June 22, 2006

Hello everyone,

Well, as you may know, I turned 60 last Thursday and I received the biggest surprise of my life.

We had to work a little late at the Boat House that day. Murray sent me to get changed for dinner and he followed a little later. The dining room had already been informed that we would be slightly late for dinner. As we entered the dining room, I saw my Mom sitting in one of the chairs. I think that my mouth fell open. Then I turned slightly and saw Steve. At the end of a table ( too long, but I didn’t notice ) sat Linda, our friend from London. Hidden behind the camera lens was Kuyler, her husband. Then, behind me I heard the tap of little feet and a voice saying ” Surprise”. It was Matthew, followed by Jeremy & Cynthia. My whole family was here to celebrate the day with me! I couldn’t see too well for the film of tears over my eyes.

Then they all announced that they were staying a few days! We had a wonderful visit and shared some fun. I have a super boss ( Mur ) and he gave me the next day off to play. The guys went sailing in the afternoon and the ladies entertained themselves by the pool.

That evening, after dinner, everyone came back to our tiny cabin for more libations. Under the mosquito net surrounding our bed was 60 balloons! They were stacked probably a foot high on our bed and the netting held them in place. They had spent hours blowing those things up. Linda and Kuyler, Mom & Steve were departing the next day and somehow ( Mur again) two huge bags of balloons were attached to Kuyler’s vehicle. The balloons next appeared in Jeremy & Cynthia’s room. Eventually they worked themselves back to our cabin once again.

The last visitors left on Sunday and it is quiet here once more. It will take my liver a week or two to recover from all of the celebrating. But, it was wonderful to have them all here to share this big day in my life.

How are things with you? Are you enjoying this warmer weather? We sure are. Today, the plan is to get out for a little sail this afternoon, do some computer work and have Mur cut my hair. A busy day off.

Well, stay in touch and hugs to you until we see you again. Murray & Heather