Day Off

Apr
11


This photo (which will be appearing soon as part of another post) is currently my favorite picture of me. And not because of the me, but because of the way Poky is looking at me. Like she loves me. Donkeys are more affectionate than most, or any, other farm animals. Donkeys are very satisfying.

Today is my birthday, so I’m taking the day off posting. I’m baking myself my favorite super spice cake (see the recipe here). All the years I was growing up, whenever my mother asked me what cake I wanted for my birthday, it was always spice cake. I love spice cake. With cream cheese frosting, of course!

Already, for my birthday, I have been given a bunch of two-year-old asparagus plants (yay!) and a cherry tree (double yay!). And always, every day, I’m given the gift of you. Thank you for being here. I’ll be back to regular posting tomorrow.





Comments

  1. CindyS says:

    Happy Birthday!! Hope you enjoyed your day :happybutterfly: !!

  2. lizzie says:

    Happy Happy Birthday Suzanne!! Beautiful picture of you and Poky. :fairy:

  3. Martha says:

    A well deserverd day off. Happy Birthday Suzanne…wishing you a wonderful day!!!

  4. Lindsay says:

    Happy Birthday!!!! Asparagus and a cherry tree? So lucky! Two of my very favorite things and they don’t grow well here in FL lol. Enjoy your bday and those delicious fresh cherries you’ll be getting :woof:

  5. Nona says:

    Happy Birthday!!! :snoopy: :snoopy: :snoopy:
    :sun: :sun: :sun: :sun: :sun: :sun: :sun:
    :fairy: :fairy: :fairy: :fairy:

  6. Karen says:

    Happy Birthday!! And….eat lots of cake!

  7. Nancy in Iowa says:

    A very happy Birthday Day Off to you! And Poky is adorable – she definitely loves you.

  8. Karen B says:

    :happyflower: HAPPY BIRTHDAY from MN!! Have a wonderful day and enjoy your cake. :eating:

  9. skippymom says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne – and you should like that pic’ because of you too – you are both lovely.

    Enjoy your pseudo “day off” – you may not blog, but we all know how busy you are going to be. 🙂

  10. Charlotte says:

    Happy Birthday – enjoy your spice cake!

  11. Sue from England says:

    Have a beautiful birthday Suzanne! :happyflower:
    And a beautiful year ahead. God bless you. x

  12. Kelly says:

    Happy Birthday!! Mines on Thursday :o)

  13. Becky says:

    Happy Birthday!!!! Have a wonderful day!!!

  14. Darlene in North GA says:

    Awww, what a sweet picture. I can see why it’s your favorite! :snoopy:

    And Happy Birthday to you. :hug: I hope you have many more. May they all be happy ones. :wave:

  15. Lisa says:

    Wishing you :sun: and :purpleflower: :happyflower: :heart: and that you feel like this :snoopy: all day!
    Happy birthday!

  16. Jean - MN says:

    Happy Birthday!! May it be filled with all the people & things you love!

  17. Rose H says:

    Happy, happy birthday Suzanne! Sending my very best wishes from ‘over the pond’! :wave:
    Enjoy your day 😀
    :happyflower: :butterfly: :happyflower: :butterfly: :happyflower:

  18. GrammieEarth says:

    Happy Happy Birthday Suzanne!

  19. judydee says:

    Adding my wishes for the Happiest of Birthdays for you!

  20. Snapper says:

    Have a wonderful birthday! Eats lots of spice cake. :hug:

  21. Val says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne. Make some happy memories today! May you be blessed with all your wishes.

  22. lauren says:

    Happy Birthday!!!

  23. Kathy in FL says:

    Happy birthday, Suzanne! Enjoy your day off.

  24. Jill Garofano says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZANNE!! I hope you have a great day as you bring each of us a great day everyday with your wonderful blog!

    Jill from NY

  25. wkf says:

    Happy Happy!!Joy Joy!!!!! :snoopy:

  26. CATRAY44 says:

    Have a wonderful birthday, Suzanne!

