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I am preparing a surprise birthday party for my husband.  This year is a significant birthday for him.  He will be entering a new decade of life, so I want to celebrate this event more than we usually do.  Since he is a man who likes to keep everything simple in life, I will keep the guest list small.  He certainly would not appreciate a grand affair, nor would he want a lot of presents to open.  That’s why I’m asking the guests to only bring lighthearted birthday wishes in the form of humorous greeting cards.  For those who insist on a present, I’m suggesting they give a charitable gift to those less fortunate than us, in my husband’s honor.

I plan to host this surprise birthday party at our home.  We have a very roomy yard which is ideal for entertaining.  There is ample room for our parents and brothers and sisters to sit comfortably on the patio, as well as a nice lawn for the younger children to cavort. Decorations will consist of connectingstrings of brightly colored patio lights, which will also illuminate the area sufficiently.  Easy-listening music will be played on our outdoor CD player to create an ambience of serenity.

My husband is not a cake lover, so finding suitable birthday refreshments is always a troublesome matter.  In the past, we have had oatmeal cookies or vanilla ice cream with various fruit toppings.  One year, he was perfectly content with popsicles.  This year, I have decided to serve a delicious turtle cheesecake.  The rich caramel and chocolate fudge combined with the distinctive tanginess and texture of cheesecake will be a special treat.  The sprinkling of salty pecans will certainly keep his taste buds satisfied.

Flash forward:  With all of the planning of this surprise birthday party accomplished, the day of this celebration finally arrived.  Mother Nature provided a gorgeous evening.  Our parents, siblings, children and friends were in our back yard, waiting to shout the customary “Surprise!”, as I led my husband outdoors to enjoy the delightful weather.  Cards were opened, read, laughed at, and passed around for all to enjoy.  “Happy Birthday” was sung as I presented the turtle cheesecake, complete with a few lit candles, to my husband.  As I predicted, my husband and our party guests thoroughly enjoyed this birthday cake substitute.

It was an evening of quiet, comfortable pleasure; full of stimulating conversation, light-hearted jokes, and treasured fellowship of close friends and family…exactly the kind of celebration that my husband appreciates.

After everyone had gone, when I asked my dear hubby if he had an inkling of the surprise birthday party, he replied with twinkling eyes, “Well, the turtle cheesecake was a surprise.”  Turtle cheesecake is, indeed, the extra-special treat for this extra-special birthday!