Pop. Fizz. Clink!

We were to drive away at 4 pm, but the boys were still engrossed in their chismis😂 It wasn't until 5 pm that we finally started the engine. My brother came with us to fetch his eldest daughter. Her car had a flat tire in the morning, so she left it at the gas station. Her Dad had it fixed, but since it's 3 kilometers away from the school, he needs to drive it himself to get his daughter.

Anyway, the hubby surprised me yet again with another side trip to a nearby barangay. He wanted to check out the seedlings from the supplier. Okay... Yongi and I stayed in the car when we arrived at the greenhouse. Twenty minutes or so later, the Farmboy came back empty-handed. I thought there would be samples at least.

"Let's go to dinner at Mr. C's?" I asked. He hesitated and gave the "Nope" look. I was hoping we would have a bottle of wine or beer, perhaps. But he drove past the place I mentioned.

"Let's just have some takeaway," he said. "I am craving chicken," he continued. "Okay, it's your birthday, so it's your call!" I teased. He can't be forced to change his mind. We stopped by the popular chicken joint just before the border, and bought a bagful of spicy fried chicken that came with six tubs of sauce. How generous!

We then left the other town to head home. Golden colors glistened in the distance, so we pulled over to the side of the road to savor its beauty and warmth. The LilGuy appreciates it too, he took half the window on my side, lol!

We arrived home around 7 pm and enjoyed the simplest birthday meal. No pop, no fizz, and no clink. They were just in my head, part of my plan early in the day. Alas, the birthday boy isn't in the mood for them. Maybe next year? LOL!

Yes, we celebrated (albeit unconventionally). Most of all, we are grateful for the new year for him. May it be as blessed and joyful as the previous 40++ years.🙏🙏🙏

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^{All photos are mine. 10092025/21:25ph}