You may not be able to tell, but there is a mound of (Waiola!) shaved ice under these red beans, and it is all delicious.

Behold, the Maryland state flag — one of the best in the Union — and state flower on top of the Maryland state desert, the Smith Island (birthday) cake. Best of all, this was a birthday we celebrated while on Smith Island.

One of the best birthday presents I’ve received was last year’s Tête de Moine. Is it a cheese or is it a flower? It’s both!