Birthday.

I have to say that this was probably my best birthday in the last five years. We spent time with my parents on Saturday - working in the yard and then went to lunch at Blue Dahlia, on East 11th Street. http://www.bluedahliabistro.com/ - I think I love the interior more than the food, but the food is also very fresh and very abundant, so it is one of my new favorites.

Monday, my actual birthday, my mom came in and we had lunch at East Side Cafe (I could eat there every day, I think) and went furniture shopping. We found a dining room table that is actually massive enough to the fill the space in the dining room, but wanted to leave it and come back later. Steven went with me to check out the table/chairs that evening, and we agreed to get them! (Yay!) We went to dinner at Guero's with friends, and it was lovely. I haven't done a 'big thing' for my birthday in a long time, and it was really a very good time.

On Tuesday, Steven and I went and bought the table/chairs. We brought home the pads for the table. (They are plastic covered heavy cardboard (I guess) with thick felt backing). . . The table and pads have clearly come from a home with a white cat. Gross. The pads are in the back of my car and I plan to thoroughly vacuum and then steam clean the felt tonight. The table will come home Friday, when my dad (thank you!) will pick it up with Steven and the trailer. So exciting! I will post photos when it is arranged in our dining room. After buying the table, we met up with family/friends for another birthday celebration (not really mine, but sort of) and went to Blue Star Cafeteria. I highly recommend the Garden Vegetable Bowl. Fresh sauteed veggies over boursin cheese grits. Amazing.

Now, I have to stop eating out!