Birthday Festivities

For the past few days, we have been celebrating Miguel’s birthday. Starting on Friday. His birthday is today…

On Friday night, I had a small little surprise party with a few of our friends for him. He had absolutely no idea all the way up until they were in our house. Ha. They rang, he answered, and wondered why they were here. Finally, when I said, “Surprise!” he said, “Yeah, surprise!” I realized he still didn’t know what was going on. He thought they’d just popped by unannounced. So I had to say, “No babe, surprise. Like, happy birthday, we’re gonna celebrate.”

A few minutes later, I walked out with a flaming cake and we sang Happy Birthday. Still shocked and surprised, Miguel was very happy. We drank some Madeira wine, had ice cream, homemade chocolate cake, and coffee. Yum. How fun.

Nicole, Tony, Miguel and I. Jenny's taking the photo. Thanks Jenny!

 Then yesterday, for Miguel’s day off, we went to Monte, a little town northeast of here. The bus ride takes you up, up, and away into the mountains. I was carsick by the time we got there. But a few minutes of being in the fresh air and seeing the spectacular views, I got over it.

There is a church in Monte, and it’s beautiful, and we went inside and sat for a while. 

 After that, we spent time just walking around the area, checking out the different viewing points, admiring the landscape, and stopping to smell the roses, literally. 

 Our lunch in the gardens was amazing, with a view to die for.

 It made us feel like we are on a permanent vacation. As we ate, we watched people ride the wicker baskets down the mountain. 

Those brown things the guys are leaning on are vehicles...

 It looked incredibly dangerous. Maybe next time.

We rounded out our day with an awesome dinner of typical Madeiran food in town. Delish. And so romantical.

Speaking of romantical, for his actual birthday today, I decided to go sentimental this year. I made a painting and wrote a poem (that I wrote) on it. 

 No, it is not a love poem. It’s inspirational. I also made him some prayer pocket stones.Cutesies.

For lunch today, we had another picnic in the botanical gardens, and lounged for a few hours. It being the first year in three years that we are spending our birthdays together, I wanted to make it special. And I think he enjoyed it (I hope. Hehe). I know I did.