Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained in a righteous life*

by chuckofish

What is it about Easter candy? I have a hard time resisting–especially those malted milk eggs.

I had a lovely birthday. A beautiful flower arrangement from the OM was delivered while I was on the phone with the boy, who called to say Happy Birthday.

Daughter #2 checked in with Katiebelle before daycare…

Happy Birthday, Mamu!

Daughter #1 drove in from Jeff City after lunch and we went to an event at our favorite local store where our Insta-pals the Madcaps (@madcapcottage) were the special guests.

It was great to meet Jason and John, who seem like old friends. Jason’s Mom and my Mom both went to Middlebury! OMG. Daughter #2 told them it was my birthday and Jason said, “40 is a great year!” Bingpot! Then we met Becky across the street at 19th North for some wine.

We opened presents at home and ate some of an Edible Arrangement from my old friend Denise…

What more can anyone want?

Indeed, birthdays aren’t so bad. I refuse to be depressed like most modern poets, such as Donald Hall: 

Let us stifle under mud at the pond's edge 
and affirm that it is fitting
and delicious to lose everything.

Heck, no. I prefer to think positive: We do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

…and also this:

The righteous flourish like the palm tree
    and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.
13 They are planted in the house of the Lord;
    they flourish in the courts of our God.
14 They still bear fruit in old age;
    they are ever full of sap and green,
15 to declare that the Lord is upright;
    he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Psalm 92: 12-15

Ever full of sap and green!

*Proverbs 16:31