SURPRISE-HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR FRIEND

We threw a surprise party for our dear friend April on Saturday night. I have struggled for a month or so lying and deceiving. Concocting a story to have her at our house on the evening of the party. My BB guy even got a little concerned about how well I lied. It was like being a secret agent. I'll be XX7.

We told her we were taking her and her guy to a winery for a tasting and dinner in their dining room. I emailed her the menu. We chatted about the details. I suggested they come by for some champagne first then we would go to the winery together. 

Her friends came over about an hour before time with wonderful appetizers. There were about 22 of us. Phyllo triangles with caramelized onions and apple, mushrooms stuffed with crab, cucumber discs with cream cheese and tomato, pot stickers with a sweet and sour sauce, a layered dip with 7 layers of Tex-Mex flavors, a fig spread with crackers, various cheeses and a huge pot of chili.There was a beautiful fruit plate and 3 different cakes. I know I am missing something here but I can't remember what it was.

 (Brie, Oka from Quebec, Edam, Aged Cheddar, Garlic Havarti, Blue Cheese, Creamy goat cheese)

Lots of wine and spirits were enjoyed. Champagne, red, white, beer, margaritas, Caesars and as sometimes happens tequila finds its way into the party. We have a lovely coffee flavored tequila we picked up in Mexico. Delicious. Our wine rack was still almost full at the end of the night because everyone brought such nice wines to share.

One of the guests brought two beautiful floral bouquets that she made herself. The music was mostly oldies due to the advanced age of the birthday girl, (sorry girlfriend) and as soon as Bob Seager poured out of the speakers the dancers were up on the floor. As the evening wore on the dancing got more creative but I would be in big trouble if I posted the video of one of my friends. Let's just say it equals or surpassed the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine dances at her Christmas party. He will never live this one down. Good thing he already lives out of town or he would have had to move away. (not the man in this photo who danced just fine.)

We had 4 people from out of town that spent Friday and Saturday night with us. We had a big breakfast this morning of Canadian back bacon, eggs, toast, hashbrowns and a fruit salad of banana, pink grapefruit and grapes. Lots of coffee and some Advil for those who needed it. Me? I felt just fine.

April assured us she was so surprised. The guests were down the hall in a guest room while we poured our champagne and I proposed a toast. Then they came down the hall to join in. The look of shock on her face was so awesome. She received some lovely gifts and now we have to pick a date to actually go out for dinner. 

I missed being on all the blogs out there but will make up for lost time I hope. Now I have to go because some cake is calling my name and I have to run the dishwasher for the fourth time.