50 in Fiji

The teenager driving me to dinner in the dinghy

It's not often that "The Biggin" comes around, although all of the annuals from now on will be great big "Biggins". And, I rarely celebrate my birthday but with my kids and husband and an occasional sister every 10 years.
But 50?
In Fiji?
How absolutely fantastic!

Dave and Wendy from sv Elysium

Carol and Craig from sv Windcutter

We gather for dinner at the Captain's Table, a fancy-ish restaurant at the Copra Shed Marina in Savusavu. It's the kind of restaurant where gently scented, steaming towelettes are rolled like scrolls on small white plates and individually set at the edge of each place mat. A delicate sandalwood fragrance curls up from the cotton rolls.

(If I hadn't already taken a shower and put on minimal makeup I would have sponge-bathed right there at the table. I'm relieved to discover my initiation into the "Golden Years of Happiness" hasn't changed the fact you still can't take me anywhere.)

Second piece of cake that I really, really didn't need.

We all powwow at Windcutter after dinner for cake and ice cream and wine.
(Like I needed any more cake... Still, what a wonderful way to roll into the 50's.)

A sweet husband and his cougar

My new friend, Sailosi, surprised me with a beautiful card.

I met Sailosi when trying to book the sugar cane mill tour. I've run into him repeatedly for weeks since. And I was deeply touched by his sweet words.