50 Somethings

A dear friend of mine turned 50 last week. Hard to believe I have friends that old! :) She was on vacation in Arizona (who goes there in the summer????) and we were unable to celebrate together as we often do every August when she gets older (I on the other hand don't have birthdays any longer). Our standard party involves breakfast or lunch out with several other friends. She recently called us the Ladies Who Lunch which led me to claim us the Belles Who Breakfast or even Dames Who Dine. Once we discovered this was the big 50, we had to plan something bigger and better to mark this event so we planned a suprise party. Her sister, Sibyl, joined us in our conspiring and gamely assured us she could get her there to the assigned time and place. We considered telling her she was taking her shopping (this dear friend LOVES to shop) but were afraid she would be disappointed when she was waylaid by a surprise party and unable to shop as promised. Anyway, plans commenced for a Ladies Luncheon at my house. The Graduate made the e-invitation for me. It was mailed to friends far and wide. House was cleaned and cake was made. Over 20 friends arrived at the appointed time and place, awaiting her arrival.  The clock ticked past the designated time.....tick tock tick tock. Where could she be? Well, have you ever tried to get someone out of the house who didn't really want to go anywhere and was rather relishing a day at home, lounging about in loungewear sans makeup? THAT is what was happening. Sibyl had to admonish her sister to get ready to go and to please put on some make-up. Where were they headed? Why, the lavender farm, of course. Rouse yourself and let's get going, the day is a wasting! As they missed the turn for the farm and then turned down our road, Jean began to have further suspicions (they began when her sister told her to put on some make-up) as she didn't know anyone down here except for me, Ellie. Her suspicions confirmed, she told her sister she could get her the rest of the way in case she got lost!  They arrived only 15 minutes later than expected and the surprise party began. It was great fun and even though not a complete surprise she was happy and excited about it all. Here are some pictures to share. 

The Cake

The Luncheon Food

The Moment of Surprise

The Friends

The Mom and Daughter

The Guests

The Gifts and The 50 Somethings

The Birthday Girl in her favorite color

The 50 Bulbs

The Zumba Wear (with 50 Buttons?)

Can't wait to see her in it!

50 Verses

The Family

The 50 Paperclip Necklace

The 50 Candles

The Enormous Glow

The Blowing of the Candles

The Continued Blowing of the Candles

The Cake Remnants

                                                           A lovely time was had by all.
Happy Birthday, dear Jean. May your year be blessed with many memories and many friends that make you laugh.
We love you!