Happy Birthday, Kobayashi!

Some days are filled with big adventures, and others are made special by small, happy moments. This past week was one of those--full of good friends, good food, busy hands in the garden, and, most importantly, a very special birthday celebration.

Happy Birthday Kobayashi!

Our lucky boy celebrated with his whole family--plus Ira and me. Harriet and Elke treated him to a "pup cup" for the occasion. I can't be 100% sure, but it may have been a cup full of whipped cream...though I couldn't possibly confirm that. Either way, Kobayashi wasted no time and devoured it with enthusiasm.

We all sang Happy Birthday and were treated to a celebratory howl from the birthday celebrant himself. In my opinion, though, Kobayashi's favorite gift of all was to have his whole pack at home. 

Ira has also been busy repotting David's trees. Here's a before-and-after from one of their recent projects. This tree was a landscape tree that David bought years ago from Home Depot. He was like a proud papa watching his baby transform into a beautiful bonsai.

Before the repot

After repot

Of course you know we're continuing our "deep dive" into Mexican food. Well...not officially. But we did make another stop at Taco Time, one of David's longtime local favorites.

From Left to Right
Quesabirria taco / El Presidente shrimp taco / Adobada pork with pineapple

Then it was time for David to head off to Oregon for his class at Mirai, where Ira used to work. That left Ira in charge of both the fish and the bonsai--a big responsibility. 

But Dawn and the girls were still home, so no Kobayashi duty. What's more, when David is away, Dawn decides it's time to cook. It drives David a little batty--but we certainly don't mind. This is her signature roasted chicken and fennel, a dish we'll definitely have to try recreating in Italy, where fennel is happily plentiful (in season of course).

Roasted Chicken and Fennel
From the cookbook
a change of appetite by Diana Henry

Life lately has been full--traveling, visiting, catching up, and taking care of all the little details in between. It's been busy in the best way.

I promise to post more soon and share all the latest adventures. Until then, we're soaking up these everyday moments--birthdays, good meals, and time with people (and pups) we love.

Ciao ciao!





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