My friend/neighbor Karen was really surprised last night when she and her husband Paul walked into their daughter Lisa's home and all of us yelled "Surprise!" That's little neighbor Miss Brooke in the foreground running to give the first congratulatory hug.
Karen thought she and Paul were picking up Lisa to go out to eat to celebrate Karen's retirement. Instead, it was a surprise party.
Most of the neighborhood was there as well as family and other friends. The house was stuffed--and it's a roomy house, and beautiful too.
Hubby Paul came on crutches because he's recuperating from a ruptured baker's cyst on his knee. Bless his heart, he spent the
evening in a big easy chair with his foot propped up. That's him in the next photo with our friend and neighbor Nolan.
It was a great evening and a great party. Lisa, Nancy, and probably others outdid themselves with the food. All us neighbors had a wonderful time visiting and catching up on each others' lives.
The big news of the night (in addition to Karen's retirement) was Ashleigh's move to Lafayette. A pall has settled over the whole neighborhood. It's hard to be happy for her because we're all so sad to see her go. Especially her mom and dad.
I think I gave a wrong impression with my post about Ashleigh's impending marriage and move. Actually, she shared the home next door with her parents, Jennifer and John, who really own the house. They're staying, thank goodness. But Ash left last night, after her last day at work. She'll be back in a couple of weeks to get her things.
So on this cold and rainy Halloween Day, I've been in the sewing room making quilt blocks. Now I'm going downstairs to do a little hand sewing, watch the Georgia football game, and wait for trick-or-treaters. There's enough candy here to choke a horse. I didn't go overboard, only bought what I thought I'd give away. But then Andy came in yesterday evening with a bag full from work. Maybe two bags full. It's a bunch. So I hope we have a ton of trick-a-treaters tonight to get rid it.
Happy Halloween to all. Don't let the ghosties and goblins get you. Below are a few more photos from the party.
Late breaking news: I just got a call from my friend, Mr. Bill (one of Vann's hunting buddies) that he is in the hospital and has to have open heart bypass surgery early Monday morning. We'd appreciate prayers from our prayer warriors out there.
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On 10/31/2009, Donna said ...
You have such a kind sweet neighborhood! Can I come and live there? I live in the country so we do not have any trick-or-treaters.
Love the quilt you're making.
Blessings and Hugs
On 10/31/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Congrats to Karen! What a great neighborhood you live in (as I've thought a gazillion times).
I'm so glad Sophie won't have to train new neighbors to have her treats at the ready and you won't have to wonder who will buy Ashleigh's house. Whew!!!
Love the quilt!
How hard do I have to fight the urge to reply to the news about Mr Bill with "OH NO!" a la SNL? Prayers are with him, his family, and his medical team and will continue.
If you have candy left over, just send it back to work with Andy. Medical people eat anything and evrything. I know 'cause I'm one!!
Happy Halloween to you! Hugs!!
On 10/31/2009, Gayle said ...
I love that cake! Prayers out to Mr. Bill. I imagine trick-or-treating is wrapping up in your part of the country. The sun is just setting here.
On 10/31/2009, Helen said ...
Thank Heaven for the power of prayer...Mr. Bill will be added to my prayers and we know that he will feel the presence of so many in community with him as he goes through this. Your postings as you forge this new and different journey are an inspiration to me.
On 10/31/2009, valerie said ...
Hey I actually have been sewing a little too this afternonn and plan to do more tomorrow after church. That cake is just beautiful. What a nice surprise. I will keep your friend in my prayers.
On 10/31/2009, Pat said ...
What a great group of friends and neighbors! I've written Mr. Bill's name down so I can see it and pray for him. Happy Retirement, Karen - looking forward to that myself!
On 11/01/2009, Kai said ...
Wow! I wish I lived in such a close neighborhood! As much as I'd hoped otherwise, THIS one is not very friendly. Sigh. But I love reading about YOURS, and besides, I have my 'BLOGGER' neighborhood and YOU live there! Also - beautiful quilt!!!! And you KNOW I have your friend, Mr. Bill on the prayer list. Keep us all posted on his progress, please!
On 11/02/2009, Patti Koosed said ...
I love surprises!
How fun!
Hugs
Patti
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