Last year was the biggie—I turned—dare I say it??—60. Yikes! Where did the time go? I tell myself I’m still a kid, because after all, Mom often treats me as one. It used to annoy me, but now it makes me feel younger.

Last year our daughter threw me an amazing surprise party. It wasn’t easy for her to pull it off, considering all that went on last year around the time of my birthday. My mother-in-law, Doris, who lived in the guesthouse on our property, passed away the end of October 2014. That was about the time I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

We were overwhelmed with  family who showed up in Havasu for her service—Doris would have been so pleased. And we were overwhelmed again, when so many of those same people showed up a second time—in Sacramento at our daughter and son-in-law’s home, for my surprise party. (Overwhelmed in a very good way.)

This year I’ll be celebrating a quieter birthday. We are in a better place this year—health wise. Plus, my Haunting Danielle series is going very well, for which I am grateful. We miss Doris—it has been even harder on Mom, who misses her friend. Last year both the moms lived with us; this year it’s just my mom.

We’re also looking forward to Christmas and spending it with our daughter’s family.

Doubt I will have any birthday cake today—but if I play my cards right, I bet I can talk Don into taking me to Yogurt Paradise.