Stef's Birthday Party - She Knows How to Celebrate!

Stef's birthday was August 9th. In talking to Dennis, I found out that his and Karolyn's 32nd anniversary was on the 11th. Taking all this into deep consideration, we decided to have a joint celebration of these two very important events on Tuesday nite the 10th. The chosen location was at the Guanacaste Restaurant, which is rapidly becoming one of everyone's favorite eating establishments. I got on the phone and invited about 20 friends who all confirmed that they were ready and able to join us. I also got our gal Mercedes to bake a birthday cake and anniversary cake for the event. Unfortunately, Karolyn got some sort of infection and was sick so she could not attend, but Dennis made sure he made it there.

This is the birthday cake that Mercedes made for Stef - Does it not look delicious?

This is the one that she made for Dennis and Karolyn - I can tell you right now that both were absolutely great. Thank you Mercedes!!!

This is Karolyn and Dennis at my birthday party. Sorry you couldn't make it Karolyn and hope you are feeling better now.

I really kind of felt bad for Dennis because Karolyn wasn't able to join us, but he is a real trooper and held his own. However, he does really look a little lonely without his bride. But you can see that Big Lee is trying to console him.

Now, you need to check out the Birthday Party Girl who seems to be having a great time with her friends. I'm not in the pictures because I happen to be the camera man for the picture shoot. - Take a look

Stef, just after dinner with her cake and a very big smile

The party girl with our friend Bek from Arkansas

Si

Again, with our neighbor Dan

 And, our new friends Sue and Chris Reynolds who have just moved here from Arizona

Having fun with Big Lee and Mike

And, her Ya Ya Sister Cathy

Then, her friend Ursula and Dottie who is visiting Lee and Cathy.

Well, it turned out to be a real event, and it is obvious that everyone had a great time. Fortunately, Robin and Ursula drove us there and back home because the Hyundai #@*& wasn't out of the shop yet. When we got home, Stef went directly to bed - Would you believe that? Oh well...

The Hyundai

Well.. remember I said that I wouldn't bet against anything else going wrong with the Hyundai - it did, but really was my fault. I got it hung up trying to pull into a lot in Hacienda Atenas. As a matter of fact, so bad that the running boards were hung up on the asphalt and the right front tire was off the ground. I tried to back it off, but didn't work even though I put it in 4 wheel drive. I kept on hearing the left rear tire squealing, but nothing happened. I ended up going forward while really trying hard not to drive it over the cliff and 300 ft down. Made it ok, but tore up the rear-end doing all this. Luis the mechanic is now in San Jose trying to find me a used rear-end so we will be back on the road in style.

All I can say is that this time - it was my fault...