Thanks all! It's been a great one so far. My coworkers started off the celebration on Thursday with a cake, ice cream, whole milk (to go with the chocolate cake) and singing... (and a "Happy 50th" mug... seeing as how they "celebrated" my 40th four years ago...). Steve woke me up this morning with mimosas and breakfast in bed, then I went to the farmer's market with a friend and her daughter, and we took the long way back so we could admire the spring flowers and trees in blossom in a particularly beautiful part of town. When I got home I split some cupcakes a friend gave me with Steve, and then made a little more progress on my new garden. Tonight we're taking a dozen or so good friends out for dinner at a nice restaurant, and Steve made arrangements with the restaurant (he had to go to a bakery, since the restaurant doesn't make one) for us to have a couple flourless dark chocolate cakes with raspberry puree under a ganache for dessert (my favorite). I'm leaving out tons of details, but suffice it to say that my introduction to my 40s has been a good one. I feel loved, happy, blessed... and YOUNG! Thanks for thinking of me. :o) Oh, and Don? I think I'll take every day for the rest of my life off from selling insurance!

I would like to convey my sympathy to Honey with respect to your daughter's plight. Even knowing the nature of the disorder can't possibly dull the ache and hurt that accompanies, "I've never been happy...". The poor dearS, so tough all the way around. To watch it from the "sidelines" must be excrutiating. I'm so sorry. But sorrier still about your KNEE. One more reason why I hate those lazy, goodfornothin;, fleabags. ;) Speaking for fleabags, our's had his staples removed today. The open part of the incision (where he removed them on his own) is to receive "a tincture" twice daily to preclude any nasties settin' up camp. He gets another round of oral antibiotics, too, as a reward for his stellar behavior. He's going out of his mind now. He is growing incrreasingly restless at a time when it's REALLY important for him to go easy on his knee. Poor thing must think his life is over, about now (but he deserves it, bein' a dog, 'n' all). Always a leash, always a short "walkie", and then back to his "launching pad" (a bed with a view out the window to the driveway and road). I can't wait until he's allowed to go for a 1/4 mile walk (about 2 weeks). How long do you think it will take before he blows out the OTHER knee? cringe. I just spoke with the foundation and floor guy; he stopped by to check out the progress and I was able to give him some of the details, increased thickness of the area under the stairs and where the furnace and chimney will go. He's rather "dry", a man of few words and all about gettin' the job done and moving on to the next one. But He warmed right up and we had a few laughs about innovations in materials. He seemed a little surprised that "the lady of the house" was interested in the garage floor, but he explained how they pour, how they reinforce, and how they cut in the expansion joints. More and more, I realize that while I may work with fabric and foam I'm essentially a "builder"/"framer" person, too. Woody, Copper's body has outrun her mind, huh? Rex was a bit older when we adopted him. It always killed me that he didn't lift his leg then, and he would "tinkle" when we returned home and throw himself of the ground before us. Then he'd get up and run around and chase his tail... at nearly 100 lbs. he looked pretty silly. Copper has that "sticky" mouth thing goin' on, though... dunno. What is the Briard bred to do? how big at maturity? is it a dog that requires grooming/clipping? And speaking of dogs, did any of you hear the horrific story on NPR's Morning Edition about the NFL player who was bagged for engaging in dog fighting and gambling? I sure don't understand the whole "gangsta" thing and how ANYONE could be so devoid of empathy that they'd do such things to an animal... but I don't understand shootin' up a neighborhood full of innocent people to stake your turf, either. They played a clip of a Fox interview of him... he was barely able to speak intelligently. Some role model. ICKY. The "Vactionland Express" is now cleaned up. (Does anyone know a fool-proof way to removed dog nose prints from automotive glass? I cursed him roundly, you know.). I have two functional back seats now. I have one remaining chore: get to the grocery store for some hors d'oevres, tonic, and a few limes. Our "grandfather" clock has gone to the clock doctor for some TLC. The case is still in the corner, but the works and face are gone. It seems so strange not to hear it ticking along and I can't tell you how many times we've both looked over to it to see what time it is! The man working on it has been in business since 1960 and he works on the antique clocks in the Governor's mansion, as well as many of the historic sites and museums around the state. To my knowledge, the clock has received NO care in well over 30 years, so I figured it was "due". The chimes have never worked and it will be nice to know how to set them (or not). I'm excited about it. OK, gotta get to the store. Later!

Well what a fabu-fabu day weve had! Doug and I finished getting the fountain in its permanent location and everything works. Now we just need a finial for it and it will be done. Woohoo! Jerri was here to share in starting up the pump for the first time. What fun. After the fountain start up (and watering the pots of course) we mounted the Suburban and headed over to the coast for some lunch, and a fabulous lunch it was! A lovely, delectable lobster stew served in a crusty, warm French bread boule. Then we almost declined dessert until the waitress suggested fresh strawberry shortcake served with ice cream along with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Yum! After lunch we drove down the coast a few miles to the Fuller Rose Gardens in North Hampton, NH. OMG! Ive not been there for years and the place was amazing. They have 1,700 rose bushes and not a pick of black spot on a one. Nor did we see but two or three bug holes and one Japanese Beetle in the whole garden. Everything was PRISTINE! It made my gardens look messy by comparison. The growth on the shrubs was amazing. I want to know what they use to treat for insects and disease as well as what on earth do they feed them! Seriously wonderful. Ill have to post a link to the gallery that is currently uploading as soon as its done. Anyone in this neck of the woods really needs to get over there and see the gardens. OK Im going to sign off for now and be back later when the photos are ready. Nite all, Deanne

Happy Birthday from me too, Michelle. I hope your foot is healing and your puppies have come home from daycare for good. So, is Joe making you something yummy? Annie