Pot luck surprise

We hosted a pot luck last night at our house, which Philip Howard thought was a housewarming, but everyone else invited knew was actually a surprise retirement party for him. The guests started arriving at 6 PM, but Philip had been told that the start time was 6:30. So we were all gathered when he and Lou Ann pulled up on their bicycles. And then the hilarity ensued.

First, everyone got quiet, preparing to yell surprise at Philip. He and Lou Ann came through the front door, into the mud room/foyer, and then seemed to disappear. He had stopped to chat with Merle, so we all waited for several minutes for him to come inside. Finally, he came in and everyone yelled "surprise"! Philip said "what?" and it took several minutes of convincing before he actually believed that the party was for him. (The "Happy Retirement" banner hanging from the ceiling was what finally made him a believer!)

Philip asked me "Is this really a retirement party for me?" and when I replied in the affirmative, he said "I thought this was a house warming for you". To which I said "well, that's what you were supposed to think!"

There was plenty of terrific food, bunches of friendly people, and toasts to Philip and friendship. And it was a wonderful housewarming after all.


I made a cake and my friend Ginger did the writing.

To convince Philip it really was a party for him, someone held up one of the "Happy Retirement" plates. A big thanks to my friend Steve who came to visit for the weekend, who brought the plates, napkins, bannners, tablecloths and balloons. Without them, I'm not sure Philip would ever have believed the party was in his honor!



After cutting his cake, Philip demonstrated the correct way to take care of the icing that built up on the knife.



Philip was somewhat of a good sport about posing with his balloons and banner so Lou Ann and I could take pictures. He stood still and let us take a few pictures, but insisted on hiding behind the balloons!

We discovered that our house is terrific for a potluck, as our living room is large enough to hold lots of food and friends. Now I can't wait to host the annual August birthdays party!

Hope your life is filled with food, friends, and fun, wherever you are...