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.
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.
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 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.
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