Surprise, surprise, Bill
came after work all the way from San Jose so he could join in the festivities.
The festivities were at Josie and Kim’s home. The backyard was all decorated
and a beautifully set table awaited us. Rod and Josie joined efforts to produce
a wonderful meal with salmon, steak, roasted potatoes and a wonderful corn
salad. Josie and Kim’s children Everly and Ely helped serve and were part of
the fun. An Almond Birthday Cake was the
highlight and of course Champagne for Mama. Gifts were part of the surprises - the biggest one a balloon ride over Sonoma and Napa County from my beautiful
and thoughtful children.
The next morning, before 6
am, Heidi and I took off to Santa Rosa Airport to meet with the pilot of our
balloon. Michael is his name - he had to drive us up to Lake County because
Santa Rosa was all fogged in. The one hour country road drive was beautiful.
Through all the years I lived in Healdsburg I have never driven in that
direction.
Once we arrived, the
balloon was unloaded and Michael and staff started to get the balloon ready for
takeoff. We all watched of course, took pictures and some of the men pitched
in - it was a labor of love and adventure. Once ready, we started to climb into
the basket. Well, I was the oldest and had a hard time getting up into the
basket. Helping hands were lifting and pushing me into the basket, kind of
embarrassing, but I was grateful for the help. There was no way I would have
given up this adventure.
The view over Sonoma and
Napa County is awesome. If you have not done it, do it for the fun and
adventure. I did it and it is off my bucket list, yahoo.
Coming back home I got
another surprise: my son Rodmond painted my living room and put the room back
together. This put a big smile on my face.
Three things are off my
bucket list and my goal for next year is to get that book published which is
more than half ready. Writer’s block has been the culprit.
However, I know I can
overcome that with some effort. Here is to stopping procrastination and getting
on the ball, ha, ha.
The rest of my children
and grandchildren could not be here but of course phone calls were on the
agenda.
No recipe this time! Will
post pictures from my two day Birthday celebration. This is one Birthday I will
never forget. Thank you all!
