D's 60th

Yesterday was my dad's 60th birthday. He didn't want to make a big deal out of it, so naturally we started planning a surprise party two years ago. The party went through many revisions before settling on the most comfortable and meaningful gathering we could think of.

I say we, but really, my Mom was the impetus and brains behind all this.

In the end, M decided that the best option was a small, quiet family gathering in our backyard, catered Italian food and peach cobbler a la mode for dessert (peach cobbler being D's fave). Great ideal - and actually executed quite well - but the getting there was tougher than we imagined.



We are not devious people. But surprise anything - especially parties for v.i.p. birthdays - require a bit of deception and covert action. And let me tell you, we nearly failed. Thank goodness D is a trusting man and believed everything we told him when we slipped up.

The first was in January. M requested days off from her partners and managers at work. Once approved, she sent the whole email - with requests and approvals - to D. He set to work planning their first few days off (wedding anniversary) and asked M "Why are people coming in from out of state for my birthday? You know I don't want to do anything." Scrambling, M replied "I only said that so they'd let me have the days off; it's more convincing." D bought it. Bless him.

Fast forward to Monday last, D is balancing the checkbook and asks M "What's this check to Maureen Lisi?" M replies, "I'm drinking my coffee and reading," and D drops it.

Fast forward again to this Saturday just passed. The R's drive down from Sacramento on Friday and say "We missed you guys, thought we'd hang out for a bit." No questions asked. Saturday, the J's turn up at 11:00: "Heard the R's were in town. We came to hang out for a bit." Warm welcome all around.

12:00 noon. M is fidgeting at the table - where we're all seated because it's where we're always all seated - staring at D; JF is looking at a map of California state parks; the R's are playing with their smarty phones; JM and K glance at the clock and wink at each other.

D is gazing out the front door with an unfocused look. M asks him a question to which he replies "I'm sorry, what?" with a shake of his head. But as M repeats her question, he gazes out the door again.

Then he looks at her quite clearly and says "My family are coming up the walk."

Smiles and clapping and door bells and barking.



His three sisters and one brother-in-law are standing on the porch, the best surprise birthday present we could think of for his 60th birthday. Again, I say we, but it was the quite brilliant M. Even though she'd make a terrible spy, she really pulled this one off.

M contacted all the sisters and asked them to come help us celebrate. Lori & Tom flew in from Florida; Robin from Oregon; and Michelle - who also helped out by providing room & board for Robin - drove in from Fontana.

We spent the afternoon in the back yard visiting, swimming and snacking.

Back off, ladies! He's all mine!

During the afternoon, Lori presented my dad with a small gift. A photo of the four kids with paddle balls, sitting in the trunk of their grandfather's car.



I don't remember who suggested it, but it was decided that the very next thing to be done was a reenactment of the photo. And thank goodness it wasn't a Civil War photo; those costumes are hard to come by on short notice!



And one that's a little silly.


While we were reminiscing and breezing the shoot, the caterers came and set up a fantastic meal - homemade meatballs and Italian sausage, lasagna, antipasti including cheeses and salami, and Italian sangria (oh so good!).

As with all good things, the day couldn't last forever. We had visited and laughed and feted and eated. We sang happy birthday, hugged and waved, and said good-bye.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Namaste