Lucky!

Beautiful roses, and yummy cake.

Miss Vida, waiting to move into her new home.

Birthday balloons -- with a fishy theme!

I had a lovely birthday yesterday -- thanks to so many of you for your love and wishes.

My sister had already surprised me with a necklace [the 'pebble ring' necklace] that I love [it arrived before the big day] and yesterday, my sweeties Mason and Maya showed up with balloons, cards and a special surprise that they picked out themselves: a little Vida-fish all my own! They provided everything I needed to get her all set up too -- the bowl, the bright colored gravel, the water conditioner, the food, and Miss Vida herself. She is a sweet little fishy and waves her fins at me every time I go to tell her hello. What I love most is that they picked everything themselves and I knew it.

Mark arrived home at lunch with a beautiful bouquet of roses [they smell delicious!] and the promise of whatever gift I want once I make up my mind [which could take some time - the older I get, the harder it is to put together a wish list.] Natalie had ordered something [still a surprise!] and was annoyed that it hadn't arrived in time. [it's all good -- that extends the birthday and there's nothing wrong having random gifts arriving!] Chris and Tara called to check in and they were not sure what to send so once again the BD gets extended. Math put together a fun mix CD that he did just for me which is always something I love. Both parents sent the money [the ultimate gift!] and I'm going to hoard it till I figure out how I want to spend it.

My counselor and friend Natalie showed up in the afternoon with a beautiful [and delicious] home-made white chocolate raspberry [my hands-down favorite flavor] birthday cake which we enjoyed with ice cream after a fabulous dinner with family at Chuy's. And there was even a fresh loaf of home-made bread from another sweet friend -- it doesn't get better than this!

And of course there were all the sweet greetings and phone calls that I received from friends and family members. All together, it made for a lovely birthday.

I felt loved -- thank you!