Our birthday outing with friends was very fun last night and our $20.00-for-four dinner was good indeed. If only DH didn't have a cold (a rather nast one at that)! And on his b-day too, of all days. Oh well. Now..., I just have to hope I dont' get it, ugh.....

After openings presents, DH surprised the kids and me last night with gifts of our own -- special books he bought for all of us, for 'his' birthday. Very sweet and thoughtful of him, although I admit it did 'raise my eyebrow' just a tad (as any unneccessary spending of money tends to do, heh). Mind you, my frugality instincts and resolve do run a bit deeper than DH's (wink). Anyway, he bought them all used through Half.com -- and the book he got me? "Make a Mix', by Eliason, et al -- what a surprise! With all the bulk flours and grains I ordered coming in tomorrow, I'm looking very forward to trying out some of the scratch baking mixes in it. I'm all for saving time, as well as money....

This morning I will be taking our little dog to the vet, for a very much needed dental exam and cleaning. There may be extractions involved, all to the tune of $200 or more. It's pricey, but we love her so and want her to be healthy and well. At her last checkup, the vet said her teeth were in pretty bad shape and in need of attention. So, it has to be done....