the Grabers: What a great birthday!

I was born 58 years ago in Kobe, Japan.

My parents lived on the south island of Kyushu but flew to Kobe the week before my due date to have me in the Canadian hospital located there.

My first plane ride - I was 1 week old, to fly back home.

Some families don't celebrate birthdays.

Other families make a HUGE deal of them, spending hundreds of dollars.

We have always just celebrated with family (except for our "over the hill" birthdays when lots of friends were invited!). Nothing big, but very special!

On my birthday this year, I went to Wichita to have a fun day by myself!

My zoo pass was going to expire the end of June (and we aren't renewing since the kids have moved far enough away that it won't pay for itself), so I decided to have a couple of hours at the zoo!

Yes, it is fun, even going alone! I could take my time and just amble about.

The grandchildren don't like to go to the Australian exhibit - maybe a little afraid of birds on the loose - so that was one place I wanted to go!

I wanted to see the chimps, but they are redoing the air-conditioning and it was closed. Sad. I love to watch them. (except, actually, since watching a PBS show about chimps in the wild and how they chase little tiny monkeys and rip them apart to eat them!!! I have totally gotten grossed out and shocked about that so maybe it is ok not to watch them anymore!! Ha!)

The girls never want to go see the lions anymore so I went to see them too.

After the zoo, I had so much fun! I had all kinds of birthday rewards from various places.

Free mocha frap from one of my favorite places!

and a free orange scone from Panera!!

$15 gift card from Eddie Bauer!

There was a shirt regularly for $55 on the 70% off rack and then with my $15 gift card I was able to get the shirt for $1.59!!!

Thank you, Eddie Bauer!

I had a $10 gift card to World Market - LOVE that place! I got 2 pair of earrings for free!

Then off to Cinnamon Deli's for my favorite sandwich!! Turkey-avocado-cream cheese.

This is a photo I found on-line of what I ordered. I had them cut my sandwich into thirds. I ate 1/3rd and took the other home for Sunday dinner for Al and myself. The sandwich is HUGE!

I found this recipe to make my own sometime:
2 slices thick cut bakery style bread, lightly toasted
4-5 slices deli turkey
1/2 avocado, sliced
1 T. light mayo
2-3 T low-fat cream cheese (I think they put on the whole tub at Cinnamon Deli's!)
1/4 c. alfalfa sprouts

When I got home, I read a book and rested. Then Al took me out to eat, then took me out to East Lake to watch the sun set. What a perfect day!