I

arrived in Medford, Oregon, last night at about 5 p.m. I was later than usual because I wanted to hang around Reno for a bit longer for the Hot August Nights stuff and pick up a t-shirt and poster.

My sister WAS genuinely surprised at the surprise party, but her sons and daughters-in-law had to work like hell to pull off the ruse. They took her to Ashland yesterday afternoon, while one of the daughters-in-law went to my sister's house to prepare the dinner. Other relatives came by at around 7 in the evening. Pat (my sister), came through the doorway at around 7:30 or so and was shocked there were 17 people in her house wishing her a happy birthday.

My nephew Greg, the independent filmmaker, and I taped the proceedings, and a bunch of us took pictures.

Greg was nice enough to create a CD of Pat of her life story. How in the heck he got so much material, including 8 mm film, is still somewhat of a mystery. He and his wife, Laura (aka Keever), also presented her with an all-expenses paid trip to Italy for next year. The details still have to be worked out. I may end up going on the group tour as well, depending on how much it costs. I am working on paying for the New York trip for next June.