create: a birthday party

I decided to host my birthday party for my 60th year, and at first, I thought I would have it at my brother's home in American Canyon in order for his wife who had cancer to attend and for just close family with a chef to cook our favorite Filipino dishes. Instead spring and summer were seasons spent visiting various cancer hospitals and then a funeral. After such a sad summer, I was then back to work. 

And so change of plan for my October 5th big day--a pottery party day of, but a Filipino food party in the club house with both family, neighbors and co-worker friends the day before.  I knew I wanted lots of good food, wine and beer, lovely floral decor, and a convivial atmosphere from the right guest list, where everyone knew at least one other person at the party to have something in common that they could talk about while sipping a beverage. I wanted friends and co-workers and family to all be able to mingle.              

And I'm really fortunate that most of my friends and neighbors and family are able to talk to anybody. 

I was also lucky to have the space or access to a club house with ample seating, dining tables, kitchen and restrooms and even indoor and outdoor pools, if kids wanted to swim, for a comfortable and relaxed setting. I decided on buffet style serving in the kitchen for all the Filipino food platters and brought more chairs and small tray tables to place in little nooks. I had too many buffet tables and should've put the halo halo and dessert bar where I had too much space for food trays. It was okay as the kids said their favorite was the snow cone machine and making their own tropical sundaes.

This was the largest party I ever threw, where I had invited 36 people.

I also started the party early in order to not end so late for the sake of kids and bedtimes. There was still light out on this early fall afternoon. 

My niece's and nephew's kids or my brother's grandchildren were very well-behaved.

Their church, I think, makes them used to crowds and new faces. I love that they just plopped themselves where they wanted.

I liked that my co-workers had familiar faces to socialize with,

 for my family to meet my orbits of people,

and for my family to come together for a celebration.

I was so pleased that my nephew and his wife were able trundle 5 kids into a car trip across the bay.

My niece likewise trotted her 3 kids and brother's brother-in-law brought his family from far away...

...and as I mentioned before, these kids were a delight to be around with...

...and my favorite goofballs.

This birthday party though a lot of work gave me a lot of joy, so much so that I'll likely be hosting another large gathering to celebrate my retirement in 5 years.