What a great birthday I had! Simple, and relaxing. Just right.

Sue gave me a copy of Master Chef James Haller's book At The End of Ceres Street, which was such a terrific read. Other than with my kids, those years spent in Portsmouth in the early to late 1970s were iconic for me, and Chef Haller and The Blue Strabery were real influences on me. To read about those years, and the people and places I knew so well, and memories I treasure.... well, it was magical.

We started out the day hiking up Pine Mountain with Beau. The views of Lake Winnipesaukee were spectacular, with just the gentlest of breezes blowing the warm air from the rising sun around us.

The rest of the day was just hanging out, relaxing, and enjoying the fine art of doing nothing until it was time to head out to the new 2022 Top Gun Maverick. It just doesn't get any better than that. And what a tribute to the first Top Gun with not only the original producer Jerry Bruckheimer, but also clips of music from it, as well as current music by Hans Zimmer. Perfect. And from there, a wonderful dinner at Dante's Bistro Bar and Grille in Barrington.

Sue and Beau leading the way up the Pine Mountain trail.

At the top in the tall grass....

Enjoying the great view of Lake Winnipesaukee from the top of Pine Mountain.

Shameless celebratory selfie....

A perfect ending to a perfect day! Thanks, Sue!