Happy Birthday.... Happy, happy birthday...

Yes, today is my birthday, and I had not intended on posting about it but something happened last night that I just could not keep to myself.

But first, let me say that one of the way cool benefits of writing Weekly Photo Tips is the fact that I have met (and continue to meet) some wonderful people. I have developed relationships with people from all over the world and have even had the pleasure of breaking bread with a handful them and truly feel enriched because of what you folks add to my life.

One of the people with who I have developed an email friendship with is Ray Sanford, Ray loves photography and though he shoots Canon, I don't hold it against him.

:)

Well, yesterday the UPS truck rolls down my street and pulls to a stop in front of my house (my absolute favorite sound) and the driver hands me a small box. In it I found a thoughtful hand written birthday card and a Nikon 18-35/3.5-4.5D Wide Angle Lens! I kid you not!

I am not often rendered speechless, but surely I was left dumbstruck by this generous gift.

And though I am still having a hard time speaking, I wanted to publicly thank Ray for his thoughtful consideration.

THANK YOU RAY!

And a big thanks to all of you for hanging out here with me.

No, not going to share my age, but it won't take a rocket scientist to figure it out with the date stamp on this picture (June is when the picture was developed, not taken).