  27. Glenda says:

    Happy Birthday!

    Enjoy your day off; that is a super picture.
    Now don’t cheat. Truly take a much deserved day completely off!

  28. irishhillstrish says:

    May the Good Lord bless your day with as many blessings as you’ve given us! TRULY do take the day OFF and enjoy!

  29. Anke says:

    Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you… May your day be filled with lots of love, laughter and happiness!

  30. Tracey In Paradise Pa. says:

    :snoopy: :snoopy: HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!! ENJOY YOUR DAY!! YOU DESERVE IT!! :snoopy: :snoopy:
    HUGS Granny Trace
    p.s My very favorite picture now…love
    http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com

  31. Dianna says:

    Love the picture! Enjoy your birthday: hope it’s great!

  32. greensborodailyphoto says:

    Happy Birthday!

    I met a woman this weekend while shopping in Greensboro. As it turns out, she was from Clay County WV but has lived in Florida for the last couple of decades. I told her about your great blog.
    Here’s to another great year for you and to all exciting directions it will take you!

    Jan
    GDP

  33. Zshawn says:

    Happy birthday! Enjoy!!!

  34. Denise says:

    Happy Birthday! I wish for you a beautiful day! And I LOVE the picture!!!

  35. Melody says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne. Great picture of you and Porky. Enjoy that spice cake and have a wonderful day. :woof: :snoopy:

  36. Becky says:

    Happy birthday, Suzanne!
    Enjoy you day off!!!

  37. Connie says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! :snoopy:

  38. Gem says:

    Awwwww, that twinkle of love is so sweet…Happy B-day!

  39. GaPeach says:

    Happy Birthday! Have a great and relaxing day!!

  40. Bambi says:

    :hug:
    Hope that your day is wonderful. Aspargus and a cherry tree? My kind of gifts, here’s hoping that someone will plant them for your birthday too. LOL
    Hugs,
    Bambi

  41. proudmary says:

    Happy Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day and enjoy your cake.

  42. heidiannie says:

    Happy Birthday!
    After you make your own cake, see if you can get someone to do your chores!:D

  43. Suzanne_Arlene says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne Enjoy your day

  44. Vicki in So. CA says:

    She DOES love you. So do we. What a great picture of you and Poky.

    :snoopy: Happy birthday, Suzanne. You deserve the day off, and spice cake. That’s been my favorite since I was little, too. It’s the BEST!

  45. Rhonda says:

    Happy Birthday and yum spice cake with cream cheese frosting!

  46. Martha in KS says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZANNE! I made a spice cake with cream cheese icing this weekend – though it was a mix & isn’t very good. I’ll try your recipe next time. Sometimes “quick” just isn’t worth it.

    You & Pokey both deserve a cookie. He IS precious.

  47. pensiero says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! ♥

  48. Phyllis says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZANNE!!! If Poky could talk I’m sure he’d be singing ‘Happy Birthday to you’. Have a great day and make sure Poky gets a piece of cake. You might need two or three cakes to share with ALL the animals.

  49. Ellen McBryde says:

    Happy Birthday..and..save a piece of that cake for me!

  50. wildcat says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Have an awesome day! :snoopy:

  51. SandyCWV says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! It should be a beautiful day too!

  52. 4jsMOM says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Hope it is a great day for you. You deserve the best. I love the picture of you and Poky. I will always remember your birth date, because it is my brother’s birthday, too.

  53. Mary Hall says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOOOOOOUUUUU!!!! BTW, spice cake is my very favorite too!!(but chocolate is rellly good too)
    Mary 😕

  54. Linda H says:

    Happy birthday! Love the pic of you & Poky. Hope your day is exta special!

  55. Sandra in SC says:

    Enjoy your day! Happy, Happy Birthday!

  56. Jen in VA says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne!

  57. B. Ruth says:

    Hmmmm, Spice Cake just fits you!…Makes sense that it would be your favorite cake! Full of sugar and spice and everything nice!

    ‘Happy Birthday’, Suzanne!

