Before we had to head to the airport Dan and I had a bit of free time, so after our breakfast, and a bit of organizing of our stuff we went to Central Park and walked for about three miles. The weather has changed and it was quite cold, but of course nothing like the year I was freezing no matter how much I bundled up!
Coming back to the hotel we packed and prepared for the long trek home.
We opted for a Lyft ride to the airport. NOT CHEAP! I think next time we might do the train and just accept that it will take longer. At the airport security was extremely speedy, and the airport wasn’t as crowded as usual. We went to the United restaurant “Classified” that is hidden and quiet, and there were only a few other people there.
Then on to the gate to board.
Now of course there isn’t any need to write about the flight except at one point an attendant came over to me and asked if I had just had a birthday. He then proceeded to to bring two desserts, asking which I’d like, but then gave me both! Of course I shared with Dan.
So, today is the day: all of the sudden I’m a year older. Funny how that goes. I had told Dan several weeks ago that I wasn’t going to bother with a birthday poem this year (I wrote one when I turned 50, and then started writing them every year beginning on my 55th birthday.) Well, he encouraged me … so here is the poem I decided not to write (kidding!):
Not This Time (67)
This year will be a first — there’ll be no poetry. My last year’s was the worst, and the blame is all on me!
Besides, it’s rather nice
to pretend I’m not so old. I’ll put this age on ice and let it shiver in the cold.
I also wrote this, but never shared it with anyone other than Dan until now:
Birthday Pride
I’m hesitantly proud To join the sixty-seven crowd.
Yeah, I’m pretty darn funny, eh?
Dan and I went to Cafe Luxembourg for brunch. It appears that it’s quite popular later in the morning, but we were there at 10:30 and it was easy to get a reservation. They brought out our donut holes with a candle in a strawberry … cute!
From there we came back to our room: I was tired and after my shower I just had to close my eyes for a time.
Eventually Brandon texted to say they were in on the upper east side, so we headed out that way, walking rather than taking the subway since it was a lovely day. Brandon, Lia, Dan, and I went into Bergdorf Goodman and had cocktails and a bit of food. (We also saw some gorgeous men’s clothing at prices we could never afford!) When the server found out it was my birthday she gave us each a freshly baked Madeleine! It was pretty darn yummy.
I should have taken more photos, but unfortunately the one above is all I’ve got. Sorry!
From there it was a subway ride to the hotel to dress for dinner, and eventually we got a car to our restaurant, Mino Brasserie. It was quite the distance, but SO well worth it. Absolutely delicious food, great service, and a wonderful time with Brandon, Lia, Jameson, and Meghan. For dessert I was, once again, surprised by a dessert (profiteroles with chocolate sauce … YUM!) with candles and the gang sang to me. I’m feeling so very blessed! We spent a good amount of time there, and when we were finished Jameson, Meghan, Dan, and I shared a ride to get back to our hotel and their house, while Brandon and Lia took a train.
Tomorrow is back to reality. But also to Thanksgiving (SO much to be thankful for!), and Mel and Kelsey will join us for a few days, so still a lot to look forward to!
