The big event of the return home was Rick's birthday! It started the night before when Greg came by with a beautiful birthday gift -- some fabulous red wine glasses and a pepper mix for his mill. Ah, birthdays in the time of Covid! It was so good to see him!
And beautifully wrapped!
The next night was birthday proper!
We had a nice dinner on his patio -- steak and potato salad, after enjoying some of his wonderful bread with olive oil and Brie.
One of my presents was from my friend and potter, Jim Fineman. You grate garlic on the sharp points in the bottom of this dipping tray and add any oil, vinegar or herbs your want. It worked like a charm and the mixture we came up with was delicious! The trees above the patio are reflected in the oil!
Here's my birthday card for him. The Wolverine referred to is the Wolverine Cycling Club (and yes, he IS a Wolverine!)
His main present is a new helmet but he needs to pick that out himself. But I made him a "story of his life" video which was about 40 minutes long and had photos from the time he was a baby, our friends, family, grands, music, cycling and traveling.
While we were eating and watching the video we enjoyed the baby hawks that are now out of the nest in his yard. There are three or four of them.
They talk constantly -- a rather high pitched squeal as they chase each other around the trees in the yard and neighborhood. They're beautiful and fun to watch.
Then it was time for cake! I left all my baking ingredients at the lake so this is a Trader Joe lemon cake which I split and put a layer of Bonne Maman cherry between the layers before icing. It's a delicious cake and in the time of Covid, a good substitute for home made!
That was followed by a call from the kids. All in all, a glorious day.
Coming home after a couple of weeks away is always a little nerve wracking. You always wonder what till go wring. This time it is the hot water heater, which is badly leaking on the basement floor. (What is it with water and my basement? If it isn't one thing, it's another!) This presents a bit of a dilemma before going up again. I'm inclined to let it leak -- it's not like the floor hasn't been wet before and I don't want to knee-jerk and get the wrong thing. That and weeds knee-high growing through the cracks in the driveway. All gone now, but they'll grow again! Now, I should clean up my house, which is a total mess. Back to real life!
53 comments:
That is a really wonderful idea for a birthday gift!
Hugs
Hello,
Happy Birthday to Rick! It looks like a great birthday dinner/celebration. The gifts are nice. I like the card you made and the story of Rick's life video sounds awesome. I would be happy with the bread, brie and the wine. The cake looks delicious too! I am sure my yard birds would not like those hawks hanging around! Take care, have a happy day!
You all out did yourselves for his birthday! Well done, you! The video is such a lovely thing I am sure- and I do thank you for the bread recipe! I will try, I have enough flour now to start a bakery!
Understand about water in the basement! We have had four floods and three new floors installed in the time we have lived here- we now have "water cops" under every sink, every place that may get water. Like a smoke detector.
Your hawk is a glorious thing!
About the hot water heater: I think they usually have a shut=off valve for the water just going to the hot water heater. Better-informed minds than mine could tell you if that was a risk, but all other things being equal, it might give you time at the lake without worrying about it, and then time to get it fixed upon returning. That way, no runaway leaks while gone, if I'm not wrong for some obscure reason.
Happy birthday to Rick, it looks marvelous.
mae
Happy Birthday to Rick! It sounds like he had a wonderful day. Sorry about your leak!
Belated birthday wishes to Rick! So glad Greg was able to visit, and it looks like you managed to make his birthday a festive, social, and socially-distanced occasion. That cake looks amazing -- a great argument for being willing to use whatever is easily available and ready at hand. And I love the card you made; suspect the you tube video is fabulous.
Home maintenance, alas, never ends. It's always something, right? And if it's not immediately threatening, might as well enjoy that time at the lake. You'll make a better decision then when you return. anno xxox
Happy Birthday, Rick. A nicer fellow never existed. Happy, happy birthday. I hope that you broke your isolation vow, Jeanie, and gave him a hug, or two or ten. The young hawks came to wish him well too; they know a good neighbourhood when they see one. I have never tried olive oil with brie, but must do so. We generally mix it with balsamic vinegar and dip the bread in it. Sixty-five huh? And looking great!
What a wonderful party!
Sounds like a great celebration. Happy birthday 🎂🎂🎂 to Rick.I am sure he will enjoy his presents. The food sounds very yummy, too. Have a great weekend, hugs, Valerie
A belated Happy Birthday to him!
