Four years ago Betty organized a Birthday Party for her husband Duane that has become an annual Boomer event for a Mr. Ed Birthday Party. When Betty tried to find a cake, all she could find was a cake that said "Happy Birthday to Ed." The bakery said that the family didn't want the cake because Ed had died but she could have it at a reduced rate. Betty bought the cake.

Last year we had terrible weather with wind, rain and even hail which inspired Betty and Duane to write poetry. This year’s cake reads: “ Our dear Ed,
We’re sorry you’re dead
But your timely demise
Did save us some $ bread $;
If it’s not too much trouble
For someone who’s dead
Please keep the hail
From hitting our head!
Happy Birthday, Ed!”

There were about 65 to 70 people at the potluck event for the Escapee Boomers as they boondocked in the BLM Arizona desert. Duane and Betty grilled hot dogs for everyone while the rest of us furnished the condiments, hot dishes and salads. We didn’t forget Mr. Ed as we sang "A horse is a horse of course . . . unless it’s Mr. Ed" and then "Happy Birthday to Duane."