Greetings from the Top of the Hill (not over it)

Birthday season has been in full swing and I have had an awesome time. On Sunday I thought I was having lunch at California Pizza Kitchen with a couple of friends but they actually fooled me into entering a Build-A-Bear Workshop where a group of our friends were waiting to surprise me with a Build-A-Bear party. What a hoot! We all built the best animals. The bear body I chose turned out to be a Read bear and part of his proceeds go to First Book. You can choose clothing and accessories to dress your bear or chosen animal friend. Mine has Skechers sneakers, cargo shorts, a surfer shirt, little white socks, and tighty-whities under it all. His name is Chester. Build-A-Bear has a very endearing ceremony for the placement of the bear's heart during the stuffing process. I did not carry a bear around as a child, but I love this bear and I continue to be full of joy. TallFunnyMan (and his wife) participated fully as did Smashler, both of whom were dreading it and both of whom came to enjoy it. ScheduleMaster and Queen of TR also made really cute animals. All of the participants in lunch turned out to be a surprise as well. I'm a very lucky person. I even had Perkins banana cream pie for dessert. When I blew out my candles I only had to wish for the continuing company of those good friends.