  58. Katherine Jenson says:

    :happybutterfly: Happy Birthday. You received some wonderful birthday gifts! Wow! Thanks for the spice cake recipe! I am going to try it! Have a wonderful day!

  59. Pete says:

    Happy, Happy Birthday, Suzanne!!

    :happyflower: :snoopy: :happyflower:

  60. jackie says:

    happy birthday Suzanne! Hope your “day off” is wonderful!

  61. Betty says:

    What an adorable pic. This is definitely a farm girl
    “glamor shot.”
    I was just looking at the pics from the last open farm day and remembering how much fun my father-in-law and my husband and I had. The picture that comes up on my husband’s phone when I call him is me milking Beulah Petunia. Thanks for the memories.
    Have a Happy happy birthday!

  62. Julia says:

    Happy birthday!

  63. Miss Judy says:

    Happy Birthday! Hope you recieve the blessings of family and friends for your day.

  64. Robyn says:

    :happyflower: Happiest of Birthdays to you! :happyflower:

  65. Sandra daniels says:

    Donkeys are better than goats???!!! Tell me no, I don’t really think we need a donkey…do we?? Lol! have a delightfully wonderful day! What a great gift to start the celebrations! asparagus! Lovely.

  66. Pam says:

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day, you deserve it.

  67. windspiritwhimsies says:

    Wishing you the bestest birthday ever! Enjoy your special day! :heart:

  68. Cindy says:

    Happy Birthday – Thanks for the inspiration you provide to me to do the things I have always wanted to do !!!! God Bless You!

  69. Heidi says:

    Happy birthday! Enjoy your day off, you deserve it.

  70. DoodlebugRoad says:

    Happy Birthday, Miss Suzanne! Enjoy your special day.

  71. Joely says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne – I hope it’s a beautiful spring day for you!

  72. Kim Gibson says:

    Hippo Birdies Two Ewe! Enjoy your cake, Pokey loves you!

  73. marymac says:

    Hope you have a beautiful birthday Suzanne, we love you!!

  74. Daria says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne, many happy returns (but more keepers)!!

  75. Jean says:

    Happy Birthday! Of course your animals love you! You have cookies!
    Have a great day!

  76. Robin says:

    Happy Birthday! Isn’t it funny how we never out grow the birthday cakes we had as children! Have a wonderful day!

  77. Victoria says:

    HaPpY BiRtHdAy Suzanne!

  78. Yankee Gal says:

    Happy Birthday dear Suzanne!

  79. Beth says:

    Have a happy and satisfying birthday, Suzanne!

  80. QuietStorm says:

    Have a wonderful Birthday Suzanne… dont forget to give Poky a piece of cake!

    Beautiful picture!

  81. Brenda E says:

    Happy Birthday to you – Happy Birthday to you – Happy Birthday Suzanne, happy birthday to you – and may you have many many more. Enjoy your special day! Now, all the barnyard sing together – “happy birthday….”

  82. ladychef68 says:

    Happy Birthday! Hope you get to spend some time today in quiet contemplation of what and who life has blessed you with. Keep living your dream with eyes wide open to new possibilities. Lots of love to you!
    Gena :hug:

  83. mika says:

    I have been thinking aabout how TIME CONSUMING this blog must be, plus keeping up with kids, farm animals, pets, bad weather etc. etc.—so take a day off!! Happy Birthday!—mika

  84. Glenie says:

    Happy Birthday, enjoy your day off.

  85. mrnglry says:

    Happy Birthday, Dear Suzanne, ♫♫♫♫♫ Happy Birthday to You!! ♫♫♫♫♫

  86. Ramona Slocum says:

    I love the picture. Happy Birthday. Hope you have a wonderful day. God Bless You.

    MN Mona :fairy: :purpleflower: :purpleflower: :happyflower:

  87. Nancy Stickler says:

    Happy 29th birthday Suzanne! I hope it’s the best one ever…enjoy!

