I got a call from my housekeeper, Sherry, today. She told me she wanted to bring over some pillows to replace the old ones in my bedroom. Needless to say, I was surprised when she showed up with my brother Bill and Dane, my houseboy. They brought along a sugar-free birthday cake made with Splenda. We went to my enclosed front porch to visit and enjoy the cake with coffee. While we chatted, I drew everyone's attention to my Eastern Phoebes' nest under the eaves, still under construction. Afterward, we played Mahjong for a couple of hours. We all had a wonderful time, and I thanked Sherry profusely for setting the whole thing up. She gave me an electric eggbeater before leaving. This was the best birthday I've had in several years. 
"The world is my country; all of humanity are my brethren; and to do good deeds is my religion." (Thomas Paine)
