Ben’s Blog

It is official now - I am 30. If the adage “with age comes wisdom” is true then at least I can take comfort in the fact that I am getting wiser in the ways of the world. I spent a quiet weekend at the cabin celebrating my birthday with Holly and the dog and had a great time relaxing in between chores.

If I may rant for a moment… Owning “vacation” property is nice, but is no vacation. I spent a fair amount of time this weekend raking leaves, moving firewood, mowing and cleaning so that others enjoy their time when they visit. There is something wrong with this setup…at least I enjoy working while I am up there so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Sometimes I get irked by others visiting/using the cabin because they seem indifferent to the effort that goes into keeping the place up and running - it is more than just a monthly payment. I have so much blood (literally), sweat, and tears wrapped up into the ongoing project that I probably take things a bit too personally. But I digress… That being said - I hope everyone enjoys and gets a chance to visit

So, back to the birthday… I got some unique gifts that suit me perfectly. Holly went crazy at Barnes and Noble - I got a handy cheat sheet to identify Michigan birds, two test booklets for determining IQ (so that we can finally determine who is smarter), as well as a starbucks gift card and a squirrel proof bird feeder (obviously not from B&N). My in-laws gave me a couple how-to books on building sheds, barns and garages as well as a sweet cooler for the boat. My mom sent a nice card and gift (standard check) a couple days late - as to be expected with my mom. I have to cut her some slack…it must be hard to remember your oldest son’s birthday when it falls two days after the Fourth of July.