Anatomy of a Birthday

It was my birthday last weekend. Have I mentioned that?

There was only one place on Earth for me to be. Ocean Beach Park, New London, Connecticut.
.With my peeps. We had a total of 7 coolers, I think, and 2 picnic baskets, 3 tables, 2 umbrellas, and about 84 chairs. We brought lunch and happy hour and dinner.

I set up shop to receive calls.

. Happy? Oh yes.

Poor MB and Mark suffered through a ride in traffic before their triumphant arrival. The Ocean Beach boardwalk is completed, and is beautiful.

And look. Look who was there.

Ledgie. In all her glory.

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We had quite an encampment down by the beach.

I took the opportunity to play Champagne Homerun Derby with some of the many bottles of champers we had with us, but Champagne Homerun Derby is impossible on the beach. Because there is no bittersweet-covered fence at Champagne Park; there is nothing to pop the cork over. The good news, though, is I jacked one over the fence the next day. Schleckah: 2, Ellie: 2, Dawnie: 1.

I got a fierce birthday card from Jennie. She and I like to compare shark bites.

Happy? Oh yes.

And then, it was time to decamp to our second site, up near the Gam and the stage.

Mister Dibble hates the beach but loves to haul stuff. He is a firefighter. He's good at hauling stuff.

Happy Girl Jennie was on table duty . . .

. . . while Nancy and I hauled the chairs.

It was a swift and successful operation . . .

. . . with MB and Mark bringing up the rear.

The day was a veritable birthday lovefest. And Jonny M. was no exception.

And then? More presents. I love presents. Especially on the beach, under a sunset, in the shadow of the Gam. That's the second shirt MB gave me. I'm already wearing the first one.
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And the biggest treat of all? We got to watch the full moon rise over the water.

. And the Reducers were pretty great, too.

It was a perfect day. I love birthdays. Have I mentioned that?