Very Exciting Day

How did you celebrate VE Day and the Bank Holiday Weekend? On Thursday, after all the applause, the word went down the road "tomorrow, 2pm, in front gardens with cakes and cuppas to celebrate VE Day with a socially distanced Street Party" So we all joined in. I fished my red, white and blue bunting down from the loft. We strung one long length along the front of our house & next door, and neighbours across the road borrowed my second shorter length. I draped two Union Flags from upstairs windows.

I found 4 patriotic cupcases in the kitchen, and made some fairy cakes, and dug out my coronation mugs to set a suitably patriotic tea table. Bob brought out an amplifier and played the Bletchley Park VE Day music selection. 

Everyone had a great time in the sunshine, a number of pyjama-d bears even came to the party! [note; this photo was taken from correct distance] We have lived in this road for five years, but only in the last 2 months have I got to meet some of my neighbours properly. 
The atmosphere was brilliant.
Friends asked about The Baby - so of course, on Saturday, I had to put a notice on the lamp-post outside announcing George's arrival. It's been fun watching people walk past, stop and read it, smile - then look in to see if we are around. Then they grin and wave.
We listened to the Queen's Speech on TV and watched some of the special programmes - and recorded Darkest Hour to watch on Sunday afternoon. [I've got mixed feelings about it, good casting, clever acting, but lots of dramatic licence with historical accounts...]
And finally I made a WW2 recipe cake for Sunday Tea. This was a Vinegar Cake from one of my favourite blogs - The 1940s Experiment. I've been following Carolyn's adventures for more than ten years. I love her determination and honesty.
She has sourced, and tried out, some superb recipes - around 200 thus far - from the War Years - and her blog is well worth a read. Vinegar Cake is #130 on her list

This is made with just 6oz flour in 1lb loaf tin - so it is not too big, ideal for the pair of us. Vinegar plus bicarb acts as the raising agent instead of an egg - a trick used by many WW2 cooks. In the past few weeks, Carolyn's blog has been a good source of inspiration when some ingredients have been in short supply.
One parent said that it was something for the children to remember in years to come- and watching John Craven and Co reminisce about the Street Parties of 1945 made me feel glad we had done it.
Did you mark VE day in anyway? 
I must finish by thanking everyone who has sent such kind comments about the arrival of baby George. Although it is hard being unable to visit, I'm really glad that people can share in our joy.