I’m going to let you into a little secret. Some of my ‘older’ readers will know this already, especially given that I have young grandchildren. However, to some of my newer readers, this might come as a surprise. Having just had my birthday, I’m now officially ‘over the hill,’ according to the polls! I feel most indignant about that statement as I’m now 65, not 95 (nothing against the 95 years olds amongst us, nor people older than that). According to the polls, the age categories run like this …
18 to 24
25 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 and over
So … where are you supposed to go after you reach 65. Apparently, there is nowhere to go other than obviously being officially over the hill and, no doubt, going down the other side. Does this mean that the pollsters consider the only fitting thing for me, being ’65 and over’, is to shuffle off this mortal coil! I object!
Having got that little bugbear off my chest, I will continue on a happier note – my birthday, last Saturday, 3rd September. I had the most wonderful week. To begin with, last Thursday, I spent the day with nine family members, my daughter and son-in-law, my son, four young grandchildren, my sister and brother-in-law, who’d travelled up from Dorset, plus my friend, who’d been kind enough to take me to see them all. It was a perfect day, sunny and warm; not too hot like we’d had in the summer. September is nearly always a lovely month in the UK. We walked into the restaurant and big hugs were shared between us; some of my family I hadn’t seen for over two years, so I was thrilled to bits to see them all again. I felt so loved and very blessed to have such wonderful people around me.
The food arrived, which we’d pre-ordered. I’d asked for Pad Thai, one of my favourite meals. It was delicious, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. We then ordered pudding, although I don’t know where I found the room after the lunch, but I did, as did everyone else. More deliciousness. After eating, we took the children to the local park to run off their energy (and dinner). It was so lovely to see the four cousins all together. It was such a special way to celebrate my birthday.
Last Saturday, my actual birthday, I met my best friend in town, and we went for another meal in an Italian restaurant. My friend, Debbie, presented me with a beautiful birthday card and an even more beautiful gift. I was so touched by the thought she had put into choosing something so special. We are both vegans, and having eaten our main course, a pasta dish, we plumped for pudding (again!). The dessert was amazing – a rich chocolate cake with honeycomb pieces called Zillionaire’s Slice with vegan sorbet with chocolate ripples. I could feel my waistline expanding after all the food I’d had. My diet was nowhere to be seen, but I wasn’t in the least bit bothered – there’s always another day for that.
So … all in all, perhaps, being 65 isn’t too bad. I’ve got absolutely no intention of shuffling off anywhere, least of all, off this mortal coil. I’m having too much fun.
Love Ellie x 🦢
Essentially Ellie (My Heart's Tales) 
Love it all.
So glad you had a great time.
Thanks very much, Granny. I had a wonderful time. Can’t wait to do it all again next year – assuming I’m not over the hill! Love you xxx 🦢💖😘
Happy birthday, Ellie! Laughing at the ridiculousness of the “over the hill” concept. My retort: “Yeah, the first hill, maybe!” I am so glad that you had a wonderful week. Pad Thai is one of my all time favorites, too!
Thanks, Stacey. That concept is definitely ridiculous, I agree. I love your retort. I did have an amazing week; it did me good. I think Pad Thai is my all-time favourite, too; I thoroughly enjoyed it. Even the ‘prawn crackers’ were vegan. I think they were black sesame crackers. Delicious. Xx 🦢😘
A very happy birthday to you Ellie 🎂 I’m so glad that you had such a beautiful celebration with your family and friends. Wish you many more to come!❤❤❤
Thank you so much, Mousumi. It truly was a very special week with two celebrations in the space of three days. I really enjoyed everything. Xx 🦢💗😘
My warm regards to you ❤
Hi Ellie,
It sounds like you had great times with your family and friends. Memories are priceless. I’ve already thought that getting older is a privilege. Some never make it to retirement age. My mom turned 65 in July 😁 and she is full of life and shows no signs of slowing down. You guys are an inspiration, showing us the younger crowd how it’s done 😁( I’m in my 40’s 🥹). I hope you have a great day 😌
Hi, J. Thanks for your comment. I did have the most wonderful time. Your mom is the same age as me; does that mean I’m old enough to be your mother 😱!! I guess I am, as my son is just 40, too. My daughter is a little younger, but not much. I don’t feel my age at all. In my mind, I still feel like I did in my 30s. I don’t intend to slow down, either. Thanks for thinking of ‘us oldies’ as an inspiration.
