How old r u now? Are you a Senior citizen yet? I'm less thsn a year away! I can't thank you enough for all your great advice you have given me over the last few years. filix

Thanks very much, all. I spent a very quiet birthday which was just the way I wanted it. This was the big five oh and my extended family wanted to have a big surprise party but DS #2 had hockey, DS #3 had a concert he wanted to go to and DS #1. . . well at least he stopped by unannounced to have a piece of cake with me. That in itself is a big birthday present. I really, really did not want the big soiree. I threw a big surprise party for my oldest brother 6 years ago and they all figured that I would want the same thing. Fortunately, DH and my best friend both stepped in and said that they knew I wouldn't want it. My best friend (since we were 12) brought me over fifty roses - red and soft ivory. They are absolutely gorgeous. They filled my 2 biggest vases. I used your preservative recipe for them, Pudge and they still look fantastic today. For the life of me, Marcia, I can't find the date for the autumn equinox in 1957. My mother brought me up telling me that I was born on the first day of fall so I've always thought of myself as a fall baby. Anyone have a perpetual calendar showing equinoxes and solstices from that ancient date? I've never really thought to search it out before. BTW, I decided yesterday that age reverses at this plateau. Next year I will be 49, the year after that 48, etc, etc. It's all a state of mind, isn't it? : ) When I told my brother that, he laughed and said that would mean I would be playing with dolls again in 40 years. He's probably right. I've had a really, really hectic summer this year (thus my silence) but hopefully, by mid-Oct. things will have settled down and I will be joining in with all of you again. Shauna

Since it just got bumped anyway, THANKS!!! to the latecomers. p.s. Kathleen - you've been missed. Come back soon or I'll blow all my snow eastward down 27.

May you have just a wonderful birthday, Casey - with loved one(s), friends, or whomever ... or just yourself, should you so choose. And good wishes for a great year ahead. ole joyful