Wow, it’s been a while since my last post. It’s been a very busy week. Mr. Max, my love bug, is now nine! So, of course we’ve had birthday doin’s. I was all set to take a plethora of pictures at his party, but of course the battery was dead! Various beloved relatives have photos and I just know they will email them to me any day so that I may share a little more about Max’s grand day!

On a much sadder note, my dad passed away this week. None of his family even knew he was ill, but apparently he had been in the hospital for a week. When the hospital called his neighbors (the only contact they had) with the news that he was critical, it was too late. By the time his neighbors reached family, he was already gone. My relationship with my dad is complicated, but I’m very sad that he is not here with us anymore. He was a wonderful encourager and a very talented and smart man.

But today a happy thing happened. I got my B is for Betsy book and it is even cuter than I anticipated!

Do you see the bonus item? Yup! It’s a real four leaf clover! I wonder how long it’s been pressed inside this book. What a treasure, eh? And the book itself is wonderful and in marvelous condition. Probably because it’s been protected by the clover!

Here are a few more of the darling illustrations:

Wow, I’m really happy I bought the most expensive edition available. It was well worth the $20 and I know I’m going to love reading it. I’m calling it my birthday present to myself! I wish I could drop everything and read it right now!