It's your day! Happy Birthday!

[The Saucepan Man]

Many thanks to all who wished me a happy birthday, either here or by PM. It is especially kind of you to send greetings to one who is such a curmudgeonly old soul that he never gets round to wishing anyone else a happy birthday ...

Although, it being the big 4-0, perhaps it would have been better to let it slip by unmarked. Still, there it is, I am now officially middle-aged (hmm, does one get to live a middle-aged life in middle-earth ...?).

In so far as relevant to the Downs, my birthday presents included The Children of Hurin, a photo shot of Frodo and Sam from RotK signed by Sean Astin, and a wine goblet in the form of an Ent.

Tomorrow, I shall be holding my own Long Expected Party, although I don't intend on vanisihing (provided that is, that the aforementioned wine goblet does not get too many refills ...).

Many thanks again, one and all.