Crystal, Anna and I played hooky Friday afternoon, an early birthday outing to celebrate rich friendship.  Betsy was very with us in spirit.

We went across the Bay to Sausalito.

Sun showers sprinkled, the sky a glorious contrast of shifting light and dark.

We had the usually tourist-mobbed, exceedingly picturesque town to ourselves, exploring enchanting art galleries, charming little shops, drinking in glorious views of the City by the Bay (please don’t call it San Fran or Frisco – makes us wince).

We feasted on a scrumptious, super healthy lunch at the Good Earth grocery and restaurant, sharing everything.

Gorgeous rainbows painted the wide sky with colorful testimony of our friendship magic.

I can’t even count the number of times we laughed.  Isn’t it wonderful to be with good friends where everything is funny?

As another birthday dawns on the horizon, as all my friendships deepen, as I am filled with wonder and find more and more in life that is meaningful, beautiful and joyful, I raise my glass of chilled sparkling apple cider to the sky and exuberantly propose the most beautiful of toasts, L’CHAIM!, the joyful Jewish proclamation, TO LIFE!

From my soul to yours,

With love,

Ingrid