However, it was a fantastic birthday week. Three small parties were thrown to celebrate: one chez Tom and Caroline, another at Susan and Tom K's, and the third after Peter's tennis game on Monday at the seaside courts. On top of that, Ricky and Judy came for the week from San Diego, and we all trekked to Kona for dinner on Saturday (actual birthday) at La Bourgogne. Andrew also joined us. Unfortunately, it was our first disappointing meal there; we've dined there a few times each year since 2004. Two nights earlier, Andrew cooked a birthday feast to which we invited a few people. For the past ten days, I've been quite pampered. I am honored to have such caring and fabulous friends and family.
My favorite birthday card is from my first girl friend in Hawaii, Caroline:
I splurged on myself this year, and bought a dark brown leather De Manta clutch and a Gold Angels shawl from Alexander McQueen's final collection (on sale, of course). The shape of the clutch evokes that of the local manta rays; it's very special. Each is gorgeous, unique, and timeless -- and will be fun to wear during my upcoming trip to England and Cornwall with Caroline.
I received several thoughtful gifts from my friends, and Rachel sent me a book of poetry by Yehuda Amichai (for whom she named her Ukrainian cat). Peter's gifts included bath gel, gift cards, and -- best of all -- hiring a huge earth moving excavator to clear and level land on the lower slope makai (towards the ocean), in front of our lawn. Since 2006, I've envisioned creating a labyrinth there, and a bocce ball court adjacent to it. It may be five more years until they are installed, but the essential first step is complete.
Before:
After:
As we approach the Year of the Hare (or Rabbit), and Peter's sixtieth, I have to say that life is better than ever!
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
