Ever been had?

I could have known. If I had recognised the odd phone calls over previous weeks, I would have known. If I had thought about it at all I should have known.

It was to be a quiet dinner with friends to celebrate a birthday. As they were coming up river in their cruiser, could we pick them up at the club around 8 as they wouldn't have their car.

Great idea! As it is a nice evening, lets go down to the club beforehand and have a drink on the quarter-deck while we wait for them.

The delaying tactics were superb! "My hair isn't right, I must do it again". "No, I wore that dress last time, would a blouse and skirt look better? What about slacks?, I think I will wear the brown shoes after all". I wondered whether we would make the club by 8 at all.

Eventually all was set and all was right till we drove in the club - why are all these cars here ? I've been conned!

Thank you one and all for a wonderful and memorable evening in celebration of my birthday - The guard of crossed oars - the five shot salute, the transformation of the clubhouse, the superb array of goodies including the square rigged cake and of course the champers.

Thank you for all the cards and good wishes and the tankard now on its hook in the bar and of course thank you for the bouquet you gave to Joan.

I know now how many members and wives were involved in the subterfuge and preparation and while I tried to thank most on the evening, I'm sorry if I missed any and say a very, very big thank you once again. It was an evening I will remember for a long long time.

PS :- Joan has arranged a trip to Belgium - what am I in for?

George Bray