Marcia, I have an imu that needs digging, I'm sure. Send the lads over when they're finished with yours. I'm sure you've chosen well.

Dear Colin, knowing what a great horseman you are, I have searched all over the world to find the best and the most gorgeous horse....for the best and the most gorgeous man on Earth!! Yes, I have found what I�ve been looking for.... He�s an Egyptian Arab stallion, currently residing in California doing extremely valuable stallion services. You see, this horse is a genetic miracle but also a very lovable animal and great for riding!

Happy 39th Birthday Colin! I have come in mongolfiere from my castle in Umbria to attend your party. Richard Branson was quite put out when I left him and the rest of my guests. He was in the middle of explaining how it all started thanks to Mike Oldfield�s Tuberlar Bells, Virgin Records that is, and since I had heard the story before, I took my leave. But it could not be helped, I simply had to come to your festa. Ciao, ciao! As promised, I have brought lots of vini italiani for the celebration. Cheers! Colin, there�s nothing better that I could wish for you than to have a very musical birthday, so, please accept as gifts two of my favourites. I trust you own an amplifier. The classic Fender Stratocaster. And, the classic Gibson Les Paul. Tanti Auguri! Saluti anche a Livia.

In keeping with the musical theme, I've taken the liberty of inviting a neighbor of mine (well, a neighbor of sorts). He's on his way into the party right now... ...and is surveying Moon's gift guitars with a gleam in his eye! Now he's grabbed a guitar and is warming up those tender vocal cords...Mi mi mi mi...glory days, in the wink of a young girl's eye...tra la la la la...darkness on the eh-he-he-he-dge of town...do re mi fa so la ti...Rosalita jump a little higher... And is givin' it his all for Colin's birthday concert! BRUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCEEEEEEEE!!!!! Here's wishing all the best for Colin on his birthday. There's nothing like celebrating with a shot of Bruce Juice!

Another thought....Colin, you possibly prefer to ride a mare instead of a stallion? To ensure that you get the best possible gifts I also want to give you a wonderful white Shagya mare! With all her equipment and a mile long genealogical table of course. A quick, powerful Shagya could be especially useful in the forthcoming Flashman project! Here she is....

BRRRRRUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCE!!!! What great entertainment for the party, Eileen. Does he take audience requests? ;-D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN GREAT ONES!!

Happy Birthday Colin, and many thanks for working so hard this year so that we have so much to look forward to.

Thanks Tineke for the tuition!!

Loved the erupting volcano, Marcia. Brings back such wonderful memories of MLSF [*blows nose*] and another discussion on Geo. ;-D

Colin, Most importantly and from the bottom of my heart:

Check out the home page of firth.com. Lovely job, Renate. Beeeeuuuutiful!!

Wunderbar! Renate! Danke!

Look who has agreed to play when Bruce takes his break! "Hope you like my music Colin." Marcia, I lost it when I saw that Volcano! Elena, such stallions! You have very good taste! :-)

To go with all the great musical entertainment, I booked a very famous dancer:

Quimby, I think your offer of a holiday in Fidji is fantastic! More modestly, I had thought (actually, it was Heide's idea) of offering Colin a stay at my DH's hotel in Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal, the setting of some of Bridget Jones' Diary's scenes.

BTW, Colin, do have a glass of Port wine from the original cellars: and a cracker with some of our best cheeses: and enjoy the day with your friends on the Internet! You know some of us already!

HOWDY PARTNER... GREETINGS FROM OKLAHOMA To celebrate the occasion... .....How About The Blue Plate Special of the Day.... PRAIRIE OYSTERS

And here's one for you and Livia... UP..UP..AND AWAY YOU GO

UP ,CLOSE AND PERSONAL A balloon ride for you and Livia

! *****HAPPY 39TH BIRTHDAY, COLIN!! ***** ...And make the most of it! I hope that you are aware that after this one, you are not permitted to admit to having any more of these ... (This is referred to as the "Jack Benny Principle of Eternal Youth"!) (... Also this is a requirement of the insurance people ... we mustn't risk burning the place down, you know!) So gather ye rose buds while ye May ... And do it with a vengeance, Oh, our knight in shining armor!: And have the happiest birthday ever!

