Surprise! Surprise!

Last week was so much fun and filled with some great surprises.  My dear Hubby never ceases to amaze me when it comes to celebrating my birthday, which has been termed "birthday extravaganza" for many years now.   Simply because it always seems that my birthday lingers on for about a week instead of a day.   And that is exactly how last week went for me and I couldn't have been happier with it!

It all started with what I thought was the best birthday surprise - a plane ticket to spend a weekend in Florida with some of my favorite friends in Georgia.   I was estatic, as I miss C, C, and L so very, very much!  Mentally,  I am already on the beach with drink in hand and sand between my toes.   I couldn't have asked for more...

Until Thursday rolled around and I got another huge surprise!  I really wasn't expecting anything else - ticket and some new perfume from the girls was plenty enough.   So on Thursday, two days past my birthday, I really was taken off guard and by surprise when my sister and cousin W flew in from Atlanta to spend the weekend with me!  I mean seriously - when I thought it just couldn't get any better!

So we spent the weekend touring Philly and the surrounding areas - the leaves are starting to change and give the slight hint of color and it is just beautiful this time of year.   We ate some great food, drank some delicious wine and did a lot of chatting! Just perfect!  I think I wore them out by the time their visit ended.

To end the weekend and after all went back home, we hit the ball field to see the Phillies host the Braves.   We had been warned by many a Phillies fan to be on guard if we were to wear our Braves' gear to the game.   And we did - I mean I have to root for my home team!!  And by pleasant surprise, the Phillies' fans around us could not have been nicer and so full of advice for this southern girl.   Besides the Braves' shirt, it was a dead give away that I was a foreigner to this land when I ordered my cheesesteak with provolone cheese.   Big No No - only Cheese Whiz for the locals and the only way to go!  And then to visit and eat one from Steve's - apparently the best in the city!

Let's Go Bravos!

There really is no better gift than to be with family and friends.   While not everyone in my family could be here on my special day, I still heard their voices on the phone and am anxiously awaiting for their visits really soon.  And of course, the girls' trip in a few weeks ...  I am one happy girl!  Looking forward to a fun, busy October.