Life is full of surprises. Things happen when you least expect them. Take yesterday for instance.

The day started out pretty much like every other day of my life. Got up, did my internet rituals, took a hike, had some breakfast, walked the dog.

Early in the afternoon I fired up the grill.

Bought these ribeyes at Bretto’s in Barretto. From Australia. Will they be tender?

I cooked them a little rarer than I usually do and they were in fact easier to chew than the first batch I grilled a couple of weeks ago.

After my meal it was off to the VFW for dart league. It was a challenging match but we ultimately prevailed 8-5. I was able to win all my games, including a tough cricket game against Cristy, one of the top players in town. She throws a little better than me, but my cricket strategy was stronger. Which sometimes makes all the difference and is one of the reasons cricket is my favorite darts game.

Anyway my team captain, Anabel, told me that Dean, the owner of our sponsor Alley Cats bar, wanted to see me after we completed the match. What about? Anabel said she didn’t know. Hmm, I’m sure I paid my tab and I didn’t recall being any more offensive than normal. Oh well, I told her I’d be happy visit Alley Cats that afternoon. Right after dart league Anabel insisted.

So with dart business completed I walked on over to Alley Cats, opened the door, and found this staring me in the face:

The candle was lit and a chorus of voices shouted out Surprise! Happy Birthday!

Well, how about that? Of course, it was a belated birthday gathering. On Monday I did the Hash. On Tuesday as I mentioned in an earlier post, another guy did his birthday party at Alley Cats. So I guess it was my turn on Wednesday.

Ain’t that sweet?

Some of the perpetrators…

“Is this my present?”

Nah, it’s on again, off again Marissa. I guess we were on again, at least for last night.

Cutting the cake which is preferable to me cutting the cheese. *ahem*

Ester likes to lick off the frosting first….

So I had a good time. And it felt nice to feel that I was amongst people who do enjoy my company. Perhaps I’m on the right path after all.

Forward!