Earlier this week Nancy's sister Elaine and husband Karl threw in the towel and decided to come south just to get out of the snow for a little while. They live in Michigan where the snow pack is still measured in feet. They arrived yesterday. This morning we drove to the Von Braun Center where we enjoyed the Huntsville Community Chorus and the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra rehearse/perform Mozart’s magnificent Requiem. They did a great job. Hats off, guys.

Wednesday was my birthday, and daughter Melissa surprised me with a meal from Steak Out. Really a complete surprise. Thanks, Melissa. No, she didn't send a candle, but Nancy found one to put into the cookie. It's been a long time, believe it or not, since my birthday cake had only one candle.