Sunday 29th - Monday 30th September, 2019.
Apart from Ilona and Alexis arriving, there was another surprise which had been planned for Phil's birthday for months, in that Roy was going to come as well. However, with the release of his latest (fifth) album, he had playing commitments in London, but was hoping to be able to arrive at the evening dinner celebrations. But .... late in the afternoon, Ilona and Lynn received the news that his flight from London to Crete had been delayed by three hours, and he still had to travel for an hour from Chania airport. Anxious texts were exchanged through the afternoon and evening. Would he make it in time?
Phil's sister Diane had given him this bottle of Bolinger for his 60th birthday, now ten years ago. He thought that before going out to celebrate his 70th would be a suitable time to open it. We agreed. Lynn persuaded him to keep some for after we came home (to share with Roy, unknown to Phil at this stage.)
We walked down to the local village taverna to celebrate. They were in on the secret as well.
The food was fabulous! Ilona and Lynn kept ducking out to check on Roy's progress.
Phil and Lynn's expat friends Angie and Bob came as well. Bob has done 57 marathons and is preparing for his next one, which he says will be his last. He has said this before.
Apart from Ilona and Alexis arriving, there was another surprise which had been planned for Phil's birthday for months, in that Roy was going to come as well. However, with the release of his latest (fifth) album, he had playing commitments in London, but was hoping to be able to arrive at the evening dinner celebrations. But .... late in the afternoon, Ilona and Lynn received the news that his flight from London to Crete had been delayed by three hours, and he still had to travel for an hour from Chania airport. Anxious texts were exchanged through the afternoon and evening. Would he make it in time?
This is the card Angie made for Phil (his last name is Stride - as in "walk briskly" - remember.) Angie is very crafty.
Midnight has arrived, but Roy hasn't. Better have the cake while it's still Phil's birthday. Happy birthday Phil. The taverna staff keep bringing drinks, to keep us there. Ilona and Lynn keep texting.
Note: The after-dinner drink that is being supplied in copious quantities to stop us going home before Roy arrives is the local firewater which starts with s (so do a lot of Greek words) made with leftover grape skins. Seems like an excellent recycling process to me.
AT LAST!!!!!!!
"Is this party still going?"
Roy strolls in.
"Happy Birthday Dad!"
12.52am.
Not Phil's birthday any more, but what a great present.
Happy Birthday Phil!
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