Got my birthday (cup)cake after the Garden at SweetArt, where love, magic, sweets and fantastic art are served every time. Because I can say after 45 years…life is short, eat dessert first.

I have no other reason for posting this photo than I thought it was funny. That’s some cute advertising.

After cupcakes, we headed over to the Fountain on Locust for lunch — adult grilled cheese and dill pickle soup. This place is known for its ice cream martinis. We didn’t try it, but I think that’s on my order next time. Such a cool place.

Then we headed to the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis for a self-guided tour. A little unbelievable that I’ve lived here for this long and I’ve never been inside this place.

The detail is breathtaking.

The installation of the interior mosaics began in 1912 and was completed in 1988. Collectively, the mosaics contain 41.5 million glass tesserae pieces in more than 7,000 colors. Covering 83,000 square feet, it is the largest mosaic collection in the world.

Seriously, no detail is too small. Check out the pulpit. Photos do not do this justice.

These sculptures are outside. Note the wind chimes making up the angel’s wings.

After a full and wonderful day, followed by breakfast this morning, my Mom went on her way back home. What a great visit and perfect way to close out my birthday.