50. 50 years. 50 years old.
What a kick!
I’m still kicking.
I woke up Saturday to the smell of cake baking in the oven. My mom was making her magical German Chocolate Cake for my birthday–in her kitchen that was in the middle of a major renovation. German Chocolate Cakes have been a yearly tradition for the majority of my 50 birthdays–including my first.
Ummmmm…German Chocolate Cake…
My first. The one where my parents and I had cake at my grandparents–and my parents left me with my namesakes (Joe & Ann) to go to the Detroit Free Press ski school for the first time, to learn how to downhill ski–which they would continue to do for the next 40 or so years.
Last year, my mom’s GC cake was belated since I got to spend my actual 49th birthday on Antigua. What great memories of being back and such a great way to kick off my 50th year!!
This 50th birthday week is quieter and less dramatic, but significant nevertheless. I have a suspicion that my reflection on this milestone has just begun.
So grateful for my family. So grateful to be here. Happy 50th to me!!!
Searching for EMWA 
Happy 50th Birthday, JoAnn!! I am drooling over that German Chocolate cake!!!!!! We just got back yesterday from South America—I ate and drank waaaaay too much with my husband’s family but nothing that looked as good as that cake!!!
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Thanks, Kel!!!!!! 🙂 My mom still uses the same recipe each year–and it is truly my favourite!!! Glad you all are back safely! xoxo
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Happy Birthday, JoAnn! I LOVE this post. Love all the pics, especially that 1st birthday! I love your attitude too: grateful to be here! Me too. 🙂
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Awww…thank you, Marilyn! 🙂
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Happy, Happy, Birthday xxx
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Thank you, Marie! 🙂
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Dad and I are so blessed to have you and Barb!!!!! Hard to believe we have had the opportunity to share 51 birthdays with you!!!
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Love you!!! xoxo
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Right there at fifty with you sister! leanaconway.wordpress.com frolicking to fifty
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