Happy birthday to me.

I am a firm believer that if you want to have a wonderful time in life, don't leave the planning to others.

Two months ago, I told My People that for my birthday, I would be going to Orcas Island in the amazing San Juan island archipelago just off the NW coast of Washington state. Needless to say, once Decorno made the plan, they came along.

Everything in the San Juans is magical. There is simply no way to describe how amazing it is here without trading in cliches and face-licking love for this place.

When we arrived, we got a few hours of sun, plus a decent sunset. When we woke up.... snow.

Snow falling on madrona trees. Snow at sea level. Snow in April. The last snowfall at this elevation this late in the year was about 1975 (before I was born, for those keeping count).

The actual birthday is tomorrow, but I already got what I wanted, which was nothing. Nothing but this, that is - a weekend with a view, and with this goofy family I found and made mine. Happy birthday to me.


Friday.


Saturday.


The boys... running in the snow to the hot tub, which is tucked between trees and with a partial view of the water. Leave it to me to allow them to run around in swim trunks in 35 degree weather.


I hope everyone is having a great weekend.