I turned sixty-three this February 22nd. At first it did not feel quite right because this is the first birthday in my life when it was not cold. I am not complaining. Since our power was out most of the day due to electrical maintenance, we sat out in our garden terrace and read books for most of the day. Not a bad way to spend a day. And it just got better!
Our neighbor Yvon, his daughter Natahlie, and granddaughter Regina, Florence and me
Once power was restored I was able to connect with family via Skype and with many friends via Facebook, all sending me birthday cheer. Then our new neighbors from Quebec, Madeleine and Yvon (pronounced Ivan), invited us up to their terrace to share a glass of wine and an enjoyable visit along with their daughter, Natahlie, and their granddaughter, Regina.
Our celebration dinner with our other neighbors, Jane and Jim, began with a cocktail and conversation on Jim’s scenic deck. The onset of twilight in Cuernavaca signaled our departure time for a dining experience at Tamuz a short drive away.
The Israeli owner/chef of Tamuz recreates an Israeli bistro setting.
The open-air deck overlooks a lawn and illuminated water-feature wall. A duet performed live music that was soft and melodic. The young female vocalist’s lyrical voice swept over us like a whispering breeze, tangible but not visible. The atmosphere was, in all respects, classy.
Florence started with tortilla soup with a Mediterranean vegetarian dinner. Jane ordered an eggplant and cheese appetizer with roasted peppers and capers. It must have been good because she did not utter a word until there was nothing left on her plate. Jim and I both ordered the Caesar salad custom-made alongside our table. The three of us then enjoyed the entree coconut shrimp on a bed of rice with a spicy mango salsa.
The vegetarian plate included stuffed grape leaves, hummus and olives.
When Jim informed our waiter that it was my birthday, he brought me a special birthday dessert with a single candle, and they played a birthday song over the sound system, which was also quite classy. I wished for what I always wish for – the health and safety of my loved ones.
Thanks to all who made this a special day.
A special dessert caps off a perfect birthday.
Applecore 
feliz cumpleaños!!
Muchas Gracias!
What a lovely way to spend your birthday. The enforced reading was a boon too 😉
‘Enforced reading.’ Ha Ha. I love that!
happy birthday.
Thank you.
I just turned 58 and wrote about the day too. Frankly, my attitude wasn’t the best with regard to birthdays in general and that specifically that number. Grin.
However, I am a positive person for the most part, always trying to concentrate on what I can control (i.e., my attitude and relationship with God) and ignore the external (people, places and things) that I have no control over. In short, after a “whiny” woe is me morning, I turned it around and had a lovely day.
After reading what you wrote, I feel even better about my age. Thank you for your post! 🙂
You’re welcome, Steve. To me age is just a number. The Earth has circled our Sun how many times? Not a big deal except I am still here to experience it.
Buen viaje, amigo!
Happy Birthday! What a lovely post 🙂
Gracias!
what a beautiful way to spend your birthday! may you have many more wonderful experiences! z
Gracias!
mucho gusto!
Happy birthday to you! That little cake looks delicious.
Thank you. It was like tiramisu on a chocolate wafer – just enough for everyone to get a bite! 🙂
What a great day! Looking forward to your next ‘everyday adventure’.
I wasn’t expecting anything so all the good things I experienced made for an extra special day. 🙂
WOW..HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO U sir..What a dessert? I think everyone wanted this dessert.In INDIAN style I want to write song from Bollywood movie if u allow me.
Felicidades! I’m glad you enjoyed your birthday! Buenos deseos y buenas vibras!
Muchas Gracias, por supuesto!
Happy Birthday and a yumm! What a great post!
Take care.
Cindy V.
Muchas gracias!
Happy birthday!
Thank you!
♥¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Happy Belated Birthday!!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥
Thank you! 🙂
Happy Belated, bud! Sounds like a wonderful birthday. Great post!
Thank you!!
Happy Birthday! I just started blogging yesterday and appreciate your noticing my first two blog posts – it then opened up your world to me. I have really enjoyed reading through your posts – what a wonderful way to spend your retirement! I’m looking forward to your next one!
First, thank you. Second, I saw you just started with your blog, and I want to encourage you. It’s hard to believe I started blogging only six months ago. I felt lucky to get 20 views per day for the first four months. I saw bloggers getting hundreds of views per day and I wondered if that would ever be me. With a lot of hours invested, I am now approaching some of that success. The point is, do not get discouraged. And please contact me if you think I can assist you at some point. Good luck!!
Happy Birthday indeed! Looks like you had a fabulous time… oh so yummy, and (as you know) some of my favorite food!! Lots more comments lately—Way to go Mike! 🙂
Thank you, Dawn. I had no expectations for what Florence called ‘my special day.’ Nonetheless, it turned out to be quite special. Our friendly landlord, Jim, loves to share the dining experience at nice restaurants, so we have enjoyed a number of fine dinners here in Cuernavaca. And I knew you would love that Tamuz was Israeli-style! 🙂
The dessert is beautifully presented and looks delicious! I’m a little late, but happy birthday.
Thank you!
Happy birthday, Mike! I’m glad you had such a good one. The weather sounds fabulous, good food, good reading, good friends… you hit it all! Hope your year is every bit as good.
Such kind and thoughtful words – Thank you, Anne!
Loved reading about your adventurous life style. Lots of luck and best wishes for the next year. Moving every six months must keep you on your agile in so many ways
We do keep busy in many ways, and planning where we will live as we transition to a new country is part of the fun. We are also writing children’s books, one for each country in which we live. Also, a couple of magazines have asked us to submit monthly articles so their readers can follow along – BoomerCafe.com is an online magazine, and Grandparents Day Magazine is available both online and in hardcopy in Australia. This blog site provides greater details and more frequent updates.
Thank you for commenting.
I went back and saw this birthday post. Feliz cumpleanos! Also, wondered had you ever seen the Spanish toast my Mom says every time we drink either lambrusco or sangria? I could say it here, “Salud, pesetas y amor, y tiempo a gustarlos.” You probably can translate but just in case anyone visits here~ To your health, money and love! and time to spend them! I enjoy looking at your blog, thank you for saying supportive comments on mine! This meal looked and sounded lovely plus wonderful experiences with new found friends.
Thank you, and I love the Spanish toast. We plan to live in Spain to start out the new year in 2014, so I will remember this toast and use it when the opportunity presents itself. Muchas gracias.