Another Year

She knows me well.

I've really been liking (mostly) the switch to the online journal that I've been experimenting with.  The trouble is it only allows me one picture per post - unless I want to pay which I don't want to do.  Free is right now the preference.  So until Google mucks things up again and I'm unable to figure things out, I'll be posting all the pictures here.

Sweet gift.

I mentioned to our son that I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around this new age.  Commented that "it's just a  number."  He quickly put me in my place by reminding me that it's a very big number.  Sigh...  It was a nice birthday.  I'm not so great at being the center of all the fuss and attention.  But yesterday contained just the right amount, not too much, but enough that I felt cared about.  I heard from all my chilluns and most of the grandchilluns. And a couple friends.  One of the sisters I minister to brought me this sweet towel.  Another ward friend brought me my favorite (I have sososo many favorites!) treats.  She said she had to fend off her kids from consuming them to which I replied her kids had great taste.  haha.

Silly socks that I love.

I received some silly new socks that I adore. And wore proudly, though I'm fairly certain there was some judgement. But that judgement was unspoken and kept to themselves so I'm just fine about it. We also found another penny on our morning walk.  I want to call it a good omen for the day.  I've had birthday cake breakfast dessert.  And refuse (though only partially successfully) to feel guilt.  My daughters, as usual, were thoughtful and generous.  They're great daughters.

Picked it up for luck.

It was a good birthday week:  a movie at an actual theater (being careful with face coverings and distancing - it felt like we were practically the only people in the theater) another play at Hale (ditto for the safety precautions), ate mid-afternoon at our favorite BBQ (that's when it's easiest to maintain our careful approach to life mid-dangvirus situation) and just enjoyed life as much as we can.  I read a book:  Laughter Yoga.  It pops into my mind at the oddest times, prompting me to try laughing out loud for no reason at all.  I think it has actually helped my general outlook.

B-day cake breakfast dessert.

We did finally take a deep breath and pick the lone watermelon in the garden.  We've never ever had success with melons of any kind until the cantaloupe this year.  We should have picked the watermelon at least a week ago.  It's obviously w-a-y too old.  Maybe next year.😋

Disappointment.

My heart still so hurts for those suffering from the fires.  Our absolutely opaque view because of the dense smoke that covers the whole valley is a constant reminder.  But I'm working hard at finding peace and bits of joy wherever I can.

I'm so grateful for completing another year on the earth.  I've still much I desire to do in this life.  Thankfully I've a bit more time.  I'm grateful for the kindness and generosity of those around me for my birthday.  Especially from my girls.  I'm grateful beyond words for The Husband and his efforts to help me feel like my life matters.