Forty Five

Once a year, like it or not, I have a birthday.  This year was no exception.  As my cousin so thoughtfully pointed out, I am now half way to 90.  Thanks for that, Brad.

This was kind of a difficult birthday.  Not so much because I am half way to 90, although that didn't make it much easier, but because this is probably the last birthday I will have when my whole family is together.  That makes me sad.

That being said, everyone tried really really hard to make it a good birthday, and there were definitely some stand-out moments over the weekend.  First, we had lobster rolls.  From a truck.  On the side of the road at a round-about.   Last month, we drove all the way to MAINE for this, but Saturday, we drove 20 minutes down the road to Aldie.

This truck is always there, every weekend.  We've just never stopped until now.  I have decided that the lobster roll is the perfect food.

The only drawback to this one was that there was no way to toast the bun.  But it was still great.  Next time, I think we'll bring it home and toast the buns ourselves.

Another nice thing was that even though it's the middle of August, it was nice enough to sit and eat outside.  It wasn't hot at all.  I almost never get to spend time outdoors on my birthday, so it was a nice treat.  On the way home, we stopped by a new local winery, and while we sat outside, Daphne ran around and picked up walnuts to smash.  They remind me of Barn Owls.

 Virginia is really pretty.  And did I mention that it ISN'T HOT??!!

Saturday night, we had a sitter, and Kev and I went to see the Wolverine movie at the Alamo.  The Alamo is awesome.  The movie was good, not great, but better than Superman.  I have to admit I am a fan of the X-Men series of movies.  There were a few over-the-top silly scenes in Wolverine, but it was a fun movie, and it was nice to go hang out with Kev.

Sunday was my actual birthday,  and Daphne came running into my room dressed like an owl.  For my birthday, she had Kev take her to Plow and Hearth, where she used her own money to buy me a stuffed Great Horned Owl that hoots when you squeeze his belly.  She also made me two other owls out of empty toilet paper tubes.  She knows what I like.  I'm surprised she didn't go buy me some grits.

We went out to breakfast at Blue Ridge Grill with my family, which was nice.  My mom made me some good Gluten Free brownies, and they gave me a gift card to the sewing place, a nice frying pan, and a really good vacuum  cleaner, which may not sound exciting to you, but we really needed it.

The rest of the day was pretty low-key.  We played Rock Band, went to Sweet Frog, and I got to spend some time knitting.  Look!  Owls!!!!!

I put the buttons there so you could see what it will eventually look like.  I haven't picked out the actual buttons I'm going to use yet.  I am so close to finishing this sweater.  It has become a huge deal to me, finishing the sweater.  Like a quest.  I don't know why.  I just hope it fits.

Here is the zipper pouch that Daphne made at sewing camp and gave me for my birthday.  I love it.  I can't believe she can sew a zipper.  I fear the zipper.  That's why I never make clothes.  But if I can knit the owl sweater, I can sew a zipper.  So, I'm going to learn.

Daphne also gave me the painting she did at Art Station - an owl flying into a tree.  I love it too.  The colors make me happy.

I also got some cds, chocolate, iTunes money, and an IPAD!!!!!  So exciting!  Now I just need to figure out how to use it.  Last night, the keyboard somehow got changed to Cherokee.  I have no idea how THAT happened, but I was able to fix it, so that's good.  I shall not be defeated by technology.

Anyway, lots of nice gifts and things, and I had a good birthday in spite of myself.  So thanks, everybody.

Half way to 90.  Good grief.

Didn't get a chance to post a picture of Daphne wearing the shirt she made at sewing camp.  She was SO proud:

I love that kid.  She is awesome.

OK...birthday weekend is over, and it's back to real life now.  Laundry awaits, and a trip to the grocery store is necessary.  Off to plan some meals.  THEN maybe I can finish my sweater!  Woo-HOO!