We celebrated Jeff’s 60th birthday over the weekend. He couldn’t believe that he was actually 60. It feels so natural for us to be together, we’re always shocked when we’re reminded that we have over a thirty year age difference. Really? Are you sure? Like somehow the math doesn’t add up. I realized I didn’t get a single picture of him on his birthday (darn, I wanted one of him blowing out his candle), but took some of him today with that old building in the background that he’s been working so hard to dismantle lately. (He salvaged enough metal today for us to use for the roof on the chicken coop- yay!)

Do birthdays make you feel sentimental? They do for me. They make me pause and feel a deeper gratitude for those I love. I’ve been feeling really thankful for Jeff lately. For so many things about him. For his unwavering love and support. He has an incredible dedication to those he loves. He has a determination to do the best he can with what he has and not wait till later. He has endless creativity and can always seem to create extraordinary things out of seemingly nothing. He has a passion to speak his truth and cares for the well being of the world in a way I’ve never seen. He cares so much that sometimes it makes him angry when he sees people being wronged and sometimes it makes him cry. For all his determination and passion, for all his strength- he has an even bigger heart. Sometimes he seems to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders and other times he’s as lighthearted and carefree as a child. When he laughs, the whole world feels brighter to me. And I’m so glad to live life with him. That doesn’t mean we don’t drive each other nuts on occasion, but it seems the longer we’re together and the better we understand one another, the deeper our love grows.

 (Recently we had to replace a few tools and Jeff got a free Stihl hat. Bracken always wanted to wear it. Then we got another one and now they can both wear them together. Yes, believe it or not, the elf hats are occasionally ditched for “baseball caps.”)

 I made Jeff a birthday crown to wear while he blew out his candles. You’re never too old to wear a birthday crown, right? After Jeff wore it, Bracken put it on during the festivities.

 I used a piece of wool felt and when I thought of Jeff, a sun came to mind. So I used cotton embroidery thread to create a sun and put a J in the middle.

 I had been saving this card for Jeff’s birthday. As soon as I saw this card (made by Nadja of Frost Lane), I wanted to give it to him. I have a soft spot for gnomes.

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The first Saturday Market was on Saturday. As you can see, we missed it. Sorry to those of you who visited and didn’t see us. (Though I’m glad we stayed home and celebrated Jeff’s birthday instead of being in the pouring rain at market.) We’re getting ready for market and will be back soon.