Oh, to be 50!

It seems the past year has been filled with celebrations of 50th birthdays – and before you ask – no, I am not quite there myself. The hubby and I have enjoyed each and every party, and we continue to look forward to those that are still to come.

This past weekend, fellow "Hawk Hotline" journalist Brian Meyer, (from our days at North High School writing under the auspices of the late Isabelle Gay) celebrated his September birthday at a remote area here in Northeast Iowa. Brian and his wife, Janell, live and work in Ames, where they're raising two sons, Truman and Griffin.

But perhaps my favorite "moment" from the party is when they brought the 90-lb. hog into the serving area, directly from the cooker outdoors. Yes, those are ears and eyes intact!! Cooked by Lynch BBQ Catering Service, the pork was delicious, of course! Brian and Janell added the apple to the piggy's mouth, however! That's Brian's Aunt Tudy Meyer in the background of the top photo.

With just a few of us left to mark the Big 5-0 over the next year, we are wondering how we can top this party thrown by the Meyers in a 6 BDR log cabin overlooking the Turkey River, near Auburn. Ideas anyone?