Was I Ever Surprised

As I sit here trying to write this blog my vision clouds with tears and I can’t think how to put into words how special last night was to me.  My dear friend Jill called a few weeks ago and asked us to dinner on September 3 to celebrate my sixtieth birthday (egads—did I really say sixieth???).  Not once did it enter my mind that it might be anything more than another wonderful small dinner party at Jill and Terry’s home.  The cowboy knew but I sure didn’t suspect a thing!!

Well, when we turned off the highway into their driveway and I saw the number of cars, my stomach did a funny little flop and I said to the cowboy, “that’s looks like way more cars than just a dinner party!” 

And it was!!!  When I got out of the car, the folks on the deck yelled, “surprise.”  I think I was in such shock I didn’t even acknowledge them!!!  Jill with help from Nancy, Jeane, Kerri and Robyn created a birthday party for the memory book!  The decorations were gorgeous—succulents with little turquoise accent rocks formed the centerpieces down the long table set for sixteen people. 

The banner over the window says, Happy Birthday.  Jill and Terry’s home is so gorgeous and gracious—a perfect spot for a birthday party!

Brick homes in our area are rare—Jill and Terry’s home is an old farmhouse (in which Jill’s grandparents lived at one time) and they have lovingly restored it. 

Gwen on the left, Jeane on the right

And the guys solving the world’s problems--

The birthday cake had a southwest/desert/ATV theme—it was adorable!!  Adorned with little sombrero and cactus candles plus a miniature ATV!

 

Jill and Terry’s daughter Kerri carving up the delicious ribs.

On the left, Geoff, Claire and Robyn with Sarge and Sarah on the right. 

George and Shirley.  PJ, Jeane and Steve’s granddaughter dropped by for a few minutes—what a delightful child!from the left, Nancy, me, Jeane, Gwen and Jill. 

I am so incredibly blessed to have this group of special friends and I appreciate so much all the thought, planning and work which went into this fantastic surprise for me—OK, now I’m crying again!