Yesterday was my birthday. I don’t feel older though my body is quick to remind me that I am not exactly young anymore. My body is not that of a fit and trim fine specimen of humanity. However, it is my body. I am five foot seven and shrinking and weigh 165 pounds. Other than a variety of small aches, I am satisfied with how my body is taking care of me. It wasn’t that long ago that I was close to 180 pounds

So how did my birthday go? Well, to begin with, I weighed myself in after realizing I was still alive. Then, I went outside to check if the use of a mosquito spray made any difference. No mosquito bites were appreciated. The yard is now ready for company. After breakfast, we went for a six-kilometre walk around town before tackling the last few chores in the house. Of course, everything indoors was done au naturel.

Mid-afternoon, I dead-headed the island of rose bushes as the neighbourhood was quiet, I finally had to put on clothes as our neighbours were coming over for a “five o’clock somewhere” to wish me happy birthday while bringing a bottle of wine. Then our youngest child came with his family and a gift of a new office chair.

The real party is on Friday when the rest of our family arrives. Since it is almost six-thirty, coffee is being made. The two littlest grandchildren will be up soon and I will need to be attentive and present.