Friday 2 December 2016

The Years Of Living Dangerously


Where's those 30-odd years of my adult life gone? I'm 50 next week. Not that I'm in the least bit bothered about reaching my half-century, I'm simply amazed that I got this far.


All those things we're advised not to do, travelling abroad alone, accepting lifts from strangers, accompanying strange men to their flats for that after-the-pub coffee, walking back from nightclubs barefoot, pissed & oblivious, wading in to break up pub brawls, skinny dipping on remote Asian islands, gatecrashing the Hells Angel clubhouse, being stopped in the street by a man I only vaguely knew and becoming his flatmate 24 hours later.........I've done it all (& more) and come out the other side, battered, bruised but still here to tell the tale.


And will reaching what can only be described as late middle age (in the highly unlikely event that I live to see my 100th birthday) make me calm down? Hell, no! In less than five weeks time we'll be flying halfway around the world, landing at 2am with neither accommodation or any plans whatsoever. That's if we survive the week ahead, I'm already out for four of the next seven nights.


It's just as well us old 'uns have got some get up and go as I'm not seeing much action from the town's youth. We were out last night, braving the cold to fight against austerity, protesting against the proposed cuts in education, libraries, arts and culture which will massively affect the next generation and where were they? Conspicuous by their absence. Not doubt guzzling fast food and moaning on social media about boring Walsall is. They'll be even more bored in a few years time when everything has been sold off or put into storage and there's nothing but a massive Primark and 14 branches of McDonalds (I kid you not, read THIS) left to entertain them. On the bright side we've made The Guardian and have Noddy Holder, Andrew Tift and Grayson Perry on our side.


Frank's op went well although he wasn't too happy about it (the above photo is his post-surgery face) and has just been back to the vet for a check-up. I stayed in and kept him company for the first 48 hours then made up for lost time by going out on a charity shop spree. I love charity shops in December, most shoppers are so caught up in the madness of Xmas that they're often deserted and usually bursting with stock due to people having a massive declutter to make room for all the tat they're expecting on 25th December. 

Clockwise from top left: Susquehanna Hat Company "Marlowe" Fedora; Fringed lurex & velvet shawl; 1950s Dunlop plimsolls; 1980s velvet mini dress; Alexon wool coat; St Michael cord blazer; Fair isle hand knit; 1980s crushed velvet body suit; Mustard tartan midi; Huge 1960s "Tatton" screen print curtains; fake leopard hat; fake fur hat; Derby tweed cap; 1950s Tootal scarf; St Michael tweed jacket; Jaeger jumper. 
I've been living in these metallic Chelsea boots since they arrived last week. The fad for them must be well and truly over as they're already on eBay and half price on the website. To make room on my shoe rack I stuck four pairs of car booted/charity shopped and handed-down boots from my collection on eBay which not only paid for my new ones but yielded enough money to buy all of Jon's Xmas presents, a couple of maxi dresses for me and some factor 30 facial sun cream. Not bad considering all four pairs only cost me a total of £12!

WEARING: 1960s suede mini (Second To None, 2014), Big sleeved blouse (made by me using 1970s Rose & Hubble fabric bought from a charity shop), mustard tights (charity shop), Vintage pendant (the fabulous Em)


We're trading at Dee's vintage fair (Kinky's final one for 2016) in Taunton on Sunday and, as it's a three hour drive away, we're travelling down tomorrow and staying overnight.  It'll be the first time we've left Stephen Squirrel and Frank together in the house. I've invested in some Feliway Friends to reduce the risk of any skirmishes and the cat sitter is popping in twice.  I hope we've still got a roof over our heads on our return.

See you soon!

Linking to Patti & the gang for Visible Monday

116 comments:

  1. I bet the Cats will be fine, you look fabulous for nearly 50 xxx

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    1. I hope so, they were little buggers last night! Thank you for the compliment! xxx

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  2. Well an early Happy 50th B-Day! Yippeee!!
    I celebrated my 51st this year. No biggie.
    Pretty much every town in the US is a few big box stores and an assortment of McD's, Taco Hells, Burger Thing and the like- maybe that's what youngsters want nowadays?
    I am loving those metallic boots, they look so Barbarella with your hip & swingin' outfit!
    Get well soon, Frankie. (No more goin' to Hollywood for you, little Mister!)

