2021 Wednesday — My Birthday

Today, November 17th, has been one lovely day in the book of my life. It begun this morning when I realized my phone was vibrating on my nightstand. I was still enjoying the warmth of my bed and the softness of my pillow. I answered it without opening my eyes and my two little cutie great-granddaughters sang The “Happy Birthday” Song to me. That started my day with sugar and spice and everything nice. (I also realized after I hung-up that I thought I was talking on the phone and my little girlies were doing FaceTime. Good Grief! I had the phone buried between my pillow and the side of my head.)

Then Mr. Fun brought me a cup of fresh brewed coffee and one of the “Christmas” cookies we bought yesterday at Simple Simon’s in downtown Riverside. Then my cellphone lite-up with birthday text greetings.

I did not, though, open Facebook. Instead I opened a stack of birthday card envelopes that have arrived in the mail the past several days.

I love celebrating my birthday more than I can express. Maybe I feel that way because it is the only day -- the one day -- each year when it is legal to celebrate me. I cheat, though, and celebrate the 17th of every month. I think every person ought to celebrate his or her birthday in some immensely special way. I realize, though, that not everyone likes that idea (they sure miss a lot of fun).

In my lifetime I've had few very close friends. One of my best friends ever, Jeanne Cooper, died from cancer when she was 48 and I was 38. My mom died from cancer when she was 57. Michael Wagner, Mr. Fun's best friend, died in an auto accident when he was 23, so I realize birthdays and getting older are a privilege.

This evening Mr. Fun & I had just been escorted to a booth for dinner when my phone rang and the man, our dear friend, who manages our retirement finances sang the entire “Birthday Song” to me. Thankfully he didn’t say “sing with me” but he sang for me. Jack Keeter you are wonderful.

Then Mr. Fun & I enjoyed dinner at a favorite little Italian restaurant. We shared a caesar salad, garlic bread, and we each enjoyed a delicious pasta. We put the grand finale on our meal with tiramisu.

It was 10:00 p.m. when I finally opened FaceBook for the first time today. Several of our friends have kids or grandkids born on the 17th day of November...I love that.

This has been a lovely birthday. I’m thankful to everyone who has sent birthday wishes. I love birthdays!

Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol
and Chloe & Mitzi too!