Capping off a busy month with thanks....

It has been a very busy month.  We had a very successful fundraiser for the Woman's Club on the 19th so the weeks leading up to that day were very busy.  Then I played catch up with my work for the FOL and library book store.  And this last week I have been celebrating my birthday.  Yep, ALL week.  This is my 66th.  And, I am especially grateful this year to be celebrating a HEALTHY birthday.  It took some amazing people to get me to this point.  My hubby has been my rock -- just as he has always been since I first met him.  A woman could not ask for a more romantic and caring husband -- but more than that, he is honest (though, that can sometimes create its own issues - LOL) and steady.  It will be 43 years this April since we first met and started dating.  So we have celebrated a lot of birthdays together in that time.  Other than both of us needing to lose weight, we are healthy and happy.  He gave me earrings to match my white gold "Open Hearts" necklace and I will wear them when we go out to dinner tonight.

I have an awesome daughter in Chele, with whom I spent the day on Thursday.  She and I went shopping on the docks and picked out a beautiful outfit at "Bijoux by Eurasian Lady."  Thank you, Chele and Rick, for your wonderful gift. I will be wearing that outfit tonight.  The best part of that day was a leisurely lunch on the covered deck of Rusty Bellies' tiki bar.  The breeze from the Gulf rippled the water on the Anclote River and we were able to chat as we watched the boats come and go in the marina.  As most of my friends know, I LOVE Tarpon Springs.  And Thursday was a perfect "Chamber of Commerce" weather day.  Thank you, Chele, for being you.  You are not a "mini-me" and never have been.  I am glad of that.  We share a lot of common interests and you have some of my personality traits, but at 45, you are your own woman with strengths that I do not have. I love you more than I can express in words and look forward to your visit in April for the book sale.

And, I am "other Mom" to an equally awesome daughter, Angie, with whom I spent the day on March 19th when she came to help with, and to enjoy, the fashion show.  I fell in love with Angie 43 years ago -- probably before I fell in love with her Dad.  I have laughed with her and cried with her and loved her as my own and am so glad to see her happy and healthy and living here in Florida, enjoying her life with Mike.  Angie, you have always been my daughter and I hope you realize that I have very rarely used the word "step" when introducing you.  I have been so blessed to have both you and Billy in my life.  I think you know how much you are loved and appreciated by both your Dad and me.

And thank you to both you and Mike, for my beautiful arrangement:

It came this morning and was beautiful.  I say, "was," because it has been dismantled and put in plastic baggies to keep that wonderful fruit fresh.  I sampled everything as I was taking it apart.  It is all wonderful -- especially that chocolate covered strawberries.  Thank you both very much.  That will help me get back on track tomorrow when I have completed my week of celebration.

And, thank you, to all my wonderful friends who have sent cards, taken me to lunch, given me cookies to munch and toys to play with, sent me flowers and another edible arrangement and supported me through the last couple of months of 2011 and first couple in 2012.  You all know who you are and how much I love you.  Thank you for the lovely birthday cards and sweet thoughts.

I am one size smaller than I was on my 65th birthday.  Hoping to double that for number "67."  But returning to my "program" can wait 'til tomorrow.  I still have "celebrating" to do today!