Marvelous in our eyes

February brings Valentines Day, Presidents Day, sometimes Chinese New Year, and the birthday of our youngest.

This year was a relatively quiet celebration. #1 Son could not make it home from GMU (sniff). We were on break that week, so there was no school. The Daughter slept in, and came down to see the branch decorated, a chocolate chip bagel poised for the toaster, and a few small “on the day” gifts from us: a lovely tea cup with a tea infuser, two kinds of chocolate tea from Teavana (Chocolate Decadence Oolong and CocoCaramel Sea Salt), and a card game called “Hanabi.” Her “on the day” gifts were in a bag that has piano keys on which you can play “Happy Birthday.” We’ve recycled this bag for more years than I can remember, and it still plays. Everyone is presented at least one birthday gift in it. It’s a recurring family joke, and I don’t know what I’ll do when the bag inevitably falls apart!

We went out for Sushi for lunch, as requested. The Daughter wanted to go shopping for Blue Jeans (found ’em). And, of course we stopped for dessert at Cold Stone Creamery. On our way home we drove through Ghent where my Uncle Ray had tagged a building just for The Daughter. (Just kidding!) In the upper reaches of an industrial building was his trademark happy face, and the words “Be Happy!” And thinking of him, we were!

The Daughter’s “Big Gift” was a joint effort between Papa Gene, Grandma Midge and Mr. Garner and I. It was presented after the family (minus #1 Son) dinner on Sunday. For her Birthday Dinner dinner I served Pollard’s Fried Chicken on my best China. What can I say? It’s what The Daughter wanted, with a side of mashed potatoes.