My friend Gloria is 84 today!

Party time!
I’ll be the first thing on your mind
When you’re lost and cannot find
I’m not seen and often out of sight
You’ll only see me when there is no light
I will shine a beacon where there is none
To chase away the shadows ’til they’re all gone
I brighten darkest night for those at sea
Who will live to tell the tale
Because of me.
‘Freedom was not in the mind or the imagination, but to be fought for, in the here and now.’
‘I declare before you all, that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.
God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.’
-From a speech made by the The Queen, aged twenty-one, in 1947.
‘Would you please help me, would you pull my pants off?’
–The Queen, to a surprised footman, upon coming in from a long morning in wet weather. Her boots and waterproof leggings were proving difficult to remove)
It used to be silver
Then it was gold
She was always a diamond
Who couldn’t be sold
And now it is platinum
And so it should be
For seventy years
She’s kept dignity
She’s a trooper
And not just of the colour
A Queen by nature
They’ll be no other
She’s one in a million
Top notch – she’s ace
She’s held down this job
With composure and grace
We’ll celebrate
As best as we can
A tonic for the nation
Happy Birthday Ma’am.
‘I’ve won! I’ve won!’
–The Queen (upon learning that England’s cricketers had just won a test against Australia).
‘You should answer that. It might be someone important.’
The Queen (to someone whose mobile phone was ringing during an audience with The Queen).