Wow! I haven't had a birthday like this since I was 8 years old.
Seafood on the ocean for supper. An array of fabulous gifts. A surprise floral delivery from California from a little boy who now is a man. Treated to a Kung Po luncheon. A festive cake. Serandaded 6 times in person, by telephone, voice mail and intercom. People I haven't heard from in three years popping in to wish me well on my birthday.
Witness:
This is New Jersey, people.The weather was perfect for eating supper on the patio right next to the boardwalk. This is a cellphone shot taken during a lull between the King Crab Oreganato and The Angry Lobster. Where are your Soprano and turnpike jokes now? It's as good as being in Laguna Beach only we don't have to pump our own gas.
Happy is she who has raised a real man who remembers his mother's birthday without prompting and is excited about surprising her with a thoughtful present. I am a rich woman.
The youngest member of the family turns out to be the actual Birthday Fairy. She does, as she puts it, "pay attention". Here is her hand at work:
"I'm Mr. Darcy - Fly Me."
Okie dokie, Mr. Darcy!
I bet you don't have one, do you?
Your light-up flamingo probably has a cord.
And one to grow on - there were actually four leches involved in this cake.
I was so focused on working up enough wind to blow these all out that I forgot to make a wish. If it's not too late, let me make it now: I hope everyone of you has a birthday celebration this good.
FYI - The Thursday Night Martini Club definetly has to relocate to the place where we had the birthday dinner. It's only about 4 miles away from our usual spot and it has an outdoor bar, live music and an ocean. Of course, we'll have to get there at 2 in the afternoon to get a seat, but everything is a trade off, is it not?
If we do move there, the Thursday Night Martini Club might have to have a seasonal change in designation. Just call us the Thursday Night Steamed Clams and Cold Beer Club.
Seafood on the ocean for supper. An array of fabulous gifts. A surprise floral delivery from California from a little boy who now is a man. Treated to a Kung Po luncheon. A festive cake. Serandaded 6 times in person, by telephone, voice mail and intercom. People I haven't heard from in three years popping in to wish me well on my birthday.
Witness:
This is New Jersey, people.The weather was perfect for eating supper on the patio right next to the boardwalk. This is a cellphone shot taken during a lull between the King Crab Oreganato and The Angry Lobster. Where are your Soprano and turnpike jokes now? It's as good as being in Laguna Beach only we don't have to pump our own gas.
Happy is she who has raised a real man who remembers his mother's birthday without prompting and is excited about surprising her with a thoughtful present. I am a rich woman.
The youngest member of the family turns out to be the actual Birthday Fairy. She does, as she puts it, "pay attention". Here is her hand at work:
- a DVD of Pride and Prejudice. I mentioned this so long ago that even I forgot about it. I hope it rains over the weekend so we can hunker down and watch this straight through. Otherwise I shall be sorely vexed. It would be too much to be borne if the sun was out and I had to make a choice.
- The Jet As Art. Wow - I wish you could see the beautiful photography in this book. It's so much better than I anticipated. Requires study - expect to hear about it again.
- a cordless illuminated flamingo. On at dusk/off at dawn.
- a homemade Tre Leches cake ablaze with some diplomatically chosen candles that avoid the indelicate "how many?" question.
"I'm Mr. Darcy - Fly Me."
Okie dokie, Mr. Darcy!
I bet you don't have one, do you?
Your light-up flamingo probably has a cord.
And one to grow on - there were actually four leches involved in this cake.
I was so focused on working up enough wind to blow these all out that I forgot to make a wish. If it's not too late, let me make it now: I hope everyone of you has a birthday celebration this good.
FYI - The Thursday Night Martini Club definetly has to relocate to the place where we had the birthday dinner. It's only about 4 miles away from our usual spot and it has an outdoor bar, live music and an ocean. Of course, we'll have to get there at 2 in the afternoon to get a seat, but everything is a trade off, is it not?
If we do move there, the Thursday Night Martini Club might have to have a seasonal change in designation. Just call us the Thursday Night Steamed Clams and Cold Beer Club.
Looks like a wonderful evening was had by all!
Posted by: Mr. Bingley | May 30, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Looks like a wonderful time was had by all!
Posted by: Mr. Bingley | May 30, 2008 at 09:33 AM
oops.
Suzette says: " You've been having your own martini nights, haven't you Mr. Bingley?"
Posted by: Mr. Bingley | May 30, 2008 at 09:34 AM
There are palm trees in Jersey??? WTF?
I have to know where that flamingo came from. I need one!
Posted by: Faith | May 30, 2008 at 02:43 PM
Pink flamingoes and palm trees? I’m not buyin’ it. I got ya Sopranos and turnpike joke right here.
Ohhhhh.
But, if you say it’s Jersey, it’s Jersey**…all that matters is that you had a happy, healthy and awesome boitday.
(**Is pervasive toxic waste and pollution known to make one delusional? Just askin’.)
Posted by: Erica | May 30, 2008 at 03:50 PM
happy birthday, suzette.
Posted by: mig | May 30, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Best happy birthday wishes to you, Suzette! (P.S.) That 'happy birthday' candle idea? It's genius, pure genius.
Posted by: Lenka | May 30, 2008 at 04:59 PM
What a wonderful wonderful life!
Posted by: tina | May 30, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Happy Birthday
Posted by: Bob | May 30, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Happy Birthday
Posted by: Bob | May 30, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Happy Birthday
Posted by: Bob | May 30, 2008 at 06:08 PM
Happy Birthday Suzette...how wonderfully thoughtful of your son...and daughter...great "Mom" job!
Posted by: Susie | May 31, 2008 at 01:20 AM
NOTHING says "Happy Birthday" like a cordless, light-up, pink flamingo! A true gift for the person who has everything.
Beautiful pictures.
Happy Birthday, Suzette.
Posted by: joated | May 31, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Happy Birthay Suzette!
Posted by: Karan | June 04, 2008 at 01:33 PM