Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved having a January birthday. First of all, it gave me something to look forward to when feeling down about the end of the holidays. And secondly, I am a winter spirit by nature ~ I can honestly say, I love the cold and the snow. Dark afternoons bother me not a wit when I can light a candle; cold nights are nothing under piles of flannel and down. And most years, my birthday has indeed been a snowy affair. My folks have umpteen pictures of me, standing by the front window, decked out in my best dress, peering through the the heavy snow and wondering who'd make it to my party.
But what's really special about my January birthday is, I get to share it with my grandma, the loveliest lady I know ...
Today, there was nary a snowflake in the air, in fact it was bright and almost spring-like. But the pleasant weather ensured safe travel for my cousins coming on from New York, and it also made it possible to bring my grandmother up to our house for a luncheon, to be surrounded by family and friends.
It was such a lovely, lovely day. May I share a few pictures with you?
The meal was delicious and, as usual, all thanks to my mum ...
Such good food! Two kinds of quiche (quiches, lol?) - Lorraine and Asparagus/Gruyere. Eggplant lasagna, roasted vegetables and rolls both soft and crusty. Also, mango salsa, roasted onion dip and fresh guacamole, and all manner of crunchy things with which to dip. And, oh, yes! Pizza for the kids. :)
For dessert, there were two kinds of cake - no make that three! Below you see the dark chocoloate fudge variety that Earlybird can eat, and a vanilla cake with penuche frosting - both made by my mum. (Those are tiny beeswax candles by the way!)
AND up at the top of this post you will see the two fancy cupcakes my mum bought especially for the birthday girls today. :) The pink chrysanthemum is mine and the blue and white roses was for Gram. I saved mine for tomorrow so I can savor it with a cup of tea. :)
Here's another shot, for good meaure ...
I put the coffee on and then it was time to sing!
And then open presents!
My mum and dad gave me new pink pajamas and the hilarious squirrel shirt on the right. :) They also gave me some cookie cutters and a wonderful new book about attracting wildlife to the backyard.
Bill and the boys gave me a new cookbook, a lap desk, and a bunch of Patriots and Red Sox socks! (If you read my last post, you know I love socks!) Also, gift cards to two of my favorite stores - Wild Birds Unlimited and Starbucks. :)
And now I'm sitting here, late Saturday evening, counting my blessings, reminiscing with you all, and, I confess, nibbling one more piece of cake! The Patriots game is just minutes away (I have on my socks!) and I am doing my best to stay awake to watch ...
But it's an early day tomorrow. Mass bright and early, and then breakfast with mum and dad and my brother right after. Then we'll run to the grocery store to stock in supplies before the BIG storm hits on Monday! So here comes my birthday snow - just a day or two behind schedule. ;)
I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend, and thanks so much for sharing in my special day. Keep warm and well, everyone!
