Smooth mood music surrounds me...

Amazing! I sit here with "Tuscany, A Romantic Evening" playing softly in surround sound in my ears, not bothering my basketball fan husband as he watches the latest ballgame. The strains are melodic, soothing, beautiful, coming from a 2 x 2 1/2-inch technological wonder! My children are bringing me into the 21st century this year with my very own iPod for my birthday. I have lots to learn about downloading, uploading, playlists, podcasts, and more, before I can benefit from its full capabilities, but I am already enjoying some wonderful music from Lana's playlist.

Great sound from such a small package!

Very portable! It holds hours of music, radio programs, sermons, and lots more. You may want to get one, too!

It was a fun birthday, starting with a beautiful watch and necklace from Steve a few days before my birthday (he couldn't wait!) Then on Monday morning the discovery of the iPod on my computer station with a "Happy Birthday from your kids" note after Lana left. On Wednesday evening Steve brought me a beautiful bouquet of red and white roses and a small box of chocolate turtles (ever the romantic. I'm so lucky!). Thursday, my actual birthday, my good friend Tina took me out for lunch at a newly reopened restaurant that I had not previously been to. We shared an Irish Seaside Salad and Pasta and Vegetables. Following lunch I went to my weekly Moms in Touch meeting. Almost all of the members were there, including a couple of teachers who have been unable to attend regularly, but could this week since it was Spring Break. After our prayer time, one of my friends brought out a beautiful Dairy Queen ice cream cake which we enjoyed while visiting and enjoying great fellowship.

Evan and Emily joined Steve and me for dinner at a local Mexican Restaurant later. After that I went to a meeting for about an hour. When I got home around 8:20 p.m., niece Stephanie was scrapbooking at the kitchen table while Steve worked on an appraisal upstairs. Steph spent the night in our home on her way to S. Bend (a routine she says will likely happen every couple of weeks for awhile). We enjoy having her here!

Despite the pouring rain, the clouds, and a meeting, I had a memorable and wonderful birthday... phone calls from sister, daughters, friends, email from daughter-in-law, cards from loved ones and friends, etc. All great! How blessed I am!

Maybe birthdays aren't so bad after all!