h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

No, not mine, I'm not yet *that* old.

On Thursday, we got our new car, which was a relief because we'd have had to rent a car for the weekend otherwise. Our old car wasn't to be trusted on such a long journey anymore.

Got up at our 'normal' time on Saturday. Left at shortly after 8am and went to fetch our son from his flat.

The drive took less than four hours, so that was fine.

My parents had rented rooms in a hotel near to where my siblings live - which meant they had about 200+ km to travel, and we about 350km.

At 2.30 everybody had arrived and we had and .

My sister had turned the events of the marriage from 50 years ago into a fairy tale and read that to us after .

At some point, we moved to another room where we had dinner later. Before dinner and in between courses, I read out the things (one per year) that have happened since 1959. This took a long while, because I had tried to choose events my parents as well as our generation could relate to, and we had some very interesting discussions. After dinner, my sister's youngest daughter played a few pieces on her harp (she's never had any lessons), and then I suddenly found myself trying to sing along to a song I didn't know (all knew was the refrain line). I couldn't decipher the notes or the text, and my eldest niece couldn't remember huge parts of it, either (she was singing the alto voice), so there wasn't anything I could do. Never mind. The next piece was an old song we all knew, and we made our brother sing with us. Afterwards, my sister, parents and I sang a few more 'Plattdüütsche Leeder' (songs in low German), and then my dad started to get tired, so then theyx unwrapped their gifts.

My dad was very emotional throughout the day, and both him and my mum were very happy with the day - as were all of us.

After breakfast with my parents and brother on Sunday morning we drove home - or rather, my son did the driving. Again we were lucky and took less than four hours to get back home.

My youngest son did a few recordings on his mobile phone which I have uploaded to youtube, but I have no idea how to share them (the settings are to 'private').

Aaah. Lovely.

I had sweat shirts printed for my parents on their Golden Wedding saying "My grandchildren gave me this for my Golden Wedding Anniversary". We'd just turned on to the motorway when I realised I'd forgotten to pack them - so we had to go back. We still caught the ferry, though.

I hope your parents are still able to enjoy good health, B'El. It's very important at that age.

Car went OK, I take it?

Yes, car was fine.

And both my parents enjoy good health, although my dad has to be careful with his diabetes (the one you get when you're old-er).

I had ironed the shirts for husband and sons the night before and nearly forgot to take them.

I realised the moment I was out of the door, though, so it wasn't too bad.

I'm glad you all had a happy time

<magic

Yes, it was really nice.

Sounds great!

How did it go for you? Not too strenuous?

thanks for sharing that beautiful picture with us Bel

Only until we left here, what with searching the clothes for everybody to wear, make sure they (the clothes) were washed and ironed and packed.

I never do the driving if I can avoid it, which is why I volunteer to take care of the preparations, like making sandwiches, cooking coffee, buying a few sweets and mineral water to take...

You're welcome, Mar. It was only the third Golden Wedding I attended.
I vaguely recall the other two: one was of my grandparents, one of my dad's aunt and uncle.

What a lovely way to celebrate.

I like the idea of the fairy tale. And the events from all the years.

You iron shirts? I just put on a sweater.

Just kidding. It sounds like a lovely time. I'm glad the road trip didn't take too long and you didn't encounter any car troubles or anything. And I'm happy your parents are still healthy and happy together after all these years.

It's not always been like this (the 'happy together bit'), but we're all glad they are again happy together now.

I usually don't iron at all, but it was for a special occasion. Those who have a suit wore a suit - except for my dad.

It was indeed a great day. I'm very happy that my parents were so happy.

My sister spent a lot of time on writing that fairy tale. She did a great job. It was her idea that we should make some music, too. Not too easy without having rehearsed even once.

The children of one of my uncles arranged their parents 50th Anniversary to be similar to 'This Is Your Life'

The video shows the surprise and the profanity of the siblings as they all made remarks (out of sight) over the mic

That sounds like fun.

It was! Especially when the couple were sitting there wondering which sibling was talking!

The best part was when their two sons appeared. They had both emigrated to Australia the year previously. Tears all round!

We haven't had such a 'big' get together for - err- ages.

Sounds like a lovely time..glad things have worked out so well for them--->and you!!!

We were very lucky with the weather, too: brilliant sunshine (if with a chilly wind) on Saturday, and mixed but dry on Sunday. Currently we're having storm and hail.

We just had a bit of rain blow through here on the weekend..now nice and sunny,if a bit windy and cool..will warm up here later this week.

I must now go,as I am scheduled to take a maths final exam in 3 min

Oh, lots of with that.