That was some cake you baked....Karen:)))

(Evelyn) That was some cake you baked....Karen:))) ...And far too rich!!! You'd better work off some of those calories, Colin, so I've brought around one of your eager and faithful noble steeds ... ... for a quick gallop around the park ... ... But watch out for those swans ... they bite ... might spook your horse and you'd get thrown into the water. Mustn't get that shirt wet must we?? (Hee hee) ... Ah, that was an invigorating ride, wasn't it? Now back to the party champagne ... ... and party, Party, PARTY!! Happy Birthday, Colin! (with love from KJ)

(Moon) Elena, such stallions! But the Shagya was supposed to be a mare!! Do you see something different?? Btw anybody know what�s happening to my thank-you box? (resp.no 211) Looks like termites had attacked it.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You guys are really some thing. I sincerely hope that ODB Mr. Firth will join us today! Have you heard any thing from Colin's agent yet, Evelyn? Very very sorry, I don't have time to collect gift for you, Colin. Just the best wishes for your birthday and many years to come! We all love you!!!!!! I bet you will have the best birthday party that you ever had, if you come here today (just think : A VIRTUAL PARTY - IT MAKES a HISTORY IN YOUR LIFE)! Any way, I'm enjoying the party very much!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And mouth watering for those delicious food, Hmmmmmmmmmmmm, yummmmm.

That was some cake you baked....Karen:))) Hey, I resemble that! ;-D Elena, your giftbox came from the xoom domain. Can't post anything from there and expect it to remain more than a few minutes.

Colin, If you think you're having problems trying to shake an image... Best wishes on your birthday. XOXOXO Your friend and co-star, Julie

The food has begun to arrive, I see. We need something to compliment Evelyn's prairie oysters (*shudder*), so how about a slice of New York cheesecake? Mm mmm good! It's just the thing to 'finish' those oysters! :-P

Oh, Karen...ROTFLOL!

I see we are clouding up the skies with balloon rides! And Mary Poppins I promised Eric Clapton a ride after the party. I have spoken with Keith Jarret but I'm afraid he's not well enough to join us today. Colin, I hope you still all the CD's I gave you last year at your party. Il mangiare e buonissimo! And the cake Karen is very good too!

Hi everyone! Read all the Birthday greetings and just love all of them. Colin, Happy Birthday!!! In preparation of your big day, I watched P&P last night (all 6 tapes). Hope you do play the role of Mark Darcy for the upcoming movie "Bridget Jones Diary" and loved you in "My Life So Far". Happy 39th!!! With all my love, Nancy (Did I sound ok? This is my first time and I'm sort of nervous.) Nancy

Welcome to the party Nancy, have some Dom Perignon!

YYYYYYYuuuuuuuummmmmmmm!!!! Thanks, that was sweet.

Here comes Harvey, the Pokemon piggy! (heehee)

Good for you, Nancy!! You did just great.

I've been wandering all over town today picking up the Best of Chicago Foods. And let me tell you, this is one serious eating town. Health be damneed!! Vegans, outta my way!! Grab you're favorite cardiologist and bottle of Pepto Bismol and come along: For our first stop, we'll stop at one of the tens of thousands of stands that sell Chicago-style hot dog with everything on it. Can't forget the greasy fries with ketchup. Yum yum ;-D

Next, you can't go out to eat in Chicago without sampling our famous deep-dish pizza. I have ordered us one with *extra cheese*!! A crane will lift us up out of our seats at the restaurant so that we might continue. We're getting a full slab of BBQ ribs at Carsons. (no, namby pamby half slabs for us!!) But, as we've had a few other courses beforehand, I'll order the baked potato skins, instead of the au gratins. Don't worry, the skins come with sour cream. Now doesn't that look tasty!! But there's more... Arnie wouldn't hear of it if I didn't bring my favorite actor to his restaurant. So off we go to Morton's for a steak. Save some room, there's still dessert!!

