October 15, 1017: My Own Magical Mystery Bus Tour

Flower Power - Patty, Robbie, Rox
After recent colorful postings on Facebook celebrating my 50th birthday, I fielded questions on the theme behind my gal pal celebration...

"Were you going to a Pink concert?"

"Why the peace movement?"

"Now that looked like fun. When is the next time and can I join??"

My 50th surprise celebration was 60's themed after my 1967 year of birth. And I got my very own Magical Mystery Bus Tour. I have always been the driver, but this was my first as the passenger.

Anyone in my family is well versed on these tours. Since my sons were little, I would load them in the car and simply say we were going on a Magical Mystery Bus Tour. Instead of debating what we were going to do, the conversation would instead be filled with enthusiastic guesses with my giving clues on our mystery destinations.

Today these outings would be known to most as 'forced family fun'. But no one in my home knew the better. Input from the kids was not allowed and they hadn't a clue that my approach was totalitarian in nature.

Depending on the day and available time frame, we would do everything from shopping at the Old Market candy store to having lunch at the zoo. Many times the boys' friends would accompany us with little voices filling the car as they excitedly tried to figure out where we were going.

Over the years, I would host Magical Mystery Bus Tours for my nieces and friends as they celebrated their many life milestones. Stops moved on to include sushi, art studios, and martini bars. With the Lane boys now adults, I still throw out a mystery tour when I can. And they still humor me in going.

On Garrett's recent birthday in June, I was talking to my youngest son, Grant, on the phone with Garrett in the room.

"What are you guys doing for Garrett's birthday?" he asked and then in a hushed tone after quick reflection, "Mom, are you taking him on a Magical Mystery Bus Tour? Sorry. I shouldn't have asked in front of Garrett."

They know the drill.

This go around, I got to be the lucky recipient. My very own Magical Mystery Bus Tour in a limo with five fabulous friends. A three-hour tour to be exact. Our stops included Benson's 1912, Dundee Dell, The Holiday and lastly, The Good Life. Our limo driver, John, was exceptional, taking good care of his flower power passengers.

A wonderful surprise. We ate cupcakes, opened gifts, and sipped champagne. And we laughed and laughed. Friendship...the best gift of all.

Robbie, Rox, Denise, Sandy, Theresa, Patty

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