  88. Mary Ellen says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!

  89. Tina says:

    :butterfly: Happiest of Birthdays to you Suzanne! :butterfly:
    Enjoy your day and your cake! :snoopy:

  90. Stacy says:

    Have a happy birthday and enjoy your day off. I hope you have wonderful spring weather today!

  91. Heidi says:

    Happy birthday!

  92. Ramona says:

    Happy Birthday! Have a great day.

  93. Debbie says:

    Happy Birthday! My sister’s 46th birthday is also today. Hope you have a wonderful day off!

  94. Rose C. says:

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy your cake, and planting your wonderful gifts. You have received the best kind, the ones that keep giving!

  95. euthymic says:

    Happy birthday. What a beautiful photo, and thank you for what you wrote about it. It made me see the deep love in your donkey’s eyes. What a rare and precious gift. Thank you for sharing.

  96. Brenda says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Have a fun day! :sheep:

  97. Jessica says:

    Happy birthday! Enjoy your day Suzanne!!

  98. Linda in New Mexico says:

    Happy Birthday :happyflower: My b day was Saturday. Yay April girls. The Olde Bagg

  99. BuckeyeGirl says:

    I hope you have the best of birthdays! Enjoy your cake, both the baking of and the eating too. :heart:

  100. Merlin says:

    HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIRTHDAY TO TO YOU YOU, SUZANNE SUZANNE!!!!!! :happyflower:

    Love the picture!!!!

  101. annabel52 says:

    Happy Birthday!!!
    Hope you get to do everything that you want to do today because you deserve a special day.
    Cake for breakfast, cake for lunch and cake for supper!!!yeah……

  102. Theresa says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! What a treat it is for us to be able to follow your everyday small-farm joys and challenges and all your great back-to-basics knowldege. Thank you for taking the time to share it all with us. I hope your day is full of blessings!

  103. Marci says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! Have a Wonderful Day!!! 🙂
    :woof: :snuggle: :snoopy: :hug: :shimmy: :duck: :sheepjump: :sheep: :wave: :pinkbunny: :heart: :moo: :happyflower: :wave:

  104. Mary says:

    Poky is looking at you so adoringly! How beautiful. Do have a Wonderful Birthday..and enjoy your cake.

  105. drumwife06 says:

    Very Happy Birthday to you Suzanne!! Poky wants to give you a birthday kiss 🙂

  106. Darlene says:

    Happy birthday Suzanne! Love the pic!

  107. Barbee' says:

    I am so glad you got Poky! I remember when she used to protect you from Mean Rooster. Happy Birthday from central Kentucky! Thank you for that recipe, I think I smell your cake baking all the way over here. I like Brenda E.’s idea of the farm animals singing to you. I can just see them all lined up and singing away. Today is the day we should all celebrate “You”, and all you mean to us… and that’s a lot! “Celebration!” :snoopy:

  108. Angelina says:

    I hope you have a wonderful birthday and enjoy your day off! I love that picture, Pokey is about to give you a big smooch :hug:

  109. sue passinou says:

    yup celebrate your birthday with an arse
    sue p

  110. Megan Duff says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanna! I hope you have a wonderful day off! God bless you.

  111. Kristen E says:

    Happy Birthday! I hope you have a marvelous day. 🙂 Enjoy your cake and your awesome presents!

  112. Gini says:

    Have a perfectly pleasing birthday, Suzanne! You deserve it!

  113. Terri - LA says:

    Happy Birthday & hope you have a wonderful day!! :happyflower:

  114. Diane says:

    Wishing you a day filled with love, happiness, rest and all things that make your heart sing! Happy birthday to one amazing woman :heart:

  115. holstein woman says:

    I hope a day late is still OK. Happy Birthday today and every day. I had a day off from reading posts.

  116. AndiK says:

    Happy birthday! I hope you enjoy your day!

  117. Wanda says:

    Chickens in the Road is one of my special pleasures. I always look forward to checking it out. Thanks for giving me many happy times.

    Hope your birthday is just super special!

