Friday, January 27, 2012

60

Yesterday my Dad turned 60 which means he's officially in "popa-land." Like most Grandparents he is now eligible for a seniors card which gets him a train ticket to the city return (plus all-day transport on ferries, buses, trains) for only $2.50. But a day trip in Sydney is nothing compared to what he's got planned for February. In a few weeks time he's off on holidays with my mum. Just the two of them, the Range Rover and the camper-trailer. An east-coast road trip in the summertime. 

My Dad's a pom (we moved to Australia in 1986) - he's a mechanic by trade (restores vintage cars) and worked wonders on my very first vehicle - a 1978 mint green Triumph. He's the best gardener I know and pretty damn good at fishing. His favourite dessert is a jam and cream sponge cake so that's exactly what I baked him, an exact replica of this one. All fluffy, light and sweet. Delicious.

Happy Birthday Popa! 

21 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday to your father :)

    My parents were stoked when they turned 60. They spend most of their weekend catching ferries. x

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  2. That sponge cake looks delicious!! Your photos are making me miss the summertime, everything looks perfect.

    Happy birthday to your dad!!

    :P

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  3. Happy birthday to your dad :) That cake looks delicious!

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  4. Oh another Triumph owner! My first car was a 1971 Triumph 2000. It was my pa's and was as stately as he was. I loved that car, so luxurious with it's big leather seats and heavy steering giving my arms a good work out!
    It wasn't a lovely mint green like yours thou. It was white and we called it Milk Dud.
    Happy birthday to your Dad and good luck on their grey nomad travels!

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  5. Beautiful post. My parents were so excited to get their senior status and all the "perks". And don't they deserve those perks too. My dad is an ex-mechanic as well, he's helped me with all my second hand cars, starting with my green 1983 Toyota Tercel hatchback. Dads are great aren't they. So glad that yours is being celebrated so beautifully. x

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  6. Having a bit of blue button down skirt envy here. Also craving sponge cake and I've only just had breakfast! I can't seem to master the art of a good sponge.

    Thanks for your comments Jodi, nice to have you popping by!
    Happy birthday to your dad.
    Jess x

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  7. That cake looks so good, i know what i'll be requesting for my next birthday!
    My Mum will be 60 in March, i'm so excited but i don't think she quite shares my excitement, i think she wants to pretend it's not happening!
    The East Coast road trip sounds like my dream holiday.

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  8. What a lovely day! Love the photos Strawberry sponge is my favourite too and just looking at the photos made me hungry...
    60s a great age. My mum turned 60 last year, and started a Phd based on mosquito larvae... in East Timor! And there was I thinking she might slow down a bit! These old people are not what they were!

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  9. My Dad delights in telling everyone who'll listen how far he got on his $2.50 pensioner special when he comes to Sydney! A big happy birthday to your Dad - he's raised a lovely girl. Kellie xx

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  10. Beautiful post. Lovely moments and movements x

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  11. Happy birthday to your Dad, sounds as though his 60th year will be one not to forget!
    He's the year of the Dragon...this years his year....like my mum!!!

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  12. yummy yummy - strawberry cake - cant wait till may - strawberry time in god old europe.... looks so amazing! And happy birthday for your dads birthday! xxxas

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  13. i see the resemblance. happy birthday popa.

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  14. Happy birthday Poppa! It looks like a wonderful day and it seems he is a wonderful man.

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  15. happy birthday to a fellow pom! we moved to oz in 1981. that cake looks delish! x

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  16. Lovely family...I wish your Dad a sweet 60th x

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  17. Gorgeous photos! That cake looks to die for! :)

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  18. Thats my favourite cake too! Your dad is so young.. my dad is almost 80! (although I am the youngest of 7 and I was born 18 years after my older brother).
    Looks like he had a lovely day x

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  19. You really do make celebrations come alive on your blog.

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