I’ve been busy again today. I had a regular appointment this afternoon and haven’t been back long. Now, I’m thinking about what to have for dinner. It won’t be as good as the Pad Thai! Xx 🦢💖😘
When I turned 65 I spent a month filling out reams of government papers. In Canada it is the start of receiving Old Age Pension and mostly free pharmaceuticals, which is nice and very helpful, but it also cuts off other things that you are suddenly “too old” to be eligible for. Problem is, I have forgotten what I lost, though I missed it at the time.
So, now thar you are “over the hill,” how does that change your life in England? Will you be getting hunky young men to push your wheelchair across busy streets for you? Do most eating places have a seniors’ discount that means you pay 10% less for a meal half the size as you got a day ago? I wish I could say I am just joking, but I’m not. If you order off a senior’s menu here they use a smaller plate to make your meal look larger! Only, the difference is glaring if you are with people who are not yet seniors. 😅
But life hasn’t really changed yet, has it? You still feel almost exactly as you did when you were 25, just your body doesn’t obey your brain as well. So, welcome to Old Age. It’s no different from Young Age, really. But people start to treat you differently. That’s the biggest thing I discovered. Other people think I am now an old man. But not me…
Hi, J. I hope you are well today. Thanks very much for your comment. I don’t think I’ll have much paperwork to deal with when I get my pension next year. I already get free prescriptions as this applies to those over the 60s; dental treatment has to be paid for even when I reach pension age; eye tests are free once you are 60, but as far as I know, we rarely get ‘senior citizen’s portions when eating out. I would definitely object to that, so wouldn’t choose that option even if it was available. After all, my appetite is no less than when I was 64!
I definitely don’t feel my age at all. I still have most of the same mind and thoughts I had in my 20s or 30s, and I hope that’ll never change, but who knows what the future has in store? I really don’t want to be treated differently; however, I wouldn’t say no to a hunky man pushing me across the road occasionally, although I’m fiercely independent when it comes to getting about (and I’m a lot faster than most people in Alfie – my electric wheelchair!)
I would never think of you as an ‘old man’ – far from it. Apart from which, you don’t look like that from your Gravatar image. Is that a recent photo of you? My Gravatar image is a sketch a friend did of me many years ago. My lifestyle was very different at that time.
Overall, I think I’ll embrace my new age and be thankful that I still have all my ‘marbles’, if you know what I mean. Have a lovely day, J. … Ellie 🦢🤗
Ah, the Brits get these “perqs” 5 years before us. And here I thought our government was based on yours. Ours is cheating us, lol.
Who knows, I and my partner might be joining you in electric wheelchhairs soon. I am slowly deteriorating, but she is doing so rapidly, and at a time when Covid ravaged our hospitals, along with help from conservative governments who decided healthcare should be given less funding. We are still waiting after two years to see a orthopedic specialist for her. With our shortage of doctors and nurses nothing happens quickly anymore…
The gravatar photo is actually almost 30 years old, but is pretty much what I have looked like since my 20s. Maybe a few more facial wrinkles, but not many. The changes are not visible in a headshot. I’m 60 lbs heavier than when that picture wzs taken. (The secret is having indigenous blood. I will probably never lose my hair, though I keep on hoping it will turn silver some day. My facial hair, however, has turned grey. But wearing a mask hides that, lol.
To not embrace one’s age is foolish, I think. Some things do not work as good as they used to, but some things work better. We are who we are, and it is never too late to change!
