Joanie's Birthday

JT: Hello all--

We are in an odd but pleasant hotel near the ferry port in Athens--before tomorrow when we head to the island of Tinos and, sadly, say goodbye to Joanie. Though we will be joined there by Other Mysterious Guest Stars.

BUT! Now we commemorate Joanie's 52nd birthday!!!! Which we got to spend together, here in 'Breakfast, at Greece', as we say.

It's one of those days that seem very very long. The beginning was quite far away--a walk along the sea in Nafplio. . . .

WM: When you go on a shopping spree with Joan Afton I can guarantee you a good time.

My birthday present to Joan was to take her on a shopping trip around our sweet little town of Nafplio. She had some particular things that she wished to buy and we meandered around and gradually found EXACTLY what we were looking for. We laughed and talked and shopped and I took many many photos of her being hilarious.

JA: Well clearly, they are the nicest. They also skipped over the lovely bracelet they all bought me! I am wearing it now. And we are eating chocolate soufflé as the sun sets over the crazily-lit pool and the harbor. If this isn't nice, what is?

Off tomorrow back to LA. Best birthday, possibly ever. Much love to all-y'all.

JT: We also squeezed a delicious salad and fish lunch in there before we left Nafplio. Dave and I had Vegan Grief as these guys had delicious fresh fish that were shown at the table before they were grilled. Sardines, Snapper, Calamari.

Then we drove through the dry hills with all the olive trees and orange groves. We did stop by a cool roadside stand with homemade olive oil and olives and wine in giant plastic water bottles. Joanie did some fabulous dramatic readings from the guidebook as we drove, and we listened to Tom Lehrer. Funny!

WM: For now, we are going to enjoy our last couple of hours with Joan and drink our beverages. We couldn't have wished for a better companion for the first little bit of the Greek leg of the jubilee.

Love to all.

- JT, WM, and JA