Another Year

I passed irrevocably into another year of my life last weekend. To celebrate, I spent the day with my favorite Iowa City companions - Brian and Steen.

this photo was not actually taken on my birthday, and it's already on Steen's blog, but it cracks me up so I'm posting it here, too

We let Cal hang out with us as well, and we went for a nice ride, followed by tea and a quiet afternoon, with much talking on the phone to family and friends not in Iowa City. One exciting feature of the day was a video call with my brother and his fiance Susie, who are currently in England.

we had a nice chat, the two of them on one end of the camera, Brian and me on the other

they even lit a candle for me, though in the end Susie had to help me blow it out

In the evening, Brian and I headed downtown for a lovely dinner. It was a pleasant evening and we enjoyed the walk and the food.

So, really, my brithday was mostly just like any other typical weekend day in the life of Robin. I suppose it says good things about my life that I find it difficult to think of any other kind of day I could enjoy more.

Almost Frosty

Late last week a huge late-fall storm rolled in and blew all the pretty leaves off the maple in our neighbor's yard. This has done a lot to change the feel of the study. It's looking increasingly wintry out the window.

I find myself actually looking forward to the next season this year. I am anticipating skiing again, and even the glacial simplicity of winter rides at the barn hold a certain appeal. I kind of enjoy the change to fluffy horse-hair and bareback rides, and working on little, refined things that won't cause Steen to break a sweat.

A few weeks ago I went to the Orthoptics Clinic due to the eye-problems I was having, and when the doctor stepped out for a few moments I chatted with the resident. She told me she had just moved to Iowa City and was already certain the winter would be horrible. I gave her my advice - get out in the cold, do something in it to get your blood pumping, and you will adjust. She looked at me with great skepticism and said, "I'm an indoor girl."

What can you do for these people?