Surprise, surprise, surprise....

How much fun are surprise parties? I can't even begin to describe it. I have always claimed (and it's true) no one can surprise me, I'm too intuitive. Many have tried, many have failed. That is until last night.

Paula and Wayne pulled off the near impossible. Wayne had mentioned we were going out for dinner "next Monday night." I didn't give that much thought and promptly forgot about it. Last night I was beginning to prepare dinner when Wayne walked in and reminded me we were going out tonight. Of course, I wanted to know where we were going and he told me it was casual so I could go in jeans if I wanted. (I never trust his judgement about what is casual. He thinks all restaurants are casual.) So I bathed and dressed and told him I was ready to go. I had to wear really high heels because my pants were too long. Not so casual but still in pants.

Now I'm thinking, darn! Our anniversary is day after tomorrow and he is taking me out for an early anniversary dinner and I haven't even bought a card yet. Now I have it all figured out so he still has not surprised me. We drove through Mount Dora and out Highlands so I'm thinking we are headed to Orlando. He slows in front of a restaurant I didn't even know was there and says, "What about this place?" I told him I didn't know anything about it and had never even noticed it. He says, "let's try it." fine but there is no place to park. It's a very small parking lot so we parked across the street.

When we crossed over to the restaurant a wait staff member was at the door motioning us to come to that door. (The restaurant entrance can easily be confused with the kitchen door.) We walked through the door and a mighty racket scared me to death. There they all were with party hats, noise makers, clappers and balloons everywhere. I wish I could have seen the look on my face. What a wonderful surprise with great friends, good wine and fabulous food! Thanks to all who participated.

Now a word about the restaurant. It is called the "Saucy Spoon Bistro" and it's only open on Saturday night, Sunday for brunch and Monday night. They have an appetizer buffet for all and the menu is very limited and very special. Our entrees were accompanied by family style roasted vegetables and potato croquettes. YUM! I can't wait to go back. Next time it will be Sunday brunch.

Now the really good part. After dinner we all went back to Paula and Jim's for dessert! Paula made a flan and an Italian cream cake. Susan had made wedding cookies and coconut cookies and Alan had made one of his world famous Key lime pies. I am still smiling. It was wonderfully indulgent.

The gifts were equally wonderful and I received an instant face lift from the group. (Duct tape!)


I have to thank God for good friends, lifelong friends, a loving spouse and the trouble they go to in making your birthdays special. I love them all and know I am blessed.