We have just celebrated my mother-in-law’s 90th birthday with a big party, balloons and a cake

Well, she deserves it. Although her actual birthday isn’t until next month, the Bank Holiday weekend was the only time we could all come together with balloons, buntings and a special cake. It’s great celebrating these family occasions which, even with social distancing we were able to do in our garden with a gazebo and good spacing. The weather was kind to us all day too.

In my book, Waireka, one of the biggest celebrations, apart from the family weddings, is the official opening of the dairy farm and two-storey farm house. They also have good weather for the occasion.

“The day marked for the official opening of the dairy in May 1873 dawned fair, and a large crowd gathered. Alister had asked all the chief representatives of Frampton to the opening….Robert, as the minister of St Andrews, was to proclaim the place open for business at last. It looked splendid decked out with the bunting saved from Charlotte’s wedding a couple of years previously.

‘I declare the Waireka Butter Factory open’, announced Robert with a quick glance at Eliza as if to win her approval. He did. She returned his smile, her heart full of joy for the future that lay ahead for their family. She was proud of Alister’s hard work in building the factory and establishing the business.” (Waireka, Chapter 12, page 192)