My never-ending birthday may be drawing to a close. But it has been a fun two weeks.
Saturday afternoon the lawyer, who will be house sitting for me until I can get the house on the market, stopped by with his dog to take a look around -- and to wish me a happy birthday. We spent the afternoon talking about dogs and politics -- especially the embarrassment of our current Portland mayor. Dogs turned out to be a far more interesting topic.
I was then off for my traditional birthday dinner with my boss and Beth of Minto Dog at our favorite Chinese restaurant. Beth has long been an avid conversationalist in the celebration, but a reluctant participant in the cuisine -- until this year. She took a trip to China late last year to visit a good friend. She returned with a far more accepting palette. Travel does change us.
The conversation centered around my move to Mexico and Beth's trip to China. My boss's daughter usually bakes us cinnamon cookies for me, but she was busy with other pursuits during the holidays. But the cookies showed up for a surprise presentation on my birthday.
[The cookies make a star appearance in the photograph at the top of this blog. Fewer now exist. Thanks, Molly.]
The fans accompanying the cookies were a Mexico birthday gift from my mother -- one for my computer, one for me as I work on my computer. As a Scot, she understands the value of practicality. Of course, they were escorted by a packet of appropriate batteries.
And then I received a call from my cousin who lives outside of Seattle. We were born in the same year -- so, he is facing a series of the same grand festivities showered on me by family and friends. He has been retired for the past two years. I have relied on his experience for my job-left-behind move to Mexico.
All in all, a very good day. Good friends. Good food. Good conversation.
Could a day be any better?
Saturday afternoon the lawyer, who will be house sitting for me until I can get the house on the market, stopped by with his dog to take a look around -- and to wish me a happy birthday. We spent the afternoon talking about dogs and politics -- especially the embarrassment of our current Portland mayor. Dogs turned out to be a far more interesting topic.
I was then off for my traditional birthday dinner with my boss and Beth of Minto Dog at our favorite Chinese restaurant. Beth has long been an avid conversationalist in the celebration, but a reluctant participant in the cuisine -- until this year. She took a trip to China late last year to visit a good friend. She returned with a far more accepting palette. Travel does change us.
The conversation centered around my move to Mexico and Beth's trip to China. My boss's daughter usually bakes us cinnamon cookies for me, but she was busy with other pursuits during the holidays. But the cookies showed up for a surprise presentation on my birthday.
[The cookies make a star appearance in the photograph at the top of this blog. Fewer now exist. Thanks, Molly.]
The fans accompanying the cookies were a Mexico birthday gift from my mother -- one for my computer, one for me as I work on my computer. As a Scot, she understands the value of practicality. Of course, they were escorted by a packet of appropriate batteries.
And then I received a call from my cousin who lives outside of Seattle. We were born in the same year -- so, he is facing a series of the same grand festivities showered on me by family and friends. He has been retired for the past two years. I have relied on his experience for my job-left-behind move to Mexico.
All in all, a very good day. Good friends. Good food. Good conversation.
Could a day be any better?
All giving you the Good Life. You are a fortunate man.
ReplyDeleteAMM - I am, indeed.
ReplyDeleteSounds great Steve and well deserving.
ReplyDeleteGeez, this has been an "epic" birthday - how many parties and days has this been going on? But, you ARE deserving. Just think of all the other parties you have to face now - retirement, going away, arriving - oy vey!
ReplyDeleteBabs -- You might say it was a birthday of biliblical proportions. But I am done with parties. No retirement party. No farewell party. Maybe a couple dinners with friends. But that will be it.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful time! Days like that are certainly to be cherished :)
ReplyDeleteAighmeigh -- They are, indeed. Of course, the topic came up that if these days have been so great, why do I want to move to Mexicp? My answer has been the same since I started this project: I am tired of feeling comfortable.
ReplyDelete