Karen’s birthday was kind of a quiet one this year. After you’ve traveled around the sun 72 times, they aren’t all big celebrations with lots of people. But we still celebrate them and appreciate each one even more as we get older.

We began the day with breakfast at ‘Hot Plate’ one of our favorite eateries in our part of Minneapolis. They have great food and friendly people. Karen’s go-to at Hot Plate is pancakes with Lingenberry butter — a Scandinavian treat that you don’t usually find at this kind of place.

Speaking of ‘this kind of place” . . . well, I’m not sure there actually is another place quite like it. It’s quirky and unique. The best word I can find for the decor and ambiance is ‘kitch’. It’s kitchier than you’re 100 year old grandma’s living room. (Note the ‘collectible’ figures lined up on the shelf behind Karen).

The photo on the left is from almost a year ago when we went there for Lauren’s birthday — yes, Henry liked it because he got to taste a few things for the first time. This pic shows more of the so-awful-it’s-great decorating, including the hundreds of paint-by-number pictures covering the walls. (And to answer your question: Yes, there is not only one, but several ‘Last Supper” paintings.)

We had a nice day together. Spring is coming early this year (including a few fits and starts) and because our birthday’s are only 9 days apart we’re looking forward to spending our our 73rd orbit together.

(PHOTO BELOW) We ended the day with a couple of scotcheroos (made by KD and a shared cup of coffee.

It was a quiet, delightful day.