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This past week, I had a birthday. I feel about thirty in my soul, but my body often agrees with the 1968 on my birth certificate.  January 16 was a sweet day. There were many birthday texts on my phone.  The advantage of working in a preschool is that small children greatly value a birthday. They love proclaiming "Happy Birthday" so I received many well wishes. I was gifted several other sweet treats throughout the day. 

For the family celebration, Mom made a Mexican dinner at her house. When I arrived her living room was full of helium balloons. This was Peter's contribution. Originally there were 57 helium balloons but it sounds like they all did not make it to Mom's house. They had quite the story about the two of them getting the balloons to mom's house. We had a good meal and fun conversations. A couple of days before my birthday, Mom took me shopping so the gifts were really "just what I wanted" as I had picked them out. I got about 2/3 of the balloons in my car to take to my house. That includes the one trailing home behind the car. The celebration continues as the balloons bounce around my house in various states of deflation.

My house Thursday

My house today
I am finding them in every room of the house!

I'm grateful for another year of life. It was a year of good adventures and making memories. And I'm so glad for my friends and family with whom I shared it.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

It has been a sweet couple of weeks.  It began with Mom and I joining friends May and Kevin at Litchfield Beach.  On the way, we stopped by to visit one of mom's former neighbors who recently moved to the NC coast to live with her daughter.  We had a great visit with Syd and her family.

On to Litchfield Beach, we had plans to stay in the same Condo as last year.  But a little mix-up allowed us an upgrade that was even bigger and closer to the water.  It was a lovely kafuffle.

Our daily quest was to brave the cold and search for shells, specifically the Pawley's shell.  We three ladies all found at least one.  Mom found hers in the last minutes of our searching just before we left.

Mosst of the time the sun was shining but it was cold!

We worked on puzzles, played games, ate good food, took fun little outings, built a gingerbread nativity, and had a delightful time.

   

It was another great Christmas at the beach.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were quiet and restful.  It was nice for us three to all be together at Mom's.

For the holidays, I have had a special companion.  I am keeping Lincoln while his family is away.  He is the best dog and I have enjoyed his company.  It has been a fun little addition to my holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!