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    1. Age is nothing but a number but I won't turn down a night out or four!
      Aren't those fast food joints depressing? (Not your names for them, though.)
      Ha! I'm going to be singing Two Tribes at Frank & Stephen next time they have a boxing match! x

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  3. The happiest of birthdays to you Vix! I too am surprised I made it into my 50s with all of my impulsive, risky behavior in my youth.

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    1. Thanks, Tami! I'm still remembering stuff I did in my twenties now and shaking my head in disbelief! xxx

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  4. I pretty much avoid the MALL and the big stores this time of year. Too crowded with rude people, pushing and shoving. I enjoy shopping at thrift stores and small, local shops. You find way more interesting things for gifts that way.
    50? you're just a youngest. 2 weeks ago I turned 61. Damn, the last 30 years just flew by

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    1. Yep, so much for Goodwill To All Men, they're worse than animals with their huffing, puffing 'n' shoving. Thank god I'm not a christian!
      You're fantastic inspiration for 61! I hope I'm as cool as you when I grow up. xxx

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  5. I cannot believe that sweater is by Jaeger. Sorry, but to my eyes it is ghastly. What were they thinking?!!!!!
    Pleased that Frank's doing well; sure they'll be fine together. Bet they just sleep thru' the weekend!
    Have a great time in the West Country. Love to Delia. Huge early birthday wishes to you, too!
    Zxx

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    1. You mean you prefer their contemporary greige stuff? No, I don't believe bright dressing Z would ever say that! 1980s Jaeger is much more fun!!
      Thank you! We'll toast you in the pub! xxx

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  6. Happy Birthday and many, many more years of ass-kicking greatness!

    Middle age is great-you get to do all the stuff you always did-you just stop caring what people think! I've found it all quite liberating.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, that's my intention, to give even less of a damn than I usually do! xx

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  7. I got some funny looks when I had my mustard tights on yesterday. One lady said I looked like a budgie. I'm to polite to reply that she looked like some old frump in her safe black outfit.
    At 61 I think how have I managed to be on this planet so long and am loving still finding new and exciting things and making wonderful new friends. I'm starting to realise the people who want to be with you will make the effort to be and that it doesn't have to be me constantly making the effort.
    Life's for getting out there and giving it some stick. Here's to our next phase Vix long may we
    be in it together. X X X

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    1. A budgie?!?! Love it - ou've made my day. I once had a woman in head-to-toe Next/M&S navy say loudly so that I could hear that I looked as if I should have a parrot. I was so chuffed.

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    2. I agree with Izabel, what a cheek! Why is it the women with absolutely no style feel the need to pass comment? I suppose it makes up for having no personality.
      There's no such thing as growing up, is there? Life's for having fun and sodding the rest of them! xxx

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  8. Best looking 50 years I've ever seen - you know how to live happy :) Happy Birthday!

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  9. If you can survive living in the UK's second most unhealthy place, you can survive anything. Seriously though, I was surprised I made it to 50 too. I never had a problem with it, until I got some paperwork entitling my boss to a bonus for employing an "older" employee. I was really pissed off by that, and completely in denial. That said, I love being 50 plus, and I would certainly not want to be in my twenties again. xxx

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    1. What a blooming cheek, 50 ain't old! I definitely wouldn't want to be in my 20s again, Selfies, fast fashion and no work...what a rubbish time to grow up in. xxx

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  10. Can't imagine you calming down, ha, the very notion! I've done most of those things you listed too, at least we can say when we shuffle off, that we haven't led boring lives. Love the mustard tights, I found a pair in a drawer the other day that I didn't know I had...if anyone calls me a budgie, they'll be getting the sharp end of my tongue! Hope Taunton is more profitable than Camden. xx

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    1. When I look in a mirror and see the wrinkles I tell myself that I've earnt them - too many late nights and weeks spent in the sunshine. Far better to have lived and gained a few battle scars than to be smooth faced and dull as ditchwater.
      xxx

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  11. Way to go for protesting! I love that you did that. And I love seeing hand-made signs there too. A world without arts is a world without dressing up, dreaming, spirit... I could go on and on. If we could measure the benefits mathematically, the results would be off the charts and funding would return. Obsession with numbers! GAaaa!!!
    Anyway, you look smashing (LOVE those boots) and always will with that attitude. Yes, our youth - hahaha!!! Many stories. Hope you have a good fair.

