Prompt #7 - One great party

My surprise 40th birthday party. And I thought was old then!!

My second husband, Ian, and I had lived in Lexington for almost a year. I was settling into a house bigger than I'd ever lived in before. The spaciousness, no longer intimidating was filled up with "us." One daughter at UK and her best friend in the guest room for the semester. My younger daughter in high school. My stepson in high school. And I was also in school at UK finishing my BA. Lots of studying at our house.

Ian said we were having birthday dinner at a lovely spot, Merrick Place. While we dressed up for a celebratory meal, the girls and Charlie chatted and giggled a bit more than usual. "Let's go," Ian calls out. And to my surprise - a limo is parked at the front door! Whoa! I walk on air to take my seat. Lots more excited giggling. The crowd of us creates quite a stir as we exit in the thrill of the limo ride and present ourselves for the reserved table. We happily laughed, talked and ate. Ian had a remarkable way of entertaining and 3 teenage girls or Charlie never let the chatter lag. We ate dinner and did the whole candle thing for dessert. People at other tables clapped.

Leaving the restaurant, many diners wished me a happy birthday. One woman pulled me aside. "It's my birthday too, only I am older than 40. Do you realize that September 30 is nine months to the day from New Year's Eve?"

Well, fodder for thought! "Then, I believe we were conceived in celebration and joy."

Riding home the giggling didn't stop in spite of the full bellies. The driver drove down a street full of cars and was barely able to find a parking space. I walked up the sidewalk and into the house to find 20 or so familiar faces to greet me! Surprise. My sister and my peeps from our previous residence, Ashland, that I had been missing terrible traveled to help me celebrate.

The kitchen table was laden with food. Beer in coolers. Flowers smiled up the place! My house transformed in a matter of hours into a party spot.

I quickly changed from dress up clothes to comfy so the weird Happy Birthday blinking necklace thing matched better. And the celebration continued.

Long time friends in our new location.

Thank you all again!