I Don't Feel a Day Over Sixty-Two...

...and it feels great!

I've been on a party round since noon yesterday and it has been so much fun. Pene and I started the celebration of her birthday with a lovely lunch. It was delicious and the high point was rhubarb sorbet. Last night's surprise party for Pene was a warm and sweet evening. Our friend, Carol, the best cook and most gracious hostess I know, put it together and all of the guests kept the surprise. We laughed, talked and ate, and laughed some more. There was champagne for toasts and a beautiful flourless chocolate cake, trimmed in fresh raspberries. As Cole Porter would say, "What a swell party it was."

Today -- officially forty-five minutes ago -- I turned sixty-three and what a good day. The day was full of fun and affection. What I especially liked was how easy and relaxed it was. I started with my morning iced coffee and then met a friend for a casual lunch. Tried to run a couple of errands at Macy's, but they were out of stock, didn't have the color I wanted, etc. I may have more time, but I will stick to shopping on-line. I so enjoyed phone calls, e-cards, delightful mail and lots of fun wishes on Facebook. Sweet Jess sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers and I had dinner with Mary at Luke's Lobster. It's not fancy, but they have the best lobster rolls this side of Maine. 

In the past I've been completely traditional and ordered the lobster roll, but this time we both got the trio of crab, lobster and shrimp rolls. They are half sandwiches, and completely fresh and delicious. The only sides are potato chips and there is no pretense of eating vegetables. I could happily eat here every day, but then of course, it wouldn't be a treat.  

I'm happy to return to my regular life tomorrow. I am so grateful for the good wishes and especially for the relaxed feeling. The latter may come from being retired, but I think it also comes from a deep well of gratitude. I'm grateful for what I've been given, and not unhappy for what I don't have. It took me awhile, but I'll just call it the wisdom of sixty-three. It's been hard won, but so worthwhile. 

I'll be back tomorrow for Turtle Tuesday, when I announce the winner of the giveaway for A Turtle's Tale 2. Until then, sweet dreams!