One might say E had a world birthday.  Avdi and we tried out an Ethiopian restaurant near us, and it was excellent.  He very generously insisted on treating.  We had injera (flatbreads) with many types of lentils, meats, and spicy sauces.

Then we checked out a Middle Eastern grocery/deli next door, run by a very friendly, entrepreneurial NY/Palestinian and his wife, who plied us with many samples of homemade hummus, tabouleh, baba ganoush, yogurt, and lamb, all of which were fabulous.  It was a perfect example of how food, hospitality, and diplomacy trump hate and bridge cultural differences.

Then we returned home for homemade cake and ice cream, etc., and had a pleasant time talking.  E did a good impression of “acting surprised”, considering we’re always together.  She is now the proud owner of a squawky Star Wars “Porg”, among other things.

This morning, the female and male cats were conducting a very loud disagreement over territorial rights to our porches, apparently.  She won, and he sheepishly slunk off, as usual.  She and I checked out the sukkah at sunrise.