I had a small tea and cakes do at work and invited people I had worked with over many years. It was an opportunity to get baking and break out some of my vintage china collection and it was a really happy occasion.
I was very spoilt with lots of individual gifts, cards and flowers. It was quite overwhelming really, but in a lovely way. I am trying to keep my flowers cool so they will last as long as possible.
The biggest surprise was a book of individual handmade cards from my colleagues. They decided that being a card maker they couldn't buy me a card and everyone including our Chief Exec made me a card with all sorts of decorations on them - what a talented bunch and of course each card had a personal message which was very special.
My main gift was a voucher for a specialist fruit tree nursery. I have designs on an apricot tree which has been bred for the UK climate and I cant wait to get it ordered and planted so we can be on the journey to an abundance of one of my favourite fruits! Imagine all that jam and chutney, not to mention sun warmed fresh fruits and possibly some wine too! Mmmmm
So as not to completely neglect my crafty posts, here are a couple of thank you cards I made for colleagues.
The first uses a stencil, over stamped with a W Plus 9 stamp that will be very useful.
The second uses a stencil again for the background and is overstamped with a set from Mama Elephant. I leave you with a pic of a mug a friend gave me, what a great sentiment to remind me of what retirement will hopefully be all about!
Elaine x
A big congratulations on your decision to retire. You have so many talents and interests you will enjoy a wonderful retirement. How special that everyone created a handmade greeting for you. The food and flowers look great. Have fun doing what you love, Shirleyxx
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your retirement Elaine.
ReplyDeleteYour table of cakes & china is delightfully pretty & I know you worked extremely hard to make the selection a varied one for your colleagues. That's a super book of cards for you & so beautifully put together so you can keep it intact.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the time you now have for all that you've wanted to do.
Paula (PEP)
I hope you are s happy and contented in your retirement as I am in mine. I have loved every minute of it so far! What a beautiful display of cakes you made and I love your beautiful flowers.Best wishes for a long and happy retirement.
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures Elaine, lovely to see a round up of the day, and a peek at the lovely book of cards that your colleagues made you. The mug will be a great reminder to you to keep doing things for yourself, and to enjoy your retirement.
ReplyDeleteYour thank you cards are beautiful, the lucky recipients will treasure them no doubt.
Judith xx
What lovely photos Elaine! I know from experience what a treat your colleagues will have had with your gorgeous cakes and your book of cards is very special as are all your gifts. Your flowers look so lovely and and your thank you cards are beautiful as Judith says.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the happiest of retirements my friend with lots of time to persue the things that make you happiest.
Hugs
Lesley Xx