Finally … finally, I’ve found your comment, J. I knew you’d replied to my comment, but I lost track of it. I suddenly thought to go back through all my comments (in the comments section), and hey presto, here you are. I must have mentioned the word ‘comments’ a hundred times in that sentence – excellent writing skills – not! I’m so pleased I’ve found you, as I never ignore people when they’ve been kind enough to post a reply. It’s been bugging me.
I’m sorry to hear you and your partner are deteriorating, especially as your partner is doing so faster. It’s awful that she’s had to wait so long for an appointment with the specialist. It’s the same over here since all the government cutbacks. I’ve been waiting for 18 months to see a specialist about my fragile bones. I’ll be lucky if I get seen before Christmas at this rate. Since Covid, we, too, have shortages of doctors, nurses, dentists etc.
I’m glad I’m not alone in using an older gravatar of me. It’s actually a sketch of me that my friend did many years ago, but I like it. I might look older than that now, but I don’t really feel it. I don’t feel any older than I did in my 20s or 30s – just a bit wiser (I hope). I think the secret is to keep as active as we’re able, but I feel, more importantly, to keep our minds active. I like to do this with my writing, both on my blog and keeping up with coursework from my writing classes (and there’s a lot of that). It keeps my brain supple.
I can definitely visualise you with a shock of silver hair – I think that would really suit you. It’s strange how, when women go grey, they want to colour it (not all women, I should add) because they feel that it’s ageing; however, when men go grey (or white), it’s considered sophisticated or refined. I’m looking forward to your next post and wondering what it’ll be about. I’ll have to wait and see. Take care of yourself, J. … Ellie 🦢🌹😘
Never worry about missing replying to a comment of mine. I understand you have other things to do, like live your life. And now with your writing classes, you’re even busier.
I’m not sure when I will be writing my next post. Nothing has grabbed me lately. I know I promised you a post about somethong you made me think about, but that post failed. I could not write it the way I wanted. Then another one failed. I don’t have writer’s block, just no inspiration. I comment lots on other blogs, but for now my blogs are silent.
Hopefully soon…
I’m pretty sure that because the ice cream was vegan, there were no calories. That’s how it works right? In the parlance of my house, each hill is a year ending in zero. Sophie turned 20 this year and we told her she went over one of the hills. Being almost sixth, I’ve been over many hills. It will be interesting to see if a special hill is added for 65. Seems likely. Happy birthday. I’m glad you had such a nice celebration with family and then a friend. I love how you Brits call dessert Pudding. It’s almost as fun as calling a flashlight a Torch.
You’re definitely right about the calories being zero. In fact, the whole meal was cancelled out by the vegan ice cream – how about that!? Guilt-free pudding 😋. Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a lovely couple of days. Isn’t it odd how our language differs? You say dessert, we say pudding, you say elevator, we say lift, you say pants, we say trousers, and I’m sure there are numerous other examples. When is your 60th birthday, Jeff? I expect you’ve been over more than your fair share of hills, especially with your passion for mountain biking. How’s your shoulder, by the way?
My birthday is 10/10. Just around the corner. My shoulder is considerably worse than I expected. I’m going to see a doctor tomorrow. Do you call it a hob or a stove top?
Sorry to hear your shoulder is worse, Jeff. I hope you get on okay at the doctor’s tomorrow. Good luck. We call it a hob. How about you? I used to have a ‘gas stove’ – the name hardly exists these days – everyone seems to have cookers or ovens and hobs now. It’s not long till your birthday – I hope we hear all about it when it comes. Have you got any plans to do anything nice yet?
Hello, Ellie! I may be a bit late, but please accept my best wishes for your special day! How fantastic that you were able to have such an enjoyable time with family and friends. Many more wonderful years are sure to come your way. As always, Cailín. …
Hi, Cailín. Thank you very much for your good wishes. I had such a wonderful time. I don’t see my family often, apart from my son and the two little ones, so it was truly special. I hope you are well. All my best to you, Ellie xx 🦢😘
Happy birthday, Good wishes from our side keep smiling.
