by Dennis Augustine
We celebrated my birthday three days early on the terrace at La Rinconada Country Club, where the hills spilled into the Santa Clara Valley and the warmth of the day softened into a cool evening. Cecile was at my side, and dear friends Kim and Al Chien hosted with generosity and grace, surprising me with a thoughtful gift and a heartfelt card that touched me deeply.
We lifted glasses of sparkling vodka grapefruit cocktails and Rombauer Chardonnay, spoke of our grandchildren and of cruise voyages soon to come—Europe for them, the Mississippi for us. Dinner was hearty and elegant, with steak, Colorado lamb chops, and Chinese Chicken Salad.
The night ended in sweetness, with a decadent chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream, and as voices rose in “Happy Birthday,” I felt the gift of life itself: love, laughter, and the blessing of another year.
