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!

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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.