Mid Century Surprise

Our covert operation is complete. After much planning and even more anticipation, Didi and I successfully surprised Paige with a 50th birthday party. I invited her for a volleyball swim party promising a birthday happy hour over Labor Day weekend. Our deceit paid off. She was shocked

The scene: 20 of Paige's friends, a pink and green theme, champagne, pink cupcakes, lots of fun.

Chez Woods became a blushing verdant bistro.

The cupcakes had disaster written all over them (quality control problems with the adorable pink and white polka dot papers) but a little teamwork changed disaster into delightful. Some green ribbon, swirly frosting, decorations and a tiered setting. Voila. Eat your heart out SPRINKLES.

My husband , Lynn, graciously offered to tend bar and he even wore a pink shirt. What a sport. (I think he liked being the only man amongst all these ladies.)

Leah found a job as look out for Paige and she kept the party on track by insisting we quit visiting and take time out to let Paige open her gifts.

And what gifts they were: gift certificate to Trapeze University, several thongs, a beautiful teapot, a lovely breakfast themed basket, so many girly accessories and a pair of rubber gloves that brought out the skanky side of a few of the guests! We oohed and ahhhhed the night away. Well that's not all we did.

The morning after:

Our party drew to a close around 11:30. I think we gave Paige a nice beginning to mid Century life.

Reality Bites

Lynn was watching House Hunters on HGTV. He hollered "come here, this woman looks just like you." I saw a thirtysomething, slim, blonde. I didn't know how he could think she looks like me. I knew she didn't.

Then the camera moved back and revealed my real tv-twin. Fifty something, chunky woman with short dirty blonde hair. The word that came to mind was "dowdy". It was a slap in the face, a reality check. I was horrified that my husband thinks I look like her.

What is he thinking???? The more I thought about it, I realized that he didn't think she was dowdy/dikey/unattractive. If I remember my logic class: He loves me and he thinks I'm pretty therefore other women who look like me are pretty. Corny, but true.

It's time to go on a diet. Whenever I reach for a candy bar or a second helping of potatoes, I'll have to remember my tv-twin and take a walk instead.

Things I Like About Summer

I know. Hard to believe I can find anything to like about summer when the average temp is 110. But here's my list of sizzling favorites.

- Putting on a t-shirt with the lingering scent of sun block on it. You know that cocoa butter smell. It whispers summer and makes me dream of evenings in the pool with KOOL FM playing Crosby, Stills and Nash.

- Leah falling asleep in her bathing suit. There is nothing as sweet as an 8 year old dozing off in her pink print Ariel bathing suit. The next morning she stumbles into the family room, hair askew rubbing her eyes. Her suit is twisted revealing her tan lines (and usually a wedgie.)

- A cold beer. Any kind. Poolside is best.

- Rolling thunder. That deep rumble followed by a brief summer rain raising the humidity and our hope that fall temperatures are coming soon.

- Mornings when the a/c is a little too low and you burrow further under the comforter.

- No guilt about missing church. It's a free pass in the summer.

- Throwing the dogs in the pool and their frantic paddle to the steps.

Attention: PETA

No animals are ever hurt during this activity.

- Gin and tonics. Make mine a tall and don't skimp on the lime.

- The only time of year when salad is an accepted dinner chez Woods.

- Emerging from a frigid movie theater into the blazing sun. You head for the stifling cocoon of your car and there is a 60 second stretch when your body relishes the heat.

- The infrequent silences brought on when the a/c takes a break and the ceiling fans are off. I savor the few moments when I can just listen to the stillness of a 109 degree day.

And those, my friends, are some of the things I like about summer in the desert.