Happy, Happy Birthday Cake...

Happy 49th Birthday Jimmy (Me)

Despite the negative connotation now associated with 9/11, it is still my birthday thus a personal cause for celebration. In fact, I am honored to share my special day with Patriots Day as it’s now dubbed. 

As is often the case in September, the morning was crystal clear allowing countless stars to come within view. Too, the morning air was the crispest of the season with the temperature hovering in the upper 40’s. It was so chilly that I wore long running pants and a winter wicking shirt during my run. 

Mindy & the kids wished me well upon my return from a four mile run. Before leaving the house, Mindy asked what time I wanted dinner reservations set for. We were planning on dining at Bravo. We agreed to nail down a definitive time later. 

I left for work at my usual time. Work was busy leaving me little time to drink in the day. I reminded no one that it was my birthday. Instead, I was happy to keep it private. It’s mine! Mid day, Mindy and I decided to meet at Bravo at 6pm. That way I could simply drive there straight from work. It can’t be but two miles down the road. 

Come mid-afternoon I kicked around asking the boss if I could leave early to try and sneak in a little yard work prior to dinner. In the end, however, I opted not. The afternoon went quick enough on its own. I left the office at 5:35pm and arrived at Bravo not ten minutes later. I wasn’t sure if Mindy would be there that soon or not. 

I ended up sitting at a table outside waiting on my family for twenty minutes. To pass the time I took several macro shots with my little digital camera. I phoned Mindy just after 6pm to determine her whereabouts. She was only a minute or two away.   

We were seated quickly at a comfortable table that I would’ve chosen myself. Our waiter, Eric, quickly began entertaining our children by bringing them balloons, crayons, and fresh doe to play with. 

We ordered the lobster bisque and calamari appetizer – two sure winners for Mindy and I. Their bread was really tasty too. For our dinner entrees, I ordered the lasagna. Mindy ordered the wood grilled salmon. Our waiter comp’d me a dessert since it was my birthday. We ordered the kids a sundae to share. The food, service, and atmosphere were top notch, and not one person accosted me about taking their picture. J We’ll go back to Bravo! 

Mindy & the kids ushered me to Mindy’s van in the Bravo parking lot to give me a b-day gift. I forgot to mention that Jacob handed me a handmade card upon his arrival. Very nice artwork. He out did himself. I kept my eyes closed for the entire trip to the van. Mindy popped open the back of her van revealing a brand new gas grill. Cool! I am spoiled. 

We headed home after Bravo where the kids had yet another gift awaiting me by the sofa. It was a “spring bucket” – a collapsible trash can meant for yard work. Again… cool! Mindy got the kids ready for bed shortly after we arrived home. The two of us spent the rest of the evening together talking about our relationship. We probably got to sleep around midnight.