It was a glorious day. I spent the afternoon with my husband Mark and friends Sue and Paul. We celebrated my birthday, which is officially tomorrow. Yes, I am a particularly lucky mathematician to have a birthday on Pi Day.
We shared lunch at a charming bistro Citron, in Parkland, checked out the Russian market Marvel, hung out in the back yard, and visited our favorite bar Devil’s Reef for a birthday drink. It is my second birthday to be celebrated during the pandemic. This one was much more joyful than last year’s.
Things you should know. If you are a Tacoma local, Sue is the renown food writer for Dine Pierce County She knows everyone and everything about food in our town. And I am grateful when we get to be her +2. I will gladly let her photograph my food to be a part of her adventures. She has previously written about the places we visited today: Citron and Devil’s Reef.
What made today extra special? When Mark and I first met Sue and Paul, I had bemoaned how my favorite almond cookie dessert at Asado was no longer available. Well, Sue knows the pastry chef (now at the Cat and Rabbitt on 6th) and had my favorite dessert recreated. Pretty cool huh?
And at Devil’s Reef? We had a table reserved and arrived 10 minutes before opening. Proprietor Jason Alexander opened the door with an over-large version of my favorite drink in an incredible tiki mug and seated us first. I hate that COVID means 25% capacity indoors (until we begin Phase 3 on March 22 when it goes to 50%). The line to enter Devil’s Reef at the start of the evening was longer than capacity. Plenty of good people got turned away and placed on a long waiting list. WAIT is a four-letter word.
At Citron 
At Devils Reef 
My Birthday Beverage
All and all, I was made to feel special by people that I care about and who apparently care about me. Mark arranged it all. He is very sweet and loves me dearly. Thank you for making this day special.
Math in the Time of Corona 