Birthday? What Birthday?

I've been asked by a few people what I have planned for my birthday this year, and for good reason.

I usually use my birthday as an excuse to invite friends over and show them a good time.  This is usually a big night for s'mores, sometime sparklers and roman candles, or backyard camping... an adult slip-n-slide down the hill....  Just general fun, and not too much different from the many other little campfire nights I host, save an activity or two.

So a few have expressed concern over their missing invites this year. Not just for the birthday, but for the campfires and cookouts in general.  They are worried I'm upset with them, or depressed, or...

No need to worry.  I'm fine and I'm not angry with anyone.  I'm not for, or against, celebrating my birthday. That was never really the point of these gatherings in the first place.

Truth be told, I have a long list of reasons I haven't invited anyone over this year.

First, my ankle injury was a little more severe than we had hoped. I was stuck in bed keeping weight off it to let it heal for longer than I would like, and it still has been giving me grief.

Time, would be another factor as I have been very preoccupied with searching for a job, and there was also a wedding I was in which I had happily dedicated a few weekends to for showers and parties.

Following that, as I am still job hunting, and well... Unfortunately those gatherings I host do cost a bit. I mean, I'm good at planning on a budget, but I just have to be extra cautious with my cash at the moment.

And lastly and the biggest reason?  It has been a VERY wet year.  Not the best year for living along water.  The yard is still a little mushy since it flooded last spring and never dried up it seems. And even if we could dry out the fire pit area enough, you would be drained of blood before you could toast the first marshmallow. I have never seen mosquitoes swarm quite so bad.

So it is just not meant to be, and that's okay. Hopefully, come fall, the fates will be a little more accommodating.

All this said, I do miss you all, and look forward to being able to hang out again for some backyard shenanigans soon.