flying with a head cold

my right ear still hasn't popped...  sorry about the silence!  i've been a little distracted lately because of this great big secret that i can finally share: my sister & jo & my dad & i threw my mom a posh surprise dinner party.  she just retired on the 25th of February & they moved down to hilton head, SC full time.  my sister was already down there last friday , just as my mom & her came back from a bike ride, jo & i were standing in the driveway.  later that day my mom's friend Sam showed up, too.  it was so much fun!  we set a gorgeous table, there were invitations, place cards, we rented glasses & chairs & a table.  jo cooked up an incredible 7 course meal.  here is the menu for you to drool over while i try to get all my pictures together:

1. gulf oysters on the half shell
  Prosecco champange
2. pan seared scallops with celery salad & a mustard burre blanc
  Rancho Zabaco pinot gris 2003
3. chilean sea bass in saffron fennel nage
  Joseph Phelps sauvingnon blanc 2003
4. sesame crusted ahi tuna with asian slaw
  Rodney Strong pinot noir 2002
5. herb garlic grilled lamb chops with roasted root vegetable
  Chateau la Pelletrie 2000
6. Point Reyes blue cheese
  Warre's Otima 10 year old tawny porto
7. blood orange sabayon served over premium chocolate ice cream
  coffee or tea