Penblwydd Hapus i Rick. Happy Birthday to Rick. What a great celebration under peculiar times. Great photos as always, but the one of the dipping dish is really arty!
~~~Deb in Wales
What a wonderful birthday for Rick. You were definitely the hostess with the mostess.
I am so so happy that Rick had a beautiful and fun birthday at home! I very much love the table setting Jeanie, great job on that guys! Adore those stars plate. I am happy that Greg was able to visit and celebrate. That bread looks super fresh and tasty, I am sure Rick did a job baking it. I know he does not know me but please extend my birthday greetings and wishes of great health to him Jeanie :)
Happy Birthday Rick! I'm glad you had such a wonderful day!
A big Happy Birthday to Rick. I like your table setting Jeanie and the party itself looks pretty good. You gave some very thoughtful gifts to mark Rick's big 65. xx
Belated very happy birthday wishes to Rick and it does look like he had a wonderful socially distance party. Glad the weather cooperated as well. Sorry to hear about the leaky water heater. It makes you want to run away, quick, back to the cottage, doesn't it, Jeanie?
Happy Birthday to Rick.Looks like it was a good one. I love dipping bread in oil. Janice
Happy belated birthday to Rick. I think you had a great celebration. I like those star plates. And sorry to hear about your water heater. It is always something,isn't it?An d I recently ordered that bread book so it is good to see a bread from it. Time for me to try one of the recipes. Have a great visit home. Hugs-Erika
Happy Birthday to your Rick! He must have felt quite special- cake, thoughtful presents and a video! Sorry about the hot water heater--we were thinking about ours recently and realize it's quite old--oh no! It is always something.
Happy moments! Thanks for sharing!
A big ol' happy birthday to Rick!! Cake, presents, wine, oh and that bread!!! That wonderful loaf of bread! (Can you tell I've been limiting myself?). Hope you basement issues get dealt with quickly and easily. -Jenn
What a beautiful table! Michigan dinners outside on the patio - I miss them.
Happy Birthday to Rick!! What an extravagant Birthday celebration...We replaced our hot water heater recently...Joe caught it in time before it leaked out into my hall and Living Room...Thanks for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Debbie
What a wonderful celebration for Rick! Interestingly, as I write this, I am waiting for the air conditioner/heater man to come - just for an inspection (as I realized I haven't had anything checked since I moved in). Whether many miles or less than a day's drive, it's hard to keep track of two homes. Really cool hawk photos.
Jeanie, Sending birthday wishes for Rick. Looks like a very nice birthday party . You got some needed things done. So sorry about the water heater. I know that basement woe very well. I worry myself sick over ours. Blessings, stay safe, xoxo, Susie
First: Happy, happy birthday, Rick... and many more.
Your table settings are always beautiful. You remind me of a wonderful friend of my mother's. She did everything with style. Life is short. We should make it pretty when we can.
H really likes your photo of the hawk. Boy, he's gorgeous, isn't he? Great photo.
Happy 65 Rick! He was a spoiled birthday boy. Presents, good food, wine, a video, and even birds of prey circling and serenading. That hydrangea bouquet is so lovely, Jeanie - did you cut it from your yard? Yikes to the water heater leaking. We need a new boiler which is going to be installed first week of August (no hot water for 5 days...). Don't work too hard while back home. Stay safe.
Happy birthday, Rick! Aloha from Hawaii.
Home sweet home, and a birthday celebration!
Happy belated Birthday to Rick!
Both he and the festivities in his honor look great!
Happy belated birthday to Rick. Sounds like he got some useful and much appreciated gifts. I like how you turned the purchased cake into a beauty. And that BREAD. I should NEVER come to your blog when I haven't eaten.
Happy birthday to Rick! His celebration dinner looks wonderful. I'm sorry about your water heater. We always worry about ours as it's getting up in the age and these things rest through over time and leak. Boring times here staying home. Glad I took a lot of trips last year to write about...lol
What a wonderful celebration!
I hope you turn off the main water valve when you leave for the cottage. You don't want your water meter going and going and going - well you know - all the while you are gone.
That cake looks scrumptious. Enjoy the weekend, my friend.
