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.

Happy Birthday to you! Hope you are having a wonderful birthday. Make sure you get some free cake (and a song) somewhere. I'm sure ready to party-hearty tomorrow!

I hope everyone has a fantastic day. It sure is a beautiful time of year.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETHEART!

Last night I finished "Crow Lake", by Mary Lawson. I highly recommend the book to all. A wonderful, lyrical story of tragedy and loss, and finally, self discovery. I also enjoyed how the author used nature and a sense of place to tell her story. This is Lawson's first book and it's a wonderful debut. Get it and read it. I've given my copy to your mom.

Thank you for your fasting and prayers for Laurel. She and I had a nice chat last night after everyone left and I was impressed with how much she wants to change. She needs affirmation from all of us all of the time.

So, today is the first day of June and I can hardly recall where the last month went. Ed thanks for picking up Laurel and helping with her dumb bell ideas. I need all of the support I can get. How would you like to feel lost, sad and tired? Well, I plan to change all of that today...I really need a Sunday. I love you all. me