MAY MADNESS

I start the month of May with my birthday!  It's a perfect time of year ... not too close to other gift giving celebrations.  Two friends also celebrate theirs on May 1.

(yes, I even put on makeup!)

Many cards in the mail.  Lots of text messages (even one of my younger brothers who is more of a hermit than me).  Facebook peeps got reminded.  My dentist sent me a text!  The grandsons made their cards for me and they were a hoot!  Little guy said "I can't believe you are 73 ... just think in 7 years you will be 80 and THAT is old."  Don't they say the cutest things??

My best friend neighbors invited me over for lunch on their patio.  We had an unusual 80 degree day! Sweet and spicy salmon atop rice.  And cabernet in the middle of the day!  Dark chocolate for dessert.

Kate made a gourmet dinner of fresh halibut with lemon cream sauce, a beautiful butter lettuce salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette.  Crusty French batard with roasted garlic and St. Angel cheese.  Roasted baby potatoes.  Store bought cheese cake for dessert. Even got sparkling juice for the boys to drink in wine glasses.

Iza brought me flowers ... I'm keeping them in my room.  Family bought a huge bright bouquet which is on the dining table.

Friday night, we all went to dinner at a fancy local restaurant.  Despite our waitress having many, many large tables to manage, we had the best service.  I invited Braeden's girlfriend, Iza, so there were six of us.  We shared three appetizers. Non alcoholic pina coladas and after a huge dinner (again sharing tasted) we shared three desserts.  Best thing of all?  My kidults used their own money to pay.  First time ever!  I shudder to think how much that was ...

I have so many family members and friends with May birthdays!  And add in Mother's Day.  It's just party after party.

One tiny bit of sadness as Mr. Ralph passed away the day after my birthday, a dozen years ago.

I love this photo as it was his last time in the ocean.  At sunset.