more celebrating

Today I am 62.  I can officially get discounted tickets at movie theaters in New York, so I guess that means I have entered the realm of senior.  Yesterday at the Census Bureau I had to give my age and the young age-asker said, “It’s all about the mileage.  You have low mileage.”  When I asked for clarification he added, “Your age doesn’t show.”

My doorbell rings and it’s the doorman to tell me Robyn has brought me flowers.  Her thoughtfulness extends to my not having to do anything with them except put them out.  They are beautiful.

I get calls and cards and many Facebook posts.  It is nice to be remembered. I hear from people in my past as well as present.  Every post recalls a memory.

I spend the day getting waxed, manicured, and blown out.  Birthdays are a good excuse for pampering.

Dinner is a big celebration.  My mom has come in for the weekend.  Since my dad’s health has been compromised, she doesn’t come to New York often, making her arrival for my birthday all the more special.  In addition, my sister Jean and her whole family come in from Boston.  My nephew Adam is skiing in Aspen and his brother Michael lives in LA.  But Valerie, Abbey, Jason and Amanda all come.  Eleven of us go to The Strip House for dinner; it’s one of my favorite restaurants.  I bring my camera (again) and this time I know I’ll get a picture….my birthday and all that.

We are a fun family, though the table behind is filled with such loud people it is hard to hear our table’s humor, or much of anything else.  We think we are over-ordering, but somehow most everything gets eaten.  I start with an exceptional tuna tartare and avocado appetizer, followed by a strip steak, that is among the best I’ve ever had.  For sides, we seem to order everything:  mac and cheese, french fries, potatoes with goose fat, brussel sprouts, asparagus, creamed spinach, and a few shrimp cocktails with gigantic, succulent shrimp.  Same is true for desserts.  We end up with a gigantic slice of cake (big enough for the table), along with vanilla crème brulee, baked alaska, profiteroles, and a brownie sundae.   

It’s a perfect birthday.  And, It even snows today.