The Big Birthday

I was not eager to turn 40. I've never had an issue with significant birthdays, but I was not looking forward to this one. Well, I'm still not thrilled to be 40, but boy, did I have a significant birthday!

My birthday fell on Tuesday, so the celebration started on Monday with a birthday lunch with a co-worker. Tuesday brought another birthday lunch then a fabulous dinner with friends, organized by a special friend. Unfortunately, I did not get photos of the event, but I did take photos of the lovely handmade cards they brought.

A clever favorite:

On Thursday, I had lunch and dinner with my parents. Another delightful celebration.

On Saturday, I received an extra special treat! I was minding the store as I was supposed to be doing (only after squabbling with a co-worker that she should just go to the French Film Festival as she had planned - we could handle things without her. She was frustratingly resistive.) In walked my dear college sorority sisters! With six children and a retail shop between them and living in-and out-of town, they do not usually show up unannounced. After a moment of stunned confusion (I was 40 and a few days by then - a little slower on the thinkin'), I realized they were there to see me (not being knitters and all)! We had a fun afternoon roaming Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

And resting.And posing.

And being my lovely friends in front of the coolest tree.

We followed our tour with dinner at Cous Cous with some yummy strawberry wine concoction. They stayed overnight at our house (my clever scheming husband had wisely tidied the house before going to work in the morning).

What a fabulous, fun, surprising birthday!!!!!