The Best Birthday Gift

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So many wonderful people have left messages on my last post, wishing me a happy birthday and sending condolences on the passing of my little dog Jack.

I have no adequate words to express what your kind thoughts and wishes have meant to me, but I want all of you to know that your kindnesses helped me to get through this week and I thank you from the bottom of my heart, all of you.

So, not only did I have a birthday this week, but Mr. CC surprised the heck out of me with the best present a gal, and mom, could have.

Last Tuesday, after putting up this post, we took a walk on the head hoping to see some whales. My friend Annie told me that she'd seen them the previous day and I was looking forward to a sighting. We didn't see whales, but had a great walk during which time the fog cleared and the sun came out.

Then I got a call from son Miles. He said he'd made a special slice of pizza for me and would I stop by Smug's on my way to Wherever Mr. CC Was Taking Me Next. Sure, said I, and off we went.

You know how your brain reacts (or not) when you see something or someone so completely out of context that your mind doesn't immediately recognize what or who you're looking at? That's what happened to me.

I walked in the door of the pizza place and looked straight at both of my other sons, whom I had no idea would be there, and for a second or two didn't respond. I recognized them, surely, but my brain just wouldn't wrap around it. When it finally did, I was so completely overwhelmed with joy I could barely stand up. And that's the way the rest of my birthday and this week began.

Having all three of my boys in one room at the same time is quite an acheivement.

Josh is my oldest, lives in Sacramento and is engaged to his sweetie Kelly.

Jeffrey, my middle son, lives in Los Angeles with his lovely wife Amy.

Miles, my 20 year old and youngest son, still lives very close to us so we get to see him often. The handsome devil beside him is the famous Mr. CC.

Josh and Kelly gave me a gift certificate to the very cool Chumayo Spa, just a short distance away in Blue Lake, for my birthday. I'm going to use it just as soon as I can decide on which wonderful treatment to have. They were able to spend two days here and then had to leave to get back to their jobs. I'm so lucky to be able to see them several times a year.

Jeff and Amy were able to stay until Friday evening, and for my birthday present they helped me pick out colors and then painted several rooms in our house. This was such a treat. Not only did I have the the pleasure of their company for 4 days (the last time I saw them was 2 years ago!!!), but the gift of their talents (he does house painting and is very, very good, she is an artist and not only is very, very good, she knows color!) applied to the walls of my house now makes me think of them everytime I walk from room to room. (The pear green in the far room is now gone, replaced with a beautiful marine blue.)

What a gift. What a week.

There's lots I'm leaving out. This is, afterall, a cooking blog, not a personal diary.

But I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Mr. CC also got my dearest friend Erika and her equally dear boyfriend Bill up here for my birthday dinner. Another surprise that spun my already reeling head around.

Whatta guy my guy is!

I'm going to end here and hope to lure you back with a few recipes that are waiting in the wings: a quite delicious kiwi sorbet, a roasted celeriac and pear soup, and an avocado and cheese stuffed turkey burger.

See you soon.