I missed your meltdown post from HPS! But I came over to read it and check this one out too. I think we all have meltdowns. I am so use to being home I haven't minded it much. I do get plenty of sunshine in my yard as we have a small garden and always something to tend to. We are able to see our children, two live with us, one up the street and one a few blocks away. Our baby girl is out of state, so it is the hardest. But with the anniversary of the loss of our grandson's baby from SIDS last August 4th we plan to have a a time for all of us together. I think it is healing for us. Plus my hubby has to be at his job and they are still a skeleton staff so he is as careful as he can be. Your hubby's birthday was very nice. A good get together makes one smile. Thank you for sharing. For some reason my two blogs have their wires crossed. I posts HPS at annesphamily.blogspot.com and mytatascottage.blogspot.com pops up half the time confusing people, so I am thanking those who left comments and I am sorting everything out. Not trying to be pushy just honest about this snafu. Your photos and delightful and your meltdown post was great too. Loved the carousel. Thank you and enjoy your weekend. HUGS across the miles.
Every good birthday wish to Rick! You certainly know how to celebrate. I'm trying to read right past all the good food, since I really need to get started on a little weight loss, and carbs are my downfall. Fresh bread? I'm right there!
I agree with Linda -- so I skipped the bread and focused on the beauty of the oil-garlic-etc photo. :-) A glorious and extravagant birthday overall!!
Happy, happy belated Birthday from here!
OK and now I´m hungry!
Beautiful Birthday card. And I´ve never seen a baby hawk - cute. Reminds me of my youngest Nice who talks nonstop in a high.... you know... Yes, back to real life, oh, I wish for that, too!
What a wonderful birthday. Rob must have been very pleased. You have done so much efforts to make this a memorable day.
Rick’s birthday sounds perfect even in different times. The cake looks delicious and a video of his life is the best gift possible. Enjoy your weekend, Jeanie!
What a wonderful way to share a birthday. And that BREAD is spectacular. Nothing beats old-fashioned bread. Thanks for posting the recipe...loving your flora and fauna...those are excellent photos of that hawk! Sandi from Pink Saturday.
Hi, Jeanie. It is always good to come home and Happy Birthday to Rick. That bread looks divine and I have one of those garlic dishes. I love it. Where was Mama Hawk, I imagine you wouldn't want to fool with her..Stay well..xxoJudy
Dear Jeanie, I had to chuckle when I saw Rick looking at his presents. He looks like a big kid and doesn't quite know how to tackle opening them. It sounds like a perfect birthday and the bread is gorgeous. I baked bread many years ago, I don't know quite why I stopped. I know the video was wonderful, a treasure for him.
Have a great weekend. I hope it is cooler in Mich.
ps. Jeanie, I have to admit I like your baby hawks and Happy Birthday to Rick!
What a wonderful birthday celebration for Rick. Amazing in the time in Covid for sure but he had the best. You and your thoughtful and amazing gifts, chatting with loved ones and friends. He's a lucky fellow........Sorry about the leak, I always worry when coming home from a trip expecting no telling what! Hope you get things back in order and get back to the lake ASAP :)
I’m glad he had a special despite the conditions we are living in! The birthday video sounded especially amazing. That is something to always treasure. Bummer about the water heater. You have had so much bad luck with water in your basement! I hope the fix isn’t expensive!!
A truly happy birthday! Your Rick is a lucky guy! His very own life story video!!!
What a lovely post.
Many Happy Birthday wishes to Rick, it sounds like he had a wonderful day.
So sorry to read about your leak, hope you can get it sorted soon.
All the best Jan
A meal fit for the Birthday King! Many happy wishes for the many coming years :)
What a lovely birthday celebration! And baby hawks too, wow! I love that you did the video. I guess I missed that you had a YouTube channel. Now I need to find it.
A Happy Belated 65th Birthday to Rick! Age with benefits! Glad you could celebrate in the intimate way you were able. Those hawks are amazing!
What a great birthday celebration. That loaf of bread looks beautiful!
I'm glad Rick enjoyed his birthday, despite the current situation.
Hope the water isn't causing too much more damage in your basement, and you have the leak fixed by now. Seriously, you really have a thing for water in your basement, don't you?
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