Birthday Month

Here are some random photos I picked

From my collection that makes me think

The smiles and laughs shared

With the people who care

I share my birthday month with some loved ones

Some close, some far

With distance or heart

In my thoughts they are present

Sometimes that's all that matter

The experience, tastes, and feelings matter too

Simple things like easter bombs "cocoa"

A manicure with massage

And more sweet happy birthday cakes

A workout in different virtual destinations

I cannot go there for real but virtually I can

New Zealand, Spain, the Pacific Islands

All in one day

Imagined or virtual

They can bring joy

Happy birthday Birthday to . . . Me

I turn golden this year and celebrated with my forever soulmate. Years ago, I did not anticipate celebrating the day with a group of 2 :). It is happy, nevertheless. We had a weekend get-away to a city nearby, in a hotel, and eating out twice a day in selected restaurants we managed to get reservations at. We are grateful we were able to do this.

Another time, we spent the evening with a vaccinated couple with wine tasting and dinner while we join a Zoom get-together with other wine-taster couples and the Wine producers in California (if that's what you call them). We had good bottles of wine - Zinfandels and champagne of some brands I did not think I would have tried.

This afternoon, we had my volunteer meeting via Zoom talking about our fundraising  to benefit a scholarship and COVID victims. Then, we played BINGO online. It was a good way to end our rather serious meeting.

I feel grateful for good food, volunteers, my husband, my friends, and all the mediums we use more often than two years ago to get around the inconveniences of the pandemic.

Comfort

I harvested some greens from my indoor hydroponic planter. The greens can't get fresher than these, harvested right from my dining room. They are perfect with the Costco-size beef and pork. 

I cooked six dishes. Most left-overs will be frozen for later like after-work dinner when most times, we are too exhausted to cook.

I am grateful for the memory of cooking comfort I remembered from childhood in the Philippines--peanut stew, adobo, pork chops seasoned with lemon pepper, and sour soup. 

I am grateful for the recipes readily available from the internet, the oven, instapot, and air fryer. I was able to cook 6 dishes in 2 hours, preparation time included. You'd think I was in a cooking contest under time-pressure. Only the judges (my family) are more forgiving and very appreciative of my cooking.

I am grateful for the simple things I get to enjoy with my family--walking outdoors, however cold, before the snow hit--picture taking, and watching TV together.

I am even thankful for a friend and a co-nurse who is finally resting after two-month hospitalization from COVID. She must be in heaven.

Until next time.