And we were off to Santa Barbara for the Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel for a big birthday bash!

Checking in with Kita the Akita was no easy task.

Amazing Carol Soucek King had delightful birthday balloons waiting for Veronica and a beautiful birthday note!

The Miramar had welcoming wine and chocolates for us!

Our cottage had a delightful patio that Kita escaped from more than once!

Off to the Miramar Beach Bar, where the bartender clangs his bell each time a train goes by!

Rick Caruso, owner of the Miramar, wanted to have the train stop at the hotel but no can do!

My favorite dog spotting!

On our way back to the main hotel…

We stopped at the Scoop Shop Cafe, which is in the pool area.

Kita the Akita got so much attention here. I’ll just show you one group of kiddies that loved on her!

The beautiful Lotus quite near our cottage that so reminded me of Monet’s Garden!

A pre-birthday dinner in the Revere Room (the Terrace)!

We managed to find time to continue watching our K-drama!

Kita loved going shopping because she always got a treat!

The Miramar has a Doggie menu!

But fussy Kita would only eat the chicken!

While shopping in Montecito, we thought we saw a horse! Why, it’s Reilly, the Irish Wolfhound!

Can you believe Reilly showed up with his darling parents and sat right next to us the next day for lunch on the Terrace!!!

The big B-day dinner was at ‘Caruso’s’ restaurant right on the beach!

Actually, there were three desserts!

I was so delighted that Luci, my dear friend and collector, could join me for lunch. My painting ‘Poets of the Orchid Pavilion’ lives with her and hubby Rich in Montecito!

Not sure how all the new ‘stuff’ got jammed into the car, but with Kita supervising, we managed!

First, stop back to reality!

Now, here’s the thing…Veronica absolutely did not want to have a B-day party, so when Awesome Carol Soucek King suggested a restaurant gathering, she put her little foot down. “Well, how about just going out for ice cream asks Carol?” Again, a big NO! Then Veronica suggested the group gather here for a gelato and karaoke party, as Monte Carlo has the best gelato! Dear Carol agreed and brought seven gallons of assorted nom nom plus 16 cones!

We were so happy when Lovely Marguerite and her granddaughter Heather arrived!

Sweet Patricia and Awesome Nino are just too cute!

Veronica had set up the Gelato station and had labels for each flavor…

Plus, every kind of topping imaginable is also done by the birthday girl!

Curtis and Yi-Lin manned the Gelato station and also brought a birthday cake with a candle. (It’s all about the candle!)

Kita and Xavier got ‘Pup Cups’!

Of course, there was a popcorn station!

Veronica had set up the Karaoke table. Eyewear for everyone, bling, tambourines that light up, and, of course, a trophy for the best Karaoke performer!

The light-up party glasses brought joy!

Let the merriment begin!

The Birthday Girl!

Here’s the trophy for the best Karaoke singer…

And the winner…Amazing Kevin Casey, who showed off his trophy to Sweet Patricia!

I think Kevin should have won just for his cool shoes!

Veronica had these delightful candles for each of her guests…

Well, that delightful party ended, but wait…Sweet Lynne and Sandy Girl celebrated Veronica at Celestino’s on Lake in Pasadena.

This is soooo sweet….

May every day be a celebratory one for you!