  118. Whaledancer says:

    Happy birthday, Suzanne. I hope that besides giving yourself the day off from blogging, you get time to do the things you enjoy most. And I hope your farms chores ease up enough to let you spend time cuddling your furry and feathered friends.
    Many happy returns of the day! (I love that old-fashioned expression for wishing you a long and happy life.)

  119. claudia w says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope your day is spectacular! You sure do deserve this day off. I really like that picture of you and Poky. There’s definitely love going on there!

  120. Tonya says:

    Happy Birthday!!! It’s nice and warm her at the Jersey shore – hope you are having similar weather for your celebration!

  121. pam from ohio says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne…have a great day!

  122. Laura says:

    Happy Birthday! Hope your day is as special as you are!

    Laura

  123. judyann says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne…Enjoy your spice cake, girl!

  124. Rosemeri says:

    A very Happy Birthday to you Suzanne and a big thank you for your wonderful blog. And, I really love the photo of you and Poky.

  125. Courtney NY via KS says:

    Happy Birthday to you! I’m so thankful for the positive impact you have on my life. Enjoy your special day!

  126. Grace says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! Enjoy your day off!

  127. Marty says:

    Happy Birthday!!

  128. catslady says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne!!! :heart:

  129. Carol in NC says:

    Happy Birthday! Have a fun and blessed day!

  130. Sonia says:

    Happy Birthday. Mine is Sat, yay to us April babies!!!!

  131. Miss Becky says:

    oh happy day Suzanne! Facebook notified me that your birthday was upcoming, and here it is. A most happy and joyful day to you!
    I LOVE that photo. :hug: :hug: :hug:

  132. Joy says:

    Much joy to you on your birthday! I’m grateful you do what you do. I read your blog everyday. It gives me joy and recipes and chuckles and stories of lovely animals I adore and a view of life on the farm. You are the best to share this . . . thank you!!! Joy

  133. Cheryl says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! You are wonderful!

  134. thunja says:

    Happy Birthday Soul Sista

  135. Melinda from Southwest Washington says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne. Thanks for your dedication!

  136. Jamie Dome says:

    Happy Birthday from Washington State. The sun is shining and it is starting to feel like spring here. Enjoy your blessed day!

  137. Sharon Gosney says:

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day and eat lots of cake. :hungry:

  138. Susan in Wisconsin says:

    Oh Poky…how utteraly sweet animals can be. I just got up from my desk and did my Happy Birthday Dance for you. Have a wonderful day and I pray there are many more to come, with many more happy kisses…from your furry friends and us too.

  139. Clarissa says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! Enjoy your special day! :happyflower:

  140. Luann says:

    Happy Birthday! What wonderful gifts!

  141. AnnieB says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne . . . YOU are a gift to all of US!!!!

  142. Bonnie from Iowa says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne!! Have a good one!

  143. lavenderblue says:

    Happy Birthday, Suzanne! :happyflower: :sun: :happyflower: :sun:
    Enjoy your cake. Spice cake was always my favorite also. I had it in a fancy restaurant once with pink fondant frosting. I thought “EEEwww” when I saw it, but it wasn’t bad when I tasted it although I’d still opt for cream cheese frosting if given my ‘druthers’.

    Cherry trees and asparagus are great gifts but nothing can top last year’s. BP has no equal (unless it’s her daughter).

  144. Estella says:

    Happy Birthday! Enjoy!!

  145. brookdale says:

    Happy happy birthday, Suzanne! Hope you had a really truly “day off” and everyone else did your chores for you.
    I’m sorry you had to make your own cake, maybe next year Morgan can make you one. Great presents! Nothing can beat BP, though.
    Today is my oldest granddaughter’s 29th birthday. How the time does fly by.
    See you tomorrow!

  146. Deborah R says:

    Happy birthday to you!

  147. Judy F says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne, enoy your cake. :snoopy:

  148. KELLY says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne :snoopy:
    I think trees are wonderful birthday gifts .
    When I was a child in West Virginia ,
    we had a Cherry tree in the back yard .
    The birds always beat us to the cherries ,
    but the cherry blossoms were enchanting .

