watching the evening primrose blooms unfurl

This weekend we didn't have any plans, just a short list of small projects to tend to. Saturday morning during breakfast we were having our usual "What do you want to do today?" conversation when Rob said, "Wanna go camping?" and as soon as he said it I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do.

So we packed a cooler, loaded the car, drove for a bit, and voilá! Instant tranquility.

We spent several hours sitting in those camp chairs. I knitted while Rob read aloud from Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice to All Creation (which is fantastic and fascinating and not at all what you think). It was so nice. At one point I thought to myself, "Hmm, we could be doing this same thing at home on the deck." But it's not the same, somehow. Camping is relaxing in a way even deck-sitting isn't, and I suspect that's because camping doesn't allow for phone calls or emails or to-do lists.

In the evening we went for a walk along the river. We saw several deer, and lots of shells.

We made our dinner over the fire and then spent a few more hours in our camp chairs, talking and watching the flames flicker and the embers glow until darkness settled and then deepened and the stars and fireflies started twinkling.

In the morning, we took a hike before heading home. We made our way to some rocks on a ridgetop and looked down at the landscape below. A few falcons glided silently on air currents, their paths gently rising and falling like the rippled mountains below.

All in all, it was a wonderful weekend for regaining some peace and perspective.

Today's my birthday. I always take off work on my birthday. In the past we've often been traveling, but even if we're home I like to have the day for myself. Here's how I spent it this year:

Tea and scones with my mom

A visit to the farmers market, and then a bit of downtown shopping

Making a strawberry-rhubarb pie

Knitting on the deck

Fancy dinner out with Rob, and then back home for some birthday pie and a Ruby June

A lovely summer day, and a most delightful start to my 30th year.

Lots of good stuff happening here. The warm weather is such a treat, and we've been up to all sorts of celebrating...

My best friend's wedding!

A weekend getaway for our anniversary.

A retirement picnic in honor of Rob's parents.

(We hosted the picnic, and so our house and lawn were finally given all the attention they deserve but never seem to get. Our place looks great, which is a rare enough occasion to itself warrant celebration.)

We've got another party planned this week, someone's birthday (okay, mine) next week, and more good things to come. I love this time of year.

a stroll through the farmers market, a visit to the library, and a sit in the sun at my favorite park - all within a block from the office

91. When I call your cell and you answer with "Hey darlin'."

92. The unwitting things you do that crack up my brother. Yes, we are totally laughing at you.

93. That you loved the snorkeling as much as I did.

94. Your sense of humor. Is it possible I haven't mentioned this in previous lists? It's what drew me to you in the first place.

95. How cute your big toes are. I know it sounds strange but I love them.

96. That you understand how stuff (the car, the computer, the universe) works.

97. Your laugh.

98. That when your work buddies are going out to lunch, you'll call and invite me along.

99. How you care so gently for things you've planted and get so excited to see them grow.

100. That you planted mint so I can make my mojitos.

101. The preferential way you treat Maylee. She totally has you wrapped around her little paw.

102. That you making red velvet cupcakes = bloody murder scene all over the kitchen floor.

103. When you say, "What are you doing tonight? I wanna take you out to dinner."

104. That your best example of insubordinate behavior is when you skipped a question on a form at the doctor's office, just because. And, even more, that you related this story so proudly. You rebel.

105. Your playfulness. I love being silly with you.

Seven years. We've now been married for as long as we dated. Back then we were just kids and I used to long for the days when we'd have a grown-up life together, when we'd wake up together and drive places together from our own house and share the ordinary, everyday stuff as a married couple. And now we have that, and I don't take it for granted. Well, of course I do sometimes. But there are plenty of times, like when we're driving to the grocery store or we're at a family picnic, that I smile to myself and think, "This is what I always wanted." And it is still what I want, more than anything.

You are both my greatest friend and my most cherished family. Happy anniversary, Rob.