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XLIX

Sunday was my birthday; like Greta, this year I turned XLIX, which I expected to feel quite shocking. (I realize I can't quite write the Arabic numbers as, even though its happened, I'm still a little shocked to have arrived here.) However, as a birthday, it was perfectly buoyant with a few swells. I'm the type who believes that every birthday is a brand new year and a fresh shiny start and absolutely an opportunity to try something different. So I did something I had never done for diverse reasons...fear, tubbiness, arthritis, various phobias including Jaws and bunnies. But I was stern with myself and thus enjoyed my Very First Kayak Experience!

I was afraid that parts of me would hang over the sides in an infamous way, or that I would be stuck inside, or capsize, or get hurt, or be claustrophobic, or exhausted, creating the circumstances to drift out to sea to be fatally nibbled by sharks, or picked up by a freighter crewed by non-English speakers going in the opposite direction of my dear little doggies. Oh, and that jellyfish would jump into my personal craft. But none of that happened. Surprise! We are sea-worthy! At least in a lake!

Having a bit of time for celebratory reflection while watching ospreys and clouds go by, I did exactly that, quietly, so as not to alarm the egrets or herons. So much to be grateful about! But tonight I'll thank Terri and her Big Fella for their outdoor inspiration and my beautiful sister for her unflagging confidence in my ability to leap without looking and my excellent son for insisting I could *so* do it (and also helping me out of the kayak on the first day or I'd probably be sitting there still, anticipating jumping jellyfish). Sweet!

Kayaking. It's not just for grannies anymore (kidding! I'm kidding!). I can do it! I am saving my money for four of these.

Obligatory Knitting Content
Meh. Some socks.

Ex gratia Crochet Content
Yeah! I hope to show you tomorrow. Amigurumi!

The Usual Content
So! This is XLIX! Well all right! Next year, rock-climbing. At the vile day-job today, I daydreamed of still waters. Two out of four dachshunds approved.

Cheers!