Birthday #35

It was a nice day. Quite nice. And it wasn't hardly painful at all, who knew?

(BTW, I've been a bit post heavy today, so scroll down if you're a direct blog-checker so you don't miss something.)

First, I got a card from Mrs. N. She was in my dad's church from way back when he was in college, a young preacher boy. She has sent me a card all 35 years of my life, I think. My parents would have to verify the first few, but I can tell you that the last 30 at least I've received a card from her. Always with a letter. Used to be with a dollar inside, but I understandably outgrew that.

I looked forward to her cards, and now, in an age of few pieces of REAL snail mail, hers has more than once been the *only* birthday card I've received in a given year. It might be a small thing, but it's big to me. I appreciate it, and I'd miss it if it weren't there. This spring I saw Mr. and Mrs. N at my grandfather's funeral, and the older three of us F siblings all referenced her birthday card consistency as we introduced our "others" to them. What a neat legacy with a seemingly simple yearly remembrance.

Braska and I went to Wal-Mart right before lunch. A much needed trip. When we got home, M had already arrived home for lunch. As I walked in to the living room, look what greeted me!

Isn't that gorgeous?! I love fall colors, and flowers in them, what's not to love?? They are much more beautiful in person, of course. Really a nice surprise! Thanks, M. Well done, dearest.

Tonight we went to the Olive Garden. It's our celebration place. Birthdays, anniversaries, whatever. We like it alot. And it's tradition to have a picture from each birthday or anniversary dinner there.

M isn't a fan of restaurants in general, so it's nice that there are a few places he's comfortable in. My brother Jody and his wife Skye came along after a last minute invite, and we had a very nice dinner. Everyone had yummy meals, Braska enjoyed some marinara sauce, some of my apricot sauce from my chicken meal, and a tad of raspberry tea. Sure it's only a teaspoon or two of sauce, and some sips of tea, but it's something, and we're glad! We finished the night with some SUPER yummy pumpkin cheesecake.

When we got back home after dinner, I got today's mail and had another card! From the lovely Jen. I affectionately call her one of my "flaming liberal" friends, so it's only right she'd send me this kind of card. Jen, this is the only piece of mail with those faces on it allowed in my house for longer than a minute. Only for you..... :o)

I did also get a couple e-cards from Dad and Rach, and a couple phone calls too. It's so nice to be thought of.

So all in all, a pretty enjoyable birthday. I cannot complain one bit. Thanks so much for all the well wishes! So far, 35 is not so bad.