Birthday wishes. . . . . .

I had a birthday this week. Age is not something I normally dwell on or fret about - I still feel like I am 25 in my head! But this birthday has made me feel somewhat introspective about the years past and those to come.

I am reasonably healthy and with luck I hope to have many years ahead but when I think of turning 59 it does give me pause.

There is not a list of the things that I want to do at this point but some ideas are taking shape. Do some of my options begin to narrow? - undoubtably. Will I ever be an accomplished pianist? -no. Can I still do most of the things I want to do? - hopefully.

I know I want to be physically active at what ever level possible for as long as I can. I still want to try new things, learn more, see new places. I know I want to keep weaving, spinning, stitching, knitting. My family and friends will continue to be my bedrock and my joy.

Birthdays are good mile markers. . . . .they help you plan the trip!!

Uninvited guests. . . . .

These uninvited quests are not distant relatives arriving for extended visits but cute little animal pests in the garden and yard. CHIPMUNKS!! We have noticed their digging in the back yard and around the step at the front door.

Just look at that face! Adorable. But they are very messy and incredibly loud. They have an incessant, angry chirp when they feel you are invading their space. So Patrick has begun the second season of involuntary chipmunk relocation, i.e. trapping followed by a scenic drive to the neighborhood park.

I think he must have moved a whole family by now. Number seven was lured by peanut butter and bird seed, then carried off to join his brothers, sisters, cousins in the new chipmunk suburban development. Lovely green space with a view of the pond.

The cute little baby bunnies in the neighborhood have lost some of their charm, too, as they have been nibbling on the veggies at the edges of the garden. Unfortunately there isn't much hope for trapping and relocating them - this would be an endless task! So we are doing our best to just relax about them and the backyard has been the perfect spot for relaxation.

I wish summer didn't have to end!