Mom's Retirement Party

My mother retired about a week and a half ago. My sister-in-law put together a surprise retirement party for her and I helped a little once I got into town. My mom thought we had come down for the 4th and her understanding was that we were visiting our good friends that evening.



So she was a little surprised when she saw the party.

I also contributed the cake -- which I made in Oklahoma and then carried for 5 1/2 hours to Little Rock, AR -- with only one mishap when my daughters laptop landed on top of the box and crushed a flower.

It is supposed to be one of those garden stakes. My mom has always thought they were hilarious and I wanted to mimic one in a garden.

She however decided it was a commentary on her backside. Not sure how she got that since she never works in the garden in a dress nor does she put her hair in a bun -- but okay.

I think it all turned out pretty well. And she didn't know about it at all until she saw a guest arrive as she did. Then the pieces started clicking into place. But up until then, she was clueless.

Of course, I had to confess my sins too.