Taking a Leap

My father was born on 29th February 1912, just before midnight. A hundred years ago. He weighed 3 pounds 7ounces and the fact that he survived is nothing short of a miracle - he was carried around on a pillow for several months because he was so small.    We always celebrated his birthday on the 1st of March, but today is actually the centenary of his birth - he's been dead almost a quarter of a century but I always think of him especially on his leap year birthday.  You may have seen this photo before - my father's the smaller one with the natty lace collar and belt!

 There are so many family birthdays around this time -my brother yesterday on Feb 28th (he only missed 1st March by a few minutes), my niece and her eldest daughter both on March 1st, and more recently my cousin's grandson.  Strange isn't it how birthdays can come in clusters - yesterday was also my best friend from school days and tomorrow is also my daughter's godson's.

Four years ago we were living a peaceful life, just the two of us, who knows what we'll be by the next leap year - though I fear nothing will have changed.  I like the idea of this 'free' day, an added extra - not that M brooks any change to her routine, but I'm letting that flow over me .  I treated myself to breakfast at the supermarket - only toast and coffee but it was very peaceful which is more can be said for this house when M gets into her telephoning stride at around 10.00 a.m.  I think we need earplugs so we don't hear all the fibs and complaints - bad for the blood pressure!

The weather is lovely today - pale blue sky and fluffy white clouds and blossom on some of the trees around.  Perhaps March isn't going to come in like a lion.  I'm beginning to feel guilty about everything that needs sorting in the garden - definitely need to get someone in to tame some of the wilder shrubs, and the sunshine is highlighting dusty surfaces in the house too.  But today I'm giving myself a day off - I might start spring cleaning tomorrow (or I might just go to the craft show instead!).

Hoping you're enjoying this extra day - especially if you're a leap year baby!