* A quote from my dear sister-in-law!
Collen got a year older, and I got a year younger! Mary stayed the same!
You can see the party with all the pictures on our website.
We were busy preparing the yard, moving furniture, coiling up hoses, and ensuring everything looked lovely in the final moments.
Chuck and Lisa are working hard in the kitchen, and the rest of the crew will arrive around 3:00 pm to finish the preparations.
Our good friend Vicky and her partner Jim are joining us at 4:00 pm to help unwrap the chairs and ensure they are clean. We have such outstanding friends; every moment with them is a joy.
Although the event is wonderful, there is some unfortunate news to report. Donna, Irene, and Bob Z will not be able to join us tonight. Irene is in Chicago to celebrate her brother’s birthday, while the Z’s are spending time with Miss Cyndy in Oregon before they go on their six-week vacation.
The dance floor is ready for the first dancer to spin across to the magical tunes of Dr. Steve Dudek’s saxophone. The music starts at 6:00 pm and goes on all night long. The neighbors have been either invited or warned.
The dance floor was covered last night.
We have turned off the automatic sprinklers until the 31st to keep the tables dry. The pickup is scheduled for Monday morning, and afterward, we will water the lawn with life-giving H20.
The tables are ready for the coverings.
We revisited the garden to pick the fruits the birds had eaten and removed the rat traps, which had no catch. We decided to leave some yard-long beans as they were to show that we were serious about gardening. Plenty of tomatoes and blackberries are still on the vines for everyone to enjoy.
The walk in the garden with being therapeutic.
We are currently 3-4 weeks away from harvesting the corn. However, we might not be able to be there as we might be in Hawaii. In such a case, Robin and Irene must handle the task. We will guide them on how to cook the corn perfectly.
Corn as high as an elephant’s eye.
We have finished cleaning up the backyard. I will use the high-speed blower to give it a final touch before we put on the tablecloths. Then, we will be done!
Bring on the guests.
We were worried about the temperature, but our concerns have been alleviated. As of 1:52 pm, the temperature outside is a pleasant 82 degrees. Furthermore, I contacted the Orange Police via phone. I spoke with a dispatcher who assured me that he would inform the officers on duty near the elementary school of our event. We mentioned that around 50 senior citizens would be in attendance, accompanied by live music and plenty of food. The officers are more than welcome to join us.
The bar is center stage adjacent to the dining tables.
The essential things are done first!
Scout sits and watches all the goings on unafraid; convinced everyone is here to scratch him!
Scout approves.
The staff takes a short break for a group photo.
The staff poses
The whip gets snapped, and they all hop back to business.
The kitchen is a hub of activity.
We had a load of food, and all the veggies came from our garden!! Many people commented on the freshness of the tomatoes and peppers.
Chop, dice, slice!
The party has started! I had a great time and indulged in the delicious wine offered. Two-Buck-Chuck is always a crowd-pleaser for us!
Paul has a drink!
It’s time to eat! The buffet was excellent, with a variety of options to choose from. The filet mignon appetizers were a hit and quickly disappeared. The staff was accommodating and provided excellent service.
Beverly and George have front-row seats.
The Capps secured a table near the front and enjoyed Steve’s music from their seats. The distance to the dance floor was about six feet.
The Capps are close to the dance floor.
Only a few people were missing tonight, but it was still an excellent time for everyone there. The music was fantastic.
The lighting was orange-ish hence the coloring in the photos.
Around 10:00 pm, the party started to wind down, and by 10:45 pm, the staff had cleaned everything up. The place looked spotless afterward.
Five tables of ten were barely enough.
Thank you all for joining us in celebrating our anniversary and birthday! Have a good night.
