You're older than you've ever been and now you're even older...

My thanks goes out to everyone who made my birthday so much fun! Here's a smattering of pictures from the festivities. It might not be readily apparent from most of the pictures I've chosen, but the central activitiy of the night was karaoke. Secondary activities included smoking on the back porch and playing with pampered and human-food crazy Zeth and Edmundo. For the most part, we hung in with songs from the 70s and 80s. Haven't thought of the Thompson Twins in awhile; haven't sung Heart's "Alone" in company. Also, I'm still amazed that "Ice, Ice Baby" made it into the karaoke selection. I sang it again, and it's as much of a room clearer as Kate Bush's "Cathy"—fabulous effort on the parts of Andretta and Darise notwithstanding. Plus, it was great to have Tom working the microphone; he can be a bit scarce around karaoke time, and Andretta is always looking to share some Madonna with him. And, while I'm at it, it was great to have Reginald Witherspoon with us; he's been a little under the weather, so give him some love.

Marlin was our gracious host, and I thank him so much for all his hard work. Piper and Neko both brought cakes that they'd made from some sort of scratch that I've never scratched. Brilliant work, I must say. These cakes were delicious, even after the whole "sticks of butter" discussion (and, yes, I have found them, and yes, they've migrated to my ass). Seriously, there was a lot of cake, and it was go-ood.

Let's see, I'm thankful that no one followed through on the spanking threats, though it seems as if this tradition was replaced wholesale by birthday poking, not a good sign. Some people (you know who you are)need to get over this poking habit tout suite or there's going to be an accident—car or urine—and you'll have a lot of explaining to do. What else? Oh yeah, I've got to thank Tam for not continuing to sing Dire Straits after the first attempt. He inadvertently changed the sultans to peons, but he came back strong with "Mack the Knife."

So, thanks again everyone! I've had fun getting older with you all.