My Birthday and a Happy New Year!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

Well, yesterday was my 52nd birthday and the family and my best friend, Margarethe and Jacob's friend Megan went out to dinner where we go every year - one of our favorite places - Sakura's Japanese Steak House. I usually get a picture of the group, but forgot to have one taken this year, but did get one of the boys and Megan while we were waiting to be seated. Four cameras and none of us remembered to have a group shot taken. Oh well!

We had a great chef (forgot to take pics of him as well) - very entertaining and delicious food!

Afterwards, Jacob and Megan had us drop them off downtown for First Night to ring in the New Year, but several hours later they called to be picked up as they decided it was too cold to stay out. Soooo, they watched a video in his room while DH and I watched Mama Mia (which I got for Christmas). Just before midnight we paused the videos, opened up some Sparkling Apple Cider and tuned into the Dick Clark New Year Show and watched the ball come down and toasted in the New Year in the comfort of our living room. Then we resumed our movies and once done took Megan home. George was out with his friends ringing in the New Year - I have no idea what time he got in as he was still out when I went to bed at 4am.

Today Margarethe, Mary and Melodye took me to lunch at Famous Dave's BBQ to enjoy another delicious meal and great company! I have to share the gifts given and made for me by Mary and Gayle (given to Mary to give me since she could not join us).

They wanted me to learn to knit and I finally tried last year and I just don't have the knack or the patience for it and I keep telling them "Why should I learn to knit when I have 4 friends that knit beautifully and give me such beautiful knitted gifts!" The blue and white dish towel and washcloth and Gardenia lotion and bath gel are from Gayle and the turquoise cowel neck scarf is from Mary (I know it has a specific name but can't think of it at this time). Aren't they beautiful - Love the colors! Margarethe gave me money to order some stamps I want with - Yah Whoooo! She also made the cutest card which I am also sharing with you (Note: we are all cat lovers)

Card front

Inside of card

Now note that there is NO signature. She is notorious for this...her logic is that we should know who the card is from and this way we can reuse it - Like any of us would! - Nope, it will be added to my scrapbook (if I ever get caught up).

Well, that is all for now. I hope everyone has a Very, Very Happy 2009!