Thank you very much. I appreciate your good wishes.
Happy belated birthday Ellie- sounds like you had a lovely day and that cake looks amazing!💕
Thanks very much, Kate. I had a wonderful couple of days – it was a great way to spend my birthday. And yes, that cake was delicious. Hope you are well. Xx 🦢💖🤗
🙂 This made me smile. Keep up the good spirits! Some say that life only begins at that age. For some it means no work, no kids, just freedom.
The dessert looks and sounds absolutely delicious!
I’m glad this made you smile, Sam. I think you are right about life beginning at 65, or some say, 60. I guess I am free to do as I please, although I have been able to do that ever since my children left home and definitely now I’ve decided I’m happier on my own than with a partner. I love having my space to myself. I can do exactly what I like when I like, which is how I like it.
Yes, the dessert was amazing, although I couldn’t have eaten another one as it was very rich – but delicious. Xx 🦢🤗💖
I am happy and satisfied to know that you day was well spend. It’s so great to read this blog.
Those pics are great, food looks delicious.
being 65 is cool.
My parents will be 65 very soon.
Keep smiling 😁🌟🦚
I’m glad you were happy to read my post and my account of my special days. The food was amazing, especially that pudding. Goodness, if your parents are going to be 65 soon, that makes me old enough to be your mother! I definitely don’t feel old enough. I don’t feel any older than when I was in my 30s. Have a lovely day, Devang … Ellie x 🦢🤗🌹
Well, happy birthday for last Saturday, Ellie. Where do you go after sixty five? Sixty six. That’s where I went. Doesn’t feel any different, you’ll be pleased to hear. Just keep enjoying it all.
Thanks very much for the belated birthday wishes, Mick. I’m glad it doesn’t feel any different at 66. I don’t feel any differently than I was in my 20s or 30s. As long as I keep my marbles, as I intend to do, I can’t see that every changing. Fingers crossed. X 🦢🤗
Fingers crossed indeed, Ellie.
Keep having that kind of fun. Happy HAPPY birthday to you and many more.
Don’t allow yourself to be boxed into charts. You’re more than that. Fly.
Happy birthday.
I didn’t know. Didn’t know.
And know what I got in the mail on YOUR birthday? Jonathan Livingston Seagull. A story. The complete edition. Yup. I did. Thanks for recommending it to me. Happy birthday.
Remember! The more you have the more you live. So have many more, sweet pea. Xoxo 🎂 🎉 👏
Hi Selma. Thank you for your kindness and birthday greetings. That’s so lovely of you. I don’t intend to be boxed into a chart; I don’t feel any older than I did the day before my 65th.
I’m delighted you’ve received your copy of Jonathan Livingston Seagull, my favourite book. I can imagine myself soaring up into the sky, as free as that bird when I read it. I do hope you enjoy every page as much as I do. You’ll have to let me know your thoughts when you have finished it.
Right now, it’s difficult to be joyful, birthday or no birthday. Like many Brits, I am saddened over the loss of our Queen. It’s the end of an era, but then, also, the beginning of the next one. I feel that King Charles III will be a good and responsible king. There is always hope as we move on to the next chapter with our monarchy. Love to you, my friend … Ellie xxx 🦢🌷🥰💜
Happy Birthday! Sounds as if you had a wonderful celebration!
Thank you, Ann. It was a very special day(s). I am feeling very sad today, as a UK citizen, at the loss of our Queen. She will be very much missed. I feel for her family and friends. X
I’m so sorry! That is a huge loss for England!
Thank you, Ann.
Happy birthday! I had no idea of your age other than your thumb nail picture. You definitely don’t look 65!
Thank you, Mouse. I don’t usually share my age, but somehow, it seemed the right time to do this. I think a few people would have been surprised, too. I’ve been told I don’t look anywhere near my age, which is very reassuring. I’m very sad today as I’m an English person and like many people, I somehow wasn’t expecting our Queen to die yet. A bit naïve perhaps, given her age. I think it would have been upsetting whatever her age at the time of her death. Such a sad time 😢.
