My Dad's 60th birthday

After weeks of planning and lying, the day had arrived. Sunday August 13th. My Dad was turning 60 and we'd arranged a surprise bbq party in our garden.

A week beforehand, I checked the weather forecast on the internet and it wasn't good: rain pretty much all weekend. Obviously that's the worst possible scenario for a bbq and I was praying they'd get it wrong. Saturday arrived and that was a complete wash-out. The forecast was still bleak for the Sunday and true to form, the morning chucked it down with rain. I woke up not feeling at all enthusiastic or motivated due to the miserable weather (I'm sure I get that S.A.D. syndrome). John and I dashed around for hours getting everything prepared: food, drink, glasses, plates, table, chairs, decorations and waterproof cover for the garden. The day before John went to Macro and bought a large marquee tent thingy sized 6m x 3m, which almost covered the entire lawn. The trouble is it was so chilly, even with this covering, I'm sure guests wouldn't want to sit out there. More praying and pleading was required and it was like a miracle - at midday the clouds parted and some blue sky peeped through following by the sunshine. Hallelujah! Now we just needed it to stay that way.

Guests started to arrive from 2pm. Even doubtful Uncle Mike (Dad's brother) and Auntie Rachel turned up from Shropshire which I was thrilled about. My cousin Sarah and her fiance Gary came from Luton. My Mum called me secretly just after 3pm to say that they were about to leave. After 10 minutes I checked the road and when I saw them coming, dashed into the garden to tell everyone to keep the noise down. My Mum put a blindfold over my Dad's eyes, telling him that there was a big present in the garden which she didnt want him to see. When the blindfold was removed, he was greeted by over 30 friends and family. He was truly surprised - he said he had no idea whatsoever.

The day progressed really well, the weather got warmer and sunnier and the party was a great success. My Dad was gob-smacked when after opening his present from my Mum (which was a passport with a clue attached), he found out he was going to Rome in three weeks time. When my Dad is overwhelmed, he hardly says anything - but as he said he has always wanted to travel to Rome, you know he's inwardly very excited. Later he was presented with a specially made cake and the embarrassing moment when everybody sings Happy Birthday to you completely out of tune!

So that's that. I hope my Mum managed to sleep last night coz she's been so stressed out with it all, despite the party not even being at her house! I suppose we'll have to do it all again next year as it'll be my Mum's 60th next September 15th. However, I can't see us having it outside.