Birthday Pleasures

Photo courtesy of Evil Erin

Today I celebrate another birthday. Is it just me, or does each birthday get less and less important as your focus shifts from inward to outward toward your family and friends? I have so much to be thankful for--most noticeably right now is my health and the health of my family. It's something so easy to take for granted until you see a slew of family and friends make trips to the hospital, and then you realize how blessed you truly are.

So, today, I am thankful. Thankful for health. Thankful for fall. Thankful for family. Thankful for friends. Thankful for my God. Thankful for the internet and FB which allows me to get over a hundred happy birthday notices throughout my day. Thankful for my daughters. Thankful for being able to work from home. Thankful for life and joy and peace. And thankful for fall treats--I think my ideal birthday party would be a huge gathering of friends and family around a bonfire, roasting wienies, singing songs with guitars, and doing lots of talking and laughing. Oh, and of course there would be lots of fall goodies like pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, baked apples, caramel apples, pumpkin scones, and anything else that includes pumpkins, apples, or could be cooked over a campfire.

What does your ideal birthday party look like?

Changing seasons

When I lived in Michigan, it was always clear when the seasons were changing. When it was changing to spring, the snow melted. When it was changing to summer, I didn't have to wear a coat outside anymore. When it changed to fall, the colors. . .oh the colors, and the harvest of fresh veggies and fruits. Apple cider. Yummm. And when it changed to winter, snow. Most people here in the south hate and despise snow. I get that, simply because snow here is awful. But real snow, Michigan snow, ahh, it's a something to treasure and behold. My good friend called the other day and mentioned that it is snowing in Michigan right now and "it is beautiful." I am jealous. We don't get distinct season changes in Oklahoma. This week the temperatures will range from 30's to possible 70's. Which season is that?

Here is snow in Michigan--oh, how I miss thee!

And here is the only way I can tell the seasons are changing in Oklahoma. Sigh.