First Birthdays

July 22, 2016 – First Birthdays

Without a doubt, the major event of the past couple of weeks (at least for me) was Miss Sylvie’s first birthday.  Of course, I made the trip to Brooklyn, along with Grandma Teri and Granddad Dave, to help her celebrate.  Elisa planned a casual afternoon party at Mia’s, a bakery/café in their neighborhood, and invited about a dozen other babies (plus parents). Since it was a summery, sunny day, she spread out a big blanket on the terrace in back of the bakery to accommodate the assorted crawlers and toddlers.  As you’d expect, there was some commotion, but everyone was very well behaved. 

When the birthday cake (sponge cake with whipped cream and strawberries) was placed in front of Sylvie, she wasn’t quite sure what to make of it.  At first, she first plucked off a strawberry from the top and took a few nibbles.  Then she did the same with a second strawberry.  It took some adult urging before she finally reached her hand into the whipped cream.  Once she had a taste, however, she didn’t need any more encouragement to plunge both hands into the good stuff.  Soon, we all joined in.  

Miss Sylvie is one year old!

The occasion of Sylvie’s birthday was a time to reflect with Elisa and Christian on how quickly the past year has gone by.  Twelve months ago, Sylvie was a helpless newborn.  Now she’s a happy, inquisitive little girl who’s just starting to take a few steps unassisted.  Elisa and Christian have embraced their new roles as Mom and Dad, and I’m so proud of both of them.  When you see your own child becoming a wonderful parent, it’s very gratifying.  At such moments, I also think of Elliott and how I would love to share this experience with him.  

The previous day, July 14, I’d had my own first birthday of sorts, i.e. the first birthday to occur during this new phase of my life.  In the past, I wasn’t in the habit of making much of celebration.  Something along the lines of lunch or dinner out, maybe friends over for dessert, was the norm.  Even though it would be low-key, I’d always try to make a French connection since my birthday falls on Bastille Day.  This year, I was already up in Brooklyn when word came of the attacks in Nice.  I was horrified, remembering Bastille Day celebrations when we’d lived in France and the many occasions when we had walked along the Promenade des Anglais.  The news was a terrible reminder of how vulnerable we are at all times.  In that somber frame of mind, Elisa and I took Sylvie out for a quiet lunch at a French café on Smith Street.  I’m not a fan of birthday cake, so that evening, we shared a couple of generous-sized pieces of peach pie from Mia’s.  Judging by her appetite, I'd say that Miss Sylvie approved.  

It seems that I’ve been spending quite a bit of time up in the New York area.  With my frequent visits, Sylvie has become quite expert at unpacking my bag (and trying on my clothes). 

The Great Unpacker, aka Sylvie

On my last New York trip, I was also able to visit with my friend Lynda, who lives in Connecticut.  Our friendship goes back over 50 years.  

Always great to get together with Lynda!

When I returned home, I hosted a belated celebration with a small group neighbors.  I started working on a simple menu, but once I got to Trader Joe’s, I went a bit overboard.  Since I haven’t been entertaining much lately, this was a good excuse to indulge my love of cooking.  The “pique-nique” included several French cheeses, good bread and crackers, smoked trout salad in endive “boats,” white bean dip with crudités, grilled chicken sausages, cornichons, roasted peppers, sweet potato chips, carrot salad (olive oil, lemon juice, shallots, tarragon, parsley), zucchini and yellow squash salad (olive oil, grape tomatoes, pesto sauce, ribbons of basil, toasted pine nuts), and cauliflower salad (olive oil, red wine vinegar, capers, anchovies, garlic, red onion, parsley).  The main dessert was a raspberry tarte, and to keep up the French theme, I also served assorted macarons.  There was plenty of chilled rosé (and red and white) wine, and plenty of relaxed good company.  It was the best birthday I’ve had in a long, long time!  

And thanks to Matt for taking me out for a lovely pre-birthday dinner in Fairfax.  We finished off a delectable meal at Great American Bistro with chocolate Nutella cake. 

Getting an early start to my birthday with Matt

Life isn’t all parties, of course.  I’ve enjoyed working at the glass studio at least twice a week, and getting to the gym on a regular basis.  And there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in the DC area.  One recent weekend, I learned about Basque culture at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, and another weekend I explored the newly developed waterfront area near the Navy Yard and the Washington Nationals Stadium.  With friends, I’ve seen exhibits at several museums:  a photography show by women from Iran and the Arab world at The National Museum of Women in the Arts; contemporary crafts at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery; the triennial portrait competition at the National Portrait Gallery; and a superb exhibit on the Greeks at the National Geographic Museum. 

Waterfront Park

At the Renwick

At the NMWA with Joelle, Michelle and Kathy

Nothing special is on the calendar for the next month or so.  Just more of the same, which is fine with me.