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Feeling Thirty-Fine
Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 02:44PM 
Our celebration flamingo presided over the festivities
Do you remember the last year that you were in your thirties? I do, to a certain extent.
Those age milestones of twenty, thirty, forty, fifty, et cetera, seem huge as they loom, do they not? Weighted with special significance somehow.
There are three March birthdays in our family: mine, Audrey's, and Andrew's
Our Audrey turned thirty-nine a few weeks ago. And we celebrated. As we are prone to do.
Birthday Girl did not want to go to a restaurant; I suggested a menu, which she approved. Then I asked what she wanted for dessert.
(On your birthday you don't automatically want a big gooey cake.)
I stuck the cake topper into the flourless fudgy brownies
Without hesitation she said key lime pie, and I knew what she meant: Kenny's. Done. (If you can find a better ready-made island-style key lime pie in the grocery store, I am interested in having that information.)
Erica and I were discussing a second dessert and she told me that she had made a batch of flourless brownies that were fantastic so I said, oh yeah, I'll do that.
It's not a birthday without the balloons
Her recipe used bananas as a sweetener, and I will be making those soon, because I went looking for more flourless brownie recipes and found a super fudgy one and used that instead.
(None of us eat gluten-free; in fact we engage in zero fashionable dietary doings whatsoever. I just thought these recipes sounded interesting, and they are, as well as truly delicious.)
Kenny's Key Lime Pie makes you want to eat dessert first
(I do sort of drift towards low-carb on a daily basis, but it's not gospel and I will still eat a brownie.)
OK so the fudgy recipe? I have never worked so hard in my entire pirate life to produce a pan of brownies. The batter was like chocolate sludge. Unpourable. Barely spreadable into the parchment paper which lined the pan.
We invested in a party size bag of Fritos Scoops
My arms ached and my kitchen looked like a chocolate grenade had detonated.
(I had planned to use this recipe posted by Mari many years ago, but got sidetracked. I WILL try this recipe ... there is never a bad time to make brownies.)
My low-carb breaded chicken tenderloins before plating
BUT the brownies that I did make were certainly fudgy-gooey and definitely delicious. They did not last long and, alongside the tangy key lime pie, washed down with cups of freshly made piping-hot Starbucks decaf, were a legit dessert experience.
But first, supper. We had Mari's Hot Taco Dip (sans olives and jalapeños) -- a no-fail crowd pleaser -- along with chicken tenderloins baked with a breading of coconut flour, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning.
These would not survive the night
TG and I practically had to hock the farm to buy a party size bag of Fritos Scoops, but those are necessary with the Hot Taco Dip.
On the table were dishes of plain sour cream to dollop atop your serving of dip, as well as sour cream mixed with sriracha sauce for dredging your chicken.
There were dishes of plain sour cream and sour cream sriracha for dipping
I made a veggie platter and had Ranch dressing for more dipping, plus tri-color coleslaw (from the bag, moistened with Marzetti).
To drink, we had the giant galvanized bucket filled with ice and ice-cold sparkling ICE drinks. Everybody lights up when they see those.
There was crunchy creamy coleslaw
As a rule, we keep it simple. But fresh and delicious, with lots of color and flavor. And fun.
Everyone arrived and Baby Rhett's high chair was set up, and he was sat in it. He's so big now.
Baby Rhett was all set
We filled our plates and soon everyone was around the table, eating and chatting and laughing and birthdaying. Erica had brought the balloons (for years we have not birthdayed without balloons) and they bobbed overhead.
In due time the dishes were cleared and, while we waited a decent time before having coffee and dessert, Audrey opened her gifts.
Our traditional Happy Birthday banner was hung in its usual place
My girls had gone in together on my birthday a few weeks before, to give me a pair of AirPods Pro. These are the more spectacular ones, and I was almost embarrassed that they had been so extravagant, but this makes such a wonderful gift.
In my case, they're life changing (anything that removes wires from hanging off of you is life changing). I take a walk every day and I listen to books as I go.
