My own birthday. There are 44 candles.

Ahhhh! Happy Birthday, sweet lady.

Sorry I missed your special day. Did you bake the cake? If I had caught your birthday in time, I would have baked you a cake.

I made the cake in a huge cast iron dutch oven in my firepit. I made sure it would still be moist inside by baking it slowly. The raspberry filling is from my own vines, from frozen berries from last fall that I put away. Too bad I don't have a goat for making my own cream cheese; that was from a store.

This is my story and I am sticking to it.

You stand strong in your own truths, Jilly. If you say all that, I believe you.

Tomorrow get ready for dancin', singin', lots of bbq'd ribs, jugs of apple cider, watermelon wine, dandelion wine, whatever we can find that is good.

We are going to celebrate Spring and Jilly's birthday.

I got a dandelion wine recipe from someone last summer. I will see if I can find it. I also have a watermelon wine recipe I can share, if I find that one, too.

To Phyllis,

Just wanted to tell you good morning,and thank you for making all of us kids again.

With love

Norm/loong

I will be bringing lots of homemade potato salad and baked beans to enjoy with those ribs!

You are most welcome, Norm. That is what the front porch, and the cabin attached to it, is all about. It is a place to imagine, play, and get away from daily stress. It is a magical place that becomes something special to each person who visits.

Debbie, I love homemade potato salad and baked beans. Back in the kitchen there is always a pot of beans simmering, but baked beans are special and so yummy.

Today is gorgeous! My little Violas are dancing in a gentle breeze and so happy in the sunshine. Rabbits and squirrels are playing all over the little mountain.

Happy Spring, everybody!