how about black and white to life? since all the movies and photos of the age were in black and white, we have a lot of reference material for everything but the real color of things... and the sounds, and the tastes, which are my favorite part of listening to the grownups- my grandmother talking about being a teenager in the 'teens' and a young woman during Prohibition were mesmerizing (the Great Gatsby only had money- nanna had a mind of her own!) and it might be nice to remember the days when folks still wore hats and bothered being polite about things... and, best of all- most of the music from that era's now out on CD, so you don't have to try and find a new needle for the phonograph!

Where are all the postings from other people? Okay, I have another idea... Send him on a Scavenger Hunt the day of the party. It will get him out of your hair for a while and give him something to do. You will have to do some work to put this together. If you live in a small town it will be easier for you as the shop owners will probably know you and will help you out. Before the party, make up clues to send him to each pre-arranged location and eventually back to wherever his party will take place. If he is leaving from home give him a beautifully wrapped box with the first clue in it. The first clue will lead him to his favorite garden shop where he will find his next clue near his favoite flower, tree or some garden tool he has been drooling over. Have one of his friends meet him in the row with the flower, tree or tool he is looking for to present him with his small gift (the favorite flower etc.) and give him the next clue. That friend can join him in figuring out the next clue that will lead him to his next favorite place. Give him a funny word to say to someone from the store who is aware of the game you are playing. That person will give him 2 clues one to find his gift in the store and the second to his next location. The next clue will lead him to a coffee shop where a few of his buddies will be waiting to have coffee with him. They will buy him a coffee and each give him a piece of the clue which will lead him to the next destination. All the friends will join him to the next location, perhaps his fav. place for lunch where he will meet more friends for a light lunch and more clues. Some of the gifts can be pre-arranged to be gag gifts given at lunch or coffee. You know what he likes so you can plan his destinations and gifts. The final destination will be where his party will be held and the rest of his friends will be there to join in on the fun. You can meet him with a stop watch telling him if he wasn't as old as dirt he would have figured out the clues faster and been home hours ago. The rest of the party can have the garden theme but how about a ho-down (don't know if this is spelled correctly) but you get the idea. Have all the things you mentioned along with a big bowl filled with water and apples for dunking for apples, hire a Caller and have square dancing if you have the room or someone to do line dancing and other (I'm going to have to call it country dancing because the name escapes me right now). You can also rent a floor to lay down in yr. yard if you don't have a deck or patio to dance on. Okay, I'm done for the night. If I think of something else I will post again. Eyerish PS sorry if I spelled anything wrong, I need Spell Check!

Did she ask him what he'd want, or is this a surprise party? Good luck finding something that will get everyone to participate! LOL But if it's a favorite of his, that would encourage more participation. Also, how far do you want to go? Is this some major dress-up or a theme for decoration, menu and atmosphere? It could also have an impact on people who are financially strapped if that applies to any of the guests. Not trying to be a wet blanket, just pointing out some things to consider. Without knowing the people at all, I can't give any suggestion on a theme. But I can wish you luck and hope the party's a blast!

Ahh, time for some red, white, and blue! This one sure has lots of little details in it. You did an excellent job on the lettering on her skirt--well all of it really, but doing it wavy like that would probably mess me up! LOL So glad your rain put you in a painting mood! ;o) Luvs