Just a quick note this morning as I have to leave for the city soon.

Thank you so much for all the wonderful and kind birthday greetings! You made my day.

It was a nicely quiet day, warmer than usual and sunny! I spoke to my best friend and my sister and Don was adorably attentive. He prepared a delicious dinner, we had some sparkling cider in my grandmother’s wine glasses, he somehow found a sugar-free lemon cake – it was lovely. I plan to celebrate all weekend long, but in the meantime, I have to do some coaching today. And days in NYC are long.

Don’t forget to read Wednesday’s book review and leave a comment if you’re interested in entering the giveaway.

More tomorrow.

Happy Friday.

It’s my birthday today.

I came downstairs to see the sweet and loving face of my beloved, wishing me a happy birthday.

I can’t ask for anything more than that.

I’m blessed and I’m thankful.

We have nothing all that special planned as I just had the best present in our trip to Paris and I don’t need anything more. I did request my favorite dinner, those faux crab cakes that taste just like the real deal. And I’m absolutely sure I’ll hear a round or two of “Happy Birthday” from my husband.

Thinking of my mom and dad on this day and ever grateful to them for the gift of life and for their unceasing love. I almost died right after I was born and I was kept in the hospital for five more days until I was well enough to come home. That homecoming day was on Thanksgiving. For many, many years on Thanksgiving day, my dad said a prayer of thanks for “our daughter, Claudia.”

I miss them so, but I hold them in my heart, as well as my dear older brother, who left us much too soon.

A shocking thing: it’s sunny today! And it’s rarely sunny on my birthday.

A reason to celebrate!

Happy Thursday.