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They came the night before laden with a dozens of flowers, filling every teapot, tea kettle, sugar bowl between them. They also brought me a gorgeous orchid wrist corsage! Then they hauled in endless china cups, depression wear bowls, silverware, gobs of linen-- tablecloths, napkins, cozies and so much food.

Four and a half hours later they had our house festooned with flowers over gayly printed vintage tablecloths, sparkling crystal, sparkling sterling silver pieces and favors strategically placed.

They also brought dinner for all of us. I felt like I was attending a rehearsal dinner.

When the day arrived they were all here two hours early to make the sandwiches, fill the bowls and dishes, get the tea going, jams, jellies, creme fraiche, nuts, scones, candies, pastries, breads, sandwiches, and on and on and on.

Honestly, we had food for 75 when 28 were expected.

Actually we were expecting 24 but they also invited four of my dearest male friends as a surprise.

The guys showed up in aprons and black bows ties to welcome guests, wait on the ladies and be at my beck and call. It's shocking how quickly one adapts to such an accommodation.

When each guest entered Winnie took two photos of us in our hats. Upon departure each was given their picture with me in a tiny little tea pot photo holder. I also passed our bottles of honey made by Heifer International partners.

I want to thank all my friends publicly for donating to my favorite charity Heifer. Right now we are over $2530. If you'd like to contribute, click here to make a difference www.heifer.org/myregistry/marianne

Once everyone had settled into a plateful of food and their tea of choice, groups of four joined me on the 2nd floor to see the new closet. I loved all the oohs and aahs and the general congratulations on creating a dream space.

Then Winnie passed out a game called How Well do You Know Marianne? With so many creative types you can imagine some of the answers were hilarious.

Prizes were handed out before we all moved to the front porch for the group photo. Mary Pat placed everyone which was a delicate job as we were all wearing fabulous hats. See group photo by clicking here.

After the final shot the Girls sang a rousing and mellifluous version of Happy Birthday not once but twice, as we returned to the living room where I was presented with a gorgeous cake.

As a final bon mot the guys took their position at the piano where they sang my favorite Broadway tune ON THE STREET WEAR YOU LIVE. I was a complete puddle by the time they finished. I absolutely loved it.

Toasts were made. Stories were told. Friends departed.

The gorgeous afternoon of bountiful love, wonderful laughter and beautiful memories was coming to a close.

The ladies had hired help to serve and clean so I remained the Princess throughout the process.

I loved everything about my spectacular day. To have all these extraordinary women in my life, together in one room at the same time was a supreme delight.

They got a chance to meet each other, sharing all aspects of my life in figuring out their connection to me.

The party was so grand in its detail and opulence. The flowers are still scenting the home all these days later.

Thank you dear Dale, Mary Pat and Winnie. I love you.

In a few weeks I am having my friends to a thank you lunch where they are giving me their final gift, a scrapbook filled with the 2nd photo Winnie took of each guest, along with their notes and cards to me.

On my real birthday, the 26th, I received more calls, emails, e-cards, letters, Facebook wall messages, website well wishes and good old fashioned snail mail cards, than ever before.

I heard from folks from Germany to South Africa, from my "new Dad" godson Frank to my high school biology teacher, Sr. Mary Alicia. I'm telling you, it's good to be 60!

It's also good to be Mocha. Tom tells me he was wrong about her losing her sight and hearing. All her faculties are working well. It's just that they are in a 15 year old large dog body.

Welcome to our newest family member, great-niece Anna Elizabeth Castellano, born November 21, 2008. Click here too see her.

I've already ordered my standard baby gift for all my great nieces and nephews...an engraved sterling silver baby cup.

Let others give them the practical stuff. I like to give keepsakes. And they can use it as a Christmas tree decoration or a hutch knob decoration all year long.

Word is I am being considered for both of the movie parts I went in on. Say a prayer.

I'm subbing for the Lector at the 10:30 mass on Sunday. Then heading right up to see my friend Raymond. We'll go over the script I am working on as Monday night I'm doing a reading for a friend of mine. He's written a movie and put together a rather prestigious cast with a well-known director. I'm happy to be invited to the party.

That afternoon I'll be at the swearing in ceremony for our friend Mark Ridley-Thomas, who recently won a run off election for Los Angeles County Supervisor, 2nd District. Reception to follow at Disney Hall.

I can't decide if I should go to my block club meeting on Tuesday or try to get a single scalper ticket for the Celine Dion concert at Staples Center. I'm leaning towards the latter.

I wanted to see her in Vegas but didn't mange to get there in the 5 years she played it. Pathetic.

I had to reschedule my lunch with Eva for this Wednesday as last Monday I was wiped out from the party and too much chocolate consumption.

That night is my second Pastoral Council meeting. I'm excited because my committee is presenting an action plan for discussion and hopefully, adoption.

Thursday I am officially beginning the Christmas season with two parties to attend.

The first is being given by a charity we support, St. Vincent's Meals on Wheels.

This year it at one of the fabulous homes in Hancock Park, one of the most upscale, historical areas of LA. Can't wait.

Later I am going to the Westside to attend the hip and hot cocktail party given by my voice over agency.

Their parties are always "hip and hot" because voice over, by it's nature, is au currant.

Two more parties on Saturday round out the weekly festivities.

Mary Pat, Dale and David are joining me for the traditional heritage association holiday tour and progressive dinner. It's the same tour our house was on last year. Always LOVE this event.

As we are going to a late afternoon tour I'll be able to swing by a neighbors party as she and her boyfriend want to show off the work they have done on their manse.

That's what we do in our neighborhood...constantly restore and remodel and then invite neighbors in to enjoy the progress.

If I have any energy left I'll catch the screening for THE WRESTLER with Winnie.

Tom has been laying very low as the detox is getting more and more difficult.

His attitude is fantastic but his pain keeps him in bed, asleep most of the day.

Still he was able to enjoy my birthday party AND our little Thanksgiving with Scott and Winnie.

We both count this as being a very good week.