I'd told Mom I would call her yesterday when we were leaving here to pick her up -

but then spaced that out.

So she was surprised when we appeared at the apartment.  Her new paint job (done while she was visiting Arizona in February) looks nice.  And I got to see Harry's lovely giraffe drawing, which hangs in a prominent spot between the kitchen and sunroom.

We had a relaxing afternoon over at Mink Hollow, and even sat out on the deck for a while

since it wasn't quite as humid as Thursday.

Sandy and I took lots of pix - but Marilyn, as usual, refused to be photographed.  Even later, when Mom specifically requested a pic of the Birthday Girl with her three children. Sigh...

Once Andy got home from work Mom opened her gifts.

Once Pippa had discovered no food was involved (at least for the time being)

she sat back and watched.

Not surprising that a few giraffes showed up.

Andy grilled melt-in-your-mouth steaks for dinner;

luckily the rain had waited until we were all inside chowing down.

It was a lovely family day together!

Today Marilyn and I will spend the day at Riderwood, where there will still be gifts for Mom to open on her actual birthday.  The one I'd ordered (and had sent directly there) is still waiting patiently on Mom's desk (because I'd forgotten all about it yesterday), and something Marilyn ordered to be shipped directly there is likely to arrive today.

Didn't bake her a cake - but there's still time, right?