Turning Fifty

Recently I celebrated my 50th birthday.  I used the weeks prior to the big day to get used to the idea by telling myself I would soon be fifty.  It must have worked because I don't mind being fifty at all.  And I had so much fun as the celebrations lasted a week.

N whisked me away for three nights in Hokitika.  This is a small town on  the west coast of the South Island.  Once a thriving gold mining town and seaport, Hokitika is now the gateway to the glaciers that lie south of the township. The carving of ponamu (greenstone) has become a major industry and attracts many tourists.  I love Hokitika and was thrilled to find our accommodation was across the road from the beach.  It was perfect for walks, relaxing on the balcony watching the surf and listening to the waves at night.

It was a fantastic three days with the highlight being the treetop walk at Lake Mahinapua.  treetopsnz.com Possibly not the best idea for someone who suffers from acrophobia to walk 20 metres off the ground.  As for the birds I was supposed to see I think they were on holiday as I didn't see one.  In fact you see more walking on the forest floor than up in the treetops.  It didn't cure my acrophobia, but I am glad I did it.

As for the day of my actual birthday it started with a delicious breakfast at Sweethearts, a local award winning restaurant, then it was off to have a deluxe manicure before getting together with my family. When I came home a beautiful bouquet of flowers, from N, had been delivered in my absence. The best was still to come.  Dinner was at The Old Vicarage where the original house dates back to 1898.  But I am ahead of myself.  N had arranged for a colleague to chauffeur me there in a classic 1970 Ford Fairmont.  My father had owned a Ford Falcon from the same era and N thought I would enjoy a trip down memory lane.  He was so right.  Listening to the V8 engine it was so hard not to cry, so instead I chattered away about all the memories the car brought to the surface.  Once at the The Old Vicarage I was taken to the library for the meal.  This had been thoughtfully booked for the occasion.  I cried then. www.theoldvicarage.co.nz

And still it was not over.  For some time I had been thinking about a tattoo and one of my gifts was just that.  The design was carefully worked on and looked amazing on paper.  I couldn't wait for the day.  D1 and her partner escorted me to the studio keen to watch me undergo the process. I am certain they both suffer from some sadistic personality disorder.  However, while it wasn't painless it was not excruciating either and I managed to read my book during the three hours I was there.  The result is a stunning piece of art I now proudly wear.  The forget-me-nots symbolise all those I have loved and lost, but will never forget.

Lastly there was "the girl's day out" with my sister - lunch, punting on the Avon River, watching some buskers and a little bit of shopping.

Turning 50 was a breeze.  My family were absolutely outstanding in spoiling me and I get how much they appreciate and care for me.  I am a lucky woman.