Well, gee. Emma and I were talking this weekend, and I proposed that we celebrate her birthday tonight, since I'll be gone on her birthday (as I am most years, as she is quick - nay, relentless - to remind me . . . ). I came home around 3:30, got the menu (of course she picked, because it was her birthday) and went off to the store for ingredients.

When I got back, Louise called, so Em invited her over for dinner. I then suggested that we invite K&R, which we did . . . and viola! It was a birthday party. And a terrific one at that - good conversation, and (if I may be so bold) good food. (At least, the Birthday Girl liked it, and that's the important thing.) I wanted to make a Schwarzwaelder Torte but they didn't have pie cherries at the market down the street, so I got chocolate cake mix, whipping cream, and blueberries. I made a compote of the blueberries, and spread it on the cake under the whipped cream frosting.

Now I've got to go pack to go to NY . . . I'm feeling so rushed, I almost don't want to go. (That's not like me!) But as Emil reminds me, I'll have fun when I'm there . . .