All year long I thought I was 52 years old. Then a few weeks ago I realized that I was 51. Now today, my birthday, I am 52 again! What the hey...who misses a whole year?

So I am repeating 52 again. I'm feeling kinda lucky about that. I decided that since I've been given this opportunity to repeat my age that I would make the most out of this year. I decide to do a road trip with my sister. What should have taken about 16 hours took us 21. My sister did most of the driving. We were making up skits and songs along the way and we both swore Saturday Night Live would love our material. We think we're hysterical!

We drove all night and our GPS took us through this little town in Alabama called Eufaula. Eufaula is a historic town that has the most amazing Antebellam homes. We drove about 5 miles an hour with the windows down...our mouths wide open...and even though it was 2:00 in the morning...the beauty and the history of these homes was truly incredible.

Our drive took us down 2 lane roads and we were engulfed with the smell of green beans. We decided that a "sniff and scratch" map would be a great thing to have. Then we drove through another town that had a water tower smack dab in the middle of the road with a creepy looking graveyard on the right side of the road. I must admit...this town was a little odd.

We have learned that geography is not our strong point. We decided that we needed to buy a puzzle and practice where all of our states are.

Our first stop, Arkansas, to visit my daughter and the grandkids. Lola greeted me with a birthday hat and Amanda baked me a brownie cake and Nick put Happy Birthday signs all over the house. To my surprise, Henry tapped on my knee, lifted his arms for me to pick him up then put his head on my shoulder and held on tight. Oh my gosh...he was lovin on GiGi instantly. Needless to say, I loved it!!!

Last night we sat outside looking for fireflies. We made up a cute little song to sing to them in hopes of them hearing us. It didn't work. As we were waiting and watching in the moonlight "Taps" came blaring over the loudspeaker....Wow...beautiful. Taps is sounded nightly in military installations at non-deployed locations to indicate that it is "lights out." It is unique with the United States Military, since the call is sounded at funerals, wreath-laying and memorial services. The melody is both eloquent and haunting.

There are a couple of different versions of the lyrics. Here is one version...

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.

I'm wishing you all a Wonderful Wednesday with no complaints...full of thanks and praise for our days. Age, opportunity, history, laughter, birthday hats, brownies, trumpets playing in the night and love...make a difference! (I'm going to look again tonight for a firefly...it's all I want for my birthday!)