I was supposed to go with Barbara to the Appleton on Oct. 22. She took sick & we didn’t go. I had coordinated one of the hand-me-down outfits Sandra gave me for that day. With it I had the jewelry in the bag I was going to use & matching shoes. I kept it together for another time as it had taken me quite a while to put together. So, I decided to wear it today. While driving on CR 484, Laurie called. She wanted to know where we were. Carey said between this tree & that tree. There are hardly any houses, etc. on this long strip of road. Around 3, we entered Rusty Pontoon. Carey asked for Laurie & we were pointed to a booth. She was standing there by herself. When we got to her, she started walking. I couldn’t figure out why but wasn’t able to get close enough to her to ask.

Next thing I know, there is a long table with my friends sitting all around it. I was so flabbergasted & thrown that I just stood rooted to the spot. My mouth must have dropped open & I’m sure I had a vacant look on my face. It seems Alan was hiding & taking movies of what transpired. There were balloons of all kinds, streamers with Happy Birthday strung across the area, purple stars strung together & on & on. On each table was a centerpiece made of iridescent silver stars, etc. The lights brought out all the colors of the rainbow. On a separate table was a sheet cake with pictures of me. I later learned that they were the same ones as were on the front of the invitation. The writing was all in lilac. Presents, wrapped in colorful paper, were stacked next to it.

I went over to each one separately while I was still in “another world”. At the head of the table, I spied Jeri. Later on she told me that she had trouble getting a ride. She said if Dawn hadn’t come home from vacation last night, she would have hired a cab. Along one side after Jeri sat Joyce. She looked great. Carey thought she was way younger than going on 76. Next to her sat Elayne who drove Joyce. Then came Alan & Laurie. Barbara & Sy came all the way up from Sun City for the occasion. I spent extra time talking with her as I hadn’t seen her in ages. Next to Sy sat Jill.
Across from her sat Ruth. Judy brought her & made sure to come back from California in time to attend. Dottie sat next to her. She asked Laurie to make sure George sat next to her because she thinks the world of him. Most were shocked at how big he got & how handsome. I sat between George & Carey. Next to him was Dawn who gave him an earful on many subjects. He told me that, while he didn’t agree with all her ideas, it was a pleasure to sit beside such an interesting person.
When I sat down, the waitress came with champagne glasses & poured some for all. It was Sandra’s favorite – Este Spamonti. I was given a toast. Someone asked for me to speak. Since I still was in shock, for once in many moons my voice couldn’t come out of my mouth.

Left to Right- Joyce, Jeri and Dawn	left to right (seated) Barbara, Sy and Jill. June and Carey standing
left to right - Ruth, Judy and Dottie	Elayne and Alan
Carey and Sy	Barbara and June's backs!

We all ordered whatever we wanted from the menu. I had a roast beef sandwich, etc. which I barely ate. Because I was so excited, my throat just about closed up & I had difficulty getting anything down. While eating just about each person said something about why I am their friend. In essence, they said that I’m a joy to have as a friend because I’m never negative. I help people quite frequently & could always be counted on to show up. Even when I’m in pain or tired, I manage to attend. They went on & on. I was thrilled that my friends have such a high opinion of me.
I was just eating up all the compliments. They filled me to such an extent that it’s no wonder I had no room for food. Laurie told me that other people were invited but couldn’t attend. My old next door neighbors are still in Mass. But sent a card & a check. She said my friend Barbara was too ill to come. I said, “who”. She said, “Barbara Edwards”. I still drew a blank & she let me be. That’s how out of it I was that I forgot the name of one of my “best” friends.
While we ate our meal, I got a phone call on Carey’s cell phone. It was on speaker phone so everyone could hear. Another surprise. Sharon & Lisa called from NY. Sharon had received an invitation but couldn’t come down. They both wished me a happy birthday. A bit later Debbie called on my cell phone. She knew about the party & wanted to wish me a happy birthday as well.