr. Reg loves that car, but Colin insisted we use his 740. I walk round the corner to his place and he immediately thrusts a birthday card into my hand! I was most surprised but when I opened the envelope my jaw dropped: its front depicted a large photograph of my Volvo 164 in front of Lancing College on the south coast. I ask how on earth he got that picture (I took it about three years ago) and he reminded me I left him my camera to download some pictures back in winter - and he spotted that picture on the memory card then so arranged things.... Sneaky but great!

We drive to the good doctors place and had a lovely stroll round his well-manicured sloping grounds down to the swimming pool, all part-shaded and with no overlooking neighbours - very relaxing.

We retire to chat in the conservatory when I espy another visitor arriving with boxes of plants in readiness for the floral/art Open Weekend Reg always has there on his nice big lawn which wears a large marquee for the event, in aid of The Elizabeth Charitable Fund. Linda came in and went straight to the kitchen with Colin to prepare afternoon tea: Reg went to join them and I still didn't twig...! A few minutes later the doors burst open and all three of them came in singing "Happy Birthday" and carrying the bone-china tea set (rather than the usual mugs), a huge icing-topped cake with candles illuminating it, and another birthday card! Fantastic. Then Colin video'd me cutting the cake amidst much merriment - I'm a cake-person so they got that right too!

So there you have it - three retired older-Volvo owners plus Reg's lifelong friend from that charity all acting like children on a lovely day in splendid surroundings. We talked for a couple of hours before our goodby's - a wonderful day. With a combined age of nearly 300 years, who said good times can't be had when of senior years?

Roll on the next birthday.

Paul

Bob Meadows · May 8th, 2019, 11:18

Classic cars are great- true friends beyond value.
Many years of both! Happy Birthday!
Bob.

Dippydog · May 8th, 2019, 11:38

Great stuff!!! A belated Happy Birthday and may you have many more of them!

ITSv40 · May 8th, 2019, 16:56

Glad to hear you had a lovely day. All genteel and old school, just as it should be. Here's to the next one.

ksmi · May 8th, 2019, 18:43

i don't know what you mean acting like children Paul,we are recycled children! I know some bits are not working very well and other bits completely kaput, plus some joints want an occasional squirt of WD40 or Single Malt even! But We are Young at heart and we still enjoy old friends,human, canine and motorised,long may it continue,Belated Happy Birthday Wishes.

Kindest regards,Keith

Harvey1512 · May 9th, 2019, 10:27

I started thinking about what my best birthday ever could be but then realised a good amount of it was not appropriate for an open forum

.

Sounds like a lovely time that you had. Memories and events are the best thing now. That day will make you smile for years to come.

ksmi · May 9th, 2019, 17:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Harvey1512

I started thinking about what my best birthday ever could be but then realised a good amount of it was not appropriate for an open forum

.

Sounds like a lovely time that you had. Memories and events are the best thing now. That day will make you smile for years to come.

Memories,sweet memories,a Gentleman doesn't tell Harvey. Reminds me of that song from 'Cats'

You mean you haven't got ANY printable ones? What about unusual ones then?

Regards,Keith.

double99 · May 9th, 2019, 18:13

I am happy about you. Good luck

May 8th, 2019, 09:55	#1
Triple-S How Old? Last Online: May 31st, 2021 12:28 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: redhill	Best birthday ever Last week my best (and Volvo-owning) friend round the corner asked what we could do for my birthday, which was yesterday. I suggested going to the Popham (near Basingstoke) classic car show the day before, which we did in his 740. Apart from the cold wind a really good and large show (as it always is): we saw some of the Portsmouth VOC section who were exhibiting their Amazons, I got two sets of new wiper blades for my 164 and 145, took lots of photos and we had a good time - even the roads were quiet on the way back. On most Tuesdays we visit a fairly local retired (immaculate Volvo 244-owning) friend, for tea on the lawn at his lovely and very rural 17th century former stable/barn conversion. As I've just been given the all-clear to drive again after some medical problems I suggested going in my 164 as Dr. Reg loves that car, but Colin insisted we use his 740. I walk round the corner to his place and he immediately thrusts a birthday card into my hand! I was most surprised but when I opened the envelope my jaw dropped: its front depicted a large photograph of my Volvo 164 in front of Lancing College on the south coast. I ask how on earth he got that picture (I took it about three years ago) and he reminded me I left him my camera to download some pictures back in winter - and he spotted that picture on the memory card then so arranged things.... Sneaky but great! We drive to the good doctors place and had a lovely stroll round his well-manicured sloping grounds down to the swimming pool, all part-shaded and with no overlooking neighbours - very relaxing. We retire to chat in the conservatory when I espy another visitor arriving with boxes of plants in readiness for the floral/art Open Weekend Reg always has there on his nice big lawn which wears a large marquee for the event, in aid of The Elizabeth Charitable Fund. Linda came in and went straight to the kitchen with Colin to prepare afternoon tea: Reg went to join them and I still didn't twig...! A few minutes later the doors burst open and all three of them came in singing "Happy Birthday" and carrying the bone-china tea set (rather than the usual mugs), a huge icing-topped cake with candles illuminating it, and another birthday card! Fantastic. Then Colin video'd me cutting the cake amidst much merriment - I'm a cake-person so they got that right too! So there you have it - three retired older-Volvo owners plus Reg's lifelong friend from that charity all acting like children on a lovely day in splendid surroundings. We talked for a couple of hours before our goodby's - a wonderful day. With a combined age of nearly 300 years, who said good times can't be had when of senior years? Roll on the next birthday. Paul

May 8th, 2019, 16:56	#4
ITSv40 VOC Member Last Online: Today 17:34 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Northampton	Glad to hear you had a lovely day. All genteel and old school, just as it should be. Here's to the next one. __________________ 2001 V40 2.0lt Sport lux - Daily Driver. 174k miles. 2003 C70 2.4 GT Convertible - Garage Queen. 65k miles. http://www.neptuno6benagil.com

May 8th, 2019, 18:43	#5
ksmi Master Member Last Online: Apr 23rd, 2020 07:12 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: high ham somerset	i don't know what you mean acting like children Paul,we are recycled children! I know some bits are not working very well and other bits completely kaput, plus some joints want an occasional squirt of WD40 or Single Malt even! But We are Young at heart and we still enjoy old friends,human, canine and motorised,long may it continue,Belated Happy Birthday Wishes. Kindest regards,Keith __________________ 855 tdi auto.Now gone to new home in Wales. Short Four.

May 9th, 2019, 10:27	#6
Harvey1512 Premier Member Last Online: Jan 30th, 2021 12:00 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Northumberland	I started thinking about what my best birthday ever could be but then realised a good amount of it was not appropriate for an open forum . Sounds like a lovely time that you had. Memories and events are the best thing now. That day will make you smile for years to come. __________________ I used to have an S40, V60 and XC60 so I am allowed here, honest.

May 8th, 2019, 11:18	#2
Bob Meadows Premier Member Last Online: Today 18:49 Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: STANDISH LANCASHIRE	Classic cars are great- true friends beyond value. Many years of both! Happy Birthday! Bob.

May 8th, 2019, 11:38	#3
Dippydog Premier Member Last Online: Yesterday 17:55 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: S****horpe	Great stuff!!! A belated Happy Birthday and may you have many more of them!

May 9th, 2019, 18:13	#8
double99 Junior Member Last Online: Dec 6th, 2019 20:23 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Riga	I am happy about you. Good luck

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