Where Does the Time Go? Another Birthday Rolls Around

Cousins & Siblings
Rell, Donna, Sally, David, Carol, Linda, Diana

It seems like not that long ago that this photo was snapped.  I marvel to think that it has been sixty years since we gathered in my aunt's kitchen to celebrate my cousin Donna's birthday. Since her birthday is only 11 days after mine, I can be seen wearing my new birthday dress.  I am the third person on the left.

The faces in photo are all so dear to me.  They speak of such happy and carefree childhood times.
Truly, I am amazed that those days are so far in the past, and that I have just reached the age of sixty-seven.

A Birthday to Celebrate

Late last week, my husband told me he had made reservations for a birthday brunch for Sunday.  "I know it is a few days early, but we will be busy on your birthday, so I wanted to make sure we had a nice brunch," he said.  I thought that seemed thoughtful and reasonable.  On Sunday, two hours before we needed to leave, he suggested I get in the shower and get ready because he wanted to go earlier than he had first said.  I thought nothing of it, but decided to accommodate his request.  When I was ready, uncharacteristically, he wasn't ready and needed to do a few more things on the computer.  Again, I thought nothing of it.  So, to pass the time, I called my oldest daughter to chat.  She seemed surprised to hear from me.  Again, not thought was given to this.  

As I was talking, the door bell rang.  "Who can that be?"  I asked my daughter.  My husband made no movement toward going downstairs to get the door.  So, I went down to open the door and gazed out to see an attractive, young, dark-haired woman holding flowers and a cake.  To myself, I said, "Who delivers flowers and a cake on a Sunday, two days before my birthday?"  Then the woman said, "Happy Birthday, Mom."

Truly, I had no idea.  I didn't even recognize Amy!  Her hair was darker, she had her head slightly turned, and I absolutely did not have a clue that she would make a surprise visit.  I grabbed her in a hug and started to sob.  I was so happy to see her.  I have missed my kids so much lately.

Amy with birthday flowers

As is Amy's norm, she showed up with flowers.  As is the tradition, she brought daffodils mixed into my birthday bouquet.  I really can't remember a birthday for the last 15 or 20 years where either Amy or Julie, or both, sent or brought me daffodils.  They are my favorite flowers.

I had to beg for photos.  She "hates" to have her picture taken.

Amy arranging my flowers

Truly, I was overjoyed to see Amy.  She made my day for sure.  Boston was just as overjoyed.  

I cried.  

I hugged.

Boston lept in the air, barked, whined, and wagged his tail.

I know just how he felt.

Amy and Boston

So, I guess my husband and my daughter had been in cahoots. They planned my surprise.  Amy wanted to come down for the weekend.  She didn't have her kids that weekend, it was my birthday, and we always try to watch the Academy Awards together, even if it has to be done by phone.  After Boston and I settled down, and the flowers were arranged, we went to Sunday Brunch at Coyote Grille. This place is one of my favorites.  We had a wonderful meal, and a wonderful time together.  

*I featured Coyote Grill in this blog post a year ago.  

We came home and ate the scrumptious birthday cake that Amy brought.

My hubby sang "Happy birthday" to me before we cut the cake.

He always brings a smile to my face.

Happy birthday serenade

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On my actual birthday, Tuesday, February 28th, my hubby drove me to Castle Rock, Colorado for my second appointment with the vestibular therapist that I have been seeing.  Before we left, he had a beautifully wrapped gift, as sweet card, and another cake sitting on the breakfast table when I got up that morning.  I loved the wrapping!  I loved the contents:  a nice new knit top and some beautiful, chunky blue beads.  

My appointment went well.  I have greatly improved since my last visit.  That was very encouraging.  The exercises, and time, are probably working well together.

After lunch, we went to lunch at Augustine's in Castle Rock.  I loved this cute little place.  Using his cell phone, Jim snapped my birthday photo.  I wearing my new knit top and necklace.  

We both ordered Salad Nicoise with ahi tuna.

I loved the ambiance of the restaurant, the salad, not so much.

At least we had cake to look forward to at home.

Not like I needed another cake, but my husband had ordered it before he knew Amy was bringing one.

What are birthdays for anyway?  Isn't all about cake?  

This is my favorite kind of cake:  carrot cake.

The day was made very special by many facebook greeting, cards, and phone calls from my family, and flowers.  I have flowers in every room on the first floor.

This beautiful purple rose arrangement is from my son Jon and his family.

This beautiful arrangement is from the family of my son Ryan.

Thank you to all who made my day so special!

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On the day after my birthday, Leap Day, I continued to celebrate.  I had coffee early in the morning with a dear friend from high school days.  Iris suggested that we go to Colorado Springs that evening to go to the movie.  Of course, I jumped at the chance.  We went to see "The Artist." 

Right away, I found myself thinking that the film was just delightful.  I also thought it was refreshing.  I really did enjoy everything about the movie.  It was uplifting, light, and unique.   In my opinion, Berenice Bejo, made the film what it is.  I was fascinated by her.  I don't know why she didn't get any nominations.  I loved her smile, her hair, her clothes, her cute little moves, and her ability to dance.  Jean Dujardin did a great job.  I like his characterization of a silent film star who was on his way out, but I'm still not sure that he deserved best actor.  I still have to see George Clooney in his film to make that determination for myself.

After dinner, Iris and I walked downtown to grab some dinner and then headed back to Pueblo ending a wonderful birthday celebration that lasted several days.

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One last thing.  I also got my CPAP machine yesterday.  It turns out, I have sleep apnea.  See, good thing come from bad things.  I doubt this would have been discovered without the fall and subsequent referrals to an ear, nose and throat specialist.  I successfully slept with my new machine last night.  I woke up much refreshed and have seemed experience a decrease in my racing heart and heart palpitations today.  Time will tell...