Carnations and candy

For as long as I can remember, some friends of ours have hosted a birthday party for me. We are invited to their home ('please come early') where we are treated to some of the best food you will ever eat.

First, we have appetizers, then one of Rema's famous salads. Really, I don't know anyone who can prepare a more interesting and tasty salad than Rema. The main course this year was prime rib accompanied by garlic mashed potatoes, roasted candied carrots, sauteed asparagus with cheese, and butter crust buns (she apologized for not making gravy)!

Then there's the cake. OMG this year it was carrot cake with brown butter cream cheese icing covered in toasted pecans, pumpkin seeds, and candied ginger! I still feel full . . .

And as always there is the huge bag full of gifts. Most items are in shades of green since Rema knows that green is my favourite colour.  Of course there is the usual box of Turkish Delight which I simply cannot eat - my teeth would fall out and I am not kidding about that! I decided that a photo collage would be as satisfying as eating that whole box of candy (I was right).

So, thank you Lyle and Rema, for being there, for taking the time, and for making me feel so special on my birthdays. No matter how old I get I still look forward to this ritual and it is so very appreciated.