Ian's 70th Birthday
Saturday was my friend Ian's 70th birthday and I was invited to attend his celebration at the Gawler Arms Hotel.
It's scary to think I have known him for well over 20 years! I don't know the exact year, and I'd be reluctant to think about it now.
We met due to our mutual interest in computers, and we were part of a project to try to get people interested in using the internet in the late 1990's.
Back then the internet was slow and many people just weren't interested nor could they see the value in it.
I wouldn't have invested in Google when it started either, so I am not pointing fingers at anyone. Huge mistake that one!
Gawler Arms Hotel
In order to get to the Gawler Arms Hotel I needed to catch a train. It takes about 45 minutes by train from where I live to the Gawler Central interchange and then it's just a matter of walking to the hotel itself not too far down the road.
The hotel is part of a larger building, down a side street from the main road and wasn't easy to find at first as there wasn't any signage at street level
As I approached the entrance two women were coming out and one of them held the door open for me. I thanked them and reflected that simple politeness and my manners were returning slowly after everything I had been through.
Upon entering, I found myself a children's birthday party in full swing. I looked around for my friend and finally recognised him on the other side of the hotel by his grey ponytail.
He plays Santa during the Christmas months, with a real beard and everything.
I went over to him, shook his hand. It was really good to catch up with him after over a year or so. After being introduced to his friends and now adult family, complete with grandchildren, Ian showed everyone two large tables where we could choose our seats.
I put my backpack near my chair nearest the wall, and then went to order my main meal and then chose to explore the inclusive salad bar.
Salad Bar
There was a wide range of options in the salad bar, but I focused mainly on the healthier / lower carbohydrate options and then went back to the table and the conversation.
It took a while for the soup and main meal to be delivered, but this was understandable since the staff were extremely busy that day.
Soup Of The Day
Chicken Soup
Main Course
Grilled Chicken with gravy
It was far better than it looks.
Dessert
After I let the above meals settle a little, it was time for dessert from the once again inclusive icecream bar.
The icecream bar was a simple soft serve machine, with various flavoured sauces, sprinkles, and nuts.
So, I chose a little of all of them! As you can see, it's a work of art.
Finally it was time to sing "Happy Birthday!" and cut the birthday cake. The cake had a picture of Ian's favourite train on the top and green icing around the sides. Ian was reluctant, rather humorously, to cut into the image.
Eventually though he did cut the cake and we each got a slice and a small biodegradable spoon to eat it with.
After that it was soon time to leave and Ian offered me a lift home again. We had a good chat along the way which helped to put things in perspective.
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading this.
Until next time,
Shaidon
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