Friday was my 21st birthday. I supposed the traditional thing to do is to go out drinking. I did have some champagne… The champagne of teas (Darjeeling) :-) Zerg, Fargo, and Slope gave me 4 oz. of 1st flush Darjeeling and 4 oz. of high grade Ceylon, which happen to be my two favorite kinds of tea. We had some of the Darjeeling later that night while watching a movie. It did not disappoint.

Of course, what would a birthday on 41 be without a ponding? I saw some of the preparations happening, but I was still surprised at how quickly my room filled with people intent on dragging me down to the truck waiting below! Always a fun time. After it was done, just about the only thing I could think of was a nice warm shower (it was colder this year than in the past, low 50s) but by the time the ponding was over with, it was past midnight and the dorm had locked down. I didn’t have my card with me, so I had to stand outside shivering in the cold until someone happened to walk past. I guess that’s what I get for not helping them pond Dex. When I got back to my room I found another surprise, a plate of 41 cookies baked by Michaela for Dex and me.

From what I hear, Dex’s ponding was a little different. Apparently he tied himself to a bush with his belt. Doesn’t seem too smart to me, but it did delay them a little.