Bright birthday, Mr. B

I broke out the birthday banner for Brantley on Thursday, and hung it in the same space where it had been for Arnold last week.

Earlier in the morning, Roy had painted a few boards on the porch with the finished yellow color -- and when you look along the top of the picture, you can see the relative pallor of the primer.

The full color is bold, no doubt about it, and the white porch rails set it off a lot better than raw lumber did.

Martin, who takes care of some guest- houses along the street, stopped to say how much he liked it. So did a few total strangers passing by.

But the guys and I were mostly toasting Mr. B. We had a case of champagne -- OK, since he doesn't drink, it was a cooler full of Sprite -- and cupcakes and a card. Plus one of those candles that relights itself 10 seconds or so after you blow it out.

After the third or fourth relight, it was good for a great laugh.