Celebrating with Friends

23 May


My most heartfelt thanks for all the birthday wishes I received yesterday via hugs, phone and video calls, emails, messages and social media. The best part for me was seeing the names of special people in my life –  family members, relatives, dear friends I’ve known forever and new friends I’ve made along the way.

One of my brothers-in-law suggested that whatever I do, I should share the day in photos, so here are some of the wonderful highlights.

Breakfast at Tuscher:

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Hair Cut at AF:

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Lunch with a few friends (they brought the party items!) at Cafe Braceria Chianina:

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The chef, server and the piping hot grill:

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Shared antipasto:

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Various menu items ordered –  Pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil,

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Filet topped with bacon,

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Stuffed rolled turkey breast,

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and my favorite – grilled chicken breast!

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Dessert was self-select, and I managed to only get a photo of the tiramisu.

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After a most leisurely lunch, we headed to Fernanda’s for caffè and sambuca,

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and then Len engaged in his new favorite pastime – small Tuscan cigaros!

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Later in the evening, with no one hungry, we had an impromptu toast or “brindisi” at Tuscher.

©blogginginitaly.com

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What a perfectly wonderful way to spend my birthday, being utterly relaxed, showered with gifts and loving wishes, including an upcoming CUBS night game from Benita, and sharing it all with dear friends in Cortona. Len said he wishes my next birthday could come sooner, but I’m quite happy to wait another year!

Till then, many many thanks to all who helped make my day so very special, and most especially, this guy.

©blogginginitaly.com

Ciao,
Judy

 

22 Responses to “Celebrating with Friends”

  1. Lyn Douglas May 23, 2018 at 6:09 AM #

    Very happy birthday

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Sandra May 23, 2018 at 8:20 AM #

    Belated Happy Birthday Judy! You look great and looks like a spectacular day!

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Connelly, Vincent J. May 23, 2018 at 8:33 AM #

    When I grow up, I want to have a birthday like you!

    Vincent J. Connelly

    Liked by 1 person

    • blogginginitaly May 23, 2018 at 9:25 AM #

      Wait, you’re older than me – time to start this year, but then I know you have had many great celebrations already!

      Like

  4. faclarsen@aol.com May 23, 2018 at 8:48 AM #

    Fabulous day for a wonderfull sister !! I love Len’s new gig as a cigarillo man ! We leave for France today so will try to connect from there.

    Love you !

    Florence C. Connelly faclarsen@aol.com

    Like

    • blogginginitaly May 23, 2018 at 9:27 AM #

      He can’t wait to have you over on the deck to try one, and they actually don’t even smell soooo bad! Safe and very fun travels and love to all – I know it will be spectacular!

      Like

  5. Royce Larsen May 23, 2018 at 8:56 AM #

    Happy Birthday
    Thank you for sharing

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Deborah A Capraro May 23, 2018 at 9:11 AM #

    Happy birthday Judy. Looks like a spectacular celebration. Sending you hugs and best wishes for the next year. Love you cousin.

    Deb and Mike
    XO XO

    Liked by 1 person

  7. bestson808 May 23, 2018 at 1:35 PM #

    Aloha Judy & Leonard,
    I LOVE the last photo of you both in this blog. No doubt here, you are having a blast. I think you both are happier that Harry & Megan! (And they are extremely happy)
    All the Best,
    Charles in Honolulu

    Liked by 1 person

  8. jeanfromcalifornia May 23, 2018 at 4:38 PM #

    Happy belated birthday Judy! Wishing you lots and lots more.
    Last year in Cortona we saw the tobacco leaves being cured. Is there anything that place doesn’t have!!???

    Liked by 1 person

  9. Sue Conidi May 23, 2018 at 11:54 PM #

    Happy belated birthday Judy. You are very blessed to have so many loving and caring friends to celebrate with. And of course the venues and food were fabulous. All the best from Australia

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Hilary Martinez May 24, 2018 at 6:43 AM #

    What a lovely way to celebrate a birthday Judy!
    All the best from both of us!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Sandy Holswade May 24, 2018 at 2:23 PM #

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY Judy! I am enjoying all your blogs and your birthday party looked very special. Enjoy your summer, and I will continue to enjoy your adventures via your blog! Fabulous!
    Hugs, Sandy and Larry

    Like

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