I believe birthdays are quite important

so I try to remember and observe friends' days. I was fortunate that several folk remembered my mid-March birthday. Turning 50-16 is good, since I could be long gone. It appears I may go on for many years; I will be thankful for that. Another friend, who was at observance of my day, had birthday the following week. SO we gathered for her day as well. To say that the food and wine poured freely would not be an overstatement. At these two separate occasions, we ate well, we drank liberally and we exchanged gifts and greetings. How nice it all was; what wonderful fun it was. BUT there's a price you pay for everything, and my bill came this week end. Had friends in for dinner Friday evening and served Italian after sangria and cheese and crackers. Then we had a lovely dessert friend brought. Saturday I awoke to some discomfort in my middle which worsened as the day progressed. Not to beat on the horse too long, but after not sleeping Saturday night I finally went to ER early Sunday a.m. The signs were all there and the result was predictable: gall stones with surgery indicated. Now I know my imagination had gotten out of hand and it's not a tumor, not even ulcers. This is managable until surgery can be scheduled and recovery should not be difficult. SO I'm OK, even if not completely well. Googled gall bladder diet and came up with basic overview. That diet will be good for all of me and should aid in my efforts to lose weight and improve health. But I've said it many times; we only change when we have to and now I have to (unless I like the misery of the pain in my gut which I don't). I celebrated my birthday and can move forward positively. Some issues resolved and nothing terrible happening; what a life.