It's my birthday!

So today I am 44.  The celebration of my 44th year started Friday night with Brian and I driving to Buchanan, MI. to visit Rob and Wendy Strom and eat at Rob's restaurant Wheatberry.  We arrived about 8:00 PM and sat at the bar.  Brian and I split a couple of appetizers (crabcakes and coconut shrimp) then I had my favorite:  blackened salmon club.  By the time dinner was over Rob was done working and he pulled out the beers that needed to be tasted!  We went to the house to meet up with Wendy.  The house was great, wonderful screened in back porch which is where we parked it for the night.  Finally went to bed at 2:45!  I haven't been up that late in a very long time.

Saturday Brian and I were planning on heading back to Fremont, maybe stopping to catch the MSU game at a restaurant.  INSTEAD, we stayed and I am so glad that we did!  Rob had to work but Wendy, Brian and I got to hang out for the day.  Wendy had to register for the APPLE CIDER CENTURY bike ride which brought us to Three Oaks, MI.  cute town, farmer's market, etc...  AND signs for the wineries in the area.  Berrien County is known for the wineries and fruit orchards.  So, why not, right?  We went to Round Barn winery first.  For $7/each we got to taste 5 wines, a dessert wine and a vodka and keep the glass.  Once we were finished with that we went over to the beer tasting barn for a free sample.  Brian and I played a quick round of cornhole (I won).  The $7 glass of wine also included a tasting at their sister property, Free Run Cellars.  5 more tastings, a bottle of cherry wine and a tshirt later we were all having a lot of fun!  Final winery of the day was Lemon Creek.  $5 included a glass and 5 tastings.   To say it was a "buzz kill" may be little exaggerated but it was SO crowded and the woman serving us clearly did not like her job!  All in all though, really fun way to spend the afternoon.  Headed to Buchanan to shop a little and back to the house.

Brian, Wendy and I brought a load of wood and chairs down to the fire pit below the house (right on the St. Joseph River) for the Bonfire that night.  Then it was time to nap before dinner back at Wheatberry!  Dinner was excellent again.  New Orleans BBQ shrimp for me!  Some of Wendy' friends joined us, who were in for the bike ride.  After dinner we headed to the house for the bonfire.  Brian and I talked about the fact that it was actually very nice to sit around a fire and NOT have to sing songs!  Having beverages helped as well.  Not nearly as late of a night but still later then my regular bedtime.

Sunday, Brian and I headed home with numerous stops along the way - shopping, of course!  We got my birthday present (19 inch flat screen for my kitchen) and picked up some things that Sarah wanted.  Discovered Earth's Edge in Grand Haven - great store.  Maybe I got a new pair of shoes there!?  Mr. Fatoosh for a late lunch and home.

Yesterday there was a package in the mail from Zach, brought a tear to my eye that he remembered early enough to get that done!  There have been birthday's in the past that this was not the case so it was especially wonderful that he remembered at a time that he wasn't even home. 

Today started out with Happy Birthday wishes, a smoothie waiting for me at work and instant lottery tickets.

Tomorrow Brian and I are Skyping with Sarah for the 1st time!  Hope to be able to get all of the animals in the office and camera ready!

I am looking forward to a wonderful 44th year!