A happy day!

Maybe I'm at that age, I don't make a fuss over my birthday anymore. The best present I had ever received was 16 years ago, when SK arrived into this world just hours before my birthday. I spent that birthday in the ward gazing at his adorable face and teeny weeny fingers and toes.

Nowadays, I am blessed to have friends and family who remember my birthday. The celebrations began last weekend when my sis-in-law bought me a black forest cake and presents.

When a parcel arrived two days ago, I was surprised.

Huier is so sweet. She sends me such thoughtful gifts every year. This time, it's a French music CD and an Italian handmade card holder. She knows how I love these things. I am so grateful to have friends like her.

Today, a dear friend surprised me with a strawberry shortcake from The Patissier which makes the most elegant and delectable cakes. Needless to say, I was extremely touched.


She insisted that I make several wishes before blowing out the candle. The cake was absolutely delicious!

She treated me to lunch at Barracks which is currently my favourite restaurant. We had the warm pumpkin salad and Ahi Taki pizza.

The pumpkin was a little too hard for our liking but the pizza was absolutely perfect. The crust was thin and light, and generously topped with seared fresh tuna, port-wine soaked raisins, pistachios, avocado slices, and roasted tomatoes. It was a joy to eat.


The celebration didn't end at Barracks. I arrived for my weekly gardening session at the school to find a student celebrating his birthday today. Here he is, very serious about making his birthday wish.

Before I left, the kids presented me with a box of mooncakes they made yesterday. These 9-year old kids never fail to impress me!