My dear friend Gail celebrated a birthday yesterday and as a celebration of our unique friendship, I threw her a birthday wake!  We had black armbands, funeral flowers, sang funeral songs instead of happy brithday, and mourned over a black beach towel with a chalk body outline. Yeah, I know it's tacky, but by now readers of Doehill ought to expect that from me!

We had presents of prunes, baby blankets [for her second childhood], depends, and humorous "over-the-hill" cards. It was so funny because no one is lesss "over the hill" than Gail. She is a woman of many surprises--she loves trips, snorkeling, antique shopping, catering, and rummage sales. She is one of the smartest and funniest and most gracious people I know--and the first friend I made at our church many years ago.

Here's to you Gail---you are one in a million!