In cricket, when a batsman scores a century (100 runs) or half a century (50 runs), he takes off his helmet and waves his bat at the crowd. The crowd responds with uproarious applause and appreciation for the milestone. My sons said I should have done the same when I reached my significant milestone earlier in July.
We’ve just returned from a heady three weeks in Cape Town where we celebrated my younger son’s 21st birthday, closely followed by my half century. To say it was an outstanding holiday is to understate how special every single minute was; spending time with our family, in unseasonal sunshine in our home city. I loved spending time with my boys and getting to know them again, and celebrating significant birthdays in the style that means so much to the four of us: surrounded by family.
Through coincidence and design, all of my siblings were together in Cape Town for the celebrations and I am at a loss for words to describe what that meant to me. My husband’s family, who all live there, joined us too, which was also fabulously special. My darling, elderly parents sat among their growing dynasty and smiled in the glow of all of us who love and cherish them.
I remembered why Cape Town is known as the fairest Cape. Mid-winter just happened to look like this:
And this:
If I’d dreamt of an idyllic holiday, I don’t think I could have imagined it looking like this:
Or this:
Or this:
Or feeling like this:
I’m now back in London, missing my family like crazy, but celebrating my runs on the board, and raring to get going again towards my century. I understand that 50 is the new 40, and, if that’s the case, now is when life really begins. I’m waving my bat at the crowd, and preparing to put my helmet back on.
Sunshine signing off for now!
Sunshine in London 
Gorgeous photos! Glad you had a very special birthday, Sunshine!
Thank you so much, Tori – it was very special indeed!
Great to hear from you, Sunshine! Welcome back to London, and happy birthday. (I turn 50 in March!)
Kathy
Great to be back, Kathy! Thank you. I kind of dreaded turning 50, until it actually happened! Hugs to you from London.
Happy Birthday, Sunshine! I’m so happy that you’ve had a wonderful birthday surrounded by family and friends. Those photos are stunning. I think the one of the Strand is my favorite, though I’m always a sucker for a dramatic sunset photo.
Wishing you peace, love and joy in the coming year.
Thanks so much, jacquelin! It was wonderful wonderful, and I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. My sons teased my husband about the number of sunset photos he took … we pretty much have an album full of them! But each one was awesome and different and beautiful! Thanks for appreciating, and thanks for your kind wishes.
How lovely that you could all be together. Belated Happy Birthday to both you and your son. Loved the photos. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Judith. Glad you liked the photos – it’s an awesome city, Cape Town!
So happy to hear you had a blessed birthday and time with family. I love the image of you standing at bat for the next 50 with helmet in hand. I had my 50th a year and a half ago and life just keeps getting better. More to enjoy each day. Looking forward to hearing more of your London adventures. Blessings to you, Jeanne
Thanks so much, Jeanne! I’m not much of a cricketer, but I’m ready to go for the next half-century! Glad to hear life keeps getting better. Yip, we’re back to finding adventure in London again … hugs to you from this big city xx
Sunshine! Lovely to have you back but mindful of how hard it is to miss the ones you love. It looked a wonderful stay and those photographs are amazing! Hope life settles down and London keeps you entertained. Peregrine falcons on the top of the Tate Modern right now!
Thanks so much, Kate. I’ve no doubt London will keep us entertained – it never ends! Wow, I wonder if the falcons will be there for a while … my office is just behind there!
Just seen that the falcons will be there for the summer – I’ll definitely check them out!
Happy birthday! Good to see you blogging again and glad you had such a wonderful visit.
50 is not a big deal….I’m 54, look in my late 30s (so people tell me) and have the spirit and physical energy still of someone much younger. You look mah-vellous! Enjoy this next decade. You’re in London — hell of a place to be.
Thanks, Caitlin, and thanks for the encouragement and the kind words. I guess age is but a number. And you’re right, London is a great place to be!
What a beautiful post with beautiful photos. Loved this line: “My darling, elderly parents sat among their growing dynasty and smiled in the glow of all of us who love and cherish them.” I can only imagine how they feel.
Thank you so much. I think my parents loved every minute of having all of us all around them …
Thank you for sharing your joy, and I mean that in the least cheesy way possible. It is so nice to read a post that is neither a political gripe or an out-of-touch happy-rainbows-and-kittens ramble – just utterly lovely joy.
What a wonderful thing to say – thank you so much, Bee!
Happy birthday, you wear your 50 years well 🙂
Thank you so much, Cindy. That sounds like a Rod Stewart song …
Wishing you lots of love for your 50th Birthday from Pete and I. Can’t believe that you were in SA but just out of reach for us to visit! So pleased you had such a special time. Your photographs are exquisite!
🙂 Mandy
Thanks so much, Mandy. It would have been lovely to connect with you and Pete … next time, hey? It was such an awesome time. Love to you both xx
Lovely photos — sounds like a perfect holiday and celebration! Congrats on reaching the Big 5-0; here’s hoping the next half-century will be spectacular!
Thanks, Debbie … it was really special.
I’ve been subscribed for awhile, but am commenting now for the first time. I wish you a most happy birthday – and agree that we can redefine what our numerical age looks like. What a wonderful life you seem to have, and I enjoy reading your perspective and observations. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Kellie – what a lovely comment. I’m so glad you enjoy the blog too, and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Happy Birthday, Sunshine! What a wonderful way to celebrate it! The photos are beautiful. Now, that’s what I call perfect winter weather!! Enjoy your 40’s (again!)
Thanks so much, Darlene! I know, wasn’t it outstanding winter weather ? We were so blessed!
Oh, happy birthday and blessings–they are yours! What a lovely post, filled with love and joy.
best to you as you embark on this next part of your journeying on the planet.
jane
Thank you so much, jane.
Happy (belated) birthday, Sunshine! Sounds like a wonderful trip. I liked the pictures, too. I don’t think I’d ever seen pictures of Cape Town, at least not these parts of Cape Town. Thanks for posting them!
Thanks so much, Todd! Cape Town is an outrageously beautiful city … these photos are but a taste! I’m so glad you enjoyed them.
Glad you had a wonderful birthday, Sunshine…I think we “half-century” broads look pretty darn good…
Hugs,
Wendy
Thanks, Wendy! And thanks! You too – hugs from your almost-twin! xx
Happy 50th! It’s a glorious time of life, and it keeps getting better. I was sorry to have missed you in London, but your visit home sounds fabulous. Nex time!
That’s wonderful to know, Renee – thanks for that! Sorry to have missed you too … hope you had a wonderful time here and enjoyed bonding with your new grandbaby! Lucky you weren’t here this week.
Happy Birthday! Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Livvy! It was a lovely birthday in a special city – glad you liked the photos.
Waht a great way to celebrate your 50th. And the pictures were wonderful as well.
Thanks so much – and for subscribing to my blog! Welcome.