Celebrating a birthday is a wonderful way to connect, enjoy eating a fabulous meal and sharing stories and events that happened in each of our lives over the past year.
All of us lead varied and busy lives and finding time to squeeze more into the day is often difficult. Celebrating a birthday and enjoying excellent food along with the endless conversation keeps the friendship connection open.
It has been ten months since our last birthday celebration. I was hiking the El Camino in September of 2012 and consequently missed a 60th birthday celebration of one dear friend. After a busy day at work it is easy to meet for supper and spend a few hours celebrating and being thankful we can enjoy the company of each other once again.
Since we had met a year ago, January 10th, in the very same restaurant and at the very same table each of us had stories to tell one another of events that had happened in our lives. After being satiated with a wonderful meal another three hours slipped by with swapping of stories and enjoying the company of one another.
Marge, in whose honour we were celebrating, during the last year had knee replacements to both legs. Both surgeries had gone very well and her mobility has greatly improved. Marge is a very gutsy lady with deep strength and resilience. She is thankful for her new knees which has enabled her to be able to walk and drive without the pain. Marge is also a cancer survivor. For the past six years there has been many surgeries and bouts of chemo several times a year. What a remarkable woman! Thank you for your friendship. I admire your tenacity and humble spirit. May you have a wonderful year!
Earlier in the week I had read a quote that compliments our celebration of life:
Action and reaction,
Ebb and flow,
Trial and error,
CHANGE
This is the rhythm of living.
Out of our over confidence – fear
Out of our fear,
Clearer vision, fresh hope.
And….
Out of our hope – PROGRESS!
Bruce Barton
May each of us have clearer vision, fresh hope and progress as we move through the ebb and flow of living each day throughout this year.
Journeying with Joy 
What a bunch of beautiful gals! So much to be said about friendships!
Happy Belated Birthday, Joy! (I think it was your birthday you celebrated?)
Gloria.
I truly value my friendships. And… The birthday I missed was Liz. I heard it was a good party!
Is it a coincidence that Chris, Doreen and I met for a meal only one day after you yourself were celebrating with your friends? This was the first opportunity for the three of us to get together since the meal we had shared with you in Burgos. We went to a local Tapas restaurant and shared a wonderful array of dishes, you’d have loved it!
I am glad the Fab3 were able to get together. I can’t remember if my ears were burning that day? Hope you enjoyed your evening.