Another year!

Original Birthday Greetings from daughter Courtney, talented founder of Duvall Handmade~

My birthday was something I was never fond of until my amigo Dean reminded me years ago - of what the alternative was!  Since then - I've Celebrated every one with gusto :-)  The day started with birthday wishes via PM from eldest Grandson Ben!  Flowers, card & balloon from my husband too!

 I was on the road early to Smokey Point Chiropractic - it had been well over a year since I'd visited after Farah & I had fallin' off the bridge.  Since I'm still working on feeling better - it was time to see if my ongoing headache & vertigo could be alleviated.  Dr. Jay helped - I'm set up with a new treatment program & really hopeful that it will help!

Some light shopping - picking Valentines cards for our grand-kids, then a really nice, quiet lunch with Linda.  After pouring morning rain - the sun appeared as I drove home.   There was a big box waiting!

My new Saddle Bags!

I'd been looking for saddle bags, large enough for a bottle of wine!  Thinking ahead to this years trip to Cave B!  (These were highlighted in the Feb. 2015 issue of Western Horseman Magazine.)  Insulated, with plenty of pockets for lunch & bottles of wine too!

Great Card!  :-)

 That small unknown singing group from Duvall, called to sing me the birthday song!  There's a new baritone in the ensemble!  Another call & a beautiful sweet rendition by our youngest Granddaughter, Josie!  Butch was home early - we ended the day with a fun dinner with friends in Arlington!   I looked through every birthday greeting that I'd received on Facebook - too fun!  So nice to be remembered on that one day of the year that makes each & every one of us special!

My Birthday!

Entrance of Rhodes River Ranch

Hoping for sunshine, I knew it wasn't going to happen.  It was a typical Western Washington Winter Day...  Gray, wet - but warmer!   A kiss from my husband started my day, then I found the pretty flower & card in the kitchen!  Next, a call from Mom!  I feel so lucky to have my Mom in my life!  Our daughter Jentry called yesterday & invited me to lunch today at one of my favorite places!  Couldn't resist the opportunity see her & those two little granddaughters that we love so much! 

Entry Signage

I headed out mid-morning & enjoyed the drive east from Arlington.  It had been a while since I'd been to visit the ranch - so the new entry was a surprise!  Stunning & perfect for the ranch.

Would have loved to see these on today!

The new gate, posts, hardware, lighting - all just beautiful & only adding to the natural beauty of the area outside Oso, WA.

Marble Sculpture

I wanted to ask where the marble came from, maybe the quarry I know in Colorado?  Very beautiful stone & interesting artistic impression.

Once inside, the Restaurant ahead!

The food is So good here - that even if you don't have a horse, or a real reason to visit - you need to - for the food!  I had the spinach salad & added a side of candied bacon to compliment it!   Jentry & the girls brought me a pink rainbow pony birthday balloon & very useful gifts for the camper!

Once I was back in cell range, there was a message from a strange musical group that I've only heard once or twice before - singing me the Birthday Song!  The message said something about everyone being under the weather... but besides sounding a little off-key - I think I recognized the lead signer as our oldest daughter,  accompanied by grand-kids; Mason & Cassidy!

Great day!  Thanks everyone!