Happy Birthday to Me

 

Mine had a birthday candle

Joanna took me to lunch at The Walnut Room! Dining around The Great Tree is a venerable Chicago holiday tradition. The Walnut Room is the first restaurant ever opened in an American store -- more than 100 years ago, when the big store on State Street was still Marshall Field's. The whole store was decorated for the holidays, we dined off the special menu, had Frango Mint pie, and posed before The Great Tree.

 Before lunch we zipped through the Christkrindlemarket, the German-themed collection of shops under the Picasso at Daley Plaza. The first day it was open this year was yesterday, Friday, 11/22. My birthday! Tell me that was a mere coincidence.

 

 

I really appreciate the way Joanna fussed over me. This was my first birthday without John and Henry -- I wore a necklace Henry chose for me years ago -- and I've been feeling lonely without them. Also, she was so thoughtful. She planned everything with military precision and even gave me the sweetest note and postcard collection. Joanna's life is not without its own complications right now -- she's watching her lover, Sid, deal with failing health and her business is struggling -- but she made me a priority yesterday and it touched my heart.

Then there were the gifts:

•  A holiday welcome mat featuring a cat in a Santa cap from my aunt

•  A movie trivia game from my cousin Rose

•  A Beatles poster on canvas from my oldest friend

I got texts and calls and Facebook messages. Bud and Kwizgiver gave me shoutouts (hell, Kwizgiver gave me a whole post!). I know Kathleen and I will get together before year-end to celebrate my birthday and hers in December.* 

 

I am happy. It's been a good birthday.

 

 

*My friend Mindy promises we'll meet, but I'll believe that when it happens. I'm still waiting for her and John to settle on a date for Christmas 2023.