JOE'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Hello, friends.  Thanks for stopping by and forgive me for so long between posts.  Last week and the next three are non-stop for me -- something going on every day.  And even though the things are enjoyable, it leaves me little time for anything else.

But I wanted to show you some pictures from Joe's great birthday party last Saturday.  It was an wonderful time.  Everyone told me they had a blast.

Beware, there will be picture overload.

Joe and I were the first to show up and this time we didn't get lost.  There wasn't any street parking, so we went to the lot a block away.  I had to take my cane to walk and Joe had an umbrella because it was pouring when we left the house and even though the rain had let up, we didn't want to be caught at the restaurant.  I was so glad we had taken the cake the day before.  It would have been awkward carrying that along with the favors and the big posterboard I had.

We decided to sit at the table nearest the fireplace facing the doorway so we could see people come in.  But in doing so, the window was right there, so some of my pictures came out dark.  Like this first one of Joe.

This is the little tag I had attached to each favor bag.

Carol and Donna came in right after we did and they helped lay out the favors at each place.  We were admiring the room and especially the chandelier.  Isn't this beautiful?

Since they were the first there, we told them to sit across from us.  We saved the other four seats at the table for my brother and sister-in-law and my sister and our friend that came with her.  So here's Carol and Donna.

Carol took a picture of Joe and me.  This is not what I was going to wear, but Joe wanted me to wear my top that says "Celebrate."  You can see the "Happy Birthday" banner and the poster on the fireplace.  We had such a nice waitress that took care of everything for us including the decorations.

I was curious what was in the room behind us and so took a peek.  There was just one table there and several chairs.  I suppose that is where the staff take a break but it reminded me of a secret room from the Revolutionary War.  And who knows, maybe it was since the restaurant has been there since 1681.  I can just see George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson with their heads together over some secret plans.

Soon some more people came in.  The center table filled up with all people from church and the end table was all miscellaneous friends.

There's nothing better than the sound of people talking and eating to let you know that they are having a good time.

The party started at 1:00 p.m. and about 1:15 p.m. Staci our waitress and another waiter brought out all the food for the buffet.  Joe and I started the line and then everyone went up to get their food.

Everything was delicious.  There was a salad with Ranch or White Balsamic dressing, rolls with rosemary in them, mashed potatoes, green beans, baked ziti, grilled chicken with artichokes and balsamic cherry tomatoes, and the most delicious broiled salmon with a cream sauce and wild rice.  There was no salmon left when we were done.  That was the best thing on the table in my opinion.

Our pastor said grace and everyone dug in.

There was a small table where everyone was putting their gifts and cards for Joe.  This despite the fact we told everyone NO GIFTS!

Here's my brother, Larry, and sister-in-law, Kim.

Another view of the fireplace.

Joe asked me to go to each table and take pictures of the guests.  So I started at the end.  Here are Loretta (girlfriend of Rich), Marion, her husband Rich, and another Rich who went to high school with Joe.

This side is Mike (boyfriend of Chrissy), Chrissy who lives next door to us, Karen and Bud (friends from church).  Strange fact, Bud and Joe's friend Rich used to work together.  What a small world!

The middle table was all church people:  Dorothea, Edward (Pastor & Carolyn's son), Carolyn and Pastor Ralph.

And the other side is Carol and Jim, Walt and Carole and Kathy.

My sister, Elaine, and our friend, Frank.  They drove two hours to be there.

I found this pin at Rite Aid and gave it to Joe.  He wore it all day.

A picture of the birthday boy.

Since some people had to leave early, we cut the cake at 2:30 p.m.  It was very good.

Of course we all sang to him.

And despite his asthma, he blew out the candles in one breath.  Yeah, Joe, that's why I only bought two candles!

The restaurant also supplied a tray of cookies, petite fours, mini lemon bars, and mini cheesecake.  So good!

I had a lemon bar and a chocolate raspberry petite four.

We moved the cards and presents to the windowsill and used that table for the treats.  They were a big hit.

I love this picture of Mike and Chrissy.

Modern technology.  Kim, Larry and Elaine were all on their phones.  Facebooking I think.

Best buds for life.  Joe and Rich have been friends for over 40 years.

After everyone left we were gathering up our things and Staci was clearing up the room.  We asked to take some of the food home and she got us boxes and bags.  This girl took care of 25 people and did an excellent job.  She was so sweet and nothing was too much trouble for her.  I asked if I could get a picture of her with the birthday boy and she said, "Sure!"  I'm writing a letter to her boss to tell him how good she was.  She said we were a great group because we were all polite and no one gave her a bit of trouble.

Are you bored yet?  Well I hope not because this is the end of my photos.  It cost me a bit of money but was so worth it.  Now we are talking about going back for lunch or dinner soon.  But we have to wait until our Social Security checks come in.  We're broke!

I'll be back later in the week with another post for you.  I have a couple of things in mind, so stay tuned.

Have a great day!

Kathy