"I am."

I was so happy to receive some beautiful cards from my sweetheart
for Valentine's Day.  

 Valentine's Day we traveled to the city to see our girl.  We got to pick her up from school as a surprise.  Nothing better than that sweet little girl running calling, Grandma!  Later, we headed over to Jon and Charlotte's and got to see Jon just getting home from work.  Then, when we got home Mike dropped in for a hug.  A perfect day/  My sweetheart and I were pooped from a full day of work and three hours in the car.  We were in bed before the news.

From the factory window.

On my birthday, yes, I am now 63!  We started a long weekend together.  We headed for Blumen Gardens in Sycamore.  February is a strange time to visit a garden center.  Every thing was in a jumble as they are installing a heating system in the main factory area.  Even in a jumble it is still gorgeous!  Those windows alone make it worth a visit.

From the gift shop window.

 Inside the little shop it was warm and cozy.  The woman working there was so sweet.  We had a long conversation while we looked around at all the lovely things.  I bought some beautiful heart shaped battery powered lights I'll use for any one of the festivities surrounding the wedding of son Mike and his girl Amanda.

Out my front door.

 Saturday we had the strangest snowstorm.  I thought the forecast was rain, but late in the afternoon it started snowing and came down for several hours, then stopped as suddenly as it started.

 I had a bake sale at Church, but was not going out in the blizzard. When the snow stopped we headed out to put my baked goods out for after the Masses on Sunday.  On the way home someone had plugged in their holiday lights.  It looked so pretty.  Sparkling white lights against the snow always looks magical.

 The view out back.

  I'll be out there filling all those pots in a couple of months.  The time does fly.

 I love snow,

and the way the snow makes the world look like a storybook.

 Even my shed. ;-)

 The next morning when the sun came out the snow sparkled

 So beautiful against the bright blue sky.

 Sunday we celebrated all of our February birthdays.  Son Jon and SIL Doug and I all share February.
Hey, there are a couple of cookies missing! (I received that cake dome for Christmas.  It has a truck with a Christmas tree on the plate.  A doily made it a cute Valentine/Birthday dome.)

 We always hang the birthday banner, and put a message on the chalkboard in the hall.
It was a casual dinner. I used Christmas paper plates and made a big pot of soup and a pan of ziti especially for Penny.  Boston Market catered the rest of this affair.   We had 12 people with Elizabeth, Greg and Jim.  I received so many gifts and gift cards.  I also received a special piece of art by my baby grand.  So very sweet and creative.  I love to watch my kids interact as adults.  They love each other, and enjoy each other's company.  That in itself is a blessing.

The birthday boys, Jon and Doug are both in happy places in their lives.  Happy in work, happy with their families. Jon recently was honored at work for giving 110%.  He received a check at a fancy luncheon, and the appreciation of his employer. Jon is such a special person, kind and generous like his Father, and a sweet hubby to his Charlotte. Doug was recently promoted at his job. He's a great Dad and partner to our Kris. So proud, and love my guys. We always have reason to celebrate.

I made apple cheesecake bars.  Jon loves cheesecake, Doug loves apple pie. Penny loves to blow out the candles.

We spent President's day with Penny.  With her busy schedule, we were happy to have her to ourselves.  We got to hear all about her recent performance in a talent show, the first 100 days of school parade, we watched cat videos and talked and talked.  Well, she does most of the talking, and we love to hear all she has to say. 

Yesterday I helped a friend in the morning and my son Mike in the afternoon.  It's already time for the save the date cards to go out.  Mike picked out some pretty stamps, covered in Cherry Blossoms.  Then we grocery shopped together.  I am such a proud Mama, I told the checker I was shopping with my son.  I am so happy he is close.

"Know that you are the perfect age. 

 Each year is special and precious for you shall only live it once. 

Be comfortable with growing older."

-Louise Hay

"I am."

-Penny Willoughby

Thanks for stopping by and for your kindness and friendship.

Enjoy this beautiful day!

Love, Penny