A hearty thank-you to my old Bean's buddies, Lorna and Patrick, for making my birthday week extravaganza perfect. They really got into the spirit of the thing and went above and beyond to give me everything I asked for, plus surprises. That's Total Quality Management, amigos!

Jeezum, ain't I got some big hands?

One thing I asked for a lot was clams. As I try to eat walleye every day when I'm in MN, I had clams every day in New England: three chowders (thyme-laden, gloopy blech at the Maine Mall, but I should have known enough to turn around when I saw the big square button to open the door for handicapped/seniors, and the best, at Cook's on Bailey Island), the best steamers I've ever had, courtesy of Lorna's husband, Matt, and in Newport, roasted clams, with bits of bacon and alfredo sauce. Oh, and fat, juicy, fried clams on Patrick's boat. Mmmmm, clams!

And what did I do on the Day of Days? I was a total girl, bought two pair of shoes, and had my first manicure.

Last night, Euan Morton touched my pen. Unfortunately, that's not a euphamism.