Donna Hit's the Big 60

I know what you're thinking already!! And yes, while today I was indeed one year older, I did start my day at 7:00 am on the pickleball courts at the Churchill Recreation Center, just a short bike ride from the Villa.

Not a big group out this morning, so very little time to sit out between games. By 9:30 I was exhausted............actually I was anxious to get the rest of the day started! We always celebrate birthdays , but usually it's a small gift and dinner out or with close friends. I did do a super surprise party for Rich on his 60th though!! But the plans for today could not be more perfect.


When I awoke this morning, Rich had left my Birthday Card strategically placed close to the coffee pot, knowing that would be my first stop. I opened the card - even before I poured my coffee.........to learn that today would be a trip to DownTown Disney......................for the 6:00 pm performance of Cirque Du Soleil, La Nouba ! Category One, Preferred Seating - Section 203 - Center Stage! I was on Cloud Nine!!!! I have wanted to see this performance for so long, and we had talked about it several times................I was so surprised!

So why is there a picture of this Chinese Buffett? Well our plans were to leave mid afternoon and have dinner before the show, and since it was my Birthday - it was my choice of restaurants. Orlando; Downtown Disney. I thought about a few of our favorites, like Macaroni Grill, Red Lobster.........or some new and exciting places like Crab Harbor or the Rainforest Cafe....but I got on line to find a Chinese Buffett that was on our way...........and so so we stopped here. It was just five minutes from Downtown Disney, the prices a little higher than normal - but the food was excellent!

And then we arrived at Cirque Du Soleil. Unfortunately they do not allow any type of flash photography during the performance so I can't share any of those great moments. Needless to say the show was even better than I had anticipated. While the lighting and the stage effects enhanced the performance, it could not begin to compare with the phenominal talent of the performers. Here is a link to the Cirque De Soleil Website with a trailer of the performance we saw. La Nouba

After the show we walked the park a bit. Can not imagine what this place is like when all the 'snow birds' are here, because the place was hopping with music and dancing and shows and lots and lots of people! So unlike me not to have pictures to share. Just these two. Despite the fact that I am fearful of heights, that hot air balloon just might be a good way to celebrate another birthday??? On the way out we had to stop just once more; I heard the music and saw the group out dancing the "Cuban Shuffle".

And then we shuffled on back to the car for the ride back home.....................And stopped at McDonalds for a milk shake!!!

Pickleball....Line Dancing.........Chineese Buffett.... Cirque Du Soleil and such a great guy to share it all with? Doesn't get any better.

Thank you, Rich!