I’ve been around the sun 36 times now and am happy to report that this whole life thing is truly well with my soul. I marked another revolution with a few of my most favorite things…

Neil and I went on a date to probably my favorite restaurant in North Carolina. We went here for his birthday and eating all the meats makes my carnivore self so happy. They also make a tasty shrimp soup. You may have noticed the distinctly non-carnivore piece of cake pictured above. While at dinner I found out that my grandpa had passed away. It was a relief and it’s so good to know that he’s doing much better now and I’ll be flying out to Denver in a few weeks for the funeral. Well, I was outside on a phone call and the waitress came by to check on us and Neil explained I was out on a call about a death in the family. She thought it was awful to get that kind of news on your birthday so she brought me consolation cake. It was delicious.

The inauguration of our new beach shade, The Shibumi, happened too. My dad is a great giver of great gifts and this one was no exception. It is easy to set up, simple to enjoy and is going to see lots of use for years to come. I’m old now, but I can still out boogie board my kids so I’m calling it a solid win. Since it was a special birthday weekend kind of beach trip, we told the kids we’d get ice cream. There are a bajillionty adorable little ice cream places on the way to our beach spot and exactly zero on the way out…so now we know. We even tried the tacky gift shop with the shark head. No joy. We settled for a grocery store run and everyone got their own pint. My favorite ice cream flavor is still vanilla. My husband is still my favorite human being ever.

Few more favorites…White monster energy drinks. They make me happy on so many levels. Apple crisp (I’ll happily eat any type of crisp) made from my own apples. And lastly…living here in this house, in this state, with these people building the most perfect life. And sharing it all with various and sundry critters.