Here’s the story of the rock.

About 4 years ago, I decided to take a cross-country trip on my own. On my own, because at 25 my friends were all working and unable to take a month off from work, or they were trying to save money for one reason or another.  I was searching for direction, ideas, and more than anything I wanted to get out of my NJ hometown that I had started living in again in spite my best intentions to move on. I told Mike to meet me when I was in Washington State for camping and exploring.

Two weeks later, when Mike arrived in Seattle, we decided on a trip around the Olympic Peninsula on our way to Portland. One of our stops was at Ruby Beach, where Mike found a rock. It was a peculiar rock—one with little button at the top (later simply called “the nub”)—which fit perfectly into his hand.

The rock was magical. So says Mike. It was his talisman while we lived in Florida. On some late nights I could see Mike holding the rock while thinking, and it worked better than a stress ball. He believes it helped him make some good and important decisions.

Recently, our friends Shannon and Jay came for a visit. This thrilled us terribly and made us want to show them some of the most beautiful places in our region. Mike and I decided to take them to Ruby Beach – and Mike brought the rock with him. His intention? To put the rock back where he found it.

So the rock was laid on top of a pile of other rocks that Jay assembled, and we walked away.

Jay and Mike are now convinced that because Jay was the last one to touch the rock, its magical powers were transferred to him. Jay has found a total of 5 $1 bills on the ground since the events at Ruby Beach.

If you come across the rock, and take it home, beware. But also, please send me a photo of yourself with the rock! We’re curious.

Also, remember to take it back.

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My birthday dinner took place the night before the rock-replacing ceremonial trip. Mike told me that I’m the first person he’s known that actually wanted to cook on their birthday. What can I say, I wanted to have some Copper River Salmon for 4 without all of us spending a fortune.

My Birthday Menu:

• Copper River Salmon
• Baby Red Potatoes
• Spinach and Radish Greens Salad

I tend to cook simply. I started dinner by putting the potatoes in a covered iron put and roasting them at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes in olive oil and salt. Meanwhile, Jay made the salad – diced peppers, radishes, and spinach. He asked about the radish tops, which looked very plump and fresh, and asked if we should put in the salad. I said why not? and in they went! The salmon, the last thing to get taken care of, was simply pan-fried in olive oil and butter, with some salt. Dill and lemon were sprinkled on the fish after plating.