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    1. Aww, I'm glad you liked our attempt to stand up and be counted. Art and culture are free and for everyone, how dare they think that it can be taken away from us and that we'll happily roll over and accept it. xxx

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  12. I want those boots! In fact the whole outfit is quite me. 50 and fabulous darhhlinnggg. I'm right behind you. Wishing you the happiest Birthday ever. xxx

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    1. Yay, a fellower 5th decader! Thank you so much, darling! xxx

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  13. Happy Birthday Vix! Happy to have you in the 50 and over club! :)

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    1. Delighted to be a part of your gang! xxx

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  14. Whenever I see your chaise longue and curtains I have to put down the phone and go to the computer so that I can admire them better :) Good luck with the furry house-mates!

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    1. That's a lovely thing to say! I love to share a bit of crazy patchwork madness.
      The house was still standing and only one accident...hooray! xxx

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  15. Happy Birthday to you lovely. No one would ever believe you are going to be 50, you look amazeballs x x

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    1. Thanks, Trayci! Not so sure how I'll look after a second night on the booze! xxx

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  16. Ooh, I love the floral shirt and suede mini dress you're wearing, Vix! Hope you have a great birthday week, I love extending it out to a whole week, haha. It's funny, when I turned 21, I had that same feeling of, wow, I didn't think I would make it! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Jess! I think it might well be a long drawn-out celebration until at least, umm, February!! xxx

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  17. Welcome to the 50 club, though I dare say, I'm now in the +50 club.Having a pretty extensive back ground in advocacy, the younger crew does not get that there needs to be names and faces behind a protest. It is not for the week. I personally am not one for outdoor protesting and marching, but I'll door knock, make appointments (or just show up to catch a word) with my elected officials, and send them letters, stories, pictures and just basically be the biggest pain in the ass I can be.When you are fighting the power of big lobbysits, you need real voices so here here to you!

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    1. Being a pain in the arse is my intention, Sam! We need to be heard, however we chose to do it. xxx

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  18. Vix, the happiest of birthdays to you. Totally get what you mean about being amazed you got this far. Something I think of often when I remember some of the wacky things I've done! And remember, you've got plenty more years of crazy fun left to go.

    Hope Frank recovers quickly. He sure doesn't look too thrilled in that photo.

    Scary you mention being overtaken by big box stores and Mickey D's even over on your side of the pond too. It's like a nasty virus that is spreading. And I find it sad that no young people showed up for the protest.

    Enjoy your weekend and hope you have a successful show.
    Oh yeah, love the boots and outfit btw. Simply smashing :)

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    1. Thanks, Theresa. The world is changing and I so want to stop some of it before we lose everything we own. Our working class towns are being destroyed by Westminster, we need to fight.
      Frank is much better now, he did look a state last week, poor boy! xxx

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  19. Happy Early Birthday! Love the boots! I think I need to really start looking at the second hand stores here in Savannah, GA. There seems to be a lot of fast food restaurants popping up on my side of town (well outskirts of town). Had two with in a ten mile radius, now there's over 8 (3 McDonalds, one Burger King, 2 Zaxbys, Dunkin Donuts, Wendy's, Kentucky Fried Chicken. That's just from memory. I'm sure that I am forgetting one or two).

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    1. Goodness me, Savannah sounds like Walsall! You need to get in those second hand shops and try and support them else it'll all be chain stores packed with poorly made, questionably- produced tat. xxx

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    2. Mom and I don't shop for clothes to much during the year. I am trying to get my mom to properly thread the sewing machine so I can start making clothing for my daughter and myself. We have a lot of people who do yard sales here (kinda like the boot sales where you're at), so I may need to look around for fabric to practice on till I get the hang of it. In fact, I have a pair of jeans that I need to patch up in the back end (big hole and I don't think many people what to know what kind of underwear I am wearing....hehe). So, I am on the hunt for some "colorful"*/////////// fabric got use.