You had your choice of ICE drink flavors from the bucket
I was forever hitting the wires as I swung my arms, jerking the ear pods loose.
In addition, the free ear pods just did not fit inside my ears without discomfort and without one of them refusing to really stay in place.
Just wait 'til July when he turns one
Then I'd jerk the wire and one would practically fall out. It was awful.
The AirPods Pro have the soft little foam pieces that come in three sizes, the smallest of which makes the pods snug in both of my ears without producing any discomfort.
She got some nice presents and cute cards
No wires anywhere. And yet I still think I'm going to jerk a wire with my thumb while I walk. But I'm slowly becoming accustomed to the fact that they are no longer there. The wires, I mean; not my thumbs.
Anyway, so taken was I with my AirPods Pro that TG and I decided to give Audrey some for her birthday.
Eventually I made a big pot of coffee and we had dessert
She was overwhelmed that we'd gone as far as getting the more expensive ones -- she'd have been more than happy with the plainer version -- but for various reasons we felt it was the right thing to do.
Her sisters and bother brother and Dagny gave her some nice things too, and we all had a good time watching her open the presents.
There was lots of green on the shelf for March
Then I percolated a big pot of Starbucks decaf and served it in diner-style mugs with heavy cream, and we enjoyed the brownies and pie.
I never showed you my decorations for the month of March, so here they are.
Every time a bell rings, a shamrock gnome finds a home
I got a new shamrock gnome for the shelf, to which I have added always-on fairy lights (we had to have an outlet installed up there so we could plug them in; said outlet is cleverly disguised by a sign).
There is already a green house, and I added a few small green books.
Fake News
On the table were more green things, like fake succulents and sparkly shamrocks and green glass flower-shaped tea light holders purchased from from Dollar Tree many years ago.
I rounded it out with a green jar candle, an antique Lyle's Golden Syrup tin I've had for decades, and a cut-crystal dish full of green-foil wrapped Andes candies.
You could spin the lazy Susan and get a creme de menthe thin
Plus my Royal Albert flower-of-the-month (anemones) fine china cup and saucer, brought back from Harrods in London and given to me many years ago by my mother.
(That makes two pretties I have from Harrods; when Stephanie went to London and the Holy Land on her senior trip, she brought me back a charming teapot which I cherish.)
Green is such a happy, hopeful color
The day after our party was Audrey's actual birthday, and she and Dagny and I hung out together in the afternoon, at a park, with snacks, in beautiful weather.
It was a a fine day to turn thirty-nine: a thirty-fine day.
Embo: Saturday, April 2, 2022. Photo courtesy Andrew Weber
On a final and unhappy note, Rambo's condition has worsened since we were there. He is at the very end. In a few days Andrew will be taking him to the vet, where he's sure he'll be encouraged to let them euthanize Rambo.
Andrew is distraught and dreading the ordeal. Brittany isn't far behind and Ember, although she does not understand, will feel the loss of this big gentle dog who has been her companion for her entire life.
I ask for your prayers for Andrew and Brittany and Ember, and for all of us who love Rambo and will miss him forever.
And that is all for now.
=0=0=0=
Happy Tuesday
Reader Comments (19)
I am so very sorry about Rambo. What a big loss he will be for so many. You really know how to throw a party! I love everything about it, from the gorgeous Fritos bowl to the gnome to the mini succulent and tin. The pie and brownies look delicious! And sour cream mixed with siracha, why didn't I ever think of that? I will remember it for our next gathering.
@Ginny ... Ah! The sour cream mixed with sriracha is SO good! And you can make it as hot or not as you like depending on how much you mix in, haaaha! I am pretty sure it was Erica and Chad who told me about doing that. They learned it from cooking with Hello Fresh! It's really delicious. And that pie and those brownies were too! Please do pray for Andrew as he deals with this situation! He's so heartbroken. xoxo
Happy Birthday to all the March birthdays. :-)
I want to come to one of your parties.. they are so much fun.
