Fifty is Nifty!

April 2, 2007

I just had a memorable birthday weekend. We had a fish fry at church on Friday evening (Rick, my sweetie, was one of the chefs) after which I joined a few girlfriends for a “Ladies Night Out” at El Maguey, my favorite local Mexican Restaurant. Sammye, Tammy and Cathy had already finished off a pitcher of margaritas by the time I joined them and were ready to switch to beer. Since margaritas give me heartburn, I was happy they decided to switch! We had a wonderful time and decided we needed to make it a regular occasion. Sometimes it seems like we just get so busy that we don’t take the time to enjoy friends unless it’s for a special occasion when really, it’s a special occasion every time we get to enjoy being with friends…

Sammye and Tammy with their husbands, Charlie and Mark, were also able to join me Saturday night for my birthday party. Rick and I decorated the garage with black crepe paper and balloons (Rick bought the decorations…I’d have gotten some purple and orange!). I got to jam for the first time with other musicians on the acoustic/electric bass guitar Rick got me for Valentine’s Day. I was plugged in to the amp he got me for my birthday. I got lost a couple of times but for the most part, I was able to hang. Sammye and Charlie have played together for a long time and even play some original music. Charlie’s a true original and Sammye’s a killer bluegrass songstress. Their duets are always fun. I watched Sammye’s fingers on the fretboard to help me know where I was supposed to be playing on the bass. I tried to watch Rick but he kept turning away from me so I couldn’t see him. Since I’m left handed, it’s like looking in a mirror when I watch somebody else play. My friend, Darren, also lent her harmonica playing skills and her beautiful voice to the evening, even though hubby, Dwight, wimped out early with sore fingers from playing the guitar.

Charlie and Sammye’s boys are talented musicians in their own right. They have their own band, The Purple Gascaps, and are in demand in local venues. Chris, 16, is the oldest and lead singer/guitar player. Ben, 14, is next in line and is the drummer ( we missed you at the party, Ben) while Tyler, 12, plays rhythm guitar and Zach, 10, is the bass player. He can sure give me some pointers. He and Chris were playing my bass upside down and doing a better job than I do with it rightside up! I haven’t forgotten Shelby either. He’s another young musician who played guitar and mastered upside down bass-playing. Proud parents, Kevin and Diana, were also in attendance as part of the audience.

Thanks to everyone who sent me best wishes and yes, Fifty IS Nifty! Of course, my mom and partner in 2 Smart Chix, Gwen, is anxiously awaiting her 18th birthday next year. She’s a Leap Year baby and only has a birthday every four years so she won’t really be 72. She and her friend, Dottye, are inspirations to me every day. Hey, age is a matter of mind….if you don’t mind it, it don’t matter! Putting those two chix in the shade is my friend (and fellow bass player), John. John is an active 91 years young. He not only plays doghouse bass, he’s a tuba player in the Rolla Town Band! They really ARE getting better, not older!!!

I had birthday pecan pie from Slice of Pie that mom-in-law, Lou, brought me. It was good enough to be gone before the night was over. I was glad to see pop-in-law, Karl, was feeling better from fighting off allergies to join the party. Besides pie, we munched on hamburger, hotdogs and other goodies supplied by guests.

So, now I guess I need to start planning for mine and Rick’s tenth wedding anniversary coming up in May, huh….is another party on the horizon? You betcha!!!

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