Aging Gracefully (well, maybe not that gracefully)

Guess Who Turned 50?

ME, that's who.

I have been so wonderfully blessed with family and friends. I thought 50 was going to be a rough ride, who wants to turn 50? Not me. Never thought I would be 50 and single. Who would of, I mean if you knew me, you would understand. I know my friends do, and no they wouldn't be saying that I hide behind all of my "projects" and that's why I'm still single. That would be cruel of them, wouldn't it. Do you really have to get out of the house to meet someone?

I was lucky enough to have two parties. The first one was a total surprise. It was held on Saturday, May 16 at my dear friend Denetta's house. Sharon, Miggs and Mandy helped her pull this off. What sneaky little ladies they are. Apparently they had been planning this for many months. Not a word to me, am I so oblivious to what is going on around me that I couldn't pick up on it. I guess so. Mandy, cake "decorator extraordinaire" made her finest creation to date, and it was for me. Thanks Mandy! My dear friend Rachel (and co-jewelry maker friend) put together the most wonderful slide show of everyone's photos and sent it to me. You can view it here if you would like. http://www.photoshow.com/watch/tg4Zp3qJ It was like I was there from the beginning, they sure looked like they are having fun without me. How could that be?

Everyone brought food, beer, frozen yummy drinks and Denetta's husband Paul, grilled sausage and hamburgers. Kevin, Maria's husband, and my friend also, went to so much trouble making me this HUGE sign, which everyone wrote such nice things about me. I guess they think I have one foot in the grave and they had to say something nice. Not really, that is one thing I know for sure, I am very well loved. I love you guys, thanks so much. This is one party I will never forget. Pam and Donna, thanks for seeing me home. I know what you thinking, was to tipsy, no I was not. I was to busy visiting everyone to remember to drink my beer. My daughter Tiffany brought me and as ploy saying that Denetta was going to look at her wedding invitations. That is how she got me there and I love her so much. She has given me the best present a grandmother could want. I have been blessed with the best grandkids. She had to leave before me to get them home and into bed, so I didn't have a car. Farrell, that was the sweetest thing your dad did. I couldn't believe he made me that precious sea glass necklace. I will treasure it always.















These are two of my grandkids, Kaitlyn (aka Katiebug) and Ryland.

Now on my actual birthday, May 19, my dear friend Leslie N. (for 20 something years) had my kids and I over for grilled hamburgers and swimming. My precious grandbabies were there (they're part fish), along with Pam, Janet and Leslie B. We had a great time.









Thanks to anyone who took the time to read this. My friends and family are very important to me, they complete my life. I don't know where I would be without them. I hope to get to spend another 50 wonderful years with them.

Much love to you all. Valerie