My Friend Pete Turns 70!

Pete's friends now how to throw one hell of a party. I met and had conversations with about 30 of the 40 people who came. There was great food, good company, and a wide selection of fine spirits available for consumption.

Here's a few more photos from the happy happening:

Pete was born around 6:00 a.m. on August 9, 1933. Twelve hours later, the U.S. government repealed prohibition. Some of the party attendees say it was because upon Pete's birth, they saw an emerging market and couldn't pass on the opportunity. That story is why he's got a champagne bottle vintage 1933 on his cake...you can guess the reasons for the women and song references on the cake on your own. :)

Here's Pete cutting his birthday cake. His neighbor, who helped organize the party is holding the pan and table steady for him.

Here's Pete with his girlfriend, Elaine, and one of his grandsons who is obviously eyeing the cake.

Pete has a hardy laugh while his close friend, Gary offers a birthday roast.

In my opinion, one of the things that made the evening very special was the performance by Dorothy & Company, a swing, jazz, polka trio. In addition to their phenomenal renditions of Stardust, S'Wonderful, and a five-song polka medley, they allowed one of the guests, Pete's friend, Bob, sing his version of Mack the Knife. It was quite a good performance.

As you can see by the photos, a fun time was had by all. I truly enjoyed myself, especially having the opportunity to meet many of the people about whom I've heard stories about over the 12 years that I've known Pete. It was really nice to meet his son, Carl, and daughter, Linde and her fiance, Neil.

Pete was kind enough to let me stay overnight in his guest room, so I was able to partake in some of the alcoholic libations being served. I did my part in the team effort of finishing off four different bottle of single malt scotch, three red wines including an excellent Merlot, and I believe when I asked for a Coke someone handed me a Heineken. Surprisingly, even having consumed more than my normal annual alcohol quota in one night, the next day I did not have anything resembling a hangover or even a headache. I suspect it had to do with eating enough good food over the course of the evening as well as the obvious absence of really cheap booze.