May 15

Happy Birthday to me!

Molly Meng called to say Happy Birthday early this morning, and she also asked if we are near the wildfires that are burning all over the County.  Told her no, that's all way north of us.

Dad called while I was on the line with her, but I couldn't catch his call.  Called him back later, and he was out, so I left a message.

When Louise got up, we had our coffee & juice, and muffin and fruit salad of banana & mango.

The plan for the day was to go down to Balboa Park to visit a couple of museums.  After we finally got ourselves pulled together, it was nearly 12:30 and I told Louise, okay, let me use the bathroom and we'll go.  While in the bathroom, she hollered that someone was knocking at the door and I hollered back, "well, ask who it is."  From inside the bathroom, I heard voices singing Happy Birthday.  Came out of the bathroom only to find the whole Meng crew (minus Lisa) serenading me with Happy Birthday!  And Mike was video taping it all.  Louise was in on this plot, and I was TOTALLY surprised!  They came bearing gifts, and we all sat around while I opened said gifts.  I felt bad that they had to endure my inferno of an apartment.  Then we all headed out to lunch at the Blue Wave Bar & Grill on Shelter Island, which was inside the Island Palms Hotel down there.  Food was good, view was excellent, and the company - unparalleled!  I wanted them to swing by St. Columba so I could show them where I worked, but they had to hit the road.  Kaari had big plans with Sofia the next to help her get ready for her prom.   Anyway, "a good time was had by all."

After that, Louise & I swung by St. Columba to retrieve the gift Brenda told us she'd sent to me.

Then we went to Fashion Valley Mall.  Went to the Container Store and the Hermes store.  Didn't buy anything.  Also went to visit a little 0l' watch repairman at Neiman Marcus and got a new battery put in the little round clock Louise had given me. 

This evening, we went to a little cafe/bar nearby called Romeo & Julieta's.  Unfortunately, the place was packed with a gay party, and the noise level was intolerable.  Louise ordered some hummus, and I pigged out on their crusty bread and zingy garlic butter.  Zoila & Mike were supposed to join us, but they didn't show up till about an hour later, when we were just thinking about leaving.  When they got there, we moved to an outdoor table - much quieter.
Hung out with them chatting and yakking, till about 9:30 or so.

A fantastic birthday!