34: A day in Pictures

Having just gone to Disneyland a few days earlier, I didn't feel a need to do anything exciting on the day of my birthday, but it was a lovely day, nonetheless.

First, Graton surprised me with this wonderful gift.
I realized that I was getting puzzled expressions from my interlocuters as I bubbled over about my new hose. It took me a moment to realize that a Walmart hose is not considered a glamorous birthday gift.

So, I will have to explain what the hose means. It means, I have a husband who has observed my frustration trying to water the garden, with a faulty system of hoses, that come apart at some junctures, and clamps up at others. It means, I have a husband who notices my hobbies and passions and supports them.

It means, I have a husband who, though busy with school, still built me a lovely garden, complete with vegetable boxes, trellises, and even a white picket fence. Perhaps I've watched far too much, "Little House on the Prarie," but it couldn't have been more romantic, if he had built me a log cabin with his own two hands.

See, I told you a brand new hose, was a glamorous birthday gift.

Of course the best part, was he watched the girls, so I could spend a few hours doing all of the things I'd been itching to do.

I weeded and cleaned up the flower beds,



Organized my tools, and cleared out debris,




I tended my plants,
And harvested beets and radishes.

Then we had a lovely dinner of curried chicken, from the Japanese restaurant across the street. And Graton made us a lovely birthday dessert.

My birthday really gave me a chance to count my blessings. Siblings who called, sent emails and cards. In-laws who honored me in their blog posts, parents who sang to me and showered me with love, and friends who spoiled me with well-wishes and thoughtful gifts.

Thank you for your kindness.