Thank God I did almost all of the preparation for the party last week. That's because a few days ago I got a cold.   I believe all the preparation I did lowered my immune system, enabling me to catch this cold. I am quite sure I will be better for the party on Sunday. 

What did I do for the party?  I painted the backyard fence, the patio, and some of the trim on the house.  I laid down mulch all around the pool area, and I planted rosebushes.

What remains to be done?  I need to finish attaching the misters to the bottom of the retractable awning to keep our guests cooler, since the temperature is expected to be 100 on Sunday.  I need to plant flowers in a couple of planters.  I need to cover the tables and place the folding chairs. I need to put the pool ladder in the pool to make it safe for the children.  I need to put the battery-operated fish in the pool.

Oh, yes, I forgot to tell you the party is to welcome my new granddaughter, now one month old.

Imagine all the excitement Sunday, as scores of people come to see the baby, eat their lunch, meet each other, and stroll between the air-conditioned house and the mist-conditioned backyard awning.

Imagine, too, if I had not done all the preparation ahead of time.  I hope I really learned a lesson — not to procrastinate.  Perhaps, if I post this essay on my wall I will remember this lesson.  Okay, I will do it tomorrow.

I wish you all a cool, healthy, delightful weekend.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com