Celebrating 60: A Reunion Decades in the Making

This year, a big milestone quietly crept up on me and my oldest friends: we’re all turning 60 (Whiskey too!). To mark the occasion, a group of childhood friends from New Jersey made the trip to Wolfeboro for four nights of reconnecting, reminiscing, and celebrating. It was the kind of gathering that makes you pause and reflect — on the passage of time and the gift of lifelong friendships. These are the people who knew you back when you were riding ten-speed bikes and recording songs off the radio.

Hosting a group is always a joy, but when the setting includes an antique house, a barn, yard and gardens, a wooden boat, and a cottage, it takes some serious prep to get everything guest ready. Whiskey and I had our hands full getting the place in shape.

This spring’s relentless rain didn’t help, delaying many of our outdoor projects. Still, we managed — thanks to a lot of cooking, cleaning, organizing, weeding, planting… and maybe a little last-minute scrambling. I documented much of the prep (and the fun that followed) in a behind-the-scenes YouTube video — linked below if you’d like to follow along.

One highlight of the get together was a boat ride aboard our 1929 Chris-Craft. With the lake’s water level unusually high from all the rain, navigating under the bridge near our dock was a challenge. In true problem-solving fashion, Whiskey removed the boat’s windshield so we could squeeze under — with only about four inches to spare from the steering wheel! We departed Wolfeboro, cruised to Paugus Bay for lunch at NASWA, meandered through Sally’s Gut, made a quick stop at Ragged Island, then returned home through the tight squeeze once more. (That adventure is also featured in the video.)

Saturday night was the big event: our 1965-themed party in the Barn Lounge. We invited local friends to join the celebration and fully embraced the era with a classic 1960s menu and playlist. Think: cheese fondue, beef stroganoff, Lipton’s onion soup dip with Ruffles chips, and other vintage favorites. The playlist started with hits from the 1960s, moved through the 70s and 80s, and then transitioned into a live performance of rock — with Whiskey on guitar and his high school friend, “The Chef,” on drums (his own kit, kindly on loan to the Barn Lounge). They've played together for decades, and their set brought a special energy to the night.

I didn’t capture many photos of the party itself — just a few video clips here and there. And honestly, that’s probably a good thing. I was fully in the moment, soaking it all in while also staying on my feet to greet guests, coordinate incoming dishes brought by friends, and keep things running smoothly. It was one of those nights where the camera takes a back seat to real life — exactly how it should be. Watch the video (link below) if you would like to see party footage.

There’s something deeply comforting about being with people you’ve known for so long. You don’t have to explain yourself — they just know. And even though life has taken us all in different directions, our time together felt easy and timeless. The extended visit gave us the rare gift of simply sitting around and talking — no rush, no agenda, just the rhythm of old friends falling back into step.

The weekend was a beautiful reminder of how essential it is to make space for connection — to put in the effort (even when the to-do list is long) and to celebrate the people who helped shape who you are.

Here I am with my high school besties: 1982, 2005 (40th birthday), 2025 😍

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Beyond the Party: June on the Move

June flew by in a blur of planning, prepping, and party-hosting, but we managed to sneak in a few memorable getaways along the way.

First, we took a work trip to Argyle, NY, where we stayed at a peaceful Harvest Hosts farm — a scenic and grounding pause amid the pre-party chaos. Video included down below.

Next, we spent two nights camping in Kennebunkport with our fellow travelers, “Bourbon” and “Coco.” It was a delightful escape: lunches out, cocktails overlooking the ocean, cozy dinners at camp, and live music courtesy of Whiskey and Bourbon. A beautiful, low-key celebration of summer. (Yes, there’s a video for that too.)

After our friends headed home, we hit the road once more for a work trip to Downeast Maine — 4.5 hours from home. We stayed overnight at a small campground, and on the way back stopped in Bangor for lunch at a new-to-us spot: Timber Kitchen and Bar. Highly recommend. The décor was stylish and welcoming, and the food was fantastic.

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More to Come

I’m still catching my breath from it all but enjoying the process of sorting through photos and memories while writing this post. It’s been a full, joyful stretch — and one I’m incredibly grateful for.

As for the weeks ahead, we’re keeping things loose, just the way we like it. Summer will unfold as it wants to. Barn Lounge dinners, boat rides, and garden projects are certainly on the horizon.

Thanks for following along — and stay tuned for the videos and whatever adventures come next.

Ep. 140 - Prepping for a 60th Birthday Bash in the Barn | Garden Projects, Food, Friends & Fun!

Ep. 139 - Kennebunkport RV Getaway | Sandy Pines Camping, Coastal Eats & Campfire Music

Ep. 138 - Overnight at a Harvest Hosts Farm in Argyle, NY | Mobile Office & Farm-Fresh Finds