Sorry it's been so long between posts!

But I just had to say what a wonderful birthday I had yesterday. My lovely husband (yes, I called the farmer lovely) organized a suprise birthday party at a restaurant last night! We show up, and he asks where I want to sit at this long table, and I'm all confused, and then Tom and Kay, Don and Donna Johnson and Aunt Bernie come out from behind a divider and wish me a Happy Birthday! Sortly, Dale and Marge Magnett arrived, too. It was so much fun!!! And, say what you will about "social media" like Facebook, but it is fun to have people interact and wish you a happy birthday, and you get to see what's up with friends.

On other fronts - Paul is in track, working hard, and getting generally second or third place in various events. He particupated in the Scholar Bowl and has pulled his grades up to all A's, with the exception of a B in math; Mike contunues to farm; I continue to write papers and work on the novel for class. I've arranged my committe and will hold a preliminary meeting with them soon, and then work on my thesis - which is an examiniation of regionalism in writing.