In Two Weeks...

...I shall be 50 years and 1 day old!

This is the invitation O.K. made for me after my ideas. Maybe you will recognise the flower pattern :-)

He made two versions of it; this is the one I sent via email. I also had cards printed and bought matching light blue envelopes to send by mail.

You know how much I like going to the pub quiz with my friends, and so I am very happy (and lucky!) to have lease of my local, the Irish pub, for the Sunday after my birthday.

Last year just before Christmas, my sister, a friend and I were enoying mugs of mulled wine at my place when the question came up where I could hold my big birthday bash. Originally, I had meant to use the venue where my Mum had her 70th birthday a few years ago (pictures of which you can see here). But it wasn't clear whether they would already be open so early in the season, and even if so, it would be very different in the palace grounds in March, not like the gorgeous day in August when my Mum was celebrating. Also, I'd heard from friends and acquaintances who'd had weddings and other celebrations there, and weren't happy with a few things. Mistakes can happen, but the way they were dealt with wasn't good, apparently.

So, where to go? Suddenly, the question was there: Why don't you have it at the pub? At first, I didn't think it was possible, as the landlord usually does not offer the pub as a venue for private occasions. But I talked to him a few days later, and a plan was hatched. It is only the second time in the pub's history that he closes it for the public, so that we can have our party in private, and I am very happy that he made this possible for me!

The pub has seating for 100 people, if you count every chair and bar stool, but I have not invited that many. Some of my friends won't be able to make it, but so far, I have just a over 50 who have said yes, and maybe 10 or so more pending.

Even my family from Yorkshire are coming! They will stay for the weekend, so that we can spend some additional time together, and I am especially happy about that.

Of course, a party at the pub needs a pub quiz, right? And you can be sure there will be one! My sister and I have made up a set of about 15 questions, all about me :-D 
It won't be an all-evening quiz; I want people to just have a great time, to enjoy food and drink without having to think about the bill, catch up with others they have met at my previous parties or make new friends.

In short, I am very, very much looking forward to the event, and hope everyone who said they will be there will be indeed able to make it, unhindered by health issues or weather or any other reason.

By the way, if any of you is thinking about a quick trip to Ludwigsburg around the 25th of March, you will be VERY welcome to join the party - and I mean it!
Yes, I am serious. If anybody would like to be part of the fun, I can provide hotel information etc. Just contact me through my profile here; my email address is there, if you do not have it already anyway.