Ordinary Wonderment

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The gang's all here: (left to right) Mom, Brother, Cousin, Aunt, Norma, Todd, Julie, Aunt Chef, Jamie & Uncle.

Today's Joy: Celebrating.
Happy Tuesday, Reader. Today was a special milestone birthday for Aunt. As one does not reveal a lady's age, we'll just say it was important that we 'do it up right'. She requested a gathering of friends and family at Cabana Charley's in Sycamore, a crazy-fun tiki bar crossed with a sports bar and Caribbean cheeseburger joint. It's the sort of place Kenny Chesney & Jimmy Buffett might open, if they ever went into the restaurant business together.

What a great evening! We all had a wonderful time laughing and relaxing. Mom, Brother & Uncle all tried fried alligator tail for the first time and liked it! Tastes like chicken, Uncle said.

While I don't often have a drink, I did succumb to the charms of the $6 bucket (see the Shipwreck pictured below) and something wonderful called a Swing Wam Cherry Bomb (also below). Both were fruity deliciousness. I love these evenings when we get the usual cast of characters together and all try something new. You never quite know what will happen, but whatever it is, it'll be darn funny.

After we had our fill, the waitress presented Aunt with a decadent birthday dessert which was quickly passed around the table. All agreed it was a most enjoyable birthday. Here, for your enjoyment, Reader, are some favorite highlights: