In 68 years, I've never had a birthday experience quite like yesterday's. I do remember one in particular in New Orleans back in 1984 when we ran into my classmate Rod Johnson and his wife Mary (Peine) at Jackson Square.
When Rod learned that it was my birthday, he requested that the steel drummers who were performing that day play the birthday song for me.
I've had other wonderful days, but nothing quite matched yesterday. Several family members pooled up their resources and rented a pontoon boat from a couple of very nice young men---brothers and owners of Northern Boat Rentals of Priest River.
Gabe and Conrad started their business just this year, but it's evident they have done a lot of research in making sure that all runs smoothly. In fact, they deliver boats to whatever dock the customers desire.
We couldn't have been happier with our comfortable and easy-to-drive vessel AND with their friendly, professional service.
Anyway, while making the arrangements, Laurie told them we'd be happy to set off from Dover Bay, so once we had learned the safety and general rules, Captain Bill maneuvered the boat out into the river, and off we went toward Priest River.
Lots of happy sighs as we sat back, relaxed and enjoyed the fabulous views of mountains, drop-dead gorgeous homes and sparkling, clean water.
I even did some fishing, with no luck. We turned around just past Wrenco, stopped back at Dover Bay for a pit stop and then headed east on the river.
Debbie texted "Outlaw Judy," who came out to her dock to greet us. She would have brought a glass of cold wine for the birthday girl, but knowing we had some cold pale ale in the ice chest, we declined.
After a brief visit with Judy, we set off again, crusing under the Long Bridge and the railroad bridge and heading toward an area east of the beach where it appeared to be regatta night for the sailors.
We reminisced about our sailing adventures during a summer rec. teaching session. The last night we had to be towed in, thanks to no wind.
Well, the breeze was ample yesterday and the sailboats stayed in full motion during our time there.
Debbie jumped in for a quick swim. We enjoyed a dinner of Mr. Sub sandwiches, did a little more cruising and picture taking and then headed back to Dover Bay.
I think we were pretty exhausted from an afternoon in the piercing sun, but we figure we'll do it again some time this summer, only add to the occupants.
I thank my family members who collaborated behind my back to make the 68th-year celebration the best ever.
Now, this morning AFTER the birthday started out a little differently: renegade cows, a whole herd of them kept Kea, Bill and me on our toes for about an hour as we did our best to direct them back to their pasture----twice.
Adventures every day, and this one has started in dramatic fashion.
Happy Friday. Stay cool.
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