ELOUT NEVALGA CARANDANG'S SURPRISE BIRTHDAY
    "That was a nice shopping spree I just did", Elout thought as she was pulling in the driveway of their house in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "I don't really mind spending that much money, especially today, since it is my birthday anyway".

     As she parked the car, she did not notice anything unusual. While she was unlocking the key to the trunk of the car to retrieve the plastic bags of those things she bought, she gave the yard and the street a quick look around. There was nothing unusual. She was wondering why not a single friend of hers even bothered to call or visit. "Oh well", she must have thought, "they must have forgotten it is her birthday". She is just thankful that Ruffy took her out to the Shopping Mall.

     "It is Saturday and it is a good time to do the house clean up, the laundry, and the bills", so she thought, "no reason to slow down now, just because it is my birthday". "But of course, I will have to try on the new dress I just bought", she smiled thinking. With shopping bags clutched in her hand, the car locked, she opened the back door to her house. She climbed one flight upstairs and "SURPRISE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

     There must have been 20 or so people there greeting her!

     "Where did you all come from?", she asked., "Where are your cars?"

     "We had to have Ruffy take you to the Mall so we could stage the party here and parked on the next block so you would not notice us", explained one of them

     That was a "swell" party, so they say. Elout was so surprised and could not believe it.

     All I could say is, I should have been there! I am sorry, I missed it. The story you just read was relayed to me by the attendees! Happy 50th birthday, Elout! (just kidding), I really do not know how old she is. All I know is, she is 1 or 2 years older than me. (you don't believe that, do you?)