Weekend of Indulgence

Home from a lovely, lovely weekend at Rafe’s folks’ place in Pt Lonsdale. They spoiled me all weekend for my birthday, starting with a gorgeous lunch at a nearby vineyard for R and I, whilst they looked after Master Z. Succulent chawanmushi, tender eye fillet and an impressive taster plate with five full-size desserts! Oh I have not felt so full in a very long time. I was puzzling over this fact, given that a while ago all of us went to this place and ordered the same amount of food yet I did not feel like I was stretched tight as a drum upon leaving. I decided that that was the benefit of having a toddler to entertain. We had all taken turns walking Master Z around the gardens, so were walking off the meal as we ate it. Then R pointed out that it was also the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to eat the entirety of my meal. Usually I share my meals with Master Z, filling him up before me. What a novel concept to have a whole meal to myself! No wonder my belly felt so tight!
Then today I was sent off for a facial. Mmmmmm….for me, the ultimate decadence. I can justify massages, as they keep my body running smoothly. I can justify good haircuts, because they make me happy everyday (and a bad haircut makes me sad everyday). I can justify pretty nails because I do them myself. But facials are totally in the unjustifiable category. They make me feel wonderful, but not everyday for five months. They are not remotely essential for my body to run well. They are pure indulgence, and pure bliss.
I savoured the time spent waiting with a magazine, the gorgeous smells,the feeling of utter relaxation, the camomile, honey and vanilla tea at the end. Mmmmmm. Just heavenly.
This birthday is definitely being celebrated well!