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  20. Happy Birthday! I love that you look back and celebrate the whole shebang, it's great to have a past! I look back, remember the good bits and as for the rest- chuck it in the fuck it bucket!! Keep on being fabulous you do it brilliantly. Love, Sally xxx

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    1. Fuck it bucket, love it! I occasionally recall a mad happening I'd completely forgotten about. I think I need to write it all down, menopause brain and all that! xxx

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  21. Don't forget your thermals as I think it will be a bit parky down there!

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    1. It was a bit nippy! Mind you, it has been in the Midlands, too! Brrrr! xxxx

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  22. Many happy returns for next week's big day! I don't think too much about my age as it is after all just a number, it's how you feel about yourself that counts. I think in our 50s many women feel uncertain of their style and/or try too hard to fit what they think a fifty something should look like - I don't think you're going to have that problem somehow! Have lots of fun celebrating your golden year - Betty x

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    1. I've got so many inspirational blogger friends already in their 50s, it seems like a wonderful place to be! xxx

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  23. You did the right thing, I hope the Walsall youth will later thank you guys for it!
    These booties are as shiny as your beautiful heart, and even better with the yellow tights! Lovely!

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    1. Thanks, Natalia! I hope they do but who understands the yoof these days, certainly not me! xxx

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  24. The Felliway products are worth the price. I call them "calm-a-cat" and rely on them for pre&post-vet-visit tranquility in the home.

    Please treat yourself to something golden for your birthday, Vix. The metallic booties are a step in that direction.

    Slothful lot, these youngsters! They're so preoccupied with taking selfies of themselves at any event, they seem incapable of actual participation. Thank you, dear Vix (and Jon) for setting a good example of what working to shape one's world involves!

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    1. Beth, Jon surprised me with something golden for my birthday. He was worried I wouldn't be keen as it's not something I usually wear but I adored it (details to follow!) xxx

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  25. You're catching up to me young'un ; P

    Yes, I too am amazed I made it this far. As a naive idiot for some reason I always thought I'd never live past 30. Who knows why, probably because I was heavy into risks like you. What's life without a little risk? Boring.

    Lordy knows that isn't you.

    LOVE the boots! And damn pleased you guys got out to try to save your spot from more invading fast food. That is crazy!

    Happy pre birthday you sexy Vixen you!

    bisous
    Suzanne

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    1. That's funny, I thought 30 was the cut-off point too - unitl I passed it. Now when I read blogs written by kids about to reach thirty talking about being too old to go out and investing in expensive skincare I shake my head in disbelief!
      You are a total inspiration for being 50! xxx

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  26. What is the Guardian waiting to give you at least weekly column?Everything about you is entertaining, inspiration Your place is mine kind of decorations. Yellow pantyhose, I adore them.Well since I turn fifty I started to learn cooking ,it is about the time. Those fast food places remind me of Institution, scary. Wishing you great week for your birthday. I've done a lot of risk ,will still take them but financial risk no more.

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    1. Thanks, Hope! Cooking? You did well to avoid it until now. I can't get my head round people wanting to dine in those hideous places, the strip lighting does nothing for the complexion! xxx

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  27. Hippy Happy Birthday to you-hoo! Welcome to the 50s. We are such a cool bunch over the hill. Come and join us!
    I signed your petition, but not sure it is any use from over here. Hopefully they will be swayed by international attention!
    Xo Jazzy Jack

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    1. Thanks for the welcome, I'm loving it already!
      Thanks for signing, it does count if you aren't in the UK, thankfully! xxx

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  28. Happy Birthday! I don't understand those who feel sad to be getting older - life is for living. And you certainly seem to have lived, and show no signs of stopping! Hurrah!
    How exciting to be landing at 2am with no plans... that's brave. I'd chicken out and book a hotel just for the 1st night.
    It's sad that none of the youth, the 'future' of Walsall showed up to demonstrate and make their voices known. Maybe they do it by signing online petitions these days?

