But in West Friendship, the weather is not bad. If you don't count the cloudbursts and the lightening. There go our hopes that the girls might regret hanging out here with us, the many, the un-bitter, the house bound.
No, I don't really mean that. I hope their feet are dry, their fingers tired, their laugh muscles depleted, and their wallets empty by weekend's end. And I look forward to a shiny nose come Monday from having it well rubbed in the weekend's highlights.
Meanwhile, it's my birthday! I'm 42 today. Look what my 15 year-old stepson left for me this morning before he headed out to his day at the Dragon shop. It's a needle caddy! I shed tears over this because he's never given me anything for my birthday in the 11 years I've been in his life, and also because he made it himself. It's just perfect for displaying prized needles, like the ones you see here that Dean sent me, just in time for my little day. Thanks, Dean!
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes
Hippo Birdie Deer Juliaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes!
SWAK
(Sealed with a knit)
Posted by: liz | May 07, 2005 at 02:08 PM
*H*A*P*P*Y* *B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y* !
What a great present from your step-son.
Posted by: Emma. | May 07, 2005 at 02:29 PM
Happy Birthday! And what a thoughtful present!! Maybe he's hinting that he wants something knit for him.
Posted by: Lauren | May 07, 2005 at 02:38 PM
Happy, happy, happy birthday! Have a wonderful day and a great mother's day as well.
Posted by: Cassie | May 07, 2005 at 03:22 PM
Happy birthday! That's a great present - it's the boy equivalent of knitting a scarf for you.
Posted by: Laurie | May 07, 2005 at 03:28 PM
Happy Birthday!! What a great present. Now, you just need to get more prize needles :-).
Posted by: Colleen | May 07, 2005 at 03:35 PM
Hey!!! I was in Newburyport today, and had I known it was your birthday I would have stopped by and sang to you! As it is you will just have to imagine how awesome a thing that would have been. The other thing, as we passed your house I was talking to my husband about the house and you and stuff and I said, "She is definitely younger than we are. I'm not sure exactly how old she is, but she is younger." And you are. By five months to the day (12/08). So, I was right, but less right than I thought. You seem yeeaars younger, dahling! I am working on my *not in MD* post. I have finished objects which makes it almost worth staying home, doesn't it? Well, that is my story and I'm stickin' to it! Have an awesome day!
Posted by: Teresa C | May 07, 2005 at 04:14 PM
Happy birthday! and what a lovely present. hope you are celebrating wildly!
Posted by: benedetta | May 07, 2005 at 04:31 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Karen | May 07, 2005 at 05:13 PM
Happy Birthday Julia!!!
I hope your day was special and all your dreams come true!
I just finished my not bitter post, this was FUN!
Ok I'd rather be at the festival but at least we are good company!
Happy Mother's Day too!
Posted by: Debi | May 07, 2005 at 06:02 PM
Happy birthday! You're a mere babe!
I think the needle holder makes up for the omissions of the past. Handmade, and with your interests very much in mind. Mantel-worthy! I have hopes for the school woodworking shop to yield something like that for me, in time. xoxo Kay
Posted by: Kay | May 07, 2005 at 06:24 PM
happy, happy, happy birthday!!!
I've found that it helps to think of all this rain (it's pouring outside my window right now) as liquid sunshine. That needles holder is great - I remember projects like that one, and how hard it is to line everything up. Well done!
Posted by: Kristen | May 07, 2005 at 06:34 PM
Many happy returns, Julia! In four days, my brother-in-law will be right where you are, chronologically speaking. And yes, that IS a wonderful gift from your stepson. How great! Really, who needs MD when they're having such a good day where they are!
Posted by: Deb | May 07, 2005 at 06:48 PM
Hope you have a wonderful, fibery birthday, Julia!
Posted by: Dena | May 07, 2005 at 06:52 PM
What a great gift - even better that it came from a thoughtful kid! :) HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Jackie | May 07, 2005 at 07:53 PM
Oh, Happiest of Birthdays to You!!!
Posted by: erika | May 07, 2005 at 08:08 PM
Happy Birthday Lady!
Posted by: Wendy | May 07, 2005 at 08:18 PM
Happy Birthday! What a wonderful present!
Posted by: monica | May 07, 2005 at 08:24 PM
Happy birthday to you, Julia!!
Posted by: Jenifer | May 07, 2005 at 08:33 PM
Oooooo, YES!! That's even more reason to have a party!! What a special child you have and very thoughtful. And we have had cold temps and rain all day in sympathy! Enjoy and Happy, Happy Birthday, baby!!
Posted by: margene | May 07, 2005 at 08:47 PM
Happy Birthday to you!
kim in oregon
Posted by: kim | May 07, 2005 at 08:58 PM
Happy, happy birthday! What a cool present!
Posted by: Becca | May 07, 2005 at 09:19 PM
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday dear Julia!
Happy Birthday to you!
Just feel lucky you cannot hear me sing.
And my kids favorite version:
Happy Birthday to you
You live in a zoo
You look like a monkey
And you smell like one too!
Posted by: sandy | May 07, 2005 at 10:01 PM
Happy Birthday, Fellow May Birthday Girl! (I turn 38 in a few weeks...) I did end up posting for the I'm Not Bitter Fest. Thanks for the idea, and have fun with that needle caddy, which is just gorgeous and very special, coming from a smaller person (or maybe just younger...is he bigger than you?) who does not knit. You are one lucky lady.
Posted by: Lee Ann | May 07, 2005 at 11:10 PM
Aww how sweet of your stepson. I love handmade gifts. They are always a treasure.
Posted by: stephanie | May 07, 2005 at 11:17 PM