First off let me wish a belated shared birthday to Muiread, my cousin Mary K., and John Mayer. Hope everyone had a pleasant day.

I worked yesterday, lest my co-workers riot for the lack of treats. I made peanut butter brownies using the recipe from Camp Wesley Woods. They tasted just like I remembered. And for those chomping at the bit to get the recipe so you too can relive your camp days, I’ll get it posted this weekend.

Over my lunch hour I completed the oh-so-exciting task of renewing my drivers’ license. Five years already? Where does the time go? The picture is acceptable but I’m still not sold on the overly girly pink license. Can’t we get black and gold ones? Please?

After work, I was joined by Jerry, Sara, Taly, Diane, Colleen, and Ben for a very tasty birthday dinner at Blackstone. I got some fun cards, a beautiful green necklace from the Kollasches, and then a big group gift that I will show off here since some of the contributors live way out of town and most likely haven’t seen what they were actually giving me.

I give you the Obama scarf!

It is beautiful and soft and warm, as it should be as it is cashmere! Recycled cashmere to be precise. A local Iowa City woman has a line of recycled cashmere items called Elf Cashmere. My first cashmere anything. Thank you so much! I was completely surprised!

Here’s close up on the detail of the big handmade Obama logo

For those of you wondering what will become of it after Nov. 4th, or when I’m not in an “O” kind of mood; simple, I just turn it over. The other side is plain black. I usually wear my scarves tucked into my jacket anyway. It will look great under my new gray wool pea coat (that is out for delivery as I type!). The group also got me a gift card to Oyama sushi. They do know me well.

After a tasty meal, D came over to my place and we watched some ‘Survivor’ and then rocked some Guitar Hero.

While we were rockin’ out, I got a text/pix message from Stacey with the present to top off the night. A picture of Mark after he’d shaved! ;) Love it!

After D headed home, I watched ‘The Office’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and called it a night. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes online, via text and in card form!