the birthday.

...first, many thanks to everyone for the sweet birthday wishes and support for my fifty for 50. I'm excited about it and I think it should be great fun to share all about it here.

so yesterday was my 49th birthday. and the first one ever that I spent without a family at home to steer my direction for the day. I thought it was going to be weird or sad, but it was actually pretty great. yep, I'm 49 years old and I'm finally learning how to live on my own (not that I do, or want to permanently, but every now and then - as long as I have holly! - I love it!)

I started the day with a walk with vanessa (and holly) in the park. two laps. we hadn't done that since august and it was delightful to feel the crisp air, see the season and catch up.

my parents are visiting for thanksgiving and they took me (and holly) to lunch at nine in roswell. we had a great meal on the porch (highly recommend the grilled pimento cheese!) and then a photo. I've written about how special it is to spend birthdays with my mom and dad. we think the last time we shared my birthday was when I turned 21. two days before my wedding. wow!

polly, mary & holly, roy

lunch was wonderful and then it was off to martha's for cupcakes and coffee.


next a quick stop at the shop for some knitting (finally!) and more coffee. and finally home. I got holly settled (one quick walk, she inhaled her dinner and then zonked on her bed - whew! birthdays are hard work!) and started my birthday for one. gifts, cards, chocolate cake, red wine and a candle. that's all it takes!


... then I talked to sara. and made a wish and cut the cake. and had an extra bite (that's what having my own cake is all about, right?)


... then I skyped with katie. (and ate the cake and drank the wine). enjoyed all the cards and the emails and the facebook and text messages. and went to bed.

tired. happy. loved. blessed. grateful.

thank you all so much!