HAPPY HAPPY, JOY JOY!!
today is my DADDY'S birthday!!
i don't know what that means, exactly, but i think it involves stuff like balloons, presents, flowers , and cake. and where there's cake, there's me. and in the end, it's all about me, right?
okay, so maybe it's all about Daddy, but a girl can dream, can't she? of course she can. that's what Mommy did when she used to imagine her perfect mate, and look at who she wound up with! her perfect --not to mention dreamy--mate!
for Mommy, the sweetest part of celebrating Daddy's 
birthday is that is was on this very day, 22 years ago, that Mommy realized she was in love with him. or maybe it was lust. no, it was love. okay, it was love and lust. anyway, during a gathering of co-workers assembled in a noisy bar (in Fresno, CA, no less) in order to drink to the Birthday Boy's health, Mommy somehow managed to get his attention. okay, maybe she managed to monopolize all his time. she was grateful for the fact that he didn't partake of the drinkfest in his honor. he seemed grateful for the fact that she didn't insist on dancing. whatever it was that drew them together, they found
themselves spending the evening in a quiet(ish) corner talking and talking and talking. it was at that time, Mommy believes, that seeds of a lifetime of love and joy were planted. Mommy just liked him. and she found herself wondering what it would be like to taste his perfectly sensuous lips (hence that "lust" thing). of course, i'm here to report she didn't get to find out that night, but it wasn't long before she did. and the rest, as they say, is history (her's, too). by the way, their penchant for avoiding crowds and/or parties at all costs has continued to this day. Mommy and Daddy tend to keep to themselves on special occasions because, dammit, that's just how they are.
now, for any of you wondering what in the hell to give my sweet and most adored Daddy, fear not! i believe the perfect gift can be found, HERE. that's right, this isn't just a means for wishing Daddy Happy Birthday, it's a means for shamelessly promoting him in this week's caption contest! besides, a vote for Daddy may well ensure another year of happiness in our humble abode. so do us all a favor and get over there and vote! it's free, and it will make him so happy! i mean, i think all Mommy has in store for him is a crummy TGSNWM, and then, if i know mommy, and i believe i do, she'll fashion together another of her traditional-yet lame-yet-very-cheesy (and by "lame-yet-cheesy" i mean "ugly-yet-tacky") birthday cakes later in the day. what can i say, tradition is something mommy holds dear. 
HAPPY BIRTHDAY & RABBIT, RABBIT DADDY! even tho' Mommy's about as lame as they come, she loves you with all her heart and is grateful for every day she's had you in her life. and it goes without saying, Bobo and i are, too. (Max is on his own here, and don't even get me started on that cat!) and may this be but one in a lifetime filled with "best days"! of course, as long as i'm in the picture (and i am) how can it miss?
"I remember when the candle shop burned down. Everyone stood around singing Happy Birthday." ~ Steven Wright
Happy birthday Joel! Sounds like a fun day ahead. I am so glad I am not the only one who can remember the day they fell in love with their spouse! :) nifty isn't it?
Posted by: cj | 01 September 2006 at 10:03 AM
Today is my birthday...ta da da..da da. I share this day in history with the likes of Rocky Marciano, Lily Tomlin, and Engelbert Humperdinck (the German composer, not the Tom Jones wannabe). Oddly, my name was not listed on celebrity birthdays...hmmm...will have to talk to someone about that.
But seriously folks, and I know this will sound like the epitome of sap but, I truly am the luckiest guy in the world and everyday warrants a celebration, or more accurately a giving of thanks from me. I am married to the most perfect partner imaginable...and we are blessed in so many ways. It truly feels like our lives, as wonderful as they have been to date, are just now starting to fully blossom, which makes getting "older" something to cherish instead of dread.
Thank you sweetie (and of course Sophie) for the birthday tribute! I adore you!
Rabbitt, Rabbitt!!
Joel
Posted by: joel | 01 September 2006 at 11:23 AM
Great video, by the way...very funny! It was intended to be funny, right? You're not trying to tell me something are you?? Love the Magpies (sp?)always have.
Love you!!!
Posted by: joel | 01 September 2006 at 11:38 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU AMIGO JOEL AND LOVE OF THE WONDROUS NEVA!
Beautiful post, as always, dearest Neva! I loved the story, no it was not sappy but hey, maybe 'tis cause bohemians are lovers of the sap... *sigh* Oh well!
Back to the story... beautiful and what a shining tribute to love itself and to each other! Here's to many more years of looooveee, juicy kisses, delightful getaways, noches de comida mejicana, fun with pups, visits to Spain, life with the fab boys...
What did she say? Yes! You heard me! When y'all coming round for a second honeymoon to crazy Espana! We shall laugh at the cuckoos and have virgin Sangria with delightful veggie delights for the ladies (and since Joel and Loverboy are fish eaters I see, he makes some killer salmon) and... are you sold yet?
*sigh* Bohemians still love to dream!
