With Stevie D “in da house” last night, the Birthday Boyz continued their respective celebrations along with a good crowd ready to join in with greetings, high fives, and (for many) lots of shots.

It was a bizarre night for myself, feeling out of place- even among friends-was weird. No one seemed to understand why I wasn’t on the dance floor, even though I kept saying my knees hurt.

I played musical chairs, feeling I was in everyone’s way, when usually I’m happy to mingle. Friends being friends however, assured me I was fine and asked me why I sat alone. My husband was the first. When I explained, he steered my back to my spot which I later vacated again.

Part of the problem is the way the “clubhouse” is arranged. First off, the tables face away from the stage, are close together, so to see the performer one has to sit on the back rail (uncomfortable ) or crain their heads to the right.

Imagine a large deck with heavy curtains that makes up the walls and can be raised or lowered depending on the weather. When you walk in the main entrance, the bar area is ahead and to the right. The stage is a platform to the left leaving space for a dance floor before the tables start. They are perpendicular to the stage. The back wall has a sitting rail with tables in front that face the stage.

If I was a better artist, I would draw you a picture. Anyway, I started out on the back row with my friends, who kept getting up to go smoke or dance. When I wanted to get up, I felt it might be a nuisance to keep asking them to get up.

Jean and others noticed my musical movings and asked what was wrong. “I’m in the way” I would say and all of them pshawed me and rolled their eyes. I got sick of also repeating that ‘no, I can’t do a shot, I’m holding my ground to remain dry this month.’

Most tried to convince me to give myself a pass for one night, but another two gave me a high five for sticking to my guns.

Finally, later in the night on creaky knees, I joined in on the dance floor, which delighted my exuberant (and well-lit) friend Nancy, pictured in the cowboy attire. This seems to be her party attire, since normally she wears tennis shoes and a ball cap like most of us.

She literally lost her mind, grabbing me and trying to swing me around on the dance floor. I resisted that, but did sort of sway and move my hips, which satisfied her because she danced away from me yet in a kind of circle with other girl friends.

As the dancing continued, I realized my knees weren’t feeling so grouchy, therefore, I added in some different, but easy dance moves. After a few songs, I left the floor and joined Dave standing around in the back corner. We stood and swayed together for a beloved Barry White tune and later, Proud to Be an American.

That song is usually the last song of the evening, but not last night. The party would not end so soon for the rowdy revelers. We stayed until just a few remained and returned home feeling like it had been a long night. It was 9:30 when we got back. 😒😂

I’m sure one of the Birthday Boyz had to be poured into bed last night, I didn’t see him until after 11am. I’m glad they had such a good time at the expense of their livers, but those crazy days are long gone for me. Pounding shots was never my thing.

Stevie D put on a fantastic show, as usual, moving through the crowd and being his usual humorous self. He is a local crooner who also plays shows outside the park. He is getting to be a requested talent and we love that he is one of us. Occasionally we even see him around the pool when things warm up.

It’s rainy with mild temps in the high 60’s and low 70’s today, but that didnt stop us from meeting up for coffee and donuts in the office. Well, me and everyone else that attended. I was bad and indulged in half a donut, even though I ate a sausage biscuit before I left. I will have to get away from my writing and go walk pretty soon!