ellen, it should be more clear by replacing "belated" with synonyms "late" or "delayed". If you haven't heard it correctly, that's just how it is with many issues of language grammar when very common or frequent misuse becomes familiar and so they sound more right. And often the misuse becomes accepted use. Not, I suspect, in this case.

Happy belated, common birthday! I had a fabulous birthday, celebrated with my family coming for dinner - I turned 65!

Thanks for your kind wishes - it was a fabulous day - I am so blessed to have lived to age 65! I am a grateful lady!

Thanks to all of you for your good wishes. Most of the snow had gone by yesterday, but we had a bit more, overnight - for which I'm thankful ... for when I backed the car out of the shed and returned to close the door ... there was a slim trail of brown stuff going out to the car. I backed it up a bit ... and there was a brownish pool under where the motor had been. Was it oil? If so, and I drove it ... soon no oil and seized engine. Brake fluid? Tranny fluid? Drove running engine uphill, coasting down, about 8 mi. to the church to have coffee with the old guys. No trail anywhere near where I entered the parking lot or under the car. Drove to the other church, 5 mi. or so, to tell the minister of an interesting speaker, Naomi Klein, on climate change and our current world situation in town tonight. I was noticing that the gas gauge seemed to be dropping much more quickly than usual. No residue trails visible ... but I'd coasted in. Drove ... carefully, through town, in case the droppings were brake fluid ... to the garage. Fuel filter rusted out, must be replaced, along with some of the gas line. Fifteen minute walk to the library, to talk to you guys ... and it's about time to wander back, as they may have the car fixed. Good thing I visited the bank yesterday, as I was almost broke, before. Thanks again for all of your good wishes - I value my relationship with you folks, some of whom I've met IRL. ole joyfuelled ... with a bit o' fuelling help from gasoline ... and furnace oil