Two of the Most Beautiful Women in the World

Yesterday was my mother's birthday. A milestone birthday.

We don't always make much of birthdays... Most of us would just asoon forget that getting one year older bit, though most of us really like the cake part.

For the parents, my brothers and I have been in the habit of taking them to lunch somewhere for the last few years. This year, I took Mom to lunch - but not just any lunch.

You might remember the "Bad Week Luncheon" I had with some friends from work. It featured Chocolate Crossiant Bread Pudding for dessert (for some reason I cannot find that post now, so I can't link to it). Anyway, the little restaurant, Paula's Cabana Cafe is located on the grounds of Goodwood Plantation. My mom was immediately entralled by my lunch story. So of course I had to take her there for her birthday lunch! I invited her best friend "Duffy" and we went today.

The restaurant building was actually a cabana for the swimming pool on the grounds. Each room is good-sized and has a fireplace in it. They're all different colors too. We got the yellow/green room. "Duffy had a salad, Mom had chicken salad, and I had the ham, asparagus and swiss quiche. It was ALL delicious! And of course, we had to have this for dessert:

We met at my house at noon to go to lunch, and returned to my house for presents afterwards.

Mom got a goodie bag with all kinds of interesting Mom-ish presents. A dishtowel with chickens on it, a neat journal, a tin of Earl Grey tea and a scrub brush.

After all these years, I'd say that "Duffy" knows my mother pretty well. Mom was absolutely thrilled with everything that came out of that bag. Isn't Duffy beautiful? Her voice and her smile have been a part of my life for about 40 years.

And of course THIS smile has been a part of my life since before it was MY life! Happy birthday, Beautiful Mom! I love you!