Dear Megs,

Alex has requested a yellow cake for his birthday, but as to frosting, he has said I should "surprise him." Should I put some poo in there? That would surprise him.

No, really. Ideas for jazzing it up? I had been planning a flourless chocolate with bacon praline crumble, blueberries, and whipped cream, but that will have to be for another day. I was also going to make a skull and crossbones stencil and confectioner's it on there (he's turning 40), but that, too, will wait. Anything over 40 is fair game for fatalistic symbolism, if you ask me. I'll probably feel different about that in 8 years or so, though...

How was upstate? Miss you, and LOVES!

L