I'm planning to have a few friends over tomorrow--if the hurricane lets me. Such events require me to stick my head in the oven over and over again. I decided to make a patriotic pie. In English, such a pie is a mix of cherry, apple, and blueberry (red, white, and blue). I didn't make quite enough of the "white" filling, which means my pie may not be as patriotic as it is delicious. I also extracted a variety of cookies from my freezer. After careful inspection, I realized all of them have nuts, fruit, or mint, so I guess I'll have to make some cupcakes for my particular husband. That should cause some sugary fireworks as we all dance around excitedly with cookies, pie, and cake coursing through our veins. Wish us luck.

So it occurs to me that I focus a lot on making the birthdays of others more memorable and exciting. Maybe I should focus some of that energy on making my own birthday memorable. I have two whole weeks to prepare for that make my own birthday memories, so what shall I do?

First, I encourage my few readers to contribute how they feel best. You can send me a card, root on my insanity, or offer to entertain me. I know. I know. I am so demanding.

Second, I have a huge pile of recipes I want to try. Wish me luck because my husband loves the old recipes too much to try new ones. Maybe you should send positive thoughts his way instead. ;)

Third, I need to decide which of my many skills, talents, and hobbies should be at the forefront of my efforts. I might accomplish more that way. Feel free to weigh in...fanklubz at meowmail dot com

A couple of months ago, golf ball hail banged up my sweet new ride. Today, my car finally got into the car doctor for some TLC. That means a rental car gets to be my friend. This morning, they offered me a not so mini van. Even when I moved the seat all the way up, I still felt like I was standing on my tiptoes to touch the gas peddle. Despite the joy of feeling super tall and having enough extra room for a gaggle of happy hobbits, I had to trade it back in for something more my size. If only it didn't have Jersey plates. Yech!

Somehow all the cake and cookies that have passed my lips failed to give me energy to do all the millions of things I should do--like update the world, so I shall offer a brief summary of the weeks between posts.

Heart-shaped pools make me smile, particularly at six in the morning when I am basically float around in a sleepy fugue. Can't feel more youthful than you did in the womb after all.

Facebook continues to twist how we communicate with each other. Dozens of people who probably barely know me took the time to drop a message on my wall and others expressed regret and shame for missing the exact day. I do honestly know people are busy. I am sure I will belatedly wish many people happy birthdays this year (especially after I realized how many are coming up in August alone. I may know too many people.)

It's so sad when friends move, but I feel better when I help make their move easier. Plus, that gives me one last chance to remind them they should visit me...

...for the cookies.