Sending prayers for Andrew and family. I know how hard this is.. not long ago our Boston Terrier, Molly died.
Sending love and prayers!!!! Carla
P.S. Love the your gnome. xx oo
What a wonderful party! I love the way you all celebrate - you do it right!
Happy Birthday to Audrey!!!
Oh Rambo... I feel the pain and will certainly be praying for all of you. It's so hard.
@Carla ... You are officially invited to any party we have, when you are in town! I can't believe how into seasonal gnomes I am, haaaha! I never would have thought ... but they are irresistible! The little beards, haaaha! I'm sorry to hear about Molly. In a few days it will be six years since we had to put our beloved Chihuahua, Javier, to sleep. That was a dark day. xoxo
@Mari ... Yes please do pray, especially for Andrew. He's so upset and full of dread over this! xoxo
Feel so sad for Andrew, Brittany, Ember and of course Rambo; will definitely say a prayer for them all.
You really know how to put on a party, Jenny!! Everything sounded delicious and it is neat that you go all out with the balloons and banner. This is how birthdays should be celebrated (except for mine, lol :) I'm glad it was a roaring success! And Rhett! How much he has grown! Hard to believe he'll be a year old in July!
I have to say, you had more patience with making those flourless brownies than I would have had! I would have given up early in the game and count it all good.
I bet the key lime cheesecake was soooo good!
Happy belated birthday wishes to Audrey!
And a score with the airpods for you and for Audrey!
Lovely green decorations too!
betty
I loved this post....so much fun and celebration, then I got to the part about sweet Rambo....TEARS. My thoughts and prayers are with Andrew, Brittany, and Ember as they go this sad sad time. I will comment more later but I just wanted this message to get out there to them. So so very sorry for their upcoming loss, I still mourn my sweet Gypsy and it's been years. He is such a BEAUTIFUL dog and I know he is well loved. Very sad loss.
I remember turning 39 MANY years ago. lol
It's always so much fun to see a post on one of your celebrations. You make sure everything is thought out and gorgeous. The menu sounds delicious and Key Lime Pie is one of my favorites.
Prayers are going out for all who will morn the loss of Rambo. It is still very fresh in my mind how painful loosing a fur friend is. Hugs to you my friend.
@betty ... thank you for your well-wishes, my friend! I was frustrated with the effort it took to make those brownies but I could not quit, haaaha! I did say to myself: NEVER AGAIN! But they were good; there's no denying that. They'd make your eyes roll back in your head. No kidding. Thanks for praying for Andrew and his family. He is dreading this with all his might. It's just difficult to imagine carrying your beloved pet into a doctor's office and coming out with ashes. Andrew was in the room when we had to have Javier put to sleep in 2016, and he had tears running down his face even though he was not as bonded to Javier as I and the girls were. It's just the saddest moment. Awful. Ugh. xoxo
@Debbi ... hello friend! Thanks for stopping by! Yes, anyone who has lost a pet knows the anguish. I appreciate your prayers for Andrew and Brittany and Ember. It's going to be a dark day. xoxo
@Lori ... well if you have not had a Kenny's Key Lime Pie, you must see if they're sold in your area. Truly the best KLP I have ever tasted. So delicious! Interesting you should say how fresh it is in your mind, losing a fur baby. Isn't that the truth? Even though we don't grieve after them in the same way we would do a human, it's so poignant that the pain can easily be recalled. I always say, it's a good thing there are so many precious dogs that need loving homes. The problem is, they will all eventually die and when you love a dog, you open yourself up to that. Must take the bad with the good. xoxo
Well, I wish I was turning 39 again! Looks like a delightful party. We recently celebrated my husband’s 60th, but he doesn’t like to talk about it! Sorry to hear about Rambo, but what a sweet photo with Ember. He will live on in their hearts. I always enjoy seeing your lovely decor. That key lime pie looks amazing! I make a margarita pie that is really just key lime,but has a salted pretzel crust.
