WOW…that’s all I can say. At what age do you approach getting “old”? Over 20?

Well, for me yesterday was “the” day, I hit 4 0!!! It’s not so much getting older, but it’s seeing that number…a big 4 0. As much as I was not looking forward to the birthday, Shane really outdid himself and planned a wonderful evening. His mom’s birthday was on May 5th so we celebrated both together and it was great. Shane made an incredible lasagna and garlic bread. We had a refreshing salad and some really, REALLY great desserts. One being my favorite, lemon cake.

The theme for presents seemed to resolve around birds (anything to do with the Magpie building a nest in our pine tree??) I received several bird feeders and a killer humming bird feeder. Bryan made a couple of really cool birdhouses that will hang in our trees in the backyard. Shane’s parents gave me a much desired and retired Department 56 piece and an awesome bird bath. A couple of cards from his Grandparents included enough to get my Starbucks fix for a few weeks. All in all, PERFECT!!! I am truly blessed and lucky to have such a loving and thoughtful family and partner!!

As Chrissy put it, it was also a lucky day. Miah was offered a new job after many weeks of interviews, our sweet nephew won 1st place in a Thomas the Train scrapbooking contest (thanks to very talented family members and his MOM) so he now gets free tickets to ride the Heber Valley Railroad, dubbed Tomas the Train.

However, a phone call at the party also brought some bad news, but news that was to be expected. My dad is not doing well at all. His heart rate was down to 38 and the nurse visiting from hospice said he may have just two months left with us. Months earlier we wanted him to make it to his 79th birthday. Since May 10th is so close it is pretty certain he will easily pull that off. Now, the next goal for the family is that he will be here for his wedding anniversary on July 15th. I have faith and hope that he will be.

I also found out yesterday that eBay’s Community Development wants me to travel to Chicago in June for eBay Live. This will be nice to pick it up under that budget and I look forward to visiting Chicago. I have never been and eBay Live is always exhilarating.

Wow, two posts in two days…I am on a roll.

I need to get better at this Blog thing, and post more often.

I must say, I am thankful spring is here and it has been rather pleasant. Nice warm days and cool evenings. I love going outside on our patio at night, listening to the fountain and seeing the bright stars in the night sky. It certainly makes you thankful for so many things that so many take for granted. A backyard, a fountain, eyesight to see the beautiful stars and hearing that can pick up the sound of the fountain and the horses behind the fence.

We are possibly going to the lovely town of Antimony for a day or so over Memorial weekend. This is my Dads hometown and a place I have visited my entire life. It brings positive memories for the most part except for a step aunt from hell and her husband that seems to have misplaced his spine some years back. The only reason why I consider making the 3 hour commute south is because my aunt and the majority of my dad’s family will be staying at the world famous Rockin R Ranch with a promise that no one will be visiting the old family homestead.

I am very much looking forward to Shane’s family vacation in June. The entire family will be renting a large condo in Durango Colorado for several glorious days. It’s always a wonderful time and I look forward to the train ride into Silverton, one of my all time favorite places. I have been all around the globe and find such comfort in the very small but amazing community. It is breathtaking!!

Welcome back to Lorene, I hope you enjoyed your free trip to Hawaii.