Birthday Weekend Part One

It's here, folks.

Today is part one of the three day carnival that is, my birthday weekend. And, I know I am not 10 any more, and the days of clowns and pin the tail on the donkey have long since passed, but, deep down, I think everyone wants to feel extra special on their birthday. Like, clown special, or pony ride special....or if I am lucky, seven minutes in heaven special. But, for the past 13 or so years, I have had the unique...privilege (snort)... of sharing my birthday with my arch nemesis...er...mother in law. Nothing says happy birthday like a healthy dose of deprecation and belittlement. I kid, I kid. After all, this is what warm and fuzzy family memories are made of, people, now excuse me while I go practice being the bigger person in the mirror....I better wear my heels.

On a happy note, I got my first gift today!

This is my new garden gnome, Cash. While I am not a huge fan of enslaving little people to do my bidding, unlike those tyrants Willy Wonka and Santa Claus, the thing is, he is adorable, and, if anything, maybe he will scare the cats away so they stop peeing on my bushes.

Oh, and before anyone rolls there eyes and decides to stop being friends with me, yes, this is the only tacky form of resin based garden decor I will be employing this summer. And no, it will not lead to the token random giant shiny garden ball, or a goose that has an outfit for every holiday. The kitsch stops at the gnome. I swear.