A wrap on the birthday—with heartfelt thanks

 

Celebrating my birthday with Jacob

I want to cast a wide net with my thanks for birthday wishes, because I was flattered, pleased, delighted to hear from so many folks—childhood friends, professional friends and acquaintances, neighbors from the past and present, people I barely know and people I know well (I think). Lots of Facebook friends, which reinforces my belief that for all its algorithms and idiosyncrasies, it’s a good place to be.

Perhaps the most memorable comment came from a Texas author of some repute, who posted, “She wrote me the kindest rejection letter I ever received. I’ve never forgotten it.” It’s nice to know as you grow old that you have made friends and maybe even shown some kindnesses to people along the way

And I talked to all my distant children and had birthday texts from three of the distant grands. Can’t beat that.

It was also a memorable day, as I told Jordan last night, from quiche for breakfast and tuna for lunch to really good fried chicken for dinner. Last night, longtime friends took me and another friend to dinner—Carol, whose birthday comes just a few days before mine, chose the place, with my ready agreement. It’s a restaurant we both like for its authentic, old-fashioned fried chicken—the kind with skin on and bone in (as opposed to that imposter, chicken fried chicken). It comes with seasoned mashed potatoes and green beans cooked the southern way—mushy, as they should be with  fried chicken.

Four friends and birthday celebrants

We four have a long birthday tradition, but of course last year we missed all our birthdays and our non-celebratory dinners, so it was lovely to get together and catch up. We have similar but not identical interests and many years of common friends and activities.

After dinner, Jordan had a cake party, with my favorite chocolate mousse cake from Central Market. Neighbors came over, bringing gorgeous flowers, and we laughed and joked a lot—rehashing Christian’s early career as a child star on TV, opening gifts, and posing for photos—a must in the Burton household.

Highlight of the evening—Jordan and her sister and their families went together to get me the garden cart I’d been wanting. It will allow me to stand while I weed or water or whatever. Made of wood, it’s on wheels, so we can keep it in the driveway which gets full sun on this shady property. and yet move it as needed to accommodate cars and golf practice. It comes unassembled and apparently Jordan and Christian took it was far as they could and are now waiting for tomorrow’s appearance of the handyman. When complete, it is lined, has drainage holes. It now holds two basil plants and two thyme. I’m ready to be in business. Must add chives, but I’m looking forward to a fall crop of green onions and leaf lettuce.

My herb garden to be

I went to bed tired and happy and had fried chicken and chocolate cake for lunch today. It was back to work and routine today—one friend told me not to suffer letdown, but I didn’t. Too many good memories. Took me most of the morning to proof that fat newsletter, and I’m not sure what else I did

But tonight, Jordan put on an amazing spread for a neighbor across the street and her son—dips and cheeses and sausage and veggies. No need for supper.

And here's the immediate, local family who makes all this possible, with grace and smiles and love.