For this special day I thought of something really BIG for Colin. Here is my present: HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN!! Sorry, if this does not work properly, it's my first try.

It worked beautifully, and what a glorious idea, Carola!

It worked perfectly, Carola. Oh, to have Pemberley *sigh* for real. ;-D Gi, your food is not showing up. Check your urls. I might have to delete the posts because they are slowing down the loading process.

It worked beautifully, and what a glorious idea, Carola!

Meet you at 61, Karen?

Now it's time to dance off the calories. Kula Shaker is just starting to play!

BEAUTIFUL! Carola, Oh how I wish to be mistress of Pemberley.

Now ladies, no need to pine over Pemberley. I have a perfectly beautiful castle in Umbria, where you are all invited next week. My guests will dpart by then. :-D

Not fair, Moon! Now that I've booked for Tunisia! :-)

Good idea to dance a bit before dessert. I'm awaiting a delivery from my Bovine Messenger Service. ;-D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN!!!!!!! Alas, I have no gift to offer -just my very best wishes. (I considered tying a bow on and offering myself, but had the feeling Livia wouldnt go for that) ;) btw- absolutely ROTFLOL over your Mary Poppins post Karen! *wipeing away tears of laughter* and that volcano, Marcia! (hee hee) that was Too Funny! :) oh! and Welcome Nancy! glad you joined in-

Welcome back, Esbee!! ************** Minimal calories while working those jaws. From Chicago's own Wrigley Company, a little chewing gum: Double Moo Double your pleasure, double your fun... And the Juicy [Fruit] Jammer:

That double moo must hurt.

Does anyone else think that the Juicy Fruit Jammer has an awfully boney butt? Thanks Karen, it great to be back :)

Moon, count me in to your (whatever) the castle ONLY IF ODB will be there!!! Karen, I love the cow with a pair of sneakers, LOL!!! And I remember Chicago's famous dip dish pizza and loved it. Oh, I'm so hungry! (hope I don't sound like Lydia)

Thanks Karen,SBRobinson and all of you. Its been a wonderful party and hope to get in on the other subjects soon. Need to do some catching up.

(SBR) Does anyone else think that the Juicy Fruit Jammer has an awfully boney butt? LOL!! Only you would notice that!! Yes, I see the bone protruding. Too funny! Glad you're having a good time, Nancy. We don't do this all the time, but today is a special day. And we have lots of people who have just learned how to post pictures debuting today! You've all done so well. *Big pat on the back* :-) Lydia whining is OK here, Xian. :-)

Where is ice cream??? I ate all mine while re-watching TA three more times (just couldn't make it four because all four buckets were gone before the third watch ended).

Xian, of course, ODB will not be there, he is too busy filming, which is just where I want him to be. :-D Hopefully, we will be seeing lots of him next year. Of course Flashman is the icing on the cake.

(Hey, Esbee, If we take a deeeep breath, I bet we both can squeeze in) HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN,HONEY

WELCOME NANCY Stick around ....isn't this fun?. Nice to have you around Carola esp. when you brought such a glorious gift. Pemberley is a gift to all of us as well:-) Someone asked if I had heard from Colin...no...but I bet the gang at ICM had a good time.

Evelyn, How can you think to use an evelope? You should use a sleeping bag then we will all fit in without damage our precious skin. Oh, I love this party!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, Colin and Livia had such a good time on the balloon ride this morning..they kept going....here they are over Slovenia!

For the late arrivals, we will be moving the party to the Italian Riviera. The Chicago beef was good, but now we must have our pasta, pane e vino. :-) That's us at the top. Benvenuti!

Xian, LOL! but if the evelope damage our precious skin, ODB would be oblieged to bandage us up! ;) "Colin dear, i'm afraid i just cant reach that paper cut back there. Would you be so kind...?"

So Evelyn, if they're in Slovania, the must be getting closer. Should we expect them? Colin does have an enormous amount of gifts to pick up.

