My 55th birthday

Today I celebrated my 55th birthday with my hubby and dogs, and five very close friends who have all known me for twenty years (or longer, in one case). We ate too much chocolate, drank a little too much champagne, and talked for several hours.

One birthday card quoted Marcel Proust. His words belong to everyone in the world.

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy.
They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

To friends near and far, l'chaim -- to life!