I am writing fast and then I will get ready and go have lunch to celebrate with my sister. I would be perfectly happy alone celebrating, but she feels like that wouldn't be enough. We already had a family dinner last night with my nephew and his family, including his father-in-law from Indiana. It wasn't a birthday dinner, but they did give me a beautiful talavera pottery cat with a ponytail palm in it (like his tail). Very cute and nice and "me."

I've been responding to people on Facebook and email and text so far, and one call from my aunt. It really is nice to get all the messages and well wishes. I know that takes effort and I often do NOT do it, so I appreciate seeing all the familiar names of old friends.

I haven't told the company yet, but I am heading to retirement! I talked to my financial guy this week and decided it is time. It is exciting! I had a meeting scheduled with my boss for Tuesday (he scheduled it) and thought I would tell him then, but he has canceled it so I may have to just call him. I probably will work until April 4 so I can get medical for all of April from the company.

I really enjoyed talking to my niece last night. She is about to be 10 and is in fourth grade. She is learning Texas history! I don't think they taught that to me in fourth grade, but we moved to Colorado during that time so maybe I missed it. She really likes what she is learning and that excites me! She was quizzing me with things she has learned and I knew all but one (how could I forget William B. Travis????). She was excited to know she is related to Colonel Fannin even if he did screw up the battle and let his men be massacred. She played the piano for me (a lot by ear) and is so talented. She also has been printing these intricate dragons she designed on a 3D printer! Amazing what kids can do now.

It was nice to see my nephew's father-in-law again. I met him at the wedding in 2014 and he came and joined us for Christmas because his wife had just died. That was the last time I saw him even though he visits them frequently. They never include our family in their family things, which is perplexing. He is my age and very vibrant and interesting. We talked about the importance of retiring "young" and he was right there with me (and has retired already).

Yesterday was another dust storm day. Brutal. Lots more dirt in the air this time (or maybe I was just out on the roads to see it in the air). In the dark it looked like fog. Everywhere there were big parking lot lights it looked like a smoke show at a concert. Calm and settled and clear and warm today. Spring is back.

Oh, so I don't forget. I did get started on that desk clearing last week and was making good progress....when my sister texted and wanted to come over. So I enjoyed a good visit with her, but the project fell by the wayside. Well, in a couple more weeks I'll have lots and lots of time for my projects.