luaus, thievery, and the beauty of nature

Well folks, today is my birthday. Yep, I'm 36...officially closer to 40 than 30. It feels good, this 36. I have the most wonderful husband in the world, I have two beautiful girls that are healthy and happy, I have friends that are too good to be true, I am healthier than I've been in years, my family is fabulous...truly blessed. That's what I am!

My dear friend Theresa's husband has the same birthday as me so we got together on Sunday for a luau birthday party. Oh, we had music and leis, sparkly lights and lanterns, ribs and sushi...and an ice cream cake for dessert. What a wonderful feast! Just a few shots that captured the night:: the spread, the kiddos (minus the tiniest one who was sleeping), the cake, me with my beautiful family (yep that's what 36 looks like--please excuse the frizzy hair, it was raining)...and the cake again that captures the action. Thanks Theresa for a wonderful party!

On the morning of July 4th as we were on our way out the rd door I went to check on my tomatoes. Gone! I live in the city, mind you, so I thought it was probably some kids that took them to be mean then I saw them....hoof prints! A deer had come into our yard and had it's way with my tomato plants while trampling my squash. Seriously, really? There are a few flowers and tiny tomatoes hanging on so I really hope we get some big 'maters this summer. My cherry tomatoes survived because they went unnoticed so I should have some of those this week unless we get another visit. I close the gate at night now so there's no open invitation to my garden. It's just frustrating, ya know? Gardening takes a lot of work...I've got a small garden but with watering, weeding, staking..to see some of it gone...not good, man, not good.

This last set of pictures are some things in nature that we just had to share with you. First up a little snake that crossed the sidewalk in front of us while we were on a walk. (if only I was brave enough to catch it). Second, the proof of our deer thief...hoof prints in my garden. Third, some tiny little mushrooms. Fourth, a bird's next the was made with sticks and mud...amazing things-nests. Lastly, okay not found in nature, but our lovely cat, Shadow, was unwillingly sporting some shades for a picture. The girls insisted that I include this shot... it was so funny to them.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. Happy Tuesday! xo ANG