Lucky Cat Birthday Cake

 The first time I celebrated Nana’s birthday was her 80^th. Nana, Jason, and I drove down memory lane to her old house in Redondo Beach at the beautiful California coast.  I finally got to see the house Nana mentioned fondly so many times before - the white beautiful beach house with a big bay window looking out to sea.  As we drove near the coast, the fog rolled in.  I saw the beach house standing there in front me, quietly telling me a story of time.  Nana was telling stories after stories in tears.   We all sat there quietly listening in front of the house.  

We followed Nana’s memory lane to The Village.  It is a little gourmet shopping mall right by the ocean where Nana used to walk with a basket to buy groceries.  We stopped there and walked store by store with Nana.  She was elated being able to visit old friends.  Nana greeted everyone.  It took hours to finish touring The Village.  It is time for dinner.

We had reservations at the Cheesecake Factory right by the marina.  We had a wonderful time and a fantastic birthday dinner.  Nana thanked us so many times and told us it was a best birthday gift anyone can ever give.  We were glad.  Our little outing ended with a slice of tuxedo cheesecake and a candle while the staff sang the birthday song.  

After that birthday party, we’ve spent 8 more years.  On March 10 every year, we’d planned nice dinners and a show.  Recent years Nana’s getting more and more tired and likes to stay at home.  So we’ve been celebrating at home more.  This lucky cat birthday cake is the cake of 2013.  Click into the video to see the cake of the previous years and videos of the party!!