Birthday Celebrations

Amidst the Christmas season rush, Terry and I took the time to celebrate my birthday, which was on December 21st.

The Sunday before, we went to north Michigan Avenue in Chicago for 5:30 tea at the Peninsula Hotel, our favorite posh place to celebrate! It was a very cold day as we walked the 2 miles from the train station to the hotel.

Tea is held in the Lobby, which was all decked out in its Christmas finery.

The decor is very grand and the atmosphere is formal, but welcoming.

Chamber musicians played softly in the balcony while we sipped our organic Earl Grey.

A 3-tiered serving stand held wonderful gourmet sweets and savories. It's always a surprise to see what the chefs will make for us!

The finger sandwiches were the traditional cucumber and cream cheese, a marinated portobello sandwich, and a marbled rye wrapped around tomato and fresh basil.

Next were ramekins of gourmet pot pies topped with puff pastry.

A basket held both berry and maple scones, served with jam, clotted cream and lemon curd. Finally, a plate full of cookies, cakes, sweet breads, brownie-like cups of chocolate and meringues! And a macaroon, fresh from the oven, was an added bonus!

Everything was scrumptious!

What an elegant and memorable birthday present from my dear husband, Terry!

After tea, we took a brief walk up Michigan Avenue to take in the sights and sounds of the season.

I always say hello to the carriage horses!

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On Tuesday, my actual birthday, Terry took me out for dinner at my favorite nearby restaurant, Olive Garden!

My parents joined us there. It was so nice celebrating with everyone.

Thank you, Terry, for always making my birthday very special.

And thank you, Ma & Pa, for giving me a birthday

and helping us celebrate!