Birthday #76 Is Good!

I've had a wonderful time celebrating my 76th birthday yesterday and today, and I'm always grateful to our Lord for another birthday to celebrate.

We met our daughter and son-in-law [Lori & Dave] at Olive Garden yesterday after church for dinner.  I ordered Chicken Marsala Fettuccine.   After our entrees we had Birthday Cake.

We had a nice visit then went to our separate homes.

Today our son, Steve, came to our house at 10:30 a.m. and we left for a day in the 'D' [downtown Detroit].  I had a list of places I'd been wanting to go to but didn't want to drive there by myself not knowing exactly where I was going.  I had never been inside the David Whitney Building so that was on my list.  It's recently undergone extensive restoration and is now a hotel and apartments [instead of retail shops, doctors, dentists and attorney offices as previously].  For being built in 1915 [in honor of David Whitney, Jr. built by his son], it's remains a beautiful building and Detroit landmark.

The Neo-Renaissance 19 story building was Detroit's tallest skyscraper at the time it was built.  Today, floors 5-9 are hotel rooms and floors 10 and above are apartments.  An event center [ballroom/banquet room] is in the making but hasn't been opened yet.

The four-story atrium lobby is made of marble, terra cotta and gold leafing.  The skylight is amazing.

View from Second Floor

Bust of David Whitney, Jr.

From there we went a little further down on Woodward to see the progress of the new Hudson's project.  They're moving right along.  It is scheduled to be completed next year.

We drove by Michigan Central Train Station to see the progress being made there.  The website said it was open, but we didn't see any cars so apparently it's not open to the public yet.  It's looking good and such a beautiful landmark.  Being a designated historic site saved it from demolition.  Its restoration has been a huge expense for Ford Motor Company, but it has regenerated the whole area.

Close to the train station on Michigan Avenue [in Corktown], is Slows Bar-B-Q.  That's where Steve treated us to lunch.

We each got something different.  I got a Brisket Sandwich, Jerry got Brisket Enchilladas, and Steve got Brisket and Mac 'n' Cheese.  It was very good.

Since today was my B-day, I got a complimentary piece of their signature Carrot Cake.  We shared it three ways.

Very hard to smile with brisket in your mouth!

It was such a fun day and I'm grateful to my hubby, kids, grands, and friends for making #76 so special!  When I got home Jeremy, Samantha, and the three Grands called to wish me a Happy Birthday and we'll get together with them in the not too distant future.