VALERIE’S BIRTHDAY PARTY…..

…..was so exquisite and just about beyond description but I’ll do my best.

First we were greeted by Crystal Valet service and there, at the entrance, were huge pastel balloons in the shapes of potted flowers. Then the amazing Helga gave everyone their seating assignment. I was to be at ‘THE INDIAN OCEAN. (I’ll explain the whole ocean thingie later.)

After cocktails and hor d’oeuvres poolside we went inside to be treated to a total room transformation. There were 5 tables of ten….. O.K., let me stop here…..

When Valerie has a party, it’s never about her…not even on her birthday….it’s ALWAYS about her guests and she gives such attention to each and every detail that one is transported to a virtual wonderland!

So, first off, here’s the menu for all you foodies out there. I don’t know of a restaurant in L.A. that could match the dinner in deliciousness and all because of………

Josie, Valerie’s sublime chef seen on the far right with two of her assistants. Did I tell you there was a staff of over eleven? (I lost count.)

Now pay attention to the windows in the back and see if you can tell what’s going on. (You’ll soon find out.)

I guess I look sort of happy….Oh yes, each table had beautiful candelabra with exquisite floral arrangements (each different) and the china and crystal….well…I need way more space …..Of all nights, Valerie’s camera wasn’t working and I left mine in the car. Guess it was the excitement of seeing those balloons!

We were serenaded by talented Tony Cobb who sang and played everyone’s favorites!

So, here’s the story on those back windows…..

Dan Goods, the Visual Strategist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab and Davis Delgado (also from JPL) created a projection onto the windows of an underwater paradise. It absolutely took your breath away as one glorious creature after another came into view. This show lasted the entire evening and it was absolutely mesmerizing!

Don’t you just love this sea turtle?

The birthday girl hugging her stuffed birthday animal, flanked by hosts of the delightful birthday bash, son-in-law handsome Stuart and beautiful daughter Vanessa.