IGUANA WISH YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY,COLIN

Xian, here's some ice cream to tide you over! Moon, we wouldn't want to insult Karen by leaving Chicago before dessert. *burp*

WELCOME NANCY Stick around ....isn't this fun?. Nice to have you around Carola esp. when you brought such a glorious gift. Pemberley is a gift to all of us as well:-) Someone asked if I had heard from Colin...no...but I bet the gang at ICM had a good time.

Eileen, You mean to say you still have not had a piece of Karen's delicious cake? I'm already at the Amontillado, and Kula Shaker is still playing! Get yourself on the dance floor!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN ..FROM THE COLONEL

Guess what's in here?! Don't - - -! I have been knitting for weeks. Difficult pattern :-pX__________@ H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y, C O L I N !

PARTY! PARTY! Hey Colin, 39 is a great age!

More dancing off those calories: Click here

Is it salsa time Karen? Let's Samba! Chico Valdez has just started to jam!

Cute Karen... Is this the 1999 take on the Netherfield Ball?

Xian, here's some ice cream to tide you over! Moon, we wouldn't want to insult Karen by leaving Chicago before dessert. *burp*

Did you click and hear the music? A little island reggae for a change of pace. ;-D I hear the hoof beats dessert coming down the street... Chicago cheesecake from Eli's Miserable cow dropped the cheesecake on my toe! Think it's broken

Egads! *embarrasment ensues* Please ignore my double post. Pass me a chicken leg, willya?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN!!! Since I cannot top Pemberley and those beautiful horses, I will extend to you my wish that your greatest personal happiness and highest professional achievements still lie before you. Thanks for all of your remarkable work, too. What a feast - thank heavens, the weight I've gained (and my slight inebriation) at this wonderful party is also of the virtual kind. The Italian Riviera - so romantic. Perhaps we can finish up on the Isle of Man?

I hear the hoof beats...or the melodic sound of dainty hooves encased in roller blades :-D Sorry to hear about your toe. Perhaps the guest of honor can be of service?

Eileen, thank you very much for the ice cream. BUT I don't eat LOW FAT ones. I need lots of calories and sugar to keep me excited because I think this party will goes to the midnight, not to mention dancing to the end of this happy day!

Karen, A cow in rollerskites? Please don't mention your little toe, I AM DYING OF LAUGHING!!! Hope ODB could save me (you know, like the prince woke SnowWhite).

Bottom right container looks "high test" to me, Xian. Better yet, help yourself to some cheesecake from Elsie-on-skates. That'll really get you going! Am off to watch Ent. Tonight. They better mention a certain someone's birthday at the end of the show...

Gack! ET's been pre-empted by tennis! How can they do this? Aargh!

With all this tres fattening food, thought ODB might want something light - served just the way he likes it ;-D

Renate, when are you going to show us what's inside of the giftbox? ;-D

(Karen) thought ODB might want something light I was going to make a randy remark, but I suppose we must keep this affair tasteful. After looking at this picture, Xian, how can you resist ODB in this role?? BTW, Filette looks like she's after something a lot more substantial than grapes.

(Lynda) Filette looks like she's after something a lot more substantial than grapes. LOL!! Let's hope so. ;-D

I'm late as usual: the story of my life... I can't give our Birthday Boy anything that he hasn't been offered already... but here are my very very best wishes, a pat on the back and a friendly smile...

(Obviously I've arrived virtually drunk...) :-D HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN

Q: Name the movie, character, and actor that influenced the artist responsible for this public scupture? ;-D

I don't think the slippers match... !

..But those femurs - by Jove, those femurs!!! (I don't mean the cow's femurs this time, of course.)

...I don't think the slippers match... ! Ya'mean they make Arsenal slippers? :-))

ROTFLOL! Where's Heide? Renate, what's in the gift box?

Thank you for giving us Mr. Darcy and all the other roles that are MAGIC

Karen, the last time I was in Chicago we had some wonderful prime rib but I can't remember the name of the resturant. It is their speciality, so how about some prime rib. HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN you just get better and better.

BTW, Marcia where are you? It's almost time for the fireworks. Whoever is doing the fireworks, please stop drinking now! ;-)