Dear 29 Candles on a Raspberry Trifle,

You looked like you were about to burn the house down. "There's a lot more than 29 on there, right?" I asked my friends as they carried you out of the kitchen.

"Nope!" one said gleefully. (He's 24. Just wait a few years, buddy.)

It was like a scene out of a chick flick. You know the one. Where the single woman with a high-stress job and a cat stares her years in the face while Stevie Nicks sings Landslide soulfully in the background.

And yet, as I blew out your flames reflected like a conflagration in my eyes (no bifocals yet, thankyouverymuch), I couldn't think of anything to wish for. Surrounded by dear friends and fully aware of tons more friends all around the world wishing me well, with a hand-made trifle made with raspberries from my friend's own garden, on a front porch in autumn-like weather without the imminent threat of winter, I could only hope the next 29 years are full of such comfort and contentment as I've heretofore experienced.

Hugs & kisses,
B

Dear Weather,

Now that it's September, I think it's time we had a little chat. The thing is, I'm really kind of sick of trying to pick out outfits that look cute that I also don't mind sweating in. This 90° and 100° stuff you've been pulling since June has just got to stop. I don't want to sweat in my sundresses like they're athletic gear, but I don't want to wear ugly workout clothes all the time, either. Let's talk about moderation. Do you know what that means? Now that we're heading into autumn, I think it's a good time for you start practicing moderation in your temperatures and humidity. I think that if we work together on this, we can find a balance we're all happy with.

Hugs & kisses,
B

Dear JH,

Thank you so much for giving me an air conditioner on Tuesday. With nothing but 95° highs in the forecast, that little box in my window will surely be what keeps me from dying in my upstairs attic apartment. And although one of the reasons I came to Wisconsin was to get away from summers like these, the kindness of friends like you makes it all worth the move.

Hugs & kisses,
B

Dear Kids Who Live Downstairs,

Thanks for recruiting me into your water battle this afternoon. I confess: I had fully intended to plant my geraniums on the balcony and go inside for a nap, but combining my watering can with your battle against your dad (a.k.a. my landlord) was something akin to brilliance.

Of course, I do have reservations. Aiming a water gun at my landlord seems, shall we say, counterintuitive. He seemed okay with it, though. At least, I think that's what the dousing I got meant.

Now, though, I'm really tired, but the nap is much more earned, at least.

May we have many more of these in the summer days ahead!

Hugs & kisses,
B