It's early Wednesday morning - Michael just left for work - everyone else is still in bed. Max is outside barking his head off, Fritz is in kitchen, barking his head off, and Sandi is snoozing in hallway oblivious to all. JANE, YOUR BED IS SOOOOOOOOO COMFORTABLE - I LOVE IT!!! Only problem - Fritz can't jump that high (is he "white-blooded?) and doesn't want to be picked up so this old lady had to chase him around the bed for half an hour chasing him before bedding down. Then - Dad got up at 3:30 for a potty run and of course Fritz jumped off bed to follow. After much coaxing and chasing I gave up and got up. Yuck - I will be a wreck today.

Now for the party report: Mike's plane was delayed 3 hours in Dallas due to heavy rain, wind squalls, etc. We got thru dinner and then Ellen left for airport to pick him up. We told Nancy that dinner had disagreed with her and she was thowing up. Anyhow, we all came back to house, Ellen arrived from airport (no Mike in sight) and when we all gathered to sing Happy Birthday, in walked Mike! Nancy was very happy to see him - but don't know how surprised. We then had cake (50 candles - hah).

Everyone came except Katie - she had finals yesterday and couldn't get here in time - and I think they all enjoyed themselves. They (Marianne and Catherine offered $$$ to pay for Nancy and boys, but I refused. Michael gave Grampa $$$ - but I will pay him back. Marianne gave her money to Ellen, and Ellen gave it to Christian who looked VERY pleased to get it. She told him to buy a present for Mom and Dad (Marianne and James) and then buy himself a dinosaur - and then he looked VERY VERY pleased. - lol. He is adorable. After Eric, Catherine, Marianne, James and Christian left, Ellen, me, Nancy and Mike sat around talking until almost midnight -Joey and Jamie fell asleep on sofas. Nancy, Mike, and boys are coming over for dinner today and I told them they had to cook!

Ellen wants to go to beach this morning - she is going home later today. It's supposed to be in the high 70's!! It is foggy here and very, very muggy. I spied the new Barnes and Noble (huge) near Lynnhaven mall so that's where I want to go. You will laugh at this - Suzi, Michael, and I rode to restaurant with Ellen with Michael giving directions. He had Ellen turn too soon, turning left and right in parking lots, up and down back streets, thru back alleys, and finally arriving at restaurant. We all thought it was hilarious.

Hope you are both safe in all the ice up there - and will be headed south soon.