Somehow, this birthday seemed to have more significance than past years…wonder why…

Mom and I traveled to Savannah, Ga. last weekend to celebrate a milestone birthday. We had a blast! It was my first visit to this beautiful city (I had attended a quilt show at the convention center a year ago February, but didn’t have the chance to see the city) and it definitely won’t be my last visit.

We spent Saturday in the waterfront area (frankly like every other waterfront district on the East and West Coasts, with candy shops, tee shirt shops, bars and street performers), and enjoyed shrimp and grits at Vic’s on the River. Super yummy! We booked a carriage ride for late afternoon (yeah, total tourist thing), but I ran out of steam about an hour before, so the tour people kindly rebooked us for 2 p.m. on Sunday.

After a couple of hours relaxing in the hotel, we headed back to the historic district and drove around the many squares, marveling at the beautiful architecture and elegant parks. Really, it is a gorgeous little city.

Sunday morning, I got a call around 9 a.m. from the carriage driver, who called to let me know that they were cancelling all tours after 1 p.m. due to the weather forecast (high winds, hail, lots of rain) and asking if we would be willing to move our tour to 11 a.m. No problem.

The carriage tour was an absolute blast. Our guide, Kelly Ann, is an elementary school science teacher and is very well-informed about Savannah’s history and culture. She offered a nice blend of historic information and restaurant/bar suggestions. The two other couples on the tour — one from Buffalo and the other from Baltimore — were a lot of fun and seemed to enjoy the tour as much as we did.

At the end of the tour, the Buffalo lady offered to take the obligatory photo of mom and me with “Salt”, the very Zen Percheron (draft horse) who pulled our carriage.

I guess this would be a good time to mention that I am TERRIFIED of horses, right? But Salt was having none of that and decided to show me a little love…by resting his muzzle on my shoulder. Ack!

I pride myself on the fact that I didn’t scream…LOL!

We spent a few more hours walking around the historic district and had a late breakfast at a really cool diner frequented by students and staff from a nearby hospital before heading back to the hotel to rest up for my big birthday dinner (and ride out the storm). Our timing was perfect — the worst of the weather passed through about 20 minutes before we headed to the restaurant.

The Olde Pink House restaurant is widely regarded as the best restaurant in Savannah. I will agree; it was absolutely amazing. The food was incredible, the service was impeccable and — best of all — at the end of the meal, the maitre d’ came to the table to let us know that someone had picked up the check for us. I won’t name that person, but THANK YOU!!! It was a wonderful surprise.

So that was the big weekend. Thanks to everyone who sent birthday greetings — whether by phone, text, email or actual birthday cards. I so appreciate all the good wishes and return the love in full.

Before I go, a quick health update: The clot in my arm seems to be resolving itself, and my Nadir labs on Wednesday were good. I was successful in getting my chemo delayed a week so I can go on my quilt retreat next weekend, so my 5th round (of 6!) is scheduled for May 4. And unless the final round is delayed, I will have my last chemo on May 24. I can’t wait to celebrate the end of chemo and find out what radiation has in store for me. Best of all, Vienna is looking more and more likely in August…