Flower delivery, in walks Jaime, a 22yo nephew of Ed Rame. How beautiful to see long-stemmed 45 red roses, a gift from Enrique de la Cruz for our 45th wedding anniversary. I was all smiles and had a simple breakfast: coffee and lemon blueberry loaf, which I baked and requested by hubby.
After a few hours, we drove to #grandcentralmarket. It was packed with tourists, office workers and Los Angelenos, predominantly Latinos. A variety of choices from vegan ramen, all kinds of tacos, a lone Chinese place, no more SariSari store run by Republique, but the parol remains and the bar. I hope an enterprising Manila Inasal LA takes over, cold pressed juices, famous Donut man, more fish tacos and McConnell ice cream.
Lunch was sea urchin, fish tacos and lobster roll and two flavors of McConnell ice cream. My first time to eat sea urchin and it was a surprisingly good delicacy.
Angel’s Flight was nearby but we wanted to be home sooner, so I took more photos of the blue skies, ripples of white clouds and the hi-rises, including a wedding chapel across the street, a beautiful symbol for us celebrating our 45th wedding anniversary.
My thanks to Fr. Camilo Pacanza on our renewal of vows at our 36th anniversary- so simple, so intimate, just the two of us and Fr. Miloy.
Dinner was with our soon to be 9yo #princess2015la at our favorite celebration restaurant. It was so packed by the time we left at 8pm, good thing we were there at 630pm. Loved all that we ordered: salt-encrusted branzino, stuffed zucchini flowers, chopped salad, lemon pasta, tiramisu and chocolate mousse cake.
We had one of the best celebrations: quiet, lots of conversations, temperate weather and lots of good food.
I included Butchardt Gardens as Enrique took me and our 9 month old toddler, first born daughter to this place. All I remembered was changing diapers of my daughter’s. Fast forward to 2015, Enrique and I drove to Oregon and Washington, rode the ferry to Butchardt Gardens. It was around August 11, my birthday. I had the biggest smiles inside that garden. Enrique said I was smiling for 4 days.
Back story: My father banned me from visiting them for 2 years until Enrique and I got married. We lived together for 2 years, a taboo for a practicing Catholic household. My dad was the happiest to see us get married, 45 years ago.
Enrique set aside 5 champagne bottles from the reception, he said that I would only last 5 years. It was a challenge alright, but my conviction and unconditional love for him was stronger. Everytime my friends would hear my grievances, they would whisper to me:”he is a good man,” even if grouchy in his retirement years.
Yet, 2024, starting our 45th year, calm, peace and joy are more present than anything else.