Christmas is a memory, celebrated separately last year. During the holidays, a phone inquiry ascertains our plans for early February. Combining a birthday with a sun break is very appealing for our northwest couple who seek refuge from gloomy days, continuous cold, and negligible Mexican food. Living in the desert, we can satisfy their longing during an extended weekend.
Even with clouds obscuring the totally brilliant sun, there are no complaints from Caitlin and Bobby. They've brought 'summer' clothes in their suitcases and revel in short sleeves, flip flops, and swim suits, with jackets tossed carelessly aside.
The agenda includes a lot of doing nothing. No friends to visit, except the much beloved neighbors. Caitlin conducts several very patient iPhone tutorials. I should have kept a notepad handy as the various gyrations required to take photos, email/text them to my contacts or upload to Instagram, befuddle my baby boomer brain. There's a list of computer woes which is dispatched easily. My mouse now cooperates promptly thanks to Bobby's insightful advice. Tech expert visitors are always welcome here.
Following an al fresco lunch at Lulu restaurant downtown, the hot tub next door is a wintery treat. With a much bluer sky and majestic mountains as the backdrop, grey Portland seems very far away.
Rio Azul beckons with just right spicy salsa and warm chips. Burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tostadas cover very hot plates and disappear quickly. A Pomegranate Margarita is merely average but fails to dispel the magic of the evening. We escape the restaurant just prior to its invasion by large groups of cheerleaders and their parents in town for a convention. Walking a few blocks toward downtown, the young adults decide there's enough room for frozen yogurt from Tutti Frutti. This version of pomegranate is perfect. A flexible evening allows for relaxing at the neighbors' house, including another hot tub interlude.
Sunday morning, the four of us venture to Palm Desert in the snazzy red rental car. The ladies, shopping experts, find bargains at several stores. Bobby isn't so fortunate. Henry's not looking and uses his phone to occupy his time. Before returning home, we exhaust our grocery list at Ralphs, getting ready for the birthday dinner scheduled in a few hours.
How very splendid to stand aside (mostly) and observe as the menu takes shape. Bobby is the grill master and is busy marinating chicken breasts. Caitlin is intent upon creating her signature Red Velvet Cake. I've removed the Kitchen Aid mixer from its storage space and set it on the counter. All the ingredients are available and soon there's a comforting whirring sound surrounding the kitchen. Butter and sugar cream easily. Suddenly there's a problem. A serious problem. Oil is dripping from the motor into the mixture. How can this be happening? The bowl's contents are dumped in the sink. Is there another mixer? Yes, a hand mixer circa 1977. It still works well and will resolve the unexpected dilemma.
With two cake pans baking in the oven, Dad, Mom and daughter take a walk through the neighborhood. A tranquil saunter during which we talk of nothing special but perhaps each of us realizes we're creating a memory to savor.
Refreshed, we continue the dinner preparations. A Greek salad requires extensive chopping and mixing. Potatoes are scrubbed and sliced, dabbed with butter and ready for the oven. Cake layers cool, frosting is made. The grill heats, the table is set. Caitlin and I have a moment to change into dresses for the occasion.
During the day, cards and presents have been opened, exclaimed upon, and shared. I have a new distinctive necklace featuring the shape of Mississippi, my native state. This incredibly thoughtful gift is from Caitlin. I'll wear it with love.
The doorbell announces the arrival of the neighborly quartet. Surrounded by a circle of loved ones, I could not ask for a better birthday. The new numbers are a bit startling but with this contingent of caring individuals in my life, I am truly impervious to age. Conversations include everyone from eldest (that would be me) to youngest (adorable Hanna and Jessy.) We laugh, joke, eat, compliment Caitlin and Bobby on the excellent meal. From Shawn and Gilly's kitchen next door, the menu is embellished by a delicious vegetable curry. The Portlanders want the recipe.
Dishes are cleared and Shawn assigns himself washing duty. Gilly is nearby with a drying towel. Henry and I snare the girls who know a secret. We're planning to celebrate Caitlin's March birthday a bit early instead of mine. She's been fussing about the approach of thirty but more recently appears to be reconciled and even excited about its inevitability. The lovely Red Velvet Cake is adorned with a pink '3' and '0' candle. Skinnier, curvy candles in multi colors cover the outer edge of the cake. A silly centerpiece proclaims '30,' and a glossy button emphasizes '30 is Thrilling.' I hope she embraces the surprise. Gracefully, she smiles, wears a tall party hat, and celebrates her birthday fifty days early.
We three are crowded on the red couch in the TV room watching the latest episode of Downton Abbey. This spectacular series attracts aficionados across demographics. Caitlin is as devoted a fan as are we. What fun to view a show together, comment on the characters, anticipate what might happen as the weeks unfold. Actually, she already knows, having seen almost all of Season 3 at the home of dear friends in Portland. She shares nothing with us. Having DVR'd Bill Maher's most recent Real Time, we are soon engrossed in present-day politics as we watch the panel vigorously interact with their often controversial host. Each of us admires Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, New Jersey and are especially interested in his comments as a panelist. Quite a juxtaposition of a 1920's wealthy English family and the discussions of today's most critical political and social issues. We're drawn to both dramas.
It's the last day and the temperature's rising. Shorts are perfect and serve as poignant reminders that warm weather won't favor the northwest for many months. Here, they're right almost any time. There's a previously chipped tooth with somewhat questionable mending that requires a professional review by our family dentist. Caitlin has the initial appointment of the day and is welcomed by the staff. Dr. C. examines the soda bottle injured tooth, removes some of the epoxy and gently smooths the irregular edge. Caitlin is relieved, pleased. This ritual is part of being home.
Mid-morning, Dad conducts a financial seminar for an audience of one, his daughter. The two discuss various types of investment, which plans are best, what tax implications will result based on certain choices. Caitlin is very attentive, asks pertinent questions. Her understanding of money and its uses is laudable. Later, a patio lunch of leftover vegetable curry and mounds of Greek salad provides culinary contentment for the soon-to-be traveling couple.
The airport is miles distant and possible traffic delays cannot be anticipated. A detour to In 'n' Out along the way is almost mandatory. Suitcases are stuffed. Inflatable toys, purchased earlier in the day and destined for the big birthday party in March, will be boxed and mailed in a few days. Caitlin and Bobby cheerfully endure departure photos and the red car disappears with its precious occupants. Their presence was/is/always will be perfect.
