I am the older woman.

This was it. This was the weekend I turned a year older. It's not so bad really. Except now, for the next two weeks, Peter is younger than I am. That's unfortunate.

Jill and I headed up to his house Friday night. When we visit Peter, he gives up his house to Jill and I and he sleeps in the "big house." He came into his house early and noisily on Saturday morning (my birthday) singing happy birthday and tossing things about all willy-nilly. He came into my room (technically his) and continued tossing stuff about. It was confetti. How fun! But I must confess I was sleepy enough I just didn't get it. I think I might have even been a little cranky at the rude interruption to my dreams. It didn't take long for me to appreciate the fun of it.

There was also a present waiting for me. A smallish box. I laughed and said "well, I'm guessing it's not a bicycle!" Inside was a pair of trekking poles, to ensure my safety on our treacherous hikes. As I commented on the loveliness of the carbon-fiber, lightweight poles, Peter explained that they were very special poles indeed and I should examine them closely. I rolled my eyes. Men! Men and their tools! What is it with them anyway!??! But I humored him and I carefdully examined the poles from one end to the other. As I approached the pointy end of the second pole something sparkled. It sparkled big! But I couldn't get to the sparkly thing! I didn't want to damage the very special lightweight, carbon-fiber pole but I also wanted to tear it apart - but perseverance and patience paid off and I was finally able to get to it. It was a beautiful, custom-made sapphire and diamond birthstone ring. ooooh. I haven't been able to get a good photo of it or I would show you. Sorry.

Later Saturday we were out in the white shed/workshop gathering items for making chicken coops. What should I stumble upon? A bicycle! Not just one bicycle but TWO. Peter and I now have matching rides. Do you suppose I was experiencing some esp earlier?

This morning I took my new ride out for a spin, while Peter took a shower. It was raining so I didn't go far. As I came back to the house I stopped the bike, put my left foot on the pavement and swung my right foot over the bike. The hem on my boot-cut jeans caught on the bicycle seat. I balanced on one foot, the other foot in the air, stuck. I hopped a bit. I wiggled my leg trying to get it loose. Leg wiggling caused my balance to falter. Bike and I started to list to the left, then to the right. I started hopping some more, with one leg still up in the air. It was like slow motion as the two of us fell to the ground, intertwined like lovers - I tried to throw myself under the bike to protect it, but I also needed to protect my newly aged body. I think the bike survived quite well. I, however, have two bruised and scraped knees, two bashed elbows and my right shoulder is quite stiff and uncomfortable. Sigh..

Man it's rough getting old!