Happy Birthday to Me

If I were a little more ambitious I'd set up my birthday celebration this year by recapping the last few observances complete with photo's. Here is the one sentence listing beginning with 2004: Gala party in my birthplace in Italy, Ahwanee Hotel in Yosemite (weeks before hip surgery), barbeque in rental home while house was being remodeled, and campside barbeque in Lake Cachuma.

The day began early and since it was Saturday it should have started with a walk along the strand. However this day Connie walked with her Cancer Walk group in Redondo over a course that included some challenging hills. She left at 6 and when done at 8:30 Frank and I took off for our own walk. We parked at Fry's in Manhattan Beach which is adjacent to a walking path that runs towards the beach. The intent was to make our way down to the Manhattan Pier and back in an hours time. With the cloud cover and slight breeze providing optimal conditions the decision to continue to Hermosa didn't require much debate.

Upon our arrival at the pier a short jaunt to Seaside Lagoon was too good to pass up. It represented the longest walk I've undertaken which occured last Father's Day. You didn't have to guess that going a little farther was a challenge we took on readily. When it was all said and done, a 3 1/2 hour stroll covered 10 plus miles. It definitely built up my appetite for the barbeque at the Engracia complex where the young adults reside. Frank was able to see each of their homes and we all benefited from the great eats and warm welcome. Another great birthday occasion! By the way, my Mom switches digits when its to her advantage in reporting her age. Connie gave me the same benefit when decorating my cake.