As usual your parties sound so wonderful and the food looks so good! You always work hard for them! Happy Birthday to Audrey! I do remember my milestone birthdays, especially my 30th because my mom had a cake for me at the bowling alley where we both bowled on a league together! I felt so old!! All of your March decorations are so pretty! I'm so sorry about sweet Rambo. Your son and DIL can take comfort in that they did all they could for him and gave him a wonderful life!
@Bijoux ... well I had to drop what I was doing and look up margarita pie ... I found a frozen version and am assured one can leave out the alcohol and increase the lime juice and it's all good. I copied that and will definitely be making it! Thanks for mentioning that! I love pretzel crust! Yes, it is going to be a sad time for Andrew and Brittany but they'll be fine after a couple of weeks. It's just such a difficult thing to be the one who carries your dog in alive and carries him out not alive. Now for those birthdays ... I say insist on a. great party and awesome presents, and consider the alternative, haahaha xoxo
@Jeanette ... they did indeed give Rambo a wonderful life and he has always been so loved. I'm so glad I was able to see him and spend time with him in Oklahoma. I knew I would never see him again so we spent a lot of time cuddling. He's always been so precious to me. That's so cool, you bowling with your mom on your 30th birthday and her bringing you a cake. I remember my 30th birthday well ... it was a beautiful day and my husband sent me roses. I couldn't believe I would no longer ever again be twenty anything! Now that seems so silly, haaha! xoxo
Oh my…..alcohol in my pie sounds awful! Here is my recipe:
1 1/4 C crushed pretzels
1/2 C melted unsalted butter
1/4 C sugar
Combine and press into pie pan. Bake 10 mins at 350 and cool.
8 Oz cream cheese
14 Oz sweetened condensed milk
1/4 C key lime juice or fresh squeezed limes and zest
8 Oz cool whip
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in condensed milk. Stir in juice/zest. Fold in cool whip. Freeze and remove about an hour before serving.
First, I'm not here. Because I'm on a blogging break. So.... Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... Don't tell.
That baby is ......... Just a doll. I give up on superlatives.
Happy Birthday late, to the Birthday girl.
So sorry about Rambo but we do not want to know our pets are suffering, just because we can not 'let them go.'
(None of us eat gluten-free; in fact we engage in zero fashionable dietary doings whatsoever. As someone who can not eat Gluten, and ditto to Lactose, I simply have to say, for some of us, refraining from these foods, is not in any way, a form of "fashionable dietary doings".
Gentle hugs,
Mari-Nanci
@Bijoux ... Well, a margarita is an alcoholic drink, so the great recipe I found includes tequila, haaha ... which the pirate does not do, but the recipe I found substitutes plain lime juice and is frozen, so it sounds fantastic. It's almost identical to yours in all other respects, and as I said, I love a crust of pretzels! Thanks for sharing! xoxo
@Mari-Nanci ... Awww! Gentle hugs back to you. xoxo
Your parties! You really know how to accomplish the wow! Factor. Everything sounds amazing. Oh I'm so sorry about you granddog.. that is so hard.
My friend gave me some air pods for Christmas! I have audible... Tell me some good books to choose! Please...
@Gayla ... I have Audible too and I confess that I am annoyed because every title I would like to read seems to be "plus" and therefore not included in the amount that I pay. That seems to me to be just DUMB and I am not sure I will continue with it. I've been so busy lately that I haven't even had a chance to investigate WHERE the mysterious tranche of reading materials is on Audible, that I DO pay to read, haaaha! And as for my parties, they are not as impressive as your gorgeous journals! xoxo
Yes to Audrey's Key Lime Pie - I haven't had a slice in ages. Looks like she had a very happy 39. So very sorry about Rambo - the family will grieve the loss of a great friend.
@Barb ... I wish you could get your hands on a Kenny's Key Lime Pie! Truly amazing. I have never made a KLP but I can't imagine it would be very difficult! It is SO good to see you. I have missed you! xoxo