Thanks SO MUCH to everyone who sent me a Happy Birthday message yesterday. I was rather overwhelmed with them - WAY more than I’ve ever had before!! In fact, there were so many, that after a long while Facebook stopped me being able to Like them!!! So if I didn’t hit Like or Love or Laugh on your post, please rest assured, I DID read it - but Facebook stopped me from saying thanks to you!! ������

I had a quiet day yesterday. I know 50 is a big milestone to hit, but I just didn’t fancy a big party or meeting up with loads of family and friends. So instead I rounded up Mrs Shan and the kids, and we headed for a picnic in St James’s Park, and a stroll around the Southbank. (We did pick up ONE extra - Elizabeth, who is currently staying in our flat just behind the London Eye.)

On our way to the park we passed by St Thomas’ Hospital, which features in a crucial scene in the final Archibald Lox book (goes on sale later this month - if you haven’t started the series yet, the ebook of book 1 is FREE to download - call it a birthday treat from me to you!) But it’s also the place where, 50 years ago yesterday, I came kicking and screaming into the world !! I couldn’t resist taking a quick shot with the Shan clan to serve as proof that no matter how far I progress in time, I never seem to move on too far from where I started out!!!! ��������