Chad’s birthday… We all played hooky. (I did work a little in the AM before everyone got up).

devcubber came over and we headed down to the Central West End to nab lunch at what some Welshmen call the “Best Welsh Pub in America”…. I don’t know if that’s a valid title… they have Rarebit, (beer and cheese sauce), and the best french dip sandwich I ever stuck in my mouth… and it’s also where my friend Tony and I used to go to sneak a pint of ale with our “older cool friends” as minors…. In fact – the place is so-sopping with personal nostalgic relevance – I caught myself feeling guilty since it was Chad’s birthday.

Everyone shared sandwiches and smiles.. as well as splitting a new appetizer on the menu… “Welsh Nachos”… (scary huh? – homemade tortilla chips topped with rarebit, bacon, tomato, red onion and sour cream.)… They were, unpredictably, the bomb.

Strolled around the neighborhood, stopped for a scoop of Ben and Jerry’s and then swung by “Gringo Jones” to get lost… Think a huge labyrinth of yard stuff and other Mexican imports that connects two buildings, inside and out.

Looking for a life-size metal zebra for your yard?….. they got it…. and a bunch of other Strange Stuff – that never ceases to amaze when we visit.

Headed home in time for Elise to fetch boychick and Chad to take a big ole birthday nap.

The evening was spent at home, watering the garden and having conversations like…. “No really – an 8 foot tin palm tree would look FABULOUS right over there.”

I’m not blogging – I’m recounting.