37

Yesterday was my birthday. Robbie secretly prepared a lovely big breakfast, and I was thrilled to walk into the kitchen to find hot coffee already made. My day was nice. One of Robbie's patients left two roses in my front door, and another delivered a chocolate birthday cake. We all thought it was quite yummy. I'm a lucky lady. I enjoyed my kids all day, but I was really ready for some time alone with Robbie once our babysitter arrived.

We went to dinner at a place called Bluestem. I have a few friends who are amazing cooks. Becky mentioned Bluestem once when my brother was in town looking for a wonderful place to take his boss. Their website made the restaurant look inviting, and I made a birthday reservation. I instantly loved the place. Our food was placed on a granite placemat, and the room was simple, yet very nice. The menu was set up in courses, and we had to ask our very polite waitress for a translation. Our selections turned out to be amazing, and I can honestly say that I have never in all my life eaten food that was more exquisitely placed on my plate. Robbie was in heaven with the way the flavors blended and complemented one another. I was struck by the fact that the husband wife chef couple/owners saw food as an art and placed it on our plates as such. Tiny edible flowers gave a hint of lavender color. Dollops of pureed vegetables were dropped or drizzled on the plate like paint strokes. I can't even describe how lovely it looked or how impressed I was by every aspect of our food. Each course was delicious and absolutely amazingly beautiful. The price of our food reflected the thought and effort that the chefs put into its preparation, so we will not soon become regulars. However, my 37th birthday dinner was fabulous, and I won't soon forget it.