Have a beautiful day together and party it up any which way satisifies your souls! We are big fans of the low key lifestyle too! Funkified FO SHO!
BESOS TO ONE FAB COUPLE!
Me...
Posted by: Miz BoheMia | 01 September 2006 at 11:46 AM
Rabbitt, Rabbitt and Happy Birthday to you Joel.
I can vote for this caption as it had nothing to do with blondes....sorry I have hammered that subject to death.
As for sap, I am all for it and sometimes feel like a Pollyanna, but now I feel like I am in good company.....wow!!!I am good now I liken myself to this wonderful, talented, funny, beautifull....fill inn your own words here....I am dazled by your charm, and cannot think straight...people.
I will bake a cake in your honor Joel....is chocolate alright? I will even eat it for you....now that is friendship.
Happy Brithday again....old man....uh!!..young man :) Have a happy celebration and don't do anything I would not do....contrary to popular belief that leaves a lot of territory.
P.S. Have a happy Monday ;>
Posted by: Mo'a | 01 September 2006 at 12:02 PM
happy birthday to joel!
(psst- i think that broad with the cake likes you, dude.)
Posted by: FirstNations | 01 September 2006 at 12:27 PM
You know, Puppytoes, I have a blogger friend named Joel I'd like you to meet. I think you might like him.
Happy birthday to Joel and happy party to the family.
Posted by: Doug | 01 September 2006 at 01:37 PM
What a lovely post filled with lots of love on this lovely day in honor of the love of your life!
I hope that cake turns out only slightly ugly and tacky. As long as it tastes good, he won't care. :)
Posted by: Jamie Dawn | 01 September 2006 at 02:01 PM
CJ: yes... it's nice to have a memorable date to help remember a memorable moment! (in my head this made more sense than it does in print) xox
Birthday Boy: who knew when we were musing over the fact that Englebert sang this week's theme song to "Weeds" that the two of you shared a birthday. coincicence? i think not...
as for the lucky one in this relationship? pishposh! anyone who knows us (along with anyone who does not) knows I am the blessed one here. but you just keep thinking that way, and i may let you have another TGSNWM today! i mean, it *is* your birthday, right?
I LOVELOVELOVE YOUYOUYOU!!! xoxox
Miz B: you are too kind and most gracious and no wonder i adore you! 2nd honeymoon in Spain?? sign me up, amiga! altho', to be *technically* correct, it would be our first. that said, our honeymoon has lasted over 21 years, so i'm not complaining! muchos besos, dear BoheMian!! xoxox
Mo'a: that may be the single sweetest thing anyone's ever done for us! to bake a cake *and* eat it? i knew you were talented, but i had no idea of your generosity! did i mention i happen to think you are beyond funny, too? well i do, missy, and don't you forget it! oh, and hey, as long as you're making a cake... any chance you'll have a topper to go with it?? xox
FirstNations: you're such a doll... and i think you're right, that broad with the cake *does* seem to like him...he's a pretty special guy, which is why so many do! xox
Doug: i thank you, puppytoes thanks you... and i'm *quite* certain Joel will thank you, too! xox
Posted by: neva | 01 September 2006 at 02:09 PM
Jamie Dawn: i guess we posted at the same time! thank you for the lovely wishes... sadly, my cakes tend to look utterly pathetic (have i mentioned the fact that i'm *not* a professional cake decorator?) that said, they tend to taste quite yummy! especially if i use enough frosting. and if i keep the lights low no one seems to mind the fact that they'll win no prizes in the county fair! xox
Posted by: neva | 01 September 2006 at 02:12 PM
just for the record...i share my birthday with the REAL Englebert Humperdinck...not the 70's lounge lizard (no offense, sure he's a wonderful chap).
Posted by: joel | 01 September 2006 at 02:32 PM
Honey!!! mea culpa!! the man responsible for the opera about Hansel and Gretel! THAT Englebert Humperdinck!!!
suddenly i feel better about you. and loveloveLOVE you more than ever! XOXO
Posted by: neva | 01 September 2006 at 02:49 PM
Birthday Sweetie Pie: *still*, you have to admit hearing the name Engelbert Humperdinck twice in the same week is a bit of a coinky-dink!
also... you *do* know that the only reason i linked to that video was because i thought the song was funny AND i know you lovelovelove Heckyll and Jeckyll, right? (i figured you did, but it never hurts to ask) I LOVE YOU!! xoxox
Posted by: neva | 01 September 2006 at 03:13 PM
Happy Birthday to Joel! Also Rabbit Rabbit to the entire family.
Posted by: tanlucypez | 01 September 2006 at 03:26 PM
Happy Birthday to Sophie's daddy! Have you rolled on ur back and woofed for him yet??
Many happy returns to both of you x
GG
Posted by: good girl | 01 September 2006 at 03:55 PM
I'm sorry to be so late to the party, but I come bearing gifts, err..votes. *just don't tell da others*
Have a great long weekend by yourselves setting off some Birthday sparks. ;)
Posted by: Brian | 01 September 2006 at 04:17 PM
Good dog puppytoes!!
