Birthday Blessings

Hello everyone.  I had planned to share an Easter card with you today, but I had such a lovely birthday yesterday that I thought I would tell you about my day instead.

I was greeted with this amazing floral arrangement when I walked into the living room this morning!  Doug went to our favorite florist and had them put together the arrangement for him.  I promise you that the photos do not do justice to the flowers.  When I saw them I actually gasped.  My poor photography is not gasp worthy!!

My friends Kathy and Susan had me over to Susan's house for a lovely, lovely luncheon. Susan set a lovely table with white, pink and gold china, lace tablecloth, fabric napkins, fresh camellias, etc.  Susan prepared a ham and cheese quiche, spinach salad, and rolls. The food was delicious! Not to be out done, because she wasn't (!), Kathy made a fabulous strawberry trifle!!  Most importantly, I had a wonderful time with Susan and Kathy. I have said it before and I am sure I will say it again, I have the most wonderful friends!!

In the afternoon Doug and I went out to visit a new store that opened in Aiken - Fresh Market.  It is a grocery-type store with wonderful produce and fresh meats.  The store carries a nice selection of coffees and organic shelf items.  They have rotisserie cooked meats and great prepared foods.  And their bakery is to die for!!!  While there I decided that instead of going out to dinner as we had planned I wanted to pick up dinner and take it home.

After much debate I decided on sesame garlic split chicken breasts, freshly made twice baked potatoes, and spinach salad.  The Fresh Market tossed in some fabulous yeast rolls and I added a loaf of Olive bread.  Along with the rest of Kathy's strawberry trifle, this made for a fabulous birthday dinner.

And because it was my birthday, I dug through my dishes and decided that we should dine on my pink Portuguese Bordallo Pinheiro dinnerware.  I added silver, French glassware, and toile napkins in shades of pink. Doug and I invited Bethany's beau, John, to join us for dinner. All four of us truly enjoyed the dinner and dessert and I told John that he was going to have to suck-it-up on the "girly" table as it was my choice for my birthday.  He agreed that this dinner should be all about me.  Smart man!!!

I finished the evening sharing Bethany's life in scrapbooks with John - who actually asked to see them.  Bethany was a bit embarrassed but John had the sweetest smile the entire time he was looking at her scrapbooks.  Have I mentioned that Doug and I like John??

I had a truly wonderful birthday.  I enjoyed hearing from my children, extended family, and so many friends.  It was a lovely day.