We have had a long tradition of celebrating my birthday in St. Louis. Returning to the last century we attend a movie at Landmark Theatre in Plaza Frontenac and eat on the Hill. For the last few years, it has been at Bartolinos. We did not have our usual waiter but he did come out to say hi to us and we felt a part of the family. I remember enjoying three or four dirty martinis at the beginning of this century and in the latter part of that last and then getting in the car to drive home to Southern Illinois. I really did not feel alcohol to any degree. My capacity has decreased in the last few years. In those days it was Cunettos and it is still one of my favorite restaurants. The line to enter Cunettos was often down the block and we stood in it on many occasions. We saw the original and Swedish version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo at Plaza Frontenac. I returned home and purchased the books. In those halcyon days, Cunettos gave you a free glass of wine with your entree.

Thanksgiving is less than a month away. We have hosted it for over 30 years. I remember our niece Tara and her mom talking about getting up early to shop in St. Louis on Black Friday. Their excitement was infectious. One year MJ and I looked everywhere for a Cabbage Patch Doll for Tara and finally found one at Fairview Heights near St. Louis.

On one Thanksgiving we decided to attend a showing of Father Of The Bride with Steve Martin and Tara rode with us to the theatre. She was so excited about her upcoming 16th birthday.

Life is filled with special moments. It is not the big events that you remember and hold in your heart…it is the small unexpected love that you feel…

So, I was preparing to pay the bill for dinner when I joyfully noted that I would have about $30 more than I had anticipated at the conclusion of our wonderful meal. Little did I know that I had shortchanged our waiter…I guess I am feeling my Dirty Martinis more than I did at one time in my youth…