Turning 35 in the Backyard

My 35th birthday, done at home in the Walnut Creek backyard rather than anywhere fancier, which turned out to be the right call. Cake on the green stand in the middle of the long table, red velvet crumbs pressed around the bottom of the frosting, a 3 and a 5 stuck in the top.

The girls planted themselves on either side of me the moment the candles were lit and made it very clear the blowing-out was not going to be a solo job. It took some coordinating — three people leaning over one cake — but the candles went out on the first try, all of us puffing at once.

Stayed out at the table after, the big orange pillar candle still going next to the wine glasses. Somebody's cardigan ended up in a heap on the tablecloth and never got claimed before dark.