31 Candles, Picture Yourself at Jessica’s 31st birthday celebration

This morning when I woke up, I had two cards waiting for me on the breakfast bar. One from my parents and the other one from the Boy.

 

I began to listen to WRTI’s Classical Coffee House with Debra Lew Harder since I requested Stars and Stripes Forever on Wednesday. I missed the first two hours and although I had 4 more hours of the show, I only listened to a half an hour more since I went roller skating.

I went to the local playground and let’s just say, I’m going to try the skate park next time. I think Summerfest has been cancelled, so I’m trying to (carefully skate on my own). I brought my GoPro, but since I forgot to set it up on my new phone, I attempted at the playground and no luck. Another family was there and I asked the guy, but he had no idea. Dejected, I said, “today is my birthday and it seems like my day didn’t get off to a great start.” His 4 year old daughter must have overheard me.

But, I didn’t want that to define me. I put on my skates and skated to another bench. I brought my flag over and instead of using the GoPro, I put my phone on a timer. At this point, the four year old was on the swings and said, “Happy birthday! My birthday is next month! I’m going to be 5!” As I was skating back and forth for different poses, we kept chatting, until her dad said, “how about you leave her alone, she’s trying to do something.” I said I don’t mind chatting, which I didn’t. After the photos, I skated for a half an hour.

The playground is opened again! After skating, I decided to cool down on the swing set. It felt so nice to be able to swing again. Happy birthday to me!

Went home, watched You Bet Your Garden, then mom, dad, and I went out to lunch. We went to Habit Burger and had to sit outside.

After we got back home, it was around 12:30 and Classical Coffee House had ended. I decided to check the playlist and saw my request was last. I tuned into the archive and oh my, what a wonderful surprise.

 

I then noticed the mailbox door was opened, so I walked outside and I had a surprise waiting for me inside the mailbox:

It was a beautiful card from the Browns! They always remember my birthday and I’m so grateful for them! Next month Grady turns 30 and I’ll get him a little something. When I make the greens again, I will save some for the Browns.

We also watched the Nathan’s Hot Dog eating contest in Coney Island! What a site to behold, especially since the contestants were separated by plexi-glass. The announcers were in masks and there was no crowd. Eating contests in the time of COVID-19! Joey Chestnut won, again, and beat his record by 3 hot dogs. He was 72 last year, 75 this year. I was reminiscing back to Coney Island and can’t wait to get back again.

About an hour later, I heard a knock at the door and it was Aunt Kathy. Another beautiful surprise! She hung out for 15 minutes, and I’m so grateful for her as well. I’m glad she could stop by.

My birthday dinner was a clam bake, which was delicious. I ordered a gluten-free Angel Food cake from Amaranth bakery and yum!

We ended the evening with fireworks.

 

What a wonderful birthday and I’m so grateful for everyone in my life, even during COVID-19. I hope my American readers had a great Independence Day!