
Well, I had another trip around the sun, and I have to say this year my birthday celebration gave all the others some competition! I woke up to red roses from Dennis, which can’t be beat for a good start to a day. Then my friend Sue and I went for a bracing walk, and then she took me to Starbucks. My daughter Sara weighed in with good wishes and a whole bunch of Audible credits. That girl knows the way to my heart.

Then, some interesting deliveries started happening. My sister Kate has been traveling in Europe for the past six weeks and sent me the most beautiful package from a parfumery in Firenze. I am telling you, this box was as good as the present inside. I do love an attractive presentation, and this was one of the best ever. The box contained a bottle of rosewater, which I will love, but I have to say, the box will occupy a permanent place…somewhere!

When you are a quilter, you are used to presenting handmade gifts to people, but truth be told, you may not often receive them yourself. I experienced the joy and absolute awe of receiving the most gorgeous hand-crocheted shawl from my cousin Claudia. I can’t recall getting anything quite like it, ever! This is going to be the perfect thing to cuddle up in on those chilly nights when I am hunkered down in my favorite chair reading or watching tv.

It was 90 degrees here yesterday, but Dennis had the AC cranked up, and I was all too happy to give my new shawl a test run, and can tell you I love it!
Ahren phoned me from his living room in the afternoon, surrounded by none other than my sister Kate and her husband Robert, who were visiting him in Dublin! They had been having a splendid time having Ahren squire them around town to see all his favorite sites. It was so nice to see them in such high spirits and enjoying themselves. Ahren tells me a couple of newly published books by my favorite British authors are on their way. He also gave me a gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop!
I am still glowing with all the love and attention I was shown on my birthday and will be remembering it for a long time to come. I feel so lucky!

28 Responses
What a tremendous birthday!! So glad you appreciate the crochet. As much as I love quilts, I often say that a knitted or crochet item snuggles better. The red looks terrific on you. Happy birthday!
What wonderful presents. Happy birthday to you! The shawl is beautiful.
Happy birthday! You received quite the haul!
Happy birthday Nicole. I wish many more for you. Clearly you have a family that loves you.
How fun! Happy birthday!
Happy birthday! That shawl is so lovely, as are all your gifts! You are clearly very clearly loved 🥰
Happy Birthday! I’m so glad you enjoyed your day.
Happy Birthday! It is always wonderful to be remembered by our loved ones and dear friends. I hope you enjoy this year to come.
Happy Birthday. Usually our trips around the sun get less exciting but yours was great. Clearly your gifts were carefully planned which is an art in itself.
What a wonderful day of celebrating! Wishing you a very Haopy Birthday and may this year be your best ever! 🎂🎁🎈🥰
Happy birthday! I’m so glad you had a terrific day. May the year ahead bring you good health and much happiness. The gifts look great. What fun to receive the beautiful hand made gift. On to a great year you go!
Happy birthday! What lovely, thoughtful gifts!
Happy, happy birthday fellow Gemini! Mine was the 11th. Red is definitely your color 😻! I’m jealous over the rose water!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Happy birthday! What a fun day you had!!
Nicole,
Happy Birthday to you! Such wonderful and thoughtful gifts from all who love you! I hope you have an amazing year ahead of you!
Sending you lots of wishes for a happy birthday! 🎂 The people in your life put so much thought into your gifts–each one looks perfect! 🌹 You’re off to a great start to another year!
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful day!
Happy Birthday Nicole!!
Happy Birthday! With these presents, you can still celebrate for many days. You are surrounded by love but only because of the love you have given others.
Happy Birthday! Hubby and I were at that Parfumery last month! Former church with many rooms of wonderful smells, and many testers. Alas, I cannot wear perfume- makes my eyes water.
My husband’s grandma crocheted many many afghans, pillows, baby blankets etc and we have a large assortment of them still. We used them a lot before I began quilting, but I still like to have them out occasionally to remember her.
Very happy birthday wishes sent to you, Nicole! Your family certainly showed their love for you with those gifts – now enjoy them all to the fullest.
Nice to hear that Ahren was enjoying hosting your sister and brother-in-law!
Happy Birthday!! How nice to be showered with love! Your gifts are thoughtful and red is a great color.
Happy Birthday Nicole! Wishing you health and happiness in the coming year! Glad you were spoiled so wonderfully by your family and friends! 🎁💕
Happy Birthday, you were certainly blessed with beautiful gifts from your loved ones. So lovely!
What a delightful day! Many happy returns to you:)
Happy Birthday Nicole! How nice to have your special day remembered by those who love you. Take care.
happy happy birthday!
Many Happy Returns! So many special treats and treasures from folks who are near and so very dear to you. May the coming year bring you peace, contentment and just enough happy surprises to delight you.