Franco's 60th Birthday!

Franco (Nonno)' s 60th Birthday was on February 22, 2011 but we celebrated on March 5 so that a few more of his friends would be able to attend. He knew that we were having a party but did not expect that 27 friends would come! We prepared the food on Friday and he could not understand why I was cooking a storm! Here is a view of the buffet tablet.

At 3:30 pm the first couple of friends arrived all the way from Santa Barbare! Franco had not seen Joe and Karen for about 6 years...what a nice reunion. Joe is the first connection that Franco had with California back in 1973! (They are sitting in the back)

Urmi, Franco's little "sister" and Mitra in conversation as always and David enjoying his food! And Franco is probably eyeing the wine bottles on the bar!!!!

Dag and Swapan discussing the salad landaise (duck), one of their favorite dish from the buffet.

Here is a view of the buffet: Lasagna, Abruzzo drunken fish, Veal and carotts, Calcutta Goat Cury, Salade Landaise and Mint Green Beans.

Ron is guarding the food with his life and making sure everyone behaves!

Theresa and Victor...our young neighbors. They found the right spot by the bar area. Good job Victor!

A little surprise for Franco and also for the guests...

Just a look at the menu...

Sandra’s Birthday! L’anniversaire de Sandra!

Pour l’anniversaire de Sandra nous avions decide de passer la journee sur l’ile de Catalina. Nous avons donc pris le bateau a 8 heure du matin. Voici quelques photos de notre aventure.

For Sandra’s B-day we decided to spend the day on Catalina Island. We took the boat at 8 a.m. Here are a few pictures of our adventure.

  

En Californie a l’age de 25 ans on peut louer une voiture. Voici le nouveau vehicule de Sandra. Nous avons visite un peu l’ile.

In California at the age of 25 years old you are allowed to rent a motor vehicle. Here is Sandra’s new ride!

 

Voici quelques vues de l’ile.

A few views of the island.

Bien sur on a du celebrer avec une bonne margarita! Of course we celebrated with a margarita!

A bord du bateau et photos de la star du jour. On the boat and picturs of the star!

De retour au port de Dana Point…Back to Dana Point harbor…

Nina’s Birthday!

For my B-day Sandra and Franco cooked a lovely dinner!

My friends Cindy and Dan had given me a beautiful flower arrangement earlier in the day…that made the dinner table very lovely!

Even the cats are celebrating…even so Sly kept on running away every time he would see the camera flashing!

Nina is just relaxing and waiting for the delicious food that Sandra is preparing.

Here is the result: Swordfish with pineapple Sambal, Corn on the cob with chipotle – scallion butter, Nutty brown rice and for dessert,Banana espresso bread pudding.

Thank you so very much dear Daughter for such a delicious birthday meal that I won’t soon forget! You are really the best. Thank you Franco for your help with the grill…the swordfish and corn were grilled perfectly!