29

That is my number now. I'm totally cool with it. I like how it feels. Not so hyped up as birthdays past, but real and genuine and reliable. Maybe that's why yesterday was so great. I didn't hype it up, I didn't have unruly expectations. But Colin and I both took the day off work and that in itself was amazing.

We slept in (till 10!)—that never ever happens. We drank coffee in bed. We got up slowly and got ready to go into town. It was sunny and in the 60s—that also never happens on my birthday. My parents had arrived in town and we met for lunch at Magnolia, our new favorite brunch/lunch spot. Kevin and Sapphire joined us too (Emi was working).

My birthday lunch: coconut oatmeal pancakes with maple syrup and homemade strawberry jam and my first iced coffee of the season. Oh boy, it was good! I can't remember what everybody else got but they all enjoyed it. Sapphie was very well behaved and in very good spirits. She let us all hold her and pass her around and just kept giggling and cooing like a good little girl! Mummy and Colin were trying to stick spoons on their noses. Mummy finally got it. Then I said, "Mummy, What would Granny say to this behavior?" And she put her spoon down.




After lunch, we walked around a bit and did some shopping. Then we went home to rest up for dinner at our favorite Trattoria Delia. Mummy and Papa treated us all to a lovely birthday dinner there. I got what I always get: wood-grilled smoked mozzarella on a bed of arugula, grilled tomatoes, eggplant and zucchini. Then for dinner the orecchiette with fried tomato sauce. Nobody got dessert—we were all so full! But we did finish off with some espressos and cappuccinos. Em and Kev gave me a birthday present: an adorable little jersey dress with bell sleeves and a funky peacock print on the front. I think I might wear it tonight! More on that later... Here are some pictures from dinner. You wouldn't know it from the pics, but Colin and Sapphire were there too. Col was behind the camera and Sapphie was sleeping like the little angel she is in her carrier.






Now it's Saturday (love long weekends!) and we're getting ready to go to the farmers' market. Then Col and I are heading out of town for a romantic getaway—first to dinner at the Simon Pearce restaurant in Queechee, then for an overnight stay at the Woodstock Inn. What a lucky girl I am!