40 for daysssss

i had a birthday, and it was a new decade birthday, so we really took our time to celebrate. i had 3 days off of work in the middle of the week, and day 1 was birthday eve celebrated with the kids and as a family, with stand up paddle boarding,

gifts and gifts and gifts,

 

the next morning at about 8 am, while trying to get packed up for a night away, i was called to the front door to find a surprise assembly of lovely neighbor friends, who had decorated my home, written a song, brought gifts, and then sang the new song to me about me. it was completely overwhelming and i felt absolutely loved. that feeling is the greatest gift. 

once i wiped away my tears, cleaned up the toilet paper, and bundled the kids off to morning camp drop off, david and i hit the road. we drove out to wisconsin's hilly and gorgeous driftless region for bike riding and hiking and merriment. we rode the trails in the kickapoo valley state reserve, and crossed the kickapoo river lots of times in covered bridges and then had a picnic lunch on a bench by a historical marker marking the spot of the old school house in this valley.

after biking, we went to the wildcat mountain state park and hiked up a steep trail to the top of a beautiful bluff. it was getting pretty hot out. 

after all that activity, we found our airbnb apartment in this old tobacco warehouse, and showered and hydrated and headed out into the town of viroqua for some dinner.  

we checked out the cool huge used book store in a warehouse around the corner from ours,

and then we stumbled upon a very lovely city center evening market and music celebration.

finally we made it to the driftless cafe, owned by a friend, and were treated to a memorable dining experience.

then we slept the sleep of a satiated 40 year old, while a thunderstorm roared out the window in viroqua. it was a perfect birthday.

back home the next day, we hugged the kids, ran errands, and got ready for a lakeside birthday potluck picnic.  

and then today, when it was all finally finally over, i thought to myself, ok, alright, let's get back to work and back to real life.... and low and behold, guess what i found when i got to work: a decorated office,

the golden glitter speculum,

and a delicious birthday potluck in the breakroom.

if 40 has brought me anything, it's brought a feeling of support, surrounded by love and community, filling my heart and soul with satisfaction. and that's just the truth.