When I read that on Maureen's blog that Kristal had spotted Rich shoveling snow in Denver, I thought what a gentleman!  I wish he'd stop by to do my driveway!  That'll never happen right??  A bit later, imagine my surprise when I heard a kufuffle and rukus going on outside, and opened my door to find none other than our own fine Rich Jacobson, decked in a festive hat; dutifully shovelling snow.  It took him a good hour to finish the whole driveway, after which he insisted on clearing my elderly neighbors drive and clearing her car off to boot.  What a nice guy!  A steaming cup of hot chocolate compliments of old Mrs. Forester was his reward.

I figured by this time he had worked up an appetite so I invited him out to lunch, my treat. Knowing how much he loves sushi, we decided to pay a visit to the best sushi bar here in Boulder.  After stuffing ourselved silly on nigiri (BTW, Rich, you're gonna have to start watching that belly, you'r not getting any younger you know!) and a few bottles of Sapporo later, Rich said it was time to move on. 

There was a tense moment when I remembered that Denver International Airport, DIA was closed due to the huge snowfall!  But Rich assured me that he had arranged for alternative means of transport.  He also said something about having a lot of travelling to do coming up later this week, and that his mode of transportation was very reliable and very fast!  I wonder what could be faster than an airplane??

 As we parted I wished him a wonderful bicentennial celebration and we toasted our sake to 50 more!  I was feeling embarrassed that I didn't have a birthday gift for him.  In fairness, I wasn't expecting him, but I usually have something around the house, you know those reject re-gifts, that can be used in a pinch?  But we are so strapped this Christmas  that I've set aside all my re-gifts for family and have been crocheting pot-holders for the rest.  Then I remembered that after our recent snow I discovered a possible new source of income, and had some samples in my car.  I gave him a free sample! Rich said there should be a great market for this on Ebay! 

Happy Birthday Rich!!