I turned 50 this past weekend. I was a little bummed out about it, but not nearly as traumatized as when I turned 30. It turned out to be a great weekend.
Our Sons of Norway hall, which I manage had been booked for September 24th – my birthday. So I figured no party or some small thing with just family. Then the lady I booked the hall for called to cancel. I saw it as a sign from Odin that I needed to throw myself a party like I did when I turned 40.
Things sort of evolved. Ten years ago the real estate market was rocking. I had an open bar, catered food and our friend Reggie, from Grass Valley who plays guitar and sings. A great entertainer.
This year I was going to have beer and wine, cater sandwiches and salads and get a DJ.
The DJ thing didn’t pan out, but Reggie was ready, willing and able. Check.
Pat suggested we cook the food. We do our annual barbecue at lodge for around 75 people, so we know how to do that. Check.
Still planning on beer, wine and sodas. Check.
We had tri tip, chicken, cole slaw, beans and garlic bread. As usual, Pat did an awesome job of BBQing the meat. The food was way better than sandwiches and salads.
It turned out to be an awesome night. 60 of my family and friends took the time out of their busy lives to help me enter my 6th decade. I really appreciate their attendance. Namely, Cindy, our neighbor whom I grew up with, traveled quite a distance, long time friends Moling and Dan, my dear friend Susan, newish dear friend Carol (who helped a ton in the kitchen). High school friend George and his wife, Marianne, some friends from the Chamber of Commerce who had another party to attend, but stopped by for a bit just to wish me happy birthday. Friends from lodge who had theater tickets, but stopped by at the beginning and end. The list goes on and on.
One highlight of
the evening was dancing with Dan. He’s 84 and LOVES to dance, but has become frail in the past few years. We did have a dance and when I pulled him out on the dance floor (for a slow one) his eyes lit up light a Christmas tree. That made me so happy.
Probably the best moment was when my daughters, Kristen and Laura brought out the gift they got me. A five foot long, remote control shark! It was amazing! He’s filled with helium and you “drive” him by making his tail move back and forth. He “swam” around the hall. It was so cool. Reggie played “Mack the Knife” and I danced with the shark and named him Mack.
It was a great celebration and I feel good about being 50. I’m healthy, happy and life is oh so good!
