SURPRISE!!!!!!

Well I finally made it. I am over the hill. I am over 50 today. It really wasn't so bad. I made such a fuss about it that everyone went out of their way to make my day happy.

There have been a few things that have made me go, Mmmmm, wondering if there was something in the works. Matthew, God bless his soul, cannot keep a secret for love nor money. He got me thinking when he said that they were going to have a 'dinner' for me at his house and I was to be there at 7:00 p.m. I knew I could turn him inside out with more questions so I didn't. Then I happened to be in Moore's. I mentioned to Nick that I thought they were up to something. Nick is about as cool as they come. He's mature and put together. Well he was flustered, dropped stuff, couldn't think straight! It was the icing on the proverbial cake. I knew they were plotting.

Then my birthday came. Last year I had a zillion calls before I even left for work. This year, nothing. Mmmmmm. It must be big. When I got to work no one called till about 10:30. Donna called and swore she didn't know anything about anything but wanted to wish me happy birthday. Mom called. We had planned to go out for dinner to LaSpaghett. The kids called on their way to buy me a gift. Cindy called and said that the surprise was that her and Rick were going to kidnap me, take me for dinner and then to the casino. Rick couldn't make it so Cindy wanted to know if Mom and I wanted to go to the casino. Mom and I went to dinner. We got around to talking about Shelley. I asked her when they were coming up. Mom changed the subject....twice. Cindy showed up at my house with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Then I got to thinking, maybe there really isn't a big do tomorrow. Maybe it is just dinner with the kids. Then I got my phone messages..Shelley. I had called her a few days ago and she didn't call me back. Where is she calling from now????? From Aeron. She is a huge bundle of energy screaming happy birthday and hoping she can make it to the PARTY tomorrow! Ah, ha!

So here I am getting ready to go to my DINNER. I will update on the surprise when I finally get the whole story!

Well it was a surprise dinner. Most of the work was done by my beautiful red headed boy. He has the heart of an angel, he really does. It was wonderful. So much food, so many gifts and so much love. What more can a 50 year old broad ask for? It's all good.

Tiara Weekend

I have just returned from the most amazing weekend.

Last year Cindy returned from her annual Girl's Weekend and announced that I must accompany her this year. You see, the motel they rent holds 16 people. Their group is about 8. They were so roudy that the owner, Barb asked them to try to fill the place so she wouldn't have to worry about other guests. Each member was therefore asked to bring one guest. I resisted, God knows I resisted. Cindy insisted, again and again. I finally was worn down.

More than ten years ago this tradition was started. Cindy has been participating for at least 5 years. It is called Tiara Weekend. They rent a tiny little, for lack of a better word, motel. This place is so pretty. It has four teeny, tiny cottages in front. The main motel has 3 or 4 rooms on each of the first two floors. These rooms have 2 beds and a sitting/kitchen area. The 3rd/top floor is the 'penthouse'. It has a big kitchen, a larger living room area, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom and then a huge bedroom with an ensuite.

Each year a new 'queen' is chosen. I can't divulge the process because 'What happens in Southampton stays in Southampton'. The queen is in charge of organizing the weekend.

This weekend my wonderful sister was the Queen. She did a kick ass job. The meals are organized ahead of time and are prepared by and brought up by the assigned people. This year for breakfasts we had french toast and the last morning we had eggs benedict. For dinner we had an Italian night (compliments of Cindy and I) which consisted of Caesar salad, Lasagne and was followed by a fabulous Limoncello Cheesecake! The other night we had Ribs, baked potato & salad. There was never a shortage of food.

And we drank. (remember, what happens in Southampton stays in Southampton) End of that story.

I took pictures (see above disclaimer).

We laughed like I haven't laughed in a very, very long time.

These are friends (some I have met before, some I haven't) that will stay in my heart for years to come, Cindy & I, Margie, Anita, Debbie, Laura, Wilma, Brandy, Laurie, Sandy, Darlene, Karen and Julie. Each one of these women made this weekend an amazing and fun adventure. I've already put my downpayment on for next year.

To my new friends, I GIVE YOU THE TWO FINGER SALUTE! LOL

Oh the dreaded month has arrived....

Apparently I am as old as Barbie, the frisbee and legos. Can you imagine. The trouble is I feel as old as these things. Maybe that is why I am dreading this so much. 50 is frickin old! I should have thought to sign up for freedom 55 a long time ago, I suppose it's too late now. Well, I have 28 days left to be in my 40's. How will I enjoy it? Crap!!!!
ps - I don't care that the 'alternative' sucks. Being 50 sucks too