Happy Birthday to Me!

So...continuing the activities of October 17th....Karla, Heather, Lindsay and I went to a baby shower for my cousin, Mary's, daughter, Heather Dunn. We had a great time visiting with all the cousins. Showers are about the only time we get to see each other.

For several days, I had a funny feeling that the kids were planning something for my birthday. I said things like, "Gosh, I hope no one makes a big deal out of my 60th birthday. I would just as soon forget it." or "I wonder why the kids didn't say anything about going out for supper or give me a card or anything?" But I got no response from anyone. So I felt a little foolish and self-centered for thinking that.

Then, Gary told me on Saturday afternoon to be ready to go at 5:00 because he was taking me out to eat. I asked where and he said "It's a surprise." Well, that just triggered my suspicions again, because I can't remember the last time he decided where we were going to eat. He always leaves it to me. Then Matt called and asked to borrow our kid's table and chairs because they were having company over to watch the fights. Since when? I told him they would not fit in his car. He said okay, but Gary came through and said that we could drop them off on our way into town. All the time, I'm thinking....hmmmmm, is it or isn't it?

When we got to Matt and Linsay's house, I saw my brother's pickup and several other cars parked along the street. When I walked in, I was overcome with emotion because there were so many of my dearest friends and family. And they were there for me! It was a wonderful "surprise." My sweet daughters-in-law and sister had been planning this for weeks and it was truly a gift of love. The table was decorated so beautifully, we had lasagna and fettucini and salad from Ott's Pasta, plus the cutest cake. Karla had prepared a tray of candies that were invented in 1949 and bought me a Candyland game (first came out in 1949).

What a wonderful and memorable night!! Wonderful because Karla and Heather and Lindsay were the most perfect hostesses and helped me usher in this new decade of my life with joy and laughter and fun!

Memorable because out of the 23 people there that night, all but 5 of us got some sort of the flu. Every day someone else came down with it...from Sunday through Thursday that week. Some had vomiting, some had diaharrea, some just had the aches, chills, respiratory stuff. Can you believe it? Well, I just hate it for everyone that got sick, especially the babies. So far I haven't come down with anything,.....but, hey, thanks for coming to my party.

Thanks to everyone for all the cards, gifts, and expressions of love I have received this birthday. I am truly one blessed 60 year old woman.

Donna