Today is my Mom’s 76th birthday. To celebrate it, we invited her to our house for breakfast. My cousin came to town for the weekend, so we invited her to join us. Although we are all fully vaccinated, out of precaution with the current spread of the Delta variant, we kept masks on while inside the house (where we congregated for only a few minutes) then headed outside where we enjoyed a mask-less breakfast under the pavilion, furniture distanced more than 6 feet apart.

In honor of Mom turning 76, Jeffrey suggested I play her “Happy Birthday” on my trombone (Get it? “76 Trombones” from “The Music Man.”) It was a great idea. However, I am ashamed to admit I have not played anything in well over a year and had to spend a little time practicing my positions, embouchure, and music reading to make sure I hadn’t lost what basic skill I have. It all came back quickly. Upon her arrival, I had Mom sit and I serenaded her with Happy Birthday, which she loved. (On a side note, I really enjoyed playing again, and plan to start playing more.)

Next, we moved onto breakfast outside, which consisted of coffee, mimosas, egg cups (eggs, bacon, and cheese baked in muffin tins,) homemade banana muffins and cinnamon bread, and mixed fruit salad. After giving her her gifts, we had a nice long visit and all enjoyed being out in the yard, noshing, chatting, watching the wildlife (we were “visited” by birds, chipmunks, and squirrels during our visit) and listening to a plethora of fine tunes on my iPad. I think she really enjoyed it.

They left just after one o’clock, and we are done in from getting up early to prep, sipping mimosas, and spending so much time outside in the humidity (only made bearable by the 2 ceiling fans and a standing oscillating fan we had place on the patio for air circulation.) We have returned to comfy clothes, gathered the dogs, and retired to the living room where we will watch “The Wizard of Oz” and attempt to nap before dinner.

Stay safe, all.