Wonderful Time for Thinking

My precious bride Kathy turns .......... this month. I won't say her age because that would perhaps be bad form. Let's just say she'll be half a century. WOW! What a landmark, not to be missed! Kathy is my sweetheart, my treasure, my life. I love her so much and I always want her to feel cherished and cared for. Wanting to celebrate this achievement in grand style, I threw her a surprise birthday party at a very nice Spanish restaurant at an Orlando landmark, Church St. Station. It's a new restaurant in a turn of the century, beautifully restored building in downtown. At the restaurant they feature flamenco dancers and Spanish guitars.

We had the party in their lavishly appointed upstairs ballroom. We called the party, "The First Lady's Ball." I had an appearance in the early part of the evening, for WDBO radio, in another venue on the same property, in "The President's Ballroom." It featured syndicated talk show host Neil Bortz and Washington bureau chief Jamie Dupree, and surprise guest, good ole' GW. (Me)

It aroused no suspicion when (as pre-arranged) the event planner, one of the WDBO staff asked me if I would look in on some VIP guests of theirs in another room. Kathy and I, as well as my Secret Service Agents, and their wives, all took off to do this simple gratis greeting. Kathy had no clue when we walked in to the room, only to hear SURPRISE! The look on Kathy's face was priceless. The party was great, and the entertainment was too. We brought in three wonderful performers who are also friends of mine. They are "The Three Amigos!" Actually, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Martin Short look-a-likes! They did a great job both as their perspective counterparts, and as the Three Amigos!

Steve Martin performed his famous KingTut song, and Chevy did a little investigative report as "Fletch."

The party ended with my present to Kathy, a continuation on the Mexican theme, a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. No performance, no work, just relaxing.

Cabo is the place that has that famous rock with the hole in it, known as "The Arch." We were blessed with the use of a friend’s house overlooking the ocean. Quite a place. Kathy and I had a wonderful relaxing time, with lots of time for reflecting and pondering. One day, we ran into Ray Romano’s family and he was gracious enough to pose for a candid shot.

It was interesting how; we could eat great food in what looked like little more than a garage, and pay next to nothing for it, or pay a fortune for the same food, in a lavish and grand setting. Both were nice, and had their place.

Our experience with the locals was very enjoyable. Every morning we would be greeted by five or six Mexican workers in the back yard, doing tile work on the pool. I would have preferred a little more privacy, but beggars can't be choosers.

Well, we're back now, rested and smiling, and ready to see if I can become McCain...