Thank you all so much for the birthday wishes, via my cell phone, e-mail, and of course the blog! I'd rather be home with family of course, but you all have been so thoughtful, it's warmed my heart (as if it needed warming in this Arizona heat!).

We're staying at a brand new Marriott resort here out of Scottsdale called Desert Ridge. They've tried hard to blend it with the surrounding landscape which is nice. I took a walk tonight at sunset in the botanical garden. It is filled with native desert plants and even has small speakers along the walkway with relaxing, new age music softly playing. It was peaceful. The Saguaro cactus is native to the Sonoran Desert and was featured along my walk. It's the tall cactus that sometimes has arms. 20-30 feet tall is about average for an adult. They grow about an inch a year! To me, it has a mystical, almost spiritual quality to it. Learn more at: "www.desertusa.com/july96/du_saguaro.html".

I contemplated my many blessings as I walked, you all being right at the top of my list.

I love you and miss you all. I can already taste the cheesecake.