Empress Gail's birthday surprise

This afternoon, after a splendid morning of doubles and Canadian doubles ("I'll be the Canadian" said one of the players headed for the singles side in the threesome), the Empresses re-grouped at Morgan's (where else in New Bern do people go for group luncheons?) to surprise one of their number who was celebrating, this very day, her own significant number.  A milestone birthday.  Falling somewhere between the 21st and the 75th.  Although this particular celebrant doesn't seem self-conscious about her age--and well she should not, with her fabulous energy and looks--far be it from This Writer to reveal a lady's age. Especially a Southern lady.

Empress Gail's consort, Sir Bruce, delivered her on schedule, as diabolically arranged with Empress Brenda.  The Birthday Empress appeared surprised and delighted to see the Empresses of the Court assembled and ready to party down in her honor. (We wished Empress Evelyn could have joined us, and sent healing thoughts her way for speedy recovery from eye surgery.)

A highlight of the occasion was a booklet designed and compiled by Empress Judy, with contributions from other Empresses. Illustrated with amusing portrayals of the Birthday Empress amid other impressive participants in her favorite sport, the booklet explains "the rules of tennis"--some genuine, some tongue-in-cheek.

On her ?XXXXX?th birthday, Empress Gail (right) receives a hand-crafted booklet from Empress Judy.

All of the Empresses, as exemplars of health and fitness, resisted dessert, but could not resist a farewell with "the Empress wave."

Empresses Sue, Ruth, Lora, Judy, Pat, Gail, Nancy, Brenda, Jeanne.

Happy birthday, Empress Gail!