Twins separated at birth?

June 9.   Two important men in my life are celebrating their birthdays today.  The Ex-Ex, shown here at high school-age son's graduation last week--

(he "borrowed" high school-age son's orange tie...)
Today he turns the same age I will be in about 6 weeks.  We were born in 1958.  Do the math, if you wish.  He was born in Lusk, Wyoming because that was the closest hospital to his home, a farm (ranch?) near Harrison, Nebraska.  Anyway, he is a Gemini.  After a little internet research, otherwise known as google-ing, this is what I came up with--  Gemini is considered a masculine sign (not sure what that means and lost interest trying to figure it out-- sorry Gemini gals); traits:  adaptable and versatile, communicative and witty, intellectual and eloquent, youthful and lively, cunning and inquisitive.  A Leo woman and Gemini man match?  Yep, you can google that, too.  Very compatible; both like to be the center of attention; never fall short of meaningful conversation; no one around them will be bored;  Gemini man must control his flirtatious nature around Leo woman and she must shed some of her dominant natures; just by flattering Leo, Gemini man can win her over.
Here is today's Gemini horoscope, courtesy of the little widget that I have installed on the desktop of this lovely MacBook Pro--


It's admirable that you're so willing to work with others to get things done-- your teamwork ethic is to be applauded.  However, today you realize that if you want something, you might need to elbow your way to the front of the line to get it.  It's not about putting yourself ahead of others-- it's about knowing when to grab control and make things happen.  No one is going to seek you out and hand things to you on a silver platter(even though you deserve it).  Work for what you want.

The Ex-Ex is at a retreat with his fellow administrators... hope he doesn't grab the headmaster's lunch from him.  Bad idea.  Even on your birthday.

Here is another Gemini whose birthday is today.

I searched for a photo of Johnny Depp in a necktie and this is the best I could do.  But you can see some similarities.  Both wearing glasses.  Both looking kind of pensive.  Both sporting some facial hair.  This Gemini was born in Owensboro, Kentucky in 1963, making him five years younger than me- oops!  I mean than the first Gemini.
Better move on before I get carried away.
I just came to the realization that my BFF is also a Gemini since her birthday was May 27.
We went out to celebrate in downtown Durham, dressed in our little black dresses--

We are often asked if we are sisters.  I guess it's because we spend so much time together.  Maybe we are starting to look alike, just like an old married couple.  Sorry, Ex-Ex, but I would rather be blond and have no facial hair, so I'd rather look like her than you.  Hope you aren't offended.  And I hope you have a great birthday.  We will celebrate when you get home.

This is the birthday cake I made for the BFF.  She is a big fan of meringue and whipped cream.  It is the perfect summer treat.  I tasted it for the first time years ago, made by an Australian friend.  This particular recipe comes from the friend of a friend, a New Zealander living in Belgium.
 

Pavlova

6 egg whites (separate whites from yolks and allow whites to come to room temperature, if possible)
Pinch of salt
1 cup castor sugar or fine sugar (ordinary sugar will do, but make sure you beat it into the egg whites until you can't feel the sugar grains in the mix)
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 level teaspoons cornflour or cornstarch
Whipped cream
Fresh fruit

Preheat oven to 400˚F.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Beat the egg whites, with a pinch of salt, until stiff peaks form.  Continue beating, gradually adding sugar, then the vinegar and vanilla, until the mixture is thick and smooth.  Lightly fold in cornstarch.

Pile the mixture into a circular shape on the parchment paper, making a slight hollow in the center for the filling.

Place the baking sheet in the oven.  Bake for 10 minutes then reduce the temperature to 250˚.  Bake for an hour.  Turn off the oven and leave it until cooled.  (Resist the temptation to look at it, if possible, until it is cool and ready to be removed from the oven-- about another hour or so.)  It will probably crack and/or collapse some while baking, but that's normal.

Fill with whipped cream and place fruit on top.  I used strawberries and blueberries.  You could use most anything--  raspberries, blackberries, passion fruit, kiwi, whatever is in season.

Bon appétit et bon anniversaire, Geminis!