I chose to spend my birthday alone (this is 47)

Dear reader,

On Monday, I sat in bed all day, listening to the sound of the rain heavily pouring into the earth.

While some of you may worry about my state of mind or wonder if I was depressed, I can tell you that it was my 47th birthday, and it was exactly how I'd planned it.

Ok, not exactly. I had hoped to go hiking in the woods. It's something I do most…