Then you are very lucky. With the stress of this day and age, it’s a wonder if people look their age.
As an Australian, I feel it to a lesser degree but I’m not unscathed.
I expected her to kick on beyond 100. I wanted to find out if she would send a letter to herself on her birthday.
She was record breaking in her reign. We should consider ourselves lucky she lasted as long as she did.
Happy belated birthday Ellie, glad you had a lovely day with your nearest and dearest, the Thai food sounds lovely. Wishing you many happy and healthy returns 💛🥂🎂
Thanks very much, Cherryl. I had a wonderful two days. Thank you, too, for your happy and healthy returns. Hope you are well. I will catch up with your recent post very soon Xx 🦢💖🌷
Happy belated Birthday Ellie! It sounds like your day was a really good one, which I’m so happy to hear it was. Although, I’ve just come across your blog, I am looking forward to this creative journey with you. I hope you have a wonderful day, sending you much love.
Thank you so much; that’s so kind of you. It was definitely a truly lovely day. Thank you for choosing to travel alongside me in my blog. It’s so much appreciated. Much love to you, also … Ellie xx 🦢💖🕊
Zillionaire’s Slice? That must be even better (about a thousand times better) than a Millionaire’s slice, right? Mmmmmm yum! I’m so glad you had some good times, good people around you & good food.
I’m very sorry I’m so late catching up but ….
HAPPY (belated) BIRTHDAY, Ellie! 🥳 🎉 I’m on the border of one of the age brackets and it makes me itch when I answer an online survey because next year I’ll be into the next age range. And I don’t wanna! It is pretty offensive when you think about it that they put 65+ as though the additional ages aren’t worth covering. That said, I think for the purpose of surveys it’s often in relation to work and stage of life, so 65+ they see as retirement. I think we should revolt over this modern notion of ages. It’s poop. Who made up a “year” anyway? Plus, your writing, your spirit and your compassion all scream youthful loveliness. My dad, on the other hand, is turning 74 this month & the grumpiness has him being the envy of Victor Meldrew at the moment!
Sending lots of love & birthday wishes,
Caz xxxxx
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, your love and birthday wishes, Caz. Please, don’t worry about being late getting to me – I, too, am really struggling to keep up with everybody’s blogs at the moment; sometimes, as often as a week or more late! Yes, the Zillionaire’s Slice was amazing; I daresay it was better than a Millionaire’s Slice 😊.
I see what you mean about the over 65s being classed as retired. Although, I’m now in this age bracket, and I don’t work anymore, I still don’t feel ‘old’ enough to be retired, although that in itself doesn’t really mean anything. I was medically retired a long time ago because of my disability and mental health issues anyway. I get my ‘old age’ pension next birthday, which will be very welcome as it will mean a bit more income, and I badly need that, so I won’t say no to that part of being 65+.
I can’t guess which age bracket you will be in – you seem to me, despite your illnesses and pain, to be quite young (that’s a compliment, by the way). If I had to guess, I’d say you were in the 25 – 34 bracket. Apologies if I’m way out. Thank you so much for thinking of me as youthful loveliness – you’ve made my day 😘. Sorry your dad is a picture of ‘grumpiness.’ Even when I reach his age, I’ve got absolutely no intention of being a female Victor Meldrew 😄 .
Thanks again, Caz, for your lovely words and I, although I know you have a lot to contend with, I hope you are having an okay sort of day. Love and hugs to you, too … Ellie xxxx 🦢🌹💚🥰
Happy birthday! Wow! That sounds like a simply perfect day. May this next trip around the sun be filled with as much joy as you felt on that day.
Thank you, Bridgette. I did have a wonderful couple of days around my birthday. I love your last sentence to me – what a beautiful way of expressing hope for the future. Xx 🦢🌻🎈