This is also the year he retires and becomes a house husband, a gardener, a gentleman at leisure and whatever else he would like to do. So it's two celebrations here and we were up to the task. We are about to start the next phase of our lives and I hope it includes lots of travel and good food and music.
First, a ride with the top down on the Mustang as early morning is the only time it isn't too hot around here. It's been so humid and steamy lately. We did get some Mustang time in though.
Beginning with breakfast of French Toast at Village Inn.
Midday we ended up reading and he finished the first in the DCI Banks series by Peter Robinson. I'm working on the first book in the Shetland series by Ann Cleeves, Nice relaxing afternoon.
Dinner was all homemade with the exception of the cantaloupe we didn't grow :-) Freshly baked baguette, sliced cantaloupe.
Panko breaded lump crabcakes and Remoulade sauce.
Champagne to celebrate - a Moet & Chandon. Pity that market Square liquors uses those price stickers. Oh, the champagne glasses are those we bought on our honeymoon 34 years ago. Can't believe they have survived so long!
Harbison cheese. This is such a treat, It's a creamy cheese wrapped in Spruce from Jasper Farms in Greensboro Vermont. Not an everyday cheese course for us, it's rich but worth it for special occasions.
Black Forest Pie for dessert. Recipe may be found HERE. I haven't made one in ages.
By the end of the evening we were in the den, listening to music, a bit of Chris Rea and a great combo album of Joe Bonamassa and Beth Hart. We finished off a half bottle of Sancerre that was in the fridge. Aja enjoyed getting her green bean treats and hanging out with us.
It was a fabulous day and admittedly one of overindulgence. But what are celebrations for - we just cut loose and had us a time :-) Looking forward to Fall now and some cooler temps. Time on the patio and cool breezes.
Sharing this foodie post with Beth Fish's Weekend Cooking Series.
Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteMany happy returns of such a great celebration.
best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday to Doug!! You two know how to celebrate :)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to save that pie recipe... it sounds amazing.
Happiest birthday to Doug, and congratulations on retirement! What a fabulous day! I'm intrigued by that cheese and hungry for that pie.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, ladies! We had a great time. He will be officially retired and home after the end of this year. Only 3 months!
ReplyDeleteOh what a fun day! It's steamy here right now too so I can understand that early morning ride and the French toast looks amazing! Happy birthday to Doug and happy countdown to retirement! I bet he's looking forward to being a gentleman of leisure!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Doug! Looks like a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Doug and happy gentlemanly years ahead. Love that you still have your honeymoon flutes! You sure know how to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Doug!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a perfect way to celebrate. We prefer celebrating like that at home as well.
What a wonderful celebration and enjoy your retirement!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a wonderful birthday, esp. the French toast!
ReplyDeleteAny day with champagne has to be fabulous! Cheers from Carole's Chatter
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