This year my birthday was bittersweet (heavy on the bitter), yet it was enjoyable. I got free meals at two places - Up A Creek Tavern in Howland and Applebee's in Niles (today's photo is from the former, where we had lunch with friends Jerry and Barb). I was amazed and delighted to get birthday greetings from well over 150 Facebook familyi and friends - those went a long way toward making the day more cheery.