Tea for Two

I have to say, I had a really beautiful birthday. Thank you so much to everyone for making me feel loved. Thank you Chad for the first message of my day. Thanks Lora for the sweet card, and my sis Candice for the call. Thank you Catherine for thinking about me. Thanks Dad for singing Happy Birthday on the answering machine; I really enjoyed your improvised lyrics. Thanks Mom for the flowers I look forward to growing. Thanks John and Connie for the earrings and well wishes. Most of all, thanks J.D. for spending the day with me.

The first part of 2008 has been hell, but today reminded me that quite a few people still care that I'm alive, and that's a good feeling.

J.D. waited for an hour today while I got my hair done. Then we went for High Tea at the Ritz. It was really fun and opulent, but I must admit, the tea sandwiches were so cute, delicate, and tasty. We tried cucumber, egg salad, salmon with caviar, and a type of asparagus prosciutto. Each was garnished beautifully and only a bite or two. The scones were heavenly with whipped butter and honey. J.D. enjoyed the blackberry preserves. There were also several desserts: fresh berries, chocolates, shortcakes, carrot cake, and a special birthday lemon meringue tart. Some of the berries and chocolate had edible gold leaf. J.D. tried the blue sapphire tea, but I went with the traditional vanilla. Most lovely of all, we sat nestled by the fire. The picture shows what the room would look like full of tables, but there weren't that many. Also, we were near a slightly different fireplace, in a more intimate corner of the room. Anyway, while there I did honestly feel guilty for such pretensions to aristocracy, and it could never be a life style I endorse, but it was lovely for one afternoon of make-believe.

After lunch we bought Gruyere and Emmental, French bread, and white wine. Around 8:00 tonight J.D. prepared fondue, and he gave me a truly beautiful love letter over dinner. Today reminded me that there are things to enjoy, and there is hope to be had. Loss empties us because we love, but love fills us again and gives us back life.