Birthday thanks

May I say a sizeable thank you to everyone who's gotten in touch to wish me a Happy Birthday.

In the traditional manner, I shan't be revealing the exact vintage of the Hall, but I'm well aware with this new fangled internet thing that it isn't too tricky to work out.

When you do, if you do, please say - Well, I'd never have guessed, rather than something like - Blimey, you look much older...

Despite my advancing years, the problem is that I still think I'm about 19 or so, inside my little mind at least. Perhaps that's one of the failings - definitions even?! - of being a man.  I'm well aware I'm not a teenager any more, because every time I go for a run I pant and sweat in a way that alarms all those unfortunate enough to be around.

It's an odd birthday this one, the first since the couple of family losses I've suffered over the last few months.  So I'm feeling a little reflective, although also warmed and flattered by the series of kind messages I've received.

Also, to compound the oddness of the emotions, as if fate is having a laugh at my expense I've managed to catch a cold.  Now, what kind of a birthday present is that?!

Finally for this post, one more thought - why must birthdays usually be on schooldays? My vote for the next Act of Parliament to be sponsored by one of us is for a Birthdays Only to Fall at Weekends Bill.  Wouldn't that make life more pleasant?

Off now for a celebratory Lemsip... I know how to live...