I am preparing a surprise birthday party for my husband.  This year is a significant birthday for him, although he wouldn’t want me to tell you which one.  He will be entering a new decade of life, so I want for us to celebrate this event.  Since he is a person who likes to keep everything simple in life, I will keep the guest list small.  He certainly would not enjoy 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.  For those who insist on a present, I’m suggesting they give a charitable gift to those less fortunate than we are, in my husband’s honor.

In order to keep expenses as limited as possible, I will have this party at our house, rather than renting a party room.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate because we have a lovely back yard which my husband enjoys.  We have plenty of seats for everyone with our patio furniture and lawn chairs.  The covered outdoor fireplace and our solar garden lighting will be perfect for just the right amount of lighting.  Our outdoor stereo system is perfect for providing festive music.

In the past, finding suitable birthday refreshments has been a challenge because my husband is not a lover of cake.  I have substituted with various treats like pudding cups, chocolate chip cookies, and candy bars.  Since this birthday has such significance, I have chosen an almost sinful turtle cheesecake to take the place of the traditional birthday cake.  The crunchy, salted pecans and rich chocolate and caramel swirls which drizzle over the creamy cheesecake will be a treat my husband will find scrumptious.  It’s a delicious alternative that will satisfy all of our guests’ cravings.

(Later, now.)  Upon completion of the plans, the eagerly anticipated date of my husband’s birthday party celebration has finally arrived.  As luck would have it, the evening is beautiful…clear skies, sparkling stars, warm temperature, and a light breeze.  As I excitedly lead my husband outside in the pretense of taking a stroll around the garden, our loved ones surprise him by singing “Happy Birthday” to him.  I hold the turtle cheesecake as he proceeds to blow out lots and lots of candles.  As each guest takes their first mouth-watering bite, they rave about how delicious the turtle cheesecake tastes.  My husband whole-heartedly agrees.  He thoroughly enjoys this birthday cake substitution.

The surprise birthday party I planned for my husband turned out to be exactly what he likes most…a simple get-together with our family; enjoying the easy banter among loved ones; appreciating the time spent in each other’s company.  He laughed at the funny cards, romped in the grass with the children, teased his brothers, and especially savored his birthday cheesecake.

When the party was finished and everyone had gone, my thoughtful husband thanked me profusely (and I think sincerely) for having the kind of party he truly could enjoy.  I asked him if he had any suspicion about this surprise.  He replied, “I kind of suspected something was going to happen”.  At least the turtle cheesecake was a surprise!