Predator Ridge, Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Craig turned 60 on June 1st and was surprised by a Watson Goepel afternoon party involving fencing lessons with his family law colleagues, followed by a dinner party at the Flying Pig restaurant in Gastown.
Thinking that was it for birthday celebrations, he was again surprised over the July long weekend, when Sharon, Renee and Ray took him on an Okanagan wine tour, with a stop at Predator Ridge, where he was shocked to see me awaiting their arrival. He thought they were heading to the Shuswap to meet me there for the weekend. While revising his thinking that our small group would be spending the weekend at Predator Ridge, he was further surprised by a group of friends hiding on the deck of one of the five cottages rented for the birthday bash.
Donna & Ron, Shelley & Jim, Janice & Peter, Seonag & Geoff and their friends Max & Susan, visiting from England, Sharon & Ray, Brian & Renee, Marilyn & Wayne, Steve & Lisa, Curtis &; Wendy joined us for the festivities. So much fun!!!! Jeanne & Don, Bruce &, Bev & Larry, Julie & Ron: you were all missed!
Some of us hiked and then lazed by the pool on Saturday afternoon, while Craig & Peter, the thrill-seekers in the group, took to the mountain bike trails of Silver Star. The experience was a birthday gift courtesy of Peter and Janice. I tried to not worry that Craig would develop either a new head injury or a new sports obsession. He returned with his skull intact, but the jury is still out on the latter.
Dinner at Sparkling Hills resort restaurant was an elegant affair with everyone dressed up, sun streaming though the massive windows and a gourmet meal, kicked off with some local bubbly.
After, we gathered for cake, gifts, and a heart-felt speech from the birthday boy. Glasses of port and jokes about Michelangelo’s David’s private parts (you had to be there!) ensued.
The biggest success of the weekend, besides keeping it a surprise for Craig, was the way our friends came together. Old bonds were renewed and new bonds were formed. Reminding us that the greatest gift of aging is the company we are privileged to keep!
