BLITHE BIRTHDAY WITH BUBBLY ( BUT BARRY...)

What would have been a fully festive week was brought down with the news of the passing by cancer of our friend Barry Dantzic. I worked with Barry at A.C. Nielsen long ago, but then reconnected when it turned out I was working with his wife at Seneca years later! He was a hearty guy, car enthusiast, and loved to make fun of pretense. Another taken way before his time. Our hearts go out to Kim.

There were other highs (up the ladder) and lows (under the deck). The frogs have again created a maternity ward, with globs of eggs in the water plants and mom standing guard. But the major event was a special birthday, with Pat blowing out the candle and a sparkler at two different parties (only one with a dress code). I decided to have a lighthouse gift-wrapped for her ---- no peeking! And we also drove down to Stratford for Blithe Spirit, a much-needed comedy to lighten our mood. The actors, set, and venue were all excellent.

And the bubbly?? To areate the pond, a ShopVac in reverse!