Cristina's birthday dinner

I got her to myself this time. Seth and the kids celebrated with her on the weekend, before he left for Australia. Her actual birthday was Monday, and she drove to the coast alone and went for a long walk in the rain while the kids were in school. Tonight was our turn, and we went out to a Moroccan restaurant with rugs on the walls, poufs around low tables, and looping draperies creating an ambience fit for a pasha. Our vegetarian dinners were good, too.

Cristina is a marvel, and I feel I never sing her praises enough. She's first of all an artist and a stylist, always finding new applications for her skills and interests. Like Seth, she has always worked in the entertainment business, though she's had to cut back on her hours because Seth is touring so much. She's a caring parent, patient and affectionate, always encouraging. She's a great cook, she can stitch up any costume the kids ever dream up, and she volunteers at their schools. She spends hours driving them to and from their two schools with different hours and then to and from their sports practices and to and from their games. She even walks the dog long distances. I am in awe. It's an enormous privilege to be her mother-in-law, and I'm sorry I can't be as much help to her as I was when the children were babies.

The restaurant was very dark. I find the "denoise" feature in Lightroom tends to smooth out the lines and wrinkles that make a face beautiful (see Extra), so I've cut it back to about 50% denoise, which leaves too much noise, but this is the best I can do. Even in a clumsy photo made in a dark restaurant, she's gorgeous. 

My gratitude to everyone who sent good wishes and blessings for my own health. I blush from the pleasure of your caring words.