Camilla’s Birthday, 2011 ‡

The year 2011 was a special one for my wife Camilla, as she turned 75 only once but got to celebrate the occasion at least three times: in June at the Moore Ranch in Elida, NM with our son and daughter, their families, and our extended family there, some 23 of us; in August at the Taus Mahal in Carlsbad, CA with Camilla’s relatives and extended family there, all 32 of us; and with me in September on her acutal birthday, just the two of us. Both larger affairs featured WMFP†, but the August party was perhaps more elaborate, being a catered* affair, so its menu is given below.

Featuring HMFP at parties in June and August would have been in sacrilegious conflict with the TWHC, at which its holy cognomen applies. But I realized that the TWHC has mostly our closeby neighbors in attendance, while our families have very rarely, if ever, had the privilege of the HMFP dining experience. The opportunity for them to share this remarkable repast could not be resisted. I substuted WMFP instead, and no one was the wiser.

Festivities began at 3:00pm, with dinner at 5:00pm, and revelry extending to an unremembered hour in the evening. I have been told numerously that a good time was had by all.

Welcome and Prelude

My salutory remarks, necessary recognitions and introductions of family members and guests. Camilla’s welcome. Happy mingling and tasting period.

  • Stuffed mushrooms
  • Artichoke dip and crudités
  • Petite quesadillas
  • Famous queso dip† and corn scoops
  • Katrina cocktails†
  • Margarita cocktails†
  • Red and white wine
  • Various beers
  • Various sodas
  • Lemonade
  • Bottled water
Recognition and Toast

Champagne toast. Three cheers for Camilla! Camilla’s acknowledgement, response, and remarks.

Dinner
  • Wholly Molé Frijole Posole†
  • Avocado, chile, and lime garnish
  • Taubasco sauce garnish†
  • Habanero Sauce garnish†
  • Cilantro Sauce garnish†
  • Caesar Salad †
  • Flour tortillas (regular and carb-balanced)
  • Corn tortillas
Dessert and libation
  • Camilla’s portrait cake: chocolate with strawberry filling
  • Cookies and cream ice cream
  • Dryer’s Carb-Smart vanilla ice cream
  • Coffee, with cream and/or <sugar>, as desired
  • Cocktails, wine, beer, etc., as above
After dinner Gemütlichkeit

Libation, conversation, tall tales, table games, and Ruth Krusic at the piano.