Today, September 9, was my birthday. For not being in a celebratory mood, I had an enjoyable time with friends, chatting on our front porch in the afternoon light. We snacked on cheeses and olives and (in their case) wine, and I opened some presents, all of which pertained to food or music or poetry. I am grateful of their generosity.
I just got back last night after our trip to Minnesota. My mum and I accompanied my brother, Ben, to send him off to his first year at Carleton. We stayed with my cousin and her family outside of the Twin Cities, and we were pleasantly surprised when my sister and others (another cousin and his family) flew up, too! It was rather shocking, and while appreciated, did disorient my stay.
Carleton was beautiful, and I think Ben will fit in well there. We walked around campus on a slightly rainy day, but the cloudiness seemed to enhance the scenery. It was chillier there, with fall winds already ravaging. Even so, the coolness was pleasant and refreshing, and the trees had an air of old wisdom. Any vegetation outside of the Ozarks seems foreign and titillates my senses. Even driving through Iowa, which sat squarely, ashamedly between Missouri and Minnesota, I found beauty in the rolling corn fields and the white country houses.
In fact, I really adored Iowa. I looked West as the sun was setting, and the corn was pleasantly back lit, highlighting the gentle and slightly sensuous curves of the land. The windmills turned steadily, and while not synchronized, they mesmerized me as I looked to the horizon. I saw factories regularly along the highway, some billowing steam and others stagnant. Large containers often accompanied them -- sturdy, domed, and rusted. This evidence of industrialism is my America. It is oddly beautiful. Even the mono-cropping, of which I know the horrors, adds a soothing, homogeneous look to the countryside. I wakefully watch it as it whizzes by my window.
The night after we arrived, my aunt and cousin Monica, both wonderful cooks, decided to put on a show to celebrate my birthday. Monica made a delicious roasted tomato and red pepper soup with roasted garlic and pesto. She used this amazing tool that pureed the soup while in the pot -- I was mystified. I made a roasted squash and pumpkin ravioli with a lemon alfredo sauce with asiago cheese and crushed walnuts. I was proud. Then Debbie made a really yummy butterflied pork loin with pesto that I would've liked slightly more rare but was delicious all the same.
[pork roast, tomato soup, homemade ravioli]
My favorite part, however, was the German chocolate cake my mum made for me back home. It never fails to impress, comfort, and please the senses.
And always, one extra candle for good luck.
What your ideal birthday meal? Leave your answers in comments!
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