Zoe cuts Owen's birthday cake

Here's some footage of Owen after he blew out his candles. There are days when Zoe is such a little kid, and others when she shows her maturity. I think this shows how grown up she is becoming. Fittingly, this was at her little brother's party.

The kids had their faces painted at the Purim celebration at our temple. It was a nice way to celebrate Owen's birthday.

Since he was sick the previous week, and Bob became and continues to be very sick with pneumonia, it's been a tough couple weeks. Bob is still quite sick now. As a result, we could not plan a big birthday party for Owen.

When I was about six or seven, I remember the entire family was sick for my mid-January birthday more than once. I remember my mom pulling out a frozen cherry pie for one birthday. That was a big huge disappointment. It was certainly not what I wanted.

Another year when I turned ten my birthday was missed again. I brattishly insisted that my name be added to my sister Leesa's cake. Her birthday is a month after mine in February. We had the bakery lady to pipe in pink frosting: "Happy Birthday Sue-Lee!" The bakery lady asked us if the recipient was Chinese.

Happy Birthday Owen!

As you can see, Owen is doing better. Tomorrow is his forth birtday. My sisters sent him this terrific T-shirt. Good for a Boston boy nearly born on St. Patrick's day.

Walking Pneumonia

 
Poor little Owen has been sick with walking pneumonia. He's been running high fevers and has a very bad cough. We've each been suffering with something bad for the past few weeks. In this picture, he's climbed into my sweater for some comfort and warmth. He actually looks pretty good considering.

It's nearly his birthday. We're not sure if he'll be up for a party. These germs are running rampant in the area. So, I'm hesitant to schedule anything.

It's been a rough winter with lots of challenges. Let's hope it is soon forgotten with the upcoming Spring.

k. d. lang at UNC's Memorial Hall

Wow, that’s all I can say. Zoe and I went to the k. d. lang performance at UNC's Memorial Hall in Chapel Hill.  It was a thrilling event for me. 

 

The last time I saw her was in Boston before Zoe was born.  It’s pretty clear that k. d. lang enjoyed herself last night.  I was amused to see that she can smile while singing. She had a wonderful response from and connection with the audience.

 

The concert featured songs from her latest album, Watershed, and several from Hymns of the 49th Parallel album.  Her amazing voice, transformed Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah."  She brought tears to my eyes.

 

Zoe was very upset that she did not sing her personal favorite, "After the Gold Rush" (Neil Young).  Still, she was happy to have a night on the town with mom.

 

Memorial Hall is a beautifully-restored venue. The opening act touring with k. d. lang is a very accomplished pianist, Dustin O'Halloran.  As far as piano instrumentals go, it was excellent.