Birthday Sunday

 I can say without a doubt that this has been one of those memorable birthdays celebrated with a variety of friends, those being family, church, neighbors and those who sent texts.  It is a birthday I hope to remember for a very long time. I have received blessings I cannot measure.  Onward and forward to the next one.  

        A perfect gift for a new baby girl.  Only in the US does pink mean girl.  Just because is the answer.

I first want to say that yesterday's blog was done quickly with some fingers doing what I feel was a rushed job.  Spending time with the family and blog was a balancing act and I felt you were cheated.  I know you understand.  That's the kind of friends I have.  But I apologize knowing a few details might have been skipped.  So today I'll try to do better.  

                The beginning of the Black Eyed Susan world.  It will last for a while, but it's starting.

Morning came after a cool night of sleep and the window fans worked very well.  Jared, Kimmy and I breakfasted on the patio as usual.  Doug was a sleepy head again as usual.  More talking happened as usual and at some point Kimmy asked about a little tulip tree she found in the front flowerbed wanting to take it home.  Of course.  I certainly for sure didn't need it.  That lead to finding trees in the flowerbeds.  Yes, we found a lot of them all tiny and good for transplanting.  There were oaks, tulips, and a lot of red bud trees.  And they were dug and moved to a big plastic bin.  Then there was some ground cover that also was dug.  I was happy to see that go providing more room for my cleome plants. 

The pond plants covered the whole pond.  Half of them moved to the Michigan pond. It won't be long before the little pond is covered again. 

Everything I have given away has provide great thinking moments for me knowing that what I have given has filled a need for someone else.  And Doug can say the same.  Most tent stakes are gone.  Beloved rock hammers have moved on as well as our dining fly.  The next generation of folks will have their grandparent memories as well as their own. 

Jared/Kimmy left at 10 for home and the word came they arrived back on the farm at 3.  Woo, fast trip but then Jared is a Michigan driver.  Doug is an Indiana driver in Michigan.  That takes just a little longer. 

This picture needs a little explanation!  If you have driven north perhaps you have seen windmills.  WELL! this man is hanging with ropes near the end of one of those propellers still high off the ground I hope for a good reason.  I also hope he has life insurance and strong ropes.  Kimmy sent me the picture this afternoon.  Now that's crazy entertainment for all the road runners. 
 

We were off to church then in time to once again hear our choir rehearse in the sanctuary.  I heard many Happy Birthday's from them with crazy cards added to the pile already received.  

        Friends like Rosie, you must have in your life.  And the Golden Girls might be counted the same. 

It was the same from folks after church with more cards coming my way.  What a blessing comes from long and short friendships.  There was a card from another 87 and 6 month's friend who has been at North as long as I. Then there was one card from an 8 soon to be 9 yr. old best buddy I have known for about a year.  Logan is so important to me allowing me to remember again with joy all the years I spent with children. His mother is a kindergarten teacher. Living with friends and making new ones has been wonderful. Logan and his mother sent wonderful birthday wishes in their card.

Home again, finding another gift bag left on the patio from another neighbors.  I found a note of thanks for doing flowers for their party as well as a beautiful salt and pepper gift from Uganda.  

                                        For the Kathy and Bill and from Kathy and Bill.

The Fever played another game and they won big time playing Dallas.  It was a terrific game having made their move early in the first half providing a 20 point space which took them to the end of the game.  Go Fever.  They are a fun team to watch with many good plays and players, playing on my birthday.  Nothing could be better than to be watching WNBA...did I get that right?

We all watched the Fri. night Fever game and while the Michigan car was moving north this afternoon I was sending game details with a picture to Kimmy.  Big win for sure!!!

I decided to find the canna that Doug told me was sending out a bud that would bloom soon.  I found it but also found that Jap. Beetles are loving the beautiful leaves. 

                                                It's beginning to look a lot like canna!

Then I heard another Happy Birthday song and who should be singing but Gina, walking into the garden with cake and ice cream.  Woo.  The party continued.  Gina brought me wildflower seed and bulbs to plant.  It was the perfect gift.  And we sat and talked for quite a while.  She left before the predicted storm in order to walk her boxer.  

                                                                Holes are in my future!

Here is the spot vacated when ground cover went north today.  Yes...I have more room for Cleome.

I made myself a big glass of ice water with lemon.  I'm hooked on that drink these days and that kind of moisture is the kind I need especially when writing blog entry.  So, the day was filled with good things.  It would seem the whole week will be a bit slower.  The mountaintop weekend will be with me a long time.  So many church friends, neighborhood friends, messages from text and face book and family events have made this a very special birthday.  Thanks be to God.