Happy Birthday My Friend!

For us, New Year's Eve is typically spent the same way.  With two of our favorite people, celebrating my dear friend Maryrose's birthday.  Meet Maryrose and her husband Kevin.

We met Maryrose and Kevin about 15 years ago, when our teenage daughter's were playing softball together.  We became fast friends.  Shortly after meeting them, we also became neighbors!  We have had so many great times together!  We have shared fun times, sad times, family vacations, trials and tribulations of raising our kids, illness, losing our dear Dad's, seeing our children marry, becoming grandparents, and a million and one things in between.  We love these people.  And last night, once again, we celebrated together.  Both Maryrose's birthday, and the new year.

I set the table, but I did not cook this year.  We ordered our yummy meal from a favorite local restaurant here in town that makes yummy and unique pizzas, and pastas and salads.  We enjoyed one of each. 

 Oh wait, I did cook.  I made an appetizer called Antipasto Squares.  YUM!  This was before they were cut
into squares.  Recipe later.

The cake, carrot is her favorite.  Some chocolates, and cream puffs, and biscotti.....oh my!

In addition to the goodies, the liquid refreshments were chilled and close at hand.

We had a roaring fire.  (this was before our guests arrived)

Back to our evening.  Here is Maryrose with one of her birthday gifts from us.

 What is it you ask?

 Still not sure?

Why they are reading glasses (readers) with little lights on either end that can be switched on and off as needed. 

I have to tell you, while these may look like a gag gift, I have some, and I use them EVERY SINGLE DAY!!  I use them to knit, sew or crochet when I am in the family room where the light is not the best.  I have used them in the car at night.  I will be using them often!  I think anyone who needs readers would love these!  I got her something else too, but I think this was the favorite.

We sang Happy Birthday and had cake.

We huddled by the fire and played a fun game that Maryrose brought.
Then as midnight neared, we prepared to have the champagne that Kevin and Maryrose brought to share.

Kevin opened and poured the bubbly.

A great time was had by all.  Another "Happy Birthday" for Maryrose that we got to share with her.  And the beginning of New Year where memories will be made, and happiness shared. 
Thanks friends.  It was fun!
Cheers!