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    1. I love a bit of danger but it's cheating really, I know Goa so well that I know that we'll find someone to give us a roof over our heads for a few nights.
      Yes, life is for living. Age ain't nothing but a number! x

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  29. i too hope they furry boys will not put your house in parts while you´r out working!
    oh yes - the years of living dangerously. i know some who never did and they´r look much older now then you and me ;-)
    bravo for facing the icy weather to fight for your towns culture! fingers crossed that it will help!!!! it definitely helps at the media front that you look very glamorous in your coat and hat!
    huge hugs! xxxxx

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    1. You're right, those who never take risks grow old far sooner than us crazy chicks!
      The boys behaved, thankfully. Now I'm not so scared about leaving them for India. xxx

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  30. I am always suspicious of those who haven't been wild in their youth (and beyond!). It makes you much more interesting. Love the coloured tights, I have some raspberry ones I need to get out.

    I thought of you when I was reading one of the supplements, which was Studio 54 inspired. Lots of velvet maxi dresses and silver blouses...all for over £1,000! Why not just buy vintage originals?

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    1. Us vintage sellers always say the same. Even if you're not into vintage modern fashion borrows so many eras anyone can follow fashion for a fraction of the cost on the high street! xxx

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  31. Oh Vix - if you are not yet 50 I can assure it's gets better and better. I hope you have a fabulous birthday - are you planning anything special?

    I loved your outfit and the mustard tights are brilliant. You did so well selling your boots! I just couldn't be bothered selling anything on ebay and I can't bear the bidding process when you buy stuff - I tend not to bother!

    Well done you protesting; we have to stand together and fight all the horrible things that are happening to us all at the moment with the cuts and austerity
    packages. If I hadn't been going to see my son I would have been at Yarlswood. which is only a couple of miles from me and protesting there.

    Poor old Frank his face says it all. Hopefully he'll be too droopy to be up to any shenanigans whilst you're away...

    Have a very lucrative weekend!

    xxxx

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    1. Thanks, Veronica! I'd be quite happy with my trip to India, I'm not one for parties or making a fuss but i don't think I can get away with it so easily!
      Yay to protesting and trying to be heard. I'm definitely going to do more, I've got complacent of late. xxx

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  32. Happy birthday Vix. You loom absolutely amazing and what a fantastic adventurous life you've led.

    I hate the way our country takes investment away from all of these services. We'll be a country of obesity and illiteracy very soon. Xx

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  33. I know that I am not alone when I say that I am pretty damn glad that you survived your wild and wooly younger years to make it this far! Happy Birthday, Baby Doll. Now that I am on the other side of uh...ahem...fuck it... 60, I have to say that my 50's were some pretty damn fine years. Enjoy them! Wild girls and protesters unite. I've been protesting the US election in full force. We gotta do wots right. Love XXXOOO

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    1. If I'm half as cool as you in another ten years I'll be a happy girl!
      Pleased to hear that you're protesting against the US election travesty, I'd be right beside you if we lived closer. xxx

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  34. Welcome to your 50's Vix! The number scared me when I was in my 30's and 40's, but now that I'm half way through my 50's it's not so bad. It's definitely the decade of "No Fucks Given", if we weren't there already ;) Good for you for standing up and making your voice heard at the protests. For all the social media savvy that 20's somethings are supposed to have, they don't seem to be very aware of things on a local level.

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    1. Well Shelley, you're a fine example of fabulous and 50.
      Too much time spent on social media promoting themselves rather than giving a damn about the world we all live in, if you ask me. xxx

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  35. WTF are you wearing was the opinion this morning ? do I care not a jot , it made me smile , its domestic Sunday in the depths of Lincolnshire , they can put up with it, the only visitors we get are the occasional Jehovahs Witnesses and cows!!

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    1. ...and what were you wearing? I usually get that from people dressed in those grey fleecy jogging bottoms that look like babygrows. xxx

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  36. Many happy birthday wishes to you.

    Hope the protest went well, so glad to see there are some big names behind you/us, even if the young are absent.

    You're right about the charity shops in December, we have had a lot of stuff the past couple of weeks, some of it is even worth a second look, and a customer who likes my Dazzle Ship style has kindly promised to bring me some gold elbow length gloves as a pressie.

