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It is my 40th birthday. Enough said. I don't care if 40 is "the new 30." I ain't 30, I'm 40. I'm not being graceful about it and I can't pretend I'm not a single bit vain about it. I'm not going to apologize about my bad attitude. I know, a real shocker for you......

In any case, my hubby took the day off and made it wonderful despite the number. He treated me to a yummy dinner at a Spanish restaurant Tasca Brava in a trendy part of town. Thanks to the rest of you for emails and texts and calls to express love.

UGHHHHHHHHHHH.............. I'm forty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to Lauren and Michael

The end of last week was a flurry of activities ending in the culmination of graduation on Thursday, June 10, 2010. I have felt a range of emotions and the many ways in which this day was significant and bittersweet for Danny and I can't be described. At least not right now.

Needless to say we are very proud of them both. Lauren performed her graduation poem flawlessly if not being the highlight of the ceremony. She also got her driver's license the next day! Michael was able to save enough money to purchase my black Honda for himself!

Anniversary Dinner

We went to the Carolina Inn for our anniversary. It is the same venue we had our wedding at and we went there last year too. Its going to be our anniversary "tradition" while we remain in the area. And its on the campus of UNC (GO TARHEELS!!). Plus, the profits go to the UNC Library. Eatin' for ed-joo-ma-ka-shun!

It was a lovely evening as expected. Two of our waiters remembered us from last year which was nice. Maybe its because we wore the exact same thing we did last year. Yes, I squeezed into a little pink dress. However, it was quite a different "fit" after consuming food. As I told my friend Zoe, next year I'm showing up in pink work-out pants!! The nice thing about this fine dining experience was that even though we had 1 main server, every server would wait on us as they passed our table. I'm all about having lots of people waiting on me! Oh, but you knew that already.....

Anyway, as always Danny spoiled me with 3 cards, a new digital camera, and beautiful star gazer lillies ("our" flower and the kind used in our wedding). Since it was our "Cotton Anniversary" (who knew?), I got Danny a cotton T-shirt (see pic!). He looks so cute in it!

CATRINA -- the menu is below for your viewing pleasure :P

Fine bottle of champagne: Duval-Leroy Brut

French bread, pumpernickel raisin bread

Compliments of the Chef for our anniversary: 1 single pan seared scallop in a delicious sauce

Jacqueline

Appetizer: Medjool Date Stuffed with Valdeon Blue Cheese, Wrapped in Prosciutto Di Parma, Crimson Lentil & Bulgar Wheat Salad, Red Wine Syrup & Chive Oil

Palette cleanser: Mango sorbet with 1 raspberry

Entrée: Braised Spring Lamb Shank, Anson Mills Creamy Polenta, Sundried Tomato, Greek Olives, Dandelion Greens, Crumbled Hillsborough Cheese Co. Feta, Lamb Jus

Danny

Appetizer: Veal Sausage, Potato Gnocchi, Fava Beans, Toasted Pistachios, Roasted Peppers, Shaved Ricotta Salata, Garlic Broth, Mint Oil

Palette cleanser: Mango sorbet with 1 raspberry

Entrée: Grilled Hickory Nut Gap Farm Pork Chop, Anson Mills White Cheddar Grits, Alamance County Shitakes, Green Beans, Baby Carrots, Fried Green Tomato Croutons, Rhubarb Jam, Ham Hock Jus

Dessert: We were too full but they gave us a two complimentary truffles