Thinking about past birthdays, I have a few.  Oh, a couple, but just a couple of very significant so-called celebrations.

Probably the most fun and rewarding celebration was one I planned to surprise my sister, Judy.  She and her family had moved back to Wisconsin, so in my mind, this was a celebration. One of her much-anticipated and one for her birthday.

I found out that a very special person, Johnny Mathis, was performing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She always loved John Denver, and I couldn’t think of a better gift to give her.  So, my husband, Michael, her husband, and I planned to pick her up from work to go to someplace special for the celebration.  She became quite confused when we kept driving, as going to Milwaukee was quite a bit further than she anticipated for any special restaurant.

To say she was both surprised and pleased where we were going made all the secretive planning worthwhile.  After the performance, we went to a very special restaurant, Maders also in Milwaukee,

I love these kinds of presents as memories are better than gifts any day.