Sixty Years Young
 
Everyone was surprised to learn that Stephen would be turning 60 -- including Stephen himself.  Healthy, fit, full of energy and enthusiasm, Stephen seems to have caused time to stand still.   In his nearly 10 years in Lauzerte, he and Amanda have renovated and decorated not one but two homes that have set standards of tastefulness and sensitivity to the history and architecture of the village , and Stephen does not seem to be the worse for the wear.  But his real accomplishment has been to develop and maintain friendships with such a diverse group of people in the area, and many of them came to his surprise birthday party.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
And he did seem to be surprised when we rang the doorbell and he came downstairs to be confronted by a mob of familiar faces bearing gifts and food to share.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The evening was well oiled with Cahors wine, laughter, and conversation in French, English, and franglais.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The only pause in the festivities was Stephen’s humorous and heartfelt toast.   It is clear that with so many friends, he’s the richest man in town.  Happy birthday, Stephen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Orr d’oeuvres
Thursday, March 26, 2009