The Birthday That Keeps on Giving

Yesterday's post was all about the surprise birthday breakfast that Lis and Keith pulled off. Here we are later that evening at the Greek Islands Restaurant. I look like I am bagged and have had too much sun. That would be exactly right. busylizzy is looking her usual beautiful perky self so just look at her. 

It was these four (these three plus busylizzy) wonderful people who treated me to this dinner. It was delicious as usual. This is one of my favourite places to eat other than busylizzy's or Rachel's  kitchen. 

The dishes were cleared away and I was presented with a card in a fat envelope. If busylizzy looks like the cat that swallowed the canary, that would be about right. She struggled to keep a secret for more than a month and she just about burst. At this point, it is just a mushy card from her. (for my eyes only) 

Then I started reading the note attached to some documents and this photo kind of captures my reaction. Stunned and speechless. 

So what was it? An all expense paid 5 day trip, leaving Monday morning for Las Vegas, a prearranged rental SUV and a trip to Bryce Canyon. For those of you who do not know, I love photography, especially nature photography. I have always wanted to go there, in April, which is the best time of year to go. My work has always been busiest in the spring time, so this has always been out of the question. My work schedule was somewhat manipulated by my partner, my son, so the urgent job we had booked for next week turns out to a big lie. I like this kind of lie. 

As if all this was not enough, my sweet daughter invited us to her home where she had made this amazing birthday cake. Yes, it was as good as it looks. Amazing, really. You must click on this photo to enlarge it. You must. Do it! Now wipe up your drool. 

I must say, in retrospect, that having a 65th birthday is actually not bad at all. At least mine wasn't.