Birthday Beignets

I have a favorite desssert at our Zen Place, Pour at Four, THE BEST wine/tapas place on Earth.  Beignets with lemon curd.  They've been serving the doughnut-like dessert for many months, starting with a lemon curd dip (my favorite), then changing to raspberry dip, and now a delicious caramel dip.  When I walked in to Pour tonight to meet two regular patrons for dinner, I was surprised to see a large balloon tied to my chair. . .I say my chair, because it's my favorite place to sit, right by the piano, close to the bar, kinda tucked back in corner, where I can see everything.  My next surprise was the offer of patron. John, to have this evening be on him.  What a generous thing.  When the dessert arrived, it was a double order, with a candle in one beignet, and sparkly sprinkles around the plate.  When someone, or several someones, goes to this much trouble, it touches me deeply.  Oh, and did I mention, the dip on the plate was lemon curd. . .which the kitchen fellas put into a tub for me to take home and added a smiley face made out of sprinkles on top.  A beautiful Saturday night at Pour at Four.  Life is good, very, very good. . .even at 65. 

Another Birthday Down

My Medicare birthday has come and gone.  Sixty-five. . .is it possible?  Why does it seem only yesterday I was walking to kindergarten with my neighbor Stan?  It was a good day.  Good report at the doc's appointment in the morning and a wonderful dinner with our son and daughter-in-law at Sullivan's in Seattle.  Two great bottles of wine, steak and deelish desserts in a lovely steakhouse.  Time spent with son and daughter-in-law always flies by and always a highlight in our month. 

My son's birthday is two days before mine, this year his 33rd.  Proud of him to buttons busting.  He has a high moral fiber that makes me smile when I detect it in his life stories.  I am still too free with advice, which isn't asked for and shouldn't be given.  My mother was so wise about that, just lending a loving ear whenever I shared a frustrating situation with her.  I want to be more like her.  Something on which to work. 

I feel lucky to have reached this age.  It's an age where I turn away from schedules and appointments, thoroughly enjoying the freedom of time.  I love staying home, not unlike Miss Haversham who never left her web covered rooms.  My wise daughter-in-law reminded me that Miss Haversham was filled with evil and selfishness, so we don't want to carry this example too far.  I am guilty, however, of having Great Expectations for my son and myself.  Always room to grow, learn and find a kindness to offer someone along our way.