Halloween and Carolyne’s 11th Birthday

Living on a boat and orchestrating birthday parties like the ones we used to do at home just don’t jive. I’m always amazed when I hear about the birthday extravaganzas that my sister concocts for my niece... themed wonderlands in her own backyard with fantastic costumes and vellum ribboned invites, chocolate fountains and marvelous cakes topped with mile-high icing creatures.

Cruising and celebrating birthday’s are basically about where you are and who you’re with. A beach and cake and friends... that’s about all it takes to make an at-heart cruiser kid happy... unless you happen to be in Santa Rosalia, Mexico!

I asked some of our cruiser friends here at the Old Marina if they would bring a quick appetizer to Carolyne’s birthday gathering on Halloween at the Palapa of Knowledge, the Old Marina's cruiser hang out. I explained to everyone that it would be an simple, easy, laid-back social affair to celebrate another year with Carolyne. I told them I was making a carrot cake to share. Well, wouldn’t you know... with these folks there ain’t nuthin’ impromptu when it comes to a party... especially when it comes to a child.

Teri on Ulla Lena made tissue paper flowers and tied them around the dilapidated Palapa of Knowledge after she wiped down all the tables with Clorox. Dips, crackers, watermelon, Brian's homemade smoked fish,spooky hotdogs and layered guacs were laid out upon linen tablecloths. Wrapped gifts appeared: handmade beaded bracelets, anklets, a necklace, crocheted socks and headbands, hats, store bought outfits, and hair doodles and doodads. Jesse on Francis Lee brought in a huge tub of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Zeda on Eyoni brought a darling pink cake in the shape of 11, Carolyne's age, and it was a blessing because we wouldn't have had enough birthday cake for all the people who came otherwise. And some of those old single hander salty dogs that showed up who said they didn't know what in the world to give an 11 year old girl presented her with dinero. The generosity and kindness were overwhelming.

Carolyne has a lifetime of memories thanks to the kind folks at The Palapa of Knowledge.