How I Celebrated My Birthday

Some friends invited me to spend my birthday with them at a cabin on the nearby Illinois river. The cabin is completely off the grid, using solar power for electricity and propane for refrigeration and cooking. The hot tub is heated by a wood stove. (I'd never heard of that before, but it works like a charm.)

In the evening we had salmon fillet with squash medley followed by champagne, chocolate, and a boisterous game of Apples to Apples. Good food, good friends, three good dogs (3!) What a great way to celebrate.

p.s. Thanks to all of you who donated to the Fatima projects!