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    1. Thank you!
      Yes, the chazzas are most excellent at the moment, all this pre-Xmas decluttering is brilliant for us. I haven't been out shopping this week, I must rectify that tomorrow! xxx

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  37. Still socking it to the man and rocking the fabulous patchwork indeed why not! X

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    1. Too right! Stand up and fight or sit down and do patchwork. It's how I roll! xxx

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  38. Happy Pre-Birthday, you young thang, you!

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  39. Please be aware you will be receiving a letter from my solicitor, regarding the plagiarism of my autobiography ( obviously apart from the bit about being 50 next week) Your first paragraph made me laugh out loud, and then shake my head in disbelief that I, too did all those dangerous and idiotic things. But oh, it was fun! Happy birthday for next week. I know you'll have a great time!

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    1. Wasn't it just? I sometimes wonder if the young have got any wildness left in them. We were out at the weekend and couldn't believe the amount of twenty-something couples having their dinner out. Food was a curry after the club had shut, not a roast dinner on a Saturday night for heavens sake. xxx

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  40. Hope you have a good birthday- being 50 is fantastic. I'm a few weeks ahead of you [mine was the end of September]. Can't quite match your silver boots but have got a pair of turquoise ones coming and am making sure I do even more of my mad morris dancing. Glad Frank survived his op- I think it's a tad more straightforward than it is for the female moggies isn't it. More a case of indignity and hurt pride perhaps!
    Arilx

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    1. Happy 50th to you, Aril. I quite fancy a pair of turquoise boots, my last pair gave up the ghost a couple of years ago.
      Mad Morris Dancing, I love watching you lot at it! xxx

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  41. Fifty? Nothing to it, love! Look at you, you're as gorgeous as ever, rocking the hell out of that fab suede mini and Chelsea boots! And good to see you getting active and angry about the cuts in Walsall.
    Poor Frank, it can't be much fun being de-pom pommed...
    Hope you had fun with Dee this weekend. Not long till it's time for warmer temperatures and another Indian adventure. Bring it on!
    Love you! xxx

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    1. 50 doesn't seem bad at all (although my head is telling me a different story after last night!)
      Poor old Frank, he keeps lifting his leg and looking disappointed. The vet reckoned they were the biggest pompoms she'd seen! xxxxx

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  42. Great outfit Vix! You look absolutely amazing and definitely do not look like you're about to turn 50 xx

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I won't be subscribing to the Fifty Plus catalogue just yet...minis and psychedelia forever! xxx

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  43. I will welcome you to the 50 and over club with open arms, join the rest of us the rebel about the certain rules of certain age!! So pleased you are off to Goa again, it just wouldn't be the same not to read about and see your photos from these Indian get aways. Happy Birthday Chic, and many more to come no matter what.

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    1. Delighted to be part of your cool club, Sue! xxx

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  44. Happy 50 and beyond, Vix. After this, time really whizzes by. I mean, next year, I'll be 65. Wha...? Either that or I just black out for decades at a time. You look marvelous as always. Keep those cats happy, so your house stays in one piece while your away.

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    1. Thanks, Pao! You're still rocking it at almost 65, aren't you?
      The cats were surprisingly good, thankfully! xxx

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  45. Happy almost-birthday Vix, mine is on Thursday, very excited! xxx

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    1. Fellow Saggie!! Fabulous. Happy Birthday back at you, Charis! xxx

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  46. Happy Birthday Vix, welcome to the over 50's club, home of cheap insurance and blue rinse holidays. I'm shocked to think I am now older than my nan was when I was little, and she had a perm and grey hair. Where does the time go and when do you start feeling old? Love your haul, and yes, the chazzas are fab at this time of year! I had one of those velvet dresses but in black, first time I've spotted one of my former outfits in your stock xx

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    1. Thanks, Clare! I'm waiting for the adverts for Saga and funeral plans to pop up in my Facebook sidebar any day now.
      I bought that dress because I too had the same one in black! I'm almost tempted to try it on but I think I'd a spiral perm to do it justice! xxx

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  47. I'm in love with that outfit on you! And why don't I own silver boots? So odd!! I've had silver ballet flats but never silver boots! Oh goodness! I am inspired. I won't be seeing 50 for another 19 years but I sure hope I'm as fab as you are when I get there!

