4.20.2010

hermosa inn...

Last week my dear friend, Ewa, had a birthday.  Ewa (pronounced "Ehva") had a big birthday.  I have mentioned Ewa here at Everton Terrace, many many times.  Ewa and her husband Al, were our next door neighbors before we moved to Pagoda.  They moved across town.  Then, we moved across town - about 1 mile from their new house.   I don't think we were trying to follow them but we did miss them so who knows. 

Al and Ewa are our Friday night card buddies.  Ewa took me to Poland, Ewa brings me homemade gluten-free brownies so I will have my own treat at get togethers and Ewa, well, Ewa is an architect.  Ewa designed our beloved Pagoda.  I love my friend Ewa.  We joined Al and Ewa for dinner on her birthday. 

It was a lovely evening.  The weather was sublime, we sat on the patio and wined and dined and laughed and ate.  Afterwards, we went back to our place and played some cards (you had to know that was coming).  It does't get much better than that does it?  It was fairly dark by the time we got there so I didn't get many photos for you.  Here are a few. 

Won't you join us at the Hermosa to celebrate Ewa?  They have beautiful grounds.  Flowers guide you to the charming patio.



I took her a few presents...


Wait, don't forget the card...


Al also brought her a present, lucky little ducky...


Now it's getting chilly, "garcon, please throw some logs on the fire"...


and bring us some dinner...





It's getting late, time to go home.  Lanterns lead the way...


I snuck these inside Ewa's car so they would be waiting for her when she left.  I like to be sneaky.


Good friends, good food and good weather.  My cup is full.  Very, very, full.

13 comments:

Maria said...

Lovely, lovely photos! I think the lanterns are fave! What a wonderful evening - what a perfect way to celebrate a new chapter beginning (I remember 40 - what a wonderful era she is beginning - I LOVE my 40s!)Happy Birthday Ewa!

As fortunate as I know you feel to have a friend like Ewa (oh and beautiful job on Pagoda you two!) - I think she is just as blessed to have you! You not only know how to celebrate occasions - you celebrate people and make them feel so very special - Bravo!

Anonymous said...

You forgot to mention the most important part (well other than the fact that the day was all about me and I loved it). There was a man at the table next to us, someone we know but not someone who we maintain a close relationship with. A man we like and respect but don't hang out with very often. We sometimes buy jewelry from him as he is a very talented jeweler in Scottsdale (but really how often can that be).
Without saying anything he simply paid our bill. What a surprise when we asked for it. This was very nice. All together, my best birthday yet, with my best friends and the knowledge that people do nice things for each other (I don't always think that happens often enough).

Henley said...

I like the way you wrap presents, color coded with nice ribbon, I'm all over that. We don't have such big outdoor patios to eat outside here in NYC, quite a luxury. Not as much of a luxury as having good friends. A perfect evening I would say and a perfect way to start my morning.

RockinJ9designs said...

Wonderful times are the memories of the heart. Big memories-Big heart!

MJM said...

A night with good friends and good food is really what life is all about. Sad I missed it!

Beatnheart said...

beautiful in all aspects...what a lovely,kind friend you are..The place that you ate looks really nice.

MaiPie said...

I've never been to the Hermosa but I Just checked their website out and I wouldn't mind going! The food sounds delicious, and I love the outside patio. Looks beautiful. Sounds like a wonderful evening :) Happy belated birthday Ewa!

Megan (Best of Fates) said...

I love the photo of the presents, and how classy the wrapping looks! I always want to be a friend who gives presents that look as marvelous on the outside as on the inside, but sadly my innate laziness often gets in my way.

Andrew H. said...

I got to help with the presents, but I messed them up a bit... Oh well, the thought was there.

KC said...

Would somebody please tell Al when my birthday is!

KR said...

Belated birthday wishes Ewa. Lucky you and Al, lucky Jeanette and A.H.
The balloons were a nice touch!

Kanga said...

Beautiful photos! Shown in sequence as they are, one could almost imagine being there. During my time in Japan I fell in love with lantern lighting, and used the theme on many occasions for my own garden parties. One time in particular I remember very well. I had strung the lanterns lit by candles right along the garden path leading to the party area. As the day darkened the lanterns began to sway in the quickening breeze unnoticed by the less than sober throng until someone shouted "Fire!" The lanterns were ablaze but we managed to save the trees. It was a night to remember... at least for those who could remember anything.

pamela said...

such a pretty place. wanted to get married there! but i am happy where i did, however.
your party sounded like a great night out. sometimes the best parties are the smallest.
and the best presents are - let's face it i would love one of those i touch things!
pdc