My 43rd birthday.  

I love birthdays.  No matter what - the day never fails to be magical with special surprises.  

Today I received hand-made cards from my two youngest with rainbows and hearts and love. I received well wishes from dozens of friends and family.  I spent my day with my Ma and  Pa and little Norah - exploring and appreciating our new home on the hill - then off through the hills to Ellicottville for lunch and some browsing in the cool shops.  Home to a delicious apple pie made especially for me by Nana, with vanilla ice cream and a mug of good coffee.  Back up to the hill so Norah could plant her hickory tree seeds in the back field. We placed a rock next to the seeds so we would remember to watch for them to grow.  Sat on the front porch of my future home to bask in the  warm sun and watch the leaves drift off the trees.  

I am so grateful. 

~j