A Few of My Favourite Things!

My birthday this year was a milestone -- 65!

A lot of good wishes

A little closer to heaven

A little bit more money from the government

Some possible discount perks (restaurant meals etc)

A good excuse to have a party

(well, we celebrated five family birthdays, actually!)

And some awesome gifts!

The first one, from DOTH (Daughter of the House):

She took me to see the stage version of my favourite movie

at the Princess of Wales theatre:

I LOVE the story of the von Trapp family, and even though my family groans, I watch the movie every Christmas. I think I could probably be the understudy for each role, I've watched it so many times. I've also read the book -- the real story -- which reads a little different from the movie.

I was apprehensive about the stage version; wasn't sure they could do it justice.

We had amazing seats - a perfect location! And I was very pleasantly surprised. They did an awesome job! The actors and actresses were perfect for their roles, with Maria and Captain von Trapp sufficiently romantic but not icky, and the children precocious but lovable. Considering the limitations of the stage, the scenery was absolutely stunning!

If you've not seen it yet, you must -- you'll not be disappointed.

For me it was the perfect birthday gift!

My one and only son, who loves to keep me technologically updated, gave me this:

Any idea what it is? Me neither, when I first opened it up.

It's called "My Passport" and it's a portable hard drive -- 250 GBs worth!

It's like a glorified memory stick -- a little larger; about 12x8 cms (5" x 3"), one centimetre (1/2") thick. It is awesomely useful. If I am going somewhere where I will have access to a computer, I don't have to lug my lap-top along, I just pop My Passport into my purse -- it's got all the data from my computer on it -- and plug it into any computer's USB port. Son One-and-Only knew I was about to start a new book project, and this is the perfect accessory.

Older Daughter (OD) also knew how to reach my heart (and challenge my abilities):

I think my sister might be a bit envious of this one. An artist's studio, all in one -- 117 pieces. It has acrylic paints, oil paints, watercolour paints, coloured pencils, watercolour pencils, oil pastels, drawing pencils, paint brushes, an eraser and sharpener. Wow! This gift is going to hold me accountable. I've never used most of those art mediums, but now I don't have any excuse. Maybe this is what will help me through the upcoming long, cold, and probably very snowy winter. I can't wait to begin!

My kids sure know how to take care of their mom!