I am officially 82 years old!
Every birthday I can celebrate now is a milestone birthday...I am trying to not take the days, weeks, months, and years for granted...for each is a gift to be savored... So Happy Birthday to me, one more time!
Since my son was having surgery yesterday, June 20th, just a day after my birthday, I told him I did not want a lot of hoopla this year...let's keep it low key and maybe just picnic at a park...
I was thinking more along the lines of buying Bânh-mi sandwiches from Le at Le Yellow Submarine food truck and just going to a park to eat... well, it turned out a bit more elaborate than that!
Anthony called our friend Galyn, who talked to our friend Sharon and they decided to take care of the food...all Anthony and I had to do was bring ourselves and the table settings.
Anthony had a doctor's appointment, so we decided to meet at our favorite little covered pavilion at the Wailoa River Park afterwards...I had no idea what to expect, but knowing Galyn, I knew it would be special...and it was!
Both Sharon and Galyn were there when we arrived...and Galyn was in full chef mode. He had brought a small collapsible table, two gas burners, and had things well in hand...and he was even wearing an apron from our old business, the Akaka Falls Inn, which was a B&B, Cooking School, Deli, & Gift Shop many years ago.
On the stove, his own combination of Shrimp Scampi & Cheese Ravioli...(it was delicious!) while garlicky bread 'knots' were steaming in the smaller pot.
The table settings
Ice cold Moscato di Asti for a birthday toast, and a block of Parmigiano to grate over the shrimp & pasta
On the menu: Shrimp Scampi & Cheese Ravioli, salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, avocado, and grape tomatoes; garlic bread knots served with delicious garlic butter, and the sweetest carrots, ever! I could have eaten them like candy!
Not a great picture of any of us, and evidence to the contrary... we really were having fun...
Colorful and delicious!
...and instead of a birthday cake, I got Sharon's absolutely the best ever Tiramisu! It was heavenly and I'm still enjoying it!
Me...with one of my proudest achievements...
Thank you, Anthony, Sharon, and Galyn... for celebrating with me and making it such a beautiful day!
