Cliff's Birthday Party

Cliff was born in 1957 and on Monday, St. Patrick's Day, he will be 57. He is the guy in the green hat with the nice tan. Today we went to the party at his home. On Thursday he sent an email with this invitation:

I'm having a birthday party on Saturday afternoon and evening...you are invited... no presents required...bring an appetite.....salmon, asparagus, and rice at about 2pm.....then cut and cooked to order NY steaks and other cuts, ranch style beans and potato salad at about 5pm...then authentic chicken fajitas, Al pastor and carne asada tacos with rice and beans starting around 8pm.....then super hot Louisiana links around 10pm... some will be drinking but not required to have fun...raging fire and karaoke well into the night.....warm Jacuzzi for the kids....are you in?

Of course, we said "yes" we were "in." And because I am married to Mr. Prompt, we arrived at 2:00 and were the first guests. Thankfully, not too long after us was "Walter" (in the Blue t-shirt) arrived (he must be a Mr. Prompt, too) and the three of us spent the next 90 minutes getting to know each other while chatting about a little bit of everything under the sun. Then some other guests arrived and soon the salmon dinner was sizzling on the barbecue. Al, in the black t-shirt, is Cliff's guitar playing buddy. Cliff plays guitar in the worship team at the church we attend.

The knob on the music machine was turned to high volume after the salmon was served and everyone was having a darn fine time (except the conversations were difficult to hear). We had a very good time, and then made our exit before darkness arrived.

It was just one year ago that Cliff lost his dear Laurie to cancer. These past 12 months watching Cliff survive -- well, in my book, he's been amazing. We've seen way too many guys latch-on to a female all too quickly before they even have time to realize what they've lost or who they are. Cliff has taken the time to just breath deep and digest all that has happened in his world. In my book, he's a hero.

This has been a pleasant and enjoyable late afternoon and early evening. Happy Birthday Cliff!

Good night from Southern California,
Rosie (& Mr. Fun), aka Carol

P.S. "Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place."
~~Zora Neale Hurston