Turning 60

I turned sixty this past week. (Boy, does that sound old.) Lisa and Craig wanted to have a party for me, so we had a small gathering last night. Since it was Labor Day weekend, most people were out of town, but the Connollys and Seymours came over for some cake, to watch the Purdue/Louisville game, and some games.

  There was a nice spread of nibbles.

 Craig wanted the savory snacks...

... and I asked for a very special cake.

When Craig had asked me what I wanted for my birthday, the only thing I really wanted was a cake from Deanna Loschen. Deanna lives on a farm in Ogden, Illinois (an hour's drive away) and baked all our cakes when we lived in Urbana. Lucky me, Craig called her up, ordered one, and brought it home for me. 

I love how the "IN" for Indiana is centered on the "I" for Illinois, the university where I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees. (Go, Illini!!)

Cole and Emily sent me this nifty Illini license plate holder as a birthday gift this year, too! My hometown may be the town where Purdue University is located, and I even did two years as an undergrad as well as my Gifted and Talented endorsement at Purdue, but Illinois is MY school.

 We also put out some soft drinks and water and then just let everyone wander in and out, grabbing what they wanted when they wanted it. It was a very relaxed and enjoyable party.

A few of us also played one of my favorite cards games, Wizards. In some aspects, it's a bit like Bridge because you bid to win sets. 

Milestone birthdays like this one make me pause and reflect and turning sixty was no exception. I never, ever dreamed I would still be owning horses when I reached sixty, but I have Abby and expect a good ten years or more with her. I may not be able to ride any more, but I sure am glad I still have horses in my life!

 I can't help but wonder what else this decade of life will bring and am looking forward to the coming years.