Happy B-day BoBo :-)
Posted by: kyahgirl | 01 September 2006 at 04:21 PM
Topper?!! No problem, marzipan entwined hearts suit you?....good I love mazipan!!....great idea...I will also eat your hearts ;> That's OK!!!don't thank me....my pleasure.
*grin* you think I am funny? Thanks :)coming from you *grin*
Posted by: Mo'a | 01 September 2006 at 04:30 PM
Alles Gute und Liebe zum geburtstag, Joel.
ch hoffe du hast einen shönen Kuchen und die Kerzen leuchten in euren Augen.
Und ausserdem: Hase hase und einen wundervollen September!
Posted by: Monika | 01 September 2006 at 05:41 PM
HappyHappyBirthdayBirthdaytotoYOUYOU!! :-)
wwss!wwss!
nooooooooooooow... bring on the cake!!
Posted by: Karen | 01 September 2006 at 05:47 PM
omgoodness! please send me a submission at some point for my new every WED fan Animalz photo tribute!
and vote too each week if you want too!
I absolulely LURVE YER SITE TO PIECES!
is that so wrong?
eep!
Bronxbt
Posted by: bronxbt | 01 September 2006 at 06:36 PM
TLP: Rabbit, Rabbit and Thank you, Thank you!! xoxo
GG: if i take your meaning, the answer is a resounding "yes!". if i don't, the answer is... "i think so". xox
Brian: thank you for your greeting *and* your vote! (i'll never tell) and this is a party, which means it's *always* a good time to stop by! i hope you and the lovely FF have a great weekend, too! xox
Kyahgirl: i try, dear Kyah, oh how i try. xox
Mo'a: you are the *best*! and you know, when my NBFF gets back, we'll start working on that trip out to see you and Paloma, along with any and all marzipan toppers you happen to have lying about (if you decide to eat it, just be sure to take a few pics, first!) xox
Monika: danke mein lieber freund!! xox
Karen: if you like chocolate... you'll LOVE the cake i made. triple fudge with cream cheese frosting in the center and dark fudge frosting on the outside. can you say decadent? can you say... oh crap. what just happened to my diet? (i know i just did!) xox
bronxbt: eep, indeed! pictures? of my puppies? you need not ask a second time! and my votes can be had, tho' not without a fair amount of shameless promotion. fortunately, stopping by here to invite me definitely counts! thanks! xox
Posted by: neva | 02 September 2006 at 12:19 AM
A word about tonight's birthday cake...beyond decadent!!! The triple fudge cake with cream cheese frosting crammed with 40 some odd candles was incredible...I'm pretty sure eating it had to be a sin in several different religions. Thanks Babe for a wonderful birthday...it was perfect for me just like you!! I adore you.
Posted by: joel | 02 September 2006 at 12:56 AM
Lol! I promise I had but one meaning when I posted and it was innocent. You give me too much credit. Heh :p
I hope the rest of the weekend is as decadent as your triple fudge cake xox Yummmmmmmmmmmmm!!
GG
Posted by: good girl | 02 September 2006 at 02:21 AM
Well...I know it's late...but...
Happy-happy-happy... Birthday, Joel! ^__^
Posted by: Jom | 03 September 2006 at 11:59 AM
Happy Belated Birthday Joel! Hope you guys enjoyed a very festive birthday weekend together!
Posted by: Deana | 04 September 2006 at 11:09 AM
Sorry I was out of town and missed the festivities, but many happy returns.
Posted by: jan | 04 September 2006 at 05:45 PM
I missed this!!! Waaaaaaa.
Apologies, Neva & Joel. It's always a treat to read about you two, and this was another wonderful example. I'm hopeful there'll be a post with a picture of a certain homemade birthday cake soon. :)
And I must say, this was the sweetest example of shameless promotion to date, and I need to make an addendum to my caption post to acknowledge it!
Posted by: Sar | 05 September 2006 at 10:30 AM
GG: hee hee! one way or the other, it didn't matter! as for the cake? tooooo delish! and too freakin' fattening. now we have to diet diligently, or else forego the upcoming holidays. sigh xox
Jom: you can never be late, sweet girl... i'm always thrilled just to see your happy face and appreciate the effort you make to stop by in order to say "hi"!! xox
Deana: thank you SO much! we were as festive as a couple of frumps can be! xox
Jan: lovely to see you back, girlfriend! and thank you for the good wishes! xox
Sar: it's not as if you don't have about a bazillion things on your plate, my friend! and thanks for the shameless promotion honors... i may not always have winning captions, but i'm content to capitalize on my honey's talent whenever the opportunity presents itself for me to do so! xox
Posted by: neva | 06 September 2006 at 11:22 AM
That is so sweet. I'm glad I made it back here to read it.
Dr. Weirsdo and I are also party poopers.
Posted by: weirsdo | 21 October 2006 at 04:47 PM