  149. Barbara W says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne! What great presents.

  150. ann/alba says:

    Happy Birthday Susanne :heart: . you most definitely need a day off.
    I love that Photo too.. I so enjoy coming to the Farm via Internet after a hectic day I can count on you and you lovely Animals to brighten my Day,
    Even my DH has started asking what going on today at the Farm.
    Enjoy your special day..
    I’m emailing my addy so you can sent me a slice Love Spice Cake ..JK :fairy:
    ann/alba

  151. Linda Goble says:

    Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Enjoy your day!!!!!!!!! Well deserve to have a day off.

  152. trish c says:

    I’m a little late, but….Happy Birthday to you!!! :wave:

  153. Valerie says:

    Have a wonderful, wonderful birthday. Love that photo. I know what you mean about donkeys. I have 6 of them, and they are truly a joy, very loving and sweet. Enjoy your day!

  154. Judy says:

    Happy Birthday Suzanne!!!!! Hope you had a wonderful day off.

  155. Debbie in PA says:

    HAppy Birthday Suzanne! Enjoy your spice cake-sounds DELICIOUS!

  156. Linda Distlehorst says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SUZANNE. HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY WITH YOUR ALL OF YOUR CHILDREN!!
    linda d

  157. Elaine says:

    Just got to my page and I see that it’s your birthday–hope it has been the best ever–and that you have many, many more.

  158. Melinda says:

    Hope you’ve had a wonderful day!!! Happy Birthday and many more.

  159. Turtle Mom says:

    Happy Birthday! I always requested a spice cake with maple frosting made with real NH maple syrup produced by our neighbors!

  160. Hugh says:

    I’d also like to wish you Happy Birthday – and MANY more.

  161. Bonnie says:

    Joining the well wishers on this special day, but also writing to let you know that I made my first yeast bread ever today – yep, your Grandmother’s Bread. Thank you, thank you, it turned out beautifully and I just loved it! I have just come off of a gluten-free diet, so it was especially heavenly. Everyone should try it just once.

  162. Jen says:

    Happy Birthday! Pokey isn’t the only one who loves you. :o)

  163. Janice says:

    Awww. Happy birthday.

  164. LisaAJB says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUZANNE!!! :woof:

  165. Chris says:

    Hope you had a great birthday and this is the beginning a terrific year for you…The Spice Cake sounds great!!!
    Chris

  166. Linda Zoldoske says:

    Happy, happy birthday! And many more happy returns!

  167. pdelainey says:

    Happy Birthday!! Have a great day!! :clover:

  168. Journey11 says:

    Happy B-day, Suzanne! Hope it was extra special. :butterfly:

  169. MaryB says:

    Awwww Suzanne, I love that picture of you and Poky! It is so precious. I hope you have a great birthday and I hope it’s the start of a wonderful year for you.. the best yet! Thank you for making my life, and my transition to WV so enjoyable. I love your animals. They bring joy to my life too. Happy Birthday Suzanne. :heart:

  170. Nic, SD says:

    WONDERFUL photo and a happy belated birthday!
    I hope it was aweseome-sauce, and I’ll probably be trying out that recipe before the week is through…….. just cuz.

  171. Jane says:

    :happyflower: HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :happyflower:
    Sorry it’s late (I’ve been experiencing internet issues)! I hope you had a lovely birthday.

  172. Pat in Eastern NC says:

    I’m running behind sending good thoughts and wishes that I had for you all day yesterday, but here they are: Happy Birthday for the day, week, month, and year! May all the wonderful days you bring us, your readers, be returned to you one hundredfold!!! :sheep:

  173. Amber says:

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Thank you for all that you do! :snuggle:

  174. Maura says:

    Happy Belated Birthday Suzanne! Love that picture…you can see the ‘love’ on both sides.

  175. kj says:

    I think Poky wants a big birthday kiss from you. Donkeys as well as horses are very intuitive.

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