Blogging My Birthday, Continued

11:23 a.m. We're slow getting out of the house for our "happy birthday errand"--to pick up cake makings and a pinata for Monday's party--and for our "happy birthday lunch." Lunch was great, with splurges on an appetizer and dessert, during which I was serenaded by a wonderful baritone on staff. It was a delightful, relaxing, two-hour lunch. The trip to the store, at the height of the shopping season, with two kids running on fumes, was a bit harried, but we got everything we needed.

2:45 p.m. Instead of going inside for rest time, we stayed outside and decorated with the new solar-powered lights that Mama found. See, we have no outdoor plugs except all the way around the back of the house on the deck, making it virtually impossible to hang lights or plug in yard decorations. Besides, we're a bit hesitant to spend all the money on the electricity (especially when our neighbor's yard is spectacular). But solar icicle lights allow us to decorate outside--except the cord was only 6 feet so it wouldn't hang on the roof line. But we have a great little tree in front so we've decked it out in lights and placed our little wire snowman underneath it (though it won't be able to glow). If it all works, it'll be very festive.

3:57 p.m. We come inside and start our afternoon quiet time, snuggling up to watch Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas, one of my all-time favorite holiday specials. I notice on the caller id that an old high school buddy and my parents have called; I'll listen later and call them back.