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    1. Get yourself some silver boots - the hipsters have gone off them and they're cheap now! xxx

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  48. Happiest birthday wishes to you! You're looking fabulous as ever and I hope your day is oodles of fun xxx

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  49. Girllllllllllllll I am into this turning 50 situation you're talking about right here-----looks damn good to me!!!!!!!! Happy Bday!!!!!!!!!!

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  50. Happy Birthday, my dear friend. You are just a baby. As a matter of fact I could be your teen mom,hahahhahahha.You are an ageless example to us all about living the life you choese,being wonderful and settling for nothing less that your dreams.
    Mil besos and tons of love
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  51. You look in the mirror and see wrinkles?. I honestly don't have any, and that's not just wishful thinking. I thank my Mum for the genes she passed to me. My only skin care has to been to wear sunglasses. I just wish my daughter had done the same. If you don't believe me I will send you a close up pic of my face. Seriously doctors etc are amazed by my smooth skin, they can't believe it, but I've done nothing to deserve it, except always wearing sun glasses, even in winter and I do that because my eyes are very light sensitive. Blessings

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    1. Not really, my eyesight's not that great close-up so I've learnt to move the mirror even further away so I look about 20 even after a heavy night! xxx

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  52. Happy Fabulous Fifty!! I'm glad Frank's op went well. I hope you and Jon have a fantastic evening out to celebrate your birthday!

    Goodness those are nice looking boots!!

    Happy thrifting ;)

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    1. Thanks, TP! Sometimes you just have to buy something new! xxx

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  53. Happy birthday my gorgeous friend - your youth was adventurous as hell and your mid years look to be just as exciting. Good for you protesting - I've found it's often us mid-lifers who populate the protests, maybe because we know what to fight back about. Have a wonderful week and sell a ton of vintage treasures. xox

    Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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    1. Thanks, Patti! You could be right. I look back on how amazing our town used to be and am appalled at how it's become. I suppose the young 'uns know nothing different. xxx

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  54. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU for your 50th! Brilliant to see such a beautiful, feisty, creative woman not bending to any "mid'life" fashion rules (etc.!) So pleased Frank survived the big operation and yes, hope the house is all in one piece when you get home again. Your pre-Christmas charity shops overflowing with treasure sounds like heaven!! I managed to get a quick read of the Walsall news report then they cut me off and I had to reboot!! And answer a quick survey if I wanted to read the report - which I had read phew!! (I don't do surveys.) I can't say I like the heading that Walsell is an "unhealthy" place to live. We have choices about what we eat and our lifestyles, and sooner or later "first world" - strange title that - people who live unhealthy lifestyles (don't blame the town, or even MacDonalds, it's not compulsory to go there and even I grab a coffee etc. when travelling and it all ties in with a balanced approach to eating, drinking and exercising. As my Type 1 Diabetic son says "Type 1 Diabetes is a disease, Type 2 is a choice". And a town doesn't need X number of gyms or cycling tracks, just plain common sense like walking instead of driving, eating basic good food... and parents stop abusing your children!!! Wishing you all the best with it, Vix. xx

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth! I'm sorry you had to endure that annoying pop-up survey, I hate that.
      Our local newspapers always have the most inane headlines. You're completely right, it is all about balance. xxx

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  55. I've wished you a Happy Birthday on Facebarf but couldn't resist commenting here too. Here's to another fab 50.

    You're not joking about the chazzas being a bit better right now - I found a couple of good bits last weekend, and will deffo be going back for another wander round my local ones next weekend. Got to get the good stuff while it's there... I've been keeping an eye out for fabric for your stash but have had no joy so far. It doesn't seem common in my local ones.

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    1. Cheers, Mim!
      They're ace at the moment - we did really well last year, too. Fabric seems to be really thin on the ground, thanks for looking! xxx

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  56. Looking good at 50, Vix. I am loving your whole outfit especially those mustard yellow tights.

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  57. I hope you had the happiest of Birthdays Vix and I love your attitude to life in general, I get so over the fact I'm meant to feel "sad" about being older - what garbage. I love the sleeves on your top and your shiny boots!! Although I never look forward to your blog absences, I do look forward to many exciting India travel posts when you return x

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    1. Thanks, Trees, I certainly did. As someone already commented, we may as well embrace ageing as the alternative isn't much fun at all! xxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix