The peep cake is gone and it is a cloudy, Tuesday in Plano. Larry is off to meetings. The house is very quiet. Morning birds are singing. When they sing such as this, it reminds me of springtime at my Grandmothers house. Spring often arrived late in Pittsburgh. The hyacinth would bloom in snow, striking purple blooms...with a fragrance that penetrated the 30 degree temperatures, and would last in your memory for years to come. Last week at the garden center, I was walking past blooming, hot house bulbs...and stopped. I smelled the hyacinth. Taking a deep breath, I looked at Larry. He said, Go on buy them. I said no thank you.....taking another deep breath, I remembered my Grandmother. I am always amazed at how wonderful life is! Why? Should I not expect joy, wonder, the simple gifts?........Shame on me. Expect and gift in the same sentence. UT-OH. Lauren's birthday is in two days. I adore birthdays! Happy Birthday Lars..... Love you, me. **********************************************************************