My Mother is celebrating her Birthday

Today my mother is celebrating her 84th Birthday. This is taken from her wedding photo back in 1943. What you can't tell from this photo is that my mother had auburn hair which was a beautiful colour.

She had her birthday present from me back in October but I wanted to make her a surprise birthday cake. However have you ever tried making a cake without someone living in the house realising what you are doing. I can tell you it's likely to be a total disaster. My brother called and I asked him to keep her occupied but she kept wanting me to join them and come down to the kitchen. So what with running up and down every time she called (it's quite a way from the back of the house to the front) I managed to overcook the cake. Then it was secreting it away to cool and then getting up early to fill with cream and jam and decorate the top (it might seem a funny combination but it's sort of black forest gateau but with choc topping). I expect she has guessed but I have tried after last years fiasco of her wanting a 'proper cake' as in shop bought! and then being disappointed and wishing she had let me make one. I somehow think she might end up being disappointed again this year, but she can always fall back on the ginger cake my brother made for her!
When I finally presented her with the cake she was delighted and her first reaction was 'I must have my photo taken in my best clothes for your blog'!

PS While I was showering the gateau has been sampled and pronounced delicious and I'm pleased to say when cut it was light and did not appear overcooked~ what a relief!
Now I'm off to take her her to our local shopping Mall. Have a great weekend everyone.

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Date 8th 2006: Birthday Girl