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Monday, August 11, 2014

A good time was had by all.

There is nothing trickier (in my opinion) than pulling off a surprise party.  While the party was not 'quite' a surprise, it contained enough unknown and unsuspected elements for the birthday girl to be very surprised.

On Saturday, we threw a picnic party for my middle DS on the occasion of her 60th birthday.  She had requested just a little picnic with family.  She got a medium picnic with family and friends - and live music!  I had had three signs printed up and placed them in strategic places on the close route to my parents' house in VT.  The next surprise was my Soul Sister Abner (aka Rosie) - who drove all the way down from Barre and then back the same afternoon.  This, of course, was a treat for the entire family. 

The Birthday Girl - isn't she lovely?
Mother and son.
Perfect setting for the music.

SS Abner (heehee) and Dad - groovin' to the music.

 
The next surprise was a duo - violinist and keyboard(ist?) - both local musicians who play a vast array of Celtic, Scottish and other folk songs, along with popular music and classics.  My DS is a music lover (and musician), so it seemed to be the perfect surprise.  Never mind that we ALL got to enjoy it.  The grill was fired up, liquid refreshments were chucked in ice filled coolers, salads and sides were put out and a great time was had by all of us.

Then I went home and collapsed.  After chores.

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I spent Friday morning an hour north with my DS Melanie and her daughter, picking blueberries.  There are few things better than standing in the early sun, a slight breeze cooling you, the sound of a train in the distance, birdsong, and the plink, plink, plink of blueberries hitting the bottom of your pail.  I managed to pick my quota, while humming my way down the rows of bushes.  It was delightful.  I also got to deliver some blueberries and honey to a friend to whom I owe a lot.  And I got some baby goat love in the bargain!

****

I decided that I wouldn't be good for much on Sunday, so I had two friends over for dinner.  I was on a roll!  I now have enough leftovers to last me for a week.  I did manage to get Linden's front problem hoof trimmed, as he was not quite as eely as usual.  It still needs work, but I will pick my moments.  I had moved the Tweenies out of the Nuggets quagmire and have been enjoying watching them darting about in their new-found freedom. 

14 comments:

Deb said...

Sounds like a great party and you still managed to trim a hoof. Amazing.

Susan said...

Good looking family you have there. It looks like so much fun. Backyard parties are the best!

Sue said...

Geez--I want to be in your family.................

Fiona said...

You did type 60........really it wasn't a typo with a 6 instead of a 3? What a wonderful time you have had and I love the expression on your Father's face!

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Sounds like a great time. I really need to get more blueberries. Hubby is eating my jam like crazy.

Sandy Livesay said...

Susan,

If your middle DS is 60, I'm really doing something wrong, lol......

It sure looks like she enjoyed her birthday, picnic, and family.

Susan said...

Deb - It's amazing what variety my life can present!

Susan said...

Susan - My parents' house is such a perfect venue for a backyard (or deck) party - I love it.

Susan said...

Sue - You're in! Of course, we already have a Sue, so you will have to be Sally... :)

Susan said...

Fiona - I know! Isn't she amazing? She is such a beautiful woman.

Susan said...

Kristina - I had to laugh at your post today - after all that work it IS nice to have it remain on the shelf to be admired...at least for a day.

Susan said...

Sandy - She so does not look her age. I may have to take drastic measures so I don't look like her mother... :)

Leigh said...

Looks like a really great party! It's nice to be close to family like that.

Mama Pea said...

Good gawd, your 60 year old sister looks more like 16! And even though you very carefully have always avoided posting a picture of yourself, I have a feeling you have the same good family genes and probably look about 20 yourself!

You have more social engagements in a weekend than I do in a year. At the end of one heckuva busy weekend you have two friends over for dinner. At the end of one heckuva busy weekend I'm lucky to get grilled cheese sandwiches on the table for me and hubby.