When Mom saw me this morning, the first words out of her mouth were: "It must be your birthday. Nothing else could bring such a smile to your face. Except maybe a boy."

I *LOVE* my mom.

The smile only got bigger when I saw the bevy of birthday wishes here - thank you ALL!

So far the day has been lovely! It is sunny and warm for the first time in YEARS on my birthday. And I didn't have to rush into work and I had a leisurely shower and painted my toenails (a bronze tone - lovely!) and I am wearing my FAVORITE sparkly horse shirt that my sister gave me. And I had yummy coffee and a sticky bun for breakfast.

And though the horses were where they didn't belong (the gate wasn't double safety latched and they let themselves in near the barn) they were great about going out. And I got horse time and Indy smooches before work, and I plan a short day here. And sushi, or maybe a salad roll, for lunch!

And I am going to get my hair coloured later, I think. And I'll see Cara Lee. And I shall ride in the sunshine, and we are going to have a spaghetti feed for supper. And there have been puppy smooches and will be more and our neighbors found their awol puppy (thank GOODNESS!) and life, it is good!

AND, last night, I rode Joy for the first time since the clinic. It was in the round pen (giving us both our comfort zone) and it was WONDERFUL. We still have our issues, of course, but I found a happy stirrup length medium for now, and when I was itching the nasty mosquito bite sweet joy TOTALLY offered to itch it for me if that would help. *sweetie* And, stuff I learned at the clinic was totally helping. So YAY!

This year is starting out right. Any day I can wake with a smile on my face and keep it there for hours is good by me!

Thanks, you all!

ETA, for posterity, horoscope!
From Georgia Nicols

If Your Birthday Is Today
Actor Liam Neeson (1952) shares your birthday. You're very entertaining and charming. People love being in your company. IN part this is because you know how to please them. You always have your finger on the pulse of the public. You understand trends and society. You're earthy and sensuous. (And sometimes shocking.) You're very loyal to loved ones. In the year ahead, an important choice will arise. Choose wisely.

Hmmm. a choice, eh? INNNNNNNNNNTERRRESTInNG. VERRRRRRRRRRRRY INTERESTING. / silly fake eastern european accent. :D.