My beloved husband, Brian, has his birthday today. Both of us had work to do during the day, but we connected at Altu’s restaurant for dinner. Our friend Mike Ross (from Scarlet Runner Stringband) was the musical performer of the evening, and Brian sat in with Mike on a handful of numbers.

A bunch of musical friends were at the restaurant. Also some neighbors and their kids and inlaws were also there. It felt sort of “family night” because I think I knew someone at every table.

I got Brian a piece of Cherry Berry Berry pie from Sweetielicious pie company in Dewitt (Mich.) today. I also admitted a simple-to-predict defeat… so instead of Brian getting handknit socks (the yarn for which I bought over a month ago, but which have not even been cast on), I bought him a couple of pairs of Smartwool short socks. I hope he will enjoy wearing these while bike riding this summer.

What can I say… Brian and I met about a dozen years ago. We’ve been married 11 years. Nothing is “perfect,” I guess, but excellence exists and the life we have together is definitely excellent. Simple, but authentic. I can not imagine a better partner for me.

May you have many, many more, my love…

(Photo was taken at the Creole Gallery in Old Town Lansing, Michigan, July 2006, when we opened for the Steppin’ in It show.)