My Continuing 60th. Birthday Saga

After leaving John C. Campbell Folk School, I headed toward Pensacola, FL where my son, Dean, his lovely wife, Ede, and their two children, James and Eden, live. The drive down the mountain was uncertain since I wasn’t sure I was headed the right way on two lane mountain roads but I soon approached civilization. I took the western beltway around Atlanta which was not as scenic. The AL interstate was very nice and had rest areas timed every 45 minutes. And the landscaping was beautiful. I arrived at my son’s house a few hours early and surprised Ede. She was cleaning Nibbles’ and Cinnamon’s cages. Nibbles and Cinnamon are the family pets. Nibbles is a Lop rabbit. Lops are known for their floppy ears. Cinnamon is a Cinnamon rabbit breed, I think… Both rabbits are females and have been spayed just in case. Dean and James were at James’ soccer game. Eden had already played her soccer game – she’s the only girl on the team... The dining room was decorated for a birthday party… Hmmm. Dean and James came home and we sat down to eat dinner. I had a wonderful salmon that Dean cooked in the Green Egg with rice and a lovely fresh tomato and mozzarella salad. Then came hand-made cards from James and Eden and Dean. Ede bought me a lovely birthday card.






There were tons of presents – 3 blouses and a leather jacket!!! Then Dean gave me a mailing envelope and inside was a picture of a 46” Samsung HDTV!!! It was being delivered Thursday afternoon after I got back to Orlando!! WOW!!! I really had a wonderful birthday!

The next morning I had a light breakfast – a roll and water… Then Dean took me to work out with him. So I biked for a few minutes and lifted weights. All my favorite things :) Then we went back to the house and enjoyed a protein shake! YUM!! We met Ede at a lovely sushi restaurant, Fuji Sushi, for lunch. It was delicious! I picked Eden up at school and we got lost but I managed to find my way home. I played the Pilgrim’s Progress board game with James and Eden. James got to the Celestial City first and I was second. We had many perils along the way – monsters, giants, a cruel judge and hungry lions. It was a fun game! Eden did a wonderful presentation about the family vacation to Cheaha State Park in Alabama.

Tuesday morning was another light breakfast and more working out… Another yummy protein shake. I’ll be a shadow of my former self with all of this activity. . There was an indoor volleyball game later that evening at the school so I drove Eden back there. The acoustics in the gym were very good – I had to sit in the waiting room thanks to my tinnitus. Dean brought me some ear phones with white noise and I had high hopes for them but they were no match for the shouting in the gym. After the game – we lost :( - we went to Pensacola Beach to Crabs Restaurant. This is one of the best seafood restaurants and we always love going there. Dean had a large fruity drink so I could keep the glass to remember my evening. I had the combination platter – Dungeness crabs, Alaskan king crab, and stone crabs. James had to help me eat it all! Dean arranged with the waitress to have the staff sing me “Happy Birthday” and bring me birthday cake – a Key lime pie! We all enjoyed that! Then we went walking on the beach. It was a wonderful night to remember.

The next morning I drove the children to school for the last time. We gave each other lots of hugs. Dean and I went to IHOP for breakfast and I was on my way home, somewhat cheered by thoughts of my new HDTV’s arrival the next day!! This was certainly a birthday to remember!