The party started long before I got to Denver, and in a far far away place. His birthday present from his off-spring, Debbie and Davy, was a Cardinal's baseball game in St. Louis.

Bud returned to Franktown satisfied with his birthday party. In the meantime, with LaVona's help, Davy, Debbie and I schemed to surprise him at a dinner out with his friends in Denver on Saturday.

Above right you don't see Bud behind Debbie, greeting me with Davy in the near background. This was his initial surprise at the restaurant.

To the left Bud is still in shock of the whole thing being comforted by LaVona.

Sunday the family went on an outing in Estes Park, northwest of Denver in the mountains. We were in for a surprise!

After driving around the park (above the elevation where moose turn into elk) enjoying the mild weather and abundant wildlife, we took off on a hike in higher elevations.

Debbie instigated the photo to the left in response to a similar one Carolyne and I had sent her taken of us at our place in the piney woods of east Texas. If you can't tell, that's Debbie and me.

As we climbed past two of the three lakes we intended to visit, the weather cooled off significantly and the wind picked up.

Between the times these in which these two photos were taken the wind picked up to over 30 mph and it started snowing sideways directly into our faces. We were still .7 mile short of our destination. Never the less, I bailed. Bud & Debbie chided me, "Aren't you having fun?" I replied, "Yes, but the fun will stop & I don't want to be there when it does." I proceeded down hill and they eventually followed.

We drove up the mountain to the pass that was closed due to snow and ice. Dinner was next on the list of to dos. In Estes Park, the town, we found a nice restaurant, warmed up with hot chocolate & schnapps, and had a fun dinner together.

At first I denied the menu offer to have the local trout filleted at the table. It never occurred to me that it would be cooked first. It was and the waitress did a nice job of it.

Monday morning we took off for a half day trip to Royal Gorge, Davy "had to be back early to deliver some material to a client", he he!

The weather was exactly the opposite of that in Estes Park, hot & dry. The bridge is on the left, a view from the tram into the gorge on the right.

Is LaVona smiling or grimacing on the ride down into the gorge?

Returning to Franktown, late of course, we didn't precede the surprise party guests enough to get Bud away from the house. So, the party began.

The candles were lighted and great fun was made of the disposition of the tall thin ones.

Bud & I were having fun, but I don't recall the exact topic.

Left is a photo of some of the guests in the foreground with Bud & LaVona's front/side yard in the background.

There were outdoor activities of croquet and horseshoes. Right, Mark was conked in the head and here displays his injury. He said he was struck with a horseshoe, but it turned out to be a pine cone. And, most of the blood was ketchup...

I had to leave Tuesday, so I missed the continuing birthday celebration that lasted at least several more days and additional trips.

Though it was a great trip for me to be with my brother and his family on his 60th birthday. And to surprise him so (he didn't come to mine), but I sorely missed having Carolyne along with me to share the enjoyment with us all.

Next time!

And many more!