Bar Hopping

When you hear the words "bar hopping," it may sound like a wild and crazy night, but not when it involves a birthday dinner for a 78-year-old and gathering of guys nearly 35 years out of high school.

The birthday boy (well almost) was my father-in-law. So we met up at the Wild Horse Saloon for fish fries and good burgers to celebrate with Grandpa Austin. It was Jim's parents, his sister, husband and son (and Colin's girlfriend), and Jim, Carter and me.

People often mistake Carter and my nephew Colin for brothers. Do you see why?

After dinner, we stopped over at Jim's sister Sherry's for cake and ice cream. Can't turn down carrot cake. Stayed there for a little bit before the crowd dispersed. Carter went off to hang out with friends and Jim and I headed downtown to the Whiskey Rapids Saloon.

His high school buddy Pete (who we visited and stayed with in Colorado last year) was in town for the night and met us out. His sister and brother-in-law also were out and Jim and Pete's classmate Gregg also joined us.

It was as if the stars all aligned and the cool kids from the Assumption High School class of 1981 reunited. It was a nice, but brief, reunion. Miss seeing those guys! So happy Jim still keeps in touch with friends from way back.

And even though we were all yawning by 9:30 p.m., it was so nice to just be out.

Can't complain when bar hopping these days means good friends AND cake!