Super Fun Happy, the real thing

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I was going to do something fun on Monday. But at the risk of spoiling the surprise plan for a friend’s 50th birthday party, I couldn’t mention what I was so looking forward to. I mean, who knows who reads this blog.

I had so much fun!

My friend’s husband rented a 26-passenger party bus which loaded all of the guests on first and then proceeded to the pickup point for the birthday girl who was with her husband and the couple she thought she was having dinner alone with that night.

We were heading to Philadelphia, about an hour away, for dinner. And that bus was a blast!

Unfortunately, with the bus moving and the light constantly switching, I turned on the flash and pretty much left it on all night. I don’t enjoy what flash does to a photograph but the light wasn’t the greatest. And I’m lazy sometimes.

I also discovered a new drink just in time for summer.

This is Sweet Carolina, one of the new “sweet tea vodkas” to hit the market and it’s a fun summer beverage.

We had it on the rocks and paired with fresh lemonade. The combination was perfect. While music played and hors d’ouvres were passed around, friends and family enjoyed each other’s company while the guest of honor opened some of her presents.

She had no idea where we were going, nor did she seem to care. She’s a fun person and always up for adventure.

We caused quite a stir during our arrival at the restaurant. And the scent wafting out of these doors was heavenly.

We entered the long, narrow building made of brick and stone and the owner led us to our reserved section. Business was light, making it perfect.

Down the stairs and to the right is where we’re headed.

The flash brought out the stone walls, the fixtures and that gorgeous tapestry on the back wall. Where you see that little archway on the left lies a tiny secluded room with a table for two. I was intrigued and went to investigate.

One entire wall was decorated with beautiful bottles of wine, now empty and bearing the dates they were used. Some of the labels were gorgeous, and candles shed a romantic glow.

I took this standing at the archway, looking into the room where our tables were. We had a fantastic meal and afterwards, a cake was brought out with much fanfare, candles were blown out and company was enjoyed. If you’re ever in the Philadelphia area, I highly recommend this establishment.

When we left, full and happy, we entered the limo to find that it was equipped with neon lighting throughout the ceiling. It was groovy, man. We soon found ourselves driving through the streets of Philadelphia, singing to oldies on the local radio station, and gawking at the eclectic shops of South Street and the people who were out and about.

Because it was so dark, I had to set the camera in a way that left the lens open for a long time and with the bus moving, it made for some interesting finds on the memory card.

 

Here’s what some of the neon lights looked like. One of the streets was cobblestone and I think it’s while we were driving on that one that I shot the next picture.

 

I started getting sort of artsy with the lights and the speeds of the camera. I think I’ll entitle this one Riders on the Storm.

Or not.

It isn’t that often that I laugh this hard and have this much fun.

You know, I think of all the presents she received, this one may be the one she gets the most use out of her favorite.

Happy 50th Birthday to my friend, Kathy! May your hot flashes be few and your friends be many.

Until tomorrow, my friends . . .