Birthday Cake

Today February 4th is my official 50th birthday and our 19th wedding anniversary. Life is flying by too fast! I don't feel fifty. Of course, what does fifty feel like?
We celebrated the event with our new Indian family. Leela Biri's lovely wife went to the trouble to make me a Gluten free cake. We had a tasty home cooked vegetarian Indian meal and devoured the cake. It was chocolate with strawberries in a heart shaped pattern. The only thing that would have made things more perfect is if Connor and Bailey were her to celebrate with us.
I wanted to have a memorable birthday and I sure did. Paul and I were blessed to be part of our Goan family even if it was only for 16 days.



Our Goan family

This picture was taken at a nice restaurant on the beach in Goa called Sublime. The owner was a young fellow whose father was a famous Indian actor and his mother was from California. He was a very cool kind of a guy. Right next door to his lovely restaurant was a small Russian outdoor movie theatre. The noise conflicted with the ambiance of the restaurant but Chris explained that he has only been in this location for a year and the owner of the theatre was a big well connect Russian guy. Chris said "what are you going to do" and shrugged his shoulders. The food was sublime.

Biri

Paul and Biri met when Biri lived in Canada . He moved back to India and settled in Goa and for years has been telling us to come and visit. We finally took him up on it. Biri went well beyond what could have been dreamed of and helped to make our trip one that we will never forget. 

Leela

Paul and I have been hearing about Leela for years but we had never met. She took us in and made us feel so welcomed. Leela is a beautiful girl inside and out. She is a gentle sole and her face shines the most when she if looking at her boys.



Ramka

Ramka is Leela's son from her first husband. He has a presence about his that draws you to him. He has a special twinkle in his eyes. I think he is wise beyond his years. Although, he is the typical boy when he is playing with his little brothers.

 Angad

Angad is the shy sensitive one. It took more to draw him out but when he flashed that beautiful smile, it made you happy.  When asked what his favourite part of our visit was, he said when we listened to him. He is so shy, he didn't say much but I am happy that we took the time with him. I see both Biri and Leela inhis personality.

 Tejas

Tejas is two years old and can be both shy and playful  depending on his comfort level. He is definitely mama's boy but he has that mischevious smile like his dad. When we were on the beach in the water and he finely wanted to hold my hand to steady himself, my heart melted.