birthday fun...

First.. I can hardly believe I am 43 years old (and neither can my mom).

I had a most awesome birthday!  I felt like a princess from the moment I woke up until I went to bed.

The day started in the usual horrible way... with a freezing cold shower.  However, quickly I was given a cup of hot coffee and a chair.  This is me... in my usual position... in front of my home where I can easily view the comings and goings of the neighborhood.

At 10am (after a grand breakfast of beans, eggs, cheese and tortilla), I was picked up by Alberto and taken to the home of his mom.  She had been working all morning to prepare the feast of all feasts in honor of me. A beautiful woman full of love and grace... This is Alberto and his mom.

and this is Alberto´s sister, Veronica.  Also beautiful.  Please note the huge plate of food in front of me... that is not for the entire family as you might think!  All mine... and I ate every single bite.

Alberto´s stepdad and our friend Pedro Joakin.  Joakin is without a home and currently sleeps on the concrete floor of Alberto´s carpentry shop.  A fine fellow and very protective of me.

And, of course, after lunch we shared a cake together.  3 inches of icing.

After lunch we picked up some other friends... Karla and Esmelda... and headed to my favorite place.  La Cascada.  Those drinks we are consuming are my new favorite addiction.  One that I hope to kick as soon as I return to Canada (I´m really hoping they aren´t available there... it will make stopping so much easier)  They are energy drinks... so so so tasty!  (mom... stop reading now)  In this photo Karla and I are standing in the back of Alberto´s truck.  Totally normal here.  I´m afraid my new found bravery has crossed over into complete stupidity.  We were, however, driving very very slow.

 I have no idea what is so funny here but I thought it accurately portrayed the joy I was feeling in the moment.

 La Cascada... I really wish I could accurately capture the beauty of this place.  Simply stunning!!

My two mejor amigos in Esteli.  Karla and Alberto.

Back home... my Nicaraguense parents present me with a gift... it´s a yellow purse... seen in next photo.

 and, of course, more cake!

 followed by a food fight.

 I won!!!  Note the cake on Karla´s nose!

And finally, more food!  Karla´s mom, friend Esmelda and the beautiful princess.  A beautiful evening.

 And traditional Nicaraguan food.  I forget what it´s called but it was delicioso!!!

And that´s it for another year.  I think that every year I should spend my birthday in the sun.  I quite enjoyed my first ever hot birthday!