It was a dark night as Jon made his way home from the pub. He'd been celebrating his fortieth birthday with friends but they had all suddenly turned cold and practically shoved him out of the place. He was confused and somewhat downhearted as he fumbled for his keys. What had gotten into them? One minute he's drinking for free and the next he's standing in the late summer air listening to the noise of the pub from outside.

Jon tipped his head back to look at the stars. He stumbled a bit. "One too many for a little trick like that." he thought to himself. The key seemed to have difficulty finding the keyhole but he managed at length to insert and turn it. The door swung open and he stepped in.

He knew right away there was something out of place. There was at least one light out that he was sure he'd left burning. And the computer screen was dark where the screen saver should have been flickering. The room didn't feel right either. Not gloomy or foreboding there was a strangely expectant feel to the dark. Worry crinkled his forehead as he reached for the light switch.

"SURPRISE!" roared from the crowd as the people swirled up from behind furniture and through doors. Stanfding in shock Jon realized his Mudcat friends had made the journey to welcome him into his forties. There was Spaw and Kat/Kat Laughing, Wyowoman and Liz the Squeak. Brendy shook his had and Petter T gave him a hug. More came forward to hand him drinks handshakes and snogs. And there were his friends from the pub laughing at how they'd put another over on him. Max grinned at him, held up his dobro, and shouted, "What, no music?" Somewhere in a corner Banjo Benny and Banjo Bonny began a bluegrass tune. Things were heating up...