Cassandra wielding an airbrush, c. 1986
Since Susan has blown my cover in the comments thread for the previous post, I may as well tell you it's my birthday, and post something silly. That's me in the picture, about 20 years ago, back before digital tablets and airbrush tools.
Last night there was a knock on the door around 6:00; I went to answer it, grudgingly, since I was heading for the kitchen, and who should be there but our former next-door neighbors and close friends, holding a big bottle of wine and an apple pie. I was quite confused - what were they doing on our porch? Then they said "Happy Birthday!" and my husband, who had been lying to me ALL DAY, started laughing and telling me what a dumb look I had on my face - probably about like the one in this picture! When we first met them, in 1982, their son was a baby. He showed up last night for dinner, driving his truck - he's now a college graduate, about to leave for two months of travel in Europe with a buddy. We looked at old pictures, drank wine, ate the good meal J. had sneakily bought and prepared, and the relaxed happiness has certainly carried over into today. I feel so rich in friends, including my parents who, at 81, are just about as vigorous as they were when they were young. May we all be so fortunate, and continue to care about each other, and to laugh!
Happy birthday, Beth!
Posted by: Joerg | September 20, 2005 at 02:52 PM
So your eyes were gorgeous back then as well?
Happy birthday, sis.
Posted by: Chris Clarke | September 20, 2005 at 03:17 PM
Happy, happy birthday, sweet Beth!
Posted by: Ivy | September 20, 2005 at 03:46 PM
Happy birthday!!!
Posted by: blork | September 20, 2005 at 03:49 PM
Many happy returns, Our Beth! Hilarious photo. Were you told that Pica and I invoked you rePEAtedly during our recent hedonist foray? We knew you'd've loved it, and wished you were there.
And welcome to Typepad; I've never had any trouble with it--
Posted by: Doc Rock | September 20, 2005 at 04:15 PM
Many Happy Returns to you, Beth!
Posted by: kirsten | September 20, 2005 at 05:06 PM
Happy Brithday, Beth!! I'm so glad to have met you, a wonderful writer and virtual friend. Blessed with good genes too!
Posted by: Marja-Leena | September 20, 2005 at 05:27 PM
Happy Birthday! Relaxed happiness - now there's something a Virgo rarely stops to enjoy. Savor it, and maybe add more of it to your new year! (Great photo!)
Posted by: leslee | September 20, 2005 at 06:24 PM
Beth,
Happy birthday. Did you do freeweight back then? Look at your toned arm.
Posted by: anasalwa | September 20, 2005 at 11:41 PM
Am I late to wish you a very happy birthday?
Best wishes from another virtual friend...
Posted by: ernesto Priego | September 20, 2005 at 11:50 PM
Happy birthday! You were beautiful then as you are now!
Posted by: Lorianne | September 21, 2005 at 03:02 AM
Wonderful photo - you made my morning. But then, you quite often do that!
Posted by: Jean | September 21, 2005 at 05:40 AM
Thank you all for these wonderful birthday wishes! They are very, very much appreciated.
Posted by: beth | September 21, 2005 at 09:35 AM
Belated birthday best from Bonnie and me!
Posted by: language hat | September 21, 2005 at 12:58 PM
Another belated birthday best -- but I have to confess that I squirm whenever someone talks about surprise parties around me because of the amount of lying it always takes to pull it off.
Posted by: peter | September 21, 2005 at 10:34 PM