82 Years Young!

Today is my mom's 82nd birthday. How exciting is that? The kid and I went out last night and bought a dozen balloons to let go in her kitchen. This morning when she woke up, she had to walk through all those balloons and strings to come upstairs. We all waited for her early this morning to give her her cards and candies. The kid bought her this HUGE card--even she can read this one!! She was so happy.

For her birthday lunch, we went to the local ladies' favorite "haunt," The Puffy Muffin. It's so funny, I don't remember any places back up in the DC area that was frequented by mostly "ladies." Down here in Nashville, there are several that I have found that serve your old-fashioned ladies' fare (i.e. pimento cheese on bread points, congealed salad, quiche, little old-fashioned casseroles for one, etc.). Mom ordered the "Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole" served over rice with a homemade roll and a side dish of congealed cranberry salad with a dollop of poppyseed dressing. I ordered the Caribbean Chicken & Black Bean Salad which was absolutely delicious! I had never ordered anything other than their chicken casserole (which is the best), but I was extremely happy with the salad. The real treats at The Puffy Muffin, however, are the bakery items. Their sweets are wonderful. This is usually where I go to get my specialty cakes. Today, mom and I shared a slice of their carrot cake. We could barely get three bites in before having to give up; but it was worth it just getting a little taste of heaven.

After lunch, we walked over to their bakery area and I had her pick her own birthday cake. I figured at 82, she deserved to get exactly what she wanted, right? I was so excited when she picked the prettiest one. It's your basic white cake with vanilla icing but oh so pretty. Of course, she also picked up some home made rolls and a loaf of their apple cake, which is one of her favorites.

When we got home, we had many phone calls to return to her friends and family that had left sweet messages on the answering machine. She was so thrilled to hear from John, the middle son, and was excited later in the day when she received flowers from her other two sons, Jim and Joe.

She said it was the best birthday ever. She's so sweet, she always says that. smile.

We are all so fortunate to have her in our lives. She is a very special lady whom I am fortunate enough to call my mom. She's always been more than a mother to me, she is one of my very best friends. I'm very lucky.....sniffle sniffle.