Birthday, Phase I

We can't seem to have just one birthday or holiday celebration around here -- they are frequently in phases, depending on various schedules and what not. Here's lieber Roland all grown up with his German birthday potholder. And then the first of what we hope will be many dessert courses to come this month for both Roland and Amy. Note, the green bowl contains a lovely bread pudding Lenore and I made with all the leftover hunks of bread we had on hand since Lenore (proud owner of a sweet new bread machine) has been immersed in a bread baking extravaganza. After inheriting another machine from my mom's friend Audry last week (this one makes cake and jam!), we have four bread machines between us, and we have the chins to prove it.