So here's the short of it, 
Today is Alan's birthday! 

And here's the long.

Happy Birthday Alan!
I'm glad you were born.
I'm happy to celebrate another birthday with you.

So here's the short of it, 
It's my birthday.

And here's the long.

The card is here.

What a great day for a birthday!  I've been celebrating since Saturday, but today is the real deal and it's been wonderful. 

So one of the really fun things that happened was my birthday present from Aunt Frances and Aunt Joyce.  Last night Mom brought this big bag stuffed full of gifts to dinner at Provinos. When we got back home, Frances called and said - oh no it's not time to open it yet there's more coming! 

It turns out I got 60 for 60.  60 presents from the Aunts! Actually, Frances sent more than 30 because she thought Joyce was having trouble coming up with 30, but then Joyce ended up sending more than 30 too.  So I was told that I could only have 60 (I don't really want more than I'm entitled to) Who wants to take 70 gifts on your 60th birthday!  So this evening I went to Mom's and we put it all out on her table and I found the 60 best.  She and I had lots of fun with that. I got everything from an insulated lunch box, to a staple remover (and staples), a beautiful little Hummel figurine and a music box and a toothbrush with a travel size dental floss!  60 wonderful little gifts chosen with me in mind.  

I've had so many Happy Birthday wishes through cards, on Facebook, by e-mail, and in person! It's been such a happy time. One of my favorites was a call from Shelley where Max left me a Happy Birthday message.  "I can't see you" he said.  Love that little guy so much!  (his Mommy too!).

Well, let's tackle another decade!  That should be some fun!

So here's the short of it, 
Still another birthday dinner!

And here's the long.

Mom and Russ went with us to Provino's tonight. That free dinner on your birthday sure does bring in the business for them! And for some of us it's such a tradition that even if we can't get there on the day that the birthday dinner is free an early or late visit has to be in the cards for an order of eggplant parmesan.

Russ is on his way to California tomorrow to visit with Elizabeth and Josh and the two grandkids. It's been good to have him here visiting and spending time with Mom. He's been able to be with her a couple of times when she was feeling really awful. And while I really hate for her to do poorly, it's good that the brothers are able to see some of that.

We are trying to get into see the doctor tomorrow.  She''s had appointments cancelled several times. We may have to look at changing doctors if we keep having trouble with getting and keeping appointments.

So after a good day at work - a good day with family at dinner - and a good evening with the sweet animals, it's time to get some sleeping done.

So here's the short of it,
Back at work after Fall Break!

And here's the long.

Wow what a day. I was really getting used to the not going to work deal and Monday came around with a requirement to go to work - and go really early!

Actually Mom was supposed to have a Dr. appointment at 7:15 this morning, so I was up early and ready for that when I got word that her appointment was cancelled.  They are going to try to work her in tomorrow morning - so I'll have another early morning.

We continued the birthday celebration today. Mom and Russ came up for dinner with Alan and me. Now it seems that the party is getting smaller every day!  We had salmon, rice, broccoli, and tomato cucumber salad tonight!  Yummy! (oh yea - there was still leftover birthday cake from that "cake for two" - I'd like to meet those two!)

I can hardly believe my birthday is just a couple of days away.
I never imagined that I'd grow to be this old - and here it almost is!

So here's the short of it, 
Yes - the birthday celebration continues!

And here's the long.

Tonight we did a smaller birthday dinner.
Just Valdis and Kalie, Mom and Russ, and Alan and me. Liga is usually around on Sunday nights, but she and Ryan were going over to his house for dinner with his family. It was nice to have everyone together.

We had "my version" of the Petro's Chili and Chips.
In 1982 the World's Fair was held in Knoxville.  Aunt Joyce was living there, and I managed to get there several times to visit and go to the fair. There at the fair the Petro's chili and chips was invented.  It was a small bag of fritos with chili spooned over it and your choice of toppings. It must have been a hit because Petro's chili and chips franchises were all over the place for a long time after that. I think now they are mostly in Knoxville.

My version was a vegetarian chili - four different kinds of beans, carrots, and zucchini. We had Fritos for the bottom of the bowl (or top of the chili - or both - eaters choice), and choices of toppings. It seemed to be a big hit, and I liked it just fine.

Now I'll have to say - I had more trouble with the chili today than I've had in a long time. My problem was that it kept sticking to the bottom and almost burning. And good grief, burning a soup, stew, or chili ruins the whole dang pot!  I had to change the pot 3 times!  At least I caught it each time before it really did burn. I never did figure out what was causing that.

So to continue the birthday celebration - we had leftover birthday cake for dessert. Now this was a cake from our Bi-Lo which is described as "cake for two".  We had dessert for everyone yesterday. Then three of us had cake and milk for a snack late in the evening. Then there was enough for dessert tonight - cake for two - HA!!

So here's the short of it, 
The Birthday Celebration has begun!

And here's the long.

I had an early birthday party today at Mom's house.

Steve and Pat drove up from Atlanta.  Russ came up to spend a few days visiting Mom and coordinated his visit to be here for the party!  Alan brought Mommy Anne over; Valdis was there with Kalie; and Liga was there as well. It was great to all be together.

The menu!       Fried Chicken
                          Corn (off the cob - frozen from the wonderful summer harvest)
                          Green Beans
                          Mashed Potatoes
                          Cole Slaw
                          Rolls and Cornbread
                                   and of course
                          Birthday cake.

But -- having everyone there was what made it the best of all!

So here's the short of it, 
My birthday is coming up next week. 

And here's the long.

One of those big ones is right around the corner. And to celebrate the thought of it, Alan and I drove over to Nashville today to have a one-on-one appointment with the folks at the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System.  It was a good visit and gave us lots of information for future planning.

On the way home, my back was hurting and I needed to walk around a little bit, so we made a stop at South Pittsburg at the Tractor Supply Company. 

That stretched my back out a bit and we had a good time looking at all the stuff they had for sale.  Of course it made me want some chickens, a goat, and a pony.  It's a good thing I came home to this wonderful dog and cat we've got!  Sophie and Lola are truly calming to my soul.

So here's the short of it,
Wow. It's October! 

And here's the long.

This is my birthday month, and it's making me reflective. I have quite a few days left before I celebrate that big number, so I'm thinking that I don't want to be that reflective.  I suppose I need to make myself busy and push reflection back closer to the 26th!

This week should be pretty busy at work and that will certainly keep that reflective stuff pushed aside!

Mom is already telling me that she wants to do something on my birthday. I suspect she ought to be there - after all this time all those years ago, she was anticipating another little one to join brother Russ. I'm already thinking that Eggplant Parmesian at Provino's  would be the perfect celebration. How's that for a little reflection!