Pamplona Redux - A bull turns 50!

Ok so Bob calls me on Friday to say that he is going to his camp (friend of his family) and asks if I want to come and help him do a few things up there and that we would look for moose. Well that is all he had to tell me... MOOSE!

It was a bit of a gray day overcast and a somewhat coolish but we had a nice two hour ride up. We put in a good day stocking wood, fixing the two posts for the woodshed and finally putting new stays on either side of the chimney. We had a few sandwiches after most of the work was done,. I was quite tired on the way home but asked Bob if he wanted me to drive. He said he was fine and I nodded off here and there as we worked our way west along Route 2.

We arrived at his driveway and he asked me as we drove up if I noticed that he had recently fixed his driveway "Uh sure, yeah looks great Bob" But just as the last bend in his driveway came into view I saw a whole bunch of people standing in the bend and they were all wearing white and red. "What the..??!!" I thought to myself. This must be some kind of surprise for Erika or one of the kids. Shit there is my dad and Kim!! Then I see Sherry, I look over at Bob and he has this huge grin on his face. I am absolutely speechless! I could not have been more surprised. My birthday was still 3 weeks away! Here right in front of me were the very most important people in my life. The people who I love and who are most dear to me under one roof, in one room!! My whole family (I was almost brought to tears when I saw Max and Shaun) and all my friends. I mean ALL my friends. Clayton, Jim, Kerbo (they arrived a little later)and all the Big Dogs.

Getting out of Bob's truck I was at a loss. Just amazing.

I have seen the most incredible sunset from Lorelei's Bar in Key West Florida.

I have watched the Palio horse race in Siena Italy.

I have windsurfed on the Northern coast of Maui.

I have photographed blue whales, the largest animal on this planet from 12 feet away on the southern coast of Mexico.

I have watched (and taken part in) one of the most incredible events in Pamplona Spain.

But next to watching the birth of both Max and Shaun, I have never experienced, anything nor will I again in most likely hood, quite like the sight that I awaited me as Bob and I drove up the driveway on Saturday

Slowly we walked up to Bob and Kris's house as I hugged my dad, Kim, Sherry Mom, Derrick etc. We finally walked in the house to the sounds of the Gypsy Kings. You can shoot me now 'cause I am in heaven!! Just incredible. It really took me about an hour (and 3 beers) to get with it. I was just so surprised and Bob had played the whole day so close to his vest that I was caught completely unaware.

There was Sylvie in the middle, quietly, the master orchestrator who had pulled this together over god knows how many months watching the spectacle unfold! She kept asking me if I was surprised. This is going to be one great evening, I thought but I want to make sure that with such a special group of people, I make sure to try to spend some time with as many as possible. This was not a party to get "toasted" at. No way, I was going to spend time, quality time with these incredible people who took time to spend my birthday with me. Let's Party!

The sun was just getting ready to set. The light was golden so I kind of ushered (read, threw) everyone outside onto the back porch. I NEED A PICTURE!! Derrick and I had everyone line up on the staircase just as the sun was starting to dip below the horizon. Mark was handed the camera and he quickly snapped off a few shots. PERFECT! When I am much older, sitting in a wheel chair and dribbling I will clutch this picture in my hand and remember one of the best moments in my life!

I was afraid of what would happen, though we partied until 4:00 in the morning the party seemed to last no more than about 20 minutes. A terrific time thanks to Sylvie (especially Sylvie) , Derrick and our most gracious hosts and dearest friends Bob and Kris.

Sylvie commissioned one incredible painting by dad and Derrick designed these unbelievable invitations. He blew one up to poster size on stretched canvas poster frame WOW!! Most of the group had left by about 11:00 PM and it was time to whip out the cigars and do some shots!! We laughed told jokes and had a few terrific little corona cigars that Bill brought. Back to our house at about 1:30. Everyone hit the hay except Claybo and Jim so we headed for the "pub" for a few nightcaps (or should I say, eye openers). Of course we died laughing. Amazing how the same jokes and stories can elicit some good laughs even 20 + years after!!

Thank you Sylvie, I love you........