Day: July 3, 2018

It has been a practice of mine for quite some time now to seek out small miracles which can turn things around-a moment, a day or an event which otherwise seems bleak. The last few weeks have been very trying and painful for my family in many ways; and although I am not right there with them physically, my heart still aches and longs to turn things around and make life beautiful again for everyone, so thoughts and prayer must suffice in this moment.

I also had a birthday over the past #Free48. My ‘Birthday Buddy’, my son who shares the same birthday, was not here this year and that added to the prospect of a bleak celebration. But, as is always the case, Nature stepped up to the plate and presented me with some magnificent bits of brilliance to say, “Happy Birthday!”.

With well wishes from friends and phone calls from loved ones, including a birthday song from the grandkids, it was-as always-a special day.

This early gift from my sweet sister kicked things off!

All I really cared about was getting outside to take some photos and having a nice meal somewhere that someone else cooked. 😉My dear hubby, as always, was a willing partner and smiled through it all-even the humidity. It really wasn’t too bad in the early part of Sunday. Here are some of my favorite things from our excursion.

Barrington Hall. Mr. Barrington founded the city of Roswell, GA

There were no swallowtails but these lovelies were everywhere.

These are like tiny Japanese lanterns

Although the Spring flowers were diminished, there were still some beauties..

Where’s Waldo? This bush was covered in bees. How many can you find?

In the gardens

The grapevine was thick and lush over the arched walk this time

This is Barrington Hall historic house in Roswell. I nver go inside. I just love the grounds.

I got some great closeups!

Then I heard it. That familiar cry that sends me running like a crazed shopper on Black Friday. There is no mistaking a hawk’s screech. When we turned around there was a huge one flying low across the front of the property with its lunch in its claws. Seeing where it lit, I stealthily crept over to stand beneath the tree for some photos. I will spare you the gore (in this post) but it always amazes me to watch these birds methodically eat. He left nothing behind either, not a hair. We looked it up later to find this was a juvenile 😱 Broad Winged Hawk.

So beautiful

This bird was huge

If you look closely…

Please don’t tell Zippy! 🙊🙈He showed up to say Happy Birthday too!

I got my dinner out at Yardhouse. Plus a free birthday dessert! So yummy.

Shrimp, Lobster, Crab and Artichoke dip.

Mediterranean Salmon. The seasoning was too salty but it was all good. That is a cilantro aioli sauce. Very tasty! Over toasted quinoa and kale.

My treat! They called it a chocolate soufle but it was more like a brownie-better yet!

Pomegranate Sangria.

And yesterday there were a few more surprises from friends at work. And hubby stepped with a few surprises he said he didn’t have time to get over the weekend with me hanging around. 😉 He’s so good to me.

This?

A gift from my oldest. A hands free gadget for my crafts, like jewelry making. I think it looks like Doc Oc from Spiderman! 😀 I thought you’d like it, Dan!

Well, there it is. Brilliant Birthday. I hope everyone has a better than anticipated week. Ours begins with a no tolerance hands free cell phone law in place. Should be high revenues for the state of Georgia! 😏

Hugs! 💕

This was in my head when I woke up. Now it can be in yours too!