This year I celebrated my birthday a little early (last weekend) at my family Lake House with my parents and 20 year old niece. When I woke, a “birthday fairy” was there overnight. The table and fireplace were decorated and some gifts were already waiting. I received one present with breakfast, another with lunch and the rest with dessert after dinner as is my family tradition. The breakfast gift was a new idea thought of by my niece.

I had a wonderful birthday celebration with my family. My Dad made his blueberry blintzes for breakfast. I made cute hand pie bento lunches for everyone. My Mom and I went out on the jet ski. Mom, Dad, niece and I took the pontoon boat to the cove. My Mom, niece and I went swimming in the cove. Niece and Dad made a wonderful dinner.

Peach Sodas: Combine 3 peeled, sliced peaches in a saucepan with 1 TBS lemon juice and 1 cup of water. Cook until soft. Puree in blender. Strain peach mixture. Add honey to taste. Chill until ready to use. Use to flavor plain seltzer.

Sheep Shaped Risotto Balls: Start with a basic risotto recipe. My niece used 5 cups vegetable stock, 2 cups Arborio rice, vermouth, 3/4 parmesan cheese, salt. Chill. Once cold, make balls with small pieces of mozzarella inside. Carefully fry so cheese melts and balls are browned on each side. Decorate with tomato sauce, carrots (ears and noses), small pieces of olive (eyes). Serve with additional tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.

Grilled Vegetables: My Dad grilled asparagus (in a grilling basket), sliced eggplant and zucchini – he brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt

Sheep Cake: Box Funfetti cake mix with non-sweetened fresh whipped cream piped with a pastry bag and decorative tip, candy eyes