Dear Readers, today is my 55th birthday. I cannot lie and try to convince you that I am younger. It is what it do not end a sentence in a preposition is.
My day started well as I am married to The Best Husband Ever (BHE) and was greeted with coffee and this:

With two very cute/romantic birthday cards.

My Father phoned from Arizona. My siblings phoned. My Mother-in-Law phoned. Gifts arrived. (!!!) I had tons of facebook messages from 7 countries. Isn't technology grand?
Last week I decided to celebrate my 55th Trip Around the Sun by running 5.5 miles. Do not ask me WHY I decided this would be a good idea. At about mile four, I was pretty-much sure I had made a huge mistake... but I am a trooper and a huge fan of long distance runners and could not disappoint myself, so kept at my task and, dang, if I wasn't able to finish my goal. Without stopping. Without a call to 911.
During my run, I listened to Jimmy Buffett on my iPod thingy and dreamed of the Reuben sandwich I could grill for myself after my run. Not sure how healthy it is to drool over Carnegie Deli corned beef a Reuben sandwich while running, but this Reuben fantasy brought me around the bend and to the finish line at EXACTLY 5.5 mile (14,000+ steps).
I may be 55 years old, but I can run 5.5 miles.
My birthday was celebrated tonight with a fun dinner party at Mingo, attended by our oldest friends - Woody, Kathy, Steve & Mary. DT and our guests arrived to find this pretty centerpiece on our table:

Until my next update, I remain, your 55-year-old correspondent.
PS: Do not be confused about my birthday celebration today... as My Birthday will be again actually celebrated 22-24 October in Las Vegas with Lisa & Lenny. Jimmy Buffett may be involved.