2-10-56

No moon tonight. The cloud cover is too thick. Jan's comment made me think of the movie Under the Same Moon, a foreign film about a boy who leaves Mexico to find his mother in LA. They have been separated for years and never give up hope that they will be reunited. It's a moving film about courage and perseverance.

This week my thoughts have turned to the trip Ken and I took to San Francisco in 2006. That's when we saw the awe-inspiring redwoods in Muir Woods, just north of the city. The trip was to celebrate my oldest son's graduation from college, my youngest son's graduation from high school, and my 50th birthday.

Today is my birthday.

My first gift was sleep. I slept for seven straight hours last night, and I can't remember the last time that happened. I finished a book just after midnight, wished myself a happy birthday, turned out the light, and woke up seven hours later. I would like that to happen more often, please.

My second gift was lunch with a friend. Last week I called my friend in town who is still nursing a broken ankle. I knew she had a physical therapy appointment today, so I called to see if I could take her. Before I knew it we had an afternoon planned, which included her buying me lunch at a restaurant I've wanted to try. Our ladies day out was fun.

Yesterday I received a lovely card from a friend. Ken called me this evening to wish me a happy birthday. I know I will hear from the kids at some point; the next time my son is up from Boston we will celebrate our February birthdays.

I used to set goals that I wanted to meet by such-and-such age. Invariably I would be disappointed when I didn't accomplish what I wanted by the deadline.

So I've learned not to set myself up like that. The day comes and goes much like any other day. I reflect on where I've been and where I would like to be.

I made myself an angel food cake, from a box, and will enjoy that while I watch a movie. There is fresh coffee to drink and a cat to warm my lap.

All in all it's been a good day.