This was a week with plenty of “best moments.” My birthday is August 18, my oldest friend, Tim, has his on the 21st so we often have celebrations that are connected.

This year, Lisa, Tim’s wife, put together quite a surprise for Tim. Tricia and I were in on it from the start, and sworn to secrecy, which I can report we kept it Top Secret. She mailed us classified documents which we DID NOT store in our bathroom.

She made reservations for all four of us to go on a hot air balloon ride in Newberg. Since ballons fly best early in the morning, just after sunrise, she made reservations for us at the luxury resort Allison Inn & Spa, which is in Newberg, so it would be easier; and a lot more fun.

The plan was for Tricia and me to get there Thursday afternoon before 14h00 and be sitting on the deck to surprise Tim when they arrived. We got there by about 13h30 but the temperature was well into the 90Fs, so we sat at a table inside at the entrance to the lounge area. It worked perfectly, Lisa came in first, saw us then headed our way, Tim was a few steps behind, when he saw us Lisa’s first objective was completely met, Tim was gobsmacked, his expression was priceless.

We gave Tim gifts and ate appetizers. Then we headed to our rooms with plans to meet up for dinner at 17h45, as if we needed more food. I sat in a chair by the dormant fireplace and sketched a bit out the window.

The Allison has one of the best, maybe the best, restaurant in the Yamhill wine region, a well earned reputation. We all did the three course tasting menue.

The next morning we left the hotel at 05h45, of the four of us I was the only one quite comfortable at that hour, c’est normal pour moi. Tricia is posting about the ride with a lot of photos today, but here are a couple of the setting up the balloon – Tim and I got to help.

After the ride, we went back to the Allison for breakfast – I resist the word “brunch,” but that is for another blog. I of course had a Pinot Noir Burger, at 09h30, it made perfect sense. Good thing it was really small… and for a bit more decadence truffle fries.

That evening, back at home, I did a bit of TV sketching.

On Sunday Alexis, Joe, Tim, and Lisa all came over for my birthday get together. Tricia and I made pintxos, plus more – topped off with my favorite cake, a peach tatin. It was a lot of fun and a good ending to the week of birthdays.

Yesterday, with many trees around here changing colors, I got to thinking about autumn in France.

It was a good birthday, at my age I don’t stop counting, I now want to savor each year, birthdays are just a place holder in the journal.

I hope your week was good, and as you get ready for fall you get out your oranges and yellows, keep your camera close, be ready to capture the moments of this best time of the year.