Wednesday, April 17, 2013

~ Mr. P's 80th Birthday Celebration ~

Any time you have a birthday after a "certain" age it's a milestone and should be celebrated. Mr. P hit a big milestone on April 8th. He's not one to enjoy large crowds any longer and didn't want a big birthday bash thrown for him, I would have given anything in the world to have a repeat party like I threw for his 65th birthday. The barn was cleaned out, a hog brought in, a band was playing and lots and lots of friends with laughter filled the air. It was a little quieter this year, this is what he wanted, his birthday his way.
The celebration began
on Sunday with his sister and brother in law driving in from Nebraska to surprise him. He was truly shocked and overwhelmed to think they would take the time to swing down our way to spend some time with him on his special day.
 His youngest son and oldest daughter popped in, a few left before pictures were taken.
A couple of the granddaughters popped in as well. The house was rocking with laughter smiles all around, it's been too long since we've entertained this way.
Monday bright and early we headed into Kansas City for a doctor's visit, time for blood work, that ordeal lasted over 3 1/2 hours, he was whipped by the time we left. Just the 50 mile ride is tiring for him, and then to make a person wait that long is mind boggling to me.
I made a quick stop at my favorite place for a bit of retail therapy, If you've followed me for long you know I can't pass up a stop into Nell Hill's. Come on it's only 10 minutes from the doctor's office, a quick tour and a few pictures and I'm all fired up to come home to redo some of my vignettes.

It's been over a year or so since I've gotten Mr. P to eat out in public, as I mentioned earlier crowds bother him, he did say he was up for something to eat, I suggested the Wabash BBQ in Excelsior Springs. We have to go through Excelsior before hitting home, it was the perfect choice.
It's a small quaint little building full of railroad memorabilia and antique signs and pictures, nothing fancy. Fortunately this time of the day was slow, usually you have to wait for a table or booth. For Mr. P's sake I was glad there wasn't a wait, I'm not sure he would have even gotten out of the truck.
The art work done by children given crayons and paper to keep them busy while waiting for their meals fills the wall to one side. Mr. P enjoyed a cocktail while waiting for his meal.
I told you it wasn't anything fancy.There aren't fancy linen table cloths or napkins  Sandwiches are served in plastic containers lined with paper to soak up the grease and moisture. Mr. P ordered the pulled pork and onion rings.
The aroma from the onion rings that drifted across the table was overwhelming.
I chose the tenderloin sandwich with corn fritters. Yum, yum. I had a hard time deciding between the tenderloin and catfish. I normally have catfish out, since I don't cook it at home.

The server came out and surprised Mr. P with an hot fudge sundae, candles filled the outside rim. How sweet was this?
Mr. P. blew out the candles, I'm not sure if he made a wish or not. As smoke swirled in the air the server and a couple of others clapped and wished him a happy 80th birthday.
I've spent the last 35 years with this gentle giant and hope to spend a few more. Happy Happy Birthday darling.

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9 comments:

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Lynne, what a sweet post! I am sure Mr. P enjoyed his birthday immensely. How sweet that his family memebers popped in to celebrate with him!

Nancy @ The Headmistress said...

A most charming and loving post, Lynne. Thank you for sharing!

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Happy Birthday to Mr. P!!
I prefer quieter celebrations myself.
Hope you are enjoying the week.

Brenda said...

Happy 80th birthday, Mr. P.! He and I have similar tastes; I would have ordered the same thing at the bbq joint.

Blondie's Journal said...

The celebration sounded just perfect to me, Lynne! Mr. P. certainly looks like he's enjoying being 80 years young! I'm glad you got some shopping in and a meal out, too. My hubby is the same way, getting him out is tough but once we are, he's open to pretty much anything!

Love your pictures. Have a great day! :)

XO,
Jane

Marigene said...

Wishing Mr. P a very happy 80th birthday! It is so nice that the family could come help him celebrate.
Those onion rings look delicious...they are favorites with me...not so much the husband, though!

Pam@OurAdventuresInHomeImprovement said...

What a great post Lynne! Happy Birthday to Mr P! Great pics! It looks like a great party and a fun lunch!

Have a great day.
Pam

Dolores said...

A belated happy birthday to Mr. P. We share the same birthdate...April 8th is a good date!!

The birthday celebration sounds perfect! The onion rings and sandwiches sure look good!
Hugs,

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Patient Husband will be 80 in October. Me, 77. The clock is ticking.. :) Happy Birthday to your husband. I had to smile when I saw the grin on his face when his picture was taken with the granddaughters. Cute!