B. J.’s Birthday Again By James E. Boyd Our mailbox was filling up with cards from well-wishers. E-mail wishes were coming fast. My Facebook family and friends were at their creative best, and the phone calls were so meaningful; it was B. J.’s birthday! In celebration of B. J.’s special event, our long-time friend from Baxley, Ga. Laurie Jo Upchurch and her daughter Triniti were coming to the island to join us. The lovely and talented Laurie Jo is a familiar sight on St. Simons for various festivities but this time she would be coming just to visit and have fun with us on B. J.’s big day. “I want us to eat out on B. J.’s birthday,” she told us excitedly on the phone. Around mid-afternoon on the eve of B. J.’s birthday, Laurie Jo and Triniti pulled into our driveway. We happily greeted each other and invited our guests in for some delightful camaraderie. We were sad that Laurie’s hubby Kenny was not able to join us for the merriment. Maybe he can come for my birthday in September. We chatted happily for a spell and decided that we had the time to take a spin around the island on Big Red before dinner. Laurie and Triniti love Big Red. Big Red whinnied gleefully as I removed his toupee. He knew something big was up. We mounted the feisty steed and I bridled him out of his “stall” and toward Hampton Point on the fashionable north end of St. Simons. With hair streaming in the wind, happy smiles, gleeful conversation and Big Red’s mane dazzling, we made an enjoyable grand tour of Hampton Point all the way to the marina. Laurie Jo, a committed Christian wanted to visit historic Christ Church; it had been a long time since she had been there. Therefore, we stopped by. It was closing time but our friend Paul, a member of Christ Church, made an exception and asked Billy the guide to give us the all-inclusive lecture tour of the premises. Laurie, a singer, couldn’t pass up the opportunity. “May I sing?” B. J. told the guide that Laurie is a singer as well as a writer of sacred songs. “Sure,” Billy replied. “I’m a preacher; can I try out the pulpit?” “Why of course.” So, there I was in the pulpit, Laurie Jo singing “Amazing Grace” and B. J., Triniti and Billy in the congregation. John and Charles Wesley would have been proud. After our tour of Christ Church and the surrounding location, it was time to dine. After kicking around several options, the Crab Trap, a popular St. Simons institution, was selected. Big Red was on his high horse as I guided him toward the eatery. We were greeted by a frisky blond host and escorted to a cozy corner illumined by candlelight. B. J. ordered her favorite, shrimp. I ordered deviled crab. Triniti got the filet mignon, and Laurie ordered grilled shrimp plus something extra--a large platter of steamed oysters in the shell. We had to work to pry those out. B. J. doesn’t like oysters and Triniti was occupied with the steak, so Laurie and I happily consumed most of the oysters. We were having fun on B. J.’s birthday eve. However, the Big Day had not arrived yet. On the Big Day, July 19, B. J. rolled over in the bed and punched me in the ribs and whispered softly “Okay, it’s time for you to keep your promise and take me out to eat on my birthday.” “Okay, rise and shine,” I replied. Shortly, Big Red was loping across the causeway to Jekyll Island, breakfast in the Bay Room of the Jekyll Island Club and a stroll along the beach. A special birthday treat was in store for B. J. at the Jekyll Island Club. While we were eating breakfast at the Jekyll Island Club, another of B. J.’s friends called to wish her a “Happy Birthday” and invited us to have lunch with her at Mullet Bay on St. Simons. Mullet Bay with wonderful friends is always fundelicious. Big Red and I were enjoying B. J.’s birthday to the utmost and the event was not over.
Posted on: Thu, 01 Aug 2013 14:06:49 +0000
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