I'm 57 today

I had a wonderful birthday today. A relaxed day spent mostly crocheting and reading. Then we all went to dinner at a Chinese Buffet. It was great that all my kids got to come along--we rarely can coordinate ourselves. I wish Erick (my future sil) could have come, but at least I got the basic 4--and Mike, too, of course!

The kids gave me a beautiful plant, box of Godiva chocolates (oh, lordy, they are gooood) and a cashmere scarf! The scarf (which is downstairs with my coat, hence it's absence in the photo) came in really handy as it is snowing tonight.

Mike is giving me spending money. I used some tonight to buy a 9-cubicle shelf for my office, to help organize all my craft junk stuff.

Here's some of my gifts:

Sunny Sunday

It was warm for January today, almost like Spring. Much nicer here on Long Island than in Wisconsin, where Katherine is visiting a friend. She told me it was going to be 9 degrees there today.

My squirrels are so fat that I was certain this would be a terrible winter. Well, it's only January. So, either we're going to get slammed in February, or winter is going to last forever and not end until May.

Michael came over today. We played Jeopardy on the Wii. I won, mostly because I know a lot of trivial crap. I had wanted to go on the real show, but when I took the test a few years ago I could only swing about an 85. Sports and politics are my two bad subjects. Maybe someday, if I'm brave enough, it might happen.

2013

Here January is almost over and I haven't written a thing. You'd think my life was very busy, but trust me, it isn't. I just don't get around to things.

Our family status:

Mike--still at work, still working out, still the best husband in the world. He's off at a shooting range today. It's in the 40s and sunny, so a nice day for target practice.

Me--planning on putting out two more e-books. I need to get up the attic to get a copy of one so I can remember what the hell it was about (for cover art purposes). Made $6,000  plus on first month of ebooks at B&N but less than $10 at Amazon. My agent says it is because we had a 'front page' promotion at B&N. I'm going to ask if we can do the same for Amazon with the new books.

Still working on my back pain. I'm easing off of meds that I think are upsetting my stomach (by doctor instructions). Also dealing with weird shoulder pain--more way up on my upper left side by my shoulder. Aches a lot. Already tested for my heart and that is not it. Just more aches and pains, I guess.

Michael is still at his job and doing well. He got a shelter kitty! He named her Laser and she is adorable.

Speaking of animals, this is my year to finally get my puppy. I want a small, female dog, preferably a chihuahua. I would take a shelter dog if she fits those criteria. I would adopt them all if I could.

Katherine and Erick are still going strong but have not set a date yet. Yet! I have three grand-nephews now (Patrick, Liam and Tommy) and I want a grandchild! Katherine promises I'll have one in two years. We'll see.

James is talking about moving up by my sister's house. He really likes her husband, his Uncle Tom. I think he would be very happy up there but I would miss him terribly. Also, he has lost a lot of weight, maybe a hundred pounds. He goes on the treadmill 5x a week. I am so proud of him.

Nicky still doesn't drive. He will when he's ready. Working hard at the supermarket and still a big Halo fan. I actually like driving him to work because we get to talk, something I don't have with his brothers. (Girls are different if you're a mom. You can talk to girls.)

All my animals are still alive and kicking, even Rocky the ferret. I have no idea how old he is but he has to be pushing 6 or 7 at least.

And that's it, for now.