Thanksgiving was in New Hampshire this year. My brother John, his fiancee Amanda, and her pooch Max traveled from Colorado. Jem and Jamie drove up from New Bedford with their two dogs Olive and Kala. Jem’s friend Hannah joined us from Boston. My mom, Evalynn and my stepfather Jim flew in from Utah. Ten people, four dogs, one scary turkey (but yummy and benign post roasting) and platters full of delicious food. And much to be grateful for.
Most of the crowd left for home early Friday morning, but Jim and Ev stayed another three days.
On Saturday I celebrated my birthday. That’s seven since my diagnosis with lung cancer and fifty-two total (not shy about stating my age, because getting old is the objective). Once upon a time I thought I’d likely never see the half century mark. And here I am, all grown up and maybe even getting old.
I received many nice cards (like the one on the left from W & C, who always send fab greetings) as well as lots of phone calls from loved ones, packages and three, almost four, Garmins (GPS system).
The first Garmin arrived in the form of a check from my stepmom Carolyn, so that’s the one I will keep. I shall name the disembodied voice of the GPS after my generous benefactor (who also sings happy birthday to me over the phone every year, and who has the loveliest voice). Thank you John and David as well, and Jim and Ev for offering. I shall think of you all every time I don’t get lost.
David’s gift to me magically transformed into an iPad, which is something I shall get a lot of use out of while I hurry up and wait for appointments. And he also took my parents and Pete and I to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants in Portland, Maine.
The sun had gone down moments before we parked our car. As we walked to the restaurant we were treated to an overhead show of the most amazing color of blue; sort of a translucent indigo. It took my breath away (in a good way). I took a photo and now you can see it too.
life and breath: outliving lung cancer 
Happy Birthday Linnea……I say Yes to getting too.
We thought of you when we saw that card, Chica!
xoCristina
Happy birthday Linnea. Your exemple make me feel stronger for my friend. Thanks to you, I want to believe that she will be ok. Take care
Happiest birthday Linnea! You keep on shining on in such a beautiful way, xo, Lorraine
Happy, happy birthday, dear lady!
Continue being well……and enjoy each and every day!
And now you will have to excuse us, as we go and drink some wine in honor of you!!!!
xxo P&W
Happy Birthday Linnea. Keep on having them.
Love that line…”because getting old IS the objective” That’s almost a blasphemy these days. Glad you liked the card and the stash. B-day besos XXXXX W
Happy Birthday, Linnea. Your journey is inspiring, and I hope to see mine too. 🙂
Glad you’re feeling better. Belated feliz cumpleanyos (cant find the spanish letters and Guillermo would not approve of just the n).
Happy Birthday To YOU … You are a true inspiration to me and you allow me to inturn be an inspiration to others… Continue to be positive.. Dont physically know you but I Love You anyway !
Thanks all!
Linnea
Hey I know I’m late but Hapy Birthday! I didn’t know you were fifty two. I am a 1959 baby as well. May 14 to be exact. Best Michael
Well Happy Birthday to you as well–I’m either very late or quite early in my wishes! I’m so sorry we couldn’t make the dad and lad show and I loved your Christmas card. Very pertinent around these parts. Sadly, a little white weasel fell victim to a mouse trap the other day, and I’m sure he was simply trying to get the same mice we were trying to get 😦 A bad case of friendly fire.
So–I miss you my 52 year old friend. A get together in 2012? A viewing of your latest art? Dinner with the Duffs in Amherst?
Linnea