I have a wonderful friend, by the name of Brian. One of the many silly reasons that I adore him is because he loves his birthday even more than I love mine. This year he is turning 30 and Birfday Bash is all set, including a game of football and yummy Italian dinner. But that's not all - this year he has designed a logo and is having t-shirts printed up. Yes, t-shirts. And if that's not silly enough, he includes a program for his Birfday Bash. This program, each year, is to list what all of the "non-birthday boy" people are celebrating as well.

See it is this program that makes me think. What am I celebrating? It's actually not that easy. If I look at my life I can find a million reasons to celebrate. They range from the sentimental (another year of a happy healthy family) to the sarcastic (I survived another year at work), from factual (recent promotion and raise) to frivolous (I’ve discovered a love of Netflix), and even explore the trivial daily joys that make me smile (Angel & Buffy are both in syndication).

But in the end, I always wimp out. I can never find something creative and I pick the first thing that pops into my head (for the past 2 years I've moved in the fall so it was easy - this year, no move). This year, I am going the personal/family sentimental route – I’m going to be an aunt for the first time come Jan 1. So let’s celebrate.

I am still trying to get rid of the apples from my apple picking escapade a few weeks ago. .... they just keep coming!

I went apple picking over the weekend with my best friend and her family – but the cool part was that we did it with her son! See, Christine and I have known each other since we were born, our parents being best friends. Growing up together we did all sorts of fun things – apple picking, Christmas tree hunting, maple sugaring and countless trips to area museums. Well now we are all grown up and she has a son of her own. Doing these things together again makes me feel connected to our tradition. So, in short of it, it was cool – and Jack is quite the apple picker for a 10 month old.

Had a slightly damp, althought enjoyable weekend at Camp Henlopen. I did learn a few things however:
1) Don't be hungry in the town of Lewes between 3 and 5 - none of the restaraunts are serving.
2) I will not open a Wilminton Bank account if I ever move to Deleware - a mean lady yelled at us for no reason!!! (actually the reason was we pulled into the bank parking lot because there was no sign and we couldn't park there)
3) A DQ Brazier is a Dairy Queen with a grill.
4) Box of wine is a wonderful thing at a campsite
5) Propane gas can make a 3 hour car ride very stinky if not enclosed

Happy Autumnal Equinox to all you out there. Fall is on its way, I can feel it in my bones. Soon the days of jeans and sweatshirts will be around. Time to start cooking with squashes and root vegetables. Christmas shopping and the best thing of all to happen - my birthday (which is just a day or two before the winter solstice). So here goes the countdown!