Yesterday, my friends Sybil and Diane came over for lunch to celebrate Sybil’s birthday. I was hoping that we could have lunch on the patio, but once again, the weather did not cooperate. Ah, well! We have a cozy dining room, and that is where we had lunch.

Here is what I served: Grilled English muffins with ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of oregano, a drizzle of honey, and walnuts on top; a green salad made with Farmer Kev’s greens and dressed with a homemade garlic, yogurt, and dill vinaigrette; Diane’s fruit salad; and for dessert, homemade raspberry ice cream with a crispy ginger cookie (not homemade).

Oh, we had a jolly time, as we always do when we get together. Sybil told us that her New York daughter has invited her to New York, where they will see Lucky Guy, a play starring Tom Hanks. We made Sybil promise to tell us all about it when she comes back from her trip to the big city. Her Maine daughter and family took her out to eat and gave her presents.

“Oh, I’ve been spoiled on my birthday!” Sybil exclaimed.

“Good!” Diane and I both said. We are both so inspired by this octogenarian who still has such an incredible zest for life. Sybil writes, is involved with the Theater project in Brunswick, goes to movies, reads, and stays in touch with her many, many friends. (I have never known a woman, young or old, who is invited to so many parties.)

Naturally, Diane and I had little presents for Sybil. I gave her some cards made with photos I have taken of flowers, one of my obsessions. Diane gave Sybil lavender soap and one of her own handmade creations, a lovely pin from a line Diane has developed—Mother Earth Pins.

So happy birthday, Sybil! May you have many more.