Samantha gets up after sleeping in a bit. Itβs Thursday, her usual day off, but this one happens to be her 29th birthday. She stretches and smiles, excited to be spending this warm autumn day right here in her home town of Ancaster.
There are errands to run, but not before breakfast. Her favourite aunt, Michelle, wants to treat her to breakfast at Caniche French Bakery. Samantha once bought a six-pack of macarons there but hasnβt spent time in their dining room.
On her way out, she spots something in her mailbox: a gift bag of peanut brittle and some chocolate covered Oreos, from Chocolate Sensations! The tag says, βB-day Sweets to our Sweetie. Love, Mom and Dad.β A wonderful treat for later!
At the bakery, Michelle is already seated by a sunny window and enjoying a cappuccino. βHappy Birthday!β she says with a smile (and a slight crema moustache).
Itβs nice to catch up in such a homy, inviting space. Samantha lets Michelle do most of the talking and digs into a Quiche Lorraine bursting with cheddar-bacon goodness. She caps off breakfast with a decadent salted caramel latte. Before hugging her goodbye, Michelle buys her an almond croissant to go.
Itβs nice to catch up in such a homy, inviting space. Samantha lets Michelle do most of the talking and digs into a Quiche Lorraine bursting with cheddar-bacon goodness. She caps off breakfast with a decadent salted caramel latte. Before hugging her goodbye, Michelle buys her an almond croissant to go.
Tim Hortons is right next door, so she stops in for a dark roast. While standing in line, she sees her neighbour, Jack. Just back from Bodywise Health & Rehab, he is gushing over how they have relieved his stiff neck.
Less than a minute up Wilson Street is the Ancaster Public Library. Once inside, she finds the Braveheart DVD sheβd put on hold. First Ontario Credit Union and Rexall are just down the road, so she gets cash out at the ATM (to tip tonightβs bartender!) and then buys some shampoo and a tinted, mint-flavoured lip balm.
Back outside, the sweet-smelling autumn air reminds Samantha of one more errand. Creations Gallery Fine Art And Framing left a message two days ago, saying her picture was ready.
The man at the counter fetches her 11βx17β framed picture from a back room and calls it βa beauty.β And wow, heβs right. By sheer luck, while exploring Canterbury Hills with her beloved whippet, Stella, Samantha managed to grab her phone in time to capture a pileated woodpecker up close, on a tree trunk, almost beak-to-snout with her dog.
Dad calls to remind her about Saturday. For her 30th birthday next year, her parents are already planning on Sunday brunch at Ancaster Mill, complete with a waterfall view, but this Saturday also sounds like heaven β drinks, along with cured meats, antipasto, and decadent cheeses from The Muse Charcuterie. It will be a small, family affair at the Ancaster home where she grew up.
That evening, after chilling at home for a while, Samantha prepares for the real festivities. She brushes her long hair smooth and puts on her favourite pink dress, which goes perfectly with her burgundy nails from her recent manicure at The Spa at Ancaster.
Her designated driver, Peter, picks her up at 8. When they arrive at The Coach and Lantern, all of her work friends and school buddies wave excitedly. One friend, Sasha, has brought her ukulele and is the first person on stage for the 8:30 Open Mic. She surprises Samantha with a sweet rendition of Justin Bieberβs βBaby,β a song from their high school days.
Feeling at home in their cozy 200-year-old neighbourhood pub, Samantha and her friends feast on Irish nachos, popcorn shrimp and bruschetta while toasting the occasion with cocktails, mocktails, and ale. After the Open Mic, their server delivers sticky toffee pudding with a lit candle in it. After she blows it out, her friends surprise her with a mini orchid garden in a pretty white pot from Blooms Fresh Floral & Garden Centre.
Late that night, before drifting off to sleep, Samantha feels grateful for her friends and hometown. If this is 29, she thinks, 30 will really be awesome.
Birthday In My Home Town
SAMANTHAβ S TO -DO LIST
- Meet Aunt Michelle at Caniche French Bakery for breakfast.
- Thank Mom & Dad for the treats from Chocolate Sensations.
- Pick up skirt from Pioneer Cleaners.
- Pick up laptop from Ancaster Computer Products.
- Get DVD from Ancaster Public Library.
- Go to ATM at First Ontario Credit Union.
- Stop in to Rexall (need shampoo).
- Creations Gallery Fine Art And Framing says my woodpecker photo is ready!
- Go home, feed pets, walk Stella, have lunch, nap.
- Birthday dinner at The Coach and Lantern!
FOLLOW- UP NOTES FOR MY JOURNALβ¦
Great birthday, and so many great places close to home! Other important mentions:
While grabbing a dark roast at Tim Hortons I chatted with my neighbour, Jack. He looked great after his treatment at Bodywise Health & Rehab.
Dad called to confirm Saturdayβs lunch from The Muse Charcuterie and is already looking forward to celebrating my 30th next year at Ancaster Mill. The Spa at Ancaster did a fab job on my nails.
I just love the mini orchid garden my friends got me from Blooms Fresh Floral & Garden Centre.
