Birthday Weekending

Here we are at the end of August, which is not the end of summer peeps, but I concede it's looming. This is the week every August we are usually scrambling to get ready for the end of summer vacation after coming home from a week up north. We weren't able to go this year, or last for that matter. Note to self to make reservations right now. We were all missing our annual week in the woods on the water, but I must confess that we've had a stretch of beautiful, special days.

I celebrated my birthday last week. Like celebrated it all week long. I'm not a big bash center of attention gal, but I do enjoy festive moments with friends and family and the days were certainly filled with those. This wasn't a milestone birthday, but then maybe it was. Every year is a gift. Right? I'm feeling that profoundly this year as a dear friend is fighting for her's. She was supposed to be with me on my birthday, but was unable to travel and as light as my heart felt, it was heavy in equal measure. I had some choice words with the universe, which can be as beautiful as it is ruthless every single day. I made the same wish every time I blew out my candles. I had 5 cakes worth.

The celebration started Wednesday afternoon. Lils and I met Grandma at the spa for manis and pedis. It's a treat I've neglected this summer. Poor Ella had to scrub at least 5 layers of navy polish off my toes. I understand why she talked me into a nice rose gold with a single navy accent toe this time. After pampering, we met Grandpa for dinner. It was our first time at the Belfre Kitchen in quaint Delafield. The food and the company were perfect.

Quaint and delicious.

One birthday girl.

I coveted Lils Poke bowl. Next time.

Thursday I visited the farmers market with my aunt. I went with tomatoes on my list, but of course, I filled my tote. This is peak harvest time and everything looks sexy. After our haul, we went to a family favorite Italian bistro for dinner. We shared an order of escargot and it was the best I've ever eaten washed down with a nice pinot. That would have been more than enough, but we also shared the special pork involtini in a tomato and olive sauce and it may be the best thing I've ever eaten at Caterinas. There was no room for dessert, but my aunt dropped off a chocolate mousse cake from Simmas earlier in the day. It's another best. Her birthday is next week. I'm not sure how I'm going to top mine.

Sexy snails in loads of butter and garlic.

I followed through on my plan to spend the weekend at Windmill Beach. It didn't feel right to gather with my college crew without our glue, but I didn't want to be alone either. Jess and Candace came to my rescue and they made my birthday just what I needed. The weather cooperated. Friday was hot and sunny. Lake Michigan was warm and calm. We spent hours floating on Blue Bertha without a care in the world beyond sunburn and cold drinks. Before gloaming, we walked the beach while keeping our eyes on the changing skies. The spectrum of pastels takes my breath away every gloaming. Jess made dinner and it was delicious. That girl perfectly cooked the tenderloin. I was impressed. We lit candles and toasted to friendship and it was a fitting end for the beautiful day. We were in bed early by Windmill Beach standards and it was a good thing because we were up (some intentionally, others not) for sunrise at 6 o' clock in the morning Saturday. It was a little hazy, but the scene on the horizon was still a little holy. 

Hello Windmill Beach.

The girls came with garage keys to free Blue Bertha.

And they stayed for a swim.

 Beach selfie.

No place I'd rather be.

Magic.

Mood.

Moon.

Birthday bouquet.

Birthday dinner.

Candace left before my Quiche Lorraine Saturday morning. Jess and I walked the beach the other way and then took a dip. The water was a tad cooler and much wavier than the day before. We didn't last too long on Blue Bertha. I got thrown off numerous times and after a couple snoot-fulls, we beached her. Mike and the kids came up midday for swimming, paddle boarding and Spike ball. A few rain showers passed by. By the last one, we gave up and stayed in the water. Swimming in the rain under a rainbow is a birthday bucket list must. Trust me. And the rain was warmer than the water. Mike grilled wings for dinner, at my request, and we had more cake and wine. We ended the night playing a game of Meme. After everyone was in bed, I spent a little time with the full moon after a full 18 hour day. A good day.

Birthday sunrise.

Birthday full moon rising.

I slept in Sunday, enjoyed 2 very strong cups of coffee and finished my book. It was windy and foggy and the waves were ocean-sized. I planned to pack up and head home midday to see my kittens, but my family surprised me with a little party. An afternoon on the beach turned into dinner in the dark and almost another sleepover, but we made it home in time for bed sun kissed and so happy.

