D: It's your birthday soon - is there anything that you want?
ME: Not really, I've already got too much stuff. Just get me a nice bunch of flowers.
D: Isn't there a book you would like?
ME: Not really, I've already got a pile of unread books. Just get me a nice bunch of flowers.
D: But I've got to buy you something!
ME: I've told you - a bunch of flowers will be lovely - really!
A week later at a garden centre.
ME: Oh look at that lovely Hamamellis (bends down to sniff at the burnt orange flowers) Oh it smells of vanilla. But look at the price (£27.50) I can't warrant spending that however lovely it's fragrance.
D: I could buy it for you for your birthday.
ME: (Eyes light up).
D: What do you think - would you like it?
ME: Oh alright then - if it will shut you up asking about birthday presents. Thank you.
D: Oh - I didn't bring any money with me.
ME: Oh - neither did I. Just enough for a bag of potting compost. Well, that's that then. (disappointment).
D: Sorry about that.
ME: Not to worry - a bunch of flowers would be lovely.
Next day I went out to shop and when I returned there was the Hamamellis in all its Wintersweet glory sitting by the back door. Beautiful.
Happy Birthday To Me.
p.s. In the end I had to buy myself a bunch of flowers!
Elaine
What a wonderful surprise! The Hamamellis is beautiful. Happy Birthday:)
ReplyDeletep.s. The flowers you chose are lovely.
Happy Birthday Elaine if it's today. I sniffed at a witch hazel in Kew Gardens but couldn't smell anything. The scent can be elusive, but when you catch it on the wind it is so delightful.
ReplyDeleteFlowers and plants are the best gifts.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday!
What a lovely story of how the Hamamelis arrived at your back door! Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday and a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteLovely post and pictures which had me smiling. Happy birthday! Flighty xx
ReplyDeleteMany happy returns of the day Elaine ..... the perfect present. I think at our age, plants, flowers and consumables are the way to go. Have a lovely day. XXXX
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Elaine. You have a sweet husband who really does understands what makes you happy. I had to look up the plant and it is one that you will enjoy for years to come and remember the special surprise. A wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday - and I'm pleased to hear you had such a lovely present.
ReplyDeleteI'm just the same for my birthday. We either buy what we want or don't need a thing. I once got detergent? I guess I would just rather buy myself some flowers also. Happiest day to you.
ReplyDeleteLove it! What a classic conversation ;-) And happy birthday, Elaine, even if you did have to buy the flowers yourself!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect gift!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday :)
Happy Birthday, mine next week and we will be having the same conversation :) I would like a 3 shelved greenhouse but he will say I can't buy you that for your birthday ! I'll just use his card then :)
ReplyDeleteP.S love the Hamamellis
Amanda xx
I think there are many of us that may also have very similar conversations ...
ReplyDeleteI love your flowers and glad to read that the Hamamellis was by your back door!
Happy Birthday Wishes
All the best Jan
Happy Birthday Elaine. A gentle and calm Pisces just like I would have guessed. xx
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Elaine and here's to a wonderful year ahead. Loved the conversation and so pleased to hear the plant found its way to your back door. Your flower purchase is a vase of springtime :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday! I love your present, what a lovely suprise ;)
ReplyDeleteThat was a wonderful present and will give you so much pleasure. Have a great birthday! Sarah x
ReplyDeleteIt's gorgeous. Happy Birthday xx
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Elaine. And thankyou for all your lovely posts - they always lift my spirits, especially when it's a grey day.
ReplyDeleteWell what a lovely present. That Hamamellis is stunning - enjoy and have a great birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely birthday story.
ReplyDeleteMs Soup
I had never thought that this had another name, not that I'll remember it. Happy birthday. Cro x
ReplyDeletewhat a great present. Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Elaine! Enjoy your beautiful Hamamellis (wich has a lot of virtues - we call it 'Zaubernuss' - meaning 'Magic Nut' - which I love more than 'witch hazel'). A present that you will enjoy many, many years - being one of the first signs of spring!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you Elaine! What a lovely gift. Hope that your special day was/is filled with more fun and flowers.
ReplyDeleteI love Witch Hazels too, a perfect birthday present as far as I'm concerned. Hope you had a lovely birthday, enjoy that sweet scent.
ReplyDeleteA very happy birthday to you!
ReplyDeleteHa! Loved this!!! Happy birthday my friend, wishing you all that you wish for yourself. Those burnt orange flowers are gorgeous, glad you spotted that. Reading back on your posts, just wanted to say sorry re that fall, there's nothing worse than an unexpected fall!!! Glad there was no harm done.xxx
ReplyDeleteElaine, Happy Birthday! It's wonderful to get what the heart desires - even if we must get it for ourselves! Now you have 2 things to make your birthday special.
ReplyDeleteElaine, Happy Birthday - I think plants are the perfect present.
ReplyDeleteFlowers are always appreciated, even if they are a gift to yourself. Hope you had a happy birthday and enjoy the Hamamellis!
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ReplyDeletesightcare
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