"It's Good To Be The King"

It was a whirlwind!

First, thanks for all the kind wishes on my recent march to the grave. They say, these "zero" birthdays are really landmarks. Another decade down and, statistically, only a couple decades or so to go. The surprise plans were unbelievable. My wife, Julie, whisked me around the country like I was a politician in November!

Atlanta, Augusta, Boston, and Martha's Vineyard made up the two weeks away from Mother Nature. You see, my wife arranged for the four caballeros who grew up together to reunite for the first time in about 20 years!

 'Hotlanta' was the first stop. The plan here... to surprise a college buddy on his 50th! JC is now a successful attorney which doesn't surprise me. He was always (think Ben Affleck in 'Good Will Hunting') "wicked smaaat!" But, he was also the guy who, shall we say, enjoyed life the most! You gotta love this...I slipped into his living room while he was intently talking with someone on his right. When he turned back to the room, Bam! I was just sitting there just talking to the guy next to me! JC shook his head, shouted a famous expletive and we hugged! Then, we laughed really, really, really hard remembering the old days.

The next stop was a family gathering at the in-laws place in South Carolina. Their home is on a beautiful golf course, minutes from the lake, in a secluded location,  and the family was chillin'. Enough said...great relaxing time! I even got a call while I was there from Scott, a friend that I've known for over 30 years! Great catching up!

The sojourn continued in Boston with Bob and MaryLou. My parents are the kindest, sweetest people you'll ever meet. My mom would remind you of Aunt B from Mayberry. My dad, he'd probably remind you of Regis Philbin! Yes, an odd coupling...especially given their progeny! Anyway, they arranged for a 12 person surprise dinner party at the Capital Grill. Now, given the events just ahead of the meal, it was exceptional. As I watched the luggage carrousel slam my golf clubs against a bag, I looked up and couldn't believe my eyes...Michael Borges! My dearest friend on earth flew across the country on Father's Day weekend to have dinner with me. I was touched.

So, here I was driving to my folk's house, just off the flight, with my dearest friend, when I amazingly ran into two teenage friends. Tony & Jackie were high school sweethearts who I graduated with back in 19...........It just so happened that they were visiting his parents who live just doors down from mine. What a lucky stroke. He invited me to the back porch where we shared a beer and quickly updated each other about the families. When I left, I said, "Let's keep in touch.", not knowing just how quickly that phrase would come to life!

A few hours later and minutes before dinner, a stretch limo pulled up just outside my parent's home. You have to appreciate this. I don't want to say my dad's cheap. But, when he pulls out his wallet, dust flies in all directions! My parents, my brother and his wife, Julie, Michael and I went to get inside. Just then, the door flies open and a screech of "SURPRISE" emanates from the back. And who steps out...

........J.C.
........Tony
........Scott

J.C. knew he was coming when I saw him in Atlanta. He loved getting one over on me. Tony panicked when I ran into him hours earlier...worrying he'd slip and spill the beans. Only Scott was safe not having seen me yet. The dinner was everything I could've asked for in a birthday. Great food, hilarious stories and more giggles, chuckles, laughs, and side splitters that any one man could deserve.

The birthday times wrapped with a relaxing couple of days at the "Vineyard". Scott owns a home and a boat on Cape Cod which presented Julie and I the mental repose found only on a retreat! Scott and I have never lost touch for a very good reason...friendship!

These milestones in our lives sometimes go by a bit unnoticed. However, thanks to my wife, this became my best birthday. As Mel Brooks once said, " It's good to be the king!" ...at least for a couple of weeks.