Broody morning.

A new day, a new lake...coldest and waviest on Sunday.

Break.

My family of origin.

Generations.

Storm Brewing.

Mike and the birds.

Dinner (for the birds).

Beach inspiration.

First day of the new year is a good one.

Ted is the new crib champ.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

 Electricity. We were without it for 24 hours after a dicey storm Tuesday evening. The first night it was a little bit festive playing cards by candlelight even though it was like 90 degrees out. I went to bed certain that I'd be woken in the middle of the night to lights and sounds. Nope. My office was without power Wednesday too so I stayed home and read almost 500 pages of my book. It was almost nice to be disconnected from devices for 24 hours, but by Wednesday evening I started to feel isolated and anxious and tired of being sweaty all while being fully aware that this is a first world problem. 

 

 Teddy found a way to stay cool.

Clean refrigerators and freezers. That's one benefit of losing power for an extended period of time. I finally gave in and started tossing and then took what was salvageable to work. I wasn't home for 10 minutes before the power came on. I could only laugh.

Another benefit was having Teddy come with me to work yesterday for the WiFi. We chatted throughout the day and had a NY style pizza delivered for lunch.

 

Working from home.

New carpet in the family room. Furniture is coming Tuesday. The cats are loving the wide open space though and I almost wish I ordered less furniture.

Mike sold our old furniture.

Matt Haig's The Comfort Book. I got it from the library, but I put it on my bday list because it has so many nuggets in it that I can't copy them all. And I sort of want to give it to everyone I know.

Challah French toast with a sampler of Vermont maple syrups.

The kittens are 5 months old. Sweet Sister Hazel.

 

Special Gus.

 

Finnegan McGoo.

 

Outtakes.

 

Weekending

Life has been full to the brim the past two weeks in the best possible way. There is a bit of a lull in the medley and so I'm here to play catch up. Catch up is what we did with our cousins who came to town for a whirlwind visit. We came home Wednesday from Madison after a 12 hour packing/cleaning/moving day with only enough time to shower, which I'm quite sure they appreciated. It's been three years since we've been together so it's a good thing I got my second and then third wind. TJ and I stayed up until 3:30 sharing one more glass and then one more bottle of wine. It was great to finally meet his new wife although it feels like I've known her forever. Kate fits right in and we all adored her charm, warmth, wit and candor. TJ radiates happiness and that alone is good enough for me.

After a quick quiche Lorraine and copious amounts of coffee, we packed up for a day at Windmill Beach. It was sunny and steamy and so absolutely perfect. The water temp was phenomenal and the waves were breaking. Our new party island arrived and we took our maiden voyage. It was a good purchase because there is nothing like floating around in the water having fun in the sun. She has room for 7, a cooler, and an anchor. I'm telling you that I could have stayed in the lake all day, and it was really hard saying goodbye, but we had to get home to have dinner with grandma and grandpa.

 

Again we rolled in with just enough time to rinse off. TJ and I tag teamed a yummy charcuterie board. He and Kate brought some delicious Vermont cheddars from their time there. We served up traditional Milwaukee fare in honor of Kate's first visit: brats, corn on the cob, potato salad and watermelon, but the star of the evening was the lively conversation and the company of loved ones. TJ and I didn't call it a night until 5:30 in the morning, but it was worth it to maximize our limited time.

Friday was a recovery day and that was a good thing because Saturday was Lily's birthday. We celebrated at the Brewer's game. She made the jumbo tron and Grandpa went around the entire section to get then to sing happy birthday to her. Next year he plans to get the whole stadium in on the chorus. It was one of the sweetest things he's ever done. The team lost, but it was still a great night even though we had to run in a total deluge to the car and could barely see the road on the way home.

We did Lil's bday dinner on Sunday night. Jess came to celebrate with us. The birthday girl requested Curry Chicken. I didn't have time to bake a cake and really thought she wouldn't miss it, but when I told her sundaes were for dessert, he response told me otherwise. "You didn't get a cake!?" No, and your present is not coming until mid week. I dropped the ball just a tad on this one, but I know she still felt the love and we are planning a friend party at Windmill Beach before summer's end. I'll have two cakes for that one!