✴Courtney for all the scrumptious treats, flowering bulbs, sweet socks, massage (ah!) and most of all, the exemplary company during my week in Mountain View.

✴James for driving the squeamish females to a sun-filled day in Golden Gate Park, the de Jung Museum and then tasty Thai!

✴Melinda for an elegant and ever so delicious salad lunch in your amazing home. And for indulging me with the walk to Los Gatos via the amazing new library and then splitting a birthday patisserie! So many laughs and wonderful chat. So lucky are we to have so delightful a family join ours!

✴Steve for gracing my home with your whimsical and evocative sculpture (that I’ve been coveting for years). And for your ever mirthful, warm, generous presence in LAS VEGAS baby!

✴Leif and Sonya for those beautifully woven baskets and intricately carved ivory box. Sonya, wish you could have joined us in Las Vegas! Leif, just being around you always feels like a party! Thanks for the Slots lessons and the 2am best company ever in the casinos.

✴Harry for the old home movies that made me laugh so hard I cried! Oh, the memories - bringing Mom and Dad and Leslie back for my birthday.  Thanks so much! And how I appreciate the Java card. Helping Lynne make it through her Mondays....

✴David for the sweet email birthday greeting and for bringing Liz into our lives and having a terrific family reunion wedding in Nebraska next June! Always appreciate our marathon phone calls catching up and giving your old aunt much needed financial tips.

✴Cheryl for watering and keeping all in order at my place. Love the beautiful little dipping plates (of olive oil of course).