a birthday, and the long weekend days 1 & 2

Although I'd put out a strongly-worded prohibition against any acknowledgement of my birthday at the place of employment, a friend brought flowers. Hard to resist since they were wild and lovely.

It takes a lot to shake me, but this gift did it: emerald earrings.I visited my parents for a long weekend. While there, I saw "their kitties"--the grandcat (black and white) was around for a day, his son Big Orange stopped by a couple of times, and these two (Gray and Lil Orange, who is fourth generation) were there every day.The house is on a hillside. Now and then, a flower sprouts up among the weeds--another triumph of faith over experience.