At the Half-Way Point...

I just found this in my email box. It's the invitation I sent out to my 35th birthday party last May. I was pretty wound up about having churned through the first half of my three-score-and-ten. For the record, I did not paddle the Don River that morning, although I've done so three times in the past.



Hey everyone,



This is your invitation to celebrate my most unlikely achievement thus far.



Unless something very unfortunate happens very soon, it appears I will

survive until my 35th birthday. This would be contrary to most predictions

including my own, so it's well worth making a fuss over.



However, just to be on the safe side, I'm going to have the party a couple

of days early.



Please join me, plus a host of revelling well-wishers at the

Ancient Newland Family Residence this Sunday, after I have (hopefully... )

successfully paddled the Don River that morning.



A Barrel of Beer awaits you, nicely enhanced by various grilled and/or

burned items from the local butcher's. Vegetarians, tee-totallers, picky

eaters and generous souls are welcome to throw in booze & food, but what I

really want is your company.



The place: my place.

The time: from 3.30 PM onward - come early if you have kids, there will be

lots for them to do.

The occasion: I only mention that it's my birthday so people feel compelled

to come.

The caveat: the place is perpetually mid-renovation, but the vibes are

always good.

The karma: if my hubris results in my sudden departure, please hold the

party anyway.



See you there I hope...



David.